Backyard Beers

Finding the best tasting beers, one blind taste test at a time.

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Blind Taste Test: Saisons

Backyard Beers (Roof Edition) Blind Taste Test: Saisons

For lack of an idyllic farmhouse in which to set our most recent session, we instead climbed up to the roof on a warm, sunny day to sample some of this season’s most readily available Saisons. This style of beer turned out to offer quite a bit of variety, and we think it’s fair to say there’s something here for everyone.

THE LINEUP

While we didn’t include the OG Saison Dupont, the beer upon which the “Farmhouse Ale” has been modeled, we were able to find quite the selection of current craft choices at our local bodegas: Two Roads Worker’s Comp [4.8% ABV], Allagash Saison [6.1%], and Anchor Saison (Spring Ale) [7.2%], Brooklyn Sorachi Ace [7.6%], Ommegang Hennepin [7.7%], and Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale [5.4%]

THE TASTING

Eric started things off like a classy gentleman by likening the smell of the Anchor Saison to “hot dog buns”, but later clarified by describing a malty aftertaste, and bready sweetness that was “like cookies”. The rest of the lineup was more citrusy in comparison: he noted a dry tartness that lingered in the Allagash, a ginger aroma from the Two Roads, and could have sworn the Brooklyn Sorachi Ace was “fresh squeezed OJ”, with its zesty smell, and juicy texture. Eric correctly identified the lemony and rustic Ommegang, and slightly bitter Boulevard, with its “thicker mouthfeel”. His favorite was the “balanced” Two Roads Worker’s Comp (featuring the lowest ABV), and felt the Allagash Saison might be the most refreshing for summer.

Guest taster and part-time sommelier Kyle delivered a thorough tasting performance. He picked up on the lower ABV of the “subtle” Two Roads, and could really “smell the banana” in the fragrant, floral aroma of the fruitier Boulevard. The “cloudy” Brooklyn had a caramel note and “balanced” bright citrus taste. Kyle likened the Allagash to a Blonde Ale with it’s malty flavor and “longer bitter finish”. After we almost ran out of space writing his notes, he chose the “totally different” Anchor Saison as his favorite, noting the brighter, bready, malty flavors reminiscent of “ginger bread” and “aged balsamic vinegar”. His pick for most refreshing summer saison was the “mousse-ier” Ommegang with it’s banana and clove flavors.

Our second guest taster this session was Brooklyn Brewery Ambassador Masika. Only our second ever industry insider guest, she noted the citrusy aroma, but more subtle/smooth taste of her mothership brew, the Brooklyn Sorachi Ace. The Allagash Saison was “lightest in color” and left the impression of her “tongue running along the rind”. The Boulevard Tank 7 skewed more “orangey”, and she noted a “little spice” in the Two Roads Worker’s Comp. Her pick for most refreshing summer saison--the Omegang Hennepin--also had the “fullest body” and had notes of non-citrus fruit like berries. In the end it was the relatively “more bitter” Anchor Steam with it’s hoppy, lingering aftertaste that made her say “Woo!” and nabbed the top spot.

Rounding out this month’s tasting, Fraser began with his usual smell test. Two Roads: malty, Allagash: citrusy, Ommegang: balanced, Anchor: medicinal, Brooklyn: floral, Boulevard: lighter citrus. In tasting, he uncovered the “sweet, banana-ey aftertaste” of the Two Roads, the “stronger, slightly spicy” flavors of the Ommegang, and “fruity” with just a “hair of spice” notes in the Boulevard. He found the “gingery” Anchor to be the most unique with a blend of spice and sweetness, and chose the Allagash as his most refreshing summer saison. Fraser picked the “totally different” Brooklyn as his Farmhouse favorite with it’s “smooth, sweet, and slightly citrusy” flavors and “fruity aftertaste”.

THE RESULTS

Two of our tasters chose the Anchor Saison Spring Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 82%) as their top pick, with the Ommegang Hennepin (Beer Advocate Score: 93%) as their secondary selection in the “most refreshing” race. Two other tasters were most refreshed by the Allagash (Beer Advocate Score: 88%), while the Two Roads Worker’s Comp (Beer Advocate Score: 86%) and Brooklyn Sorachi Ace (Beer Advocate Score: 91%) were each chosen as a favorite by one of our tasters. Surely, there is no shortage of good Saison in the world.

