Palma Louca?($8.29 at Uncle Tom's) I crossed borders for this week's beer review, stopping first in the wonderful country of Brazil. Brewed by Cervejeria Kaiser, this pilsner definitely did not follow the same full-bodied mold of American beers.
Gritty's Vacationland?($7.49 for a six-pack at Hannaford) This week provides the first glimpse of summer as the seasonal brews find their way to the shelves of beverage outlets everywhere. My first experience with this seasonal ale was last summer at a barbecue with some neighborhood friends?a terrific context in which to try a beer called "Vacationland."
Hennepin?($8.29 for a four-pack at Warmings) One of the resident music professors on campus highly recommended this brewing company from Cooperstown, New York, touting its brews as being like none other. So, I picked up a few bottles of this Farmhouse Saison type beer and gave it a rip. Wow, he wasn't kidding.
Gritty's Pub Ale?($6.89 for a six pack at Hannaford) It seemed time for me to say hello to one of my old favorites, Gritty McDuff. Known for his robust taste profiles and witty labeling, Mr. McDuff gave a true clinic in how to make a pale ale with this brew.
Sam Adams White Ale - ($7.99 for a six-pack at Hannaford). As the beautiful month of April unfolds in this great state, I sit and ponder two of my biggest life questions: when will the spring ales begin to be brewed and, more importantly, why are there three inches of snow on the ground? Luckily, Sam Adams beat most other breweries to the punch, delivering its seasonal drink in the form of a Witbier, a Belgian style white ale.
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA?($7.99 for a six-pack at Warming's) This beer was recommended to me by numerous sources, many of whom touted bodies nearly as impressive as that of this Delaware-based IPA. Though I do not usually go for IPAs, I decided that the hype was enough to push me toward a purchase.
J.W. Dundee's Original Honey Brown ($6.49 for a six-pack at Hannaford) This beer is one of the standards in the endless racks of beer in Northeastern supermarkets, joining the ranks of Rolling Rock and Pete's Wicked Ale.
Knuckleball?($8.29 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's) This interesting looking beer caught my attention from the start. Classified as a Bock beer, Knuckleball is brewed in Portland by the Stone Coast Brewing Company and delivers a powerful punch as most bock beers do. The smell of this dark brew is malty and thick. This implied a heavier-than-average beer.
Harp Lager?($8.49 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford) The Guinness Brewing Company has created quite a beverage with this imported lager, combining pub-style beer with subtle sophistication. When opened, Harp slowly releases a dark and full-bodied smell much like other high end beers, a true sign that the flavor is ensconced in the heart of the beer, not just the spices.
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat ?($7.49 at Warming's) Over the past five weeks, I attempted to do extensive research for this semester's column, sampling dozens of beers and vainly trying to remember what they tasted like the night before. Unfortunately, most of these beers were falsely classified as "Natural," "Best," or "Ice," leaving my palate feeling as awful as my headaches. Luckily, I was turned on to Sam Adams's fruity Cherry Wheat, an ale that packs in enough sweetness to rival a mild Smirnoff Ice or a strong summer lager.
Smithwick's ($8.29 for a six-pack) This beer was recommended by Bowdoin alum Dave Barker '76 who knows a good beer when he sees one. Referred to by native Irishmen as "Smidick's," this Irish Red Ale was introduced to the United States on St. Patrick's Day by the Guinness Brewing Company.
Buzzard's Bay Golden Ale?($7.99 for a six-pack, available at select Massachusetts retailers) Widely renowned as one of Cape Cod's best brewing companies, Buzzard's Bay does not disappoint with this American Blonde Ale, delivering a beer that tastes like it is half lager, half pale. It exudes a bright golden color, offering insight into the mysterious title: "Golden Ale."
Belfast Bay Lobster Ale ($7.99 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's) This Maine classic is the first American red ale I have reviewed so far this year. Presenting itself with a catchy, cliché Maine label, this Lobster Ale looks as though it were bottled right on the lobster boat, with a tasteful blend of the industry's characteristic reds and whites.
Sam Adams Cranberry Lambic?(available as part of a Sam Adams Winter Sampler 12-pack for $12.49 at Hannaford) This past week I treated myself to Sam Adams's annual sampler, which boasts six different styles of tasty beer. Intrigued by its name, I started with the Cranberry Lambic (classified as a Dutch Lambic beer).
Ah, yes, 'tis the season for the beloved winter ales. Though I'm not a huge fan of the strong taste that characterizes most Sam Adams brews, I had heard good things about their winter lager and decided to give it a try.
Blue Moon ($5.79 for a six-pack at Uncle Tom's) This past weekend I was lucky enough to score a few bottles of this delightful Colorado-based brew while hanging out with some cool dudes.
Old East India Pale Ale ($5.99 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford) This IPA is a standard on the tab at the Sea Dog Brewery and delivers a great taste that only Sea Dog could. Because it is 6.2 percent alcohol by volume, I happily purchased this beer the other night down at the bar, curious to see how smooth this IPA would taste in relation to others I had sampled in the previous hours. The first thing that struck me about this beer was that it was noticeably darker than any of the other beers on tap and seemed to weigh more, although I am told that is untrue.
Pacifico ($6.99 for a six-pack) Though brewed in Mexico, this beer is classified as an American-style Lager like PBR or Bud. The taste, however, is not nearly as bitter as its associates. Rather, it is sweet and almost fruity. Imagine what Corona would taste like if it were a dark, brown beer?funky enough to drink during Spring Break on the beach, but heavy enough for a night indoors and without the feeling that you're taking down liquid candy. Pacifico's composition goes wonderfully with Mexican food because it quells overstimulating spices.
Geary's Autumn Ale?($7.49 for a six-pack, available at Dead River) As the autumn weather shuffles in, beer drinkers everywhere eagerly await whatever fabulous seasonal brews this fall will bring. Luckily, Maine-based Geary's Brewing Company stepped up with its caramel-colored brown ale, the dark horse of all seasonals: the Autumn Ale.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale ($6.49 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford) My first experience with this pale ale was just a few months ago on a cool, crisp summer night in northern California (where it is brewed). Widely regarded as a great casual beer, Sierra Nevada did not disappoint?its light texture and subtle flavorings were a delight, delivering a memorable drinking experience from first sip to last gulp. Unlike other high-end beers, it is not a chore to drink an entire six pack of Sierra Nevada.
Sea Dog Blue Paw Wheat Ale?($6.99 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford) This fine brew has become a Maine favorite over recent years, integrating the taste of wild Maine blueberries with a smooth, wheat ale body.
Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale ($7.49 for a six-pack, available at Hannaford) This autumn favorite has become a staple in the fridge of all beer lovers in recent years. Bringing with it Shipyard's patented glossy taste, this brew is best known for it's "pumpkin pie" effect, essentially liquefying the heavenly dessert with some sugar and a little spice.
