I am a little behind on blogging due to this crazy, shortened holiday week, but here is a beer review. This time, I will focus on Wolaver's beers. Wolaver's is a subsidiary of Otter Creek Brewing, based in Vermont. This is OCB's organic beer line (even though beer in itself is an organic product), which uses fresh, additive-free ingredients which fall under fair trade guidelines. Now, on to the beer.
The first one I will review is the Alta Gracia Coffee Porter. Based on Graham's suggestion, I decided to buy a six pack. Let me tell you all this: intense! Really! Upon your first sip, you will definitely taste the coffee's freshness, but also, a lot of spice and bite. You want fresh coffee? Drink this beer, but sip it slowly. The coffee in this beer is big and spicy, and you will also get that on the nose. As you sip, the coffee will then get a little bit of a hazelnut/vanilla combination on the palate, with a nice smoky finish at the end, thus eliminating any trace of sweetness. Then again, aren't porters known for their spicy, smoky character? Food pairings: Roasted or smoked meats, salty or smoked cheeses.
Based on the above paragraph, I decided to go ahead and pick the Oatmeal Stout. Very delicious. The organics work much better and are more balanced on the palate than the Alta Gracia Coffee Porter. The oatmeal does stick out, but blends in with the hops and malts along with hints of milk and flax seeds (yes, flax seeds), giving me a well-rounded beer. Smoother and creamier with being overpowering, this Oatmeal Stout is definitely worth an encore. Cheers! Food pairings: Cheesecake, double chocolate cake, or hell, oatmeal cookies.
For more info on these beers, head on to Wolaver's Facebook page, as their website is under construction, or go to Beer Advocate and read some reviews. For more on Fair Trade products, go to www.fairtradeusa.org/
NOTE: For those who read my first review on Great Divide's beers, I stupidly forgot to mention their website. It is : www.greatdivide.com
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
A little beer review
As promised, I would do reviews of some beer that I have been drinking. As the Wine Library's Beer Stock Guy, I think writing such reviews would help be an asset to the store and my reputation. Without delay, here are the reviews. The beer in question is that of Great Divide Brewing Co., based out of Denver Colorado.
Denver Pale Ale: A nice light, hoppy ale. Pale in color, but smooth in taste, a beer where the hops are subtle but does overpower the overall balance of its taste or complexity. The finish is light and clean, thus being one of the more refreshing pale ales I've had. Food compliments: Hamburgers, hot dogs, fish and chips.
Titan IPA: This is the Denver Pale Ale's bigger, hoppier, cousin. As with most IPAs, big on hops, bitter but smooth, a feeling that is both refreshing and dry on the palate. The hops on the Titan are dry, but density and complexity of those give a nice, big and thorough taste, hence the name. The first beer I had from this brewery long ago, it is as good now as it was then. Big and better (and bitter) do this beer justice. Food compliments: Mexican food, Indian food, some curries.
Hibernation: This is the brewery's holiday offering. Based on the English-styled Old Ale, this beer warm is big and warm, spicy and malty, but very balanced and palateable. The malty character works well with the robust character of the hops and spices, the finish is quite hearty and well, big. I could go on and on about the old English styled beers, but that's for another time. One of the better holiday beers I've had, GDBC's Hibernation is well worth talking about. The best beer in the GDBC Variety Pack. Food pairings: Roasted game and pot roast.
Yeti Imperial Stout: I am a sucker for stouts, and in my opinion, the bigger and creamier they are, the better, and this one does not disappoint. The malts, the roasted coffee beans, the dark cocoa, it's all there. Throw in some hops for good measure, and you've got yourself a beer worthy of its namesake. The roasted coffee/cocoa notes and aftertaste leave you wanting more. It's a good brew, one you want to save two or more of for a long while (think six months to two years), or drink a cold, chilly night alone or with that someone. Don't fear this monster, embrace it. Food pairings: Chocolate cake, oysters (shucked), or oyster soup.
Denver Pale Ale: A nice light, hoppy ale. Pale in color, but smooth in taste, a beer where the hops are subtle but does overpower the overall balance of its taste or complexity. The finish is light and clean, thus being one of the more refreshing pale ales I've had. Food compliments: Hamburgers, hot dogs, fish and chips.
Titan IPA: This is the Denver Pale Ale's bigger, hoppier, cousin. As with most IPAs, big on hops, bitter but smooth, a feeling that is both refreshing and dry on the palate. The hops on the Titan are dry, but density and complexity of those give a nice, big and thorough taste, hence the name. The first beer I had from this brewery long ago, it is as good now as it was then. Big and better (and bitter) do this beer justice. Food compliments: Mexican food, Indian food, some curries.
Hibernation: This is the brewery's holiday offering. Based on the English-styled Old Ale, this beer warm is big and warm, spicy and malty, but very balanced and palateable. The malty character works well with the robust character of the hops and spices, the finish is quite hearty and well, big. I could go on and on about the old English styled beers, but that's for another time. One of the better holiday beers I've had, GDBC's Hibernation is well worth talking about. The best beer in the GDBC Variety Pack. Food pairings: Roasted game and pot roast.
Yeti Imperial Stout: I am a sucker for stouts, and in my opinion, the bigger and creamier they are, the better, and this one does not disappoint. The malts, the roasted coffee beans, the dark cocoa, it's all there. Throw in some hops for good measure, and you've got yourself a beer worthy of its namesake. The roasted coffee/cocoa notes and aftertaste leave you wanting more. It's a good brew, one you want to save two or more of for a long while (think six months to two years), or drink a cold, chilly night alone or with that someone. Don't fear this monster, embrace it. Food pairings: Chocolate cake, oysters (shucked), or oyster soup.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
In The Beginning (Oh my god so creepy)
After many years of prodding and poking, looking and waiting, a coworker and friend of mine (the lovely Christina Fleming, check out her blog) told me to just go for it. You know what? I DID!!! I am finally over my fears and am going to give you all, the most honest, straightforward, strange and curiously intellectual blog ever made. My neurosis are finally working with me. This will serve as an extension of my Facebook profile. There, it will be simple and to the point, for all of those who like such. Here, on this blog, it will be a little more complex, with beer reviews, essays on my favorite artists and musicians, political ramblings, my views on love/sex/relationships, sports, and the allsorts of everything that make me what I am. After all, You Are What You Is.
P.S. Joanne Andrea Osorio, you sweet, beautiful, and naive little woman you, thank you for inspiring the title. No, I am NOT creepy, just my chuckle became a retort for her to call me such. Thank you.
P.S. Joanne Andrea Osorio, you sweet, beautiful, and naive little woman you, thank you for inspiring the title. No, I am NOT creepy, just my chuckle became a retort for her to call me such. Thank you.
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