Carbolic hop fizz, skunked sour malts, waves of barleycorn, and slight molasses creaminess give buttery Scottish premium well-balanced, though watery, flow. Frisky earthen bitterness lingers, but soapy finish weakens substantially. Strangely reminiscent of (and better-tasting than) Genesee Cream Ale.
(LEINENKUGEL) TED’S PAIL ALE
Steady hop-fizzed pale malting brings muted cereal-grained mocha-fruited sweetness. Latent chocolate wisp concealed. Eventually brewed by Leinenkugel’s (a.k.a. Special Ale).
TECATE LAGER
Bland medium-bodied Mex with quick burst of musty rice-grained corn husk above light watery mouthfeel and damning metallic sheen. Casually astringent dry-hopped bittering juxtaposes harvest wheat finish.
(MORLAND) TANNER’S JACK ALE
In clear glass bottle with distinct orange label, hop-fueled ale typifies English Special Bitter styling with its pronounced caramel-grained corn-sypupy Scotch malt sweetness countering spice-hopped bittering. Excellent for English ale connoisseurs as well as expansive lager palates.
GOLD STAR PREMIUM LAGER
Supposed ‘full-bodied’ dark lager has a lot goin’ on. Burnt hop bittering recalls musty red ale; earthen grain insinuation provokes uncomplicated pilsner; and berry-tinged finish glides like dreary summer ale. But murky mix is problematic.
TAJ MAHAL PREMIUM LAGER
Sweet Scotch-liquored burnt wood chip entry fades abruptly, allowing insistent barley roast to contrast dry-hopped maize astringency. Dirty grain murk drags down butterscotch-spiced creaminess and grassy straw-hay backend to dull lull. Dissipating wood-smoked curry-spiced finish lacks resilience.
TABERNASH WEISS BEER
Flowery hops, sour yeast, and silky carbonation dominate wheat presence two to one before delicate clove-nutmeg-allspice adjuncts invigorate mildly sweet lemony peach finish for truly distinct cloudy blonde German knockoff. Brewery defunct: 2007.
TABERNASH PILSNER
Middling grassy-nosed German-styled pils preserves sunny lemon spritz, bright spice hop fizz, and delicate floral mist. But biscuit snip falters, causing citric acidity to overwhelm bland grain finish. Brewery defunct: 2007.
TABERNASH OKTOBERFEST MARZEN LAGER
Moderate orange-soured coriander-spiced entry embraces barley-rye backdrop of translucent amber moderation ’til fuzzy off-dry citric finish thwarts mineral-grained nucleus. Brewery defunct: 2007.
SWINKELS PILSNER
Lofty barley-toasted cereal grain entry gains caramel malted creaminess over soft-toned tamped-down clay hop moderation to honeycomb finish. Simple, if indistinct, pleasure.
SWINKELS BROWN ALE
Ultimately tepid and weak-bodied compared to better brown ales. Organic hop spicing and mineral-grained water texture too soft for chocolate-y caramel peanut finish to overcome.
SWALE WHITSTABLE OYSTER STOUT
Dark brown complexion, fluffed-up flesh head, oak-cask wine aroma, and wood burnt chocolate malting initially capture senses for crisp mild stout. Relaxed mocha moderation enriches bitter coffee finish.