So, as the days grow shorter and the temperature lowers, the mind wishes for something a little stronger and sweeter then the normal ales we chose. Most commercial craft brewers chose to brew and release a beer that suits this desire. This week I am choosing to taste two new releases that I picked up this weekend at Argonaut Liquors. First is the Frambozen from New Belgium Brewer in Fort Collins, Colorado; second is the release from Anchor Brewing in San Francisco, California called Our Special Ale. So with no further ado here we go:
The pour is a clear brown/burgundy color with a redish/cream head that diminishes rather quickly.
The nose has a sweet and tart smell with almost no backing maltiness. This smell reminds me of a maraschino cherry odor. This I find odd, considering it is a brown ale with raspberries.
First taste is purely raspberry; there is definitely no mistaking that addition to the ale. A tartness gives the ale an almost sour beer characteristic which I found that enjoyable and cleansing. This might be the allure of the sour ales that are starting to flood the market recently.
The brown ale definitely taken a second fiddle to the raspberry presence. I did not expect the malt to be so subdued to this fruit. It is not labeled as a Lambic which I am reminded of. One thought I have is that New Belgium brewery found a way to put a Lambic style ale out without the time and expense it normally take.
As the Frambozen warms I keep expecting the malt to come forward. Still no sign, but more presence then real cold. I recomend letting it warm a little out of the fridge.
I do believe that this is a great holiday ale and will be a great dessert drink to match with chocolate desserts especially chocolate cake spiked with Reese's peanut butter cups.
All good for now. Blog you later.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
1 year and counting
It has been just over one year since I brewed my first Amber Ale out of John Palmers "How to Brew". What started out as a freind moving overseas and leaving me with his starter kit has morphed into two keggles (large brew kettles), a fermentation fridge, draft system and mash tun for all grain brewing.
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