Kev's Beer of the Week - The Crisp

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 6/9/12

 

Sixpoint The Crisp

Kev Rating: A-
Style: German Pilsener
ABV: 5.40%
IBUs: 42

Availability:  Year round offering
Had: part of a mix 4-pack of Sixpoint Cans purchased at Crossroads Beer & Wine in Burlington, MA
Region: Brooklyn, NY

I've been trying a bunch of the Sixpoint Brewery beers over the last month or so.  It all started with Resin and has continued from there.  Resin, a Double IPA, had been my favorite from their lineup until I had The Crisp.  I don't typically love Pilseners, but this one...was really good.

 

First sip was creamy and smooth.  I went, huh, this isn't "The Crisp", it's "The Cream", but then it jumped into a floral, hoppy, bready, and CRISP finish -- I was sold.  I will definitely be purchasing this one again, and at 5.40% I see myself bringing a 4 pack to a BBQ here and there this summer!

 

Even if you're like me and don't typically love Pilseners, this one is a must try for all beer lovers!  Cheers 

Kev's Beer of the Week - Rye on Rye

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 6/2/12

Boulevard Rye-on-Rye

Kev Rating: A
Style: Rye Beer
ABV: 11.00%
IBUs: 47

Availability: Limited Release, part of their Smokestack Series
Had: 750ml bottle, purchased at Glendale Liquors in Waltham
Region: Kansas City, MO

Boulevard Brewing started showing up on shelves in Massachusetts pretty recently (less than a year).  I've had the pleasure of trying a lot of the beers they send our way and have always been satisfied.  One of their best offerings to date has been the Rye-on-Rye.  

This Rye Ale was aged on Oak Rye Whiskey Casks to really enhance the flavor profile.  I'll be honest, I'm not a big Whiskey drinker in general and am not too familiar with many Rye Whiskey's.  However, I'm always a big fan of a barrel aged beer; when done nicely.  

The Rye-on-Rye poured a beautiful dark color with a big foamy off-white head.  I let it settle for a bit and was rewarded with a delicious first sip - oak, woody earthiness, spicy rye malt.  As it warmed up a bit, the Rye Whiskey came through nicely and was definitely not overpowering.  I thought it was nicely balanced with the sweet vanilla from the oak and the spiciness from the rye malts...YUM!

I enjoyed this one a lot and look forward to snagging another bottle before they're all gone; yes they're still on shelves at most Craft Beer stores. 

Kev's Beer of the Week - FlagRaiser IPA

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/25/12

Slumbrew FlagRaiser IPA

Kev Rating: B
Style: American IPA
ABV: 7.50%
IBUs: 80

Availability: Year Round offering from this new local brewery
Had: 22oz bottle
Region: Somerville, MA

Slumbrew is a local brewery out of Somerville, MA.  Currently, they have about 6 beers that they're brewing & bottling.  In honor of them releasing a new beer today (Rising Sun) at the Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont (1-3pm), I will post my review of the FlagRaiser IPA.  

FlagRaiser is a hoppy, no nonsense IPA.  Slumbrew calls it a Double IPA, but it drinks more like a solid IPA to me...maybe due to the dry-hopping process.  Either way, this IPA started out with nice tropical citrus on the nose...pronounced, but not overpowering.  As it opened up, it was a nice balanced blend of the pale malts and the strong hops.  I found that as it got a bit warmer (not WARM) it really opened up nicely and was an easy drinker.  

This IPA is a GREAT way to start off your Summer Season.  I look forward to buying more and bringing it to some BBQs - it would be great with a burger! 

Kev's Beer of the Week - Hog Heaven

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/18/12

Avery Hog Heaven Barley Wine

Kev Rating: A
Style: American Barleywine
ABV: 9.20%
IBUs: 104

Availability:  Year Round - I've seen it at a number of local craft beer stores
Had: Picked up a 22oz bottle at Berman's in Lexington
Region: Boulder, CO

I've been enjoying Avery Brewing Co's beers for a few years now and have (stupidly) passed up the Hog Heaven Barley Wine more than a few times.  I mentioned this to my brother George recently and he said I really should pick it up...it's worth it.  So, as a good younger brother should, I listened.  

For work related reasons I was over in Lexington and decided to stop by one of my hidden gem liquor stores on the way home.  After perusing the shelves for a while, I settled upon the Avery Hog Heaven Barley Wine...one of their Holy Trinity of Ales series (along with The Reverend and Salvation).  

The pour was a gorgeous amber color with a nice rich white 1/2 inch head.  The smell was outstanding - caramel, malt, fruit, spice.  I couldn't wait to take a sip.  After the first sip, I was sold.  It was an avalanche of malt, sweet caramel, dark fruit, some nice citrus hops, and into a nice earthy finish.  I've seen reviews of this beer go from moderate to pretty high...for me it was a home run.  I really really enjoyed this barleywine and can't wait to have it again.  Cheers!

Kev's Beer of the Week - Hoponius Union

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/11/12

Jack's Abby Hoponius Union

Kev Rating: A-
Style: India Pale Lager (like an IPA, but a Lager)
ABV: 6.70%
IBUs: 65

Availability:  A new brewery, but will be available year round
Had: part of a mix 6-pack I built at Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont
Region: Framingham, MA

As most of you know, I love to support local breweries.  Well, a few months back I heard of Jack's Abby out of Framingham, MA.  I had the chance to try one on tap at the British Beer Company out in Framingham.  I remember liking the Red Tape Lager, but not being wowed by it.  Well, over the last few months their beers have been showing up a lot at a few of my craft beer spots.  So far I've tried a few and have been really pleasantly surprised.  

The first thing you have to know about Jack's Abby I'll borrow from their website, "Jack’s Abby Brewing's goal is to create truly remarkable beer that combines the strict standards of traditional German brewing with the innovative approach of American craft brewers. Jack's Abby Brewing specializes in lagers. We think expanding craft brewing to include lagers is long overdue. Lagers, which are more difficult and take longer than ales to brew, yield rich flavors and smooth, crisp taste. All Jack's Abby lagers are unfiltered and preservative-free."

LAGERS - I can't remember the last time I actually sought out a Lager.  Well, that time is now.  The Hoponius Union is similar to an IPA as it's an India Pale Lager.  It was full of citrus and pine hops on the nose, more citrus on the first taste...maybe some grapefruit.  Then as it opened up, I could taste the nice bready malt and full bodied smoothness of a Lager.  It lost that hop-bite that you'd typically get from an IPA.  

I highly suggest seeking out Hoponius Union if you're into IPA's, you'll be surprised how close, yet different they are!