McNeill's Brewing | Brattleboro, VT
American Porter | 5.50%
This was a new one for me. I haven't had any of McNeill's brews before, and stepping out on a limb and tackling a porter was a big step. I've been trying to expand my palette and experience the better side of the darker beers. Thanks to McNeill's for crafting such a unique beer. It wasn't my favorite and I probably wouldn't buy it again. Although if I was gifted a nice 22oz bottle I would never complain.
The appearance was a rich, deep and dark-amber, as close to black as it could be. It poured nicely into a tulip glass and hand a good solid head that lasted throughout the drinking.
The smell was dominated by a roasted hop and malt smell with subtle soft hints of chocolate, coffee & honey.
It tasted rich of honey with a surprising hop finish, although the coffee and chocolate didn't carry over from the nose it didn't loose any points on taste for that reason.
The mouthfeel was a bit light for a porter, seemed to be more along the lines of a black IPA, but I'm not complaining.
Thanks to McNeill's for crafting this special Vermont porter. I would certainly recommend anyone traveling in the southern Vermont area to stop by their pub and brewery to grab a drink.
Cheers,
TVBG
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
#3. Foley Brothers India Pale Ale
Foley Brothers Brewing | Brandon, VT
India Pale Ale | 7.0% ABV
I picked up this brew in a 22oz. bomber at Winooski Beverage in Winooski, Vermont. I poured the IPA into my 16oz. tulip glass.
I had high hopes on this beer because their Ginger Wheat beer has done so well on the forums. Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed with the IPA as with the Ginger Wheat. The appearance was a hazy pumpkin orange with moderate head. The nose picked up little hop, but mostly bread and malty notes. The taste also wasn't quite there for me. It mostly reminded me of switchback with a tiny bit of hop. I was most disappointed in the overwhelming bread yeast notes. It haunted me throughout the beer.
Final thoughts: I want to like the Foley Brothers IPA, but I just wasn't having it this round. They are a local company with all Vermont grown hops (according to their bottle) and a good variety of beer options. Maybe the IPA wasn't for me. I've had their Ginger Wheat on multiple occasions and I love it. I have a 22oz. bottle in the fridge (I'll review it soon). Try their beer if you are form Vermont. It won't hurt you! Maybe you'll like it. Let me know your thoughts.
Cheers,
TVBG
India Pale Ale | 7.0% ABV
I picked up this brew in a 22oz. bomber at Winooski Beverage in Winooski, Vermont. I poured the IPA into my 16oz. tulip glass.
I had high hopes on this beer because their Ginger Wheat beer has done so well on the forums. Unfortunately I wasn't as impressed with the IPA as with the Ginger Wheat. The appearance was a hazy pumpkin orange with moderate head. The nose picked up little hop, but mostly bread and malty notes. The taste also wasn't quite there for me. It mostly reminded me of switchback with a tiny bit of hop. I was most disappointed in the overwhelming bread yeast notes. It haunted me throughout the beer.
Final thoughts: I want to like the Foley Brothers IPA, but I just wasn't having it this round. They are a local company with all Vermont grown hops (according to their bottle) and a good variety of beer options. Maybe the IPA wasn't for me. I've had their Ginger Wheat on multiple occasions and I love it. I have a 22oz. bottle in the fridge (I'll review it soon). Try their beer if you are form Vermont. It won't hurt you! Maybe you'll like it. Let me know your thoughts.
Cheers,
TVBG
Sunday, July 21, 2013
#2. Rock Art Ridge Runner
Rock Art Brewery | Morrisville, VT
English Barleywine | 7.20% ABV
Rock Art, some of Vermont's most interesting craft beers, in my opinion. The ridge runner tends to lean on the safer side of Rock Art beers and seems to be one of their more popular picks. I was able to enjoy this beer on tap at the Ice House restaurant in Burlington, VT.
Considered a Barleywine, the Ridge Runner is a bold, rich and dark brown beer that is sure to leave you full a full belly. Personally, I think it lacks the character of a traditional barleywine in terms of it's boldness. Although the beer is a thick dark brown color with a barley and hop tones forming to create a pleasant mouthful, I think it is missing the high alcohol "punch" delivered by many of its competitors.
Final thoughts: I don't think I would order this beer again, unless it was the only Vermont beer on the menu. Although it was satisfying and unique, I think it just lacked the experience I was hoping for. I would recommend this beer to anyone who hasn't tried it and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers,
TVBG
English Barleywine | 7.20% ABV
Rock Art, some of Vermont's most interesting craft beers, in my opinion. The ridge runner tends to lean on the safer side of Rock Art beers and seems to be one of their more popular picks. I was able to enjoy this beer on tap at the Ice House restaurant in Burlington, VT.
Considered a Barleywine, the Ridge Runner is a bold, rich and dark brown beer that is sure to leave you full a full belly. Personally, I think it lacks the character of a traditional barleywine in terms of it's boldness. Although the beer is a thick dark brown color with a barley and hop tones forming to create a pleasant mouthful, I think it is missing the high alcohol "punch" delivered by many of its competitors.
Final thoughts: I don't think I would order this beer again, unless it was the only Vermont beer on the menu. Although it was satisfying and unique, I think it just lacked the experience I was hoping for. I would recommend this beer to anyone who hasn't tried it and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Cheers,
TVBG
#1. Wolaver's India Pale Ale
Otter Creek Brewing | Middlebury, VT
India Pale Ale | 6.50% ABV
Poured into a Tulip glass from a 12oz. bottle.
The Wolaver's organic IPA was certainly a beer to try. At first glance it seemed to fall right into line with most IPA's, but then there was something else. I'm not sure if it's due to the fact that I am a Localvore and I eat a mostly local & organic diet, but this IPA was something special (maybe even beyond it's organic labeling). I wouldn't say it was even close to the caliber of some of Vermont's best, but it had a nice crisp hop finish that really pleased my palette. Sometimes IPA's can be a little rough on my belly, but this IPA was easy to drink and filled my mouth with lush citrus tones a even a delicate spice on the finish. This beer would be one I could drink all day hanging on the porch, by the pool or even on the golf course.
Well done Otter Creek & Wolaver's I will certainly be back to sip on some more of your ales, but I'm off to conqueror some more of Vermont' finest ales!
Cheers,
TVBG
India Pale Ale | 6.50% ABV
Poured into a Tulip glass from a 12oz. bottle.
The Wolaver's organic IPA was certainly a beer to try. At first glance it seemed to fall right into line with most IPA's, but then there was something else. I'm not sure if it's due to the fact that I am a Localvore and I eat a mostly local & organic diet, but this IPA was something special (maybe even beyond it's organic labeling). I wouldn't say it was even close to the caliber of some of Vermont's best, but it had a nice crisp hop finish that really pleased my palette. Sometimes IPA's can be a little rough on my belly, but this IPA was easy to drink and filled my mouth with lush citrus tones a even a delicate spice on the finish. This beer would be one I could drink all day hanging on the porch, by the pool or even on the golf course.
Well done Otter Creek & Wolaver's I will certainly be back to sip on some more of your ales, but I'm off to conqueror some more of Vermont' finest ales!
Cheers,
TVBG
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