A beer a day brings more blog entries your way!
PIPELINE PORTER - Kona Brewing Co.; Kona, HI
5.40%ABV
Serving: 12oz to stein
A: Finger of frothy, sticky tan head; body is pitch black with some ruby hues in the light. Great head retention and lacing on the stein.
S: Sweet malts; coffee and slight oatmeal aroma.
T: Coffee and sweetness dominates at first but is rounded out and balanced with a nice hop presence. Small amount of bitter chocolate residue left on palate. Beer tastes “watery” at times, like there is a gap in the flavor that can be filled in with…something. Chocolate/nut/coffee would fit well.
M: Creamy, medium-bodied beer.
D: A sessionable porter. Good drinkability. I’ve already sent this beer off with some friends. I look forward to having some more!
Pipeline - A- (available in 6ers at the co-op for under $7)
ERDINGER WEISSBIER KRISTALLKLAR - Erdinger Weissbräu; Erding, GER
5.30%ABV
Serving: 12oz to nonic, for lack of proper weizen glass
A: Clear light golden brew with a HUGE 3 finger white head that retains well for the whole session.
S: Inviting fresh aroma; metallic and a grainy/wheat smell.
T: Banana, metallic, and crisp wheat right off the bat. Wet grains, some light spices in and out of the glass, and sometimes, there were flavors of absolutely nothing.
M: Lighter-bodied with tons of great, refreshing carbonation.
D: This beer is so pleasant to drink. Though I prefer unfiltered wheat styles, I look forward to buying a few of these for the hot California summer.
Kristallklar - A- (available at Cost Plus)
the massive head would have looked even better in the proper glass!
STONE RUINATION IPA - Stone Brewing
7.70%ABV, 100+ IBUs
Serving: 22oz bomber to large wine glass
A: Amber and orange slightly hazy body with a finger of a very creamy off-white head. Sticky webbing of lace all over the glass. Head retention could be a bit better.
S: Nice bouquet of floral with a sweet pine aroma in the back.
T: Smack of bitter hops is most present on the palate; herbals and florals that are expected in a DIPA. A yeasty/doughy flavor weaved throughout. As the beer warms, the bitters die down significantly and the perfumey hope flavor dominates.
M: Medium body with a huge perfume residue clinging onto the palate after each sip.
D: The head needed a somewhat aggressive pour to create. Could have used a bit more citrus to balance out the heavy floral/perfumey flavors. Overall a good DIPA, but nothing overwhelming.
Ruination - B+ (available at the co-op as well!)
I love the stone gargoyle!
