Style: Belgian Abbey Ale
Location: Aubel, Belgium
Alcohol Content: 9%
Price Range: Midrange
Ranking: 34
The Pour: After popping the beer, I sense a very sweet aroma. Nearly that of honey, or nutmeg. The color is a golden/honey color, which was quite suprising. It had a reasonable head, however, it disappeared quickly (within a minute or two).
The Drink: The alcohol content is evident, whereas, at the same time, a cider-like allusion is evident. Again, maybe I am stuck on this honey thing, but I can faintly sense some honey. The carbonation level was a bit high for my liking, however, this Tripel isn't the same as other Tripel's that I have had. An interesting beer. Easily drinkable, strong and robust in its flavor, and an alcohol content that is quite high as well.
The Finish: This beer was a pleasure to sip. Be aware that the alcohol content is 9%. It adds to the character of the beverage. Expect a highly robust beer, with hints of honey, spice, and a hoppy note. Enjoy!
Style: Pilsner
Location: Kempten, Germany
Alcohol Content: TBD
Price Range: Midrange
Ranking: 24
The Pour: A good pour. Reasonable head, appetizing drop off. Light Straw colored hue to the brew.
The Drink: I like a good pilsner, and I can tell you, that this is a good pilsner. This particular brew was very flavorful, with the hops and malt actively battling each other for supremacy. The Teutsch Pils seemed a bit watered down from the other Pilsners. Very smooth, and extremely appetizing. This beer would be a perfect compliment to some German cuisine. As well, if you are a burger/hotdog/junkfood fan, it would go with those as well. There are some notes of a slightly metallic taste, however, this is quickly overcome by the hops.
The Finish: This beer wasn't of mind-blowing quality of some of the Czech Pilsners. I really don't feel that was the intention of the brew. However, this beer is, of course, a much higher quality than an ordinary pilsner. Savor this brew, or throw it back like a champ. This beer should treat you right no matter what your style.
Style: Bock
Location: Drammen, Norway
Alcohol Content: 5.9%
Price Range: Midrange
Ranking: 30
The Pour: It kind of scared me... very little head at first... seemed flat. But, after one second or so, the head grew and firmed. But then quickly disappated. Very sweet and aromatic smell, a perfect compliment to the mahogany color.
The Drink: This particular brew seemed a bit flat. However, I have had a few bocks in my time, and most of them seem to be on the lighter side of carbonation. This beer is a very smooth rendition of some of the stronger Dopplebocks or Eisbocks. Very drinkable, however, as noted before in the Beer Advocate, somewhat reminiscient of a cola. Overall, I was pleased with the bock. It was very "creamy-smooth", with a very good flavor which was not overpowering. If you have never had a bock, this particular one is kind of like a Sam Adams Lager, yet smoother, creamier, and a bit more cidery.
The Finish: The more I drank the beer, the more I came to appreciate the unique qualities of the bock. I am definitely not the expert on Bocks, and this one gave me a good lesson in what a Bock could be modeled after. Hail to the Goats!
Style: Imperial Stout
Location: Sussex, England
Alcohol Content: 9.0%
Price Range: High
Ranking: 27
The Pour: The pour was very disappointing. The corked bottle seemed flat, while the cork broke into pieces when removing it. The beer poured like a nice motor oil, with very little head. So far, I am not impressed.
The Drink: This is a VERY strong stout. By far one of the more potent potables that I have had. The pour was a foreshadowing of the actual consumption. Very thick, nearly molasses-like. The alcohol content, which to me is high for a stout, was not masked by the flavor of the beer. As far as flavor goes, the robust version of the burnt malt is... well... burnt. Extreme connotations to that of coffee, and dark semi-sweet chocolate are evident. With each sip, it is nearly overpowering.
The Finish: One of two things happened during the course of this particular tasting: 1. I found a beer that was actually was not as good as I thought it should be; or 2. This beer is like no other beer. The style is a style that I have not come across as of yet. "The beer took me to school" in other words. I am optimistic and believe that this beer "learned" me good. I highly suggest trying this particular brew. Due to the alcohol content, the fact that it is an "Imperial Russian Stout", please don't expect something similar to a Guiness or Murphy's Irish Stout. This is much more powerful, much more potent, and much more robust.