Church of Beer

A belief to unite

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Lost Coast

Brother Shane brought a few beers over the other night to enjoy with the snow. Two came from Lost Coast Brewery out of Eureka, California. I discovered Lost Coast driving down US101 a few years back. I was attracted by their odd-ball, surreal labels. I was impressed by their beer.

I am a stout guy. Lost Coast's Eight Ball Stout is rich, robust, and creamy. It's everything I want in a stout. It's roasted without tasting like coffee. It's creamy with out tasting thin. It's a great beer for the cold of winter.

The second beer was Tangerine. I know, it's a fruit beer. Fruit beers can be funky. I was dubious about this wheat. Shane swears by it. I took a sip. It's is like drinking a tangerine. The citrus notes are perfect. It's not overly sweet. It takes natural and good. I can't wait to have one on a warm day.

It's one of my best finds of 2009. Try it.

Cheers,
RD

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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Sandy Paws

Ah brethern,

I have tasted another fine brew from the micro-crafters at Heater Allen. It's a fine dark beer brewed like a baltic porter without a hint of anise. It's on the lighter side of a porter, more of a double alt, or perhaps, influence by a bock. It a nice seasonal beer, not heavy, not extreme, but a solid beer with the care expected of Heater Allen.

Cheers.
RD


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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Jolly Bock


Last night, after catching a movie, I stopped by at the local Lompoc for Miser Monday. $2.50 pints are a blessing. I selected an on tap seasonal, Jolly Bock, a dark lager. I don't like frilly winter ales. Keep the orange peels, nutmeg, and other spices out of beer, please. Jolly Bock has n one of these ingredients. It is a deep red, bordering on black. The beer is clear and a crisp with a full taste without the lingering bitterness. I liked it. I'd order it again.

Cheers,
RD

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Sunday, December 27, 2009

Hop Czar


While in the local grocer, a label with a hop bearing czar caught my attention. A new beer from Bridgeport? The "Robust Ruler of all IPA's? 7.5% Alcohol by volume? I carried a six pack back to the Church.

It's not the beer I expected. It is not an extreme hopped beer. It is a full flavored beer. It triple hopped with three malts and four types of hops.

Hop Czar hints of green hops and is not overly bitter. I find it crisp and smooth on the back end. It is not overly heavy. I could have two without being overwhelmed.

Enjoy,
RD

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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Santa's Private Reserve


Dear Sisters and Brethern,

It is the time of Christmas. For the Celebration of Tree Decoration, I picked up a 22 0uncer of Santa's Private Reserve from Rogue. How could not like a bottle with St. Nick holding a stein in the snow?

The beer is a deep red with little head. It is smooth on the front, with a crisp, yet complex taste. It whispers of spruce and spice and things I really don't care for in beers. It is a quality beer. It smells great, but it's not for me.

Cheers,
RD

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