Samuel Adams Summer Ale

Hello all! A month later I have found a new seasonal beer that deserves a mighty good review! Samuel Adams Summer Ale. Another nice seasonal beer from Samuel Adams that needs to be tried. It currently retails at $15.99 for a 6-pack or $2.70 per 5.5% abv bottle.

First thing is first, this is called the Summer Ale. Unfortunately, I think it would be better suited for Autumn. Why you ask? Well let me enlighten you! Though this is a beer that pours golden and you really can smell the aroma of lemon emanating from it, you also get a strong scent of spice and hops that almost overpowers. Once you take a drink, the lemon will be the first thing you notice is the lemon. It caresses your throat and makes you feel like a summer's eve, but then, then it begins to confuse you. You'll see the malts slowly taking over before being subjected to the taste of the spice and before you know it. . . Bam! Hops! Dryness! 

Don't sweat it, though. Even though it reminds me of the Noble Pils, it still feels more like summer. The lemon refreshes you and if you're at all a fan of a dryer, hoppier beer, I suggest giving it a try. If that's not your thing though, I feel ya. Take the "Summer" out of the beer's name and you still have a very solid ale. Go into it with an open mind, it might inspire you to go onto hoppier beers!

Cheers!

O'hara's Irish Stout

Hello beer brethren. Welcome back, it has been a long time again. Instead of focusing on another seasonal, I decided to go towards another Stout that I had actually never tried. It was highly recommended to me by a few customers, so I figured I'd give it a shot. It's a 4.3% abv stout that currently sells for $4.43 for a 500ml bottle.

What can we tell from O'Hara's Irish Stout? It pours very nicely, yet is clearly thinner than Guinness or Young's. It's still a very, very dark stout, with a little bit of an opaque, tan head. It has a lot of the burnt malt aroma and it really comes into full effect once you taste it. Definitely some mocha taste in there, but not that much. Just enough to say "Hey, coffee tomorrow morning would be a definitely good idea!"

Though it definitely is a little drier than most stouts, it still retains some creamy qualities to it. It's definitely a repeat buy, it's a good middle-of-the-road stout as well for people that haven't really gotten to Guinness yet. Cheers!

La Maudite

Hey peeps. It's been a little while in between and I'm terribly sorry about that (not really, but I figured it would be nice to say so.) Tonight, I give you a nice, nice beer from a microbrewery in Chambly, Quebec. It's La Maudite. A beautiful Belgian type Ale that clocks at 8% ABV and currently sells for $5.65 for a 750ml bottle or $14.24 for a six pack of 341ml bottles.

But really, what a beer! Memories of my youth in Montreal put this beer to shame. I remember my friends saying how bad this beer was and how it was just bought to give you a buzz because it was 8% ABV. . . those were the days before I understood what good beers were! You have to know that this is a beer on yeast. Therefore, there will be some yeast particles present. The usual pouring of half the beer, then a quick swill-around and pouring of the rest (leave a bit in the bottom and dump if you hate the particles that much). So no, it didn't go bad, it's how the beer is made.

It does smell yeasty, it has some spice notes to it as well and it pours a darker amber, almost wood-like and is fantastic just as such. But when you taste it, you'll crap bricks. Literal bricks. Fantastic! Fruit forward, by a lot, but then settles with a nice spicy kick still interspersed with some fruit, before settling to more spice and a slight hop taste. Very slight, so to people that hate hops, don't be afraid of it.

Very, very flavorful! You'd be hard-pressed to find a better brew from Unibroue! Give it a shot if you're into trying something different. If at first it scares you, you wouldn't be alone. I felt the same way years ago, but now. . . I can't believe I shied away from it for so long!

Cheers!

Samuel Adams Noble Pils

Once again, I figured a different type of beer should be used to announce the coming of spring. This time, let's look at the Samuel Adams Noble Pils. A pilsner beer that sells for $15.99 for a six-pack -- and you will want to buy a six-pack of this beer.

From the get-go, it is made out to be hoppy. You can smell the hops as soon as you poor it, so anyone that enjoys hops should give it a try just for the dryness that it brings, but what is very interesting once you taste it, is the beautiful citrus taste, mostly on the lime side, that clenches your throat like a fiery fist of delight, encompassed with a savory mess of summer beauty.

