Archive for Brew Review – Page 2

Lancaster Brewing Company Oktoberfest

Lancaster Brewery Oktoberfest

Clocks a tickin’ and Oktoberfest is almost over! So I gotta catch up on my reviews!

I know, it seems like I’m doin all the big names. The obvious choices (Spaten, Sam Adams, Sly Fox, etc). But hey, Oktoberfest, is Oktoberfest and don’t worry, I’ll make sure to review some bizarre ones.

So yes, Lancaster Brewery. Love their Hop Hog, openly admit their Strawberry Wheat is rather good and their Oktoberfest, well, it’s right on the money and a rather decent selection of theirs.

I’d say if you read my Rocktoberfest Review or tried it yourself, it’s safe to say you’ll dig Lancaster’s. Pours a copper color, sweet malts, coffee & caramel characteristics and goes down smooth. Nothing extreme or risky. Rather safe. No hops here.

So I’d say, if you’ve never tried and lookin’ to see what Oktoberfest is about, this is a safe bet. Even if you’re all about the Yuenging, this isn’t going to bite you. I’ll be lookin’ for this on the Crawl.

Sly Fox Brewery Kimberton Coffee Porter

Coffee Porter

Sly Fox Brewery Coffee Porter

Now here’s a beer that speaks to me. Sly Fox Brewery has managed to craft a brew that combines my love for coffee & beer into what is know as the Kimberton Coffee Porter, another Sly Fox creation devoted to my hometown of Phoenixville.

Folks, there is no better way to describe this for exactly what it is or what it might taste or smell like, but since I already have your attention (and you may not have the opportunity to try it in time) I might as well.

As of right now, this puppy is on Cask, so expect warmer temperatures that what you’re used to with a nice amount of foamy head across the top. The color is that of a coffee bean, dark brown. And that smell, well, whether in the coffee isle or first time you open the pack, it’s comprised of that roasted coffee bean aroma you can’t help, but dive in for a whiff. Simply heaven.

The porter itself goes down smoothly and is perfect for dessert (or coffee drinkers during dinner). And to be honest, and please don’t hold judgement, I’ve had this for breakfast! When the Sly Fox had their 15th Anniversary, they held a Brewmaster’s Breakfast. It was a 5 course meal that took us into lunch. The first item on the menu was this Kimberton Coffee Porter and serving of donuts. A lethal and delicious combination for any Beer Snob.

Oktoberfest Brew Check List

Here’s a list of what we’ve tried so far during the Oktoberfest season, and some quick thoughts on flavor and where you can try em’.  Some available in our favorite, Phoenixville Crawl Spots, others entail a road trip. Here’s a list in no particular order:

Rock Bottom Rocktoberfest
– smooth, malt taste, crisp finish (Rock Bottom Brewery)
Heavy Seas Prosit  – strong alcohol flavor, a lot of bite (Bistro on Bridge)
Sly Fox Brewery Oktoberfest – smooth, refreshing, classic Oktoberfest elements (Sly Fox Brewery)
Yuengling Lager Oktoberfest -  very sweet, malty, not bad, but I’ll stick to regular Yuengling Lager (Audobon Ale House)
Sam Adams Oktoberfest – drinkable, smooth, malty & crisp (Anywhere that regularly has Sam Adams on tap)
Magic Hat Hex Ourtoberfest – very malty, sweet  (Wegmans)
Iron Hill Brewery Oktoberfest – lot of roasted elements and hints of malt (Iron Hill Brewery)
Spaten Oktoberfest – nice balanced blend of malts, hops (Wegmans)
Appalachian Kipona Fest – roasted malts, crisp (Appalachian Brewing Company)

Rock Bottom Brewery Rocktoberfest

Rocktoberfest

Rock Bottom Brewery Rocktoberfest

Rock Bottom is growing on me more and more and their Oktoberfest style brew is just one more reason in my book.

If you order the, what they dubbed their own, Rocktoberfest, you’re given one of their fancy, schmancy steins. Not the size you’d be given in Munich, but fairly nice size at that. I admire their breweries who got the extra mile to make the experience that much better. So, kudos there Rock Bottom. And if you haven’t yet, sign up for their Mug Club Card. This program is free and filled with goodies (that’s if you see yourself coming back on a regular basis) I’ve been to some breweries who charge for their loyalty programs….and I don’t see why.

So the Rocktoberfest. Well, this is just an all around, very enjoyable, drinkable beer. Nice, copper color, sweet aroma & malt taste and crisp finish. I could see sitting outside, admiring the leaves changing with this in my glass. For now, I’ll make it to KOP and drink it at the bar.

Also, make sure to check out their Rocktoberfest style Menu. They have a lot German goodies available to make it that much more of the authentic experience…at least for Rock Bottom.

 

Heavy Seas Prosit

Heavy Seas Prosit

Heavy Seas Oktoberfest Prosit

As we still crawl our way through Oktoberfest, my quest to try as many varieties continues. I’ve had some unique styles, local favorites, new names and just good old classics. Some take more risks than others, which is good in a market where different is everything. This weekend, I had an Oktoberfest style like any other from one of my favs, Heavy Seas.

Heavy Seas knows how to make beers with body, flavor, taste and some high dosage of ABV. I fell in love with their Loose Cannon and their Big DIPA, but this weekend, at the Bistro on Bridge, I tried their very own, Oktoberfest style beer. And if you like Heavy Seas, Bistro is your stop because they tend to have em’ on tap.

I was surprised. This one stands out from a lot of what I’m used to. It has its share of toasted malts, citrusy hints but is leveled out with the 9% ABV. This is a strong beer. Very crisp with a hint of hops(something I feel Heavy Seas pride themselves on). MUCH stronger than your average Oktoberfest style brew. It’s drinkable, sure. Tastey? Yeah. But this is one I wouldn’t recommend in the stein nor would I risk drinking all day on Oktoberfest (October 8th). I will be having one of these on the Crawl, but one and ONLY one if I want to go all day. Have one with me! You can follow my progress on Facebook & Twitter!