Merry Beermas

It truly is the most wonderful time for a beer. It only comes a couple months each year, but for those few months, the beer is warming and full of cheer. So without further ado, here’s a review of a few of this year’s festive brews.

Mikkeller Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas

This Denmarkian IPA is the beer equivalent to saddling up the old four wheel sleigh and heading off to find the Griswold Family Christmas tree. Seriously, HLC tastes just like someone tapped an evergreen and served up a nice cold glass of piney deliciousness. This extreme hop taste isn’t as bitter as one comes to expect from such an intense tasting IPA, quite the opposite, actually.

Brewed with ginger, this Christmas ale delivers a strong taste but finishes smoothly. Quite possibly one of the most well balanced IPA’s I’ve had the pleasure of tasting. One warning though, be careful when pouring this beer. The head that comes on top this beer is like a snow storm in your pint glass.

Mikkeller Hoppy Lovin’ Christmas comes in at 8 mugs out 10.

 

Boulevard Nutcracker Ale

My biggest regret from last year’s holiday season was my general neglect for Holiday beers. I drank a decent amount but failed to broaden my horizons past 3 or 4 brews. I missed out on Boulevard’s winter ale because of this, a choice I am now regretting. This beer embodies what I like to see in a Christmas brew, a very full flavor.

You really have to pay close attention while you’re drinking to fully appreciate all the different tastes. I definitely picked out caramel, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, and possibly even clove. I instantly full in love with this winter warmer and will probably make it a mainstay in my holiday future. Another great brew from this Kansas City brewery!

Boulevard Nutcracker Ale comes in at 8.5 mugs out of 10.

 

Skyfall Review

BREAKING NEWS: Heineken’s promotional agreement with EON Productions did not ruin Skyfall. Sit back and exhale, the hallowed martini has been retained and honored in the studios latest entry to the Bond Phenomenon.

 

All kidding aside, Skyfall has officially hit the American markets and I would not be surprised if the film continues the box office success that it has seen internationally. Call it a reconciliation; the underlying theme throughout the film served not only the plot line, but as a prelude of things to come as Bond enters his next 50 years on the silver screen.

This post will include spoilers, but as my gift to you, if you wish to remain in the bubble as you await thinning crowd lines, stop here. If not, don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Part of the Action

Within seconds of the gun barrel fading way to our first location in Turkey, you can already tell you are in for a ride drastically different then the first two Craig films. The camera speed has slowed down providing a much more deliberate way to view our favorite international super spy. That’s not to say the intensity has been slowed, we are just given a much different interpretation, more realistic and in your face.

The film opens with Bond stalking through the halls of a dimly lit building toting his Walther. He’s inching along as if actually concerned with what is lurking behind the corners. Had this have been the opening scene of Casino Royale, 007 would have thrown caution to the wind and barreled through each hallway guns blazing. It’s really more of Bond’s maturity from hitman to true espionage.

He finds his way into a room with multiple dead bodies and a no-named fellow operative left to die in front of a smashed up lap top, hard drive missing. They don’t go into what’s on the hard drive, just that it’s very important to get it back. This leads way to the quintessential car chase, a range rover following what I believe was an Aston through third world streets isn’t quite conspicuous, and it is anything but graceful.

Flying around tightly packed corners, taking out street vendors, and smashing up the side of the Bond’s Rover again adds to the realism. It’s not just a high speed chase where cars are totaled; you witness the damage as it is happening. It’s one of the best things this film does, and in my humble opinion, the reason why director Sam Mendes slowed the camera down. This new perspective gave me the feeling as if I was part of the action, an unseen Robin to James’s Batman.

Now I will save the rest of the plotline for your viewing pleasure, but the opening scenes of this movie perfectly illustrates why Skyfall could go down as one of the franchises top viewer experiences. As just mentioned, you’re not simply watching a story; you’re along for the ride. When Silva, masterfully crafted by Javier Bardem, is either seducing 007 or just really really pushing his boundaries, you too feel somewhat out of your element as you are right on top of the action. It’s one aspect that Skyfall far surpassed both Casino and Quantum (or any of the other 20 films for that matter).

An Homage to the Past

Another aspect I truly loved about this film was how they paid tribute to the films that came before it. On multiple occasions, Skyfall tipped its hat to iconic parts of the films history. It’s as if they wanted to not only tell a story but salute the last 50 years as well.

