Sierra Nevada Brown Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sierra Nevada Brown Ale
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, CA USA
Est. 1980
www.sierranevada.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0  (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark brown color. Great clarity when held to light.
Malty and nutty on the nose.
Nicely foaming one finger head that sticks around.
Nutty and malty taste; lots of earthy flavors. Soft hops.
Medium bodied mouth feel. Smooth and balanced. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sometimes, less is more.  On that note, there may be little to say in this post, but it speaks volumes.

I have the hardest time posting for the Sierra Nevada beers.  They are remarkable.  I sometimes can't think of enough superlatives to laud on their efforts.  But simply stated, they make fine examples of beer and ale.  Beyond that understatement, they are consistently tasty, consistently well crafted and thoroughly enjoyed.

Brown ales are some of the hardest to get right, in my opinion.  But this is as good as any I have tried to date.  Try one against your favorite 'brown ale' and compare for yourself.

Harpoon Glacier Harvest '09 - Wet Hop Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Harpoon Glacier Harvest '09
Wet Hop Ale
100 Barrel Series
Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Avenue

Boston, MA USA
Est. 1986
www.harpoonbrewery.com
 
Brain Damage Quotient = 6.7 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber to copper in color.
Malt and hops present in aroma, in nice balance.
Caramel, fluffy three fingered head that dissipates very slowly.

Head lacing coats entire glass nicely.
Moderate carbonation with hops bite after each sip.
Medium bodied.  Full Hops flavor. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Some things were meant to last.  This should be one of those things.  Glacier Harvest '09 Wet Hop Ale comes to us from Harpoon's 100 Barrel Series.  This is "session 28" as the label states. And as the sessions come in the 100 series, they also go as well.

The hops are so alive in this ale.  The ale also yields a fine balance of malt character alongside the hops.  The alcohol is modest at 6.7 ABV; not overwhelming.  The 38 IBU's is spot on producing that hops warmth and pop.  As stated before, this should be around for a long time, but alas, it's not the fate of this fine ale.

A glimmer of hope...they named it with an '09, so.....perhaps it will be run again?  We can only hope and wait.  See if you can get some to stash away until then.

Anchor - Our Special Ale 2009 (Christmas Ale)

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Our Special Ale 2009 (Chrsitmas Ale)
Anchor Brewing Company
1705 Mariposa Street 
San Francisco, CA USA
Est. 1896
www.anchorbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark brown color.
Malt presence with pine hops aroma.
Spice and sweetness in perfect balance and taste.
Off white, two finger head with lacing that coats the glass magnificently.
Medium bodied flavor. Soft carbonation. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The Maytag Family is renowned for being innovators.  Everything they touch, from large appliances to fantastic blue cheese and also beer, comes out with a Midas touch.  Of all the Christmas beers retrieved from my mortuary chiller this season, none stood out more than this one.

The Anchor Brewing site has a page dedicated to this, their 35th Christmas beer showing it is no fluke of production.  Many years of hard work has gone into making this brew, and it shows.  These beers are recommended to be cellared and kept for the months to come.  It's a shame I only got one of these 12 oz. bottles.  I will not make that mistake again next year.

Yes, it is spiced, but not overly dry.  There is a touch of sweetness from the malts and along with the hops, they balance out from start to finish.  Just as understated as their washing machine ads and cult like following for blue cheese, this 'sleeper' in a bottle does not draw attention to what's inside.  It lets all of what has been put inside do the talking, just like all of this family's fine efforts.  They know how to pay attention to the details.  Even the label looks hand printed, like a jar of your aunt's preserves.  A Christmas gift from Anchor to us all!

How on earth do they make it so good?  I won't ask.  Nor will they tell; their website lets you know the ingredients are top secret!  Let's not bother asking.  It would be as embarrassing as asking how much a Christmas gift cost.

Do not miss out on this one, friend.

He'Brew - Jewbelation 13 Bar Mitzvah

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
He'Brew Jewbelation 13 Bar Mitzvah
Shmaltz Brewing
New York, USA
Est. 1996 (5757 Hebrew Metonic Cycle)
www.shmaltzbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 13.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Brown; dark and sinister color.
Herbal, earthy, floral hop aroma.
Chocolate roasty malt balances out the hops.
Fruit flavors like plum or raisin all muddled up in the background.
One fingered head, off-white in color that dissipates fairly rapidly.
Medium amount of lacing when swirled in glass.
Hops warmth and touch of roast malt sweetness after each sip.
Extremely complex flavor layering.  Medium to heavy in body. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
13 is noted in history as being an unlucky number.  Why does it get such a bad rap?  It is The Reaper's favorite and has been much maligned throughout the years.  Let's take a look, shall we?

Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of that number; totally irrational! Don't we need a number between 12 and 14?  That would certainly mess up mathematics if it were not present.  After all, we need to know the cube root of 2197 every once in a while, right?  And what about those hotels that refuse to number a floor 13?  Ridiculous!  Guess what, that makes the 14th floor really the 13th floor!  Moving on.  There were 13 present at the Last Supper, not so lucky for Jesus, but the outcome was fortunate for Christianity, was it not?  And let's not forget that The Grim Reaper has 13 letters in it...I'd be lost, otherwise!  And I have a job to do, so let's get on with it!

