Vacation beer reviews
Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 6:56 am
Okay, I'm up in Rochester, NY, visiting with BiL and SiL until Saturday am. We went shopping for a few essentials (mostly beer, but some food, too), and I have to say, Wegman's is the shizznit! They have an enormous beer section (even separating some of their shelf space for "Micro brews" and then dividing them into "West Coast" "European" and "NY State".). I could even create a mixer/sixer for ten bucks! I tried not to go crazy, but after putting together a six-pack, I noticed they also had Innis & Gunn 4-packs, and I couldn't pass one up.
Anyway, I figured I'd post my reviews as a public service. Feel free to add your own thoughts, especially if you've had any of these beers yourself. I had two of them last night, so here goes:
Wachusett Summer Wachusett Brewing Company, Westminster, MA, http://www.wachusettbrew.com
Description: "Wheat ale with natural lemon flavors added" 4.7% ABV
Very clear, which surprised me, since it's a wheat. Golden yellow color with a snow-white head that has staying power. Crisp and refreshing. The lemon is present, but not overwhelming; balanced very well with a good malt presence. They call it simply "Summer", and it's an apt name for a beer that suits the season perfectly. Would be at home with burgers or chicken off the grill, or for those long, lazy summer evenings spent in a lawn chair, counting fireflies in the twilight. Nothing wrong with this beer.
CB's Caged Alpha Monkey IPA Custom Brewcrafters, Inc. Honeoye Falls, NY, http://www.custombrewcrafters.com
Description: "A big, bold, east coast animal that throws hops at you!" 6.5% ABV, 65 IBUs
A rich amber color. Good head, with moderate staying power. Strong hops aroma, but not overpowering or unpleasant. Mixture of pine and citrus, and balanced very well. This isn't only about the IBU, though. It's got malt flavor that gives it some backbone. A good IPA for a hearty meal. Think 5-alarm chili or steak au poivre. Or even paired with a pungent and sharp cheese. Not a session beer, by any means, but a darn good IPA that knows how to be hoppy without being obnoxious about it.
Anyway, I figured I'd post my reviews as a public service. Feel free to add your own thoughts, especially if you've had any of these beers yourself. I had two of them last night, so here goes:
Wachusett Summer Wachusett Brewing Company, Westminster, MA, http://www.wachusettbrew.com
Description: "Wheat ale with natural lemon flavors added" 4.7% ABV
Very clear, which surprised me, since it's a wheat. Golden yellow color with a snow-white head that has staying power. Crisp and refreshing. The lemon is present, but not overwhelming; balanced very well with a good malt presence. They call it simply "Summer", and it's an apt name for a beer that suits the season perfectly. Would be at home with burgers or chicken off the grill, or for those long, lazy summer evenings spent in a lawn chair, counting fireflies in the twilight. Nothing wrong with this beer.
CB's Caged Alpha Monkey IPA Custom Brewcrafters, Inc. Honeoye Falls, NY, http://www.custombrewcrafters.com
Description: "A big, bold, east coast animal that throws hops at you!" 6.5% ABV, 65 IBUs
A rich amber color. Good head, with moderate staying power. Strong hops aroma, but not overpowering or unpleasant. Mixture of pine and citrus, and balanced very well. This isn't only about the IBU, though. It's got malt flavor that gives it some backbone. A good IPA for a hearty meal. Think 5-alarm chili or steak au poivre. Or even paired with a pungent and sharp cheese. Not a session beer, by any means, but a darn good IPA that knows how to be hoppy without being obnoxious about it.
