Orval Trappist Ale Review

As promised here is the review of the Orval Trappist Ale.

First of all, I’ll apologize for the major foul of not pouring this Belgian into the traditional goblet. Unfortunately that is one piece of glassware I do not own and I am working on rectifying that. But anyway onward and upward.

Appearance: The beer was a cloudy amber, almost rust color. It poured a generous, rocky head.

Aroma: The initial aroma was very yeasty, with some spicy notes and a hint of sourness that is typical in a lambic.

Taste: The taste was very good. It was very crisp and dry on the palate. It had a creamy mouthfeel with some sweeter malt notes and some additional sweet notes from the candied sugar the monks use to brew the beer.

Overall: This beer is a very good example of a Belgian Ale. It has a lot of complexity that makes it very interesting drink. It seems like at every sip you can find some new nuances that are fantastic. If you are looking for a nice Belgian to try, this is definitely worth picking up. It is true to style and it is also still brewed by monks. So go out and grab a bottle.

Keep ‘em tippin’

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

So last week L Bird was running out to Wegmans to do some shopping. On her way out she made the mistake of asking me “Do you want anything?” to which I replied “Yeah, of course I do! Grab me a beer to review”. After some discussion back and forth she agreed and was on her way.

Now in the back of my head this whole thing of her picking out a beer was a crapshoot. She doesn’t spend the time looking at the selections, or who made what, etc, she just kind of grabs something blindly and brings it back. Well, I’m happy to say that her selection was a great one.

So let’s go on with the review:

Appearance: It is very black and you can’t see through it even when you hold it up to the light. It pours nicely producing a light tan rocky head.

Aroma: I initially get a lot of coffee notes, but its not the typical coffee aroma. Its more like a burnt, or dark roast coffee almost to an expresso type of aroma. But that finally gives way to some slight flowery notes from the hops.

Taste: I was pleasantly surprised with the initial taste.It was sweet tasting with some bready like qualities. I was expecting to taste some bitterness and chocolate right up front, but was happy with the sweeter notes. The sweetness then gives way to more coffee flavors and then ends with a bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate. The mouthfeel of the whole beer was awesome, the oatmeal provides the stout with a creamy, silky mouthfeel.

Overall: This is a great example of an Oatmeal Stout from a great brewery. I would recommend this beer to anyone who appreciates dark beer. It is definitely worth the money and worth picking up a bottle or two. So run out and grab a couple and enjoy.

Keep ‘em Tippin’

I'm running behind....

Just a heads up, I have two beer reviews that I have been sitting on. Like always life has been crazy and I haven't had time to post the reviews. It always seems like I can find the time to drink the beer lol, but never any time to write it up. I plan on putting up at least one if not both of the reviews tonight, so check back. I'll give you a sneak peak, the two beers are:

1. Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
2. Orval Trappist Ale


Keep 'em tippin'!

A Great Idea…

Around me there are not a lot of stores that sell a lot of craft beer, and the ones that do have a selection of craft beer tend to sell them in 6 packs. So to try anything you have to at least buy a 6 pack, if you don’t like it then you’re stuck. You either have to choke it down because you paid for it or stash it in the bottom of the fridge until you have someone over that you can pass it off on. My motto is “There is no such thing as bad beer, only better beer!” so I end up drinking them slowly over time. I myself prefer to make mix ‘n match 6-pack/12 packs, but to do that I have to drive at least 40 miles to Beers of The World. That trip is  way too much of a hassle to make routinely unless it is for a special occasion. So I try to find 6 packs that I have a good feeling that I’ll like and I leave anything that I would like to try but seems too unusual at the store.

In the past year, Wegmans has made a big push into the craft market and now has a rather impressive craft beer section. So yesterday as I was strolling through the craft section I was completely stoked to stumble across this:

Its an awesome idea and I’m glad they are doing it. You can “Craft Your Own Pack” for $9.99. Now from their selection of single bottle this may be a little steep, but I figure I’m also paying an extra buck or two for the convenience of selecting my own beers. So now the next time I go out for a beer review selection, I’ll be able to take a few more chances on beers I normally wouldn’t buy.

Awesome job Wegman’s!! Way to keep the craft movement going!

Ol’ Naps Maibock

I know I haven’t posted in a while, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been brewing. Yep, Ol’ Naps has been brewing up something special. I have been quietly brewing up a nice Maibock. Traditionally Bocks are spring beers that are brewed in the dead of winter and lagered for a few months to to be cracked open for a spring festival. It is a German style and the name Bock actually means goat, so that’s why when March rolls around you’ll see a ton of Bocks being offered and 99% have a goat on the label.

I love these beers. I love that they are brewed to be a celebration of the coming of spring. I have had traditional Bocks, Dopplebocks (double bocks)  and triple bocks, but I have never had a Maibock. It is the same as a traditional bock, but much lighter in color but with the same big, full flavors.

This Maibock has been fermenting for two weeks and was ready for transferring to a glass carboy to be cellared for two months to be ready for the end of March. I took a short video of what the beer looks like and how I transfer below. I apologize ahead of time for the poor video quality.

So take a look and let me know if you have any comments or questions. I am always more than happy to talk beer with anyone.

Prost & Keep  ‘em tippin’