13 is an age when children are officially known as teenagers; that's right kids, there's no such thing as ten-teen, eleven-teen or twelve-teen!  So here you are no longer an infant nor child, but not quite an adult yet, either.  And that's okay.  It begins an age where youth becomes unsuppressed and actions take over for real knowledge.  In other words, you get to explore yourself with reckless abandon.  The Jewish community of the world celebrates this wonderful right of passage with Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah.

Unbridled and unrestrained, the folks at Shmaltz have stretched their attitude beyond limits to create this unusual and yet wonderful 13th anniversary ale. As a purveyor of lagers and ales, Jewbelation 13 will exceed your expectations.  Often listed as an American Double or even an Imperial Stout, I have it on authority straight from Shmaltz founder Jeremy Cowan's mouth that, "...you can't pigeon hole or put a label on this ale."  Yes, he is indeed correct.

This pours out viscous, dark and aromatic.  It's enough to scare the bejesus out of anybody.  Fear not my friends, muahahahaha!  It's nectarlicious!  Oh!  My goodness.  I call Trademark on that term!  Listen up!  You mortals have been treated to one of the biggest, boldest, nectarlicious™ enjoyments in a bottle.  Now you might want to call a cab or other designated driver if you enjoy one of these, alone.  The 13 malts give a full bodied rich almost chewy texture while the 13 hops add heat, spice and sear your taste buds.  Amazingly balanced with a surprisingly sweet and yummy finish.  A touch of alcohol stings you to remind that this is a grownup ale you're drinking.  Rounding out the trilogy is the 13 ABV it achieves.

So, in conclusion, it's not for the faint of heart, but neither is the ritual of passing into adulthood.  Some might say it's all over the place, but what 13 year old isn't?  Be 13 again and celebrate your own rambunctious adult right of passage with this enormous ale.

New Holland - Dragon's Milk

Dead Dragon

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Dragon's Milk
New Holland Brewery
66 East 8th Street 
Holland, MI USA
Est. 1996 
www.newhollandbrew.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark chocolate black color.
Caramel malt and vanilla aromas and taste.
Brown sugars, fruits and figs in the flavor.
Tan head with minimal retention and lacing.
Minimal carbonation.
Complex taste; malty and rich. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
One of my minions, a "ghost writer", has come calling again. When I get around to some of this ale, I'll add my two cents. The following comments do not represent my personal views, so tough noogies if you don't like them:

Ghost Writer's Eulogy
I tried this at our Christmas Eve dinner and will say as a lover of Guinness, this has all the same rich flavors, but is smoother.  At 8.5 ABV it makes you do really stupid things!  (Ah, yes TK it surely does, because it is 10%, NOT 8.5 as you claim!  Ha! The Reaper corrects you!)

Imagine me trying to snowboard on my ten foot backyard hill in MN at an age of almost 60???  What was I thinking...or is that drinking?  Dragon's Milk is most enjoyable and I wish I had a photo of me 'd-r-a-g-o-n' my ass up the hill, wipe-out after wipe-out! 

---TK

Harpoon Winter Warmer

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Harpoon Winter Warmer
Harpoon Brewery

306 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA USA
Est. 1986
www.harpoonbrewery.com
 
Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Beautiful mahogany color tone.
Malt and spice nose with trace cinnamon and nutmeg fragrance.
Caramel tan, fluffy three fingered head that dissipates very slowly.

Head lacing coats entire glass nicely.
Moderate carbonation with warming spice finish.
Medium bodied; easy drinker. Sessionable. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The holidays are officially here and there was no better way to welcome them in with this wonderfully crafted beer.  The work day is done and with a week and a half of holiday festivities ahead, there will be much to celebrate.

The Harpoon Winter Warmer is inviting upon the smell with a pleasant touch of winter's spice reminding you of that, "...over the river and through the woods..." trip to Grandma's house.  A little ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon does the trick.  Some might say that it's too much, but for a winter ale, I think this hits the spot.

So if you have some time to kill around the fireside this yule time, get yourself some of this grownup goodness in a bottle.  To all a good night!

Ommegang Rare Vos

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Ommegang Rare Vos
Brewery Ommegang
656 County Highway 33

Cooperstown, NY USA 
Est. 1997
www.omegang.com  

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Orange amber color with particle suspension.
Fruity apricot/apple aromas.
Two fingered off white head that lasts and leaves tremendous lacing.

Complex fruit, yeast, spices and other flavors.
Medium bodied with full flavor. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
More good stuff from the 'gang' at Ommegang.  How do they do it?  Lush fruity flavor and great yeast aromas permeate your skull upon first whiff of this god-like nectar.  Pepper, pair, clove and other fruit swirl around the palate.  Not to be gulped, but rather sipped.  I paired it with a Punch cigar after a few lesser bodied pilseners this day and was in for a full-on sipping extravaganza. Duh-rool, duh-rool!

Rare Vos is Flemish for 'sly fox'.  This aromatic Belgian proves that it is, one sly fox.  It captures your nose with an apple/apricot scent.  Then it catches your eye with the particle suspension, only an unfiltered ale would have.  The last few scant drops, produce a yeasty swirl of undercurrent, further tantalizing you for a closer look.  One sip, and you are hooked. Trapped in the gaze of the fox.

