New Beer Weekend #172

Last beer for the weekend has been sitting in the cellar for ~5 years.

Kent Falls - Partage. A table beer clocking in at 3.0%

Batch 2 - bottled June, 2018

Pours a bright orange / yellow with a good amount of fizzy white head that receded to a thin, spotty cap. Aroma is fruity and lightly funky with some earthy notes. Taste has more earthy funk than the nose. It's not the most complex beer, but it's light and very easy drinking at only 3%.

Overall, this is tasty and a good beer to enjoy without getting smashed.

 

My first alcohol containing beer...a long post/story from a special place to me: Galicia, Spain.

I did a long post about the spirit and uniqueness of Galicia in Spain a while back, for those of you that remember, consider this round 2...

A little fishing village in the NW corner of Spain called Ares, that is where I called home for 4 years of my life. Small village life at its finest, most people didn't have cars, or had one for trips to Ferrol, the closest city, for bigger shopping needs, otherwise people rarely left town. I spent my early teenage life living there and thus most of my childhood stupidity started there, including my first time being drunk. PS…If you go to Spain do what no one does, go visit this magical Celtic land, yes bagpipes and all, unlike any other part of the Iberian Peninsula. I plug Galicia any chance I can get…see below for a cool little video about the town we once called home.

Back then we could go in the grocery store and just buy alcohol at most places, they just assumed it was for mom and dad, same went for cigarettes, talk about a different world; oh and some bars I'm not sure if it is still like that but it was when I was there. Anyway we mostly drank carton wine mixed with coke, kalimocho is what it was called. Though I had a "cooler friend" who drank and preferred cerveza. Basically the only beer common around Galicia is Estrella Galicia, still to this day independently owned brewery called Hijos de Rivera, the beer below is their main beer.

Hanging with said "cooler friend" on this one night we drank cerveza instead of kalimocho and that was my first beer with alcohol...I don't remember much from that night years ago, but I do remember sipping this beer from the bottle and peeling the label off, why I remember that part, god knows. Anyway, a lifetime later, beer means much different things to me now and I'm excited for worlds to collide while I drink this beer 25 some odd years since I first had it, I present to you all:

Estrella Galicia Especial (Euro Pale Lager 5.5%)



Pours darker shade of pale, a vigorous bubbly white head forms, as it settles it leaves some rocky terrain and spots of lacing as it crashes, never devoid of white.

The nose is more complex than one would guess for a euro pale lager, touch of DMS, but then some spicy hops, a slight grain like sweetness, dry and husk like.

The taste is very malt driven, cereal and grain come to mind first with some white bread like sweetness, the hops definitely show again in taste, much like the nose; wow, even a bit herbal like, almost mint like before finishing grass like with a little spice on the finish.

Light body, but leaning towards medium; the malt really is bigger on this, almost like a helles verging on bock territory, great great vibrant biting carbonation that quickly coats the tongue in soft creamy froth, oh yea that is good; light bitterness, a touch of residual sweetness remains on an otherwise mostly dry beer.

This reminds me of some of those euro pale lagers from Poland but way way way better; this thing has a nice bite to it and some really well balanced by noticeably hoppiness. I know this beer gets imported to the US but I almost never see it. I would suggest anyone curious about trying new euro lagers give this a try, from the small isolated corner of NW Spain, if you do let me know what you think…

——————

I have one more Estrella Galicia beer and another story time next weekend, I will continue these ramblings from a life time ago each time my father brings back some Gallego (Galician goodies).

I will leave you with this; each year our town was one of the few to create streets covered with flowers, "alfombras de flores", it took months of cutting flowers and greens which, we did each year to then line the streets for the first communion children to walk over them the next day...all night long until morning we put flowers out to create this, enjoy...If you watch you'll see some beautiful overhead shots of Ares and the flowers...you'll never guess Spain to be so so green, it is an incredibly diverse country ...

 

Castelain (France) Grand Cru, enjoyed in Toulouse, France on a crisp Sunday night.

3.88/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Corked 75 cl black matte bottle poured into a taster’s snifter. This 2023 version clocks in at 8.5% ABV.

Many Bières de Garde (‘holding beers’) are wonderful examples of “hybrid” beer, quite like Germany’s Kölsch. In this case, the hybrid description refers to a beer being top fermented (like an ale) yet cool-aged for an extended period (like a lager). The result is a beer with great depth of flavor, smoothed out by time and low temperatures for 6-10 weeks. Earthy, grassy, citrusy, slightly sticky palate, with aromatic maltiness. Long finish. A beer to go with food.

Grand Cru is a ramped up beer—the brewery’s strongest, in fact. Pours a deep, coppery straw color and wears a nice dressing of creamy, off white foam. On the nose, a delicately floral aroma. It’s lightly honeyed, with a faint note of gingerbread dough. Also, it’s distinctly nutty—interpreted as almonds, perhaps chestnuts (sweeter nuts). Not surprisingly then, there’s also a prominent Marzipan note—further showcasing the nutty sweetness of the locally sourced Pas de Calais malt.
As it warms, a prominent grassiness develops atop an earthy backdrop.
This smells like quite a big, rich beer. On the palate, we got a complex blend of moderate sweetness and balancing bitterness, with minor acidity. A muted funkiness of a farmhouse lilt keeps it rustic within the larger context of balance.

