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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)