Firestone Walker Brewing Company claims “Passion for the Pale” on Union Jack’s label and it wears their medals on it’s cap. Plus, lion vs. bear fisticuffs and a proper British pint are their logo. You’ve got my attention, Firestone. But is it hubris or street cred? Let’s find out…
Described as “a Finnish rye ale brewed with Juniper” that is “Cascade and Amarillo hopped, orange and lemon peel spiced,” Sahti pours a light, hazy amber with a thin, cloudwhite head. Citrus on the nose, lemony. Citrus and hops on the tongue, with soda pop carbonation. Nice and bitter up front, but light-bodied so it hits the top of palate, then falls down the throat with only a little back-of-throat burn. First impression was that it lacked a little something, […]
If you put a chimpanzee in a space suit on your product, I will buy it. Bitter American pours clear, light amber with a frothy two-finger head that leaves little in the way of lacing. Mouthwateringly piney on the nose. Citrus and hops on the tongue, with light carbonation.
Monk’s Blood from 21st Amendment is a Belgian-style dark ale brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, oak chips and dried figs. Makes you wanna sit up and chant.
Adult Beverage knocks one back with FDR tonight, sampling a Fireside Chat–in a can–from 21st Amendment Brewery. This one’s a winter ale–perfect for a snow-threatening night–with spices added, so I’ve got the fireplace lit and vintage jazz on the radio…
Ballast Point’s Victory at Sea is a coffee vanilla imperial porter with a dreadlocked skeletal helmsman (complete with skeletal parrot) adorning its label. As a lifelong fan of undead pirates, I had to pick one up. But does the beer live up to the pure awesomeness of the artwork?
Perfume on the nose; fruity and floral with hibiscus right up front. Pours deep red with an elegantly collapsing head. Contrails on the glass. Tastes like agua de jamaica–carbonated agua de jamaica. Sweet. No bitterness. Awesome that way. Creamy mouthfeel. Had it with chili and cornbread Would be perfect with mole or huevos rancheros.
A few months ago, my buddy Lyell recommended this California IPA from Ballast Point. It’s taken me this long to track one down, but I stumbled upon a cache of it at Petaluma Market tonight. Was Sculpin worth the wait, or will I get stung by this wriggly muddler?
Lagunitas Olde GnarlyWine pours stoplight amber with a notable head that graffities alien alphabets upon the glass. Perfume on the nose: floral hops, warm alcohol, toasted malt, and brown sugar. Taste lives up to the promise of the scent. Sweet. Tangy, with notes of toasted cereal and molasses. Medium bodied. Bitter, piney toffee finish. Always a pleasure, but Two Aught 11 is particularly nice.
Brewed with “Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes and chamomile”? Could be interesting.