You get a small nod to Brosnan driving through the streets of St. Petersburg in a Russian tank when we discover that Bond is completely capable of using a Catepillar Excavator in hot pursuit. A couple of Komodo Dragons pay tribute to Roger Moore being left to fend for himself on Crocodile Island in Live and Let Die. And, in case you were wondering, 007 did use one of the dragons as a launching pad. We even get to see Goldfinger’s fully loaded Aston Martin DB5 pulled out of retirement.

But the most important tip of the hat comes at the very end of the film. After an exhilarating 2 plus hour romp that takes you from Istanbul, to Hong Kong, to London, and Scotland, we are taken back in time to the classic wooden paneled office of M seen in every one of the Connery films. Although Craig wasn’t wearing a derby, the famed coat rack in which he so accurately tossed his hat on while wooing Moneypenny was there as well as her desk and intercom. This brings us to the most intriguing part of the film…

The Gangs Back Together

You couldn’t possibly expect to be whisked back to M’s office without Moneypenny being there, could you? That’s right, after a two film absence, and speculation of a Mr. Moneypenny after Casino Royale, everyone’s favorite administrative assistant has returned; along with Q and a new M. And rather than just reintroduce them out of nowhere in the 24^th installment, we are actually given a back drop on these characters.

It came as no surprise that Q was coming back, the trailers did elude to it after all, but we were actually able to see Bond build a rapport with his quartermaster. Played by Ben Whisaw, this is not the loveable gadget master we came to love in Desmond Llewelyn. More based in reality than fantasy, Q is the thechie equivalent to Bond’s secret agent. An outspoken kid who is able to help fine tune Bond into an even more dangerous man of mystery, once 007 learns that Q branch is an extension of his talents that is.

The transition to a new M and the reemergence of Moneypenny came a little more organically. As soon as they announced Ralph Fiennes was joining the cast, I began to question why. Bardem had already been announced as the villain, so why would such a heavy hitter join the cast in a bit role?  The writing is definitely on the wall throughout the entire film. M has lost a step, let’s talk about a transition plan to your voluntary retirement, Fiennes’ character Mallory has a field background, M starts being referred to as Emma and then eventually gets shot, Mallory starts with M. If you don’t pick it up by that point, well, we’ll just leave it at that.

Moneypenny, however, was a bit more out of the shadows. She begins her portion of the film by nearly killing 007 and then precedes to build a bit of a sexual chemistry with Craig a la Samantha Bond and Pierce Brosnan. In hind sight, Bond’s quips about the field not being for everyone and her admonishment of Mallory should have queued me in to it; I just wasn’t anticipating her return. It all boils down to one final tantalizing scene where we are given a look ahead at the next evolution of the Bond franchise, a return to its roots.

It’s safe to say this film transitions the Bond we have come to know over the last decade into the more refined provocateur Bond identifies himself with during his word association in the film. Although part of me will miss the quick triggered assassin, I’m more than intrigued to watch Craig tread the line as a suave sophisticate with a license to kill.

Skyfall is no doubt one of my favorite films to date. It brought new life to a franchise that has seen just about every up and down one would expect from a series half a century old. I can’t stress enough how amazing Sam Mendes was for this film. Given enough views, at least 3 more times in theaters for me personally, Skyfall could easily become my all-time favorite.

And as Adele said in her theme song, “hold your breath and count to 10,” James Bond will be back again. The only question is, will it come soon enough?

What Beer is Your Bond?

Happy James Bond release week.

 

It's been a while since we last posted, but this weeks US release of Skyfall provides me with a unique opportunity to talk two of my favorite things in one post. One of the more intriguing story lines surrounding the newest chapter is the healthy donation made by Heineken to become 007's drink of choice.

 

As a beer lover, I think it's a fun addition. As someone who has actually taken 400 level classes on James Bond at an accredited university, I'm a little shocked at the producer's willingness to sell part of the super agents identity. Regardless of how much or, to be perfectly honest, how little impact this will actually have on the film, this scenario provides us a chance to identify what type of beer best describes each of the Bond's.

Sean Connery – Pale Ale

Who doesn’t love good pale ale? Whether you’re with the mates at the pub, or at home watching your favorite Connery film, good pale ale is just what the doctor ordered when you’re looking for a beer big on taste. 

This beer is strong and assertive to let you know you’re not messing around with a domesticated lager. At the same time, it’s not over-bearing and will charm your palate into a late night rendezvous, at least until the next call from MI-6 comes.

George Lazenby – Saison

Lazenby may have only appeared in one film, but his larger than life portrayal left no doubt which Bond was the ultimate lady’s man. Pent up in a Swedish hill top brothel disguised as an allergy research center, Lazenby made a whole generation of boys going through puberty dream of being Genealogists.