Next up: Gose? Wheat? Blondes?

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photos by Eric Schwortz and Kyle Wilson

Kyle Wilson is a musician/composer who fronts Brooklyn-based indie band Milagres (also featuring Backyard Beers co-founder, Fraser McCulloch).

Masika Henson has worked with Brooklyn Brewery as NYC Event Ambassador and Tasting Team Member, and moonlights as “DJ SeekTen”.

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Blind Taste Test: Pilsners

Backyard Beers (Return to the Loft) Blind Taste Test: Pils

After putting big-flavored Pumpkin Ales, Winter Seasonals, Scotch Ales, and IPAs under the microscope, it was time to get back to basics, and explore an underrated brew style that many people associate with mass-market filtered beers, often modified with the word “light”.

THE LINEUP

In a happily accidental fashion, we ended up with three Czech[-style] Pilsners: Pilsner Urquell “The World’s First” [4.4% ABV], Peak Organic Fresh Cut [4.6%], and Lagunitas Pils [6%], and three made in the German-style: Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner [5.2%], Victory Prima Pils [5.3%], and Sixpoint The Crisp [5.4%].

THE TASTING

Returning regular guest Lydia started things off, immediately dismantling the idea that these would be your old man’s pale lagers. The Peak Fresh Cut smelled “fruity and tart” with a “bright grapefruit taste”. The original Pilsner Urquell was “less bright” with “caramel vibes” and a hint of vanilla. She described the rest as being pretty mellow, while also “kinda bitter” (VIctory), “hoppy” (Sixpoint), and a “bit fruity” (Coney Island). Her favorite was the aromatic Peak Organic, which she also guessed correctly.

Eric picked up on fruity (”apple juice”) notes in the Sixpoint (”hoppy finish”), and Lagunitas. The Pilsner Urquell had a “brighter nose upfront” with a “fuller body” that he liked, and maybe a “hint of spiciness”. The Peak, however, strongly stood out as the most enjoyable beer with it’s hoppier smell, and dry citrus “pale ale” flavor. The understated but likable Coney Island was his runner up.

While most of us have some level of European ancestry, Chris‘s clan hails from Slovakia. Would this align his favor with a Czech-style Pils, or would it have the opposite effect? He found the Coney Island to be on the “maltier side”, immediately guessed the Urquell correctly by identifying it’s “vanilla-y” accents and a “different kind of bitterness” which amounted to an “old world flavor”. The Lagunitas was “most bitter” and the Victory had “brighter, floral” notes. He went against the grain by not picking the Peak as his favorite, but noted that it was “very different from the rest”, “a little sour” and the “hoppiest”. In the end, he chose the German-style Sixpoint Crisp, the “most well-rounded” and “refreshing” with it’s “fruity nose” and “familiar” flavor.

The oft trend-bucking Fraser rounded out the session, and he did not disappoint. The Coney Island was “hoppier than expected” with a “slightly floral smell”, the “most drinkable” Sixpoint tasted “kinda fruity” with a bitter aftertaste, and the Lagunitas was “slightly malty” and smooth. Fraser described early frontrunner Peak Fresh Cut as having a “floral smell” and as being “much hoppier”, dry, bitter, and effervescent. He guessed correctly that it was the Peak. He also idenfitied the Pilsner “Steve” Urquell (Did we do that!?) with it’s “caramel smell” and darker “european/old school taste”, and decided it was his favorite. Fraser’s a classic guy, and this was a classic vote for the original pils.

THE RESULTS

While there was certainly no overarching consensus in terms of favorites, the Peak Organic Fresh Cut (Beer Advocate Score: 86 %) started out with a promising lead and landed as a favorite with half our tasters. Sixpoint’s The Crisp (Beer Advocate Score: 88%) and Pilsner Urquell (Beer Advocate Score: 82%) each took one vote for top brew.

Next up: Saisons / Farmhouse Ales

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photos by Eric Schwortz and Chris Brazee

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Blind Taste Test: IPA Melee!

