Magic Hat #9 not quite Pale Ale

This offering from the Magic Hat brewery is another example of creativeness that I have come to enjoy about this Company. The beer pours in with a light amber color and leaves you a small white head That lingers through out the tour. The initial nose is earthy but as you will notice that will change over to a fruity mix, aahhhh nice! You will certainly find a sharpness on your tongue initially with a smooth finish. This concoction has strong peach overtones and all I can say is wow. Ales are so vast, each one having its own Chemistry. This #9 defines good chemistry, it will refresh and surprise you and leave you wanting to go for another round. Kudos to Magic Hat, I would recommend this to anyone.    - Matt gives the #9 Ale 4 out of a possible 5

 As beer reviewers, Matt and I try quite a few different beers, some of which don't end up on the blog as sometimes we feel that a brewers effort is not worth your trouble to read about. Then, at the absolute opposite end of the spectrum comes something like this. Magic Hat's No.9 is pure art. This "not quite pale ale" will thrill and surprise even the most jaded palate. As Matt mentioned, there is a subtle bite and then (as angels sing) the aroma of apple blossoms, gentle on a spring breeze, wafts cross your nostrils. There is the slightest hint of apple blossom honey thrown in the mix balanced as perfectly as a lone dandelion seed landing on your fingertip with delicate bittering hops. I am genuinely in awe of this ale and the genius behind it. As I drank it, it quite literally stirred my emotions, filling me with a tranquil and restful feeling. I do not joke about this. If you have stared in admiration and felt drawn into the artwork of Martin Johnson Heade, then your soul is already primed to appreciate this brew. I am humbled by the triumphant combination of clean mouthfeel, frothy head, and subtle flavors that have made No.9 such a joy to review. I promise you, pour this in your favorite nucleated glass, let it sit a minute as you close your eyes and picture sunrise over a storm tossed Atlantic, a sakura fubuki, or even your mother baking pie with the apples you picked that afternoon. Now swirl this amber gift in your glass as you lift it to your nose. Roll the liquid back and forth in your mouth before swallowing. Your worries are gone, the long day complete.
-Zech gives No.9 by Magic Hat a 5 out of 5-

Abita S.O.S.

This special offering from one of mine and Zech's beloved brewers, is quite distinct. As I poured this I noticed a white fluffy head with a unfiltered yellow beer. The nose had a classic pilsner aroma with light lemon undertones. As I partook I discovered the wheat malt stood out above the Pilsner malt, but not so much that it lost its balance. Yes definitely light lemon in the flavors also. The bittersweet flavors stay on your palate and melt away slowly enough for you to enjoy.
Abita has failed to dissatisfy with any of their beers so far. And you do your part for charity for each bottle of S.O.S. you purchase Abita will donate to the victims of the oil spill in the Gulf. This is a limited time beer so get yours soon if you'd like to give it a try.      - Matt rates it with 3 out of 5

What do ya'll think? Leave a comment and tell us your favorite!


 Abita pulled no punches with this weizen pils. It is unfiltered, 7% abv, refreshing goodness. There is a strong citrus nose and an incredibly fluffy head. You will probably have to find this in a liquor store, at least in TN because of the high abv.
    The Sterling and German Perle hops used in this pils balance the sweet of the pilsner and wheat malts perfectly, so that the flavor dances the knife edge between sweet and bitter and at the same time the two opposing sensations are simultaneously noticeable. When I experience this in a brew, it highlights, in my mind at least, the artistry of the brewmasters involved.  The mouthfeel is lighter than most hopped beers and leaves a cool, refreshing feeling on your palate. This would make an excellent brew to cleanse the palate after a heavy meal. I sincerely hope Abita brings this brew back and makes it a regular.
-Zech gives Abita S.O.S. a 3.5 out of 5-

P.S. - Did you notice the Hurricane lamp in the photo?

