Villa Puccini Gold Label Toscana

First off, I have to apologize for the completely trash-tastic photo in this week's post. It had been raining off and on all day, and the lighting was complete shit. As crappy as the lighting was, this wine was so, so good,.

Villa Puccini Gold Label Toscana 2004 (13% ABV)

Produced only in outstanding vintages, this delicious wine consists of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 12 months in small French oak barrels, then another 12 months in the bottle. Dry, rich, and harmonious, this wine is enjoyable now and will continue to develop for 5 years or more with proper cellaring. (Because, you know, we all know how to properly cellar our wines). Enjoy with roasts, steaks, chops, cheeses, and Gabrielle Holliday’s Italian-American cooking. Amen.

Bottom line - if you love Italian reds, you must buy this wine. It ranges in price from $13-$16, and worth every penny. Get it now, drink it later, and thank me tomorrow.

Cheers!

~G~

Vanilla Porter...Anyone?

Breckenridge Brewery

Vanilla Porter

4.7% ABV

Since I have been living in a pumpkin patch for the past few weeks I decided to go for a good ole' standby...the porter. I love a good porter that rolls over my taste buds with caramel malts and hints of chocolate. The Breckenridge Vanilla Porter just so happens to be all that and more! 

Breckenridge Brewery & Pub's  original location is in the historic mountain town of Breckenridge, Colorado.  Since 1990 this pub is the only brewery in the town and the company has opened 3 additional locations in Colorado.  Breckenridge has 6 year-round and 4 seasonal brews to offer, all of which are the work of one ski bum who loves to drink good beer after a day on the slopes. 

  The Vanilla Porter has to be one of the best that I have had so far.  The color was just a shade lighter than black and had a very faint cream colored head when poured.  The first taste was bliss.  The Vanilla Porter had a huge array of flavors hitting your pallet with very little carbonation.  I first tasted a caramel maltiness and roasted chocolate. The vanilla was sweet which made it a perfect finish.  The Vanilla Porter is surprisingly light in the ABV department.  Not that this is a bad thing, but with such a robust flavor and rich color I really expected to be knocked out of my Uggs!  Instead, I had a well crafted porter that warmed me up on a chilly evening that left a cheesy grin on my face.  I would have to say this my friends...this is a winner.

Cheers!
~K~

One Small Patch Pumpkin Ale for man and one giant Pumking for mankind!

Southern Tier Brewing Company

Imperial Pumking - 8.6%  ABV

Since this is not my first rodeo with Southern Tier I did not think twice about tossing the evil pum-KING into my cart.  I have had most of the Blackwater Series so this gourd had it's seeds cut out for him!

When I first opened the bottle I did not pick up on just one spice or just pumpkin.  It had a slightly sweet smell with a spicy kick.  Once poured,  a wonderful copper color and lightly carbonated ale filled the glass.  The first sip had a smooth start and a bold nutmeg finish.  The spices were not overwhelming and the pumpkin flavor was perfect.  So do not let let the nasty looking pumpkin scare you away...snatch it up before it disappears.

  Oh, and a little FYI...my cousin who LOVES Southern Tier as well said he aged a few bottles of Imperial Pumking for a year and it was incredible! 

Tommyknocker Brewery

Small Patch Pumpkin Harvest Ale - 5% ABV

I decided to stay with the pumpkin theme and Tommyknocker was knocking at my door.  I have had the Maple Nut Brown and the Cocoa Porter by Tommyknocker (both were excellent beers) so why not try the pumpkin ale!

Almost all the pumpkin ales I have been trying have either been deep orange or a light copper color, so imagine my surprise when I poured it into my glass and saw a dark brown hue.  Small Patch Pumpkin had a mild sweetness with a small hint of pumpkin spice, and a faint molasses finish. I also thought it had a mild roasted malt undertone.  Small Patch Pumpkin has definitely balanced the spice and pumpkin flavors.  Actually, it reminded me of the Maple Nut Brown but with a zing.

Small Patch Pumpkin is certainly in a class of it's own from the color down to the molasses finish.  This was a job well done for Tommyknocker's first go around in the pumpkin patch of ales.

So there you have it, two more seasonal brews checked off my list and two more brews you should try. 

Cheers!

~K~

A Fish, a Pig, and The Second Rising

This past friday Kathleen and I met at Iron Hill Brewery for a long overdue lunch. I was dying to try the new 

seasonal releases - spefically Ironfish, a collaborative brew between Iron Hill and Flying Fish Brewing Co.