Backyard Beers (Outside Edition) Blind Taste Test: IPAs

It’s been a shameful five years since our last outdoor taste test, and that one wasn’t even in a backyard! For that you’d have to go back even further. Five sessions into the reboot, and we are officially back on brand. The long awaited, but much discussed “IPA Melee” was more smiles and sunshine than scrappy struggle thanks to a wonderfully unseasonable “spring” day in February. It also happened to coincide with the last day of New York City Beer Week.

THE LINEUP

Our goal was to select beers that we see all the time in groceries and bars, and to avoid “Hop War” soldiers and high ABV imperials/doubles. We wound up with a nice mix of enduring classics, and buzzy newcomers: Founders All Day IPA Session Ale [4.7% ABV, 42 IBUs], Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA [6%, 60 IBUs], Lagunitas IPA [6.2%, 51.5 IBUs], Green Flash Soul Style IPA [6.5%, 75 IBUs], Smuttynose Finestkind IPA [6.9%, 73.5 IBUs], and Ballast Point Sculpin IPA [7%, 70 IBUs].

THE TASTING

Chris was the first contender in the ring, sunlight halos around his majestic beard, and golden brews reflecting in his shades. The “fuller, robust” Green Flash lingered on his tongue, foiled by the more sour and “citrusy” Lagunitas. Ballast Point’s Sculpin was no bottom-dweller. Chris described it as “upfront”, as being the “most bubby”, and having the “most flavor” and a distinctive “tongue sizzle”. In comparison, the “nice” Smuttynose reminded him of a “hoppy amber ale”. But in the end, it was the “malty, balanced” Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA that distinguished itself the most for him.

Having had trouble picking favorites in the past, Eric focused on flavors, and let gut reactions guide his brain. The Ballast Point proved to be “very dry” and “bitter”, clarified as the “driest” on his second pass. The Dogfish Head was “juicier” with a “malty aroma”. The fuller bodied 60 Min IPA was “not trying to be the hoppiest”. Eric found the Smuttynose to be “mild-mannered”, and sensed hoppy aromas and floral notes in both the Lagunitas and Green Flash. Like Chris, he noted “citrus” flavors in the Founders. He enjoyed the entire lineup, but had to name the Dogfish Head his top pick.

Craft beer enthusiast and foodie, Jonathan, was a first time guest taster with us. Right off the bat, he was taken aback by a “spicy tingle”. Was it the same “sizzle tongue” that Chris noticed earlier? No! It was the “bitter” Lagunitas, from which Jon also noted a “pizza spice” he couldn’t put his finger on. The Green Flash was “creamier, thicker” and “grassy”. The Dogfish Head was stronger, sweeter and malty with “coffee and caramel” notes. The Ballast Point lingered, and also reminded him of that same “pizza seasoning”. The Smuttynose was “pleasant”, and while Jonathan could drink it as a session beer, he was the third taster to place a crown on the Dogfish Head.

Returning guest, and Cindy Crawford stand-in, Kayla, alternated between fierce wind-blown glamour poses and insightful tasting thoughts. She liked the “thick” Dogfish Head with it’s “slight coffee smell” off the bat, but also enjoyed the “very hoppy, very bitter” Lagunitas with it’s citrus/lemon notes. Kayla found the Smuttynose to be more fuller bodied, the Green Flash to be “earthy”, and the Ballast Point tasted “like IPA”. She was the fourth taster to hand it to the Dogfish Head. Would it be unanimous!?

Layered, lax and back-lit, Fraser pulled up to the tasting table. Preferring darker, maltier brews, he wasn’t gaga for this gaggle, but picked up on floral notes in the Lagunitas, and the distinctive complexity of the Dogfish Head. As they say “Brevity is the soul of wit”, and Fraser kept it brief. His final beer was the Smuttynose, which he described as having a “nice smoothness”, and that was good enough for him.

THE RESULTS

The Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (Beer Advocate Score: 91%) with it’s moderate IBU level, didn’t receive all five symbolic blue ribbons, but it had a strong showing, and was the clear group favorite. No real surprises there, as Dogfish Head has been known for their IPA for years. Now we know it’s not just about name/brand/label recognition, but actual flavor. Smuttynose Finestkind IPA (Beer Advocate Score: 91%) with one of the higher IBU counts also nabbed a single vote for the top spot, and was described pretty consistently (“nice” “mild” “pleasant”) among the group. Lagunitas IPA (Beer Advocate Score: 87%) had one of the lowest IBU levels, and was a runner-up for two tasters.

