Thursday 27 June 2013

January 28, 2013

I suppose I should explain what might appear to some to be a fixation with abv.  My view is that it is always good to be able to make an informed choice.  I can recalling going back for seconds and beyond and experiencing a stronger reaction than expected, only to learn later that this was an unusually strong beer I was enjoying. 

I started on this line of thinking quite some time ago when my wife's uncle brought a beer labelled "strong ale" from England for me.  It was the sort that made you nod your head and give a tiny fist pump but when I looked back at the tin it was a mere 3.2%.  My philosophy is to brew your very best beer and let the alcohol land wherever it does.  I just like to know if I need to trim back my consumption or not.

January 27, 2013

24/672)  Home:  Kitsilano Maple Cream Ale by Granville Island Brewing of British Columbia:  *1/2;  brewed with maple syrup;  as much malt as syrup to the nose;  it's more present (with the malt) in taste and especially in the finish;  another one from the Winter Mingler pack;

January 26, 2013


22/670)  Home:  Lion's Winter Ale by Granville Island Brewing of British Columbia:  **;  this one is all about the vanilla:  it is prominent in the nose and there are grainy vanilla notes;  from the Winter Mingler mixed pack;  I find in general that I am more inclined to favour sweeter flavours in the cold weather - even when it comes to the gels I consume during distance runs:  in the cold they tend to be chocolate or vanilla flavoured while in the warm weather I go for fruit flavoured gels.

23/671)  Fionn MacCool's, Brampton:  The Hop Mason by Alexander Keith's of Nova Scotia:  **;  from Alexander Keith's Hop Series; 50 ibu;   hoppy nose;  hop forward bitterness; 

It is an irritant to many IPA fanciers how ordinary Alexander Keith's IPA is so this is indeed a pleasant surprise.  It is also a nice surprise to witness a beer list like Fionn MacCool's in Brampton.  No doubt it would not excite me if I was in Toronto but it is a treat not to have to travel to be able to order decent IPAs.  There is even an ever-changing tap devoted to Unibroue.  Better still, it is within cycling distance.  Heck, I have even walked home from there.

Monday 24 June 2013

January 25, 2013

21/669)  Tiger Tripel by Nøgne Ø of Norway;  1/2;  9% abv;  there is a hint of peaty smoke to nose;  smoky finish, almost bitter gingeriness but it's all drowned out by the most off-putting smokiness I have yet to encounter;  it's like drinking an ashtray - in some circles smoked beers are appreciated so if it's your thing don't let me put you off but it was one of my worst beer experiences in a long time;

January 24, 2013

20/668)  Porter by Nøgne Ø of Norway:  **1/2;  7%abv;  nose is roast, coffee;  notes of coffee, hint of sweet chocolate;  a very fine porter;

January 23, 2013

19/667)  #100 by Nøgne Ø of Norway:  **;  brewed to mark their 100th batch - success demanded it become regular offering;  10%BV;  earthy hoppy nose with a bitter hop bite, and a sweeter dried fruit, malty finish;
 

  

January 22, 2013

18/666)  Underlig Jul by Nøgne Ø of Norway:  **1/2;  a 6.5% spiced strong beer;  brewed with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, coriander, cardamom;  very spicy nose, ginger is particularly prominent;  it's a very Christmassy, wintery brew;  all of the spices come into play and it just makes you feel warm all over;  perfect on a cold night, after skating;