Beers Reviewed

by Alex Diimig | April 1, 2009 3:11 pm

Lucky Bucket Lager

ABV: 4.5%

Average Rating: B

Lucky Bucket is the newest brand taking to the local market, and upon sampling their Lager I have nothing but high hopes for their next batch. The Lager features a copper hue, and the experience is in fact similar to sucking on a greasy penny. While these may seem at odds to the palates of some, I find it to be a comforting little experience While surely it won’t be a go-to beer for most, it will definitely be delightful for those looking for a curious beer.

Appearance: B+

As mentioned the copper color sets the beer apart as something different then the pale yellows and swirling stouts we are used to. A nice bold white head with dense lacing.

Aroma: C+

I find it akin to a wet haystack, may be off-putting to some.

Taste: A-  

A subtle malt flavor is quickly brushed aside by a wallop of hop to the tongue. I can’t shake the less-then-subtle floral flavor, but I’m not complaining.

Drinkability: B  

A little coarse on the tongue. It tended to settle too long, but the beer has a nice depth and isn’t too hard on the palate. If you enjoy it the first time around, it’s sure to bring you back.

Smithwick’s Irish Ale

ABV: 4.5%

Average Rating: C+ 

Not by any means a new beer, but with St. Patrick’s being around the time of publication, I found it imperative that I force the average beer drinkers hand into selecting something a little less mundane than the usual domestics foisted upon the public. It’s in no way an Epicurean delight, but it is full tasting, smooth and well suited for the tepid beer drinker who wants to try something more fitting for the holiday.

Appearance: C 

An adequate enough red color with a disappearing act lacing.

Aroma: C-

Appearance: An adequate enough red color with a disappearing-act lacing.

Taste: B

The profile can easily be written off as earthy cereals and a nice pairing of caramel and chocolate, something a lot of good ales can be described as possessing. What is nice about Smithwick’s is that these descriptors aren’t overpowering or too complex so as to muddle the simple pleasure of having a beer.

Drinkability: C+

The ale doesn’t boast anything, special but it certainly is a good table beer well suited for any event.

Heileman’s Old Style

ABV: 4.5%

Average Rating: D+

As you may be tragically aware, Old Style is rebranding due to diminished sales. Gone will be your nights of grasping the cool, gritty can with its stamped-on patriotic colors that it trumpeted long before the Chinese could do it for thirty cents on the dollar. Goodbye Old Style. Hopefully your next incarnation will be better. The best thing I can hope for your afterlife is that your cans are recycled for Ska Brewing’s Special ESB.

Appearance: D-

With practically ethereal legs, Old Style should never be served in a glass. Its fetid, apple-drink pale color is, to say the least, unpleasant.

Aroma: D 

No detectable nose over the typical set-in smells of a bar. For this, it barely passes.

Taste: D+

It is even, and with a metallic-tinged taste. As best I can describe, it has a bit of citrus sprinkled liberally from can to can.

Drinkability: C+

This aluminum-tasting mouthwash is as cheap as other, more-abhorrent beers out there, but goes down without unsettling the stomach. I pity it.

Westmalle Tripel

ABV: 9.5%

Average Rating: A+

I would break up any relationship I may ever have if it came down to her or this beer.

Appearance: A+ 

A gorgeous alabaster sea foam, with lacing that seems almost rigorously placed, to match a pleasant honey color.

Aroma: A  

A rich blend of zested hops, coriander and other spices.

Taste: A+   

Light bodied but wonderfully complex, a sugared lemon taste pervades over cinnamon hops and an exquisite caramel aftertaste.

Drinkability: A+

I try to keep a bottle around at all times, but it’s a herculean task. The first wash over the mouth is like an angel’s breath. The dainty presence on the tongue allows one to concentrate fully the impeccable taste.

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