What You Should Have Drinked...Drank...Drunkeded #1

From the website: "This is an aggressive beer. You probably won't like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory --- maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it's made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you're mouthing your words as you read this."

The first time I tried this beer I was in college and had just started drinking. I was very much a new beer drinker, and my drink of choice at the time was Miller Genuine Draft. So when I tried Arrogant Bastard, I strongly disliked it. It’s now more than 10 years later, and I like to think of myself as somewhat of a beer snob. This is only the 2nd time I’ve ever had Arrogant Bastard, the first time since college.

Not much of a head, but that might be the way I poured it. I’m pretty good at it, though, so? Darker color than I was expecting. Sweet aroma. I was expecting a more bitter, hoppier scent.

Well, that’s…interesting. Definitely a lot of hops. Very bitter taste, but there’s a slightly sweet undertone. But the bitter just stays with you in the back of your throat. The sweet undertaste has sort of a floral tone to it. The more that is drunk, the more the 7.2% alcohol content shows itself.

Does this come in smaller bottle than a, what, pint and a half? Not that I’m complaining. It’s left me in quite a good mood as I’m watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.

Bell's Two-Hearted Ale

From the website:

"India Pale Ale style well suited for Hemingway-esque trips to the Upper Peninsula. American malts and enormous hop additions give this beer a crisp finish and incredible floral hop aroma."

Let's put those first impressions out there. This beer has a nice, thick head that clings to the glass. There is a strong aroma of very fragrant hops, and it's got a very nice, golden color.

A full flavor up front leads into a strong alcohol taste on the back end.

This is by far the best IPA I've ever had, and it's sad that I can't yet get it in Tennessee. If I ever want some Bell's, I've got to get it when I visit my parents just outside of Lousiville, KY. A check of their website reveals that they've got a huge selection to choose from, so I guess I've got a great excuse to visit more often.

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Listening to: Motion City Soundtrack - Point of Extinction
via FoxyTunes

Michelob Dunkel Weisse Dark Wheat Ale

From the label:

"All malt, unfiltered dark wheat ale featuring our unique yeast strain and malted wheat."

As a word of warning, I'm going into this as an anti-wheat beer person. I believe that the only one I've found that I like so far is Boulevard's offering.

First off, Michelob's Dunkel Weisse does not distinguish itself from any other wheat beer with its aroma. It smells like any other. It's also got a murky brown color, which I'm assuming is from not being filtered.

The brew has a weak initial taste. It then threatens to have a pretty decent wheat taste, but it quickly dissipates and we're quickly left with little to no aftertaste.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. As a craft beer, I'm ultimately disappointed in Michelob's line. As a money-saver in these trying financial times, though, it's better than settling for a weak, mass-produced domestic.

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Listening to: Motion City Soundtrack - Fell In Love Without You
via FoxyTunes

Recent Beers

Just a list of recent beers I've had that have been added to the master list on the right:

Budweiser American Ale
Chimay Ale Peres Trapistes Cinq Cents
Fort Collins Brewery Big Shot Seasonal Ale
Hitachino Nest White Ale
Sam Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner
Terrapin Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout