Mike Loves Beer -

Aprihop

April 7, 2010

Name – Aprihop
Country – United States
Type – American IPA

Appearance – Poured a clear, deep red color with a finger wide white head that did stick around a bit.

Smell – The nose is nice with citrus hops, a nice malt backing and of course apricots.

Taste – Citrus hops with a bit of pine to it. Nice caramel malt backing mixes with the apricots for a slightly sweet finish.

This is my first time having this one. A lot of people have said that this year’s version is hoppier than previous incarnations. Since I never had any of those I am starting fresh. I don’t feel it is overly hopped. Actually I think it’s just right. It is very well balanced with the malts and apricot flavors in there. Very enjoyable.

Overall Grade – B+

La Roja

April 6, 2010

/ Beer Review /

3 Comments

Name – La Roja
Country – United States
Type – American Wild Ale

Appearance – Pours a reddish brown color with a nice off white head.

Smell – Funky and sour nose with green apples and cherries apparent.

Taste – There is a dry funkiness to it. The cherries come through tart with a bit of a taste of the oak. Not nearly as fruity as I thought it would be.

I had been wanting to try this one from Jolly Pumpkin for awhile. Last time I went to Orlando the place I went to was only out of this one. It didn’t have as much sour fruit flavor to it as I thought it would. The yeasty funk flavor is a little more prominent. It is still good but I was slightly let down from what I was expecting. Damn me and my expectations.

Overall Grade – B

Pays Du Soleil

April 5, 2010

/ Beer Review /

2 Comments

Name – Pays Du Soleil
Country – United States
Type – Saison

Appearance – Poured a cloudy, very dark red color. It almost is brown. There is a huge off white head that disappears rather quickly.

Smell – Nice complex nose that includes grapes, dark fruit, floral notes and definitely the scent of brett.

Taste – Dry dark fruits along with sour apples and grapes. Nice tart finish.

Saint Somewhere is definitely a pride to have from Florida. There aren’t many breweries here but they are one of the best. Right up there with Cigar City. I love their open fermented Belgian style brews and there is no exception with this newest one. It’s classified as a saison but it’s got more tartness and sour taste to it then you normally get from saisons. Overall a very nice beer. Shelton Brothers distributes Saint Somewhere everywhere you can get their goods so ask about Saint Somewhere.

Overall Grade – A-