Next up: Pilsners!

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photos by Eric Schwortz and Jonathan Lee

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Blind Taste Test: Winter Ales

Backyard Beers (Loft Edition) Blind Taste Test: Winter Ales

“When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Punxsutawney and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn't imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.” -Phil Connors, Groundhog Day

Apparently, the weather-predicting rodent didn’t see his shadow this year. Perhaps global warming tipped us back into fall? We got together to taste some Winter Ales on Groundhog Day, anyway, but we may have to drink our favorites fast before they’re out of fashion.

THE LINEUP

Seduced by solid label design, and new seasonal offerings, we had quite a few options, and ultimately whittled down our selection to the following: Peak Organic Winter Session Ale [5% ABV], Goose Island Winter Ale [5.3%], Magic Hat Snow Roller Hoppy Brown Ale [6.2%], Blue Point Winter Ale [7.7%], Great Divide Hibernation English-Style Old Ale [8.7%], and--our wildcard for the night--Brooklyn Brewery Insulated Dark Lager [5.6%].

THE TASTING

Eric shook the frost from his muzzle and went to work warming his whistle. He noted the hoppy flavors of the Magic Hat and Peak, the higher ABV of the Blue Point (”Mmm, yum. More flavor.”) and “darker, flavorful” Great Divide, and the drinkability of the Brooklyn (”Smells like coffee. Most roast/malt.”) and “lighter, smooth” Goose Island. It was a tough choice, as all the selections had a lot of good flavor, but Eric chose hometown brewery Brooklyn’s new Insulated as his favorite, with the “hoppier, smooth, and drinkable” Peak Session as his runner up.

New guest taster Kristina also noted the coffee/toffee flavors of the Brooklyn, and like Eric, she tasted subtle citrus notes in the Goose Island. The “maltier, stronger” Great Divide lingered on her palate, and she described the Blue Point as sweeter than the rest. In the end it was the hoppy, light and crisp Peak Organic that Kristina would enjoy by the fire.

Resident food pairing expert Chris would “eat a biscuit” with the “toasty, malty” Blue Point. He picked out “darker, chocolate and coffee” notes in the Goose (a brown ale), and felt the Great Divide had a “nice blend” and was the “most complex”. His favorite to curl up with on a cold day would be the Brooklyn, with it’s strong coffee flavors, while still remaining crisp and fresh.

Our second new guest Dale, whose self-described “terrible sense of smell” only helped him guess *ALL SIX* beers correctly was up next. He impressed everyone with his tasting, picking out the sweet “stout smell” and slightly bitter “nutty, chocolately” flavors of the Great Divide. He described the Blue Point as more “floral”, and the Magic Hat as “earthy”. The “hoppiest” Peak gave itself away, and the Goose revealed itself to be “sweet and stouty”. Dale was the third taster to shake off the shivers with the dark, nutty Brooklyn with it’s "coffee taste”.

Fraser finished out the round surprising no one by sniffing out the Brooklyn’s “coffee roast smell”, and the Peak’s “hoppy smell”. The Goose smelled “medicinal”, and the Magic Hat had “not a strong smell”. The aroma detective found the perfect “sweet smell” with the malty, balanced Blue Point, and awarded his silver medal to another sweet smelling beer, the Great Divide, which he described as “sticky, heavy, and malty”. Fraser guessed four out of six beers correctly.

THE RESULTS

Perhaps it was unfair to throw a Lager into our Winter Ales tasting, but it seemed appropriate, and was a big hit. Brooklyn Brewery Insulated Dark Lager (Beer Advocate Score: 87%) was chosen as a favorite by more than half our panel. Peak Organic Winter Session Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 83%) was a favorite for one, and runner up for another. Blue Point Winter Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 80%) also nabbed a top spot by one taster, while the Great Divide Hibernation Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 90%) was chosen by one taster as a 2nd favorite, and praised often by the group for it’s big, complex flavors.

Next up: IPA Melee!

