July 2008 Archives
Proving I'm not always behind the times:
- Behold the iBeer, a paid version of the Carling-branded iPint (a free promotional download from the iTunes store, which makes for painful link experiences) (HT: BoingBoing Gadgets).
And reverting to my usual lack of timeliness:
- Happy belated birthday to the Reinheitsgebot. May you remind us of the principles of quality brewing for another 400+ years.
- Two items combining two of my recurring interests, trademarks and beer:
- The backstory on Collaboration Not Litigation Ale.
- reflections on the Ballantine's logo (read through the comments!).
- Two suggestion tools, courtesy of LifeHacker:
- Beer Suggest for days when you aren't reading the M&B Chronicles.
- Beer Menus, to find a favorite brew in NYC.
- Glassware follies:
- HIK! Glasses made from recycled beer bottles (HT: Treehugger).
- certified imperial pint glasses (HT: BoingBoing Gadgets).
- Entertaining entries on beverages from sites not necessarily known for that angle:
- Salon.com founder Scott Rosenberg
- English digital radio maven James Cridland
- And wandering into the world of malted barley without hops, a not-so-existential discussion on whether Scotch is still Scotch when bottled outside Scotland (HT: IPKat).
Finally, from the enviro-front, a/k/a Treehugger:
- As previously noted here, the prices of raw materials are apparently climbing due to global warming, causing upheavals among many brewers...
- and to ease your enviro-guilt, try a 100% Carbon-Offset beer (at least until it's shipped to your continent of choice from Australia...).
My first review of a "local" beer since getting to NYC, where the insane tax rate means that decent six packs (even on sale) start close to $10. I'm starting to think that it's better to buy the big (22-24 oz) bottles (and a wine bottle stopper) than to persist with the six pack. But that's not a reflection on this particular brew, which presents different concerns.
Characteristics: Golden-reddish color, medium-to-high carbonation, light body, with strong citrus hops running roughshod over the toasted malt opening and then lingering on the tongue.
Minor Gripes: I'm simply not a fan of overblown hops, especially of the citrus variety. This beer is dominated by its hops, though not as much as a comparable American pale ale.
Bottom Line: I wanted to like this beer. It originates from a nice low-key town on Long Island, and the name "toasted lager" is appealing. But the citrus finish just doesn't match the malty intentions of the name and coloring. A softer hop profile would allow the "toasted" flavor (and not just the color) come out.
Rating: 5 / 10
Characteristics: Golden-reddish color, medium-to-high carbonation, light body, with strong citrus hops running roughshod over the toasted malt opening and then lingering on the tongue.
Minor Gripes: I'm simply not a fan of overblown hops, especially of the citrus variety. This beer is dominated by its hops, though not as much as a comparable American pale ale.
Bottom Line: I wanted to like this beer. It originates from a nice low-key town on Long Island, and the name "toasted lager" is appealing. But the citrus finish just doesn't match the malty intentions of the name and coloring. A softer hop profile would allow the "toasted" flavor (and not just the color) come out.
Rating: 5 / 10
