2006 version (a.k.a. Mountain Holidays in Vermont) lightly embitters roasted chocolate-caramel malt dehydration with spicy dry-hopped raisin-fig parch and skittish cashew-chestnut-pecan chafe. But seasonal nutmeg seepage lost amongst tertiary tobacco trickle.
All posts by John Fortunato
ROCK ART BOCK LAGER (2004 LTD.)
Quaffed bottle 1,417 of 2,400 before X-mas ’04 expecting seasonal illusions (nutmeg-cinnamon) to ultimately develop due to label’s wreathe insignia. But indistinct reddish auburn dry bock also lacked advertised ‘rich, creamy’ character. Instead, distant barley roast and sedate gourd, tobacco, chestnut, and almond illusions drop off to deficient maple finish.
ROCK ART AMERICAN RED ALE
Tawny mocha-spiced medium body dampens buttery chocolate malt continuance with astringent caramel-pecan finish. Phenol fizz dissolves cleansing orange rind/ white grape dryness and desolate hop whimper. Lacks true red ale spicing; closer to pleasantly embittered cola nut-influenced copper ale.
RJ ROCKERS BUCKWHEAT
Unconvincing, but inoffensive, dunkelweizen. Bland nutty coffee entry followed up by honeyed buckwheat malting, ancillary banana breading and wavered dried fruiting. Sour lactic persuasion mired by slick finish. On tap, wispy lemon-fizzed carbolic thrust pushes forth wheat-cracked honeycomb sweetness, but little else is discernible.
(RJ BRASSEURS) COUP DE GRISOU
Sassy golden-glowed ‘spicy buckwheat beer’ with tan yeast particles and high viscosity generates early hop-infused coriander bittering for off-dry orange-lemon punch. Lively unripe tangerine-peach souring gains prominence as mint tingle surfaces, adding zesty elegance.
(RJ BRASSEURS) BELLE GUEULE ROUSSE
Spicy hops sit on front of tongue as toasted cereal grain indifference and sour orange murk drag down amber-hued red ale. Spongy nut finish fades quick.
(RJ BRASSEURS) BELLE GUEULE PILSNER
Blonde Czech-styled light body gathers straw wheat husk, grassy hop pep, and yellow fruit sweetness, leaving fleshy lace along glass. Sugar water finish gains trite, but polite, herbal touch. Could pass as soapy German weiss.
(RJ BRASSEURS) BELLE GUEULE ORIGINALE LAGER
Translucent copper lager disappoints as cracked wheat pettiness, caramel malt weariness, and toasted barley elusiveness hit by ascending acidity at mellow grassy hop finish, leveling off effectiveness.
(RJ BRASSEURS) BELLE GUEULE LAGER
Not a typical Canadian brew due to its roasted chocolate overtones and assertive malt richness. Sweet yeast essence maintains well-balanced nature.
RIVERSIDE VICTORIA AVENUE AMBER ALE
Light mocha aroma, sweet chocolate palate, and strong roasted hop finish saturate affable medium body. Never too rich, heavy, and strong to scare away amateurs.
RIVERSIDE 7TH STREET STOUT
RIVERSIDE RAINCROSS CREAM ALE
Toasted almond nuttiness, brazen barley roast, and cracked wheat spine thin out to diffuse buttery finish of middling light body. Somewhat flat, acidic, and oily when warmed.