Too light, unassuming for serious consideration despite claim to fame as first Oktoberfest brewed in 1872. Sweet brown sugared molasses malts enrich gentle barley-rye toasting as softening red ale-like citric hop spiciness dissipates rapidly, leaving toffee aftertaste tentative.
SPATEN CLUB WEISSBIER
Thick yeast sweetness counters mellow wheat-backed banana impetus of foamy-headed softie for unoriginal, though satisfying, lightweight. Soured citrus pleat and perfumed hop mist add depth.
SPANISH PEAKS WINTER CHEER HEARTY WINTER ALE
Busy coppery garnet medium body could pass as nut brown ale as dry Brazil nut-walnut component rises above cocoa buttered raspberry puree sweetness. Roasted cola beans, sugar plum, and earthen tobacco fill out hop-spiced pine-tipped nutmeg-cinnamon bog.
SPANISH PEAKS WHITE ALE
Peculiar turbid yellow belly aligns fruit-spiced malted hops in offbeat manner. Tangy orange peel luster, zesty grapefruit-lemon pith tartness, and black-peppered coriander-clove seasoning embittered by hop-spritzed grain persistence. Grassy hay-leather component found on milder second passing. Better choice than Celis White Ale as toned down carbonation, mountain water briskness, and softening citric finish illuminate better. Perfect with spicy foods or barbecued meat.
SPANISH PEAKS SUMMER WHITE ALE
Fruitful herb-spiced ’07 seasonal (contract brewed by Wild Goose) is well balanced moderate-bodied Belgian-styled witbier with peppery coriander spicing inundating bright orange peel expectancy to thin biscuit-y wheat spine. Refreshing eucalyptus-spearmint perk uplifts lemony bruised orange midst, effervescent tangerine-pineapple tang, and slim candied tartness of commendable knockoff.
SPANISH PEAKS PORTER
Dark as the evening sky, coffee-enriched porter promptly backs charred grain bittering with syrupy vanilla-chocolate malt sweetness. Though sticky maple outlines lingered mocha finish, too mild for full-bodied porter.
SPANISH PEAKS PEACHES & CREAM ALE
Decent rust-clouded summertime brew retains strong peach tang, but airy creaminess and phenol hop fizz make distinctions ineffective.
SPANISH PEAKS NUT BROWN ALE
Fine black chocolate-y walnut-macadamia theme enforced by caramelized maple-sapped vanilla latte creaminess. Though too light and watery to compete with serious nut brown challengers, understated butterscotch appeal suits lighter tastes well. (Now brewed in Saratoga Springs, New York).
SPANISH PEAKS MONTEREY PALE ALE
Almond-toasted barley-roasted flaked oats counter spiced hop dryness that recedes by slim citric-teased finish. Closer to a sweet amber ale.
SPANISH PEAKS MONTEREY LAGER
Complacently phenol light-bodied lager conjures comparisons to limpid South of the Border macrobrews such as Corona. Understated roasted barley hesitance, dry hop-fizz, and dour sourdough thinness appease illusive pumpkin-spiced dusting.
SPANISH PEAKS BLACK DOG HONEY RASPBERRY ALE
Honeyed copper-hazed amber ale picks up raspy raspberry seed tartness and sour black cherry resin as caramelized biscuit-y wheat bottom sweetens mellowed hops. But soap-watered finish sterilizes any up-front stability. Note: In 2004, finer California version sampled.
SPANISH PEAKS CRYSTAL WEISS
Wisconsin is now the fifth state brewing Spanish Peaks middling selection. This ‘American-styled clear wheat beer,’ quaffed in ’08, lacks specific character. Minor Saaz hop bittering and rinsed-out lemon sourness sidle cardboard-y butterscotch drear. Feigned banana-clove adjuncts whimper to bland carbolic finish.