Backyard Beers on instagram • facebook • twitter

E-mail us: backyardbeers [at] gmail [dot] com

photos by Eric Schwortz and Chris Brazee

learn more about our guest tasters: Creative Strategist Kristina Zmaic, and Dale, the Snack Food King of NY

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Blind Taste Test: Scotch Ales

Backyard Beers (Burns Night Edition) Blind Taste Test: Scotch Ales

Gude ale keeps the heart aboon, indeed, Rabbie. Hell, that’s why we started this thing in the first place. Because beer is good for the heart. It’s science! So in honor of the Bard of Ayrshire, national poet of Scotland, and creator of everyone’s favorite New Year’s Eve anthem, Auld Lang Syne, we got together for a special Burns Night celebration of Scottish and Scottish-style ale. We even had TWO guys called Fraser.

THE LINEUP

For this tasting, we included ales across the Scottish Ale/Wee Heavy spectrum, and pitted some classic UK ales against their younger American cousins: Belhaven Scottish Ale [5.2% ABV], Innis & Gunn Original Oak Aged [6.6%], McEwan’s Scotch Ale [8%], and the USA-brewed Oskar Blues Old Chub [8%], Founders Dirty Bastard [8.5%], and Central Waters Brewer’s Reserve Bourbon Barrel Scotch Ale [9.5%].

THE TASTING

Our playlist was loaded with the likes of The Vaselines, Mogwai, and Simple Minds, but we set a Shetlandic mood at the start with Scottish fiddler Aly Bain. Our very own Scottish-American BYB co-founder, Fraser M., was up first to survey our lineup. This session was his idea in the first place, as he’s a big fan of the style. Put simply, he liked them all a lot, but had the most to say about the “strong and beautiful” Central Waters: “This’ll put hair on your chest.” He followed up by describing that “bad boy” as an “impressive drink”. Fraser correctly identified the CW, Innis & Gunn, Old Chub, and Belhaven, which he described as a “different ballgame”, and declared it his favorite of the night. It “goes down” he continued. Sounds like he could have had another.

Chris was up next. Like Fraser, he also noted similarities between the McEwan’s, Founders, and Old Chub, but the third left a stronger impression with it’s “sweet, malty” flavor that he could see pairing well with everyone’s favorite wafer biscuit bar confection, the Kit Kat (somewhat appropriately created by Rowntree's of York, England?). Chris found the Belhaven and Innis & Gunn both to be creamy and smooth, declaring the latter to be his “session favorite”. Forced to choose the beer he liked best in smaller quantities, he picked the “delicious but heavy” Central Waters, with it’s bourbon and cherry notes. “Smells real nice” but you can “only drink one”.

True Scotsman and first time guest taster, Fraser C. represented his heritage well. Like Chris, he was able to correctly identify all six beers after the tasting. Along the way, he made distinctions between the Old Chub (”more alcohol/carbonation”), McEwan’s (”more syrupy”), and Founders. He didn’t love the Innis & Gunn, likening it to a lager, and called out the “bigger is better” Central Waters for being “very American” with “so much flavor”. But before the CW finished “having it’s way with” Fraser, the “unmistakable” Belhaven won his heart. He could “have a good evening with” that one. We hope he did.

Returning guest Lydia thankfully broke up the manotony. She, too, noted the “creamy, smooth” texture of the Innis & Gunn, picked out “floral or fruity” aromas in the rich Old Chub, and described the Founders as being “more bitter, darker”, with warm, sweet, caramel flavors. Belhaven was a little light compared to the rest. On the other end of the spectrum, the “bourbony” Central Waters powered it’s way to the top of Lydia’s list, with the McEwans falling in as runner up.

Final taster, Eric, took notice of the color variation among these brews, ranging from honey/toffee and ruby, to dark mahogany and deep brown. He sensed a “copper/metallic” coffee bitterness in the Founders, something “herbal” like licorice in the Old Chub, and found the McEwan’s to be creamy. The lightest of the bunch, Belhaven, had a “sweet-watery-ness”. While Eric could not decide on a favorite, he had the most to say about the big, bold Central Waters, with it’s strong, dark, cherry flavors, and likened it to an imperial stout.