Seriously, though, this beer pours beautifully, has a extremely nice, crisp, fresh taste and the hops and bitterness, though prevalent in, moreso, of the floral variety just adds to the character of the beer. It's a definite must-try. . . and if you want to really compare two good spring/summer beers, try it and also check out the Mill Street Lemon Tea one I mentioned previously. They are definitely worth it to get you geared up for the summer. 

Cheers!

Mill Street Lemon Tea Beer

Hello, hello. With the recent arrival of spring, I figured this review should focus on a new arrival at NB Liquor this year; Mill Street Brewery's Lemon Tea beer. It currently sells for $3.49 for the 473ml can. At 5% ABV, it's a very light, incredibly smooth tasting "summer" beer.

This is a flavored wheat beer. So imagine a little bit of citrus taste already married perfectly in the beer and to that, add heaps of tea added in during cold-fermentation to leave you surprised at just how perfectly the two can play together. It's like. . . perfection for a summer beer. The tea and the lemon do not overpower the beer, but instead gives a nice dryer, bitter taste.

Seriously, every time you take a sip, you're left wanting another sip and at 5% ABV, you won't feel guilty having a few after work, or on the beach, or just because they're so tasty. Give this one a shot, it'll surprise your taste buds and you just may have to go back and buy a few more. Cheers!

Greene King IPA

Welcome, welcome. Today I figured I'd go and explore another English Ale. Greene King IPA. It's only 5% abv, which is unusually low, but it still has a very undeniably complex taste. Currently sells for $4.17 for a 500ml bottle.

This beer probably has the nicest hue of any beer I have ever poured.A deep amber, almost stained-wood like color just makes it look so appealing. When poured, you can really see a nice head form with the carbonation lasting very well. 

The taste is fantastic, you're not going to be overwhelmed by this IPA. There is definitely something coy about this beer; it is very complex for the people that do enjoy this kind of beer anyway, even though it is a little underwhelming, but it also offers a nice introduction to the people that want to try something new; to people that want to venture into English beers and IPAs. 

Give this one a try, it is definitely worth a shot. There's a chance you might not like it if you're not into hops, but this beer is so smooth, so satisfying and so drinkable. Go on, adventure, try something new, maybe you'll find something new to try. Alright, drink it now. It's good isn't it? Told you! Now try the others I listed, I know you want to. . . 

Cheers!

Picaroon's Maple Cream

Hello one and all. I am terribly sorry for the delay on the updates, but I decided to be nice and give you a nice seasonal update from the terrific local brewery of Picaroons with their Maple Cream. It is a unique beer that serves up at 5% abv and sells for $3.60 for a 500ml bottle.

This is an amazingly different brew, for those of you that have never tried it before, you can expect the unexpected. This is not the same type of "maple" taste that you see in the hints that are present in the Rickard's Dark; the maple in this offering is prevalent. It is a thicker beer that leaves a beautiful opaque head, smells like fresh maple syrup and goes down incredibly soft and smooth.

Though you may enjoy this beer, it is better enjoyed in moderation. It is still a thicker, fuller beer and one is often enough. It does present itself very well and as far as finding seasonal gems, this is definitely one to seek out. You will enjoy it if you keep your mind open to a different concept.

Cheers!

Fullers ESB

Hello hello, beer lovers. Patrick again, I thought I should use this opportunity to review a beer myself. So I chose this gem from Fuller's. It's Extra Special Bitter is undeniably interesting. It currently retails at $3.99 for a 500ml bottle. With a %5.9 abv, it does not taste as such at all.

It pours a really nice golden amber hue with a nice head that sticks just long enough to remind you why you purchased this beer. It'll smell like your nose fell in love all over again. And you will like it. The first thing you notice is a faint honey oil followed by vanilla a just the right amount of hops.

But then, then is when your world comes tumbling down. Then your tastebuds appreciate the bitter hops, the honey, the vanilla, the right amount of malts just to pound you in the face with sensory goodness. This is a beer that I was reluctant to try for years. . . I suck. If you enjoy English  Bitters, this one is a must. One of the nicest Bitters I have ever had. Very easy to drink, very easy to enjoy.

Cheers!

Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale

First off, I'd like to wish a Happy New Year to everyone. Hope that 2011 brings good health, good times and good beers! Secondly, I figured I should probably review the first beer that geared me towards seeing beer, crafts, imports. . . as something unbelievable. I bring you Kilkenny's Irish Cream Ale. It is currently only available in 440ml cans for $3.29.

