December 2006 Archives

Perhaps I should call this edition "Press Your Luck"  (with apologies to the late Peter Tomarken and the Whammy).  After the Belgian Frostbite and Black Chocolate Stout, I decided to try another "winter beer."  Pyramid may be a fine brewery, but I'm still not having real success with their beers.  And now that I've been put to shame (no surprise) by the Hedonist Beer Jive holiday round-up (though he hasn't hit my selections yet), I will retreat from the "holiday ale" category and wait for Bock-season to kick in.

Characteristics: Deep brown-red color, light carbonation, medium body that gets heavier as it warms, starts with a hoppy bite and then goes through a brief roasted malty phase before the Belgian sugar element takes over.

Minor Gripes: There's an odd, uncomfortable sourness that emerges as this beer warms, beyond the sugar -- and sour isn't a taste I particularly want in my beer. 

Bottom Line: Neither the worst nor the best of the winter seasonals I've ever sampled.  Drink it cold and quickly unless you're ready for the sour and syrupy moments. 

Rating: 5 / 10