Shmaltz - Coney Island Freaktoberfest

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Coney Island Freaktoberfest
Shmaltz Brewing
New York, USA
Est. 1996 (5757 Hebrew Metonic Cycle)
www.shmaltzbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.66 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Bloody, bright red color.
Main smell of malts; caramel right up front with a bit of hops.
Ruby red body with a funky pink head.  Leaves slight amount of lacing.
Syrupy sweet malt and hoppy taste. Leaning more on the malt side.
Medium bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
There are beers for every season and this autumnal season is no exception to the rule. Generally speaking, fall brings us two traditional staples of seasonal. The first is a Marzen/Oktoberfest style which are characterized by being easy to drink, for the festival it's named after. It has a little more kick than your average lager, but still easy to drink.

The second style falls into the fruit/vegetable category.  Yes sir, that would be the pumpkin beer. I refer to pumpkin beers as the Grateful Dead of beer.  You either love 'em or hate 'em. Take it or leave it. Just don't smash them.

The conundrum is that Shmaltz has made a little devil of a witches brew and invented their own niche among the fall selections. Oh, I'm talking about Freaktoberfest. Devilishly good at 6.66% ABV, this one has been salting away in the mortuary cooler for just the right occasion. That's no coincidence on the ABV. Nor the fact that it has 6 different malt and 6 different hop varieties packed inside, according to the label. Not to mention the bloody red color! They planned it all to be that way. Wicked, just wicked!

So while some beer may have a season, how many can say that they 'own the day'? Huh? Hmmm? Muahaahaahaahaaa! Buaaahahahaaahaaa! Muahaha! This is no Oktoberfest nor is it a pumpkin. 

Freaktoberfest - - - get your bony hands on some and enjoy it while you can, my friends! A trick for your eyes and a treat for your taste buds. Now...I'm off to scare the kiddies!

New Belgium - Ranger India Pale Ale

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Ranger India Pale Ale
New Belgium Brewing
500 Linden Street
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. 1991
www.newbelgium.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Copper to amber in color.
Mostly floral hops and pine in aroma.
Nice off white two finger head.
Distinct rings of of lacing on the glass.
Grapefruit and spruce piney hoppiness in taste.
Moderate carbonation.
Light, clean taste. Medium bodied.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Glad to see that amongst the other fine beer that New Belgium produces, they have a nice India Pale Ale too.  This has a very nice body and character for an IPA that can hold up against others in its class, for the most part.  I never would suspect anything half-done from New Belgium.  You can enjoy this one straight from the bottle or savor it from a glass.  It's sure to please the IPA drinkers in your entourage.

Don't be put off by the simple logo and label branding. While that may be in need of an upgrade, there's no denying this IPA will be a winner in your book.  A unique and zingy bite of hops is there all the way through, but it won't crowd out your taste buds.  Enjoy one today.

Abita Pecan Harvest

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Abita Pecan Harvest
Abita Brewing Company, LLC
Abita Springs, LA USA
Est. 1986
www.abita.com

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

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear copper color.
Pronounced nutty aroma with a bit of hops present.
One-finger off-white head that leaves no lacing.
Dry, nutty taste.Taste and smell of pecans.
Modest amount of carbonation.
Light mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Although classified as an American Brown Ale, I didn't get that while sampling this beer. It was in a world of its own with the addition of pecans. Abita makes mention on the label that while other beers hint at nuttiness in flavor, it is usually due to the process of brewing, but not by adding nuts.  They have gone the step farther and added some of Louisiana's finest pecans to the batch making a uniquely flavorful beer.

Don't be fooled by the 'brown ale' handle, it doesn't taste at all like your usual brown.  But that said, it does make for an interestingly off beat version. I liked it.

"33" Export

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"33" Export
BGI Tien Gang (Fosters)
Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Est. ????
www.fostersgroup.com
facebook page

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

Postmortem Brew Review
Straw to light yellow color.
Cereal grain and hops aroma.
Two-finger crisp white head that leaves scant lacing.
Dry, grainy malt taste with dry hops at end.
Active carbonation.
Light mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A rather watery version of just about any American style 'yellow' beer, there's really nothing remarkable to state here.  If you want to go for the novelty version of an American lager in a Dortmunder export style, than look no further.  It is a simple straight forward yellow style beer that lacks any specific qualities. It does not separate or distinguish itself from others in the category save for it's an easy to drink beer.

Brewed in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam which is sort of interesting.  At 4.5% ABV, it doesn't weigh you down, so if you're having some spicy Asian food, this would make a good pairing.

Rogue - Mocha Porter

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Rogue Mocha Porter
Rogue Ales
2320 OSU Drive
Newport, OR USA
Est.1988
www.rogue.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.3 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0


Postmortem Brew Review
Black and opaque in color.
Roasted malt aromas with caramel and a bit of hops is noticeable.
Tan colored head with little to no retention and lace.
Medium amount of carbonation.
Caramel, vanilla notes dance around, but the mocha/chocolate flavor is profound.
Medium bodied. Easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A yummy porter that makes a delicious end of the night dessert, either paired with something sweet or all by itself. This is like a more compact version of their Chocolate Stout.  It is a bit easier to drink being that it's a porter and not overly sweet.  The dryness at the end of each sip is also enjoyable.

