Coney Island - Sword Swallower Steel Hop Lager

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Coney Island
Sword Swallower Steel Hop Lager
Shmaltz Brewing
New York, USA
Est. 1996 (5757 Hebrew Metonic Cycle)
www.shmaltzbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear copper color.
Nice spicy hop aroma up front and malted barley background.
Minimal bubbly head on pour.
Malty and hoppy taste.  Well balanced between the two.
Negligible lacing on the glass.
Medium bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Not as big in ABV as the Human Blockhead, but huge in hops and malt flavor.  A great lager beer that has 8 different hops and 4 different malts in concert with one another.  And they make beautiful music together, I must say.

This is a lager like no other you may have tried.  It will not leave you lagging with a dry tongue.  And if you like your hops, you will appreciate this lager beer. You won't confuse it with a pale ale, nor an IPA, but you will put down your regular lager and take notice.

Gotta love the artwork on these big 22 oz. bottles.  You can almost smell the midway if you close your eyes!

BrewDog - Tactical Nuclear Penguin

Nuke'd Penguin

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Tactical Nuclear Penguin
BrewDog Ltd.
Unit 1, Kessock Workshops
Fraserburgh  Scotland 
Est. 2007
www.brewdog.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 32.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (container) / 3.0 (sample) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Brown/black color.
Plum fruit aroma, heavy malt smell and some other undefinable scents.
Zero, zip, nada head.
Clear "legs" of lacing on the glass, similar to bourbon or scotch.
Absolutely no carbonation.
Taste of tobacco leaf, then malty, malty flavor.
Warmed the back of the mouth and throat.
Slight alcohol sting, less than anticipated.
Tastes intensified as it warmed to room temperature.
Heavy malted body, viscous mouth feel. Very complex flavors. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy 
This beer's label claims, "made with barley, hops, yeast, water".  Those are indeed the four sacred ingredients for beer.  However - Reinheitsgebot be damned!  Tactical Nuclear Penguin's (fun to say) unusual name implies that you are in for a full on 'red alert' experience of a lifetime. A label quote reveals that, "BrewDog's beers are the epitome of pure punk."  That says a lot about an in-your-face 32% ABV beer.  Want more proof of punk?  Look at that packaging it comes in.  A brown paper bag with a penguin head drawn in magic marker and a piece of butcher's twine.  That has got to be punk for some kind of a 'fancy-pants' decanter!

I would like to say up front that neither myself, nor my pal Dean, (the purveyor of this bottle of TNP), compared it to another equally famous, high ABV beer.  We viewed TNP for its own qualities, alone. Having said that, this beer does stand on its own merit even though we admitted that 'other high ABV beer' had perhaps been a bit more stately.  But the Penguin did not disappoint from a novel beer experience. If you want more of the experience yourself, visit the BrewDog website to see how it's made. The label notes, "No Penguins  were harmed in the making of this beer; some humans did get very, very cold though. It was worth it."

The brew: First off, it had a dark brown, bordering on black color to the body.  It was served chilled, as per BrewDog's recommendation.  It was served in small two to three ounce amounts; look, you're not gonna drink all 12 ounces of this no matter what you think. The aromas and taste and body are surreal as it goes for a standard beer, but then again, this ain't no light beer.  Earthy flavors and aromas emanate from the glass and get more complex and funkier (in a good way) as it warms up a bit.  At times there were tobacco or even cough syrup; think industrial strength cough syrup. It was all over the taste map and kept going as it warmed.

More label notes say, "This is an extremely strong beer, it should be enjoyed in small servings and with an air of aristocratic nonchalance. In exactly the same manner that you would enjoy a fine whisky, a Frank Zappa album or a visit from a friendly yet anxious ghost." Friendly, anxious ghost, huh? I don't think they mean Casper...I guess they're talking about me, The Reaper.  Ha-ha, muahahaahaaha! 

Not nuclear enough, you say?  The world's strongest beer ever has a "Best Before" date of January 18, 2021. I'd say that this thing can survive a nuclear fallout!

The label boasts, this is, "...beer for the dedicated." 

'Nuff said.

Sea Dog Apricot Wheat Beer

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sea Dog Apricot Wheat Beer
Sea Dog Brewing Co.
125 Western Ave.
South Portland, ME  USA 
Est. 1993
www.seadogbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.6 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy amber color.
Apricot fruit syrup aroma, no malt or hops detectable in smell.
Minimal off-white soapy head. Zero lacing on the glass.
Mostly apricot tastes comes through with little hops or malt.
Abundant amount of carbonation.
Light fruit flavored, light bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sea Dog's Apricot Wheat Beer is like drinking the yummy syrup out of a can of apricots.  Only fizzier.  There is beer flavor in there, but mostly what comes through is the fruit flavor.

There are some unfiltered bits of apricot in the glass making this truly a unique beer.  It would be good on a summer's day, or on a Florida day in the high 70's.  Like today.

Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale (2009)

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale (2009)
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Chico, CA USA
Est. 1980
www.sierranevada.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Solid amber orange color.
Hoppy nose. Citrus and pine scents.
Nicely foaming two finger head.
Lots of different shaped bubbles that leave ringed lacing.
After 20 minutes a half inch head near the bottom of the glass persists.
Pungent taste of great Cascade hops but not too bold.
Medium bodied. Substantial mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Sierra Nevada has really got my number.  I am not at a loss for words, ever.  My snarky comments and smarmy remarks can be rattled off, anytime, anyplace, anywhere.  But I'm always tongue tied  after one of their brews. To wit: the Brown Ale, the Celebration Ale, the Pale Ale or my personal favorite, the Torpedo.  Each beer was exceptionally made by them and minimally worded in review by me.  There is not much to say when you drink breathtaking ales, such as these.  One sip is worth a thousand words.

This is not one of their everyday bread-and-butter ales, mind you.  This is their annual creation to celebrate the founding of the company in 1980.  This year's effort is an IPA made with sustainably grown Cascade hops. Get some while it lasts; the 2009 edition. Easily sessionable and just the right amount of hops.

Dogfish Head - Midas Touch

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Dogfish Head - Midas Touch
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
6 Cannery Village Center
Milton, DE USA
Est. 1995
www.dogfish.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 9.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Mostly orange with yellow hues.
Poured to a little over a one finger tall, white head.
Honey and dry grape tastes up front. More honey on the finish.
Good amount of carbonation.
Medium mouth feel with dry finish.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The World of Beer's colors are predominantly black and gold, so it was fitting that this beer was chosen as my 50th selection.  That honor gets you a WOBculture T-shirt emblazoned with the university block font 5 0 on the back.  Nice shirt for a milestone.

Midas Touch Ale has honey, white muscat grapes and saffron in the mix.  It's made from an ancient Egyptian recipe. The bottle has a fingerprint on the label, suggesting that King Midas himself touched this nectar to turn it gold. It is the muscat grapes that fascinate me the most.  These are typically seen in dessert wines. They give a sweetness that is very pleasant in aroma and body.  It was a pleasant drink for the 50th selection, adding that it was my "just desserts!"

You won't be sitting around the Pharaoh's tomb drinking too many of these, as the sweetness doesn't lend itself as a session style beer.  And at 9% ABV, it would make an outstanding enbalming fluid for mummification!

Weltenburger Kloster - Asam Bock

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Weltenburger Kloster - Asam Bock
Klosterbrauerei Weltenburg GmbH
Kelheim, Germany
Est. 1050
www.weltenburger.de

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.9 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep brown to black in color.
Deep wheat aroma full of bread characteristics.
Tan head that dissipates rapidly. Leaves minimal lacing.
Mellow full bread taste; like pumpernickel bread.
Has roasted chocolate and caramelized tastes.
Good carbonation.
Medium textured with smooth creaminess. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Olde Skool German Bock bier.  So old school, the brewery dates back to 1050. Damn! 1000 years ago. They have been busy making beer for a long time.  Oh yeah, back in the day!  Hey, check out this video about Weltenburger. Makes you want to book a trip to the 600 B.C. Monastery.  The Hallertau hops region is only a few miles from this Monastery/Brewery.

It pours dark into the glass leaving very little head and lacing.  Though higher in alcohol, you really won't notice it in the taste.  But do pay a trip to the website and also get your hands on some of this Bock.  It's like a postcard!  And one more note...it's the oldest dark beer in the world.

The cloistered monks of Weltenburg could have done anything with the time they have on their hands.  Let's thank goodness they used it perfecting the art of brewing.

Moosbacher Schwarze Weisse

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Moosbacher Schwarze Weisse 
Private Landbrauerei Scheuerer
Moosbach Germany
Est. 1887
www.moosbacher.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rootbeer color.
Three finger head caramel color.
Dark wheat breadlike smell with a bit of vanilla scent.
Temendous lacing spiderweb.
Bready taste.  Wheat malt and yeast present in flavor.
Medium bodied, yet surprisingly light. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Ingredients: Water, Barley & Hops, Yeast.  That is clearly stated on the label. Straight forward. Pure and simple.  The only way to make this fancy was to put it in one of those swing-top popper bottles.  Nice.

Recommended by my beer-tender Brogan, it was consumed in a taaallllllllll glass, making it even fancier!  And there it was in all its rich brown splendor, waiting to be enjoyed.  It's bottle fermented and non-filtered.  The real trick is to swirl the last couple of ounces in the bottle just before finishing the pour.  It releases all that yeast goodness into the top of the glass.  Yum.  Try the Moose.