An easy drinker that won't weigh you down, unusual for Belgian styles.  Typically they are good for one or two without overpowering. This amber will not disappoint you one iota.

Do the Rare Vos and be rewarded with a rare treat. Another 'home-run' from Cooperstown.

Bell's - Christmas Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Bell's Christmas Ale
Bell's Brewery Inc.

8938 Krum Ave.
Galesburg & Comstock MI USA
Est. 1985
www.bellsbeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.4 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Brilliant copper color.
Noticeable malt roasted sweetness and hops aromas.
Foamy, two fingered tan head that dissipates very slowly.

Minimal lacing on glass.
Malts stand out with some bright hops at the end.  Also has dry spice finish.
Light to medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Definitely light for a Scottish style ale but suprisingly refreshing for a Christmas ale.  There was some detectable spice note, but not as present as in other winter/Christmas beers.  It is a very sessionable drink, similar more to an Oktoberfest beer, I thought.

Bell's and Christmas...it's a natural!

Oskar Blues - Dale's Pale Ale

Tin Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Dale's Pale Ale
Oskar Blues Brewery LLC
1800 Pike Road
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1997
www.oskarblues.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Dense amber with orange hues.
Pine oil hop aroma; floral sweet hops.
Fast dissipating head that leaves great lacing.
Warming on the tongue with modest carbonation.
Bracing; great hops bittering.
Full flavor, medium bodied, slightly viscous.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
These guys 'can' do no wrong.  I am just wowed by all their beers sampled thus far.  The Ten Fidy was fabulous, and the Gordon is immense.  Little Yella Pils was just so very tasty and now the Pale Ale.

Dale's Pale Ale is what all pale ales want to be when they grow up.  So much hops, so much flavor, in such a little can!

That's it.  It has got to be one of the tastiest pale ales around, bar none.

Radeberger Pilsener

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Radeberger Pilsner
Radeberger Exportbierbrauerei
Radeberg, Saxony Germany
Est.1872
www.radeberger.de

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Nearly clear, pale golden color.
Sweet grain smell and slight hops presence.
Two finger soft white head  lingers throughout glass to a wisp.
Light and dry, dry, dry with slight carbonation.
Good amount of bittering hops with a tart dry finish 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This pilsener is done in a lager style, bottom fermented and rings in with 33 IBU's.  That's right, as much as any average pale ale would have.  Now that you know this, lagers don't seem so bad.  And they are not, especially when they are made by the first German brewer to make pilseners in the old style.

Fresh off the tap, smooth and so easy to enjoy, Radeberger Pilsner makes a great starter or equally a great beer to finish your evening.  Maybe even your all night beer?  I will leave that up to your discretion.

Leinenkugel's - Fireside Nut Brown

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Leinenkugel's Fireside Nut Brown
Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company
Chippewa Falls, WI USA
Est. 1867
www.leinie.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear pale brown color.
Almost no boquet, save for some malt aroma.
Very dry tasting with negligent carbonation.
Minimal clinging head lace, at best.
Light flavor, light body; watery taste.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I find that Brown Ales are in the realm of wowing me, or not.  This one did not wow.  I think the English have them (nut browns) down pat for the most part and there must be some super secret ingredient that they are not willing to share with the rest of the world.  

It was very drying on the tongue and no noteworthy tastes to mention, other than a strong malt presence.  It was so drying, I had to have another beer to liven up my taste buds again.  In the future, I will most likely seek out those from the UK, when in a mood for a proper brown ale.

Rogue - Santa's Private Reserve Ale

Jolly Dead Elf

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Santa's Private Reserve Ale
Rogue Ales
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR USA
Est.1988
www.rogue.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Brown color on pour with red tones.
Pine scent of hops with some malt in the aroma.
Tan/caramel  head with some retention.
Light carbonation with balanced malt and hops taste.
Medium  to heavy bodied, fairly complex flavors.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Not spiced at all as most winter and Christmas brews. The malt and hops play well together.  There is something else going on in the background that I can seem to identify.  But good to be sure.  A nice one for the holidays and a nicer one to share with some of your elves.  It does have a heaviness and I found it might be tough to session.  Well, thank goodness Christmas only comes once a year.

The malt/caramel/toffee taste comes out after a bright splash of hops when you first sip.  A bit unusual, but I liked it.  Also, this ale takes a different tack from most of the dryer and spiced beverages we find at Christmas time. It's still on the dry side, and a bit more malt sweetness would have worked  better for my tastes.

I must have been a good boy as Santa brought this early, this year.

Samuel Adams - Winter Lager

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Samuel Adams - Winter Lager
Boston Beer Company
Boston, MA USA
Est.1985
www.samueladams.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich amber color.
Dry wheat aroma wafts from the glass.
Roasted caramel malty and dry spice flavor like clove.
One finger, tan colored head that quickly dissipates, leaving some lacing.
Light to medium body with carbonated mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
From The Boston Beer Company comes a chillin' brew for your winter solstice.  The Bock style dark wheat is warming and inviting even if we are in the tropic clime of South Florida.  The spice in the beer sets well against its dark wheat body and adds a really great finish to each sip.  It would be best paired with a nutcracker and some of your favorite nuts.

