New Beer Weekend #267

Fremont - Extra Lush

19.2oz can served in a snulip. I think it's dated 07/01/25. Bought it a few hours ago at Beer Junction.

Pours clear brassy amber with a big frothy head that clots and clumps its way to a thick, uneven layer. Smell is booze, melon rind, grapefruit peel, some old hay, lemon/lime zest.

Taste is boozy, oak and resin bitterness, moderate honeysuckle and floral sweetness, lots of booze and bitterness. Something almost turns toward the red, a little toffee and nuts.

Mouthfeel is thick, not quite sticky but borderline, resinous booze cling. Overall...it's a huge IPA. Would like to try it fresher.

 

Trader Joe's (Flensburger Brauerei) — Oktoberfest Festbier



I was curious about what was going on with a Trader Joe’s store that appeared on several Fall beer locators, but it wasn’t selling any of them. Apparently, they were holding on to these beers until today, September 1st. Among these beers is this exclusive Festbier, which is weirdly also marked as Märzen (it is not). While I’m not going to write a proper review of this beer, I wanted to share that it is worth a try. It is bready, not too hoppy, very easy to drink, and overall very good. And sorry for a completely wrong glass.

 

Sumi Ink stout by Grimm
13.5%



Black body with neither a head nor lacing.

Nose and taste are chocolate and vanilla. A light malty char is present, but it's not dominant. A bit of booze slips into the mix, but it's not hot (especially given the high ABV) as ABV is well masked.

Mouthfeel is medium, a bit light for style. Carbonation low.

Very tasty stout that would be great for my tastes if mouthfeel were better. Even a trifle of carbonation would have been great. Smallcomplaints for what is a very enjoyable stout.

 

Thirsty Dog Kendall Lake Kolsch
5.2%




Poured from a twelve ounce can, the kolsch pours a bright straw yellow. Modest white head and light lacing.

Aroma is a wee bit of malt and fruit. Taste is malt with a light hop bitterness. Solidly balanced. Crisp and drying finish.

Mouthfeel is medium with moderate carbonation.

Crisp enjoyable beer.