#16 of 1001 Brains Dark by S.A. Brain & Company

A few weeks ago I reviewed Brains SA and also discussed the differences between US and UK warning labels.  I specifically requested this beer from London because it is in the book, 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)).  This is the 16th beer in my 1001 beers blogging series.

Brains Dark is known as a mild.  It was popular with blue collar workers throughout the UK until there was a decline in industry in the mid-20th century.  The style has remained popular in some areas such as Cardiff home to the S.A. Brain & Company brewery.  Brains claims the brew is the largest selling dark milk in Wales and was named one of the Top 50 Beers at the International Beer Challenge 2008.

Tasting Notes:
Pours a very dark brown almost black and creates a creamy head.  Aroma of chocolate and roasted malt.  There is slight smokiness mixed with more roasted and chocolate flavors.  The beer is thinner than you would expect, but overall a decent dark mild.

#15 of 1001 Brains S.A. by S.A. Brain & Company

I wrote yesterday about the differences between UK and American warning labels.  The label in yesterday's photo came from a can of Brains S.A..  Brains is the major brewery in Wales and apparently consumed like water by local rugby fans.  (Bro, a rugby player, attests to this.)  This beer is their flagship beer and personally I find it representative of what a pint of British beer should be.

Tasting Notes:
Poured from a bottle creating a amber with an appropriate head.  A malt nose, but a faint hop aroma.  A smooth ale with a nice balance between hops and malt, and a dry finish.

#12 of 1001 90 Shilling by Odell Brewing Co.

Another in the Series based off of the book 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)).

Odell Brewing Co. named their amber ale 90 Shilling after a Scotish tax.  Tax authorities there at one time taxed the highest quality beer at 90 Shillings.  The owners and brewers of Odell must of thought they had something special when they named this beer.  This was a well done, solid amber, but not fantastic.  Maybe it was the high expectation of the name, but I was slightly disappointed.  Of all the Odell beers I have had this year, this one lacked the POW, BAM, and BOOM of the others.

Tasting notes:
Poured from a bottle into a pint glass, this copper colored beer formed a medium head.  Malty, caramel aromas wafted to the nose.  Medium bodied it went down somewhat fruity, with a trace of chocolate and a nutty aftertaste.

#11 of 1001 Arrogant Bastard by Stone Brewing Co.

Another in the Series based off of the book 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)).


Yes I know I been drinking a lot of Stone lately, but Beer Bitch got me the glassware and I felt like the glasses needed to be used properly.  Arrogant Bastard according to my 1001 book is the best selling craft beer.  I like Stone for a couple of reasons.  One, Stone does not use cascade hops making them the outcast of brewing.  I love cascade hops, but Stone is crafty enough to produce some great hoppy flavors without it.  Secondly, they make beer, well that is arrogant.  Stone makes beer with flavor, and their phoilosphy is if you dont like it, don't drink it.


Tasting notes
Poured with a good head, deep red in color with solid lacing.  Big Bold flavor with hops saying "How do you do?"  Actually leaves a tingle on the roof of the mouth.  A rich maltiness is also present.

#10 of 1001 Odell Brewing Co. IPA

Another in the Series based off of the book 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)).

I stopped by Odell when I went out to Denver, and was successful in bringing a couple bottles of the IPA back.  The IPA has eight hop additions using a specially designed hop back.  A hop back is a tank acting like a strainer to assist in adding additional hop flavor.  The bottle explains that the beer is an Americanized version of of an English IPA.  Not sure if that matters.  Most beers in the U.S. are an Americanized version of some beer somewhere, but I digress.

Tasting Notes:
Poured a nice thick foamy head, with bubbles coming to the surface.  A fruity aroma.  Citrus on the tongue and very herbal in quality.  Finishes dry and lingers on your palate.

#9 of 1001 Odell Brewing Company Cutthroat Porter

Another in the Series based off of the book 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)).

Cutthroat Porter was originally brewed at the request of a tavern in Fort Collins, Colorado and named after the state fish.  This was one of the first beers Odell started brewing, which made it convenient to take back home in the suitcase.  In all honesty, this is one of my most favorite porters of all time.  I seriously could drink this one all day, now if they would only sell it in Chicago.

Tasting Notes:
Pours a deep black with a thin tan head.  (Although the book calls it a rich tan head)  Smells of coffee and chocolate.  Has a light mouthfeel with a gentle smokiness.  Comes off a bit more hoppy than one expects.

