Rock Cut

Haven’t done a lot of reviewing lately, all I’m finding are some local craft beers. While not all are bad, been disappointed more than pleased. Figured I’d give Rock Cut a  lager from Baysville a try. An orange colour usually something I’d expect from a different type of beer. There was a weird sweet taste that reminds me of some vile Caribbean beer, or something by Abita. Not that a hint of sweetness in a lager isn’t something I like this was just way too much. Below average certainly not one I’d recommend. The claim to be ‘A crisp and refreshing end to a hard day’s work’. This beer made me wish I was on overtime so I didn’t have to drink it.

4/10

Guinness Black Lager

I have developed a fondness for Guinness lately. Guinness has recently introduced a black lager. I wasn’t sure what to think of Guinness Black Lager, Guinness is staple of Ireland and they’ve had a long history with the signature beer. This beer has just arrived in Canada. I picked up a six pack on a recent trip to Chicago. Great city by the way. The first one I had was not sold, so of course I tried it again with an open mind. Black like a Guinness but pours more like a German Schwarzbier (black beer). Not really a typical lager taste no sweetness, and a very slight hint of caramel that you’ expect from Guinness. If you want a good black beer would suggest a Köstritzer instead. Its not bad just not great, worth a try though. 

6.5/10

Kalnapilis

Was taking a walk through the local liquour store and I’m always excited when I spot something new, sometimes they have too much of the same old beers. I saw a Kalnapilis and the name grabbed me right away, I was intrigued to see where this beer originated. Well this Pilsner comes from Lithuania. And I have to say it was delicious. Light in colour, but extremely refreshing. One that you could enjoy on a patio on a hot summers day. Not overwhelming just good, I liked this one. Not overpowering, but smooth with a slight hint of sweetness. Worth a try, should have bought more than one. I will definitely have this one again. If you like a good Pilsner or a beer that’s not overwhelming then give this one a try.

9/10

Hofbräu Original

Let’s return to the world famous Hofbräuhaus and try their original. One of Munich’s oldest beer halls it was founded in 1589. Plenty of time to get it right. This is what I’d expect from a German beer. robust, full of flavour, a golden colour with a taste that makes you want more. If you looking for a typical German or more specifically Bavarian beer then give Hofbräu Original a try. The only downside I find with these beers is they only seemed to be available at limited times. And if you are planning to visit the Hofbräuhaus, please visit the original. there is one in Las Vegas but although I’m sure it’s good, just seems wrong. As they say in Bavaria “”eins, zwei, g’suffa”, one, two, drink! There’s your German lesson for the day.

9/10

 

Hofbräu Hefe Weizen

You can’t visit München (Munich) without a trip to the Hofbräuhaus Beer hall. It is probably the most famous Beer hall in Germany. I visited it years ago and my son visited it recently. I have had their Oktoberfest Bier and absolutely loved it. I have to admit I was excited at the prospect of trying another of their beers.  Well Hofbräu Hefe Weizen did not disappoint, while I find some of this style over spiced this one had a good blend, with a hint of orange. Cloudy in colour and very smooth, found this one delicious, glad I bought four. This is a good example of a spiced wheat beer, not as overwhelming as some of this style, especially the ones from Belgium. A perfect beer to watch the Champions League Final as Bayern München defeated German rival Borussia Dortmund, and those who follow me know I’m a fan of Bayern. Looks like they have the elusive triple locked up. Anyway give this or any others from Hofbräu a try.

9/10

Jai Pur

Poured a Jai Pur orange in colour, typical of an IPA. Very bitter with a hint of citrus. Not my thing, way too bitter for me. I know it’s a an acquired taste but just not one I like. If you like your beer bitter then you may want to try this English IPA. If you don’t then stay away. The bitterness is overwhelming. And being a glass half full guy, I try to avoid bitterness, but some people like it. And stay positive, always the best way too be. Oh by the way Jai Pur is a city in India, very creative.Also this is the birthday of my good friend Ross, who was taken way before his time, in his honour I raise a glass, you are missed. Because of my bias giving this a…

6/10

A. Le Coq

Well we finally are getting some nice weather and nothing goes down better on a sunny day than a cold beer. The name of this beer through me off at first, with a name like A. Le Coq I fully expected a beer from France or Quebec. A. Le Coq being a French name. Never expected it to be a beer from Estonia. This beer bills itself as a premium light beer. Light in colour it is one of those beers that goes down perfectly on a beautiful warm sunny day. The taste is light without being watery or flavourless. It’s the perfect blend to quench your thirst. I would definitely have another one or three sitting on a patio. If you like your beer light but not sacrificing on flavour then give this one a try. Oh and about the name the brewery’s founder’s name is Albert Le Coq.

7/10

Lug Tread

It’s been awhile. quite awhile actually since I reviewed a beer. So I am overdue. We all have those guilty pleasures, besides beer which I never feel guilty about. One of mine is reality TV shows. I recently watched Big Brother Canada and as a reward they received Lug Tread Lagered Ale.  The cast seemed to like it but could it be because they were on slop. Figured I’d have to give this one a try, comes in 4 packs of 600 ml bottles. Can’t complain about a bit of extra. Brewed by Canada’s Beau Brewery which is a small family run brewery. Not sure what a lagered ale was so here is a quote from their site “Lug•Tread is top fermented (like an ale) and then cold aged (like a lager) for a lengthy period. This gives our beer some light ale notes complemented by a lager-like crispness.” Well this family knows how to brew a pretty good beer. very German in style with that robust full-bodied taste you’d expect in a beer. Golden colour I found it pretty good , better than the average micro-brewery. And in case you are wondering what a lug tread is, it’s the tracks left in the mud by a tractor. So get out there, plow the fields and after enjoy a Lug Tread.

7.5/10

Weihenstephaner Vitus

The World Beer Awards have declared Weihenstephaner Vitus the world’s best beer and world’s best wheat beer.  Well to paraphrase Vincent from Pulp Fiction: That’s a pretty f…ng good beer. I don’t know if it’s the world’s best but it’s pretty f…ing good. Better than a $5.00 milkshake. At 7.7% alcohol it packs a bit of a kick. This beer is a Weizenbock from Germany and is a strong wheat beer. It is a delicious, high alcohol, but no alcohol taste, unfiltered wheat beer with just the right blend of spices. This one is definitely worth a try and tastes very much like their wheat beer.  Very smooth, this one goes down real good. If you want an introduction to this style of beer this is the one, be warned at 7.7% you may feel it. Leave it to Weihenstephaner to get it right.

9/10

Hops and Robbers

I’ve been robbed!! Sad thing when the best thing about a beer is it’s name. Not sure why a lot of IPAs have to be overwhelmingly bitter. Suppose it’s a personal taste thing but not for me. Orange in colour I found the bitterness so overwhelming it was almost undrinkable. Canada’s Double Trouble Brewery has brewed this one, if all Robbers were as bad as this I’d be out of work in my other profession. No reviewing beer not my only thing, got to work in real life. Hops and Robbers, good name, bad beer. Try it at your own risk. Giving it an extra point for it’s name.

4/10