1001 Beers

Beer No: 90
Page No: 431
Category: Blond

Day 12 of the World Cup...the first day of eliminations.  The day got off to a great start with a great France vs. South Africa game while I watched Mexico vs. Uruguay on my second TV.  When South Africa whent up 2-0 and Mexico down 0-1, I thought...there just might be a chance.  South Africa just might pull this amazing comeback off.  But unfortunately, it was not to be.  France scored, and Mexico and Uruguay advance.  In the late games, nothing too special.  For a second there I thoguth Greece might actually have a chance, but then Argentina turned it on as expected and S. Korea fought to a tie to advance.  So, based on my predictions from yesterday, I got the 4 teams advancing correct - Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina & S. Korea.  So in the knock-out round, Uruguay will play South Korea and Mexico will have to battle Argentina.

Next up, Groups C & D.  Tomorrow morning...7am...United States...win and advance.  Go U.S.  Afternoon games...Go Germany!

Today's beer comes from France and it's another 'biere de garde.'  If you're unfamiliar with the style, I just went over it a few days ago with my other French beer, 3 Monts.  The La Goudale was a good beer, better than the 3 Monts, but nothing special.  I liked the malt sweetness that balanced well with the hop citrus flavors, but ultimately, in the end, the malts overpower the other flavors and you're hit with a bit of alcohol on the tail end.  Maybe I'll get something better from tomorrow's England pick.  Maybe I'll have a Samuel Smith tasting tomorrow...I know I've got a bunch of them ready to taste.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Gayant La Goudale by Les Brasseurs De Gayant

Aroma: 6/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 7/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 14/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from 750ml bottle from Hi Time Wines. Pours a golden orange with slight head and good lacing. Aroma is mostly malts, slight funk, a bit of yeast, and some bready flavors. Taste is malty, floral, slightly hoppy, alcohol, and citrus. Pleasant aftertaste lingers. Not a bad beer, unfortunately, nothing special. Fairly simple and one-note with the malt sweetness.

Beer No: 87
Page No: 582
Category: Blond

Woohoo, Day 9 of the World Cup.  A few interesting games today, but no downright good games.  It started with a tie between Ghana and Australia, a Japan loss to the Netherlands, and Denmark's comeback from 0-1 to beat Cameroon 2-1.  Tomorrow, for Father's Day, we have Slovakia vs. Paraguay (yawn), Italy vs. New Zealand (eh), and Brazil vs. Ivory Coast (Brazil dominates I will guess).  Tomorrow's beer will be coming from Italy, but today's comes from another losing team, making me 2-5-2, Japan.

The White Ale from Hitachino Nest is based on the popular Hoegaarden White, but the brewery also found that because it contains fruit and spices, it's also taxed at a lower rate than beer in Japan.  Finding the right formula was a pretty long experiment according to 1001 Beers.  But they finally settled on a wonderful mix of flaked barley, flaked wheat, and pilsner malt.  Then, for some added good measure, they toss in some coriander, nutmeg, orange peel, and a hint of orange juice.  It doesn't quite matter how it's made, this is a refreshing beer, but I thought it could use just a bit more carbonation.  Also, I thought the fruit flavors overwhelm the wheat and malts a bit.  Overall, an enjoyable beer though.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Hitachino Next White Ale by Kiuchi Brewery

Aroma: 6/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 8/10
Palate: 4/5
Overall: 12/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from 12oz. bottle from Hi Time Wines. Pours hazy yellow with very slight head that dissipates to nothingness. Carbonation is slight, but lasts throughout. Aroma is citrus, flowers, lemon, and grapefruit. Taste is a very nice white with orange, lemon, spices, and floral tastes. Finishes sweet with citrus lingering. A nice white that could maybe use a bit more carbonation, but overall easily drinkable and refreshing.

Beer No: 86
Page No: 722
Category: Dark

The fun continues...sort of.  As the World Cup moves on, the games are becoming more and more important.  And fresh off their 4-0 beating of Australia, Germany goes out and...lays an egg.  Not only do they miss a penalty kick to tie the game, but they suffer a bad red card (two yellows) and let Serbia win 1-0.  It's not all doom and gloom for Germany though.  A win in their third game and they advance to the next round.