So what does that have to do with beer? Well, with such a zesty spice for life, these farm house ales made of a litany of spices perfectly embody Bond’s ulterior motives while visiting Blofeld’s Winter Wonderland Freak Palace.

Roger Moore – American Style Light Lager

This will be the most difficult one for me to stay objective on as I am not as big of a fan of Roger Moore. I am however a huge fan of his TV show The Saint as it prevented Moore from being the original Bond, a move that would have drastically altered the history of the franchise in my opinion.

What I can say for Moore, is that he is unquestionably the light-hearted fun 007 most memorable for his jokes, puns, creative gadgets, and taking Holly Goodhead around the world one more time. So what better beer would you use to describe this character than the good ole college favorite? When you were looking to get drunk, have fun, and have your own Goodknight, we all turned to the Millers, Buds, and Coors of the world.

Timothy Dalton – Stout

Similar to the actual transition from Roger Moore to Timothy Dalton, Stout is just about as drastic a change from Light Lager as you can get. When interviewed, Dalton stated that Moore’s portrayal had become nothing more than a living joke and a return to a much darker troubled hero was needed.

Aside from the literal change in color (light to dark), Stouts are just a much more potent beer to begin with. While it was Moore’s mission to stop the bad guy hell bent on taking over the world, Dalton’s story lines were much heavier and carried a more menacing tone, if you can look past Wayne Newton as an actual bad guy.

Pierce Brosnan – Lambic

Brosnan, like most lambics, is aimed at appeasing the broadest possible audience. While Connery can best be identified for his raw animal magnetism, Moore for his humorous portrayal, and Dalton for bringing a level of intensity only surpassed by Craig, Brosnan’s rendition stakes a claim to every identity 007 has put up on the silver screen.

An even balance of the charm, wit, and danger that came before him, Pierce took a piece from every one of his predecessors without laying claim to any one specific characteristic. He will never be a fan boy favorite, but you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who had a problem with him either.

Placing that train of thought on craft beer instead of Bond, a Lambic may not be your first choice when looking for a beer, but it’s still beer.    

Daniel Craig – India Pale Ale

With Skyfall’s promotional ties to Heineken, it’d be easy to say….

Most similar to the original namesake, Daniel Craig embodies the cold-hearted and suave sophisticate that Connery first brought to life in 1962. In the same token, he ratchets up 007’s intensity to levels which have never been seen before. Not afraid to get physical, Craig brings the grittiest portrayal of the international super spy the silver screen has seen in its 50 years.

Like the Pale Ale, the IPA brings a lot of the same qualities but punches you in the face with its extra hoppiness.

Box Bar and Grille & Mt. Pleasant Second Wind Wheat

Box Bar and Grille

Tucked away in the cozy little town of Plymouth, MI, just a little ways past Ann Arbor, is a nice little beer venue called Box Bar and Grille. More beer hall than bar, Box Bar is exactly what I picture a stereotypical German beer hall to look like.

The main bar area came with tables rooted in by wooden posts complete with trim, an employee counter that segregated the dining area from the bar, and the biggest collection of beer steins I’ve laid eyes on in one place.

If the lack of TV’s didn’t make a strong enough suggestion, the fact that Box had that night’s Tigers game projected on a plain white wall in a dingy green  glow proved that this was a bar intended for drinking beer.

The beer garden out front had a completely different feel to it. Box, which is located just across the street from the city square, is a perfect location for any type of live Music. As it happened the night I was there, there was a live concert just across the street which would have been a perfect way to enjoy a wonderful Michigan evening had the garden not been at capacity.

Fortunately for my taste buds, the standing room only availability outside forced me to nestle up to the bar where my attention was instantly caught by Box’s selection of bottled beers. Spanning the length of two walls, the bottled beer cooler easily had around 500 different brews to choose from. Equally as impressive were there two separate draught areas, boasting roughly 20 taps each.

The beer selection itself, made available to patrons in a 15 page binder, had several local, regional, and global choices.

The food seemed to be standard bar fare. My group, a larger one for sake of the conversation, allowed me to try a wide variety of tastes including Box’s hot wings, beef brisket, nachos, as well as Swedish and buffalo meat balls. My only regret, after seeing someone at the table next to me order it, was not giving their homemade pretzel a try. There wasn’t anything fancy about there food, but in no way was it a detriment to the venue at all.

