February 2009 Archives
Cain's is an old time local brewery resurrected in more recent times by the Dusanj family. And while I am sure the original style was not made with California raisins, this beer is still a tasty diversion.
Characteristics: Yellow-amber color, minimal head and low carbonation, medium body, starts a little flat and builds into a restrained fruit middle with that english Fuggles hop finish and aftertaste.
Minor Gripes: I was expecting a fruit cake spiciness that never showed up. A hint or coriander or nutmeg would add depth in the middle and finish, though I wouldn't want this to reach winter ale status.
Bottom Line: Treat this like a proper English bitter and let it warm a little, and it becomes more enjoyable. Just don't expect a real strong raisin element (based on the one I sampled).
Rating: 5.5 / 10
Characteristics: Yellow-amber color, minimal head and low carbonation, medium body, starts a little flat and builds into a restrained fruit middle with that english Fuggles hop finish and aftertaste.
Minor Gripes: I was expecting a fruit cake spiciness that never showed up. A hint or coriander or nutmeg would add depth in the middle and finish, though I wouldn't want this to reach winter ale status.
Bottom Line: Treat this like a proper English bitter and let it warm a little, and it becomes more enjoyable. Just don't expect a real strong raisin element (based on the one I sampled).
Rating: 5.5 / 10
A classic black and tan, of course, is Guinness poured over Bass. Attempting to bottle and store such a concoction is basically impossible. So the few bottled variations really should have a different name... yet I try them anyway. Yuengling's version is a mix of their porter and lager, while Matt's opts for stout and lager.
Characteristics: Dark, nearly opaque brown color; medium body and carbonation; hops and carbonation open into a sweet malt middle and a dry yeast/hop finish.
Minor Gripes: At most US beer temperatures (i.e. too cold), the malts don't come out to play so that there's just a dry, dull hop flavor.
Bottom Line: The pre-mixed Black and Tans are better summer drinks, when it's too hot and muggy for a proper porter or stout. They're certainly no substitute for a good schwarzbier, either. Saranac is perfectly drinkable, but given the choice, I'll take the Yuengling instead.
Rating: 5.25 / 10
Characteristics: Dark, nearly opaque brown color; medium body and carbonation; hops and carbonation open into a sweet malt middle and a dry yeast/hop finish.
Minor Gripes: At most US beer temperatures (i.e. too cold), the malts don't come out to play so that there's just a dry, dull hop flavor.
Bottom Line: The pre-mixed Black and Tans are better summer drinks, when it's too hot and muggy for a proper porter or stout. They're certainly no substitute for a good schwarzbier, either. Saranac is perfectly drinkable, but given the choice, I'll take the Yuengling instead.
Rating: 5.25 / 10
