Holy Mackerel - Special Golden Ale (2009)

Dead Fish

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Holy Mackerel
Special Golden Ale
Gordash Beer Company
Melbourne, FL USA
Est. 2003
www.holymackerelbeers.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber color.
Nondescript aromas; complex but subtle. Perhaps some clove in it?
Bitter alcohol aftertaste; antiseptic.
Medium sized, off-white head that dissipated slowly.
Significant ringed lacing on the glass.
Medium mouth feel; complex flavors, slight alcohol aftertaste. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
According to the label, "Originally brewed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida this golden ale is Belgian-style, yet with a Florida twist. Quite a refreshing yet complex beer, excellent now but one that will only mature if cellared for 2 years."

Ever have a US savings bond? You know how it's half the face value when purchased and then takes years to mature? That is what is in store for this beer judging from the label. It's dated 2009. I am a patient man, but that's asking a lot, don't you think? If you're like me, you want your beer like it's money...NOW!

The label goes on to state, "Brewed for and under the supervision of Gordash Beer Co., at Thomas Creek Brewery LLC, Greenville, SC. " Guess they forgot their Florida roots when moving north. I mention this because WE DON'T HAVE CELLARS IN FLORIDA! Duh! Okay, so I'm taking them a bit too literal.

As with their Imperial Black, this one had some bitter alcohol taste throughout the glass.
The high notes, you ask?

1. Great lacing
2. Killer alcohol buzz
3. Complex flavors
   

The rest? Well, let's go dig a hole and start working on that cellar.

Try one yourself, if you have the time.................

Holy Mackerel - Mack In Black Imperial Black Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Holy Mackerel
Mack In Black Imperial Black Ale
Gordash Beer Company
Melbourne, FL USA
Est. 2003
www.holymackerelbeers.com

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

Postmortem Brew Review
Dark chocolate brown, nearly black color.
Pomegranate and malt, bittersweet taste.
Hints of chocolate flavor, lots of carbonation.
Bitter alcohol aftertaste; antiseptic.
Medium sized, brown head that dissipated slowly leaving some lacing.
Medium to heavy mouth feel; complex flavors. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This one had some bitter alcohol taste throughout the glass. It was very, very dark in color; nearly black. The alcohol and pomegranate produced an unusual aftertaste, while the nose had more ester smells which were more pleasant. Interesting, but not my cup of tea.

Mack in Black also had lots of fizzy carbonation present. Their website recommends storage of this type of brew as it will keep for up to 2 years. This one was labeled as a 2008 edition, so perhaps it needed a little more keeping. Maybe it had not been handled well, prior to my purchase.

As for this review, Mack in Black, "...sleeps with the fishes". On another note,they do have second creation; a small batch "Special Golden Ale" that will definitely get a try sometime.