Mount Pleasant Brewing Second Wind Wheat

Being a Craft Beer enthusiast, I couldn’t possibly visit a bar like Box without taking advantage of all the local beer selections made available to me. My first choice, being in a German-esque beer hall, had to be something Bavarian.

Second Wind Wheat, from Mount Pleasant Michigan, is as traditional as a Bavarian Wheat comes.  Extremely yeasty, this beer surpasses the sweet bready flavor I associate with Bavarians and comes off tasting like banana. Unfortunately, this was off putting for me as I am not a fan of bananas.

I pushed through however and was happy I did as the yeast gives way to a nice dose of clove. Perhaps my favorite thing about this beer is how the yeast dulls the palate just before the spice kicks in, enhancing the second half of the flavor.

As with most Bavarian wheat’s I’ve had, my taste buds adjusted to the sweetened initial flavor leaving my drinking experience a pleasant one. Although Second Wind Wheat might not be my first choice if I come across a sampling of Mt. Pleasant Brewing again, it did pique my interest as to what else this Michigan brewery might have to offer.

Mount Pleasant Brewing Second Wind Wheat comes in at 6 mugs out of 10.

Abita Andygator

When a long-time friend of the Brew Blog and best man at my wedding not only makes a beer suggestion but hand delivers the brew straight from the bayou, I am more than eager to run it through the strict taste testing found here at the CU Brewquarters.

After hearing for over a year and a half, how good Abita’s Andygator is, I finally came into a bomber of this southern specialty brew and it was one of the most interesting/difficult beers I’ve had the privilege of describing.

Upon opening the bottle, I was instantly greeted with a heavy smell of bread. This beer literally reminded me of what my parents’ house smelled like as a child whenever my mom would make homemade bread on special occasions.

Past that, not much was easily identifiable. My taste buds kept ranging back and forth somewhere between the high “maltitude” one expects while drinking a Mickey’s and the distinctly cloudy pale undertones of orangey citrus one gets that first time you tasted a Blue Moon.

For me personally, like most beers heavy on malt, it is an acquired taste. Seeing as a typical pull of Andygator trended towards a grainy taste that quickly cedes way to the malt, I found myself having to readjust every time a citrusy flash came through.

Abita Andygator comes in at 7 mugs out of 10.

Bohemia Obscura

When I think of Mexican beer I generally believe there are two categories that all brews fall under, light beer and even lighter beer.  Even a heavier style such as Negra Modelo, my go to cerveza, doesn’t quite pass my threshold of what I would consider to be a strong beer.

So after growing weary of Dos Equis less than half way through my honeymoon, I happened to open the bar menu and came across a brew I’ve never heard of let alone tried. At the RIU Palace Las Americas, the bartenders refer to it as Bohemia Dark, elsewhere though, it’s known as Bohemia Obscura.

Obscura was the closest thing in Cancun that resembled craft beer I was able to locate. This Vienna style lager definitely featured above average malt use for a Mexican beer, but the sweetness typically found with this style was absent.

I believe they were attempting something a little chocolaty with undertones of hazelnut; however, it tasted more like unsweetened baking chocolate mixed with club soda. Further damning its review was the fact that it was a little flat as well. I’d like to assume it was just the resort needing to refill the CO2 canisters, but the kegged Dos Equis tasted as it should.

As I do intend to visit Mexico several times in the future, I will keep an ever watchful eye on the lookout for a craft beer presence. I just might have to fine tune my beer brewing skills and try to revolutionize resort beer myself. Until that day, whenever I drink in Mexico, I’ll keep my beer drinking to the little cantinas out and about the city where there’s a greater variety to choose from.

Bohemia Obscura comes in at 3 out of 10 mugs.

Bell’s Brewery Oberon

It’s been an unusually warm winter season full of delicious IPA’s, Stouts, Porters and just about any other beer thick and hearty enough to help stave off a mild winter chill. But as winter turned to warmth and the local bars opened their beer gardens, I find myself ready for something lighter and far crisper.

And just when I began to grow a little weary of the heavy stuff, Bell’s up and released Oberon for the first time this year reigniting my summer love fest with all things wheat.  It pours a thick head and has a beautiful golden color. A definite sweetness washes over your tongue in the form of mixed fruit, balanced enough to avoid identifying any one particular taste.

If you have the option, I would definitely recommend the keg variety. I usually don’t believe that the taste difference between bottle/keg is that drastically different, but as good as Oberon is in a six pack, it’s even better from the tap.  It comes through lighter and cleaner and accentuates the fruit tastes to a point where you can begin to pick out the flavor, plum and orange I believe.