Flying Dog - In Heat Wheat Hefeweizen

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
In Heat Wheat Hefeweizen 
Flying Dog Brewery
Frederick, MD USA
Est. 1983
www.flyingdogales.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Solid orange haze color.
Wheaty, bready smell. Minimal noble hops aromas.
Lots of bubbly nucleation.
One finger white head dissipates to slight cover quickly.
Taste of fresh wheat; bready.  Also some banana notes.
Light bodied and refreshing. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Flying Dog makes some serious beers with some less than serious names.  Nothing wrong with that.  Whatever you call their beer, just don't call it bad.   This Hefe example is interesting in color.  It's not as hazy as some other wheat beers, but that matters not.  What it might lack in haze, it more than makes up for in refreshing taste.

It would be a 'bitch' if you miss out on this dog.

Red Hook - ESB

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Red Hook - ESB
Red Hook Ale Brewery
35 Corporate Drive
Pease International Tradeport
Portsmouth, NH USA
14300 NE 145th St.
Woodinville, WA USA
Est.1981
www.redhook.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber with orange tint.
Bitter hops aromas, some malts coming through.
Soapy head; off-white color.
Lace coats glass well.
Tart, bitter, dry hopped taste.
Medium body with drying finish on the palate. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A long time ago, I had a Red Hook beer.  It was in a bottle, had a 10 month old date on it and probably hadn't been handled very well during its shelf life.  At least not to Cicerone levels of expectation. But, as I said, that was a long time ago.

Walking into a new restaurant, the greeter gave us a choice between the tavern or the dining room.  Actually there was no choice.  It was going to be the tavern if I had my way, and I did.  Strolling by the tap selections I noticed the ESB handle and thought, "...it's been long enough to try a Red Hook again."  After all, it wasn't their fault the first one was bad.  But still, just the memory of it haunted me. Yes, me.

Well, the ESB, (Extra Special Bittering), was fresh, and it was bitter hopped and it was damn tasty.  So glad that I made that selection.  And although this wasn't the very best example of an ESB, it was very good indeed.  Now I must admit that I should go back and review that Long Hammer IPA sometime, to be sure it was just an aberration.

Belfast Bay - Lobster Ale

Dead Lobsta'

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Belfast Bay - Lobster Ale
Belfast Bay Brewing Company
100 Seaport Avenue
Belfast, ME USA
Est.1996
www.belfastbaybrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0  

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber with a reddish tinge, in color.
Sweet and malty with slight apple aroma.
Super tall foaming head that slowly diminishes to a thin cover.
The glass laces very nicely at first, then disappears.
Light to medium bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Here's a tasty Red Ale that has a food pairing right on the label.  I guess the meaning is supposed to let you know that this Amber Ale or Red Ale as they call it, resembles the color of a lobster.  Clever!

Actually, The Reaper is more interested in telling you that a lobster is one of the freaks of nature that has an exoskeleton (its bones are on the outside).  Ummm, I guess that I just referred to myself as a freak, because The Reaper's bones are on the outside too!  Something in common besides the ale.

Back to the ale, it's a good easy drinker.  One you could have plenty of at your next clambake.  Goes well with just about all of that good food.  So when planning your next beach side clambake or kitchen counter tuna fish sandwich, keep this Lobster Ale in mind.

Stoudt's Pils - German Style Pilsener

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Stoudt's Pils - German Style Pilsener
Stoudt's Brewing Company
Route 272
Adamstown, PA USA
Est.1987
www.stoudtsbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0  

Postmortem Brew Review
Fairly clear yellow with a slight hazyness on the pour.
Balanced malts and hops in the fragrance.
Tall foaming crisp white head that lasts.
Wonderful spiderweb lacing.
Tasty hops with refreshing body.
Light and easy to drink; refreshing.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Few beers are a maligned as the everyday pilsener.  When they are bad, they're awful and will test your tongues patience.  But when they are good, they can be a thing of beauty to behold.  Let me tell you, this is a beautiful pils!

I noticed the bit of haze in the pour that meant there was a lot going on in this glass.  It settled clear and with a tall crisp white head.  The preponderance of hops noticed in the nose was unexpectedly inviting and intriguing. I mean, yes, there are hops in pilsener beers, but these were oh so delacate and floral in aroma.  The taste was clean, dry and refreshing giving a soft 'twang' of hops.  This puppy has 40 IBU's under the hood!

Oohhhh I'm so sad I only picked up one bottle of these.  I would recommend pairing this with the other 5 I didn't buy. Sigh!

Samuel Adams - Brown Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Samuel Adams - Brown Ale
Boston Beer Company
Boston, MA USA
Est.1985
www.samueladams.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.35 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0  

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep amber brown color.
Lots of malt sweetness and nutty smell.
Aroma is bready with a bit of fruitiness.
Short, loose bubbly head with pretty good lacing.
Tastes like fresh bread and nuts.  Dry, but not too dry.
Light to medium bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This is a solid brown style ale.  While nothing really stands out, neither does it detract.  It's simply a good easy drinker and something nice to switch up if you've had too many hoppy beers.  Sam Adams has done 'browns' justice with this English style brown ale.

