Butcher's Block
Jack Black's Brewing Company

 

Picked this up a while back at the Whole Foods on Houston St in New York City, having never had this before. I had never heard of Jack Black (beer) either and the 440 ml bottle stood out to me when I looked through where all of the singles were. While not a bad beer, this was pretty plain as far as Pale Ales went but still went down easily, even though I had no idea how old this particular bottle was.

Nice pour to this as the beer had a hazy copper hue, thick head, and left behind lots of lacing along the back of my pint glass. Fair amount of caramel malt in the nose with even more in the taste, along with quite a bit yeast up-front. The mouthfeel was herbal with some grassy notes with not a lot of hops to be found here. Some blood orange juiciness could be found here as well as there was lots of carbonation to keep this lively and from being weighed down by the spice. The sourness came out in the aftertaste but it was short-lived and not too terribly intense.

The alcohol was fine here but by the end of my session, I could taste it a bit. Slightly gritty, this was a Pale Ale not quite like others that I've had while not being outstanding in any aspect. This almost reminded me of an ESB because of the hop profile and while it wasn't terribly bitter, the balance was easy to sense as I enjoyed this. As unassuming as a Pale Ale gets!

440 ml bottle. Pours orange with white, tall, never ending fluffy head, and lively carbonation. Aroma is of bready malt and grassy hops. Body is medium and crisp. Grassy hops, bready malt and ripe fruit fill the mouth. Finish is long and dry. Ok brew to try once.

spiegelau ipa glass. 35 ibus.

A: Coppery-orange pour with a lively, dancing show of macro-effervesce. Huge light tan capping, 3+ fingers stands firmly atop. Large, soapy void pockets line the outside, while the lacing was rather weak, and sparse.

T: Toast and straw on the nose, a pear-caramel like yeastiness/sweetness follows along with some raw citrus. Strength is rather weak, and does't stick around long.

T: Raw citrus-apple like flavor with some caramelized grains. Hopping level is low, maybe moderate, with some wet citrus peel like bittering. Some straw and toasty caramel and leaves with some bitterness after a sweet start and a bit dry.

M: Light mouthful, some carbonation, creams up a bit, nothing really exciting here.

O: Not a bad tasting beer, just gets ordinary really quick. Causual drinker, sweet caramel base reminds me a bit of a sam adams lager with a bit more pale citrus hopping. Okay, maybe a 78 here, overstays its welcome a bit in a 16oz bottle, would of left better impression in lower moderation 12oz.

 

 

Jack Black Brewing Co. "Butcher Block Pale Ale"
440 ml. brown glass bottle, "EXPIRY DATE 02/032016"
$2.95 @ Outlet Liquors, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Decent enough pale ale. Long lasting white head and very excellent lacing that leaves solid walls of lace displaying thicker rings where each sip was taken. Fresh aroma of lightly sweet caramel malt that's been infused with floral, leafy, grassy, and spicy/herbal hops. The flavor follows suit, and it's one of those beers where the components are clearly identifiable on their own but still work seamlessly together. A solid bitterness backs it and brings it to a dry, caramel and herbal/grassy and spicy finish.

 

 

 

I really enjoyed this beer. Great effort and proudly South African. Will definitely have it again in the future.

I am a fan of Butcher Block and a fan of Jack Black's. All their beers have been very solid. The Block poured a nice clear amber with white head that left a great lacing. The scent was very malty with bread base. The taste was solidified with a sweet malt base that stayed through out the drink that left a bread like aftertaste. The mouthfeel is medium in body with good carbonation. Overall a solid offering by JB....nice job!