All said and done, another fine brew from the Oregon crew at Rogue. So handy that it comes in 12 ounce bottles as well.

Beck's Oktoberfest

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Beck's Oktoberfest
Brauerei Beck & Co
(Anheuser-Busch/InBev)
Bremen, Germany
Est. 1873
www.becksbeer.com 

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

Postmortem Brew Review
Caramel in color.
Malt, grain and hop aromas.
Rich, two finger tall, off-white head with good lacing.
Malty and hops taste in good balance with malts leading.
Good carbonation.
Light mouth feel, best if not served ice cold.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This Oktoberfest by Beck's is quite a tasty devil. The only thing missing is a bit more punch on the ABV.  Most Marzens are in the 6% range but this one weighs in a a scant 5%.  No matter.  It is such a delicious and easy to drink Oktoberfest style beer, that the lighter alcohol content will keep you going.

I happened across this beer while in a remote part of central Florida this weekend.  A favorite haunt of mine, it's a small German bakery and deli on a country road in a town named Yalaha.  I ordered my sandwich and was blown away when I saw the German beer selection.  Having just missed their Oktoberfest-tivities, the fridge was well stocked with Marzen beers. Need I say more?  It went well with the German ham and Swiss cheese sandwich, oh yeah, and the German potato salad. Mmmmm.  Good eating and drinking for the Reaper! Muahaahaahaaaa!

North Coast - Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

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Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
North Coast Brewing Company
455 North Main Street
Fort Bragg, CA USA
Est. 1988
www.northcoastbrewing.com

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

Postmortem Brew Review
Jet black color but with ruby tones on pour.
Sweet, roasted malt and hint of chocolate smell.
Two finger caramel-tan head that leaves abundant lacing.
Head is tight and lasts about half the glass then thinly covers.
Deep roasted malt/chocolate/coffee tasting with fig/raisin taste that warms.
Light amount of carbonation.
A full bodied ale that will satisfy.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Here is a fantastic Russian Imperial stout that will satisfy the discriminating ale drinker.  Old Rasputin is rich and full bodied with a lot of complex flavors going on, in the glass.  It is chewy and thick in body.  The complex flavors keep you guessing what you will taste next.

An absolutely fine beverage that will please with ease, for those of you that like stout. The 9% alcohol is masked until the end when it releases a warming and drying factor in the back of your throat. Now it leads me to wonder what Rasputin is doing, gesturing with his hand...is it a salutation? A blessing? Or is he telling you the bed is upstairs when you are done with that one in your hand?!?

New Belgium - Blue Paddle

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Blue Paddle Pilsener Lager
New Belgium Brewing
500 Linden Street
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. 1991
www.newbelgium.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear golden yellow color.
Dry, grassy smell with citrus twinge. Some hops on nose.
Tightly bubbled, white foamy two finger head.
Spots and streaks of lacing on the glass.
Grassy flavor with slight lemon and slighter biscuit dryness.
Moderate carbonation.
Light, clean taste. Tight, dry and refreshing.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Truly a unique and refreshing pilsener beer from here in the U S of A.  This is a no brainer replacement for any other yellow beer you've tried from the big three.  There's more flavor, twists and turns of some citrus and much better finishing hops than in other yellow pils. The only thing better than this one in the bottle would be to visit them at the brewery in lovely Ft. Collins. Try one fresh off the tap.

If you are not a fan of pilseners, I urge you to try this one.  It is crafted as well as any European pilsener and you'll wonder why others lag on such clean and refreshing taste.  Well done, New Belgium!

Castello Premium Beer

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Castello Premium Beer
Birra Castello S.PA.
Via E. Fermi
S. Giorgio di Nogaro (UD) Italy
Est. 1991
www.birracastello.it

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Golden straw color.
Dry, grainy, sweet smell. Some bright hops. Biscuit smell.
White foamy two finger head.
Spotty lacing on the glass.
Grassy flavor with slight sweetness.
Medium carbonation.
Light, clean taste. Dry and refreshing.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Hey Abbott! No, it's not really Costello.  It's Castello from the Italian word for Castle. Just as depicted on the label. We have here a straight forward euro-lager that is similar to many, save for a bit of sweetness in the finish.  A good beer to pair up with on a hot day, after chores or just out fishing.

I discovered this in a local (authentic) Italian restaurant, aptly named "Bada-Bing!" I say authentic because the proprietor of said restaurant was a dead ringer for Tony Soprano!  The restaurant is a true family affair where they all work in the kitchen and dining room to bring some of the most mouth watering Italian cuisine you've ever tried. Everyone that enters is treated like they are part of the family.

Could have had a glass of Chianti or some Merlot with dinner this evening, but fuhgeddaboudit.  When I spied the Castello, I saw one more soldier to reap.  The fact that it was an Italian beer...well let's just say that, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Not a great or memorable beer, but very enjoyable with my Chicken Cacciatore.  Hey, you could do a lot worse...

