Beer 4 - Baltika Brewery Baltika 7

Style: Dortmunder/Export Lager
Purchased at: Vintage Cellar
What makes this beer different: A quick punch in the face; and BTW it's from Russia!
Will I be drinking this again: Probably, but not often.
Grade: C+

Comments:
This beer is just OK to me. I would usually consider it an average Eastern European pilsner, but there are two things that set it apart; (1) it is from Russia, which I find neat & (2) the bottle including presentation is subtle but eye catching.

Baltika 7 is a classic eastern european pilsner with honey and sugar overtones. The taste and waft are not very strong, but I must admit that the aftertaste lingers (which is a good thing for this beer). Bottom line is that this beer has a hint of complexity in it that should not be ignored. The lager has a clean, smooth taste and exhibits excellent lacing.

Recommendations:
Pours well with potato skins, pizza bites and mozzarella sticks! Also, beer mug will not suffice for this beer; complexity demands a bulb, bavarian, or czech pilsner. No exceptions! Enjoy.

Comments

Beer #27 - Stone/BrewDog Bashah

Style: American Strong Ale Purchased at: Once Upon A Vine What makes this beer different: Nice Dark IPA Will I be drinking this again: Most Definitely Grade: A- Comments: This is an excellent beer! One of the best I have ever had. To me it seems like 65% strong IPA mixed with 35% Porter; a masterful combination in my book. Pours a deep dark brown with a hefty head on the brew and some lacing. Recommendations: Try this baby out in a tulip glass ... it is definitely a sipper beer, so enjoy each and every last sip with a baguette and a little asiago cheese!

Beer #23 - McSorley's Irish Pale Ale

Style: Irish Ale Purchased at: Vintage Cellar What makes this beer different: Spicy, Earthy flavor! Will I be drinking this again: Yes. Grade: B+ Recommendations: Just like its big brother, the black lager, this pale ale is a winner! Smooth & crisp tones accent this hoppy ale. McSorley's Pale Ale is a mix between an English Ale and an Irish Red Ale. Word to the wise: You will find this brew quite drinkable, so don't lose track of how many you put back! Recommendations: Try pairing with a nice cut of prime rib and garlic mashed potatoes :) YUM

Beer #8 - Sea Dog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale

Style: Fruit Beer Purchased at: Vintage Cellar What makes this beer different: Blueberries. Will I be drinking this again: Possibly; if in the mood. Grade: B- Preliminary Ranking: 6 Comments: Light in color and very light, fluffy head. I love blueberries in everything, and this beer is packed with 'em. Pretty smooth & sweet taste, not bitter. Sweet malt mixed with the blueberries make tis beer quite unique. Plenty of carbonation, no lacing. In Dabney's words, "It's interesting". This beer is more of a dessert to me, but it is an excellent fruit beer. Recommendations: Pair this brew with a slice of New York Cheesecake topped with blueberry sauce and it's a perfect combo. Magnifico!

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