Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Nero's Apecchio Red Ale

   
     "Imported Italian Craft Ale".  This beer was pretty cheap; worth the price just for the bottle. Huge pop when opened.  About of finger worth of fizzy head drained quick over a hazy orange color.  Very sweet caramel aroma.  Tons of crystal malt shining through.  Getting a bit of toast and pleasant esters as well.  Slightly herbal. 
   Hits the tongue a little dry.  Some sharp toffee sneaks in and is washed away with some berry esters.  Finishes slightly bitter and with a decent bit of hop flavor, mostly spice. Quite lively.  A subtle caramel sweetness linger for a bit.  Body a bit on the lighter side though masked with a strong carbonation.
     This beer really didn't have very strong reviews when I was looked it up.  It's nothing stellar, but it's far from a bad beer. 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Widmer Brothers Brewing W '12 Dark Saison

    
     Always pretty exciting to see the new Brewmasters' Release from Widmer.  I've been impressed most years, but I really do miss the Black IPA from 2010; the re-release isn't quite the same.  Anyway, looks like they're going for something quite different this year with a Dark Saison.  It pours a clear burgundy color with very little head.  Getting lots of ripe fruit esters in the aroma.  Picking up some raspberry and maybe a little banana.  Strong malt; getting some dark crystal character/raisin.  Aroma is coated by a light blanket of alcohol and flowers.
     Hits the tongue ever-so-slightly sweet and quickly evolves to some strong fruit.  Finished off with a strong spice, almost-wood character.  Not too bitter but a little tart.  Berries and raisin linger in the mouth for a bit.  Light body.  Medium carbonation.
      Definitely a fine brew within the constraints of the style.  Have to give Widmer a hand for really going out there this year for something a bit different.  Not really my go-to type of beer, though.