Mike Loves Beer -

Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale

December 28, 2009

Name – Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale
Country – United States
Type – Winter Warmer

Appearance – Poured a dark red that is very close to brown. A good sized almost tan head but it was gone rather quick with no real lacing.

Smell – Spices and some sweet malts.

Taste – Sweet caramel like malts with the spices that you would expect from a winter warmer. An ever so slight bit of citrus to it.

I bought the Samuel Adams winter pack specifically to try this one and the Holiday Porter, which I have not had yet. It’s very straight forward and nothing different going on here for a typical winter warmer. Since it only comes in the mix pack you might have a tough decision to try this or not based on your liking of desire to try the rest of the brews in the pack (Boston Lager, Winter Lager, Coastal Wheat, Holiday Porter, Cranberry Lambic). But maybe a store by you will break some of these open and sell singles. Overall a standard winter warmer.

Overall Grade – C

Noel De Calabaza

December 24, 2009

/ Beer Review /

3 Comments

Name – Noel De Calabaza
Country – United States
Type – Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Appearance – Pours a dark brown color with some ruby red highlights along the edges of the glass. Big bubbly tannish head that leaves some good lacing.

Smell – As with most JP brews it has a yeasty funk with sour apples. Some smokey hints and hints of oak as well

Taste – Sour apples, farmhouse like taste. Cherries and other dark fruit mix with a chewy oak flavor. Yeasty taste through out. Some spices present as well.

Jolly Pumpkin is becoming a favorite of mine. I really enjoy these sour takes on their ales. A nice warming Belgian beer here with their classic farmhouse funk makes this a good one for a cold night, if you are in a cold climate.

Overall Grade – B+

Warmer Winter Winter Warmer

December 23, 2009

/ Beer Review /

2 Comments

Name – Warmer Winter Winter Warmer
Country – United States
Type – Old Ale

Appearance – Poured a very dark red that is borderline brown with a big off white head.

Smell – Sweet candied sugar with some apple smells. Slight alcohol scent.

Taste – You get dark fruits with that candied sugar taste, some caramel notes, apples and a slight citrus hop note or two in there. You can definitely taste the alcohol especially as it warms up.

This is the first Cigar City brew that is officially being distributed in our area. They will be bringing more of the line in time. Their take on this winter warmer you could say is based off of living in a more tropical region of the world. Being in Tampa, FL they don’t really get brutal winters so they their take on things. If you like old ales definitely give it a try. If you aren’t keen on them or are just getting started be careful, this can kick you in the grill.

Overall Grade – B