 

Our waitress, Nancy, was awesome. Since I told her I was a hoppy girl, she suggested I also try Second Rising, which is their Rising Sun brew with double the hops. She also brought out a sample of the Unassisted Tripel (IBU 35, ABV 9.4%), a smooth, wonderful Belgian ale that balances bitterness with hints of spices and sweet plums. My husband, a loyal Miller Lite drinker (I know), drank an entire growler of this beer 2 years ago on his birthday and passed out on the couch with the jug still in his hand. He he.

Anyway, back to lunch. We started out with 4 samples - Scottish Ale, Unassisted Tripel (mentioned above), Second Rising, and Ironfish. I tasted the Scottish Ale (IBU 14, ABV 3.4%) first (I think). It is a very nice, drinkable ale. And by "drinkable", I mean you can drink several while hanging with friends and family and not be sorry for it the next morning. Smooth and light, with a lovely chestnut color.

The Second Rising (IBU 80, ABV 7%) was next. It was delish, a little citrus-y, with a not too hoppy finish. I loved it. Perfect in-between beer for hop-haters on the edge.

Lovely deep amber color. Sigh. This came second for me, actually, because first I ordered a half-mug of the Ironfish:

Just look at that color. Come. To. Mama.

(Pig Iron Porter in the background)

I have to say this: when I first tasted the sample, I felt as though someone slapped me across the face, hard. And I liked it. This beer is INSAAAANE! And when you read INSAAAANE, please pretend that I (or the voice in your head) is speaking like a WWF commentator. With an IBU of 50 and an ABV of 8.2%. this brew packs a flavorful punch. This is an Imperial Black Belgian IPA with plenty of hoppy bitterness, fruit and spice from Flying Fish's Belgian yeast, and a roast-y finish. Luscious. Perfection, in my opinion. OH, and I would give it a GBF of 8 - after sampling it I deliberated over the menu for 20 minutes, which never happens. Poor Nancy!

Poor Nancy? Poor Nancy?!  Poor Kathleen!!!  I had to taste the Ironfish and just about lost all sensation in my mouth!  Ugh!!  It was N A S T Y!!!  I know I am a hop-hater and love my pumpkin ales right now, but this was taking the hops to another level!  If I do recall, I even gave the glass the finger!  True story! (Yep, true story - I took a pic, but it was blown out. I almost had to peel Kath off of the ceiling! ~ G)

After that holy crap moment I tried the Scottish Ale. Now that is more like it.  Smooth, light, and had a nutty finish.  Gab is right on with the drinkabilty factor.  I can see myself drinking this all afternnoon and not getting too buzzed. 

When "Poor Nancy" geesh, came to take our beer order I went for the good ole' Pig Iron.  It was delivered with a perfect head and it was still dancing in the glass.  The Pig Iron had a malty, coffee, and chocolate flavor that was all very pleasing.  I almost felt like a Pig in...well you know where I was going with that one.  Let's just say This little Piggy was a winner! 

Stay tuned for another review  - we are getting ready to taste the Imperial Pumpkin Ale that Iron Hill is going to release in a few short weeks!  I know I am dusting off my growler to take some home!

Cheers!

~G & K~

Shipyard Pumpkinhead did not set sail this time...

Shipyard Brewery

Pumpkinhead Ale

5.1% ABV

As promised, we were going to keep on reviewing fall brews and I had to try this beer as soon as I saw it on the shelf. I have reviewed and liked  Pugsley's Signature Series Imperial Porter from Shipyard Brewery and mentioned wanting to try their Pumpkinhead Ale.  Well, I waited and waited to see it on the shelves and there it was...and there it should have stayed. 

When I first opened it I could smell spices and a very faint hint of pumpkin.  It had a nice orange tint as I poured it in the glass. The first sip was a shock to my taste buds.  Maybe I was expecting total greatness, or I was hoping for a pumpkin pie flavor to hit my tongue.  What I do know for sure was it was not a winner for me.  It was crisp and spicy with zip. I did not taste pumpkin but a SHIP-load of nutmeg in the finish.   I took another and another sip and I was still not won over.  I was so disappointed!  I did give one beer to my hubs to try and another to my sister in law to see if I was just disappointed rather than a total thumbs down.  My hubs said ehhh and my sister in law liked it so much she grabbed another.  She was also drinking a beer that I swear tasted like Fruity Pebbles so not sure I am going to value her opinion.  Blah ha ha!