Just a straightforward good beer.  Sorry about the short review...I'm just a 'lazy-bones' tonight.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout 
Brooklyn Brewery
#1 Brewers Row
79 North 11th Street
Brooklyn , NY USA
Est. 1988
www.brooklynbrewery.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Deep black color from the pour.
Deep roasted malted barley; chocolate aroma.
Rich mocha colored foaming head goes to about one finger high.
Great rings and spots of lacing up and down the glass.
Dry chocolate coccoa flavors and some hops bitterness.
Full bodied mouth feel; creamy and silky. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Although high in ABV, this Russian Imperial Stout shows only chocolate richness. Okay, well maybe there's a slight warm alcohol zing, but oh so subtle.  Dry and bittering, like fine chocolate, the taste simply amazes.  Everything about it is exquisite, from the rich black liquid in the glass to the black and gold label.  I have also had the good fortune to enjoy this Chocolate Stout on tap.  Tasting notes from both were exactly the same, showing the quality in the production runs.

Perfect way to warm up the evening this time of year.  This bottle is from the 2009-2010 limited winter bottling.  Do yourself a favor and seek some of this out soon.  Else, it's, "...wait until next year...", like they say in Brooklyn!

Rogue - Hazelnut Brown Nectar

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Hazelnut Brown Nectar
Rogue Ales
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR USA
Est.1988
www.rogue.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review 
Solid brown with ruby cast tones.
Malty aroma; pleasingly sweet. Hearty dry nut aromas.
Practically no head that sticks around as a cover showing spotting of yeast.
Drying bitter chocolate on after sip with creamy finish.
Good amount of head coats the glass.
Surprisingly light bodied for a brown ale.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This one had been recommended by a friend for a while.  I should have listened to him sooner.  He was right on about this brown ale.

I found the head was non existant and the ale looked lifeless in the glass, but after tasting those smooth nutty flavors, it seemed to wash away any notion of doubt.  Its maltiness and nuttiness come through with each smooth sip.  There is a touch of sweetness in there,as well.  There's also some good carbonation in this ale.  No more doubt about it; this is a great brown ale any way you look at it.

Rogue!  How do you make such great beers?

Blue Point - Hoptical Illusion

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Blue Point - Hoptical Illusion   
Blue Point Brewing Company
161 River Avenue 
Patchogue, NY USA
Est. 1998
www.bluepointbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear amber color.
Pine hops aroma abounds from the glass.
Two finger head that simmers to a cover quickly.
Copious amounts of lace coat the inside of the glass.
Some malt taste, but mostly soft flavorful hops in taste.
Medium body with some modest carbonation. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The web blurb says this IPA is made with a "special" hop, grown only in Oregon.  Hmmm...some mind bending stuff has always come out of the fields of the Great Northwest!

Hoptical Illusion give you all the hops you want in an IPA plus a 6.8% ABV to add to your mind alteration.  The ale is well above the middle of the pack for most IPA's.  Hoptical Illusion is indeed enjoyable.  It is an IPA you can enjoy several of without serious tongue-hop burnout.

It is the second of Blue Point's that I've sampled.  I can say they are fast becoming a favorite.

Victory - Prima Pils

Taps for a Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Prima Pils
Victory Brewing Company
420 Acorn Lane
Downington, PA USA
Est.1996
www.victorybeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear golden yellow color.
Pine hop scent; unusual for a pilsener.
One finger head disappears over a short period of time.
Citrus hops taste with good amount of carbonation.
Dry and light bodied.  Refreshing taste.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy 
Interesting situation here.  First Victory the Reaper has laid his bones on. I asked my local beer-tender for something light to start.  He also happens to have an inside track that I like my beers on the hoppy side, so he suggested this one.  One sip and I knew it was gonna be good.

Prima Pils is clear and yellow just like a pilsener should appear.  Nothing new about that.   But on the nose, there is a fair amount more hops than you'd expect from your everyday pils.  Even those that are "triple hopped".  The hops aromas in here rivals those of a pale ale.

Then there is the nibbling of hops on your palate as you sip.  So there you are!  More hops than expected and more refreshing than pale ales.  And, Prima Pils achieves refreshment as only a pilsener can.  It's amazing. It's different.  It's from Victory and I'll be back for more!

Full Sail - IPA

Dead Sailor 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Full Sail - IPA

Full Sail Brewing Company

Hood River, OR USA

Est.1987

www.fullsailbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

 
Postmortem Brew Review
Translucent golden color.
Pungent hops aroma; some citrus.
Two fingered head.  Near-white, fluffy and long lasting.
Nice taste of bittering hops from start to finish.
Great residual hops flavor after drinking, but not overly hopped..
Though modestly carbonated there is great small bubbled nucleation.
Light to medium body. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
My first experience with Full Sail was with the 'Session' lager and while it was a fine example of a typical lager, I longed for something more.  Here is the more...this IPA is also a fine example for its style.  Easy to drink without burning out your taste buds on hops. Still, it was hoppy enough to know that it truly was an IPA.