 I do recommend being a little careful as the Oberon draft pours like sweet delicious water.  My first taste of Oberon this year was a draft and without even noticing, my pint was empty less than 5 minutes after it was placed in front of me. Although not particularly strong, any beer that you’re pounding in a matter of minutes without trying can lead to a quick drunk. It is that good though.

This is a beer that screams for grilling brats.

Bell’s Oberon comes in at 8.5 mugs out of 10.

Lakefront Brewery Fuel Cafe

One thing I have learned from my journey through craft beer is that it truly is a craft, an art of drink if you will. As with most art, what is special to some may be less than spectacular for others. This is an important thing to take into consideration when tasting different brews.

Just because an individual does not care for a specific taste does not mean the beer was brewed poorly. The reason I bring up is because this is the exact scenario I find myself in regarding Lakefront Brewery's Fuel Cafe.

A coffee infused stout, Fuel Cafe has found an exceptional blend of java and brew. My problem lays with the fact that I truly dislike coffee. I can enjoy sweetened espresso drinks such as mocha's, but hand me a hot cup of joe or a cappuccino and I will politely decline.

I tried this beer with the understanding that most stouts have hints of espresso, a trend I can fully support. The coffee brewed into Fuel Cafe however, is its definitive quality. This Milwaukee brewer has found the perfect balance of beer and drip to the point it's hard to determine where the coffee ends and the beer begins.

Surprisingly docile in aroma, Fuel Cafe leaves no doubts to what tastes you are experiencing. I'd even venture to say that if you brought this beer to work in a mug, you may be able to sneak it past a boss or two as an acceptable workplace beverage.

Although I personally have trouble with the flavor, I can not fault the brewer for making a choice to brew a beer that goes against my palate. I also feel it necessary to state that if I did in fact like coffee, I would probably love this beer.

Lakefront Brewing Fuel Cafe comes in at 7.5 mugs out of 10.

Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale

In my personal opinion, the one style of beer that differs the most from brew to brew is saison. The unique ingredients that bring additional flavor to these beers greatly impact the flavor of the beer you’re enjoying.

Typically, these brews come with a lighter fruit taste and the Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale is no exception. However, the ginger and orange taste I was able to detect in this saison was merely the base on which this brew was built. The most notable taste in this Californian beer was Pepper.

Every drink was spicier than the last. The most remarkable side effect of this beer was how it affected the rest of your body. I found it made my cheeks and tongue sensitive while bringing a slight welling to my eyes. The taste also stuck around in the back of my throat.

Perhaps the one thing that stuck with me the most about this brew how was incredibly difficult it was to uncork the bottle. I actually had to work at it and use ample elbow grease to even get this beer into my glass.

The Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale comes in at 4.5 mugs out of 10.

Abita Christmas Ale

With Punxsutawney Phil deciding there will be 6 more weeks of winter, I feel it’s an opportune time to crank out a few Christmas reviews. If that lazy bastard can nurse off a hangover for another month and a half I should be able to enjoy a few more winter brews.

When the calendar flipped to November I quickly headed out to one of my local grocers that allows pick your sixes to pull my first lineup for the winter season. With a fond remembrance of Jockamo IPA and a constant vouching of all things Abita from one of my good friends, Abita’s Christmas Ale was an easy decision.

Like the previously mentioned Jockamo IPA, Christmas Ale was heavy on the hops. This brew however came across with a heavy dose of mint taste, like an IPA candy cane almost. It covers your palate with a cool minty chill as if you had just taken a shot of Rumple Minze.

Although this is a great aftertaste, the mint did overwhelm the beer itself. At first drink I truly enjoyed Christmas Ale, but as I continued the bottle it became more like taking a swig of beer right after brushing your teeth. I can see this as a great novelty beer when the holiday mood has got ahold of you, but I don’t think I could see myself drinking this on a regular basis.

Abita Christmas Ale comes in at a respectable 6.5 mugs out of 10

Coney Island Freaktoberfest

Come one come all you lager freaks and craft beer geeks. This Coney Island Craft Lager slogan has quite the ring to it. It rolls smoothly off the tongue, just about as smoothly as one of its stalwart beers rolls down your throat.

Coney Island Freaktoberfest, an incredibly smooth marzen from the Schmaltz Brewing Co., comes as close to mastering the one characteristic I most commonly associate with the style, sweetness, as any other marzen I can remember trying. The problem I find most often with Oktoberfest’s is that they become overly sweet. They lose their bite for the sake of that smooth delicious treat like flavor.

