Month: February 2017

Åbro Bryggeri Rekorderlig Spiced Apple Hard Cider Cider at 4.5% ABV (C$4.99 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 500 ml, best before 15-Aug-2017, acquired 13-Oct-2016, reviewed 7-Feb-2017)

Appearance: clear pale straw with one finger of loose white head diminishing rapidly (and loudly) to nothing, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: sickly sweet vanilla, cinnamon, apple. (5/10) Taste: high sweet, moderate tart. (4/10) Palate: light body, lively carbonation, sweet crisp and lightly spicy finish. (3/5)

Far too sweet, with an artificial, soda-like quality. Not very interesting. (10/20)

5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Spindrift Brewing Co. Abyss Schwarzbier at 4.8% ABV (C$3.39 at NLC Stavanger, 473 ml, bottle date 3-Nov-2016, acquired 31-Jan-2017, reviewed 1-Feb-2017)

Appearance: hazy deep brown with one fat finger of fluffy beige head, excellent retention and well-defined lacing. (5/5) Aroma: roasty malts, light smoke. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, off-dry smoothly bitter finish. (3/5)

I continue to be fairly impressed by Spindrift’s ability to succeed with styles that aren’t particular favourites of mine (i.e.lagers). (Both their Märzen and their IPL were solid performers, though I must admit their Pils was only marginally better than a macro – eh, can’t win ‘em all.) This, too, is solid, with a pleasant balance of darker roast malt notes and mild smoke, finishing smooth. (15/20)

7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com