Whereas the 'Session' lager was kind of boring, this was interesting.  Even the 'Session' label was stark red with black and white lettering; the most remarkable thing was the 11 oz. marking.  Not the IPA.  They proudly state "Independent Employee-Owned" and "Concocted by our massive brewforce of 47".  The 47 font appears to be hand written, as if it can change.  And it will go up, no doubt as this tasty beverage will help lead them on.

Aye mateys!  The Reaper has a pirate ship.  Full Sail has a "Brewforce".  Does anyone know if the "Brewforce" is the 6th branch of the military?  It should be!  With a name like Full Sail, they must be a seagoing unit like the Navy, Marines or Coast Guard.  Pipe one aboard!

Highland - Oatmeal Porter

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Oatmeal Porter
Highland Brewing Company 
12 Old Charlotte Highway
Asheville, NC USA
Est.1994
www.highlandrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review 
Cola black color letting through very little light.
Very pleasing roast malt and chocolate aromas.
Minimal caramel colored head that evaporated quickly to a skim coating.
Slight carbonation.  Smooth and silky.
Full malt and chocolate taste with slight hops bitters.
Oatmeal flavors on the back of the tongue as it warmed in the glass.
Medium body, hearty flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
32IBU's are tucked neatly into this cola black, chocolaty porter.  It smells and tastes delicious.  This porter hails from some of the Reaper's old stomping grounds, North Cacalackey.  Asheville is probably most famous for the Biltmore House on the Biltmore Estate built more (or less) by George Vanderbilt.  As an unusual consequence, it's also home to the swanky-est McDonald's restaurant, featuring not one, but two fireplaces in the dining room. There are vaulted ceilings and a grand piano as well.  Guess the McDonald's felt the need to keep up with the Vandy's.

One of the notable things remembered from our 4 years residence in NC was the fact that Scots had been among the first to settle the state.  They were hard working, and toiled the land, building estates, farms and fortunes in the process.  So it comes as no surprise that this beer takes a cue from the rich heritage those Scottish Highlanders indelibly left behind.  As for kilts and bagpipes, that's a story for another day, but duly noted that the youngest in our reaper clan played in a famous "Kiltie" high school band after we relocated the crypt to Florida.  Aye!  Bluuuudie Kilties!  Aye!

History lessons aside, I was pleased with this porter and paired it (albeit unusually) with a bowl of chili. On the last days of this cold wave in FL, the combo was fortifying and satisfying to say the least.  It will make a new "comfort food" on my list of things to eat on cooler days.  I'll pass on the haggis.....whew ewww.....haggis!?!

Rogue - Yellow Snow IPA

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Yellow Snow IPA
Rogue Ales
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR USA
Est.1988
www.rogue.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review 
Cloudy yellow/orange color.
A bang of hops on the nose with some citrus smell.
Frothy off-white head with magnificent two fingered retention.
Moderate carbonation.
Creamy. Tart.  Hoppy and bittering finish.
Medium bodied, hearty flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Drum roll........Beer review #200.  A landmark review calls for a landmark beer.  I pulled this out of the mortuary cooler for your perusal.

Let's begin by saying this name is wrong on so many levels. I'm getting flashback's from the old 70's Frank Zappa standard "Please Don't Eat The Yellow Snow".  Frank's Eskimo song mama reminds him to, "...watch out where the Huskies go..."  Frank, if you are listening from up there...mama was wrong!

Well as the saying goes, "...it has been colder than a witch's teat..." around these parts of Florida.  Some parts of the state have reported snow in the past few days.  Sooo, why not try this ale, I thought.  Now you are all chuckling to yourselves, "Cold! Did he say cold?  I mean, how cold can it get in Florida?"  LISTEN UP YOU DUNDERHEADS!  It has been in the low to mid 30's at night and barely reaching the upper 40's by day for the past week and a half!  If you don't think that's cold, why don't you plan your vacation for this week?  Don't forget your swim suit! Okay, I'm done chiding you. But, I digress...

This IPA would most likely warm me up, since it contains a hearty 70 IBU's.  That made it a good pick for tonight.  Also, according to the label, it pairs well with 'fire' and 'bulls heads' --- hey, that's the symbols they used.  Not my idea.  Anyway, tonight's sup was spicy meatball sandwiches, so the 'fire and bull' thing was also working in its favor.

The ale poured out a murky yellow-orange color (I know what you are thinking) and produced a jubilant, frothy head.  Being a bomber bottle, I drank some and then refilled the glass when done.  As the last remnants of the ale dripped out, into the three fingered, off-white snowbank of a head, it was stained with that yellow-orange liquid.  It soiled it...well...like yellow snow! Bwaahaahaaahaa muahaahaahaaa!  I like a brewer with a sense of humor.  And I like Rogue's Yellow Snow IPA.

You know? There is the Rogue fellow and his hound on the label; kinda looks like a Labrador retriever --- did he do it?!?

Lets end by saying this ale is SO RIGHT on so many levels!

Blue Point - Rastafa Rye Ale

Buffalo Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Blue Point - Rastafar Rye Ale  
Blue Point Brewing Company
161 River Avenue 
Patchogue, NY USA
Est. 1998
www.bluepointbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Translucent, cloudy amber pour.
Caramel malt with pine hop scent.
Two finger white head.  Good nucleation of bubbles in the glass.
Malty rye soaked taste.
Tons of spiderweb lacing.
Medium bodied.   Creamy and hoppy finish. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This was a surprise draft selection from an obscure brewery on Long Island.  The brew, a rye ale, is such a new addition, there is scant info about it on their website.  There are a few pictures of the fellow, (let's call him Mob Barley, shall we?), hinting that this must be a new brew from their repertoire.

Blue Point seems to have quite a few styles of beers and ales.  The spectrum covers just about all the popular brews for which one could ask.  Rastafa Rye is a steady rocking rye flavored hop ale that is sure to please rye fans and hop-heads alike.  It's some cool runnin' brain wash, mon!

I'll be looking for more Blue Point beers in the future.

Bellhaven Scottish Ale

Dead Highlander

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Bellhaven Scottish Ale 
Bellhaven Brewing Company Ltd.
Spott Road
Dunbar, East Lothian Scotland
Est. 1719
www.belhaven.co.uk

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0 (On Tap) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber bodied color with ruby tones.
Virtually no aromas. Faint yeast smell.
Double forming head gives nearly three finger tan head that lasts.
Quarter inch head near bottom of glass.
Copious lacing covers the pint glass.
Full malt taste. Creamy sweet finish.
Medium bodied.   Creamy soft with a touch of hops in the finish. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Wonderful creamy smooth and sweet. "Magic" to quote Bellhaven.  I am inclined to agree.  The most magical part is how that ale keeps its head to the bottom of the glass.  My mustache mopped it up with each creamy sip.  I also enjoyed the Scotch taste the beer brings forward.

Scottish Ales are quickly becoming a favorite and this one is worth finding.  A great way to warm a winter's day.

Samuel Adams - Utopias 2009

Potent Patriot

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Samuel Adams - Utopias 2009
Boston Beer Company
Boston, MA USA
Est.1985
www.samueladams.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 27.00 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 3.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich amber color.
Smell of alcohol like bourbon, wafts from the snifter.
No carbonation, no head. Served at room temp.
Extremely sweet on the sip; sweet and malty in taste.
Dry on the palate and warming going down.
Some alcohol bounce at the end, but mellow.
After 20-30 seconds a distinct beer flavor presence appears.
There are clear 'legs' that coat the glass when swirled.
Medium bodied viscous mouth feel, similar in feel to pure maple syrup.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I got two words for you.........."UTOPIAS, BITCHES!"

Contrary to popular belief, you meet the nicest people at bars.  I met Dean at World of Beer over the holidays and we struck up a casual, yet mutual conversation over beers.  He is experienced in sampling many different beers as myself, but has had some that I would never have the same access to.  He told me he had a bottle of Sam Adams Utopias and was willing to share some with me.  I blushed at the prospect.

Our mutual admiration for different beers led us to a second meeting with his wife Jennifer, and that sealed the deal for today's third meeting.  Meeting today with Utopias in hand, he poured a generous sample of the libation for me to review.  I felt as giddy as an eight year old schoolgirl.  The beer is amber and rich like a fine bourbon.  The most peculiar thing noted was looking into the glass from the top, I could see my fingers at the bottom, holding the glass.  But when observed from the side through the glass snifter, through the beer, my fingers disappeared.  The stuff was like polarizing film when turned at a 90 degree angle.  That was odd to say the least.  

Utopias has a heady distinct alcohol smell to the nose and again, I'm thinking bourbon.  That is where the differences end.  The taste is very sweet initially, and slowly simmers down while warming and coating the tongue and back of your throat.  Where a whiskey or bourbon would continue warming down the esophagus into the stomach, the beer quits at that point. But, at about 30 seconds into the sip, there is an unmistakeable beer flavor that makes it's presence known.  Very good, indeed!

Overall, I found it quite interesting and pleasurable to sip.  It is not one to quaff in volume as it is a mind boggling 27% ABV.  Enjoying it with a cigar would make a great pairing if you partake in smokes.  Most importantly, enjoy it with friends, old or new!