#8 of 1001 Dale's Pale Ale

Another in the Series based off of 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe))

Oskar Blues Makes Canned Goodness

Dale's Pale Ale by Oskar Blues is quite possibly one of my most favorite beers.  When Beer Bitch took me to Colorado, she had me guess where we were going.  My answer- "Let's go see Dale and drink his Pale Ale."  Oskar Blues is a true pioneer in craft brewing.  Why? They CAN, stupid, and they were the first to can craft beer.  Oskar Blues was the pioneer in the can movement and backs that up with a superb line of beer.  Dale's Pale Ale won the World Beer Cup 2010 Gold along with a host of other awards.  I only regret they do not distribute here in Illinois.  (Hey Mr. Katechis Chicago is a big juicy sales market.)  However, a six pack made it back in my suitcase. I now only open a can with the greatest reverence as I do not want to let one go.




Tasting Notes:  Copper in color with a foam head, and very decent lacing.  You can definitely smell the citrus and bready notes.  The beer tastes like nectar of the gods.  Ok, Ok, maybe I have a man crush on this beer.  Seriously it is almost fruit juice in quality, with a bitterness you feel in your cheeks.  A dryer finish that leaves you craving more.


If this beer is available in your market go buy it.

#7 of 1001 Pullman Brown Ale

Another in the Series based off of 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe))

Flossmoor is one of my favorite places to go in Chicago, unfortunately it is too far to just stop by for a quick drink.  I 

stopped by Flossmoor as part of my annual family pub crawl, and picked up one for the road.  The recipe was reinvented by Todd Ashman in 1996 and later tweaked by Matt Van Wyk.  A few years ago Bryan Shimkos took over, and I am not sure if he tweaked the recipe at all since then.  Although I suspect he put his stamp on it as brewers tend to do.

Tasting Notes:

First off, a very thin head,  which was kind of surprising because the picture in the book had a big thick foamy head.  A very malty nose with lots of chocolate.  First sip was like coffee and chocolate.  The label stated 27 IBUs which indicates a conservative hop flavor.  While the beer is balanced if you are a hop head you will dislike this beer.  Also, for reference sake the beer is labeled "Recipe No. 128."


Pairing Note:
After my initial tasting I had some chocolate covered coffee beans from Kona with it. The two went well together.

EPIC 2010 LOOMS

Ok, so for those of you who do not know Beer Bitch has planned some sort of Epic BeerCation.  I am calling it Epic 2010.  She claims to have produced a book of 140 pages in length to serve as a guide.  I am notorious about researching breweries prior to my arrival.  When I went to Kona last spring I knew off the top of my head which beer to order, to pair with which dish to eat and which souvenir glass to buy.

So first off, follow my trip: https://twitter.com/verysmallbeer

On this trip I know nothing.  She has not divulged very many details.
Here is what we know:

1. Everyone knows but me.  
2. The trip will be 3 days
3. 140 pages of material
4. Several beers in the 1001 series
5. Beer Bitch just bought a luggage scale.
6. Cans
7. Sustainability

Originally, I thought it was Madison.  However, she bought a luggage scale.  We do not travel by air often so that implied to me checked bags.  The next airfare I have is November and she just doesn't think that far ahead.  She kept saying it was gonna blow my mind.  So my prediction is I will be a short driving distance to the two largest brewers in the US, but only one of the ten biggest craft brewers.  Where do you think I am going?

Hint

Note: Regardless of where we end up I promise to be grateful.

#6 of 1001 Stone's Ruination IPA

Another in the Series based off of 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe))

Stone Brewing sets itself apart from other breweries by refusing to use Cascade hops.  Now, let me tell you, Cascade is my favorite hop.  I love its aromas and flavors.  However, at the same time I have not met a Stone beer I did not like.  Stone recently came to Chicago, but before that I would often have a pint or two when travelling.

The label on this beer claims the name "Ruination" derives from this beers ability to instantly make anything else taste horribly bland..  Also an assertion that this beer is 100+ IBUs (Bitterness).  Now is not the time or place to discuss the theory that beer can not be above 100 IBUs.

Tasting Notes:
Split this 22 oz. bottle with Bro into my newly acquired Stone pints.  Even-though the hops are up there, a balance with the malt existed.  A definite bitter aftertaste.  Notes of citrus and pine were also present and the beer left a light lacing on the bottle.

#5 of 1001 Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer

Another in the series based on 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe))

Hell or High Watermelon by 21st Amendment was once a summer seasonal, and is now brewed year round.  Originally made with fresh watermelon the brewers now use watermelon puree.  I was pleasantly surprised as I was expecting putridness.  I wouldn't have likely even picked it up if it wasn't given to me by my brother.

Tasting Notes:
Has a subtle fruity aroma.  Taste comes through like a standard wheat beer and finishes with a tartness.  Leaves a faint aftertaste of watermelon.  This is actually very similar to the watermelon I had 15 minutes prior to drinking the beer.  It was crisp with a very light mouthfeel.  I would recommend for summer, but not the winter.

