Nothing new for me, missing goals, once again, my beer stock is still overstocked. However, I did have some new beers to me, a few unique beers…so here we go on another Monday Morning Memories trip:
Founders Brewing – Porter
6.5% ABV
45 IBU
I have a hard time recalling a Founders beer I didn’t enjoy. The Porter is a fine example of the style, roasted malt that almost has hints of dark chocolate to it. Once again, my palate isn’t good enough to choose out subtle flavors, ALL I can say is, “YUM!” According to Founders brewing: “Pours silky black with a creamy tan head. The nose is sweet with strong chocolate and caramel malt presence. No absence of hops gives Founders’ robust porter the full flavor you deserve and expect. Cozy like velvet. It’s a lover, not a fighter.” Lucky for you this is a year round beer you can find on your local shelf or watering hole, get one NOW!
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3 out of 4 PINTS
Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma – Bohemia
5.3% ABV
N/A IBU
As I told you last week I spent an evening at Don Pablos painting and drinking Mexican beer. This was my second beer of the evening because, I hadn’t had it before. My impression, it was a fine Mexican beer that is different than your normal Corona lager. Technically, this is a German Pilsner and from what I tasted I rather liked it. It drank very easily and would have been perfect on a Mexican beach!
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 2.5 out of 4 PINTS
Dos Equis – Ambar
4.7% ABV
N/A IBU
THIS was my FIRST beer for the evening at Don Pablos, after I realized NO craft beers were available. I have had this beer before and it is a fine Mexican example of a Vienna style lager. It pairs perfectly with spicy Mexican food. Unfortunately, the website offers NO additional information regarding the beer other than what I’ve already shared.
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 2 out of 4 PINTS
Grupo Modelo – Negra Modelo
5.4% ABV
N/A IBU
This was my last beer on my Mexican tour, I have enjoyed this before and find it to be as close to Sam Adams Boston Lager as you can get south of the border. Now I know there are some craft brewers popping up in Mexico, which i can tell you I haven’t tried. Of the 3 it was a toss up between Negra and Bohemia for my favorite. “Negra Modelo, known as the “the cream of beers”, is a Munich-style beer offering a balanced flavor and delicate aroma of dark malt, caramel and hops.” This is my staple of Mexican beers I search for whenever I find myself in a Mexican Cantina.
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 2.5 out of 4 PINTS
***SPECIAL BEERS NOT AVAILABLE IN BEER NORTH NATION***
Russian River Brewing – Pliny the Elder Double IPA
8% ABV
N/A IBU
I had the GREAT FORTUNE to be invited by a friend of mine(THANKS TIMMY) to taste this beer that is almost legend status for those of us who CAN’T get it. He had this beer shipped in from Napa valley form a friend of his. My first taste made my taste buds come alive, stand at attention and SCREAM WOW!! Me and Tim agreed that it is similar to Big Eddy’s Imperial IPA but not as hop forward. I think it may be the easiest to drink Double IPA I have ever had. It finishes with citrus flavors that are indistinguishable to me. As the brewery describes it: “Pliny the Elder is brewed with Amarillo, Centennial, CTZ, and Simcoe hops. It is well-balanced with malt, hops, and alcohol, slightly bitter with a fresh hop aroma of floral, citrus, and pine. Best enjoyed FRESH! That is why we make it in such limited supply. Actual bottling date is printed on each bottle!” If you ever find yourself in Northern California I would recommend making your way to Santa Rosa to the brewery to drink their beers!
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 4 out of 4 PINTS
Russian River – Blind Pig IPA
6.1% ABV
N/A IBU
Another beer that came along with the Pliny shipment, this is their IPA. I have to say it was very good, not overly hopped up, but truth be told after the Pliny it seemed to be watered down. Honestly, any beer after the Pliny would taste watered down! This beer as they describe it: “Full-bodied, very hoppy, citrus, pine, fruity notes with nice dry, bitter finish!” Once again, get to Northern California to get this beer!!
UNEDUCATED BEER DORK NON-RATING: 3 out of 4 PINTS
What a GREAT WAY to end the weekend with two out of market beers. I wish I could go down to my local watering hole and order the Pliny or the Blind Pig on tap. Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever see that, however I do have a Russian River collaboration with Sierra Nevada that I will probably pop the top for this Thursday’s post.
CHEERS!
