Beer Review: Staropramen Lager

Beer: Staropramen Lager
Brewer: Pivovar Staropramen Pražské Pivovary
Source: Draft
Rating: ** (6.5 of 10)

Comments: I’m going to say something about this beer that sounds like an insult but it’s not:  it’s like water.  Travel writer Rick Steves says that when you visit Prague the waiter will put a beer on your table upon seating just as you’d get a glass of water in the United States.  And I can imagine that this is the beer that waiter would serve.  It’s like water in all the positive aspects of water:  cool, refreshing, crisp and mild.  I expect it would be a good beer to drink at lunch when you have to go back to work in the afternoon.  Mind you, it’s still beer.  The glass I had featured a thick head that left behind beautiful lacing.  The light aroma was grassy and floral.  The flavor is grainy with a bit of sweetness and a touch of hops.  All in all just good plain drinking beer.

Beer Review: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA

Beer: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Brewer: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Source: Draft
Rating: ** (6.6 of 10)

Comments: I’m not an IPA fan because this style of beer is typically very hoppy and thus very bitter.  60 Minute IPA is no exception to the rule but it is better than most IPA’s due to its complex flavor that is not overwhelmed my the initial wallop of hops.  It’s a hazy copper colored beer with a hint of caramel in its aroma.  That taste is hoppy but also contains a tangy citrus flavor and a pleasant aftertaste that may be the best thing about this beer.  The head of the beer is thick and long lasting leaving some very nice lacing right down to the bottom of the glass.

Beer Review: Buzzards Bay Black Lager

Beer: Buzzards Bay Black Lager
Brewer: Buzzards Bay Brewing
Source: 12 oz Bottle
Rating: *** (7.1 of 10)

Comments: This dark beer looks like a stout but as the name should imply it doesn’t taste like one.  The aroma and flavor is malty and smoky with some hints of chocolate.  There’s also a nice tingle of carbonation on the tongue.  This is a good beer in a unique style and I’d like to try it again on tap.