AW's Beer Reviews

[AWMiller]

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye
Bear Republic Brewing Co. | Healdsburg, California USA

Style:  American IPA

ABV - 8%

IBU - 80

Daggum these IPAs are starting to impress this malt-head! This brew poured up a rich, dark amber colored body with a hearty off-white colored head that had amazing retention and lacing effects. Aromas full of rye and hops.  Flavors of warm bread, lemon zest, rye and piney hops. Medium-bodied and very well carbonated with a dry, hoppy finish and lingering aftertaste. Definitely something I would serve up when grilling or working the smoker!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, duck, geese, fish, partridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Asahi Super Dry
Asahi Breweries Ltd | Tokyo-to Tokyo-shi, Japan
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style:  Pale Lager

ABV - 5%

These Asahi brews are certainly a pleasant surprise! To be honest, I was half expecting them to be on the skunky side but they have proven me wrong and are good brews to enjoy! This brew poured up a clear pale golden yellow body with a white frothy head that quickly dissipated to a thin bubbly sheen and left marginal lacing. Aromas and flavors are genuinely almost like good sake in this light-bodied brew with a clean, dry finish with no harsh aftertastes. Definitely an easy brew to drink and not get that bloated feeling afterwards (unless you down a case or so!).

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, fish, pheasant, quail, grouse, pork, salmon, shellfish

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Asahi Brewmasters Select
Asahi Breweries Ltd | Tokyo-to Tokyo-shi, Japan
Purchased @ Whole Foods Market

Style:  Premium Lager

ABV - 5%

Probably the best of the Asahi line of brews! This brew poured up a dark golden colored body with a frothy head that dissipated quickly down to a thin sheen with good lacing. Aromas are filled with caramel, sweet malts, bread dough, and light hops. Flavors are pretty much the same but very light on the hops and full of that sweet malt flavor. Medium-bodied with a nice, dry finish with a nice warm, sweet aftertaste. Definitely one of the top Asian brews I’ve ever had!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, fish, pheasant, quail, grouse, pork, salmon, shellfish

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Pike Monk’s Uncle Tripel Ale
Pike Pub & Brewery | Seattle, Washington USA
Purchased @ Whole Foods Market

Style:  Tripel

ABV - 9%

IBU - 34

This tripel poured up a cloudy, honey-colored body with a thin, bubbly head that dissipated quickly down to a thin sheen and left minimal lacing. Aromas and flavors are full of apricots, honey, sweet malts, lemon zest. Medium-bodied and very smooth with a light hoppy bite on the finish and a lingering fruit aftertaste. Needs to beef it up a bit in order to compare well with true Trappist tripels but still a good brew nonetheless.

Pairing Recommendations: beef, poultry, pork

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Murphy’s Draught-Style Stout
Murphy Brewery Ireland Limited | Cork, Ireland
Not purchased; received as a gift

Style:  Irish Dry Stout

ABV - 4.3%

This brew has one wicked upward-cascading foaming action (much like a Boddington’s Pub Ale) that imparts one of the creamiest heads of foam I have ever seen! This brew poured up a pitch black colored body and a creamy off-white colored head with long-lasting retention and lacing effects. Aromas of dark roasted malts, burnt sugar, and warm caramel. Flavors of the same in this ultra creamy brew.  Medium-bodied with a dry finish having lingering aftertastes of sweet malts. A bit on the ‘thin’ side as I was wishing it to be a bit more thick-n-chewy but still it’s a good brew to have!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, dove, ducks, geese, squirrel, venison, wild boar

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale
Kona Brewing Company | Kona, Hawaii USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style:  American Pale Ale (APA)

ABV - 6%

IBU - 35

What a great APA from the folks at Kona Brewing!! This brew poured up a rich coppery colored body with a one-finger thick white frothy head with moderate retention and lacing effects. Aromas of hops, caramel, and hints of toffee. Flavors of the same and so well-balanced that you must remind yourself to slow down and enjoy it! Medium-bodied, easy on the drinkability scale, with a dry finish that leaves hints of citrus fruits. Definitely a great brew to have on-hand for those special cookouts!!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, poultry, ducks, geese, fish, partridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, squirrel, venison

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

gonna be offline for a few days... thought I'd post up a slew of brew reviews to keep y'all busy!! will get back into the swig of things upon my return!!

