Beer Brain

For the beer lover.

[beeronthebrain-blog]

Stockyard Oatmeal Stout, JosephsBrau Brewing Co

Sorry for the world's largest photo. Anyways, I know this stuff is just the Trader Joe's brand but it's good. Try it. I've had three tonight, if you couldn't tell. BUY IT.

Aroma: 5 It smells like a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie on ice. I say that because it is brewed with oats (obviously) and chocolate but honestly, one of the better smelling beers. Mouthfeel: 4 Smooth, very mellow carbonation, and no hoppy tingle. Kind of underwhelming, really.

Flavor: 4 Good flavor with very obvious chocolate notes.

Aftertaste: 4 For a dark beer, I have very little aftertaste which is both a pro and a con. I wish the flavor lasted a little longer but I am also glad that my mouth doesn't taste like the inside of a bowling shoe. We've all been there. Rating: 4.25/5

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Hibernation Ale, Great Divide Brewing Co

Alright, I know I've been posting mostly dark ales. This is both because I prefer darker brews and also because it's winter and this is when I can get my favorites. This particular beer I've never had before and I'm glad I tried it.  Aroma: 2 Somewhat of an underwhelming scent. It doesn't really hint at much besides I-know-it's-dark-from-the-scent. 

Mouthfeel: 4 Very smooth, easy to drink beer. Not too carbonated, not intensely hoppy. Good, mellow feeling. 

Flavor: 4 I think I'm getting a hint of some sort of nut, but I can't be sure. It's delicious whatever it is. The flavor almost escapes you until the last second before it ends up in your belly.

Aftertaste: 4 Dog breath, sort of. Bad flavor, no. This is honestly one of the better aftertastes of a beer that leaves any sort of aftertaste in your mouth. It's nutty, slightly hoppy, and not overwhelming.

Rating: 3.5/5

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End Of The World Midnight Wheat, Shock Top Brewing Co.

Alright, I'll admit the first time I saw this beer in the stores I decided against it. I mean, it's got "chili and spice" in it and the I put ketchup on my tacos so I felt I wouldn't like it. However, via a coworker I had one a week or so back and it's actually really good.

Aroma: 4 This beer has a surprisingly sweet smell and I can detect a little of the chili. I dig it.

Mouthfeel: 4 Light, not too carbonated, and smooth. It's an easy drinker and I suppose it'd chug pretty well, too - if you're into that sort of thing.

Flavor: 4 You can definitely taste hints of "chili and spice" but it doesn't distract from the chocolate flavor. Honestly, I'm reminded of a good mole sauce.

Aftertaste: 4 Clean feeling afterwards and the only flavor you're left with is the same well blended flavor you had while you were drinking. Bonus points because my mouth doesn't feel like it needs a bath.

Rating: 4/5 

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Homeport Blonde Ale, Scuttlebutt Brewing Company

My apologies for the recent delay. The holidays have been busy - backpacking, traveling to the East Coast, seeing friends and family. While I've had my fair share of beers, I'm glad to finally sit down and review one. Pretty standard blonde ale. Nothing stands out too much besides the distinct creamy mouthfeel. Very light, refreshing, and not hoppy at all. Aroma: 2 As with a lot of light ales, it has no distinct scent. Could be a Budweiser. Mouthfeel: 4 Very creamy for a blonde ale and not too carbonated. Really clean feeling. 

Flavor: 2 Once again, nothing distinct. It isn't bad but it isn't outstanding, either.

Aftertaste: 4 Leaves almost no aftertaste which I kind of prefer over the wet dog taste some beers leave you with. Rating: 3/5 

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Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, North Coast Brewery

I have a certain love for North Coast Brewery. It was the first I visited outside of Washington and they have a great selection of beers. Old Rasputin is a hoppy stout with a Russian twist, if you will.

Aroma: 4  Hoppy scent that lingers. Hints at the flavor but doesn't reveal.

Mouthfeel: 3  The intense hop flavoring intensifies the bubbly feeling in your mouth. It's a kick in the mouth.

Flavor: 3  Nothing special but certainly hoppy. Reminds me of a scotch ale but it still has the flavorings of a traditional dry stout.

Aftertaste: 4  Doesn't leave a strong aftertaste but still gives you a hop kick at the end.

Rating: 3.5/5 

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Pike Kilt Lifter, Pike Brewery

Sorry for the recent lack of reviews. Work has been busy and upon finishing the day, I would rather chug a beer than rate the mouthfeel. Regardless, here is the latest! Being from Seattle, I have a love for anything from Pike's but this beer is a surprisingly delicious ruby ale. Drink up!

Aroma: 4  The aroma is rather fruity which hints pretty well at the flavor. I would probably use body wash of the same scent.

Mouthfeel: 4  Surprisingly creamy and not very hoppy at all. It doesn't invade your taste buds.

Flavor: 3  Fruity and light. Very little hop flavor and somewhat watery.

Finish: 4  I'm a fan of beers that don't leave your mouth feeling like a wet dog and this one certainly doesn't. Leaves little flavor behind and the flavor it does is once again, fruity.

Rated: 3.75/5 

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Obsidian Stout, Deschutes Brewery

I know I've just reviewed another Deschutes beer but they had a sale on em, so sue me. This Stout is my comfort beer. Thick with good chocolate flavor and a kick of hop at the end. If you buy it at the store, pour into a glass and let it sit for a minute - drinking out of the bottle isn't the same experience. Aroma: 2  Hoppier scent with a slight espresso draw. Semi underwhelming.

Mouthfeel: 4  Thick and creamy with a hoppy tingle.

Flavor: 4  Very flavorful with chocolate and espresso. Not a mocha stout, not a chocolate stout, but perfectly in between. 

Finish: 5  Leaves a slight hoppy aftertaste but still hints of chocolate throughout. Doesn't leave your mouth feeling like you need a quick rinse.

Rating: 3.75/5

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Black Butte Porter, Deschutes Brewery

For a dark ale, this porter is surprisingly light. Distinct chocolate flavor with a subtle hoppy aftertaste. Aroma: 3  Layered aroma; Notes of chocolate and reminiscent of Guinness.

Mouthfeel: 3   Lighter than expected. Creamy and spectacular if available on nitro.

Flavor: 4  Starts hoppy, becomes chocolaty, ends slightly hoppy. 

Finish: 3  Mild hoppy aftertaste that tends to linger. I feel my breath would not be pleasant should I try hitting on someone, but it isn't a bad taste. Rated: 3.25/5 

[beeronthebrain-blog]

Trippel, New Belgium Brewing

Light and flavorful, Trippel is a recent find thanks to my friend's mother. While I'm more of a dark beer fan, the quiet kick of coriander and smooth finish make this beer worth trying. Aroma: 1   The aroma isn't much more impressive than that of Budweiser Mouthfeel: 3  Creamy and bubbly Flavor: 4  Great flavor - an ale with wheat stylings Finish: 5  Smooth. The coriander gives a slight kick but doesn't leave a strong aftertaste in your mouth.

Rated 3.25/5