Tommyknocker Pick Axe Pale Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Tommyknocker Pick Axe Pale Ale 
Tommyknocker Brewery
Idaho Springs, CO USA
Est. 1997 (?)
www.tommyknocker.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Translucent amber pour.
Caramel malt with pine hop scent.
Two finger head that is caramel in color with lots of bubbles.
Spiderweb lacing down the side of the glass.
Medium bodied flavor hops in the finish. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I am glad to see that my first Tommyknocker brew must have been an aberration.  This Pick Axe was a pleasure.  It had a nice amber color with some suspension.  A great hops smell on the nose, balanced by some maltiness, was also in the mix. 

The biggest surprise came after letting the empty bottle stand for a minute, and then dumping that last bit of collected goodness into the glass.  A little yeasty clump splashed into the glass and exploded like an upside down mushroom cloud.  I wasn't expecting that.

Overall, the beer had its merits.  Nicely done and not over done for a standard pale ale.  It was refreshing and hoppy; all good characteristics of a pale ale.  I will be looking forward to the next Tommyknocker brew I can lay my hands on.

Iron City Beer

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Iron City Brewing Company 
Iron City Beer
3340 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA USA
Est.1861
www.ironcitybrewingcompany.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0
 
Postmortem Brew Review
Crystal clear yellow color.
Grain smell, hops aroma.
Malt and slight hops taste.
Two and a half finger, white colored head that rapidly dissipates, leaves no lacing.
Light body with carbonated mouth feel. Not too watery.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Another retro American lager.  As an old standby in the Pittsburgh area, it is simply known as the "Burghs" beer. Not too watery, but very light to drink.  It's amazing there is also a light version of this beer.  So clear, you can read through your pint glass!

Not a favorite of mine, but a good example of an American lager style beer.  You'll know if it's for you.

Abita - Amber Beer

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Abita Amber Beer
Abita Brewing Company, LLC
Abita Springs, LA USA
Est. 1986
www.abita.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Rich amber color.
Soft caramel malted barley, easy floral notes of hops.
Two and a half finger head, caramel in color.
A good amount of small ring lacing clings to the glass.
Medium bodied, silky smooth.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Abita states this amber is a Munich style lager. Ah-ha! That squarley places it in the Märzen-Oktoberfest classification.  Pale and Crystal malts, soft understated yet surprising hops.  Clean and refreshingly easy to drink. It's a sleeper of a beer.

Abita produces this beer in small, cold filtered batches.  Cold filtered that is, with the Abita Springs artesian water.  Care and quality are among the important details that go into this beer and it surely shows.  No additives, nothing un-natural.

Truly worth picking up a sixer, maybe more. So, what are you waiting for?

Flying Dog - Snake Dog IPA

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Snake Dog India Pale Ale
Flying Dog Brewery
Frederick, MD USA
Est. 1983
www.flyingdogales.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.1 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy and translucent amber color.
Some malt presence but more hops than anything else in the aroma.
Bright hops sting of the tongue with smooth malt and hops finish.
Off white, two finger head with lacing that coats the glass.
Medium bodied flavor and body. Modest carbonation. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
60 IBU's makes this IPA bark nearly twice as loud as their Classic Pale Ale. You won't guess it on the nose, as the smell is of mild hops.  When you tip it back and it will assault every part of your taste buds like a chained up junkyard dog!  And beware this one as its bite is worse than its bark at 60 IBU's.  Reminds me of the old family pet; my old pal Cerberus.

Loud and snarly might not make for a great dog, but it sure makes for a great IPA.  This one should be right up there on your must try list.  The next time you are visiting your local beer shelter, see about adopting a 6-pack of these to take home.

Another great mutt from the Flying Dog pound.  Cute little fella after all.  Can I keep him Mommy?  Please?

Boulder Beer - Never Summer Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Never Summer Ale
Boulder Beer Company

2880 Wilderness Place
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1979
www.boulderbeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.94 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Nearly solid amber color.
Malty, tangy pine hops scent.
Tall, tan head upon pour. Dissipates slowly leaving short cover.

Great lace coating on side of glass.
Medium carbonation with hops finish.
Peppery; warms the back of the tongue.
Medium bodied, big flavor.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A craft beer with a crafty name.  Everybody and their brother has a "Winter" this and a "Christmas" that beer or ale on the shelves.  Well the folks at Boulder put a great spin on naming it, reminding us that this is indeed a winter style.  Kind of catchy the "Never Summer" name.  I like the ale as much as the thought that went into the name.

The ale is a robust amber color and gives off malt and hops aromas, but the taste catches you at the back of the tongue and throat.  It leaves a warming, peppery flavor that is just drying enough to make you want to sip some more.  Sip after sip, the ale's mild soothing heat wraps its way around you like a great big stadium blanket.  The perfect tonic while having that Christmas tree bonfire.

