Muted sweet malt aroma, soft-bodied watery consistency, and corn sugar dalliance counter tamped down hop frolic to salted butter finish. Better than all urban-marketed malt liquors.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: NARRAGANSETT BREW. CO., WILKES-BARRE, PA.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: CAMO BREWING. CO., LA CROSSE, WI.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Brutal 8.5% alcohol smitten lager better defined as rancid malt liquor with harsh astringency countering cloying corn sugar detriment. Stale dry finish and soapy maize aftertaste further disturb. Priced right for a cheap buzz.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: CARLSBERG BREWERY, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Inconsequential foamy-headed golden fodder lacks proper malt character, suffering further from ultra-dry mustiness. Wheat-yeast-hop dispersal dissipated by first sip.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: THAI BEER CO., AYUTHAYA, THAILAND
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Strong creamy-headed barleywine-teased Thai sometimes sold under malt liquor banner maintains lingered barley-corn bittering and sourdough-y Scotch malt sweetness, staying ticklish on the tongue and mellow down the throat. ‘07 tasting found clear pale lager increasing sharp-hopped wheat gluten stickiness burrowing through oxidized turpentine acidity. Compares favorably to bold Eastern Euro beers due to lofty malted grain pungency and tinny metallic twinge.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: DOGFISH HEAD BREWERY, LEWES, DE.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Innovative brewer takes on uniquely challenging goal of making worthy malt liquor (sans customary nasty alcohol astringency) from gourmet milled corn. Encased in a paper bag, this massive plastic-capped 40-ounce bomber bottle contains well-balanced honeyed liquid securing sugar caned caramelized oat frontage. Secondary red cherry, bruised orange, and overripe grape concision backs thin barleywine illusion subtly embittered by floral hop spicing.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: DUTCH EXPORT BREWERIES, ENSCHEDE, HOLLAND
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Tame sugar malt inertia and sweetened barley oats signify front end of mild ale. Delicate butterscotch-kissed finish retains functional creamy fizz.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: FISCHER D'ALSACE, SCHILTIGHEIM, FRANCE
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Impressive 8.5-ounce malt liquor brewed with peat-smoked malts gains lingering creamy succulence as buttery Scotch whiskey richness and silky yeast smoothness inform mellow spiced-hop finish. Novices will find sweet barley flow appetizing while seasoned pros will enjoy finely detailed contour of this peaceful easy comforter.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: BRASSERIE FISCHER, SCHILTIGHEIM, FRANCE
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Cork-bottled Frenchie with sweet wine essence and dry fizzy flow remains strong, sharp, yet unassuming. Creamy caramel-hued brew goes down smooth but lacks consistency and firm formal finish. Further taste tests revealed bruised orange, dry Scotch, and tart candy stints.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: ALBANI BREWERIES, ODENSE, DENMARK
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Light hop aroma, billowy phenol fizz, and doughy sweetness initiate weary corn-sugared strong pale lager (sold in America under nebulous malt liquor category). Hop bitterness hides licorice trace beneath indistinguishable barleywine finish.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: NARRAGANSETT BREW. CO., WILKES-BARRE, PA.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Muted sweet malt aroma, soft-bodied watery consistency, and corn sugar dalliance counter tamped down hop frolic to salted butter finish. Better than all urban-marketed malt liquors.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: G. HEILEMAN BREW. CO., LA CROSSE, WI.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
From the makers of Old Style, one of Chicago’s best selling beers (advertised during White Sox and Cubs games). In 22-ounce bottle, this clear golden malt liquor suffers from flat palate, though bread-like yeast and creamy sweetness provide mellow flow. Crisper water boosts it above Bud and Coors.
- Author: John Fortunato
- Brewery: G. HEILEMAN BREW. CO., SAN ANTONIO, TX.
- Category: Beers A-Z
- Comments: None
Unsettling corn syrup mouthfeel and sour candy follow-up disdainfully unappetizing to ponderous flat finish. Lay off, homeboys.