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Beer Lover’s Guide | An Amatuer’s Review on Any and All Beer
For the first time, Hello!
As a younger female from a long line of family alcoholics, you would think that I know what I’m doing but I still have lots to learn about the topic of beer. By opening this blog I hope to expand my knowledge about my favorite drink, then share such intellect with everyone else who may be interested.
I reside in a smaller city in Canada which no one knows about and all liquor/beer is controlled by the government. The legal age to drink is 18(thank god), but the experience is unlimited. Every company looks at beer differently, as different countries have variety of perspective such as product, price and taste preferance. My goal for this blog is to connect with other people, write about something I am genuinely passionate about and expand my palette of ale, lager and malts!
Thank you and stay tuned,
Chelsea xo
Posted inalcohol, food, healthTaggedalcohol, amateur, beer, blog, food, intro, introduction, taste
NEW LIMITED EDITION – GAME OF THRONES BEER!
Not to be confused with the Blonde Ale they released in late March 2013, this beer was named by Facebook fans, in which ‘Valar Morghulis’ translates to ‘All Men Must Die’. As a limited edition added to my liquor commision, presented as a Abbey Dubbel Ale at 8% per 750mL bottle, the staff recommend it highly. I have an enormous amount of friends who praise The Game of Thrones and I have been meaning to buy the seasons. After trying the Ommegang Hennepin, it has been my favorite beer to date so I had to buy this brew – $11.87 per bottle.
After pouring there was a thick head which had quick dissapation and left no lace behind. It appeared to pour as an orange-burnt red, but settled into a maroon, dark brown. The aroma was deep and complex, but with a nice balance; Expect nothing less from Ommegang. To my little nose, I smelled cinnamon or nutmeg and minor molasses or caramel notes. By the time I tasted the brew, I was extremely excited; It had full flavour without being too robust. As always, immaculately balanced and flavourful but then finishing smooth.
I believe I will always be an Ommegang supporter, so my opinion may be biased but the company deserves it as they put out beautiful craft brews. I would absolutely buy this beer again if I were in the mood for a more dark beer, and it surpasses my favorite dark beer which was Rickard’s Red.
For more information on their brews go here: http://www.ommegang.com/
For my last Ommegang review on the Hennepin, go here: http://amateurbeerlover.com/2014/12/16/ommegang-brewery-hennepin/
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Posted inalcohol, beer, blog, comment, food, health, Learning, love, writingTaggedalcohol, amateur, beer, blog, game of thrones, Information, intro, ommegang, taste
This beer was another one which seemed familiar but I had little knowledge about. Crafted in 1960 by Guiness in Dublin, Ireland this brew identifies itself as a Golden Pale Lager. The packaging was a tall blue 500mL can which cost just over three dollars each, as it was classified as an import. At 5% abv, I had no predictions as what this beer would taste like!
As I poured this into a glass, there was a thick head which stayed around until it quickly disapated. Then it left a lace around the top of the glass which really did stick around for good. The aroma presented itself as a typical lager, with hoppy hints and smallest amount of malt; Extremely light. Upon tasting this beer, there was apparent hops and it had a similar but lighter taste than a Budweiser.. So basically Bud Light. Specifically made for exportation, this beer for myself is nothing special at all.
I had higher hopes, thinking it would be different but the taste is very plain and more expensive than the beer you can get here for the same taste! I would not pour this down the drain by any means but wouldn’t go out and specifically buy. Maybe next week I’ll be impressed by a good brew!
Until then, follow and comment for a follow back. xoxo
Posted inalcohol, beer, blog, comment, food, grammer, health, Learning, love, post, writingTaggedalcohol, amateur, beer, blog, drink, drunk, food, Hops, Information, intro, introduction, Styles, taste, Types
In an attempt to seperate from the rest, this beer is not posted anywhere as a particular style; Only identifying itself as a Scottish Strong beer. It heavily relies on it’s bright red packaging and highly descriptive words to lure customers. This brand seemed familar but I never became fully aware of what they had to offer or produced. The particular product I purchased was a 500mL tall can which cost less than 4$ CAD and has 6.6% ABV.
Under the brand, Innis & Gunn, there are currently 14 different kinds of types including seasonal and regular brews; not inluding a lager beer. Established in 2003, Innis & Gunn Original is the most popular British beer offered in Canada and the second most popular in Britain.
Aged in oak for 77 days until full maturity, the appearance was a lighter amber and the aroma had a strong smell in which you could differentiate the descriptive words on the can which identified as toffee and vanilla notes. There was a full head which left minimal lace and made a disappearing act fairly quicker than usual.
Upon tasting this brew, there was a light smokey-ness and deeply robust flavour profile. It became only slightly bitter with mild carbonation and ends with a subtle sweeter finish. The appearance is misleading as the taste was similar to a Rickard’s Dark, but still not bad after sipping.
Personally, I dislike this beer as it would never be my first choice. That being said/written, I would also never dump this beer down the drain nor throw it out. I appreciate the craft brew that has been put into this beer and applaude the brand for such success in Canada; But for myself, no thank-you!
Posted inalcohol, beer, blog, comment, food, grammer, health, Learning, love, post, writingTaggedalcohol, amateur, beer, blog, drink, drunk, food, Hops, Information, innis&gunn, intro, introduction, original, personal, taste
There is a world of beer of which people are enthused in learning about but have limited views or avaliability in doing so. Within this page will be an added full reference of terminologies into brewing; which the post ‘Intro to Styles and Types’ should have been included as the first post.
Here is the link:
http://amateurbeerlover.com/2014/11/25/intro-to-styles-and-types/
Hoping to bring you along a personal journey that I am also taking into becoming a Beer Connoisseur, please follow and join me!
Always grateful for the interest, comments and love.
In the import aisle of my MLCC, this beer only stood out by presenting the ‘Limited Release’ tag hanging off the price tag. The slogan being, “Together We Can Do It” on the bottle, as a man holding a black lab cheers onward, presents quite old-fashioned packaging. The brand was created in 1988, and the bottle seems to have stayed true to it’s historic roots; although it doesn’t stand out enough in the aisle to appreciate. beer drinker
Another large two-six resembling bottle of beer, this one I purchased was 650mL for approx $8/bottle and was 6.6% ABV. Only brewed and offered in the winter, I believe this beer changes every year in their stats. Their IBU, AA, ABV, plato & Lovibond are different from other sites which I’m assuming used it referring to a past brew.
2014 identification: 16 degrees Plato; 82 IBU; 81 AA; 14 Lovibond; 6.6% ABV
The description above which identifies the type of brew was new to me as majority well-known companies did not post such information on their beers. The more proud a craft-making brewery is of their product, the more likely they are to post such results on their bottles and/or boxes.
A follow-up post on a new page will be posted on these new terminologies; which the ‘Types and Styles’ post should have been also posted!
Anyways, after pouring this particular beer into the same glass I pour all subjects, I found this brew to be orange in colour with a thin lasting foam and appeared very similar to a Shock Top Belgian White. The aroma is extremely citrus-like and has no chemicals, additives or preservatives.
The taste of this beer was unlike the aroma or presence, being very drinkable but extremely bitter. The after-taste stays with you for a while, which includes that ongoing bitterness in your bite.
Brewed in Oregon, USA, the Yellow Stone IPA pairs well with beef or spicy food. Among the 8 ingredients, posted eveywhere, none include the Falconer Flight Hop which was posted as being one of the 9 ingredients in this brew(possible seasonal inclusion or Canadian preference).
Overall I would drink the ROGUE Yellow Snow IPA again and recommend to others if they enoy a bitter drink, although it would have to compete for my money with the Ommegang Brewery Hennepin(my new favorite and past blog post!!).
As always, comment any beers you’d like me to try and I apologize for the absence last week as I was with family for Christmas!