It could easily have been named "Always Winter", but it's fine just as it is.  Enjoy it while it's still winter!

Happy New Beer 2010

To all my loyal followers and those yet to come:

Welcome to the New Year 2010.  As we begin this new year, I have had an epiphany of sorts when it comes to my discovery of beers and ales.  I am no longer publishing gradings of A, B, C or any numbering scales when it comes to the matters of the beers and ales that I blog.  The reason you might ask?  Well now that I have about 200 beers blogged in about eighteen months, I have come to realize that what I might give a grade level to, won't match your particular sampling experience.

This is something I have wrestled with since starting the blog.  My purpose is to inform, educate, entertain and mostly share my passion for beer with you, the viewing audience.  In this way, I hope to lift barriers from anyone's drinking experience.  There is a beer for every purpose.  Just as you would not down a barleywine after cutting the lawn, you might not pop open a light beer at a very special occasion.  Beer is made by all brewers, (home brewer, nano, micro or macro), to be enjoyed, first and foremost!

So in wishing you all a Happy 2010, you will no longer see any ratings on the beers.  My experience of each one I sample will be just that...a view into one person's experience for any particular beer.  I hope to grow my blog by sampling new and different brews, meeting new people along the way and going to more festivals, beer bars and breweries in the coming year.  Sit back and enjoy the ride, even if you only follow vicariously through my musings.  If you agree or disagree with one of The Grim Reaper's Eulogies, I encourage you to post a comment and let others know your experience.

2009 was a great year of enlightenment for The Reaper as I went to GABF and other local festivals.  2009 also saw brand new beer bars and breweries open, along with the expansion of others.  2010 looks to be the most promising year for beer, by far.

I'd like to leave you with the following excerpt that sums up this past year's point of enlightenment for myself.  I could not have put it into words any better:

(c) 1995, by Jonathan Binkley and Michael Stewart.

This was originally posted to alt.beer by Paul Sovcik. It is reprinted
here for your edification.
 
Mon Feb 28 22:12:09 PST 1994
Organization: University of Illinois at Chicago, ADN Computer Center
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 1994 16:13:28 CST
Message-ID: <94059.161329U18183@uicvm.uic.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.beer
Subject: Re: What happened to Sam Adams?

I remember first discovering Sam Adams about 5 years ago in Fort Collins, Colorado (not that is was that special of an experience... I was just kind of pissed 'cause I wanted a Boulder Pale Ale).  It tasted exactly the same as it does today. A very good lager with excellent hop character and absolutely wonderful aroma.

Why do some people claim to taste a difference? I'll bet it is an outgrowth of the "beer discovery experience." The process goes something like this:

  (starting with adolescence)
 1)  You drink Budmilloors because it's cheap, you want to get
     drunk, and you really don't like beer anyway.
     You cannot distinguish marketing ploys from taste.
     (ex. Genuine Draft, Ice beer, Dry beer etc.)

 2)  As you get older, you still like to get drunk, but you
     have a bit of cash to spend. You also tend to drink beer
     'cause you like it. You drink Budmilloors taste-alikes like
     oh... Leinenkugel. Killian's Red, or for that matter, anything
     "Red."

 3)  You graduate from Budmilloors to Pete's Wicked Ale, or
     some kind of non-mainstream beer, such as Sam Adams.
     You begin to distinguish taste. You try and actually
     start to enjoy darker beers like stouts and such.
     You start to ridicule Budmilloors. Mass marketing of
     "craft brews" still plays a role in your taste.

 4)  Now you differentiate between "good" and "bad" well-brewed
     beers. You discover the Sierra Nevadas of the world, and
     other truly exceptional beers.  You use these handful of
     select brews as your gold standard. All other beers are
     crap. The beer that originally tasted exceptional at
     stage 1,2 or 3, is now poor.

 5)  You gradually begin to realize that other beers have their
     place in the world too. In fact, the simple fact that
     SNPA, PU or Guinness exists as a benchmark begins
     to allow you to evaluate beer on a comparative scale,
     and you appreciate the differences and variations in
     styles. You become more tolerant of Budmilloors.

 6)  You reach the Zen of beer tasting. All beer has a
     purpose in life, and who are you to foist your taste
     on anyone else anyway?  Taste is relative. You realize
     that maybe you should have a Bud when mowing the lawn
     instead of a barley wine.  All beer serves its own
     purpose. Even Schlitz exists for a reason (Tonya Harding's
     drinking buddies?). No beer "kicks ass" (to use Usenet
     terminology) or is swill. It simply is.

 I don't know about you guys, but I'm still at #5.

Rambling on,
Paul

You can read more about this at http://brewery.org/brewery/library/StyleFAQJB0995.html


May your glass be always half full and a beer within easy reach when it's empty!


Yours, 'til we meet...MUAHAHAHAHAHA!

The Grim Reaper (of beer)