Got notes of orange zest, with the nutty sweetness from the aroma breaking late and holding on into the finish.

Overall, this well-carbonated brew showcases a profound balance of malt and hop—truly classic old world beer. But perhaps most notable is the lager-like cleanliness—a result of the ale yeast being fermented at low temperatures, then cool-conditioned.

For a beer of this style and complexity, the refreshing nature is not only impressive, it’s downright dangerous.

Great with stinky cheese.,.,

 

Good evening NBW
I had a few new beers yesterday while visiting Brown County and Nashville, Indiana with Mrs. Jkblr, but cell service is spotty and I ended up not posting. Home now and breaking out a Rauchbier from the Costco advent calendar.


500mL can from the Costco calendar stamped EXP 2024/08 poured into a becher glass at fridge temp 5.3% ABV. The beer pours bright, dark brown with deep red highlights and medium brown colored head. The head recedes to a thin ring and single layer of bubbles. Slight lacing. The aroma is moderate in strength featuring campfire smoke and savory roasted meat. The taste is semisweet smokey malt that stays consistent without beginning to taste like liquid meat. Mild bitterness. The mouthfeel is thin to medium bodied with average carbonation and a mostly dry finish. Overall, very good.

I'm going to say that's it for this weekend. Cheers all!

 

A couple for me tonight on Day 2, the first is from my local-ish brewery - and it’s a Kellerbier, a style I really like, but don’t get to try very often.



3.94/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a mostly clear golden brown color that looks like iced tea in the glass with a sudsy light tan head that provides minimal lacing. Noble hop aromas on the nose with lots of grass and a nice wheat bread note as well.

The grassy flavors are forward on the taste and very nice, with just a smidge of lemon and a dozen smidges of wheat bread, which is what defines this beer - that and the very crisp, clean mouthfeel.

This is a really well executed Kellerbier, IMHO, one I’d gladly try again.

 

What exactly distinguishes a Vermont-style IPA from other NEIPAs? Good question. Let's find out.

Tonight I try another can I picked up at the grocery store the other day.



Ten Bends - Northern Heights

Pours a lovely cloudy pale yellow to gold. The second pour got the bottom of hte can which hosted a bunch of little floaties and what honestly looks like bits of pellets. Good finger plus of rocky white foam that seems disinclined to recede, and even when it finally does (via my mouth), it leaves its lacy marks on the glass.

Nose is pretty muted, but leans into softer nondescript citrus as its primary focus. I get a touch of the wheat here, but mostly just kind of muted/muddied citrus character.

Flavour gives a bright sweet kick right up front that I wasn't quite expecting: less juicy and almost over into nectarous territory. This character does not persist as I get further into the glass, but it was a sharp first impression. Behind that there's just an ever swelling dull bitterness that's mostly citrus, but also a bit earthy. Like this feels primal somehow. There's a distinct pithiness to the back end. Am I imagining that I can pick up on the oats? Probably, but I'll pretend I do anyway.

Smoothe/soft/thick body... balanced with sharp pervasive carbonation. The finish is the swelling of that earthy/pithy hop bitterness.



So what differentiates a Vermont style DIPA from a standard DNEIPA? No idea. You'll have to ask the marketing folks at Ten Bends. But what about this beer in particular? It's solidly enjoyable! If you read this description of it and think, 'hey that sounds like something I'd enjoy,' you'd probably be right. It's fairly straightforward. I do wish they'd add a canning date, though...



Cheers!

 

#2, Binny’s is having their BCBS lottery tomorrow, and I’m arduously working through my cellar, so this one seemed appropriate - plus I could join my friend @Roy_Hobbs in enjoying a BCBS variant, which is always a positive development.





4.67/5 rDev +6.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Pours onyx black with a body that swallows light and supports a dense, creamy mocha head that lingers for a bit. The typical gorgeous BCBS look.

Spicy rye whiskey barrel notes lead the nose, with rich cocoa notes following, and a nice cinnamon note as well, courtesy of the cassia bark. I like the way this is shaping up.

The taste is a glorious amalgamation of the spicy rye whiskey barrel, the decadent cocoa, and the cinnamon flavor at the back of the palate that really ties all the flavors together and allows that lingering alcohol warming to keep drawing you back for another sip. This is absolutely delightful.

The mouthfeel is full, substantial, and creamy. One of the best BCBS variants I’ve had, I wish I had another bottle to age for a couple of years to see how it develops. This entire series of beers is truly world class in every way, IMHO.

 

I spent most of the day cleaning up our flooded basement. I’m mailing this one in today. Apologies.

Bellwoods An IPA w/ HBC 630, Loral Cryo, Mosaic and YCH 702.



Pours a murky gold.

Lots of tropical notes on the nose.

Taste is similar. Slight dank quality.

Medium bodied.

Not too bad.

 

Not much free time this weekend, but trying to sneak one in under the wire...cheers!

4.17/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Packaged on 10/27/23 - enjoyed on 11/5/2023 - poured from a pint can into my Dogfish Head shaped pint glass.

