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Monthly Archives: April 2012
Great Divide Hoss Rye Lager
The rye style is one that’s been growing on me recently, so I’m excited to try Great Divide’s lager version, Hoss.
Pours a crisp, transparent amber, as expected. Floral and fruity hops come through most in the aroma. Loads of roasted, sweet malt are noticed first, followed by dark fruit,, spicy rye, and a very late bitter kick from the hops. As it warms, the flavors, especially the rye, become more pronounced. It’s rather fruitier than I anticipated, but it works.
Rye isn’t the foremost flavor here, but it’s there. Overall, it’s well balanced and tasty. Little higher ABV than you might expect from a lager with 6.2%. Definitely worth a try
Grade: B
Harpoon Cider
Harpoon Cider
Poured in a similar glass, you’d have trouble telling the difference between this and a white wine. The smell, however, is pure apple juice.
Carbonation is evident from the first sip, a refreshingly bubbliness. Starts sweet, but is countered by a very tart finish. Definitely has some apple flavor, but I’m not really blown away by it.
Kind of a middle of the road cider, but not bad.
Grade: C
Dogfish Head Immort Ale
Dogfish Head Immort Ale
As expected from Dogfish Head, Immort Ale is a style all its own. Maple syrup, smoked barley, juniper, and vanilla are all added to the brew before it’s aged in oak barrels.
Nice dark brown color here, even without much head. The aroma is very strong with cooked sugar, raisins, and a lot of alcohol. The flavor is, of course, unique. The maple syrup really does come through along with the vanilla. There is no attempt to mask the alcohol here. You know you’re drinking a beer that clocks in at 11% ABV. The flavors tend to mellow out and blend more as it warms. Lots of bourbon character noticeable, too.
Complex, boozy, very tasty, and above all, unique. What else would you expect from Dogfish Head?
Grade: A