Speaking of nuts, be sure to have plenty of Winter Lager around this holiday when the family comes a'calling!

Smuttynose - Winter Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Smuttynose - Winter Ale
Smuttynose Brewing Company
Portsmouth, NH USA
Est.1994
www.smuttynose.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber orange color.
Fruity, touch of yeast and other inviting complex aromas.
Soft warming feel and fruity, soft spice flavor.
One finger head with minimal lacing.
Medium mouth feel and carbonation.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Being greeted by man's best friend (the dog and the beer) is a truly wonderful way to end your day.  This winter ale hit the spot with big flavor and minimal ABV.  Here's one you could sit back and relax with on a cold winter's 'eve.  One after another after another. 

This is a terrific Belgian Dubbel style everyone will appreciate.  I must get acquainted with the other Smuttynose litter mates soon.  Good dog!  Good beer!

Blue Moon - Belgian White

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Blue Moon - Belgian White
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Coors Brewing Company
13th and Ford Street
Golden, CO USA
Est.1995
www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.4 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Cloudy, unfiltered orange amber color.
Wheat, malt, oat, orange citrus and coriander aroma.
Wheat and dry spice taste.
One finger, white fluffy head that leaves decent lacing.
Light body with full flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Another of the now famous "Beer Summit of 2009" beers.  The Beer Summit, as you may recall was when the President called the parties of a misunderstanding to meet at the White House to discuss their differences over a few beers.  This was reviewed here previously, and now I have the second of the four Beer Summit beers catalogued.

Sgt. James Crowley was the chap quaffing this brew.  He and Prof. Gates were summoned by the Prez' after the Sergeant's 'grave' errors in judgment. Which were prompted by 'grave' remarks by the Prof. which, in turn caused the Prez' to make an off-the-cuff 'grave' remark.  The brouhaha between the Sgt. and the Prof. caused the nation to take pause with our President, to watch the brew-ha-ha in Washington DC.  I just couldn't resist the over use of 'grave'...can you dig it?!?

I found Blue Moon to be refreshing but not as compelling as some other Witbiers.  However, it is usually more readily available and it's a nice change of pace when you are looking for some wheat beer refreshment.  Have your own beer summit and see for yourself.

Tilburgs Dutch - Brown Ale

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Tilburgs Dutch 
Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V.
Berkel-Enschot Netherlands
Est.1872
www.tdba.nl/home.asp

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0  (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rootbeer brown in color with some reddish color tones.
Sweet caramel malt aroma.  Some fruity notes float through.
Roasted toffee taste. Drying on the tongue.
Negligent head revealing spotty lacing.
Full bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Is it a brown ale or a Belgian dark?  Anybody?  It's decidedly not an average brown ale.  The muddled fruity undertones give that away.  And it's not your everyday Belgian, though it is definitely done in that style. T seems to fall somewhere in between the two.

Whatever you call it, do not call it by any negative connotations.  This is a refreshingly good spin on a brown ale.  The Reaper 'digs' it.  You might too.

Oskar Blues - Mama's Little Yella Pils

Tin Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Mama's Little Yella Pils
Oskar Blues Brewery LLC
1800 Pike Road
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1997
www.oskarblues.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Vibrant, attention getting hazy yellow color.
Very little aromas, quite puzzling but some faint yeast smells.
One fingered white head, coats the entire glass.
Active carbonation; small bubbles rise from the depths of the glass.
Crisp, dry hop bite at the end of each sip.
Light bodied; very drinkable and refreshing; easy sessionable beer.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This beer just jumps out at you from the start.  The distracting yellow color is eye catching indeed.  Its hazy disposition leads me to think it is unfiltered; slightly unusual for a pilsener beer.  The way the head lingers and coats the glass with each sip is also a bit uncommon for your average pils, but I guess that's what the folks at OB were aiming for...the unusual.

They are masters at the practice of the unusual and quirky.  They've also done it again with this very pleasing refreshing beverage.  Try some today and see if you agree.

Unibroue - Maudite

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Maudite
Unibroue Inc.
80, Des Carrieres
Chambly, Quebec Canada
Est. 1992
unibroue.com/products/maudite

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (On Tap)

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber with reddish hues.
Fruity esters and spices.  Corriander and faint hops in the background.
Two fingered caramel head with medium carbonation.
Strings and dots of lacing coat the entire glass.
Very slight alcohol taste as it warms, but not distracting.
Full flavor.  All aromas and tastes intensify as it warms.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Muahahaha! I could not have put it better...Maudite means, "The Damned One".  The logo portrays men rowing a wooden canoe, paddling across a blood red sky with the full moon lighting their way.  A horned headed and winged gargoyle has arms folded and is sending a sly grin your way.  His look seems to express knowledge of a great peril awaiting these flying boatmen.  Does this seem typically Canuckle-headed to you, too?

Anyway, about the ale...it's as crazy as the artwork!  There is a spiciness to the boquet on this ale and it is very full of flavor.  It definitely blooms in aroma and flavor the longer you let it sit and warm slightly from the tap, in your glass.  As with strong ales and high ABV beers, let it sit a bit and explore the fullness of its character.