So then we move on to Slovenia vs. United States.  And unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple days, you know the horrible outcome of this one.  First the U.S. comes out playing sloppy soccer like they did versus England and goes down early in the 12th minute.  They then allow another goal right before half in the 42nd minute.  But, they storm out of the half time break, score quickly in the 48th, and then pick up another goal to tie the game in the 82nd minute on Bradley's amazing goal.  And then...well, they score again in the 85th minute, however, this referee, officiating his first World Cup game ever, waves it off.  WHAT?  WHY?  Well he certainly won't tell anyone what the call was on the field, but after the game it comes out that he called offsides.  So...he calls offsides from behind the play, when his assistant on the sideline with a perfect view of any possible offsides calls nothing?  Great.  So here we sit with 2 points and slim chances of advancing.

And then it happens...England scores no goals against Algeria and can only manage a 0-0 tie.  How pathetic.  England can still advance with a win next week.  And the United States advances with a win as well, but how sad for England to win and still get 2nd place in the bracket?  With the United States taking the first seed with a win (assuming England doesn't go out and score 5 or 6 goals, of course).  Should be an interesting Wednesday next week.

Back to the beer though, today's beer comes from Germany, which lost, putting me at 2-4-2 overall with my beer picks.  This Schwarzbier (Black Beer) comes from Kostritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei (so obviously, this is their specialty beer).  Stating on the bottle it's the #1 black lager in Germany, I can see why.  It's clean, crisp, and easy to drink.  Which then means that it really has no flavor.  It's a watered down lager without any complexities and just the slightest hop and malt flavors.  It certainly is a refreshing beer, and better than it's Brazilian counterpart, Xingu, but it's nothing special.  Hopefully the next two beers in the lineup perform better - one from Japan, and then Italy.

As an aside, I'm keeping my rating from 2003 when I initially rated the beer.  If I had to re-rate it, I might move my overall rating down a couple points, leaving the final rating around 3.1 or 3.2, but a 3.3 isn't far off, so I'll just leave it as is.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Kostritzer Schwarzbier by Kostritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei (Bitburger)

Aroma: 5/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 6/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 15/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from bottle at Stuffed Sandwich on July 25th, 2003 - Day 25 of Blake's Beer Month™
After looking through the multitude of beers available at the Stuffed Sandwich, I asked Sam for a Xingu - he told me I had to try this beer first - no reasoning, just to try it. Oddly enough, this was my first Black Beer - didn't really know what to expect - and was pleasantly surprised. The beer pours black (duh) with no clarity and a small amount of carbonation. The head is light brown with good lacing. The aroma was faint - yeasty, malty, but faint. The flavor was lagerish - a bit dull - nothing too special. The beer was easy to drink and was just what you would expect from a black lager - lager-like taste with a completely black appearance. On with the Xingu!

Beer No: 59
Page No: 243
Category: Amber

As you can see, I had this one on tap at The Bruery.  But it wasn't just your run-of-the-mill tasting session, it was The Bruery's 2nd Anniversary party!  I obtained tickets for the first of four sessions, running from 12-3pm on Saturday and had been looking forward to this for a while.  After hearing all the different beers they'd have on tap, I just couldn't miss this one.  I showed up just a few minutes before the 12pm session was about to start, quickly got my tickets as they were handing them out to those in line and we were all let in promptly at 12.  We were each handed a glass on our way in and the party was ready to get started.

Our group immediately headed for the Strong Ale counter where I was itching to get some more DBJW in my system.  After spending my first ticket on a meager pour of DBJW (it is quite rare - a wonderful blend of White Oak and Papier - I had sampled it previously at their Reserve Society Initiation Party and thought it would never see the light of day again), I then went back for another pour of DBJW.  Those tastings were then quickly followed with samples of Melange No. 3, Melange No. Sechs, Bourbon Barrel Aged Coton, and regular Coton.

After we had exhausted about half of our tickets, we decided to go grab some food which was catered by Beachwood BBQ.  They had an amazing spread that consisted of fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, sausage, chicken, corn on the cob, beans, pretzel rolls, and 6 different sauces, all made using The Bruery's beers.  I opted to skip the chicken and load up on sausage which was quite good - very spicy, but it was just great.  The corn on the cob was amazing though - perfectly cooked, sweet, and succulent.  We found four empty seats at a table that just so happened to be occupied by Claire from The Kitchy Kitchen.  She was taking pictures of all the goodness and her video of the event is posted below.  She also loves to experiment with various Bruery brews as evidenced with her Mischiefelada and Saison Reuben (which I still really need to try and make myself).

