Mike Loves Beer -

Holy Mackerel Mack in Black

February 1, 2010

Name – Holy Mackerel Mack in Black
Country – United States
Type – American Strong Ale

Appearance – Pours a pretty much jet black color with a big light brown head. It also left some decent lacing on the glass.

Smell – Roasted malts and coffee pretty much are the main smell but you can pick up some dark fruit as well.

Taste – Really busy taste. I get roasted malts, pomegranate, cocoa, dark chocolates and a little sweet caramel. There is a bit of an alcohol burn to it but not a lot.

I had the other Holy Mackerel brew awhile ago and didn’t really like it much. This one is quite a deal better. The classification of American strong ale could be debated as I find a lot more Belgian influence in it. The taste is very complex and was very enjoyable. Made just about 2 hours north of me in Melbourne, this is a Florida brewed beer I can be proud of.

Overall Grade – B+

Gulden Draak

February 1, 2010

/ Beer Review /

1 Comment

Name – Gulden Draak
Country – Belgium
Type – Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Appearance – Poured a some what clear copper color that was a nice mix of reds and browns. The head was nearly non existent.

Smell – I didn’t get a lot on the nose but you can pick up some dark fruit and a bit of alcohol.

Taste – The taste has more going on. Dark fruit, toasted malts, a little bit of chocolate. There is an alcohol burn at the end and especially as it warms up.

I had Gulden Draak on tap a number of months ago at The Lodge in Boca Raton and remembered liking it so I picked up the Belgian Beer Pack from Brouwerij Van Steenberge and started off with this one. I have to say it wasn’t as good as I remembered it being on tap. I remember it being a bit sweeter before and not as boozey. But the differences between bottle and tap are always going to be found in some beers. This is one of them for me.

Overall Grade – B-

Magic Hat Expands in South Florida

January 29, 2010

/ Beer News /

6 Comments

Magic Hat#9 has been in South Florida for almost 3 months now on draft and in 22 oz bomber bottles. Now the brewery from Vermont is expanding their portfolio. They will now be putting out #9 in 12 oz six packs and are bringing in the year round Lucky Cat, the winter seasonal Vinyl and rotating of their variety packs. As of right now these are only available in Palm Beach County north of Boca Raton thanks to Brown Distribution. Reports from Dos Beerigos is that they are on the shelves in Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Garden branches of Total Wine. Those of you in Boca and south will get these as well probably in April from the wonderful Fresh Beer. But you can always take a trip up to these parts and get them if you can’t wait.

Also be on the look out for a proper review of Magic Hat #9 probably next week. I have had it a number of times already but never got around to giving it a review. So keep your eyes peeled for that.