Immediate sharp skunked malt waft emanates from clear-bottled pale-bodied pils. Severely dissipating lemony hop fizz lacks proper bitter bite. Mild tobacco leaf dryness and slurry plantain astringency fade to barren biscuit-y bottom. Cheap, drab, inconsequential.
Monthly Archives: January 2009
CAFFREY’S IRISH ALE
Scotch-scented billowy-headed ale slides creamy malt resilience across soft grain flow, but lackluster body, density, and finish allows overwhelming fizz to intrude. Perhaps bottled version sent overseas to America is watered down for less discernible tastes. However, on tap its satin yeast elegance, subtle crystal malting, and mild wheat sash combine for mellow perfection (and would rate 5 stars).
(HURLIMANN) CAESARUS IMPERATOR HELLER BOCK
Sunset-hued bock boasts exceedingly strong burgundy theme. Creamy brown-sugared chocolate-covered raisin sweetness informs malt-thickened full body, packing a warming hard liquor finish that shocks the senses before promptly dissipating. Picture credited to www.ratebeer.com
CABRO LAGER
Just another dull Latin American cerveza. Slightest musty malting overcomes bland grain setting and wispy citrus undertone lost amongst slim hop fizz. Moderate bitterness lingers to ineffective finish.
CABALLO EXTRA LAGER
Scant clear-bottled pale-bodied lager lacks sufficient grain emphasis to feeble sugar water finish. Thin pilsner flow barely reveals ester-y fruit subsidy.
BUZZARDS BAY STOCK ALE
Musty barley essence curtails earthy minerals, chocolate malts, corn sugar remnant, and nutty undercurrent. Subtle butterscotch and dark citrus hidden beneath pliant pilsner-embittered spice-hopped finish.
BUZZARDS BAY PALE ALE
Sweet butterscotch, honeyed nut, and toned-down chocolate overlay sour yeast mildness. Subtle barleymalt finish attracts bittersweet quince nuance.
BUZZARDS BAY OLDE BUZZARD LAGER
Earthy grain frenzy and dry doughy backbone dissolve by light watery finish. Buttery sweetness, mild bitterness, and musty tartness invoke glancing spiced hop trickle.
BUZZARDS BAY ISLAND EXPORT PALE ALE
Mineral-grained citrus aroma leads to bitter hop-crisped orange peel mouthfeel atop red fruited sweetness. Not far removed from California’s Wolaver brews, though transient wheat biscuit finish is less efficient, less filling, and less memorable.
BUZZARDS BAY GOLDEN ALE
Spry lemony aroma gives way to bitter-hopped orange peel sharpness and neutral barleycorn register for malt liquor palate. Crisp water texture provides soft bed for lingering silky yeast finish.
(BUTTERNUTS) SNAPPERHEAD I.P.A.
Cordial yellow-canned all-malt India Pale Ale plies buttery almond, sugared oats, and honeyed marzipan to zesty floral-hopped tangerine tang. Sweet hazelnut-almond reminder nips toasted barley base. Tinny corrosion doesn’t negatively affect biscuit-y finish. Unlike most (bottled) IPA’s, lacks pronounced wood chip burnt hop-spiced bittering.
BUTTERNUTS PORKSLAP PALE ALE
Weirdly interesting amber-hued farmhouse ale with pink pigged label reveals unexpected herbaceous character anchoring grapefruit rind dryness and wood-smoked bacon ambience. Subtle juniper, currant, ginger, and floral notes weave through mint-y interlude. But nondescript finish flounders alongside dissipated carbonation.