Beer Reviews
Beer Reviews
I don’t have to tell you all that it’s been a brutally hot summer. As we enter the most intense part of the summer’s heat, you may think it’s time to push aside the more flavorful beers in your arsenal in lieu of lighter, more “refreshing” beers. You could do this, but why sacrifice taste when you can have your beer and drink it, too? I’ve put together three quite different––but refreshing––beers that will keep your tongue happy, while keeping the Heat Miser away.
Sláinte Stout
Brewery/Brand: Avenues Proper Restaurant & Publick House
ABV: 4.0%
Serving Style: On Tap
Description: Pronounced (SLAHN-chuh). One of the first things you’ll notice about this nitro stout is the cascading curtain of falling nitrogen in the glass. After it settles, you’re left with a dense ebony color with a thick meringue of white foam. The nose has dark malts, chocolate and a bit of cream alongside a mineral element. The body is very light for being so dark. It starts with chocolate and firm, dark malts. Next, the minerals come through with a touch of earthy-hop bitterness to complement. Coffee and chocolate notes emerge in the finish.
Overview: You’d think, by looking at it, there’s no damn way this could be refreshing on a hot day. Think iced coffee, then you’ll understand.
Free Roller Pale Ale
Brewery/Brand: Bonneville Brewery
ABV: 4.0%
Serving Style: On Tap
Description: I have a fondness for the pale ale: I consider it to be one of the more well-rounded beer styles you’ll ever find. This one is light copper in color with great clarity and a bit of white foam on top. The nose isn’t overwhelming, but is really enjoyable. You get both biscuity malt and pine/citrus zest in the same whiff. The taste starts with sweet malt, tea leaf, citrus and floral hops—overall, malty with no real fruity sweetness, but still pretty good. Lingering leafy hops round out the finish.
Overview: This is a very clean ale. The citrus flavors and nice graham-cracker malt notes add good balance. It is light-bodied and very sessionable.
Noble Hefeweizen
Brewery/Brand: Bohemian Brewery
ABV: 4.0%
Serving Style: On Tap
Description: This is one of my favorite locally produced wheat beers to come around in quite some time. It pours a hazy, cloudy, light orange with a moderate cap of foam. This brew exhibits wheat and plenty of spice with some clove and light banana notes. There is some citrus and yeast coming through, too, along with a hint of bubblegum. The taste starts with wheat and spice with a nice helping of clove, but the main taste is a mix of banana, stronger than in the nose, and a fruity, citrus flavor that is backed up with some tart lemongrass. Good carbonation gives the beer a lively and refreshing mouthfeel. There is a light citrus tang and a fruity sweetness in the finish.
Overview: The Noble is an all-encompassing beer. If you like hefeweizen-type beers, you are really going to enjoy this! The fruit undertones are very subtle and balanced just right with the spice and other flavors.
Cheers!