Terrapin Hop Karma

 

  Looks like a brown ale doesn't it? Well you would be half right. Terrapin Beer Co. out of Athens, Georgia (home of REM by the way) has successfully created a brew that is the love child of an IPA and a malty Brown ale. And it is good. Holy Monkeys it is good. There is a distinct malt smell of caramel and as the beer warms it actually seemed to me as if I had a brown ale and an IPA on my tongue at the same time. If you enjoy either of these styles of beer, you will probably love this stuff. The light khaki head is fluffy and aromatic and its color was just slightly lighter than a traditional brown, this being the only clue as to its mixed ancestry. the mouthfeel is medium bodied leaving a pleasant IPA aftertaste that  is smoothed out by the malt sugars. My only complaint about this brew is that I don't have 5 more to...uh, help me review it better. I will definitely be serving this to my friends who enjoy IPAs. I have to also mention I loved the way the beer roils when poured into the glass. Makes me think of Guinness' little illegitimate brother. Buy This. You Won't Be Sorry.

 -Zech gives the Hop Karma a 4.5 out of 5-

My First intro to an IPA was several years ago and I can't recall the brand but I couldn't get past the dry hoppy flavors and the dry aftertaste, That was then this is now. Maybe it was bad beer I first tried or my tastes have become more in tune, who knows. I still think the average light lager beer drinker will not be ready for it. But, I digress, this Brown IPA could be one you might want to start with. The hops pop on your tongue with that classic dry aftertaste, but does not leave that aftertaste sticking around like you've been accustomed to with most IPA's. With the inclusion of a wee bit of sweetness, the Hop Karma truly will surprise you. Very nice!            -Matt gives it a 4 of 5

Abita Pecan Harvest Ale

Abita was a large contributor at the Beer fest, and I thoroughly enjoyed they're offerings there. They have done an excellent job with their pecan harvest. Made from Louisiana picked pecans, the initial aroma is earthy with a nutty overtone (surprise, surprise). The head goes away quickly, but you almost want it out of the way so you can get to the beer. You definitely taste the pecans but with alot of malty goodness soaking around it, almost a coffee like malt. Not alot of hoppy bitterness or bite, but undoubtedly there is a smidgeon of hop flavor that hangs on the tip of your tongue reminding you its an Ale.This to me should be tried by any newbie craft beer drinker who would like the Ale experience without the bite but with plenty of flavor.                                     Matt gives The Abita 4 out 5


 Matt is so right on this one. Give this stuff to your friends who are just starting to try new beers and they will like it. When I first saw that Abita had a pecan ale, I thought that they were just trying to compete with Lazy Magnolia's Southern Pecan, but I was wrong. This brew stands on its own, and though it is possible that the Southern Pecan inspired this idea, they went a whole different direction. This brew almost has some similarities to a Scottish Brown ale with its malty smoothness and low bitterness. It is not nearly as sweet as say, Innis & Gunn, but it also is not so bitter as to alienate the new comer. In the Jackson, TN area you can get this at the gas station with the Church's Fried chicken in it at the corner of Whitehall & North Parkway. Enjoy.
 -Zech gives Abita Pecan Harvest 4 out of 5-

Point Brewery Horizon Wheat

 

  Just gaze in loving awe at the smooth golden goodness that is the Point Brewery Horizon Wheat. This, my friends is Unfiltered Wheat Ale done right and as such I would recommend that your hard earned cash go towards this rather than Bud Light Golden Wheat.

  As you can see, this brew has a light and white fluffy head. There are readily recognizable but not overpowering citrus notes in the nose. There are no orange peels in this brew. Those scents come from the balances of malts, hops and American ale yeast. This is my second time reviewing a product from Stevens Point, Wisconsin and these folks definitely impress. As the beer warms the bitter notes become less pronounced and the malts start to to stand out even more.  It has a bitterness rating of 10 IBU's (International Bittering Units) which is just enough to let you know that you are drinking a grown-ups beer. Since this is the real thing, make sure you swirl the sediment in the bottle with the last couple of ounces and pour that into your glass. Here is what the folks at Point had to say about this brew and it was just so poetic I just had to copy it here for you.

