lundi 26 avril 2010

Kasteel Cru Rosé

"Brewed with Champagne yeast in Alsace, with a hint of elderberry & elderflower, Kasteel Cru Rosé is a fine, crisp lager which delivers a sparkling taste sensation and a distinct rose like colour."

5.0% ABV. Read more on Kasteel Cru website.

Hambleton Ales' GFA

"Legend of the White Horse
"Galloping across the Hambleton Hills in the Vale of Yorkis a giant White Horse, visible 40 miles away. The mystery of where it came from, however, does not belong to ancient times.
"It was created in 1857 by a grocer, Thomas Taylor who, having made his fortune in London, wanted to leave his mark on his birthplace. So, with 30 local men and 6 tons of lime, the White Horse was scored by hand into this hard rock of the Hambleton hillside.
"At Hambleton Ales we raise a glass to the inspirational Mr Taylor whose vision has stood the test of time and whose extravagance enlivens the landscape of Yorkshire to this day. Just like Mr Taylor, Hambleton Ales leaves a lasting impression."

"A tawny ale with aromas of Cascade, Liberty and Challenger hops and speciallyprepared dark sugars providing full bodied initial sweetness giving way to pronounced fruit and hop character with a strong citrus finish. Hambleton Ales' GFA delivers the full flavour and satisfaction expected from a British ale in a gluten and wheat free formulation."

4.8% ABV. Read more on Hambleton Ales website.

samedi 24 avril 2010

River Horse's Hop-a-lot-amus

"The fable Hop-a-lot-amus is a mythical creature. The heavy hop character of this Double IPA is as subtle as a 'river horse' in your lap, but finishes as a hippo in a tutu. Enjoy!"

Good description of the beer. Hop is indeed very present. Interesting flavour, but as for the Hop Hazard, this one is too bitter.
To counterbalance bitterness, I made a cocktail with it:
  • 4cL gin (I used Tanqueray)
  • 2cL lemon juice
  • 2cL simple syrup
  • 12cL IPA (Hop-a-lot-amus)
Shake gin, lemon and sugar over ice. Strain into a tumbler glass over fresh ice. Complete with cold IPA. Garnish with a lemon slice.

I was inspired by a post by A Flowery Song who tried to substitue soda or fizzy ingredients with beer in a few classic cocktails. Mine is a variation of the Gin Fizz.

8.5% ABV. Read more on River Horse website.

River Horse's Hop Hazard

"Let's get it straight, Hop Hazard is an AMERICAN Pale Ale. That means it's balanced with hops, not buried in them. Here's to independence!"

"Balanced, not buried", my ass! This is full of hops, very bitter. The flavour is interesting but the bitterness is too strong for my taste.

6.5% ABV> Read more on River Horse website.

River Horse's Belgian Freeze

"As the days grow shorter and frost becomes snow, our Belgian Freeze Winter Ale will make a great liquid companion. This deep amber beer is brewed with lots of roasted caramel malt for body and warmth to bring in the holidays and see you through to spring."

Obviously, they meant "as the days grow longer". This beer is pretty good. Its name is well chosen: I had the feeling I was drinking a Belgian beer. The ABV is not mentioned on the bottle. I had to check it on their website.

8.0% ABV. Read more on River Horse website.

samedi 17 avril 2010

La Trappe Isid'or

"La Trappe Isid'or has been specially created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Brewery de Koningshoeven. This ceremonial beer was named after Brother Isidorus, the first brewer of La Trappe."

7.5% ABV. Read more on Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V. website.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo

"SIERRA NEVADE TORPEDO ALE is a big American IPA, perfectly balanced yet full of flavor and aromas highlighting the complex citrus, pine and herbal character of whole-cone American hops."

7.2% ABV. Read more on Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. website.