I first had this beer when I turned 18 at the Peel Pub in Montreal. A friend of mine had recommended I try it and I immediately fell in love with this one. It pours with a very high carbonation (Nitro caaaaaaaaaan!) which is always a novelty in it's own. Once the beer settles, it's with a deep amber with an unbelievable head that seems to last forever. Unfortunately, the aroma lacks depth. You can smell the cream, but not much else. When it comes to the taste, it is so smooth. Soooo smooth. At a mere %4.3 ABV, it is incredibly easy drinking with a little bit of caramel taste on the start. Finishes dry, but it is so creamy and smooth. It's a really nice beer that can easily be enjoyed on it's own. For people looking to start appreciating and trying different beers, this is a great place to start at a reasonable price. Give it a shot, I dare you.

Cheers!

Rickard's Dark

Good day! Today, we shall look into Rickard's Dark, not your typical dark beer. Currently, it is available in either the 12 pack of bottles for $22.49 or in the 473ml Can for $2.99.

This is not your typical dark beer. It's %4.8 ABV and really light in taste. The color itself is rather light for a Dark beer too. You will notice that the serving type of the bottle and the can can differ strongly. It's even a more stark comparison when you delve into the beauty of the "tap".


From the get-go, you smell maple. Is it a mistake? Are you sure this sort of sweet smell can coexist in a dark beer? But wait, what about the taste? Is it too much? SO MANY QUESTIONS!! But yes, this beer will come off with a stronger maple sweet smell that you may think is too much, but after a first sip, you will find that it is only a tad of a taste of the maple-y goodness. Now, this is definitely more of an "any-man" type of dark beer, it does not disappoint.

Even if you cannot find it on tap, pick it up in bottles. It is definitely a solid first-time dark beer.
Cheers!

Innis and Gunn Highland Cask

Yes, another Innis and Gunn is to be reviewed today and be happy about it. This one is a fantastic beer available in limited quantities. It currently sells for $4.99 per bottle.

Innis and Gunn tries to impress us a little more for every new beer they bring out and this one does not disappoint. At all! Aged for 49 days in rare 21 year old SINGLE MALT barrels, it packs a %7.1 abv hit that you would not believe.

At first hint, the smell catches you... very much on the vanilla and some floral notes. As with many of the I&G offerings, you can definitely sense the caramel as well... Oh, and Oak too, cause you know, it's predominant. On the pour, you'll see a nice copper hue, with a very light head that does not last very long. Now on the first taste, your tastebuds will explode. You will not know what to think. What is this? Is this real life? Is this fantasy? It is so creamy, the oak taste just lingers a little bit on the finish, but it is so satisfying. The vanilla is predominant, as you will still find some floral taste, as well as the usual suspects (caramelized malts, butterscotch, sweet, sweet nectar of the gods).

Enjoy this one before it disappears. Even though I like all of the I&Gs, this one and the Rum Cask just may be the two best ones, so do yourselves a favor and give it a shot. Or two shots. It's all good, it's a delight. You will want to have more than one... even if it is just to keep until special occasions. If I were to review these based on a star system, it would get 5. Out of 5.

Cheers!

Young's Double Chocolate Stout

Young's Double Chocolate Stout is a gem of nature currently being sold for $ 4.15 for a 500ml bottle. For all of you that have already tried and enjoyed this beer, you know how difficult it is to get a hand on it in the province. It's been stocked out 4 times in the past year and a half, disappearing for close to a year the first time around. (As of this time, it is stocked out at warehouse, the only stock left is the one currently in stores... and in my apartment :))

Now for those who have never tried it and what to know what is this Young's. Well, it's a personal favorite of mine. Seeing "Stout", a lot of people will immediately dismiss it. Seeing "Double Chocolate", a lot of stout purists (See: Guinness) will also think nothing of it and will not look at it twice. But Young's manages to bridge the gap between "light stout" and "thick stout".

What does that mean? It's NOT Guinness. It does not have the same thickness, the roasted malts of Guinness are not as present in the Double Chocolate. And it is definitely NOT a light, tasteless Stout either. It brings something different to the table. . . If someone has tried Dark Ales and wants to get into Stouts and Porters, this one is a good one to try to get a use to the consistency of the category.