We headed back inside after we finished as much as we could of Beachwood's spread and continued on with our beer drinking - going for some Oude Tart, Humulus Lager, and Humulus Gold.  And even though we had eaten dessert before our lunch, now is as good of a time as any to talk about it.  It was a delectable dessert plate filled with a Belgian waffle, three artisan cheeses, and chocolate covered bacon.  The waffle really stole the show though.  It was perfectly made, had just the right amount of sweetness and crunch, and was enjoyed by all.  The cheeses were hit and miss for me.  I enjoyed the Cana Becabra, but thought the Bleu Des Causses was just way too salty and the Gouda was good, but a bit on the salty side for me as well.  I enjoyed the chocolate covered bacon, but it didn't get rave reviews from all.  Grant was hoping for something a bit "crisper" as if it had just been fried and then dipped.  But because they had to cook up so much bacon and dip it all before hand, there's not much more you could have expected.

All in all, it was a wonderful anniversary party, everyone had tons of fun, and we all wish The Bruery the best of luck for many years to come.  So without further ado, here's Claire's 2nd Anniversary video and my review of Saison Rue is below.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

The Bruery Saison Rue from The Bruery

Aroma: 7/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 7/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 13/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from bottle and on tap many times, recently on tap at Bruery’s 2nd Anniversary party. Pours golden orange with a nice off-white head. Aroma is heavy on malts, spices, and hints of hops and herbs. Tastes of citrus, spices, and rye. A drinkable beer, good carbonation and satisfying finish, but just not my favorite from The Bruery. Saison de Lente one-ups Saison Rue easily.

Beer No: 45/1001
Page No: 427
Category: Blond

I opened the beer earlier today, not really sure what to expect.  It says it's a Belgian Style Ale on the label, but who really knows what that means these days.  Luckily 1001 Beers gives us a little more information - "it was inspired by a trip to Orval...we didn't want to copy Orval, we were looking for a different beer, something a little richer, with more caramel malt, one that would be a really good food beer."  And I think they succeeded.  Matilda is pretty full of malts, but the hop flavors balance nicely.  Likewise, it was a very good beer to pair with my Spotted Pig Burger.

Based on a burger from the restaurant, The Spotted Pig, the website A Hamburger Today deconstructed the burger so those of us who can't make it to New York can try the burger that so many rave about.  I made the burger above from scratch with 1/3 spare rib, 1/3 chuck, and 1/3 brisket.  I ground them all up, threw them on the grill as instructed, and added a good amount of $30/lb. Roquefort from Whole Foods with the butter lettuce.  Note: the butter lettuce is not in the recipe, but adds a nice crunch to the already crunchy toasted bun which I also made from scratch using the recipe.

I cooked these up for Cinco de Mayo originally, but had a few patties left over that I grilled up today and paired with the Matilda.  These extra-savory burgers pack a juiciness that is wonderful and the perfect mix of fat to meat.  Today, instead of the Roquefort, I utilized some Gruyere that is a bit more mellow than the Roquefort, but also paired very well with this burger.  Unfortunately, I was out of buns, but a nice cracked wheat bun went nicely with everything else on the plate.  The key to this burger is no condiments.  It stands on its own and doesn't need any extra sweets, spices, or pickles.  If you have the means to grind your own meat, the Spotted Pig burger is something you should at least try once.  I'm certain you won't be disappointed.  Those that sampled it on Cinco de Mayo were very impressed with it.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Goose Island Matilda from Goose Island Beer Company

Aroma: 7/10
Appearance: 3/5
Taste: 6/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 14/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from 12oz. bottle from Hi Time Wines. Pours golden with very slight head that dissipates quickly. Lacing is minimal. Aroma of sugar, candi, malt, and touch of hops. Taste is similar with lots of malts, sugars, a hint of spice, and hint of hop citrus. Finishes smooth, pairs nicely with umami. Good, not great.