  "Point Horizon Wheat is an alluring combination of spring wheat and specialty malts along with Yakima hops and American ale yeast.  This lively and light, perfectly balanced wheat beer pours cloudy and finishes with a white creamy head.  The glowing golden hue may help you visualize the start of a new day as early morning rays of sunshine bounce across the horizon of an American wheat field."

  It's just so beautiful...sniff...brings a tear to my eye.

  -Zech gives Point Brewery Horizon Wheat a 3.5 out of 5-

Stevens Point Brewery has impressed me further with this delightful product. Everything Zech said above I could parrot, fruity smell, fluffy white head, golden orangeish color, balanced flavors between malts hops and yeast, blah blah blah (not you Zech just the repetition I could do). What I really appreciated about this beer is what I've seen from this brewer with everything I have tried, really well done beer that gives you a cannot miss when forking over the dough to purchase a real beer on payday. I am also a comfort food guy, no doubt you have noticed this by the pairings of food and beer I recommend, and one of my favorites is a good hot wing. One beer that I tend to go with when partaking of the small chicken limbs is a wheat beer. This beer would absolutely go well with a spicy wing. So do not despair when your ready to try a Stevens Point Brewery Horizon Wheat you will not be wasting your dollars. 

-Matt gives it a 4 of 5

Magic Hat Circus Boy "The Hefeweizen"

 Oh golden delicious refreshingness, thou art called Circus Boy.
 There can be no doubt that the Magic Hat brewery loves beer. This refreshing hefeweizen exhibits a fine balance between sweet and bitter. The mouthfeel is only slightly oily, and a subtle bitterness lingers around your molars, while honeyed wheat goodness dances on your tongue. The head is thick and fluffy and lingers till Circus Boy starts to warm up. An excellent example of a brewery experimenting while remaining within the confines of a particular style of beer. The nose smells of fresh bread but as it warms does have hints of barnyard skunkiness. Overall very enjoyable. Would recommend that this is NOT a brew for those just venturing forth.
  -Zech gives Circus Boy a 3 out of 5-

  I found a little different feel for this beer than Zech, which is why we decided to give a double perspective on this blog. I found this to have a classic hefe nose. But as the flavors rolled on to my tongue I found a surprise citrus, especially a grapefruit start. The finish reminds me of a dry white wine without the heaviness. This was much lighter, taste wise, than other hefeweizen's I've tried. A good refreshing beer.
   The beer has a golden color with a cloudy clarity. Which reminds me of a perfectly good beer someone squeezed a lime into. If you enjoy citrus in your beer this to me is the overtone of this product. This brew would go well with a island type meal like some fish or shishkebobs.
Matt gives this a 3.5 of 5

Highland Brewing Company Black Mocha Stout

  Okay, NO I was not drinking and driving, I just happened to be in my vehicle while enjoying a brew. What really can I say about this beer? I like it and find all the offerings by Highland Brewing Company, located in Asheville, NC (a beautiful town, you should visit) to be quality products crafted with love.
  However, if you have ever had Guinness on draft then you are familiar with this brew, though I must say that this bottled Guinness clone is much tastier than the bottled stuff from Dublin, which, though I love Guinness, is rather terrible.
 It pours slightly thinner than Guinness, has a thinnish tan head, (a disappointment) and has chocolate and coffee tones. Does finish rather clean but is quite filling. Doesn't roil in the glass as much as a black ale should. This is not quite as good as McSorley's Black Irish Lager, but will definitely do in a pinch.
  Give it a try and see for yourself.
- Zech gives Highland Brewing Company Black Mocha Stout a 3 out of 5 -

Spaten Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel

         

  Well, the good news first. If you like dunkel hefeweissbiers, this stuff is great. It has for some people less of a skunky, wet-grass undertone than Weihenstephaner's Hefeweissbier Dunkel, and the phenol and annyl acetate tones are slightly more pronounced (the clove and banana smells). It goes down smooth, is very refreshing, isn't too filling and pairs nicely with pork or beef. Has a tingly mouthfeel and finishes clean due to the low hop oil content. Is not so spicy that you couldn't introduce a friend to the glories of dark, unfiltered German wheat beers via this brew, though before you do that, please read the rest of the post.