Young's pours very dark, but with a lighter consistency than Guinness, with a nice thick opaque, caramel-ish head that stays. The smell is very similar to the taste. Dark chocolate (not milk chocolate, it's not candy) and even some caramelized malt. It's extremely smooth, very creamy and very agreeable as a "once in a while" treat.

For those wanting to get into something different for the Holidays (Or whenever, you know, cause this beer is delicious), pick one up, enjoy it a while after a meal because it is filling and appreciate Young's for this wonderful brew!

Cheers!

Big Rock Traditional Ale

Today's offering is Big Rock Traditional Ale. This brewery is based in Alberta and as of now, ANBL only carries two Big Rock brews. Only sold in 6 cans, they currently retail at $ 11.98.

This is an English Style ale, pours darker brown with a very light head. You can smell the roasted malts and a few notes of sweetness, mostly caramel. Personally speaking, I was disappointed with this offering. It's not a bad beer per say, but it left me wondering if something was missing.

The taste itself felt watered down... And the taste that was left, felt like a mixture of light hops, sweet-ish malts and tin. I've never been a fan of beer only served in cans, and much prefer the bottled beers and I believe that this one may have fallen victim to the tinny devil of aluminum.

I am not going to steadily recommend this one as one of the best English Ales I've had, but it's also not the worst. Give it a shot if you really want, but if you don't, it's cool.

Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier

Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier is a new listing for ANBL. This is a German Wheat beer that currently sells for $ 2.99 a bottle with a 5.5% ABV.

Now, this wheat beer impressed me from the start.  From the pour, a nice little cloud, an impressive golden color and a nice two-finger-foam.

You'll definitely notice some spice to it, but it really starts off well with a citrus taste. Lemon, orange peel can be tasted and it is a very mellow beverage. Typically, I would consider this more of a summer beer, somewhat similar to other German Wheat beers. Light taste, you do not taste the extra ABV and the fruit flavors slightly overpower the tone of the spices.

Give it a shot, it's a solid wheat beer and as a new listing, I mean, come on. Try it!

Clancy's Amber Ale

Clancy's Amber Ale is a Domestic Premium beer made from our very local Moosehead Brewery. Currently, it is available in 473ml "Tall Cans" ($2.99), 6 pack bottles ($12.69), 12 bottles ($22.49) and 12 cans ($22.99).

This Red Amber ale is a little something special for a not too bad price. A nice Amber color, although a little light. It presents an easy drinking taste without sacrificing quality. With a sweet side to it, it still warms nicely to present some brown sugar notes, from what I find. It won't blow your mind in any sense of the word, but if you appreciate an amber ale with mild malt to it, this one might be something to try out.

Also, I have to mention that one of the best places to enjoy this brew is at Navigator's Pub. Order the Tall Ship. Great beer to have on tap, always comes with a nice head, always served cold, with great service. Maybe this beer will become a new regular in your roster! Enjoy!

Innins and Gunn Winter Beer

Hello Hello Beer Brothers and Lovers, 

Today I have decided to try and summarize the beauty of Innis and Gunn's newest available brew in New-Brunswick, it's Winter Beer. Currently only available in the Christmas gift packs ($15.98 - Includes the Winter Beer, Rum Cask, Original and a nice glass), this specific beer packs a wallop at %8.5 ABV. 

To those of you already having tried Innis and Gunn, you know of it's oaky, creamy taste. Well this one doesn't disappoint! A nice amber color and creamy caramel notes, Innis and Gunn continues on it's path of beauty with this offering. You'll find this one to not be as rich as the Rum and definitely spicier than it's Canadian Cask counterpart. 

You will find some sweetness come through the spice -- most notably vanilla and toffee.  And that is something that you will find incredible through this beverage. The finish is notably I & G with a nice wood and bourbon mix through the lingering spice. If you expect a very strong beer reminiscent of typical Winter Warmers, this one doesn't go quite that far. It does have some spice to it, but it is nothing extravagant. Instead of being a once-a-year-if-I-miss-it-I-will-die, beer, it leaves me wanting more. It really did feel like something was missing...

But that doesn't make this beer any less of a powerful punch! It's strong ABV does not taste overly alcoholic and it's creaminess is typical I & G. It's a very nice winter beer that can easily warm you up this time of year. You will want to buy one of the gift packs for yourself (And a friend!) Don't let this one pass you by!