Salute'!

Miller Lite

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Miller Lite
Miller Brewing Company
4000 West State Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
Est. 1903
www.millerbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.17 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 16.0


Postmortem Brew Review
Clear yellow color.
Grainy corn smell and flavor.
Fast foaming head that doesn't last long.
Smooth and crisp with light watery body. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
So on Saturday, I did two things that I haven't done in a loooong time.  1) I went bowling and 2) I drank light beer. Hmmmm. You have heard this from me once before, regarding a certain other famous light beer - - - don't be so hasty to prejudge!  Now while it's certainly not the first thing I would reach for, sometimes it becomes the go-to beer when a vacuum exists.  And whereas nature abhors a vacuum, something must fill the space between.

Bowling was for a good cause; The Susan G Komen "Bowl for the Cure" to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.  And while I enjoy reaping in the beers, when it comes to cancer of any kind, we must all support the research. So after an afternoon of fun 'bowling for boobs', enjoying a light brew wasn't such a penalty. Beer for boobs? Well, only if you buy into the silly gimmicks. Otherwise, what's wrong with any beer between friends?

Though my bowling ball had more heft than the ABV in the can, that wasn't a bad thing, either. All the better for it as I did not drop the sixteen pound ball on my toe!  Not my cup of tea, but when somebody wants to buy a you a beer my friend, that's what it is all about.

Harpoon Octoberfest

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Harpoon Octoberfest
Harpoon Brewery

306 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA USA
Est. 1986
www.harpoonbrewery.com
 
Brain Damage Quotient = 5.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review

Reddish to copper color tone. 
Faint malt nose with trace hop aromas.
Off white, fluffy two fingered head that dissipates very slowly.

Head lacing drapes down entire glass.
Moderate carbonation.
Light to medium bodied; easy drinker. Super easy to session. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A fine example of the Marzen/Octoberfest style.  Once again, the folks at Harpoon have given us a straightforward and non-interpretative brew that nicely matches the style.  Leading malts, though faint, are finished nicely with a dash of bittering hops.  It balances nicely between the sweetness you desire and hops finish to bring you back for more. While most Octoberfest beers are at the 6% or slightly higher ABV mark, this one is easily sessionable at a mere 5.5% ABV.

As the beer warmed, more of the characteristics of the malt made their presence known.  Let this one warm on you.

Southern Tier - Raspberry Wheat

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Raspberry Wheat
Southern Tier Brewing Company
2072 Stoneman Circle
Lakewood, NY USA
Est. 2002
www.southerntierbrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Slight golden color.
Sweet, tart raspberry smells and not much else.
One finger, white soapy head disappears fairly quickly.
Some lacing retained down glass.
Tastes similar to the aromas; a bit of grainy taste.
Minimal carbonation.
Slight amount of a watery aftertaste.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Not a fan of fruity beers, but we gave it a go.  Mrs. Reaper enjoyed it way more than I did. Blame it on the day, but I felt the tastes were a bit off.  Surprisingly, I have enjoyed quite a few of Southern Tier's offerings, but this one escaped me.

Note to self, keep the wifey happy!

As for me.......meh. I'll take a pass.

Saint Somewhere - Pays du Soleil

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Saint Somewhere - Pays du Soleil
Saint Somewhere Brewing Company
1441 Savannah Avenue Unit E
Tarpon Springs, FL USA
Est. 2007
www.saintsomewherebrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber/brown to orange in color with some reddish hues.
Citrus tart, peppery and yeasty smells in the nose.
Big foamy off-white, clumpy head that leaves strings and spots of lace.
The taste hints of apples along with a funky almost brett like taste.
Dry spice finish.Taste really shines as it warms in the glass.
Carbonation is modest, but not overpowering.
Medium body. Crisp. Complex in flavor and aromas. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Pays du Soleil loosely translates into "Rays of the Sun".  Notice the bottle label as the beer fairies try to harness the sun's rays into flowers.  Here's the ale that we helped bottle back in the summer with Bob Sylvester, owner of Saint Somewhere.  He has a small operation in Tarpon Springs with a big heart for Belgian brews, this brewery is basically a one man operation, save when it comes to bottling days.  Then an army of beer lovers volunteer to descend upon his tiny shop to help put all that flavorful stuff in the 'cork and cage' champagne style bottles.

You can read more about the bottling process at (shameless plug) my alternate website, Firkin Around. Also on hand were reporters from The Florida Alligator to capture the story.  When you check out their page, note the fellow in the middle with the white golf hat on his head. Yours truly, The Reaper.

Now on to the ale. The volunteers got to leave with some of the freshly bottled stuff for our efforts. We sampled some from another batch on bottling day but were told to let ours age for several weeks.  It has been nearly four months now and popping the cork produced a nice amount of what I like to call 'beer smoke'. That little layer of whoof that comes out of a nicely conditioned bottle. It was as I remembered from that day in June, a delectably enjoyable ale. Look for it at a store near you.  Bob keeps expanding his shipping locations so it may be closer than you think.