A Mission...dubbel, tripel, or quad

Wow, I am really beginning to enjoy beer.  My picks for this challenge were all amazing and I kind of knew that going in. I chose the Westmalle Dubbel, Westmalle Tripel, and Allagash Four Ale to sample the differences in flavor between a dubbel, tripel and a quad.

The Dubbel is just the perfect loyal reliable contender that I knew it would it be as it amazes you both in the initial taste and after effect.   The first time I tried it I was tasting beers every other night by just drinking half of the bottle; I did not stop by just drinking half the bottle with the dubbel.  

The tripel doesn't settle as nicely as the dubbel, but its flavor is a home run.  It has a lot of carbonation, a little bit clearer appearance, and a little more of a kick.

And finally the Quad had the most amazing flavor out the three delivering a taste I had never had before, but now absolutely desire to have again.  With its warm 10% alcohol rating it manages to not overwhelm you while transferring a healthy dose of delicious amber successfully to its new resting place....my belly.  Grabbing the Allagash at $16 a bottle (priced at $20) I was a little nervous not knowing if it would live up to the price; I was pleasantly rewarded for my purchase.

If other quads are as rich in flavor and balanced in alcohol punch I think I might have a new favorite.  In short, the quad won the contest in fullness and flavor and desirability.  Since I didn't take the minute to write the review when I had tasted these amazing contenders I won't finish with the normal bullet point statistics.  All you have to know is that Allagash is truly an amazing beer along with the greatness that is Westmalle and is now on my sweet 16 hall of fame.

Success was indeed reached through this new mission as I found a new friend...Allagash.

Broma Theon

-Charles

Orval Trappist Ale

With the words 'trappist' and 'Belgium' on the bottle I was sold immediately.  The initial taste is not the splendor that Westmalle is, but the more you drink it the better the aftertaste intermingles with the taste buds and provides a pleasant surprise.

Brew Details: Orval brewed byBrasserie D' Orval, Belgium
Serving Conditions: Served directly from the uncalibrated fridge into my 'Duvel' tulip glass.
Appearance: A very foggy amber, reminiscent of a hefeweizen.
Scent: Smells amazing, reminds me of other trappist ales.
Taste: Smooth, but a touch more bitter than I expected.
Mouthfeel: Lots of carbonation with a great warm aftertaste.
Drinkability: I could have another one, but I wouldn't choose it purposely.

It gets a 7.5, because the more you drink it, the better it tastes due to the amazing aftertaste.  The Belgium's generally do not disappoint and this is a great beer, just not in comparison to the Westmalle Trappist Ale.

-charles

Maudite

Yet another bottle of beer with an appearance of the nether regions of hell inviting you to take a drink.  The writing on the beer really does define the taste quite well:

"La Maudite (damned), referemented on yeast base in the bottle, goes down uncommonly smooth.  One taste of this excellent malt beverage will instill in you the highest respect and appreciation for its warm mellowing effect."

I highly agree, see the comments I wrote before I read the label below:

• Brew Details: Maudite brewed by Unibroue
• Serving Conditions: Served directly from the uncalibrated fridge into my 'Duvel' tulip glass.
• Appearance: A foggy amber
• Scent: yeast, very similar to a good hefeweizen (Franziskaner being my favorite so far)
• Taste: Smooth and rich with a deep warming flavor well balanced with the alcohol content (not overpowering).
• Mouthfeel: Lots of carbonation with a subtle and inviting aftertaste.
• Drinkability: Definitely ready for another one, just not tonight.  This could be the beer for the evening and I would not be disappointed.

This is my highest tested ranking so far, I'm giving this one a 9.  I guess it just reminds me of my favorite hefeweizen too much, but with more boldness.  So far both drinks I have had by Unibroue are amazing; the other drink being La Fin du Monde.  Unibroue has now made my list of favorite breweries, I will be looking for more of their beverages very soon.

Next stop, Orval Trappist Ale...

broma theon

"food of the gods"

-Charles

Canned beer is the future of GOOD beer!?

Here is an article about the canned beer vs bottled. It has a great deal of interesting info on the idea of can beer and how it should preserve the taste (If transported correctly) better than bottled. Also this article suggests a possible canned beer revolution! check it out

http://gizmodo.com/5622938/canned-beer-is-the-future-of-good-beer?skyline=true&s=i

Jerrett

Mustache Tuesdays @ Boondoggles

Here are the photos from our recent venture to Boondoggles. Somehow I forgot to hand the camera to someone else to take a few pictures of me in here too. Oh well, there's always next time!

HERE is the link to the Facebook album

Wine isn't the only one

Finally, some good news for all you health nuts out there reading our blog.............did I just hear crickets? At least it's enough reason for me to continue my noble beer quest. Though Pale Ale's aren't my favorite, they seem to be the best source of silicon. Maybe I'll give them another shot!

Read on and be encouraged that we are not killing ourselves....well at least not our bones!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35296759/?GT1=43001

Jerrett

Upcoming Beer Loving Events

Here's my official post.....sorry I'm slow! But I wanted to post a link to some upcoming beer related events. Brewmasters International Beer Festival is putting on some events on Sept. 2-6 2010, and though I've never personally attended.......sounds like my dream festival! (With the Texas Renaissance Festival coming in close second) Some of the actives are free (Which I will most definitely check out) and then there are those you pay a premium for. BrewTopia being the free one and Brew HaHa and BrewLicious are kinda expensive....! Check the link out and lets make a plan to go! All in?!?

link: http://www.brewmastersinternationalbeerfestival.com/events.php

and this might be interesting: http://mashtronauts.pbworks.com/Lunar-Rendezbrew-XVII

Jerrett