  Now the bad news. Please forgive me, I did not know and in my ignorance I have sinned. Spaten Franziskaner is owned by InBev, the Multinational Mega-Conglomerate that owns Anheuser-Busch. I will not rant or rage with spittle and bared teeth in this particular post about the evils of these corporations, but I will lament that InBev got some of my hard earned cash. However, I will rate this beer objectively. But, please if you decide to try a Dunkel Hefeweissbier or Dunkel Hefeweizen, give a brand like Weihenstephaner a try.

   -Zach gives this a 4 out of 5-

After watching the documentary Beer Wars, which I highly recommend for anyone who wants to expand themselves to craft brews, I made a vow not to spend my hard earned dollars on Anheiser-Busch or their conglomerates products. So as I have set my standards, I cannot review this beer. That being  said my standards also are "I will not ever turn away a free beer". So if someone would like my opinion on this beer, set me one up, and I'll give you an objective, unbiased review. -Matt

Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dark

They claim fame to being the worlds oldest brewery. This German brewed beer makes you stop take another look and try again! Wow what a group of flavors come from this dark heffeweissen. The dark fluffy head definitely passes the 2 finger rule, and sticks there with you throughout the journey. The flavors begin with a sweetness I can only describe to you as fresh picked sweet corn right out of the husk, no doubt the wheat standing out. Then the finish stays around on the back of your tongue and in your throat. As with most real beers the flavors are more distinct as it warms. I wouldn't recommend this to a newbie beer drinker trying to expand their horizons. One pint will do you.  You could enjoy a bowl of white beans and cornbread, drink this beer and your life would be completed.  Matt gives this 3.5 out of 5

  I have a new love and thy name is Dunkel Hefeweissbier. The aroma and flavor is so intoxicating, so rich and so unlike anything else that these dark, top fermented, unfiltered wheat beers invented in Germany can only be compared to each other. The clove flavor rolls across your palate very pleasantly. If you feel a slight tingle in your lips or the roof of your mouth when drinking this brew, that only means you have become sensitized to aromatic hydrocarbons. (hydrocarbons with a benzene ring attached) Eugenol or in the case of a weissbier, 4-vinyl guaiacol, the chemical responsible for the clove-like smell, is a phenylpropanoid containing hydroxybenzene (these properties of this organic compound relate it to aromatic hydrocarbons) and is one of several phenols produced by the yeast.
   But Fear Not Intrepid Readers! The levels of phenols are so low that you would have to consume hundreds of cases of this beer over a lifetime to increase your risk of brain cancer.
  Now that the science crap is out of the way, let me say that I love this beer. (Did I already say that?) I highly recommend it to our adventurous readers. The Germans enjoy this brew with kielbasa and even more so with weisswurst, otherwise known as white sausage, which demonstrates Matt's genius at food pairing because both of those are ridiculously good with white beans.
  Zach gives Weihenstephaner  Hefeweissbier Dunkel a 4 out of 5

Abita Jockamo IPA

 

    Yep, that is my Bass Amp/ beer stand underneath the brew again. On the way to the movies Friday night my wife and I stopped by a new Liquor store in Jackson just to browse and I stumbled upon this little six pack of ambrosia called Abita Jockamo IPA. You may recognize the Abita name as a Louisiana brewer that Matt & I were impressed with at the Biloxi BeerFest. 

    I don't think Matt & I have reviewed an IPA yet, so when the caramelly, hoppy goodness of this 6.5% abv ale hit my palate I knew I would have to sing its praises. This is an incredible India Pale Ale. 

   The foam is tan as you would expect, and the hop oils insure that the bubbles are small & densely packed in a head that lingers long after it is poured. The head itself taste bitter and is reminiscent of a british bitter, similar to Boddington's. 

   The color is a gorgeous caramel amber and in my Samuel Adams nucleated glass the light seems to sparkle and dance through this ale. Upon initial taste, there is the distinctive bite of hop-intensive brews, but so well balanced as not to overwhelm. I wonder if noble hops were used in this recipe, or some other aroma hop as I am quick to pick up on high alpha acid concentrations in bittering hops. The mouthfeel is influenced by sufficient amounts of oil from the hops for the flavor to linger just long enough for you to savor the subtle yet amazing caramel flavor that ghost across your taste buds as this beer warms. This is not a sweet beer, but the caramel flavor adds such depth to its character that I was genuinely impressed. As the beer warms, you can even smell the caramel wafting towards your nostrils.

   My genuine heartfelt thanks to the people at Abita for making this splendiferous (Ha! take that spellcheck) and glorious concoction. 

                I feel no choice but to give this a 5 out of 5 and to add that trying this ale should be on EVERY true beer drinkers bucket list. 

 

    This IPA also was an amazement to me for as I poured it I discovered a light, super fluffy head that left like an airplanes vapor trail on a breezy day. Yet as I drank it I found that with every sip it shook up some bubbles that tickle the flavors in your mouth and give you an array of flavor that you will not find in many India Pale Ales. The initial aroma gave me a classic beer smell, but the flavors did not match. The malt and hops are carefully matched to create a pleasant tingly start and finish and leave you a satisfying aftertaste. Not usually a huge IPA fan Abita has won me over. I tried pairing this with a grilled chicken breast with a tomato chutney, and it was amazing. give it a try. Matt gives 4 out of 5

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

This Stout is touted in England and no doubt has a good following here as well. The light brown head is very aromatic but dissipates quickly. This beer will give you a hop aroma with a hint of cocoa to the nose. The start of your first swallow gives you a nutty sweet beginning with a smooth yet bittersweet finish. This dark reddish beer warms nicely as the flavors will stand on their own. This is not too thick for a stout lingering just long enough, like a relative that you haven't seen for awhile but only stays a long weekend, keeps you happy instead of an overstayed guest on your palate, leaving you wanting more. They call this the celebrated oatmeal stout, and it should be. Coming from the oldest brewery in Tadcaster, England has given them time to perfect their abilities to craft an outstanding stout. This one was one of my favorites from the Top of The Hops festival.          Matt gives this 4.5 out of 5

     
    If you read this blog, you probably like dark beer, so, check your wallet and as soon as you are done reading this review, go get yourself a bottle of Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout. The weight of this brew is medium. It isn't too light, but it won't leave your tastebuds wore out and your stomach bloated. The oatmeal gives a certain smoothness to this ale that reminds me of a dessert. The nose is much sweeter than the actual flavor, which is so balanced that it is sure to please individuals on both sides of the sweet/bitter line.
   This is a good brew for those consumers looking for something dark and rich, but don't want a Guinness clone. I highly recommend it, and not to step on Matt's turf, it is wonderful with a medium rare porterhouse if you drink it with dinner yet it also pairs nicely with virtually any chocolate if you have it with dessert. So what are you waiting for? Go get some of this stuff.
   Zach gives Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout a 4.5 out of 5


     