The website mentions it can be cellared for up to 5 years.  You won't be able to wait that long...else you go mad and paddle your canoe in the sky, too!  Ha-haha-ha!  Try some and see how you too will become one of the damned!

Sierra Nevada - Celebration Ale 2009

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Celebration Ale 2009
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, CA USA
Est. 1980
www.sierranevada.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rusty, ruddy, reddish in color.
Malt and spicy hops aroma with hop oil and pine scents.
Hoppy tasting; lots of tasty bittering hops up front.
Nicely foaming head with fair amount of lacing down the glass.
Rich full bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This was sampled multiple times at the Orlando Holiday Brew Fest in Heritage Park, downtown Orlando on this damp but fine evening.  While we are used to warm weather, this brew fest was at a bone-chilling 50 something degrees with a steady drizzle of rain.  However, my bones are dry bones and we didn't mind the weather one bit during this outstanding brew fest.

Of all the beer sampled, I had to marvel about this one.  It was simply the best sampling all evening in a field of some pretty good beers.  Twas so remarkable, that I am only choosing this one to write about.  The reason, you ask?  Even though I managed to stay dry, my notepad would have been water logged by the end of the evening.  Hence all the notes were memorized in my head for this review.  Thank you Sierra Nevada for this wonderful seasonal brew.  You had me at when I could smell the hops from 2 feet away, outdoors.  I just knew it was going to be great.

Remember beer lovers, there is no such thing as bad beer weather, just unprepared beer drinkers.  Get out your raincoat and rubbers next time!

Lift Bridge - Crosscut Pale Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Crosscut Pale Ale
Lift Bridge Brewery
1906 Greeley St. South
Stillwater, MN USA
Est. 2006
Brewed by:
Flat Earth Brewing Company - St. Paul, MN
and
Point Brewery - Stevens Point, WI
www.liftbridgebrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Well balanced amber pale ale accentuated by multiple additions of floral Cascade hops and a unique introduction of grapefruit zest to compliment the citrus notes of the hops. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A "ghost writer" has come calling. When I get around to some of this ale, I'll add my two cents. The following comments do not represent my personal views, so tough noogies if you don't like them:

Ghost Writer's Eulogy
Theses are the same boys who brew Farm Girl - still my favorite even though most farm girls are inside for the winter.  I have a stash I'm keeping cold in the back yard.  Another good thing about Minnesota winters - coolers are redundant.  ---TK

Samuel Adams - Blackberry Witbier

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Samuel Adams - Blackberry Witbier
Boston Beer Company
Boston, MA USA
Est.1985
www.samueladams.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0
 
Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy orange color.
A citrus orange and berry aroma wafts from the glass.
Wheat taste and finish that displays blackberry flavors.
Firm one finger head with some lacing.
Light and carbonated mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Another Brewmaster Collection beer from the venerable Samuel Adams group.  As with the cherry wheat in the collection, this one took me by surprise, too.  I enjoyed it much more than the cherry wheat, partially due to the fact I'm not fond of cherries.  Blackberries, on the other hand, take me back to days when we'd pick them stright from the field.  

Do give this one a try and see how great it is.

Shmaltz - Coney Island Lager

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Coney Island Lager
Shmaltz Brewing
New York, USA
Est. 1996 (5757 Hebrew Metonic Cycle)
www.shmaltzbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Brilliant copper/amber color.
Very malty with floral hop aroma, all in great balance.
One fingered head, off-white in color.
Medium amount of lacing.
Great hops 'bite' at end of each sip.
Medium mouth feel and 'just right' medium carbonation. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Do you think you like lager beer?  Do you even think you like lager beer? Think again...

There's a new reason to like, enjoy, make that, LOVE lager beer. This is such a full flavored lager, you might think you are drinking an ale of some sort, perhaps even an IPA.  There is such a lusty maltiness and floral hop aroma enticing you in, sip after sip.

This is a beautiful crafted lager that everyone needs to experience. If your palate has "turned off" to other lagers; perhaps made up your mind that they were mainstream and cannot be enjoyed, you are a fool.  Try one of these and experience what GOOD, make that GREAT lagers are like.  To exemplify the carnival atmosphere, "Step right up! Be amazed, mesmerized and baffled by just what a lager beer can become!"

Try one for yourself.  Compare it against any other lager beer that you have favored in the past.  Then tell me if this isn't the best you have experienced in a lager beer.

Do I have your attention?  No? Well then, this beer should!  Step right up and see for yourself.  This is not the side show, it is the main event!

Flensburger Dunkel

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Flensburger Dunkel
Flensburger Brauerei GmbH und Co.
Munketoft 12
Flensburg, Germany
Est.1888
www.flens.de

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0
 
Postmortem Brew Review
Dark copper color.
Wheat, roasty malt with a coffee note.
One finger, caramel colored head that leaves no lacing.
Malty bread like yeast taste; like whole wheat.
Dry and bitter without overpowering.

