The Obligatory Beer Thread

[Ducky]

I figured it's past time that we had another beer thread. It's not PUI, (Posting Under the Influence,) instead it's about new beer experiences.

Tonight, I've got Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout from Farmville, NC. http://www.duckrabbitbrewery.com/ It's got a minimal head when poured but stays in a thin creamy layer on top. The body is just about black, and is completely opaque, but has a deceptively mild aroma in the glass. The deep roasted grain comes through as a kick of flavor on the palate. It's got a surprisingly clean flavor that finishes creamy and IMHO would make a great accompaniment to grilled food.

This is according to their site.
The Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout is a traditional full-bodied stout brewed with lactose (milk sugar). The subtle sweetness imparted by the lactose balances the sharpness of the highly roasted grains which give this delicious beer its black color.

I would say the sweetness is VERY subtle, but it does cut the 'holy cow' reaction to the deep roasted (some call it burned) flavor of the grain. I've been curious about this particular beer for a while now because of the lactose brew, and I can't say I'm disappointed.


Tomorrow: Yeungling's Black & Tan

[Terminator]

You can't go wrong with North Carolina beer.

[bayern]

Found this one in the store the other day. Kinda steep, $10.00 a 6 pack but what the hell, I like beer. This is very good. Its a Czech Lager, holds its head; real nice and creamy.
I drink my European Beers at about 40 degrees; no refrig for me. I keep it by the A/C out let in summer, and the garage in winter. It may not be for everyone, but for those with discriminating tastes, you may like it.

[Kate]

I never could acquire a taste for beer, but I hear Yuengling, which is the oldest operating brewing company in the US, is very good. They're based in Pottsville, PA, which isn't too far from me. The beer and lager are plentiful around here in the Philly area, Delaware and New Jersey, but since I don't drink it, I'm just going by what people say.

Not sure if 10-42 Adam is a beer drinker, but since he's in DE, I'm sure he could find it easily. Maybe he can give a proper review?

[Rabbit23]

I never could acquire a taste for beer, but I hear Yuengling, which is the oldest operating brewing company in the US, is very good. They're based in Pottsville, PA, which isn't too far from me. The beer and lager are plentiful around here in the Philly area, Delaware and New Jersey, but since I don't drink it, I'm just going by what people say.

Not sure if 10-42 Adam is a beer drinker, but since he's in DE, I'm sure he could find it easily. Maybe he can give a proper review?

On the money as usual Kate. Yuengling is awesome. I used to have to beg my college roommate from Jersey to bring me back some everytime he went home.

I stock up on it every chance I have and now having moved further north it's even harder. I even think Cool Breeze was my last beer mule last time he headed south of us.

[Ducky]

Rabbit, the local places here all stock Yuengling, all varieties that I can tell. In a few, (as soon as I warm up!) I'll be posting a review of their Black & Tan. It's a household staple here, but I always like to have the beer in hand when doing the review.

[10-42Adam]

Not sure if 10-42 Adam is a beer drinker, but since he's in DE, I'm sure he could find it easily. Maybe he can give a proper review?

Unfortunately I'm more of a captain and coke or jagermeister guy than a beer drinker. I just like going for the real stuff

[Bob Loblaw]

I will be reviewing Mad Dog 20/20 and Olde English 800 this weekend. Stay tuned!!!

[Ryan]

I'll take Steel Reserve

[Kate]

I will be reviewing Mad Dog 20/20 and Olde English 800 this weekend. Stay tuned!!!

You're a brave man - either that or incredibly insane!

[Wolven]

I second the Yuengling...great stuff.

Also, although I think Blue Moon is ok...they do have a seasonal beer called "Full Moon" during the winter months which is lovely.

And I introduced myself to Fat Tire while in Vegas...yum.

Always good to get the obligatory beer threads going Ducky!

[Bob Loblaw]

You're a brave man - either that or incredibly insane!

both, Kate. I am both. And also hot.

[Wolven]

both, Kate. I am both. And also hot.

Not to toot your own horn or anything, huh Bob? LOL

[Ducky]

Tonight's offering, in (belated) deference to Halloween is WychCraft by Wytchwood Brewery. Here's what the website has to say about it.

WychCraft Blonde Beer

A pale golden potion with delicate red hues, WychCraft has a heady burst of fresh citrus aroma derived from three infusions of Styrian golding hops. A sprig of gentle warming malty flavour finishes with a dry biscuit note and a counterpoise of bitterness.
WychCraft's innovative new recipe includes adding three infusions of Styrian Goldings hops to the copper, to create a highly aromatic brew, bursting with succulent citrus and lime hop character. A light base of delicately flavoured English Fuggles hops, and the use of a lager malt, help retain the signature hop character and create a wonderfully aromatic and fragrant summertime beer. Beguiling to the end...
ABV: 3.8% in cask, 4.5% in bottle
Bottle: 500ml
Cask: seasonally
Hops: Fuggles and Styrians
Malts: Lager and Caramalt

My review: The lime is (blissfully) barely discernable. Corona does well with lime: this would NOT. But then, it doesn't really do well on its own, either. It's reminiscent of Budwieser with a bitter, skunky aftertaste. I think the Witch's secret ingredient was her socks. Or her settled laundry water. Either way, it's got a stale, sweaty quality that would better be served to college kids with no pallet. I'm tempted to put some salt in this and see if it improves.




Update: I recommend the salt, as it helps cut the initial bitterness. I even more strongly recommend trying something else instead.

[Ducky]

Tonight is Yuengling's Black & Tan.

Yuengling's Original Black & Tan is a pioneer beer that models a traditional English Half & Half. Introduced in 1986, Yuengling produced one of the first hand-crafted draft blends to lead this style of American brewing. Black & Tan combines our popular Dark Brewed Porter and Premium Beer to create a brew that is rich and dark in color, with a well balanced flavor that finishes smooth and satisfying. It has a faint sweetness with hints of caramel and coffee from the dark roasted malts. One sip and you'll appreciate how Yuengling raised the bar with our Original Black & Tan.

This is one of my favorite standard beers. It's nearly black in the glass with a light tan head that sticks around for a good while. The roast aroma comes through without being overpowering or having a burned quality, reminding me of coffee. The flavor is appreciated all over the mouth, with the very faint sweet notes acting as counterpoint to the more bitter that is typical of a dark. While the flavor does linger a bit on the pallet, it's not unpleasant and would act as a wonderful accompaniment to grilled food. It's not the sort of beer that would entice you to drink a six pack in a single evening, as it's rather heavy, but as I prefer quality over quantity that is no hardship.

As I can typically get a 12 pack for $10, it's also a pretty decent bargain. Easily comparable to a good German import without the punch to the wallet.