Beer No: 22/1001
Page No: 603
Category: White

The beer in a bit...first - The Side Door.  A new-ish gastropub in Corona Del Mar, I visited for the first time last night and was thoroughly impressed.  An extensive draught and bottle list with very reasonable pricing coupled with some sumptious food combined for a wonderful evening.  Starting with a Wells Bombardier ESB and continuing on to a North Coast Pranqster Belgian Style Golden Ale, I was very impressed with the service and beer listing.  The food was quite good as well - from our avocado mash (aka guacamole) to the prime rib chili cheese fries, all of the appetizers delighted and the main courses were very good as well.  I finished the night with a Coney Island Albino Python (white lager brewed with spices) and a few sips of a Delirium Floris Apple (waaaay too sweet).  It was a great night with great beers.  If only my local gastropub could step up their food as the beer selection rivals the Side Door.

Back to the Sprecher Hefe Weisse - my second in as many days.  This American brew (which sounds German) puts out a good Hef.  And for good reason - they experimented many times in the brewery before finishing a product for commercial release.  1001 Beers quotes Randy Sprecher, founder of the brewery; "That led to a quest to learn how to coax the yeast into making the best possible beer.  It turned out to be all about good reproduction and better 'viability' of the yeast cells, which change malt sugars into alcohol and carbonation, but are also responsible for the fruit salad of flavors."  This beer really does deliver a solid mix of all the Hefe Weiss flavors you are looking for - banana, wheat, cloves, and citrus.  A very solid Hefe and very drinkable and perfect with the Blake's Place BBQ wings I had left over from lunch a couple of days ago.  The apricot-chili wings went perfectly with the fruit and spice of this Hefe.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Sprecher Hefe Weiss from Sprecher Brewing Company

Aroma: 7/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 7/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall:11/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from bottle. Pours hazy yellow with good head and fizz. Aroma of citrus, banana, and clove. Taste is crisp, drinkable. Flavors of orange at start, cloves and spices in middle, banana at end. Very refreshing Hefe

Beer No: 13/1001
Page No: 240
Category: Amber

For two days without work, it certainly has been hectic for me.  Yesterday, I had to cut a hole in a wall, call a plumber out, and then call the water department regarding our pressure.  Today, I took a class on QuickBooks (yay...), became a Certified Beer Server, baked some bread, and then went to our monthly poker game - a game which had to move because someone had to call the state licensing board and complain that we were playing poker in a pizza parlor.  At said game, I was unfortunately treated to Michelob Amber Bock (their tap selection sucks) and then after we moved, they collected money for beer and I had to drink a Bud Light.  But luckily, I knew I had a good beer in the fridge waiting for me when I returned home.

That beer comes from Japan - Baird Brewing's Rising Sun Pale Ale.  Brewed similar to a west-coast American Pale Ale, there really isn't much that is surprising about this beer.  But it is a good pale ale.  Malty with a bit of hops, nice head, good finish, but again, just nothing special.  Founded by Ohio-native Bryan Baird (Go Blue!), 1001 Beers points out that he started with just an 8-gallon brewing system.  He finally moved up to a two-barrel system and now has a lineup of seven regularly brewed ales.  Not bad for a small brewery two hours south of Tokyo.  And not bad that he gets distribution stateside.

My second Japanese beer review in a row, I can guarantee you tomorrow will not be #3.  I put a couple of different beers in the fridge from my 1001 Beers selection boxes, so I'll just see what I'm in the mood for.  I don't believe I'm doing anything special tomorrow, so it might just be a day to veg out after two days that had more work in them than I expected - especially when I could have used a nice day off on Monday to sleep in and do nothing while it rained outside.  Speaking of that...it was in the high 70's on Sunday, rained Monday, and then was again in the mid to high 70's.  Crazy weather.  I guess it's going to hit the 80's tomorrow and Thursday, so that should be nice...though I prefer it just a bit cooler as I would like some more Spring weather and save the heat for Summer.

My review, cross-posted at RateBeer.com:

Baird Rising Sun Pale Ale from Baird Brewing Co.

Aroma: 6/10
Appearance: 4/5
Flavor: 7/10
Palate: 3/5
Overall: 13/20

Rating: 3.3 / 5.0

Had from bottle. Pours with large head which lasts until the end. Lacing is adequate and carbonation good. A standard pale color of gold and copper with a white head. Malty aroma with a slight hint of hops - definitely not an imperial. Flavor again mostly of malts with a slight sweetness to the finish. A good pale, but nothing too special. Easy to drink, good flavors, just your standard pale.