Beer-a-Day #120
I decided to take a break from the disappointments of light lager imports in green bottles. So, instead, I got myself a fresh-brewed domestic light lager that never saw the inside of the bottle. (Besides, my boss invited me to Rock Bottom. How could I say no?)
Light golden color with nice lacing. In the aroma I get a bit of orange zest but it’s otherwise clean. Nicely refreshing with a light to medium body and some pleasant hop bitterness. This is good.
Beer-a-Day #119
This must be the week for pale European lagers in green bottles. I guess I like to live dangerously.
Pale, pale yellow, with a white head. Alfalfa, burnt toast, and…lightstruck. *sigh* Light but malty. Would be refreshing but for that glaring flaw.
I’m afraid that this is developing into a Pavlovian response; that every time I open a green beer bottle I’m going to smell skunk, whether it’s really there or not.
Maybe I’ll get to Italy someday.
Nastro Azzurro (Italian)
Beer-a-Day #118
I got a significant number of beer from Europe on my last shopping trip. I’ve plowed through the cans and widgets. Now I’ll do the 35cl bottles.
First up is Staropramen Premium. I’m a little concerned, since it is a light lager, imported, and in a green bottle. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
It’s a clear light gold with a craggy head. It is, sadly, a bit lightstruck. I can detect a little grassiness in there, though. Despite its flaw, it’s got a clean finish and reminds me a bit of melon. If only it had made the journey in better shape. Ah well; another reason to visit Prague, I suppose.
Beer-a-Day #117
This so-called “Widget Week” concludes with an import from Scotland.
This is the 5.2% ABV version of Belhaven Scottish Ale. It pours a nice deep amber color with a thick off-white head. Smells malty. Creamy big body, oak and sherry notes. This is good.
Beer-a-Day #116
Ah, no widget this time. The can proclaims that this is “brewed longer for a distinctive full flavour” and the website proclaims it is Greene King’s “flagship brand”.
A nice golden color, like a good cream soda. Head is ivory and a finger-and-a-half thick. Piney and grassy. Medium body and a good bit of bitterness, with a flavor that kinda reminds me of burnt biscuits. As I work through it, it’s growing on me.
Beer-a-Day #115
“Widget Week” continues.
Dark brown with a creamy beige head. Tiny bubbles, of course. Smells a bit like french roast coffee. More coffee roastiness in the flavor and a light body.
Beer-a-Day #113
Oooh, Cascade!
Opaque black. The cream colored head sits on top like it was cut from a razor. Vanilla and chocolate in the aroma. Light and creamy; it’s there and it’s gone.
Beer-a-Day #112
Pours clear and the color of pale straw, with a white head that looks an awful lot like a souffle. Has that typical lager “funk” along with some floral notes. Light on the tongue; it’s there, then it’s gone. Would refresh on a hot Maryland Summer day.
Beer-a-Day #111
The sixth and last (*sigh*) beer from Smoky Mountain Brewery brought to me by my good friend Ellen.
Very dark brown and nearly opaque in the glass. Not much head, which is a creamy brown color. Roastiness and a lot of chocolate in the aroma. The flavor reverses it, with a bit of chocolate and a lot of roastiness. I like it.
Thanks Ellen!
