June 2006 Archives
The package says the name comes from the "hopback kettle" used at the end of the brewing process. I think it comes from the reaction from one's first taste -- hopping back at the bitter shock crushing the tongue.
Characteristics: Warm amber color, hoppy from start to finish, medium body, slightly fizzy, slightly smoky and caramel flavors buried deep in the hops.
Gripes: Did I mention the hops yet?
Bottom Line: I like American pale ales from time to time, but Sierra Nevada on steroids is a bit much. Disguising the beer with the "amber" descriptor instead of "IPA" doesn't help -- any points earned for not claiming "India" are immediately conceded by omitting "pale."
Rating: 4.75 / 10
Technorati: Troegs, Pale Ale, IPA, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
It's now summer here in Washington, DC... and that means it's really far too hot and muggy to be drinking heavier beers. (DC is a pilsener town in the summer -- crisp and ice cold are the orders of the day.) So I'm going out with a bang -- one of the most complex beers I've ever tasted.
Characteristics: Dark burnt brown color, medium to heavy body, rich toasted bitter finish over a swirling middle of baking chocolate and coffee, and a little bite or crispness delivered through subtle carbonation.
Minor Gripes: The richness can be overwhelming. My first one was a real shock to the system -- perhaps because I drank it straight from the bottle and didn't give it any time to breathe.
Bottom Line: Once it's porter season in your neck of the woods, definitely seek out a six pack of this lovely beer. I'm not sure why this beer doesn't qualify for the "Wolaver's" name (reserved for certified organics), but it's a winner.
Rating: 7.25 / 10
Technorati: Otter Creek, Porter, Middlebury, Vermont, Wolaver's
I'm not going to get into the great debate on whether this beverage is a lambic, a gueuze, or something in between... the New York Times already tackled that one (free reg.) in a recent diversion from its Wines of the Times series. Let's just focus on the beverage on its own terms.
Characteristics: Rich red cloudy color, high carbonation, thin body, sweetness permeates every sip with only a hint of natural raspberry tang in the finish as it warms up from the refrigerator.
Gripes: Far too sweet -- a dry raspberry would be far more drinkable.
Bottom Line: Even as a special treat, the Lindeman's Framboise just doesn't work unless you want something closer to a champagne cocktail. If you're intrigued by the idea of a beer in fluted stemware, go for the cherry (and perhaps away from the Lindeman's entirely).
Rating: 4.5 / 10
Technorati: Lindeman's, Raspberry, Lambic, Gueuze, Belgium
