Soured butter malt slickness dulls thin barley strand and bland soapy finish. Closer to dank grainy Eastern Euro than crisp rice-caked Asian.
All posts by John Fortunato
SAGRES PRETA DARK LAGER
Cascading brownish tan bubbles provide nice visual accessory while pouring frothy-headed ruby-maroon Schwarzbier. Way too slick on the blanched backend (and a tad phenol besides) to recommend to serious dark lager admirers. Yet chalky nuttiness, black chocolate coarseness, fig-licorice twinge and evasive blackened wood bitterness nearly make up for poor cardboard finish.
SAGRES PREMIUM LAGER
Interestingly, many Portuguese beers emulate watery mild-bodied Spanish styling rather than heavier wheat wine mode their French neighbors relish. White head, unassuming aroma, soft grain palate, and gentle hop fizz dissolve by bland, indistinct finish.
SACKETS HARBOR WAR OF 1812 AMBER ALE
Hazy golden medium-bodied cereal-grained amber ale thankfully sacrifices initial nasty oxidized acidity for routine maltose compaction. Dry honeyed oats and toasted barley override sour lemon detour and nutty fret, securing biscuit-y wheat sweetness.
(SACKETS HARBOR) THOUSAND ISLANDS PALE ALE
Red fruited nosing begets alcohol-drenched citric tongue as juicy grapefruit-orange-peach tang counters sharp juniper-creased floral hop bittering and charcoal-stained wood-burnt harshness of hazy golden liquid. Beneath, roasted barley-oats and toasted almond provide rich bed. Serve to hop-headed gin lovers.
(SACKETS HARBOR) FUNNY CIDE LIGHT PILSNER
Bottled by nearby Olde Saratoga Brewery, sunny yellow pils celebrating ’03 Triple Crown hopeful, Funnycide, matches sourdough snippet with husked wheat dryness and dim caramel sweetness, losing limited citric hop nuance to unleavened bread boredom.
RUFFIAN STOUT
Hop-fizzed persistence unexpectedly exceeds mocha proclivity, but sharp grain presence adds enough vigor to assure full-bodied finish, if not prolonged aftertaste. Brewery defunct: 2001.
RUFFIAN RASPBERRY WHEAT ALE
Somewhat unique pinkish wheat ale with dank raspberry essence and effervescent aromatic spices pervading dry floral cranberry-apple tartness. A great crossover ale suited to non-traditional beer drinkers. Brewery defunct: 2001.
RUFFIAN PORTER
This moderate porter doesn’t hit you over the head with chocolate and coffee overtones, just a few well chosen malted grains, simple ingredients that combine for soft-toned irresistibility. Brewery defunct: 2001.
RUFFIAN PALE ALE
Buttery, smooth, but unassertive. Sharp carbonation lingers softly but lack of distinct fruited malt personality weakens effectiveness. Brewery defunct: 2001.
RUFFIAN COPPER ALE
Heady alcohol-burnt copper ale blends fine European malts, sweet yeast, and brisk hops into creamy caramel center. More delicate than robust brown ales but heavier than most pale ales. Brewery defunct: 2001.
RUFFIAN CHRISTMAS ALE
Definite nutmeg influence just right for Christmas. Spicy sienna-hued peculiarity features well-balanced orange peel overtones, dried fruit tartness, and cinnamon-clove seasoning. Rich barley base takes in minor citrus-y notes. Fully realized Holiday Ale perfect for dessert. Brewery defunct: 2001.