Entries Tagged 'Beer Tastings' ↓

OK, this
is a first: Sam Adams White Ale is so bad I couldn't finish my standard
two bottles I drink for tastings. How bad is it? Well, I think Alan at A Good Beer Blog was half right when he said: “Sam Adams White Beer is not so bad that it is foul – it is bad because it barely resembles a witte.”

To me, it was foul like I got hold of a bad brew. I think I've ruled
that out since this is the second time I've had this beer in about
three months and it was foul both times. Also, as Alan noted, this
doesn't have the fruity, spicy characteristics of a white ale, or witbier.

I had high hopes for this beer since I like just about every other Sam
Adams beer (you can keep the Cherry Wheat, thankyouverymuch). My
advice: don't waste your money.

Like my last tasting, this one was inspired by a previous post
and a trip to my local ABC (it doesn't have the best selection, but it
is close to home). This time, I pulled a six pack of Grolsch Blonde. I
couldn't find out for certain, but this looks like either an update to,
or the same as, the Grolsch Summer Blonde that was out a couple years
ago.

Vital Stats
Price: $6.99/sixer
Bottle size: 12 oz.
Type: Lager
Alcohol content: 5% (could be 4.7%)
Produced by: Grolsch
Imported from: Holland
Web site: http://www.grolsch.com/

My Thoughts
Wow, this is light! A very small hint of lager taste (no skunk!) and a
bit lemony, the Blonde goes down easy but without much to tempt the
pallete. This isn't a bad beer, but there is nothing to it that makes
me notice I'm drinking a beer. However, it may be nice and refreshing
on a hot, summer day.

Aftertaste
You would like this if you like light lagers or the (lack of) flavor of
the new low-carb beers.  I wouldn't recommend pairing this with
food since just about anything you eat will overpower the slight flavor.

Inspired by the Phillippe Starke Kronenbourg design,
I decided to preempt my tasting of Left Hand's Imperial Stout.
Kronenbourg 1664 is a French beer which is lightly hoppy and very
smooth.  France is one of those countries that doesn't typically
come to mind when you think “what European countries make good beer?”
but the 1664 will make you think twice.

Vital Stats
Price: $6.99/sixer (on sale for $5.49 at my local ABC)
Bottle size: 12 oz.
Type: Lager
Alcohol content: 5.2%
Produced by: Kronenbourg Brasserie
Imported from: France
Web site: http://www.k1664.com/

My Thoughts
The initial aroma of the 1664 reminded me a bit of Heineken so I was
surprised when I took my first sip and it was very mellow and didn't
taste like ass. The taste was so light I had to take a few sips to
really get a feel for it. As I drank the rest of the bottle, the flavor
and aftertaste were still as good as my first few sips. Even a little
warmer than fridge temperature, this lager didn't give in to tasting
like ass. I was pleasantly suprised by the 1664 and I'll definitely be
buying it again.

Aftertaste
You would like this if you like lagers without the bitter taste or
belgian ales. My food of choice to have with this would be just about
anything since the flavor isn't overpowering but would be suited toward
lighter foods.