RHINEGEIST GRAMPS AMERICAN BARLEYWINE ALE

Beers A-Z

Stylistically thin, despite “rich malty, berry, grape and graham” assertion. Yet its centrist appeal will not displease bolder thirsts. Molasses-sugared dried fruiting and sweet wheat-flaked caramel malting contrast Cascade-hopped citrus bittering in a creative manner. Zesty orange-peeled grapefruit, pineapple and tangerine tang outdoes black cherry, raisin and fig conflux, picking up candied apple glaze by the fruitful finish. Tertiary Grand Marnier, almondine, port and blackberry wine notes sit below the surface.  

RIVERTOWN ROEBLING VANILLA ESPRESSO IMPERIAL PORTER

Beers A-Z

Unresiliently updated ‘vanilla espresso-infused’ 2015 version utilizes creamy Ugandan vanilla bean sugaring and less engaging Peruvian espresso influence but fails to fully charm. Bitter cocoa cacophony, slick coffee ground compromise and oaken hop char distract (instead of contrast) sweet side, leaving tertiary hazelnut brownie, sappy molasses, black cherry and blackberry illusions in the dust. By the finish, most of its vanilla espresso luster has faded and become a tad phenolic.

Rivertown Roebling Porter on Nitro Beer

(DUPONT) TRIOMFBIER VOORUIT

Beers A-Z

On tap at Poor Henry’s, sashaying smoked saison loses initial peat-smoked campfire insistence to moderate citrus tartness and mildly dry earthen leathering. Creamy wheat syruping contrasts dewy earthen rusticity as sweet orange-peeled grapefruit zest lingers behind. A wayward hybrid bereft of advertised smokiness by arid citrus-induced finish. In the bottle, peculiar ‘amber ale’ with peat-smoked barley and dewy wheat syruping gains Band-aid-like astringency. Buttery phenol residue invades murky orange-candied tartness and dry whiskey nip.

Image result for triomfbier vooruit label

 

ANGRY ERIK H2ALE

Beers A-Z

On tap at Poor Henry’s, enticing hibiscus-honeyed tripel stays soft on the tongue as sweet fruited malts gain resilience above delicate floral hops. Red apple juicing spreads across red cherry tang, raspberry tartness, tropical passionfruit-mango-guava conflux and spritzy citric nuances while bustling 10% ABV remains hidden. Perfectly centered hibiscus adjunct allows subtle rose petal, lilac and jasmine undertones to tweak fabulous fruitful finish.

H2Ale - Angry Erik Brewing - Untappd