THE RESULTS

It was quite a tasty evening for the Backyard Beers crew. Any of these would do quite nicely when placed against your average American draught list. Put under a microscope with a side of oyster crackers, Wisconsin’s Central Waters Bourbon Barrel (Beer Advocate Score: 95%) emerged as the most talked about Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy of the night, being chosen as a definite favorite by half the group. Belhaven’s Scottish Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 85%) was arguably the most drinkable ale, also being chosen as a top pick by two tasters.

Next up: [Non-Xmas] Winter Seasonals

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photos by Eric Schwortz and Lydia Berg-Hammond

check out music by saxophonist/composer/friend Fraser Campbell

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Blind Taste Test: Summer Ales

Backyard Beers (#TBT/Terrace Edition) Blind Taste Test: Summer Ales

June 1st, 2011 | LAZING ON A SUNNY AFTERNOON

[Editorial note: Photos and tasting notes are original. Write-up is brand new.]

After four initial blind taste tests in 2010, we took a break to do some touring with our band, and then reconvened in 2011 for this Summer Seasonal tasting. It wound up being our last meeting until this year’s reboot.

THE LINEUP

Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale [5% ABV], Samuel Adams Summer Ale [5.3%], Peak Organic Summer Session Ale [5%], Sierra Nevada Summerfest Lager [5%], Magic Hat Wacko [4.5%], Anchor Summer Beer [4.6%]

For whatever it’s worth, I want to say that 2011 was the first year Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale was available in cans. Can you believe it!?

THE TASTING

Another first: this blind taste test did not take place in our eponymous “backyard”. Instead, we choose to enjoy these crisp, summer brews on a sunny terrace deep in the heart of Brooklyn’s historic Kensington neighborhood.

Terrace tenant and guest taster Jodi detected floral notes in the Peak Session Ale, and hints of something sour in the Magic Hat. She also noted MH Wacko’s “unusual color”. Her favorite from this lineup was the well-balanced Sam Adams, with Anchor’s Summer (a wheat beer) not far behind thanks to it’s “smooth, clean” taste.

Fraser seemed to be on the same wavelength, also describing the Peak as having a “floral” aroma, and enjoying the “smooth, flavorful” Sam Adams best. The “familiar” flavors of the Brooklyn Summer Ale landed it in 2nd place. Our first two tasters also agreed the Sierra Nevada was a little thin, and reminiscent of a light domestic lager (it is, indeed, a lager).

Donning a ribbed tank to show off his summer guns, Eric described his second runner up, the Peak, as particularly “bubbly” like champagne, with hints of peach or apricot. The “crisp, dry” Brooklyn (his second favorite) threw off a “citrus nose”, and his favorite, with more flavor and aroma “like wine/grapes”, turned out to be the Magic Hat Wacko.

Chris offered up the most evocative musings that evening. He described the Wacko as having a “fruitiness he can get into”, the Brooklyn as “lemony”, and was transported “out in the garden” where he landed in “a pile of herbs” thanks to his favorite of the tasting, the Peak Organic. The “creamy” Sam Adams was his number two, with the crisp, and “pleasantly citrusy” Sierra Nevada landing in third.

THE RESULTS

That summer belonged to Sam Adams Summer Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 77%), chosen as a favorite by two tasters, and a runner up by a third. Peak Organic Summer Session Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 85%) and Magic Hat Wacko (Beer Advocate Score: 67%) each had one vote, and experienced secondary flings with two more tasters. Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 81%), with it’s shiny new container, was mentioned by two tasters as a second favorite. Perhaps that’s a summer romance that simply needs more time to... brew.

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photos by Eric Schwortz

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Blind Taste Test: Xmas Ales

Backyard Beers (Yuletide Edition) Blind Taste Test: Xmas Ales

Ho Ho Ho... Malty Hopness! Or how about: You better watch out, you better not spill. You better pour slow, or foam you will fill. Xmas Ales are coming to town. No? Okay. Let’s get to it then.

THE LINEUP

It seems just about every craft brewery has their take on a yuletide brew these days. Here’s what we found in our local groceries: Troegs Mad Elf Ale [11% ABV], Bell’s Christmas Ale [5.5%], Goose Island Festivity Ale [7.7%], Blue Moon Gingerbread Spiced Ale [5.9%], Peak Organic Holiday Saison [4.7%], and Southern Tier 2XMAS [8%].