Yazoo Brewing Company, Nashville TN

   Well, what a day it has been! Matt & I, accompanied by a guest reviewer, Warren, rode over to Nashville in search of some Tennessee brewed craft beer and wow! We were not disappointed.
    We would like to give a huge Thank You to all the folks at Yazoo Brewing company and particularly to Neil for being a gracious host and taking time out of his busy schedule to show us around and let us try the brews.
    If you are ever in Nashville, TN make sure you stop by Frugal MacDoogal's and pick up a six pack or two of Yazoo's love in a bottle. The Yazoo taproom opens @ 4 pm during the week and 2 pm on Saturdays and tours are available on Saturdays as well. You can find these great folks at 910 Division Street and here is their website  www.yazoobrew.com.  Definitely check them out.
  We got to sample Hop Project #37 which was brewed with Sorachi Ace hops. This brew had a subtle bite of hops, (a love nip really) and then settles on your tongue smooth as gold. This being a Hop Project brew, it may end up being a once in a lifetime experience, and I will miss not having more of it in my life.
   Next we tried the Onward Stout and the the Rye Porter, both of which are surprising in their subtle blends of sweetness and bitter. The rich chocolate tones of the stout soothed me while the Rye Porter was deliciously light.
  The Pale Ale cleanses your palate very nicely so that the flavors of what you have been drinking will not interfere with what you will be drinking.
   I must say that the absolute stand-out star for me was the Yazoo Hefweizen. Through the magic of chemistry and years of experience brewing, a light, crisp ale smelling of bananas and citrus has been created. There are no bananas or citrus in this brew. The mind boggling, heart thumping flavor is achieved through delicate balances of the hops. A very loud BRAVO!  to Yazoo for this beer that made a great day even better. Enjoy the pictures below, but even better, get yourself to Nashville and give these folks a visit. And remember to do your part to support craft brewers.
  Zach gives Yazoo Brewing Company a 5 out of 5.

I too enjoyed the brewery immensely. Neil made us feel like we were v.i.p.'s and gave us a real feel for what the craft breweries are going thru against the giant conglomerates of the beer world. We are determined even more to make others appreciate the love, heart and soul that goes into the beers like Yazoo puts in their bottles. I also enjoyed the samples we tried and was amazed by the goodness of each and every one. I would like to do an in depth review of these for your reading pleasures but until then I can say The Dos Perros impressed me, Again. and the Sly Rye Porter was truly another stand out. Please give thought to giving these guys your patronage the next time you purchase a REAL beer! Matt says 5 of 5

Samuel Adams Cream Stout

This beer pours so dark that you have to hold the glass to a light to see through it. The Khaki colored head lingers like a tan cloud hanging over a moonless dark night in spring. Jim Koch's signature on the neck indicates pride in this product, and well they should have it, it is quality. The chocolate and caramel flavors are distinct especially at the finish, even the roasted barley stands out. So smooth is this brew that you could consume one quickly, but do not be overcome by the urge, because the flavors will layer on your tongue as it warms. The carbonation seems to disappear quickly but it still delights your palate as you drink, even without it. Pair this with a smoked brisket and some roasted vegetables and your day will get better almost immediately. Was a little sweet for me so Matt gives this 4 out of a possible 5.


  Dang Matt, I thought waxing poetic about the brews was my job and here you have gone and completely upstaged me. Bravo my friend, Bravo. Where was  I going with that? Oh yeah something about beer...
  Matt really nailed this one in my estimation. There is the suggestion of charcoal in the nose (this is a good thing) along with chocolate. There is a subtle initial bite of bitterness, and then the sweet slides in on you. The sweet is not overly done and is necessary, as this is truthfully a milk stout. I would recommend this ale to those who have already taken their first steps into the wider world of beers, but are still testing the waters.
   Overall this is an excellent brew and I tip my hat to Jim Koch. One thing I particularly appreciate is that the hop balance is so refined that while you can enjoy the distinctive flavor of  Humulus lupulus (I am showing off...impressed yet? Betcha didn't know hops are in the Cannabaceae family {marijuana}) the alpha acid level is kept low enough that I didn't feel the enamel being stripped from my teeth, as I often do with many IPA's. Since the bottle doesn't say anything beyond "hand-selected English Hops" I wonder whether the Fuggle or East Kent Goldings hops were used, as these tend to have a more balanced acid profile.  (picture Zach looking bemused)
  So, in short with all that rambling useless data I just dropped on you, I am saying this beer is not too sweet nor is it too bitter. Buy a six-pack and share it with those you love.
         Zach gives this a 4 out of 5