Red Brick Brown Ale

In my personal opinion most brown ales, though I love them are quite similar. This Atlanta, Georgia, USA based brewer decided to stand apart from the pack by punching you in the face with a a fistful of toasted barley. Which I enjoyed. Perhaps that relates to unresolved issues of mine which should not be explored in this format.
    However, the beer pours with a tall fluffy head that is lite as a fairy's fart and quickly dissipates. The grain flavor is Extremely intense, and if you don't like Grape-Nuts (see the McSorley's review) you will probably not be a fan of this beverage. A very lite mouth feel with no oiliness and that is rather refreshing. The slightest hint of bitter, but not enough to convince me that the perhaps outdated rule of "no hops in an ale" was broken during its conception. Though I did enjoy this experience, it is not something I would choose to drink a six-pack of.
Zech gives this 2 out of 5 stars

I love beers, and within that realm of love I like Brown Ales. Make sense? I guess what I'm trying to say is Brown Ales would be lower on my choice list given an option. This particular Brown is not the worst Ive tried. The flavors are strong in this one and as you drink it you'll find you like it better ice cold. The flavors will definitely get your attention from the moment it hits your tongue, which is very good at the outset, but the finish will remain there long after you are done with each swallow and you almost think you need to wash it down with a Lager or something. Of the four brews I picked up in my trip to MS this is my least favorite.          Matt gives this 3 out of a possible 5

McSorley's Irish Black Lager

Well, Matt & I were finally able to get together to do some serious reviewing. It's tough being a dedicated and passionate reviewer of all things ale to stout, but someone must fight the fine fight.
   I thought I would begin with McSorley's Irish Black Lager. Now as some of you may know, I am a wee bit fond of Guinness (on draft) and I feel it is the penultimate brew. The trouble with Guinness stateside is that in a bottle its flavor resembles roofing tar mixed with Grape-Nuts, which is not entirely palatable. But along comes McSorley's (God Bless Them, Amen) and us often deprived (as far as beer is concerned) Americans can experience in the comfort of our own home, yes from a bottle, what Guinness tastes like on draft. Now, though this pains me to say this, in fact I am sure I commit a grave sin in this, why have the venerable brewers in Dublin not figured out how to produce a bottled brew that taste like it does straight from the tap? I know, I know, it pains my conscience to write such heresy and I completely sympathize with you the reader who has decided that you actively loath my person. But please, before you lynch me, do yourself a favor and give McSorley's  a try.                    Zech says 5 out of 5 stars (yeah, that means perfect)

Black Lager? Don't see that in your local grocery much, but when Zech had told me about catching some of this on draft at a local restaurant, I knew we were trying it for review purposes. When I initially poured it I thought this is a Porter in disguise, and it may very well be called one. I loved the initial bite on my tongue, and then the smooth finish as I quickly decided this is one of the better beers I have ever drank. Mcsorley's is truly a beer for the beer drinkers, the Pennsylvania brewer has definitely got this one right. An actual beam of light shines down on you when you pour and drink this, oh wait that was my wifes antique lamp I was sitting under,  but it felt like it was for the beer!             Matt gives this one 5 out of 5.

Samuel Adams Imperial Stout

 This is an intense Brew. If you have not graduated to truly enjoying Guinness Draft, you should avoid this beverage, particularly since its 9.2% abv demands, that at least in the state of Tennessee it be sold in Liquor stores for $12 to $14 per 4-pack. Now that the preliminaries are concluded, on with the review.
  This stout pours thick and smooth, with a thin, darkly tanned head. There are hints of sorghum, barley, anise and coffee in its aromatic presentation, which as a whole approximate the smell of Worcestershire sauce. Yes, I said Worcestershire Sauce. I again reiterate, this is NOT a brew for the unitiated.
  Ok, so basically I pop the top off this thing, pour it into my frosted pub glass and smell something a retard (forgive me...mentally challenged) might pour on a poorly done steak (read "Zech is not a fan of Worcestershire Sauce"). But being a determined reviewer and ultimately concerned that our readers spend their hard earned cash wisely, I dive in.
 Surprise! This stuff is actually rather tasty. There are hints of grape wine as the stout breathes, the high abv ensures that the finish lingers smooth on the tongue with very little bitterness and it even burps smooth. 
  The blurb on the bottle label written by Jim Koch, founder of Sam Adams, whom I respect immensely, would lead one to believe that this is a complex brew that will make the drinker more sophisticated. In this, I must disagree with Mr. Koch. The mix of strong flavors all seeking to overpower each other, turns this beer into a single, uncomplicated miasma of 'what is that?'. So I did not find it to be a complex fairyland of flavor, but rather an example of art gone wrong. Though I found this brew drinkable, even somewhat enjoyable, I will not be purchasing it in the future. On the other hand, if someone else purchases it and offers it to me, I will gladly drink as much as they will share.  Zech gives this 2 out of 5 stars

Up and Coming Reviews

Matt's in the Gulf Coast looking for brews we don't or can't find in our local area. Here's a few Zech and I will consume in the coming weeks and critique for you beer lovers.
McSorleys Irish Black Lager, Lazy Magnolia's Indian Summer, Covington's Bayou Bock, and Red Brick Brown we'll see how these beers stack up. Ready Zech I'll be headin home tomorrow?

Will there be a lame duck in the bunch? Stay tuned to see how these beers weigh in.

Dragon Stout

This product of the Red Stripe brewery on Spanish Town Road brings back childhood memories of Puerto Rican Malta (which is non-alcoholic by the way). It pours with a dark, foamy head and sits in the glass nearly as dark as Guinness. This is however more of a milk stout and hints at molasses. It is sweet, but not overtly so. Though it does not excel in presentation or flavor it is quite enjoyable. If you are fond of the brews that physicians of the British Isles were wont to prescribe to nursing mothers, as I am, then you will enjoy this offering from a much more southern latitude. 3 out of 5 - Zech

A Dragon gives you thoughts of something powerful with a bite, but this Dragon doesn't bite at all it is smooth as a babies bottom. This dark brew is something that I was really surprised at. I had expected an overly sweet stout with a bite but what I found was truly smooth, just a hint of sweet and really drinks well. It was good ice cold as well as when it warmed in the mug. If I had one desire to make it better i think it could use a little more bite up front, after all it is a Dragon! Matt gives it a 4 out of 5

Innis & Gunn Rum Cask

Upon the initial open, this hand crafted Scottish beer from Manhasset, NY initial presented with hints of caramel and vanilla aromas. Swirling it in the glass released a suggestion of maltiness. It pours with a rich and thick tan head. The rum flavor, though present is not overpowering, yet is more than simply a hint. The initial taste is somewhat sharp and cutting indicating the presence of some hops, and quickly smooths on the tongue. A smooth finish indicative of the care taken in the crafting of this brew. The aftertaste is not at all bitter and leaves memories of vanilla and allspice. To be honest it turned my thoughts to images of tanned women in sarongs smelling of mango and coconut... I digress. As the beer breathes and nears room temperature, the aroma also hints at Jamaican allspice and perhaps even fermenting apricots. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and to be recommended, even if you are not a connoisseur of rum.

4 out of 5- Zech

I was initially impressed by the bottle and label itself, it reminds me of an old time bottle of tonic. After reading Zech's review I was anticipating the Pirates of the Caribbean and a tropical setting, I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the whiff of sweetness mixed with a scent of rum and beer, as I opened the bottle. The heaviness of the liquid made me feel like I had a stronger liquor pouring into the Pilsner glass, but as I took my first drink I realized this truly is a beer. The start and finish is smooth and sweet, which for me I like the smooth without bitter, but i'm not a huge lover of sweet so I have to say it was a little much for me.  That being said there is a distinct taste that I cannot compare to any other Brew Ive ever had, and as a whole brought pleasure to my soul. I give it a 3 of 5.- Matt