While all of our contenders are Winter Seasonal Ales, they vary greatly in specific style, alcohol content, and spiciness (or lack thereof). On to the pour!

THE TASTING

With our tree decorated, wreath in place, and Yule Log 2.015 up on the television, we were in the spirit and ready to taste the magic. Fraser was “not keen” on the “medicinal” flavors of his first two brews. Things got more pleasant as gingerbread flavors recalled a visit to Yankee Candle. Ultimately, it was the darker, thicker Goose Island Festivity (a brown ale) that won his favor. He named the double-spiced Southern Tier 2XMAS the most Xmassy (our secondary goal for this tasting).

Guest taster and Christmas enthusiast Allyson thought she got a “hint of something” from her first ale, but it turned out to be “mostly beer”. She picked up on the citrus and spice of the Southern Tier, declared the Peak to be well-balanced, and placed the sweet and fruity Troegs Mad Elf (her favorite) on the nice list, also dubbing it her pick for most Xmassy.

Eric had some trouble distinguishing these joyous concoctions at first, but managed to identify the syrupy Goose Island, smooth Blue Moon, and fruity Troegs correctly. He latched on to something “minty” in the 2XMAS, and in the end trusted his gut, choosing the gingerbready Blue Moon as both his favorite and most Xmassy.

Returning for her second consecutive blind tasting, Kayla voiced some strong opinions at our otherwise merry gathering: “frothy”, “after smell of bugspray”, “sour”, “No.”, “rotten prunes”, “men’s aftershave”, and “horrifying”. Sheesh! Luckily, she found the subtle clove and citrus flavors of the Peak Holiday Saison to be pleasing, and declared the simple, holiday-invoking Blue Moon to be most Xmassy.

It was up to Chris to bring us home and put the Chris back in Christmas. He likened the Goose Island to a heavy, fruity wine, picked out the dark fruit of the Souther Tier, and exclaimed “Damn!” after tasting the “really sweet” and sour cherry Mad Elf. In the end, Bell’s Christmas Ale was the star he placed on top of his taste bud tree.

This went against the flow of the evening, considering the entire group felt the lighter, un-spiced Bell’s didn’t invoke any specific holiday warmth during the tasting. Upon further discussion it was agreed the Bell’s might be the most drinkable “session” Xmas Ale when not under the microscope of a blind taste test, placed among more heavily-spiced brews. Which brings us to:

THE RESULTS

There was no clear savior resurrected from this lineup of holiday hopefuls. Every single taster chose a different beer as their favorite (a first for our band of blind beer buds)! Troegs Mad Elf (Beer Advocate Score: 87%) was the easiest to pick out due to it’s unique high-ABV cherry flavor, but it was the Blue Moon Gingerbread Spiced Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 78%) that was cited as the Most Xmassy of our lineup.

Next up: Scotch Ales (Wee Heavy)

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photos by Eric Schwortz and Allyson Paisley

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Backyard Beers (#TBT Edition) Blind Taste Test: Stouts

August 19th, 2010 | STOUT BOUT!

[Editorial note: While not our very first backyard blind taste test, this was the first that was properly documented.]

THE CONTENDERS

Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout [7% ABV], Young’s Double Chocolate Stout [5.2%], Hitachino Nest Lacto Sweet Stout [3.9%], Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout [10%], Samuel Adams Cream Stout [4.9%], Sierra Nevada Stout [5.8%], Guinness Draught [4.2%], Belhaven Scottish Stout [7%]

THE TASTING/RESULTS

Stout bout? More like Stout Rout! Young’s Double Chocolate (Beer Advocate Score: 90%) ran away with the first round of Stout tasting, garnering 3 out of 4 votes for favorite beer in the competition. Fraser, Eric, and Chris let their sweet tooths lead, selecting the rich, syrupy Young’s as their fav, while Dan (the only industry insider) picked the Sam Smith (Beer Advocate Score: 93%). Least favorites were the clearly out-matched and watery Guinness (Beer Advocate Score: 79%) and the beguiling Hitachino* (Beer Advocate Score: 71%). Check out some rare standard definition video of the tasting.

