Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

 There are some hints of citrus in the nose of this barrel aged ale, but primarily you will smell bourbon. I am fond of this trend to age various beers in liquor barrels, but often the flavor of the liquor is overpowering. The bourbon flavor is quite strong in this case, but as it nears room temperature, you will notice some hints of caramel, indicative off the malts used during the brewing process. There is a sharp alcohol bite to this brew also a slight oiliness which makes me wonder if there are some hops in there. Though not outstanding, quite enjoyable.
-Zech gives this brew 3 out of 5-

Chimay Belgian Ale

 

 As you faithful readers know, part of this blog's purpose is to help you avoid potentially costly mistakes in your beer choices that could lighten your wallet and foul your mood.  This Chimay Belgian ale is one of those mistakes. I really enjoy belgian barley wines and high abv ales, so when I saw this offering at one of my favorite Jackson, TN restaurants, Picasso's, I thought "Oh, that will be nice." Wow. I could not have been more wrong. Imagine vodka mixed with water and stir in some wheat germ for flavor and Voila! Chimay ale. 

  And then you get to pay $9.00 US for a 12 ounce bottle. Doesn't that sound fun? Well, I didn't think so and I would warn you off this pretentious brew.

 -Zech gives Chimay Belgian Ale a disappointed 1 out of 5-

Napa Smith Lost Dog Red Ale

 If you have been following our blog, you might remember the Abita Jockamo IPA review. This product hailing from Napa, California is quite comparable to the Jockamo. I am not making light of this brew, and it does have distinguishing qualities. As you can see, the head is not very tight, is quite fluffy and doesn't last. This brew has an abv of 7.2%, which gives it a smooth, rich mouthfeel that cuts the hop oils quite nicely.
  I did enjoy this, and its flavor was somewhat reminiscent of a Killian's, with bittering hops added and overlayed by hints of caramel and citrus. This is most definitely a brew that has been expertly crafted. It is not at all pretentious, but is full bodied and makes a statement of quality when you drink it. The Napa Smith Brewery suggest pairing this brew with short ribs, hamburgers and garlic fries. I am salivating right now. I would probably only drink 1 or 2 of these in an evening, but I would savor every drop.
- Zech Gives the Lost Dog 3.5 pats out of 5-

Yazoo Brewing Pale Ale

  Yazoo's Pale Ale is a subtle and artistic take on the IPA. Thanks to the new Amarillo hop there is a delicate and slightly sweet citrus note to the nose. I could also pick up hints of malt which I found quite pleasant. Because the hops are so well balanced, the acidic oil content is low enough that you don't feel like you just swallowed a week cough syrup. There is the clean, crisp and dry hop finish without being harsh. The head doesn't linger too long and is not overly bitter. I am not generally a fan of IPA's, but this is a refreshing brew that I will definitely drink again.
 -Zech gives Yazoo Pale Ale 3.5 out of 5-

This is a clean your palate between dark beer offering. Very crisp and clean. I purchased this in a Yazoo 12 sampler and enjoyed it after a  Dos Perros. The clean flavor of this Pale Ale is definetly mild in comparison to the other Pale Ales you may be used to. I think that this is a good summer beer and would recommend this to those who are not ready for too much hop. On the other hand if you like the really hoppy brews you may be suprised at Yazoo's version. This would make a good outdoor barbeque beer.
-Matt Gives it a 3 of 5

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?