#4 of 1001 Coopers Sparkling Ale

Another in the series based on the book 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)).

Coopers Sparling Ale: I came across Coopers in an Outback Steakhouse in the Ohio burbs of all places.  I guess the Outback part fits, the beer is  Australian.  They even have a team of Clydesdales according to the brewers website.  Places like Outback deserve credit improving their beer lists beyond "cheap swill."  It is unreasonable to expect 100 beers to choose from, but some nice solid options puts a smile on my face.  I sat down thinking Newcastle would be the best I could do, and SURPRISE!.

Since 1862 Coopers brewed this bottle fermented ale which is unusual for Australia.  Apparently, bottle fermenting is not as big down under as it is in other parts of the world.

Tasting notes:
Came in a bottle I had to stress the importance of a glass to the server.  It had a faint aroma with citrus flavor and very crisp.  I do not know if it was the name or if it was actually carbonated, but it felt a bit tingly.  I would definitely order again.  Paired well with the prime rib.

#3 of 1001 Brooklyn's Black Chocolate Stout

Black Chocolate Stout By Brooklyn Brewery

This is a beer I been babying for a while.  Its been sitting in the back of my cabinet since the Winter 07-08,  Also the point where I started my own business.  I felt this beer would be appropriate as today my business finally wiped its hands of start up debt, and I cross into a realm of full profitability.  Not such a small accomplishment in the face of a recession and given the fact that no one was sure I had that great of an idea.  Now I just need to keep it afloat.

Anyways, your not here to listen to me brag, you wanna know about beer.  Brooklyn is on my personal list of well regarded breweries.  I like Mr. Oliver in fact I have met him a few times.  I really should write a series on brewers I like.  Given the inclusion of chocolate in the name one may be surprised to learn it has chocolate malt, but zero actual cacao. It is brewed like a Russian Imperial Stout and is contract brewed at a larger facility.  It is also noted that this beer put Oliver on the map.

Tasting Notes:
Winter 07-08 Vintage 12 oz bottle poured into a tulip glass just below cellar temp.
Poured like motor oil.  Hit with notes of simultaneous chocolate and hops.  It has bitterness but not the type you expect from hops more like satisfying dark chocolate bitter.  About a third of the way in start to feel the alcohol.  Strong warm smell of roasty goodness hits the nose.  Some may suggest this to be paired with smoked meats, although given the chocolate taste I recommend for after dinner, possibly paired with some dark chocolate. (Side Note: I attempt to cellar, but do lack proper temp controls which may reflect my personal experience.)

#2 of 1001 Budweiser

My journey in beer continues as I work through 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (1001 (Universe)). For beer number two I drank Budweiser.  Yeah thats right AB rears its ugly head in this book.  When I first saw it in 1001 beers I was taken aback.  Then I read the description, gave it some thought and realized "yeah this belongs here."

Tasting beer isn't always about tasting the tastiest beer.  It is also about knowing where beer has been and going. Anheuser-Busch (AB) is the epitome of quality control.  I have heard they do daily comparisons  not just between batches, but also between breweries around the world.  A Big Mac in London matches a Big Mac in Des Moines and same with Budweiser.  I respect their consistency although I may not be a fan of the taste.  I appreciate a beer with more depth and complexity than AB products normally provide.  I would say remember AB hires some of the best brewers in the world, although their talents are handcuffed in the name of mass market appeal.

Tasting Notes:
Poured from a 24oz can into a pilsner glass.  I had to really sniff to get a whiff of the beechwood.  True to form it was crisp and light and well utterly tasteless.  I will admit AB makes a few good beers, but this just isn't that great.

#1 of 1001 Midas Touch

I picked Midas Touch from Dogfish Head as the first beer.  I have not had it before.  To be honest I waited to try this because of its cost.  I only have so many beer dollars.  I picked this beer because in theory its the oldest beer in the book.  Dogfish Head created this brew to try to recreate a beer found in the tomb of King Midas. You can read more here.

Tasting Notes:
Bottled on Date of 5-10-10 consumed 7-18-10 and poured into a wine glass.
First thought was this isn't beer.  The beer has allegedly been a big favorite of champagne drinkers.  It seems to impart a lot of characteristics of champagne.  It comes across crisp and dry.  Definitely taste the grapes. I saw no lacing and little head.  I was impressed I think I will pick up a few more of these to have around.

1001 Beers To Go

As mentioned before I was given the gift of 1001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die (Hardcover).  As I go through this book I am sure my approach will change.  However, my goals are to tell you a little about the beer and little about my thoughts and a little about whatever else seem relevant.  Look for the tag 1001 to follow the series.