Freaktoberfest employs a generous amount of wheat malts that accompany its hoppy counterparts, rather than subdues their taste. The result is a dark lager flavor that gradually gives way to a delicious roasted caramel aftertaste. It’s also one of the few Oktoberfest’s I can remember drinking that intrigued my palate rather than just passing over it casually.

Perhaps the thing I liked most about this east coast brew is how it handled being out of the bottle. Usually, when drinking beer I prefer it to be cold, ice cold honestly. But as this beer stayed out of the fridge and continued to warm, its taste ignited. It gave me a new respect for trying certain styles as they may actually be intended. The longer Freaktoberfest had to settle, the more prominent its caramel taste became. Its crisp bite heightened as its finish smoothed out.

As someone not usually wowed by an Oktoberfest as anything other than a beer meant for being paired with heavier foods, I truly enjoyed this beer for what it was.

Coney Island Freaktoberfest comes in at 8 mugs out of 10.

Sam Adams Infinium

Back in college, before I had yet to discover discernible taste towards beer, if we wanted the taste of fine champagne without the hefty price tag, we’d pick up a case of High Life and a few orange flavored Mad Dog 20/20’s. Mix a half and half and enjoy.

Now I haven’t tried this in years, and I really don’t think I ever tired it sober, but as best my memory serves me, it’s the closest thing I’ve ever experienced to a Champagne/Beer, until Sam Adams released Infinium that is.

Brand new to the market this holiday season, and kudos to Sam Adams on the great timing marketing wise, Infinium is supposed to be a brand new style of beer. Taking the essentials; water, hops, malt, and yeast; and brewing them in the method used to make champagne. As a beer connoisseur, I was intrigued to give this beverage a try.

Initially I was impressed; it had a very sweet aroma that smelled almost exactly like a grapefruit. The rest of the experience immediately went downhill. I have never seen a beer carry so much head before, seriously, nothing even somewhat close.

I’m very good at pouring a beer to match just the perfect amount of head for my tastes, Infinium just would not cooperate. Seventy-five percent of the glass was a thick head that took forever to dissipate. It took at least 7 minutes to get from the initial pour to the first drink, and the reason I say at least 7 is because that’s how long it took after I started keeping count.

Once the head fell to drinkable levels, it didn’t even carry any taste, like drinking watery suds. The beer itself didn’t taste any better. The best way to describe it would be calling it a really bad pale wheat without any of the citrus taste that seemed to be awaiting me after I popped the cork. Extremely acidic, this beer was very difficult to drink and only got worse as it warmed.

As we all know, craft beer can be hit and miss, so I try not to judge someone’s craft too harshly, but at twenty dollars a bottle I feel like I can expect a lot more. That being said, the next time I feel the urge for beerpagne I’ll spend that 20 bucks at Wal-Mart and pick up some high life and mad dog. It may not taste as good as I remember but, at least if it sucks, I’ll still have some cheap wine and beer for the money I spent.

Sam Adams Infinium comes in at 1 mug out of 10.

New Glarus Apple Ale

Despite recently acquiring 11 different crafts from the New Glarus Brewery, 5 of which still have posts coming, I had intended on spacing out my reviews to avoid any kind of favoritism to one of the best Breweries I’ve enjoyed.  Apple Ale, however, has forced my hand as it is a limited seasonal brew and I would hate for anyone to miss out on an opportunity to enjoy this fine beverage.

Pouring almost champagne in color, Apple Ale makes use of fresh apples squeezed specifically for use with this beer from the apple capitol of Wisconsin. Combine that with New Glarus’ home grown barley, and you have a truly delicious brew that is as native as they come.

Within seconds of opening your bottle, you are greeted with the overwhelming aroma of an apple orchard.  Although New Glarus’ description says that Gays Mill uses a variety of their apple selection for the brew, I believe the majority of this particular batch had to have come from a tart apple.

After tasting the beer, I was even more certain of its tart origins as this brew tasted almost exactly like a sour apple laffy taffy. If I had to guess, I would say a nice balance of golden delicious and granny smith were employed.

Regardless, this beer offers both a sweet and sour taste for your enjoyment. It drinks light, finishes smooth and never loses an ounce of taste. Currently out of production, should you be lucky enough to find a four pack at your grocer or liquor store, do yourself a favor and stock up. I promise you, should I get there first, you won’t have the chance.

New Glarus Apple Ale comes in at 10 mugs out of 10.