Slight chocolaty roast taste as it warms.
Medium body with full flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Forget about the beer for a second...go visit their website!  This is an easy drinkable Dunkel.  The website has easy litening euro music and the videos make for some easy views on the eyes!  The beautiful people of the Deutschland.  I don't know what they are saying, but it's just fun to watch.

Back to the beer...you'll want this one from the minute you see the bottle and it's ceramic and rubber stopper top. Pop-jingle-ling! There goes the top, as you push the wire bale.  It's a little show and song every time you open one.  Now I cant wait to try their pilsener.

So grab a Flensburger and enjoy the sights, sounds and, oh yeah, the beer too!

Left Hand Milk Stout

Dead Cow

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Left Hand Milk Stout
Left Hand Brewing Company
1265 Boston Avenue
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.lefthandbrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Black color, similar to a cola soda.
Malty flavor with sweet aromatic hits of chocolate.
Wafer thin tan colored head is gone in 30 seconds; no lacing at all.
Rich roasted malt and slight chocolate tastes, moderate carbonation.
Medium to full bodied mouth feel; pleasantly warming bitter aftertaste. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Black as the night on the pour and rich tasting, this Milk Stout is unique.  It leaves me wondering if it is better on tap, as this bottle poured with very minimal head and no lacing at all.  Maybe it's the milk?  It tasted creamy and sweet.  The fact that there was no noticeable foaming head left me wanting for something more from this stout.  It may be what kept this out of the 'A' group.  I will try this stout again sometime to see if it was an aberration.

Update 12/03/2010 - A new label from Left Hand for Milk Stout.  I am happy to report that it was much more satisfying than the first time around. The head is still pretty much non-existent, but I have found that is just how it is with this beer.  The taste was similar to the first tasting, but with more pronounced malts than before.

Paulaner - Premium Pils

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Paulaner Premium Pils
Paulaner Brewing
Munich, Germany
Est. 1634
www.paulaner.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Bright golden yellow color.
Dry grainy malt and slight hops smell.
Crisp white tall head that lasts to the end of the glass.
Stringy lacing.
Light and refreshing; light mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Inside this bottle is a quintessential euro style Pilsener beer.  It is dry, light crisp and refreshing.  And almost a bit too dry for my bones, but never the less a tasty brew.  If you like your 'yellow' beers original to recipe and light and easy to drink, you'll look no farther to find enjoyment, right here.

Heck, they have been perfecting the art of Pilsener style for over 360 years.

Full Sail - Premium Lager

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Full Sail - Premium Lager
Full Sail Brewing Company
Hood River, OR USA
Est.1987
www.fullsailbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.1 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 11.0
 
Postmortem Brew Review
Pale and golden in color.
Grain smell with faint hops aroma; bread-like smell.
Sweet malted taste.  Slightly grassy flavor.
Two and a half finger, white colored head that slowly dissipates, leaving good lacing.
Light to medium body with carbonated mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
It's what beer used to be!  Session from Full Sail is reminiscent of the lagers I grew up with in my formative beer drinking days.  Those breweries from Piels, Rheingold or Schaefer were the 'microbreweries' of their day. They promoted sporting events in the New York area such as football and baseball, adorning the end-zone or outfield billboards with their logo's.  They would entice you to try their crisp clean excellent beverages with slick jingles and flashy, eye catching branding.

Those days are long gone now, along with the back yard barbeques that had coolers full of the aforementioned suds in abundance.  They were always in easy reach of the grill or the picnic tables or even the horseshoe pit.  Mom & Dad, grandpa's & grandma's, aunts, uncles along with all sorts of friends and neighbors gathered around the back yards, parks and beaches of North America.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob and some icy cold brews from the box were the primary staples for the event along with salads, beans and chips of all types.

It was a working man's (and woman's) relief from the work-a-day world every Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day.  Ahhh, yes!  You remember the sights, smells at these family gatherings, just as you are reading these words!  If you are like me, it was probably where you had your first sip of beer as a kid.

So if you want to wax nostalgic, pick up an aptly named Session and have your own trip down old memory lane.  Here's to those "...lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! Those days of sodas and pretzels and beer!"  Thanks Nat!

Früli Strawberry Beer

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Früli Strawberry Beer
Brouwerij Huyghe

Brusselsesteenweg 282

Melle, Belgium
Est. ????
www.fruli.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.1 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 8.4
 
Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy reddish brown color.
Powerful strawberry aroma, coriander and citrus notes.
Wheat and strawberry tasting with balanced sweetness.
Slight sourness; tart sensation at end of sip, but not unpleasant.
Off white head with good lacing.
Light mouth feel with good amount of carbonation.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A blend of 70% white beer and 30% fruit juice goes into making this strawberry beer.  It's a mini bottle packed with a mighty "punch" of strawberry flavor.  Sweet on the nose and true tart strawberry finish makes this most unusual in a beer, indeed.

Opening the cap, there is no mistaking the aroma.  It wafted out of the vessel and could be smelled from over 3 feet away.  It was so sensory, that it stopped me 'dead' in my tracks!  The taste is similar to spiked fruit punch.  It's fizzy, strawberry sweet and oh, so easy to drink.  The unusual 8.4 oz. bottle makes Früli just the right size for a step off the beaten beer path.