– Chelsea xoxo
Posted inalcohol, beer, blog, food, health, Learning, post, writingTaggedalcohol, amateur, beer, blog, food, Hops, Information, intro, introduction, rogue, taste
Identifying itself as a ‘Belgian Saison’ I realized I did not cover this in my Styles and Types post! Here is a quick lesson:
Saison has a French-Belgium origin defining a pale ale which generally classifies approx 7% beers. They normally include highly carbonated characteristics with fruity and spicy notes. A saison beer started as 3-3.5% brewed in summertime by farmers and grew to 4.5-6.5% in the early 20th century before it was eventually commercialized. The average standard beer is brewed between 18-24 degrees celsius (or 64-75 degrees fahrenhiet), while saison beers are fermented better between 29-35 celsius (or 84-95 fahrenhiet).
Although continuing on topic, this beer was a complete shot in the dark as I went through the imported beer aisle opposed to the domesticated and more well-known aisle. Brewed in New York, USA, I was intrigued to find a beer in the presentation of a two-six bottle(standard bottle known for containing vodka or whiskey), then again intrigued to see this beer to be 7.7%; which almost qualifies as a strong-beer. The product is well presented in nice packaging and has an affordable price of 9.07$(CAD) each.
As I opened this bottle, it had a cork-top as if it was champagne, and I poured it into the glass revealing it had a cloudy, golden appearance and smelt stronger, leaving behind citrus notes. The head was large and long lasting which morphed into a beehive-looking effect once the carbonation took place and the head dissapated.
This beer’s profile was surprising to me as I had a concept of most Americans prefering light beer due to the amount of comments on how strong Canadian beer tasted to them.
The taste of this beer is spicier and slightly drier but results in a pleasant taste, similar to a wine or champagne; truly enjoyable. Being well-balanced, I agree with the description on the bottle that this beer would be paired well with asain cuisine, seafood or even spicy barbeque food. The notes in this beer include but are not limited to coriander and ginger, which creates a rustic flavour, but I would have to disagree with the ‘crisp’ finish. The flavour in my mouth seems to be longer-lasting and slightly dry, but still continues to be extremely nice. The Ommegang Brewery does note that this beer should be served in a stemmed narrow goblet so it doesn’t get warmer as you hold it with your fingers.
In conclusion, this beer’s complex flavour profile and easy drinking style has me thinking that I would indefinately buy again and again for any occasion. Another reason I am truly grateful to be learning and trying new beers throughout this process. Thank you for the interest and please follow or like for next week’s post!
– Chelsea xoxo
Personally this is my first strong beer! Standing in the Liquor Mart, this case of beer was completely overlooked at least 4 times as the box packaging was so boring and unappealing. Upon opening, the bottles were extremely appealing and very satisfyingly designed! Then after pouring, this Calgary-brewed beer appears a medium – dark, caramel color and has a lasting head. I was skeptical and tried this beer last of the 4 varieties included in yet another variety pack; this time created by Big Rock Breweries. I was surprised by the aroma being very mild, after I compared the category of strong beer to being relative to the difference of regular and stronger vodka, or even whiskey. Big Rock Brewery identifies this beer as a Scottish-Style Heavy Ale and is aged in White Oak which does come through in the aroma but only slightly in taste to my amateur palette. The taste was an extremely smooth finish, although it did come off as very smokey due to the peat included in the brewing process. If you are someone who has been trying to quit smoking, try this beer. Opposed to being addicted to puffing on cancer while drinking, just sipping on this brew could keep you sustained until you get off the cigarettes and slip into better health. After having 3 of these 7% beers, it is almost equal to light drinkers consuming 5 beers and approx 4 for the lager drinkers; a good buzz.
The thickness of this beer is a hair thicker than the average Budweiser as it is heartier but unfortunately in Canada, this brew is only available in Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia. This brew is a great pairing with game meat, hearty beef, strong cheese and not well with snack foods.
As a conclusion, I would absolutely buy this beer again but it does not come near being my favorite, it does however have unique characteristics that could encourage me to crave the certain flavour components included in this fabulous brew.
A huge thank you to everyone in the interest of this post/blog, please comment your favorite beer and it could include ANY beer you love as I am constantly traveling to different provinces and to the states with the opportunity to purchase. I will also be starting another post one day every week on informational brewing insight. Please stay tuned! XO
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beer drinker
Great Ample 