[AWMiller]

Maredsous 10 Tripel
Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV | Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style:  Abbey Tripel

ABV - 10%

This brew poured up a dark orange colored body topped with a frothy white head with good retention and moderate lacing effects. Aromas of oranges, pineapples, peaches, roasted nuts. Flavors are subtly sweet along with a nice bitter balance and a flavor of fresh baked bread. You can definitely tell there is alcohol in this hearty brew! Medium-bodied, well carbonated, with a dry sweet finish just begging to be paired up with a hearty grilled rib-eye!!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, bison, poultry, cream/cheese pasta, pork, rabbit

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Flying Dog Raging Bitch
Flying Dog Brewery | Frederick, Maryland USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style:  Belgian-style IPA

ABV - 8.3%

IBU - 60

My gosh this has got to be one of the best that Flying Dog has to offer at this time!! This brew poured up a dark apricot-colored body that is crystal clear sporting a thin white bubbly head that dissipated quite slowly and left amazing lacing effects. Aromas are rich and full of citrussy hops, sweet malts, yeast, much like warm bread right out of the oven. Flavors are rich and malty with hints of that bitter bite from the hops here and there.  The flavor of yeast is quite present but not overbearing in any way. I found that as this beer warmed the flavors and scents intensified and became much more enjoyable. Medium-bodied, very smooth (almost creamy) and slightly carbonated. Very easy on the drinkability scale with a crisp clean and refreshing finish that has enough of the hops to put in a good bite but enough of the malts to smooth it out. I can tell this one is gonna be a favorite in my fridge soon!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, bison, burgers, Cajun, fish/seafood, Indian, Korean, Mexican, Thai

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Left Hand Sawtooth Ale
Left Hand Brewing Company | Longmont, Colorado USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style:  Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)

ABV - 5.3%

IBU - 27

I think I have found a bitter that sets the bar for this brew style way up!! This brew poured up a dark orange colored body topped with a thick white frothy head with good retention and lacing effects. Aromas of caramel, sweet malts, zest of citrussy fruits. Flavors of citrus fruits, hops, pine nuts and wheat bread. Medium-bodied with good carbonation with a smooth, clean, dry finish that is very, very, very refreshing with a sweet, malty aftertaste that has just the right bitter bite!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, bison, brats/sausage, poultry, fish/seafood, cheese/cream pasta, pheasant, quail, grouse, rabbit

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Breckenridge Oatmeal Stout
Breckenridge Brewery | Denver, Colorado USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style:  Oatmeal Stout

ABV - 4.95%

IBU - 31

Was expecting more from this stout so I’m hoping that future releases are amped up a bit! Poured up a near pitch-black body with a thin bubbly mocha-colored head with somewhat good retention and marginal lacing. Aromas of dark roasted coffee beans, sweet malts and a slight hint of hops; smelt good but the taste was… well… lackadaisical. Starts off with a robust hit of sweet malts and coffee along with some roasted nuts flavoring mixed in. The finish is a bit bland with no really good aftertastes to speak of. Medium-bodied but a bit ‘thin’ when I compare this one with other oatmeal stouts that I have tried in the past.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Unibroue Don de Dieu
Unibroue | Chambly, Quebec (Canada)

Style:  Belgian-style Strong Pale Ale

ABV - 9%

IBU - 10.5

My gosh these brews from Unibroue are absolutely astounding! Each one remarkably unique in its own special way! This brew poured up a rich dark golden colored body with a thick white foamy head with good retention and lacing. Aromas of toffee, spices, sweet malts, and fruity esters (first time for me to really pick up on these!!). Medium-bodied, smooth and creamy, filled with flavors of ripe apricots, hops, peppers (spices), wheat grains, toffee, and either burnt suger or dark honey. Yeah you can tell there’s alcohol packing in this brew and as the beer warms it just gets better! The finish is dry and refreshing with lingering flavors of bread and grains of wheat; very robust and flavorful. Stock up and enjoy!

Pairing Recommendations: poultry, Chinese, Indian, rabbit, shellfish

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Unibroue Trois Pistoles
Unibroue | Chambly, Quebec (Canada)
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style:  Belgian-style Strong Dark Ale

ABV - 9%

IBU - 15.5

Yet another outstanding brew from Unibroue! In fact, I cannot recall any of the brews from Unibroue that I have sampled were not of good quality character! This brew poured up a succulent, deep dark mahogany colored body topped with a large bubbly mocha-colored head that refuses to dissipate and then lacing that you will want to run your finger around the glass and lick up! Intense aromas of dark cherries, dark chocolates, and caramel. Medium-bodied, not one single bit of hiding that sweet alcohol flavor, and flavors of sweet malts, chocolates, cherries, spices with a refreshing and enticing dry finish with sweet notes of caramel aftertastes. It is getting very difficult to choose which Unibroue brew is the best … but then, why choose?!