*HIT-a-chino or hi-TAH-chino – who knows!? We’ll examine this contested Japanese pronunciation in a future post

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Backyard Beers (Living Room Edition) Blind Taste Test: Pumpkin Ales

Our little organization was founded in 2010, by a handful of amateur beer enthusiasts looking to help ourselves (and anyone following along) cut to the chase, and find the best tasting beers at our corner bodegas and neighborhood watering holes.

After a handful of blind taste tests in 2010 and 2011, we took a LONG break from the Backyard to travel the world spreading the gospel of indie rock, take lots of photographs, attend weddings, and hey... the brews just got away from us.

Well, we’re back... just like the Ghostbusters in ‘89, Pavement in 2010, and the McRib in ‘90, ‘94, ‘05, ‘07, ‘10, '12 and ‘14. We last lined up a bunch of Pumpkin Ales five years ago, when the selection (while robust) was slim in comparison to what’s out there now. We’re at peak pumpkin spice.

THE LINEUP

For our comeback tasting, we revived two favorites: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale [7% ABV], and Southern Tier Pumking [8.6%], and tested them against some new contenders: Magic Hat Wilhelm Scream [5.4%], Captain Lawrence Pumpkin Ale [5%], Blue Point Pumpkin Ale [5.5%], and Troegs Master of Pumpkins [7.5%].

Sadly, this time around we couldn’t find the previously well-liked Wolavers [5.35%], and sat out the Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale [5.7%] to keep things moving.

The first thing I (Eric) noticed, was the new DFH Punkin label. Gone is the text-heavy description, replaced by an illustrated pin-up model covered in tattoos. Southern Tier’s Pumking improvement comes in the form of new 12oz bottles, whereas previously you could only find it as a 22oz.

THE TASTING

For our return the fold, we invited guest tasters from across the gender-divide, Kayla and Lydia. BB veteran, Chris, started things off describing “pie smells” and “licorice noses”. He quickly identified the unmistakably sweet ST Pumking, but ultimately named the DFH, with it’s “earthy, dark” flavor as the true king, and the well-balanced Magic Hat as runner up.

Kayla had no mercy as she described flavor notes such as “urine”, “metallic”, “sour” and “yeasty”. A first time blind taster with our group, she correctly identified the gingerbread-and-pumpkin-pie flavors of the Southern Tier, and the more subtle Dogfish Head, naming the latter her favorite of the night.

Fraser entered the ring, eyes closed and palette cleansed. But would his taste buds betray his heart? Perhaps. He sensed the alcoholic “heat” and distinctive spiciness of the Troegs (our second highest ABV of the lineup), and was the third of three tasters to peg the strong Southern Tier on first sip. He chuckled, speechlessly at his final cup, labeled only with the letter “F”. After some careful deliberation, he saluted and swore allegiance to his new commanding officer, Captain Lawrence. The “smooth, drinkable” DFH was his number two.

Lydia elevated the vocabeerlary with tasty nuggets such as “in your face”, “fruity nose”, and “most juicy”. She liked the “mouth feel” of the beer in her cup marked “B”, correctly identified the ST Pumking, with it’s vanilla and nutmeg notes, and chose the “mellow” Magic Hat as her #1, with the Blue Point as her next in line.

With four tasters ahead of me, I knew I had to bring something to the table. I spoke of the “vaguely skunky, sour trash”, the “sweet candy”, and many things in between. I was the fifth and final taster to delight in the Pumking (”It’s cookie time!”), but looking for something fresh, I found a new favorite in the Troegs, with it’s “dark, chocolatey, ginger” flavors, while giving honorable mention to both the Magic Hat and Captain Lawrence, which would surely do in a pinch.

THE RESULTS

So while the Dogfish Head Punkin Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 88%) didn’t win everyone’s nomination, it had a strong showing as a favorite for two, and runner up for a third taster. Magic Hat’s Wilhelm Scream (Beer Advocate Score: 79%) was favorited by one, and runner up for two tasters. Troegs Master of Pumpkins (Beer Advocate Score: 80%) and Captain Lawrence Pumpkin Ale (Beer Advocate Score: 82%) fared well, too. And hey, who are we kidding. If someone put a Southern Tier Pumking (Beer Advocate Score: 90%) in our hands, we’d gladly drink it.

Next up: Xmas Ales

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