A gold medal winner at the International Beer Competition 2004, it's just another good thing from the earth in a bottle!

Dogfish Head - Shelter Pale Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Dogfish Head - Shelter Pale Ale
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
6 Cannery Village Center
Milton, DE USA
Est. 1995
www.dogfish.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber color.
Slight sour taste with nascent hops.
One finger tall, white foamy head.
Hops and malts are in there, but muted.
Active carbonation.
Medium mouth feel with watery finish.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is not a hop monster of a pale ale, but sometimes you need an easy session drinker.  It was not so remarkable as to set it apart from the sea of pale ales in the market.  But consider for a moment that it is from Dogfish Head and you know that it is quality brewed.

Nothing more to say.

Wild Blue Blueberry Lager

Dead Dog

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Wild Blue Blueberry Lager
Blue Dawg Brewing
Baldwinsville, NY
Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
St. Louis, MO USA
Est. 1852
wildbluelager.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Blue to purple in color.
Sweet blueberry smell; faint malt notes.
Thin, fast dissipating head with minimal to no lacing.
Sweet blueberry taste with minimal carbonation.
Light bodied, syrupy mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Highly infused blueberry taste, as only blueberry sugars will do.  This is great for the first few sips, but wears you out through the glass with its sweet syrupy flavor and taste.

Sessionable? No.

Try-able? Sure, why not.

Samuel Adams - Dunkelweizen

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Samuel Adams - Dunkelweizen
Boston Beer Company
Boston, MA USA
Est.1985
www.samueladams.com

Brain Damage Quotient = ?.? % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy brown color.
Malty wheat smell; not too much hops on nose.
Wheat taste and finish with mild hops.
Firm tan color head with good lacing.
Light to medium mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Jim Koch!!!  You've done it again!  I don't prefer wheat beers and then there's the fact that it is a dark wheat beer.  I can hear mother saying, "...eat whole wheats, eat your veggies."  Grrrrrr.....

Uh, so there it is.  The fine folks at Boston Beer come up with another reason for me to like that which I thought I did not.  This is an exceptional wheat beer.  It's as good as any hefe or crystal wheat out there, in my humble opinion.  And because it's a dark beer it must be even better for me, as the whole grains are in play.

Dudes of Sam Adams, I am not worthy!  Keep on making these fine crafts and keep on amazing me by doing so!  Once again, learn to not judge the book by its cover, nor the beer by its style.

Jalehouse Light

Dead Inmate

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Jalehouse Light Lager
Turtle Distributing Co. of South Florida
1251 Commerce Boulevard South

Sarasota, FL USA
Brewed by The Florida Beer Co.
Melbourne, FL
Est. 2009
www.jalehousebeer.com
 
Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Bright, light yellow color.
Sweet grain smell with faint citrus smells.
Foamy, white, tall head that dissipates over time.

Dots of lacing on the glass.
Moderate carbonation. Slight lemon detected in taste?
Light bodied, refreshing. Low calorie and low carb. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Headline should read, "Hometown boys make good!"

I read something once that said nearly everyone in the USofA lives within an average of 10 miles from a brewery.  The boys over at Jalehouse actually are distributors, not brewers, so they contract their beer production with The Florida Beer Company out of Melbourne, FL.  Since I live within 10 miles of their first distribution points, we set off for a scavenger hunt.

The hunt was short and the hearse pulled in the crypt with six cold corpses for a quick autopsy.  This beer just hit the market in the past few weeks.  As I type, a cold one is only a few inches from the keyboard.

The beer is a great first effort, in that it fits the Florida market and lifestyle.  Many hot days here produce the need for a quenching beer that won't dry you out.  So these fellas did their homework and have come up with a great beach/pool/after a hard days work kind of beer.  You will find that they will slake even the mightiest of thirsts.  Wth low carbohydrates and low calories, they won't weigh you down.  Even the 4.5% ABV will keep the 'brain drain' at bay.

Bravo for your first effort!  Another micro-brew has launched, and right here in my own backyard.  Keep up the good work boys.

Sea Dog - Blue Paw Wheat Ale

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sea Dog Blue Paw Wheat Ale
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
125 Western Ave.
South Portland, ME  USA 
Est. 1993
www.seadogbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Straw to golden color.
Blueberry fruit aroma, no malt or hops detectable in smell.
Minimal off-white head with some lacing on the glass.
Mostly blueberry tastes comes through with little hops or malt.
Light fruit flavored, light bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is a beaut...like drinking a blueberry muffin.  That comfort food aroma is what your nose detects when you raise the glass to your lips.  A novelty and a drinkable beer, Blue Paw Wheat is low in alcohol and refreshing. 

Ordered on tap, a teaspoon of blueberries were added that floated like little blue lobster pot buoys on the head of the beer!  These beer soaked jewels are your prize to enjoy when you reach the bottom of the glass.  Fun to sample this beer of Maine.

Reissdorf Kolsch Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Reissdorf Kolsch Ale
Brauerei Heinrich Reissdorf
Emil-Hoffmann-Str. 4-10 D-50996

Cologne, Germany
Est. 1894
www.reissdorf.de
 
Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 16.9 

Postmortem Brew Review
Bright golden straw color.
Sweet grain and yeast nose accompanied by unusual tart, citrus smells.
White minimal head that dissipates rapidly.

Minimal lacing of the glass.
Moderate carbonation malt sweet and citrus tart taste.
Light bodied, refreshing.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
To describe this 'big fella' is to say, how should I put this...like what Bud would be if it had a big brother ale.  Though the unusual citrusy grape/fruit like twang at the end of each sip was an unexpected surprise.  It was served in a tall, symmetrical cylinder of a glass that resembled a rather large shotgun shell, and had the HR brewery logo on the outside along with ml (milliliter) markings.  Some kind of science beaker! 

Very enjoyable and refreshing on an 80 degree day here on the sun-coast of Florida.

Harpoon I.P.A.

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Harpoon India Pale Ale

Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA USA
Est. 1986
www.harpoonbrewery.com
 
Brain Damage Quotient = 5.9 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Orange with red hues in color, slightly cloudy.
Floral hop and hop oil aromas with some malt.
Off-white, fluffy three fingered head that dissipates slowly.

Head lacing coats entire glass nicely.
Moderate carbonation with bright hops finish.
Medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
There are lots of I.P.A.'s to select from in the beer world today.  Plenty of breweries add tons of hops in order to capture what they believe to be the ale was supposed to be in its origin.  This has led to off-shoot splinter I.P.A.'s that hop even more and more and more, to the point where your tongue goes numb.  And, that is the point of many; climb to the top of the hops pile, to become king-of-the-hops-hill.

What Harpoon has done, is craft an I.P.A. that does not punish your taste buds for wanting more than one...or two...or even three.  They have managed to get it right by keeping the 'hops heat' to 40 IBU's.  By accomplishing this, they allow you to enjoy a session of pure, unadulterated hoppy IPA indulgence.  After some rumination, I decided that point alone was what pushed it from a B+ to an A-.  Imagine that! 

Don't get me wrong.  I like my hops as much as the next fellow.  But when the fire blazes, you'll find yourself backing off from the heat; hence you lose the enjoyment.  By allowing it to smolder, you can enjoy the fire for a long, long time.

Get the picture?  Now you get this exceptionally subtle I.P.A.

Avery - India Pale Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
India Pale Ale
Avery Brewing
5763 Arapahoe Ave.
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1993
www.averybrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Tawny, hazy golden color.
Fruitiness and hop oil presence and a bit of pine spiciness.
Full, creamy-white three finger high head.
Sensational spiderweb lacing on glass.
Medium malty mouth feel with plenty of hoppy bite. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Mmmmm.  The first of Avery's creations I sampled was in the rarefied air of Colorado.  Now, us lowlanders in Florida also get to enjoy the taste.  This is a perfect example of an American built craft IPA.  Start to finish it is an adventure.  So why haven't I been hunting for these sooner?

Let's begin our adventure with the "Indiana Jones" style Mercator projection of the eastern hemisphere, smack dab on the middle of the label.  As the opening credits roll, you trace your finger upon the red line from the north coast of Africa, around The Cape of Good Hope and straight to Mumbai.  A tip of the hat to George Hodgson from the folks at Avery.

In the 1790's Hodgson figured out the alcohol and hop ratios that kept the beer from spoiling before reaching the thirsty troops stationed in India.  His formula produced a bitter, alcoholic, sparkling pale ale that withstood the trip to India. Hodgson's success is legendary, and as a result we all enjoy IPA today.

Nice touch that Avery, though based in a land locked state like Colorado, can carry this traditional style forward.  Killer 69 IBU's will dazzle your taste buds along with the present maltiness.  Start your epic journey today!

Oskar Blues - Ten Fidy

Tin Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Ten Fidy
Oskar Blues Brewery LLC
1800 Pike Road
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1997
www.oskarblues.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 9.4 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Solid black color.
Hop aroma, chocolate and roasted malts with other complex aromas.
One fingered creamy tan head, quickly dissipates.
Stringy lace on the glass.
Full flavor in taste; hop, malt and chocolate complex flavors.
Full bodied; smooth and silky.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Oh my.  Nearing the end of a fine evening at the new liquid location "World of Beer", host Brogan sought me out and offered some of the establishment's 'private stock', not yet on the available menu.  

This one almost escaped my grasp due to a 'bone headed' thought.  Getting ready to leave for the evening, I first refused the purchase.  That's when it occurred to me I had a designated driver to navigate.  What fortuitous luck!  I sheepishly returned to my host and apologized for acting the chump.

This imperial stout is so outrageous in so many ways, it simply shouldn't work.  I mean, nearly 10% ABV is a challenge...NO PROBLEM.  You don't pick that up in the taste.  How about the insane roasted malt AND chocolate, chocolate, chocolate flavors? PERFECT!  And for an encore, they add the CUH-raziest amount of hops.  IBU's 98...that cuh razy enough for you?  Sounds like it should be a train wreck. Ahhh, but it's more like the 20th Century Limited.  Simply the finest experience.  But leave the chugging to the train and savor the flavors of this fine imperial stout.

Outrageous? Yes! Worth every bit of it.  Oskar Blues...wooot, WHooooT!  That must be the Ten Fidy train. And to think I almost let it pass me by!