I was surprised by a friend’s refrigerator today — I opened the door to retrieve another Sam Adams Lager when I saw this green-labeled bottle behind a couple of condiments.  I pulled it out and peered at it (without my reading glasses) and was able to decipher that it was a Czech Beer.

Once I put my reading glasses on, I realized it was calling itself a Hefeweizen Lager.  This was an interesting concept to me.    Here is the website of the actual brewery.  Those who don’t speak Czech might want to click this link.  This brewery has been around since the 1500s, so you might think they brew some decent beer … you wouldn’t be mistaken.

Although I didn’t get the full flavor of this beer (I failed to pour it completely in my glass … so I didn’t get all the Hefe-flavor) … this was a good beer.  I would recommend it to someone who is looking for a change of pace from a normal Hefeweizen but still wants that wheat-character.  I will definitely be trying it again.

Beer Mentor

I picked up a six-pack of this “Irish Pale Ale” at a Harris Teeter store.  That was a mistake.

I think when I saw the word “Irish” I was thinking an Amber or a Red Ale (something similar to the very nice Sam Adam’s Irish Red).   However, when I poured it, I was disappointed.  Let me first say that this beer is drinkable.  It could definitely qualify as a session beer if all you wanted was something to drink while doing something else.  However, if you want to savor this beer, you will be disappointed.  When you look at the reviews and then taste it, you will see what I mean.  It is bland.  It doesn’t seem to fit any style and it just sits there in the bottle and then in the mouth.  You will think later, yes I drank a beer … but it wasn’t what I expected.  Hopefully the brewery can tweak this one and bring out some characteristic to make it good.

Oh, and for my subject, the Pub (McSorley’s Ale House) is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) Ale House in New York City.  The bottle has a good presentation on this pub.  I would love to visit this pub just for the history.  I have it down on my list of places to visit.  Hopefully you see it on this blog in the near future.

Beer Mentor

Today I was over at Sine’s Irish Pub in Pentagon Row (Arlington) for a military promotion ceremony and party.  I was also heading over to a party at a friend’s house and what beer did they both have on tap?  The Widmer Hefewizen.  I thought it only appropriate to roll in, sample some at both locations, and provide my feedback.

I like this Hefe.  It has all of the characteristics you expect from a nice German-style wheat beer — it hit the spot considering it was nice and warm today.  Is it the greatest Hefe? No.  Is it drinkable + affordable.  Yes.  Of course, if you are going to drink a Hefeweizen … my opinion is to go with the experts … the Germans.  But, if this is what’s available and  you are craving a Weizen … it works!

Oh, and I was happy to see the tap lines at Sine’s were clean!  Yes!

Beer Mentor

Today I had the pleasure of being in the vicinity of the Dogfish Head Alehouse at Seven Corners, Falls Church, Virginia.  My friend and I rolled in, had a little lunch, and sampled a couple of beers.  The “new beer” for today: the Chickory Stout!

Wow!  This beer is great on tap.  I love the color, the nose just gives you that coffee/chocolaty/roasted malt smell … and then the flavor … great!  The only thing I would like more is if the temperature on their taps was a smidgeon warmer!  Otherwise, this place is great!  I had the wood smoked Salmon sandwich (with Gorgonzola cheese) — yes.  Great.  Recommended!

Beer Mentor

If you know me (or have followed this blog at all …), you know that I really like APA/IPAs.  I would classify these styles as my favorite.  I just like that hoppy flavor in these beers.  You can also find my opinion on east coast/west coast versions of these brews.  Today’s beer is neither — it is from New Holland Brewing.

Since they are from Michigan, they don’t seem to fall into the standard classification I’ve described before.  This particular IPA, the Mad Hatter, stands on its own.  The nose is excellent, and the flavor definitely hits me where I like … right on the Hop taste buds.  I could easily drink lots of this beer … I picked this one up at the Whole Foods store in Springfield, VA.

Beer Mentor

I picked a special beer out of my cellar for my 200th beer (in 200 days): The Gouden Carolus “Cuvée van de Keizer Blauw” … the 2007 brewing.   This beer is brewed every year on the 24th of February.  See this link for what others think of it and a little history behind the brew.

This beer can be “cellared” for up to 10 years … so mine I’ve had for two years … I thought it was time to drink it. (Yes, I bought the 2007 in 2008).  In all fairness on the rating, this is a “mish-mash” of different years … although most of the ratings are high for this beer, there is no particular rating for a specific year.  I “think” this is a bottle conditioned beer, so the flavor will change from year to year and as you cellar it.

Here’s a picture of my 2007 … I poured it in three glasses (to share with my daughters).  I drank the Orval glass and my daughters had a Gouden Carolus glass and an Ommegang glass.

The 11% ABV kind of sneaks up on you … the flavor on this beer was exceptional … I really enjoyed it … when poured, it is that nice ruby color — obviously the head retention won’t be long with this high of an alcohol content.  The body and character were right in target for the Belgian Strong ale style — I could easily drink more of these!

Fortunately, I will have the chance to drink at least two more … I also own the 2008 and 2009 releases! (nice dust build-up on my 2008  … hehe)

I definitely look forward to enjoying those in a couple of years!

Beer Mentor

I went out today with my family to an Indian restaurant and had a Kingfisher Premium Lager.  It said it was made from the best Barley and Hops, but it sure had that taste like it had Rice (or corn) in it.

This beer is brewed and bottled in New York by a subsidiary brewery of this company.  I could swear it had that hot, dry alcohol flavor you get when you use rice/corn as an adjunct.  I agree with these reviews, it is drinkable, but it wouldn’t be my first choice … unless my first choice was bud light, then it would probably be my first choice!

Beer Mentor