Beer 61 - Pike's Pilsener Oakbank Beer.....first time
Really interesting combination. On the opening of the bottle the initial dissapointment was due to an aroma of a very standard local lager. Strange though, while pouring into the glass the scent had transformed into that of a fruity pale ale? Which is by the way, quite a bit what it tasted like.....I'm confused - this is labelled as a 'pilsener'??
I do think they's missed the target - but came up with a very enjoyable brew none the less! Pale in colour with fruity overtones as I said earlier. It is clear, crisp and refreshing - giving way to a nice bitter finish which is pilsener-like. I don't think that's enough to qualify it as such.
My rating....4
Thought for the Day......I've got to admit, I am unearthing some super impressive beers I would never have come across in this lifetime - but for my beer challenge!
Beer 60 - Grolsch Premium Lager.....had my first one in Sep-10
This was my first one since starting the challenge (first time in a glass). Enjoyed it more than I realised! Pours a golden hue with tremendous creamy head. Full malt flavour - more than I had previously recalled. Solid but not overbearing bitterness. They label this on a 'lager'....to me a little more like some of the pilseners I've sampled. My favourite Dutch brew so far. Love it!
My rating.....5!
Thought for the Day.....Interesting that we love the sweet taste of fructose so much that the general population are oblivious to it's damaging and long lasting effect on our health. We've got our family back on track. FRUCTOSE = POISON!!!!
Check out David Gillespie's "Sweet Poison"
Beer 59 - Abbey Ale.....first time
Really impressive local in the style of a Belgian Ale. Pours a rich orange/golden colour with a thick creamy head. Surprised when checking the label at the 7% content, as the alcohol was not overbearing on the palate.
Very lively aroma with a flavour and mouthfeel I would compare to Leffe Blonde. Left a solid impression of a wheat beer - but I don't think wheat malt is amongst the ingredients. The colour was surprisingly deep and didn't seem to match it's flavour? Liked it just the same.
My rating....4
Thought for the Day.....You make your own luck - to a point. Beyond that you need to make the most of what is.....what it is!
Beer 58 - Trumer Pils.....first time
Ok, I do love beer! But I'm finding that above all.....pilsener is my thing. Just love the full malt flavour - balanced with a hops bitterness.
In this case the malt is evident in both aroma and flavour, although it pours a very pale straw colour. Nicely carbonated, it's light and crisp to drink. Surprisingly mild bitterness that really doesn't linger, compared to many other pilseners. But boy is it smooth to drink!
My rating.....5
Thought for the Day.....Amazing how sometimes the simple things in life pick you up when you're feeling wiped out.
The kids helped mix a batch of homebrew non-al lemonade from a great recipe I found on the net (with real lemons!). We'll know what it's like in a couple of weeks!
Beer 46 - Bighead......second one
I like to do some market research with new beers - checking feedback and testimonials from other connoisseurs, info on the brewer's website.
Now the Burleigh Brewery are putting out some really solid products, and I thought I may have been harsh on this one?
Second time around (from the stubby) and I'm wondering if my initial rating of 2 might have been generous - am I drinking the same beer as the testimonials on the BB's website?
Trend or not with the carb issue, Bighead is simply devoid of flavour!
Beer 57 - Razorback Red Ale....first time
Another interesting local product - the Snowy Mountain Brewery. Pours a thick creamy head, rich copper in colour. The aroma and flavour incorporate the roasted malts perfectly, while the hops offer a very mellow bitterness. It does unfortunately have a hint of a metallic aftertaste that I found hard to place.
My rating......4
Thought for the Day.....Went snorkeling with our 12yo this morning - she had a ball!
Beer 56 - Duke Premium Lager....first time
Much in the tradition of European lagers. Brilliant clear golden colour - crisp and refreshing. No standout features, but it is one of the more enjoyable local lagers I've sampled recently.
Only brewed an hour from home - could be doing a tour of the Burleigh Brewery real soon!
My rating....4
Thought for the Day....Looking forward to getting back on top of things!