Ok, to sum it up I say Pumpkinhead should walk the plank!  I am not going to give up on Shipyard just yet.  I saw they have a Pugsley's Signature Series Smashed Pumpkin with a sweet 9% ABV.  Maybe I have to stick with Pugsley to have a SHIP-shape brew.

If you do wrestle this brew from the plank give me a shout.  I would love to now what you think...maybe you will like it and I will get the name of the beer that tastes like Fruity Pebbles for you too!

Cheers!

~K~

Hipp-O-Lantern - River Horse

Hipp-O-Lantern

River Horse Brewing Company

9% ABV

How could I not try this beer with the catchy label and title?  Hipp-O-Lantern Imperial Pumpkin is made with molasses, whole spices, and of course pumpkin.  When I opened it I could pick up the spices nutmeg, cinnamon, and maybe some clove.  The scent of pumpkin was there but faint.  It was well balanced and smooth.  I will have to say it was not as good as Weyerbacher's Imperial Pumpkin but I will definitely buy this again.

River Horse Brewing Company is another fine local brewer located in Lambertville, NJ along the banks of the Delaware River.  The Brewery is opened for samples Friday through Sunday from 12-5pm.
Tours on Friday are self guided and Saturday/Sunday are guided at 1,2,3 and 4.  I may have to declare a road trip real soon!

Cheers!

~K~

 

A preview of our Fall Reviews!

 Weyerbacher - Imperial Pumpkin Ale

8% ABV

Kath - It has been a long time since the weather was actually nice enough to sit outside and not have your skin spontaneously combust, so Gab and I celebrated with a little sampling of some fall beers.  Gab's Dad took the journey to Easton, Pa. and returned with liquid love!  I so mean that too!!!  We first opened the Imperial Pumpkin.  As soon as I popped the cap the smell of pumpkin spices filled my kitchen.  Once poured into a glass the color was dreamy.  A perfect amber color and the aroma was dancing all around my nose.  I took a quick picture and then...the first taste.  It was...PERFECT! It had the balance of spices, pumpkin, and malt.  I wish I could describe it better for you, but words would not do the beer justice.  I was in love with a beer.  Sad, but true.  It was not only tasty it gives you a sweet buzz! 8% ABV is not shabby, in the least.  If you want to give this a chance act now because it is seasonal and it may be all gone by October!  Weyerbacher also notes that this particular seasonal brew ages very well...if you can have some self control to save it for the holidays. 

Gab - I cannot think of a better fireside beer.Think chiminea, cozy sweaters, great company and even better conversations. Gorgeous color, equally satisfying taste. I am not one to prefer fruits and veggies mixed with my beer, but this is an absolute must-buy for Fall and Winter. The spices are an after-note, NOT overwhelming, but perfectly complimentary to this fantastic beer. We will be trying this again with cinnamon and sugar-coated glasses!



Weyerbacher - Old Heathen

Russian Imperial Stout

8% ABV

Gab - Those of you who know me, know that this is my #1 favorite kind of beer. It is malty, a little heavy yet soft in the mouth, completely delicious. Old Heathen is fabulous, but I must say that Heresy is my all-time favorite. It is the delicious Old Heathen (Imperial Stout), but Weyerbacher ages it in Maker's Mark oak barrels to create a flavor that is beyond rich and satisfying. It blows my mind, no joke! I am beyond thrilled that Old Heathen is available year-round! And Heresy is my go-to beer, when I can get my hands on it!

Kath - Ahhhh, the good ole' Russian Imperial Stout.  I love these kinds of beers.  I love the richness and how smooth these beers pour and just roll over my tongue.  I would certainly recommend this stout and I would get it again.  I had a beautiful dark color with hints of chocolate and malt scents.  This is available all year and it is not bad on a cool night in either April or November.  There is one beer a step above this made from this Russian number - Heresy. Heresy has a rich oak flavor mixed with vanilla and a dash of bourbon.  Simply amazing.  Heresy is available from February to March.



So there you have our initial preview of fall beers. We may be taking one brewery at a time, or jumping around, so please bear with us. We will have a long list of brews to review and if you have a Fall/Winter fave...PLEASE give us a shout! 

Cheers!

~ G & K ~