Pairing Recommendations: beef, buffalo, venison, wild boar

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Abita Wheat
Abita Brewing Co. | Abita Springs, Louisiana USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style:  American Pale Wheat Ale

ABV - 4.2%

IBU - 15

Whoa! Definitely not what I was expecting! This one was thin, watery, bland … heck a Coors Light has more to offer than this brew! Here are the particulars… Aromas of malts, grains and zest of citrussy fruits. Flavors are very bland and ‘wheaty’/grainy but lacking in substance in my opinion. Light-bodied, very carbonated, and way too easy to quaff. Honestly blogging, there are better options in this brew style out there!!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Avery White Rascal
Avery Brewing Company | Boulder, Colorado USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style:  Belgian White (Witbier)

ABV - 5.6%

IBU - 10

Oh what a wicked rascal this one really was!! This brew poured up a cloudy straw-colored body with a thin bubbly white colored head that quickly dissipated down to a thin sheen and left moderate lacing. Aromas of wheats, yeast, citrus fruits, hops, cooking spices (nutmeg, cinnamon, and perhaps coriander). Flavors of the same in this light-medium bodied brew that is well carbonated with a finish that is both spicy and sweet (from the malts) with both flavors lingering long after the brew has been enjoyed! One of the better witbiers I’ve had in quite a while.

Pairing Recommendations: fish/seafood, shellfish

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Bitburger Premium Pils
Bitburger Brauerei | Bitburg/Eifel, Germany

Style:  German Pilsener

ABV - 4.8%

Had this one while on vacation in Maui (Hawaii) and man do I wish I had chosen a different brew! I’ve heard and read a lot about this brew and everyone was highly recommending it. To me this brew is not that much to rave about for it is a ‘marginal’ brew in my opinion. Once I tasted the brew it was very bland, lacking anything of any sort of robustness. The flavor was there and then it was suddenly gone; but it wasn’t skunky in any way though. Would I try this one again? Probably not, unless I was in Germany and could get this on tap.

For my beer-nerd details regarding this brew, please click here.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Rahr & Sons Gravel Road
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company | Fort Worth, Texas USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style:  German-style Sticke Altbier

Another fine brew from the fine folks at Rahr’s Brewery!!! This brew poured up a rich brownish-red colored body (much like a cherry Dr. Pepper) with a monstrous off-white colored foamy head with intense retention and lacing! Aromas and flavors packed full of caramel, dark fruits, sweet malts, yeast, toffee and just enough bitter hops. Near medium-bodied, well carbonated with a finish that is so crisp and refreshing; the aftertaste is slightly hoppy but then there is enough malts to balance it out with a sweet lingering aftertaste. VERY easy on the drinkability scale so be sure to slow down and enjoy this fine brew! Would be a definite go-to brew for some smoked meats or decadent burgers! Just need me a Rahr Brewery stange to make for the ultimate glassware to enjoy this brew in!! (hint hint there Rahr & Sons!!)

For my beer-nerd details on this brew, please click here.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Hinano Tahiti
Brasserie de Tahiti S.A. | Papeete, French Polynesia
Purchased while on vacation in Maui, Hawaii USA

Style:  Pale Lager

Had this enjoyable brew while on vacation in Maui, Hawaii. This brew is one that I wish I could find in my area as it would definitely be one I’d be enjoying on a regular basis! The flavor that this brew provides was very pleasing and it is definitely an easy brew to drink due to its light body and very good tastes! This brew was gone before I knew it!

For my "beer-nerd" details on this brew, please click here.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Hite Beer
Hite Brewery Company LTD | Hongchun Gun, Kangwon, South Korea

Style:  Pale Lager

Good gosh does this brew bring back some memories of my years spent in South Korea while I was in the military. I found this brew by chance while in the Korean grocery store picking up some veggies. While standing in the check-out line, I noticed the new beer signs and decided to go peek and see what they had … sure glad I did! Many, many, many, many bottles of this brew were emptied by my efforts while in South Korea and this is one fine brew to be tried and enjoyed! It has a flavor that would rival (and in my opinion, beat down!) many of the micro-brews, or as I like to call them â€" “add-junks”! This brew is very light and very easy to drink and it is a very refreshing brew as well. If I were looking at brews for a BBQ or fish fry and this beer was next to some like Miller, Coors, Keystone, etc.; I’d be picking up the Hite and enjoying some good beer!

For all my "beer-nerd" details on this brew, please click here.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

[AWMiller]

Fuller’s London Porter
Fuller Smith & Turner PLC | Chiswick, London, United Kingdom (England)
Purchased @ Whole Foods Market

Style:  English Porter

It’s hard not to enjoy a good porter!! In fact I can’t recall when I had a bad one. Probably the most enjoyable aspect of this brew was its thick and creamy texture and flavors that had me enjoying it from start to finish! This brew is so rich that one could easily forget that they were drinking a beer! While enjoying this brew my mind was racing thinking of various beef dishes that it would pair up nicely with; although it could very well stand on its own as a great dessert beer too!

For my "beer-nerd" details on this brew, please click here.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews.  While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best.  There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.