Cloudy golden-yellow body supports a rough soapy cap - receding to a delicate but lasting cap. Light sticky lacing; very good retention.

Hop-forward aromatics, suffused with tropical fruit and floral elements. Passion fruit, kiwi, green grapes, etc.

Flavor profile largely follows the nose (floral/tropical), the hops backed by a gentle biscuity malt with a dry crackery finish. Mild lasting bitterness throughout. Low notes of river stones, oranges, and rock candy. Maybe a hint of watermelon. Neutral yeast.

Medium-light bodied, lightly oily, soft with adequate carbonation.

Complex, delicious blend of hops - quite enjoyable.

 

Ouch, a flooded basements warrants mailing it in. Hopefully not a lot of bad damage and just a matter of drying, cleaning and being annoyed at all the work.

 

A couple new-to-me Vermont offerings on tonight's beer list.
First up is from Tunbridge, VT.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/46275/677772/



16 ounce can with no discernible date from a couple cases we received this week.

Moderate pour yields a 5/4 inch white head over a cloudy, light golden body with sticky lacing.

Nose of tropical fruit and citrus.

Taste mirrors nose pretty closely; fruity at first, giving way to a gentle citrus bitterness on the finish.

Very good mouthfeel with medium carbonation.

Overall, this would be most welcome anytime you're thirsty and not looking to get too buzzed.
Definitely worth seeking out!
Cheers!!

 

Good evening. Long day yesterday helping our daughter trade in her car. It's a miserable task that's much more difficult than it needs to be, and since my Dad worked for VW for 40-plus years I kinda know the game. Still not anything remotely resembling pleasant.

Anyway, going back to Japas Cervejaria again this evening:



This one is Oishii, a witbier with ginger, coriander seeds, and orange peel. The name means "yummy" in Japanese.

Pours an ever so slightly hazy straw yellow. I think the foam would have been bigger on a single pour.

The smell is ethereal. Light wheat, light Belgian esters, a little spicy coriander, mild yeast, then one good hit of earthy ginger and orange peel. Very pleasant, sets an expectation

The taste - honestly I was a bit let down at first, but by the second and third sips I was pretty happy. Whether warming a bit makes it bloom or my taste buds started understanding what's going on, im not sure. It's very mild, very balanced, nuanced, and subtle. The only flavor showing any particular strength is the ginger. The orange is slightly sweet and only mildly reminiscent of a gently squeezed peel. The nutty coriander and earthy ginger combine for a noticeable herbal component. The ginger peeks out a tad bit more, but not to the level where ginger sometimes tastes dirty to me. Mild estery Belgian yeast notes, a little wheat tang, pleasant bitterness. The sweet orange plays nicely with the ginger and coriander and subtle yeast notes. Floral components creep in a bit and there's almost a honey flavor yet its not very sweet.

Well carbonated, light feeling - I'd say it's soft and vibrant.

This is extremely well-executed. It's kind of inventive in a way, but not over the top.

I'm impressed with the thoughtful creativity and the skill with flavors and recipe development in all of the beers I've had from this "brewery" - I've been reading their web site and think I understand the ladies don't have a physical brewery in Brazil. Reading their story, the beers are very clearly connected to their unique culture. I dare say they also clearly show the feminine hand, mind, and spirit. There's a deep understanding of flavors and flavor combinations demonstrated in the three Japas beers I've had. Whatever they are up to, they need to keep doing it. Easy 4.2 range on this one.

 

Doomfire by Tree House



4.29/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

16 oz Can dated 8 7 23, opened 11.5.23, poured into a pretentious beer glass

Brewers notes; Doomfire pours a brilliant hazy gold, inspired by the otherworldly hues we witness from the brewdeck, day in, day out. Liberally hopped with select Citra, Galaxy, and experimental lots (HBC 1019), this beer showcases exuberant notes of sticky mango, tangelo and ripe pineapple. These flavors sit atop a foundation of creamy malt, with a crisp finish. Doomfire celebrates new inventions born from yesterday’s forge.

Hazy orange liquid, tapped by a two finger off white foam cap, dense solid and stays there after five minutes

Aroma is tropical fruits, mango, pineapple,

Taste is bubblegum, tropical, mango, pineapple

Smooth, soft mouthfeel with a hop kiss

Good beer

 

Had a soccer buddy who was from Galicia, he supported Celta Vigo. We coached our kids in indoor soccer and one season we named the team “Galicia”. We won that season!

 

That is a great story, really neat.

 

I remember having to clean out basement in North Carolina. It would flood a few times a year. My Dad spent God Know how much money to mitigate & later fix it. At lot of stress

 

Mother's Brewing Lake Break American Blonde Ale, 4.6% ABV; 3.33

Pours a chill-hazed gold with one pinky of cream colored head. Some head retention & lacing, never drops bright

S: Bready, grassy, lime once warmed up

T: Follows the nose, a touch of lime up front. Dryness & grassyness as this beer warms up. Finishes grassy with a little lime & dryness

MF: Light/medium body with fairly fir carbonation, skews a little sweet

Not a fan of the style, this is fairly typical. Drinkable, but boring