I suppose I should explain what might appear to some to be a fixation with abv. My view is that it is always good to be able to make an informed choice. I can recalling going back for seconds and beyond and experiencing a stronger reaction than expected, only to learn later that this was an unusually strong beer I was enjoying.
I started on this line of thinking quite some time ago when my wife's uncle brought a beer labelled "strong ale" from England for me. It was the sort that made you nod your head and give a tiny fist pump but when I looked back at the tin it was a mere 3.2%. My philosophy is to brew your very best beer and let the alcohol land wherever it does. I just like to know if I need to trim back my consumption or not.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
January 27, 2013
24/672) Home: Kitsilano Maple Cream Ale by Granville Island Brewing of British Columbia: *1/2; brewed with maple syrup; as much malt as syrup to the nose; it's more present (with the malt) in taste and especially in the finish; another one from the Winter Mingler pack;
January 26, 2013
22/670) Home: Lion's Winter Ale by Granville Island Brewing of British Columbia: **; this one is all about the vanilla: it is prominent in the nose and there are grainy vanilla notes; from the Winter Mingler mixed pack; I find in general that I am more inclined to favour sweeter flavours in the cold weather - even when it comes to the gels I consume during distance runs: in the cold they tend to be chocolate or vanilla flavoured while in the warm weather I go for fruit flavoured gels.
23/671) Fionn MacCool's, Brampton: The Hop Mason by Alexander Keith's of Nova Scotia: **; from Alexander Keith's Hop Series; 50 ibu; hoppy nose; hop forward bitterness;
It is an irritant to many IPA fanciers how ordinary Alexander Keith's IPA is so this is indeed a pleasant surprise. It is also a nice surprise to witness a beer list like Fionn MacCool's in Brampton. No doubt it would not excite me if I was in Toronto but it is a treat not to have to travel to be able to order decent IPAs. There is even an ever-changing tap devoted to Unibroue. Better still, it is within cycling distance. Heck, I have even walked home from there.
Monday, 24 June 2013
January 25, 2013
21/669) Tiger Tripel by Nøgne Ø of Norway; 1/2; 9% abv; there is a hint of peaty smoke to nose; smoky finish, almost bitter gingeriness but it's all drowned out by the most off-putting smokiness I have yet to encounter; it's like drinking an ashtray - in some circles smoked beers are appreciated so if it's your thing don't let me put you off but it was one of my worst beer experiences in a long time;
January 24, 2013
20/668) Porter by Nøgne Ø of Norway: **1/2; 7%abv; nose is roast, coffee; notes of coffee, hint of sweet chocolate; a very fine porter;
January 23, 2013
19/667) #100 by Nøgne Ø of Norway: **; brewed to mark their 100th batch - success demanded it become regular offering; 10%BV; earthy hoppy nose with a bitter hop bite, and a sweeter dried fruit, malty finish;
January 22, 2013
18/666) Underlig Jul by Nøgne Ø of Norway: **1/2; a 6.5% spiced strong beer; brewed with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, coriander, cardamom; very spicy nose, ginger is particularly prominent; it's a very Christmassy, wintery brew; all of the spices come into play and it just makes you feel warm all over; perfect on a cold night, after skating;
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