What beer are you drinking now? #1034

I know I know, but I saw this and could not pass it up. I've been wanting to try this for some time now. Real solid stuff. I'm not sure it's my favorite yet, but it's top 3 of the style for sure

 

Somebody's ass?

 

As promised (threatened?)...
Throwback Thursday Throwdown #4:
So far the "classics" or pre-ordained champion has won every battle. I noticed last week every battle has been a classic beer versus a Virginia beer. Not intentional or planned, but also not time to break that trend yet...

Belgian Wit Throwdown: Allagash White vs Port City Optimal Wit


Look:
These beer look almost exactly alike. I thought the Optimal was pouring a little more pale/white but look at them above. The difference doesn't change much later in the pour, Allagash a slight bit more retention.

Smell:
The Allagash smells a little sweet grain with some hay, lightly floral with maybe a touch of spice. The Port City has the same light sweet nose with maybe a little floral note, but definitely weaker than Allagash. The Allagash has a "more Belgian" nose to it, for sure.

Taste:
Nothing surprising in the taste of either beer initially given the noses. Allagash White spices hit me earlier in the taste (and earlier in the pour) than the Optimal. However, The Port City beer makes a strong comeback as the beers warm and in the back of the taste. The Allagash has a bit more banana-y and bubble gum undertones, and the Optimal has a more funky-tart undertone, almost like it wants to lean towards a farmhouse ale.


Feel:
Definitely a clear winner with the Allagash White. This beer has a softer feel overall, the flavors feeling like a fuzzy blanket enveloping my palate. The Port City Optimal it a bit more direct to the mid/back of the tongue with the spices, and lighter everywhere else. It might actually be more drinkable (crushable?) due to this, however.

Overall:
Another close one. Were it not for feel, I'd think Allagash may win out ever so slightly, but I could see cases where I'd rather have an Port City Optimal. Actually, even with the feel added in, that may be the case, but I think that category officially places the crown on the head of the favorite, Allagash White.

Ok folks, only halfway through the posts, now to the final pages...

 

Wally likes it too, smart dog!







Cheers!

 

@jhartley pretty much as long as it isn't the Yanks, I just love baseball. Who do you like. Also @Modernrickk I have no issue with the Dodgers, just to clarify things.

 

Well then... Lol

 

Good evening BAs! Having this one right now. A bit underwhelmed with it. Finding it a bit too malty for my liking. Oh well. Cheers all!

 

Excellent!

 

Old Rasputin Nitro. Yum.

 

It because of all the Gold Bond powder he's been using.

 

second pour of this awesome beer thank you again @Shroud0fdoom

 

Cheers

 

I'm hoping all you Booknotes and Beers fans will excuse an impromptu bookshelf photobomb, as today marks the anniversary of author Elmore Leonard's death in 2013, at 87 years of age...

Elmore Leonard (his webpage here), like Nelson DeMille, is one of my favorite authors of all time. Leonard wrote mostly crime fiction and westerns, in a pulp style that was dialogue-driven and fast-moving. He had a list of rules of writing that might give you insight into his style. Better yet, go pick up one of his books. Leonard's works have some returning characters and crossovers, and he's had a ton of stuff turned into TV and film - you can see the list on his website.

This one's to one of the greats...

 

Raised a Phillies phan, although this year I haven't had much interest in baseball, professional and when my 2 boys played.

 

Hey BA's! Almost 9 here in NOVA & I hate to walk away from one of the more fun WBAYDN threads in recent memory, but I'm checking out with this:

Yum!

Now I'm in a hoops mood, so here's a reel of Shawn Kemp posterizing...everyone:


As always- Drink up & drink on, my fellow advocates!

 

Loving the Odells I was able to get across the river in St. Louis. Of which there are now none left.

 

Shaq's time in Cleveland & Boston were definitely turds...

 

Lol - the GF grabbed a Resin without this knowledge while I did my "Throwdown" right before I started reading this page of posts. She's drinking the bigger beers tonight , for sure (but I had 2 ).

Plus, enjoyed the Little Feat references, and Volunteers is a great song from Woodstock.

 

Enjoying another nice one from TG thanks to @egrace84.