Archive for September, 2009
Trader Joe’s Hofbrau Bock
by Paul Arthur on Sep.07, 2009, under beer, bock, lager
Background: Probably contract brewed by Gordon Biersch, this Trader Joe’s exclusive is brewed with imported malt and Hallertau hops.
Nose: Subdued grain, sweet golden syrup, and not much else.
Taste: Slight hints of spicy noble hops. Alcohol is on the evident side, with a hearty body. Pale malt with a bit of biscuit character.
Overall: Meh. Slightly candyish, and in all the flavour fails to impress.
Arbor Brewing Strawberry Blonde
by Paul Arthur on Sep.05, 2009, under ale, beer, belgian ale, belgian blonde, fruit beer
Background: Belgian-style blonde with strawberries.
Nose: Boozy strawberries with a hint of spicy phenols.
Taste: Fresh, floral strawberry high notes, smooth fruity body, cedar and herb influences.
Overall: Very nice indeed. Well balanced, full-throated fruit flavour that manages not to be overpowering.
Whitsun Ale
by Paul Arthur on Sep.03, 2009, under ale, beer, wheat beer
Background: This unfiltered wheat beer brewed with local honey, coriander, and orange zest is a seasonal offering from Arcadia in Battle Creek. Comes in at a nice light 17 IBUs and is only slightly hefty in the alcohol department at 6.2% ABV.
Nose: Light and grassy, with floral overtones and a bit of earthy herbal influence.
Taste: Malty and spicy. Herbal coriander and oily citrus balance a lightly bready and slightly sweet wheat backbone.
Overall: Easy-drinking and refreshing, just what I look for in a summer seasonal.
