Month: April 2019

Eighty-Eight Brewing Tiffany Rosé Saison Saison at 8.0% ABV | 24 IBU (C$6.52 at Collective, 500 ml, packaged on 1-Dec-2018, acquired 13-Feb-2019, reviewed 4-Apr-2019)

Appearance: clear pale golden-pink with two fat fingers of fluffy pale pink head, excellent retention and chunky soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: Belgian esters, dry hay funk, vinous grape, light floral. (8/10) Taste: moderate bitter, moderate-low sweet, moderate-low tart. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, drying mildly tart finish. (4/5)

This is the second hybrid I’ve had in the past few days, and this one definitely tends more to the beer-like end of the spectrum – which is probably why I like it more. Mind you, the elevated ABV probably plays a role there, too. (And yes, I still consider that to be slightly out of spec for the style, but all in all it’s very well done, manifesting only as a mild warming towards the end of the pint.) Basically, a solid Saison with a touch of vinous grape. (16/20)

8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Avery Brewing Co. Maharaja (2019) American Double / Imperial IPA at 10% ABV | 102[?] IBU (US$4.29 at Specs Main Houston, 355 ml, packaged on 2-Jan-2019, acquired 3-Mar-2019, reviewed 2-Apr-2019)

Appearance: hazy pale amber with three fingers of loose ivory head diminishing gradually to a persistent cap, moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, caramel, pine, stone fruit, earth. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full slightly oily body, moderate carbonation, lingering and building bitter and warming finish. (4/5)

I think I prefer this vintage just slightly over the last time I had it, a couple of years ago. Despite the age at the time of tasting being nearly identical, it seems to be in better condition, both a bit fresher and with better head retention and lacing. A boozy big malt beast, to be sure, but enjoyable. (16/20)

8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Firestone Walker Brewing Company Rosalie Fruit / Vegetable Beer at 5% ABV | 10 IBU (US$2.62 at Specs Main Houston, 355 ml, packaged on 11-Jan-2019, acquired 3-Mar-2019, reviewed 1-Apr-2019)

Appearance: clear pale golden-pink with one finger of fizzy off-white head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, no lacing. (4/5) Aroma: vinous grape, grain apple, pale malt, grass, light floral. (7/10) Taste: moderate-low sweet, moderate-low  tart, low bitter. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, drying mildly tart finish. (4/5)

Looks like a Rosé, smells and tastes like a hybrid – so I’d say they accomplished pretty much exactly what they intended. Whether or not that works for you is probably more a matter of personal preference than anything else. Personally, and I don’t say this often, I felt it might actually benefit from being a little sweeter. There’s definite grape flavour coming through, but it ends up feeling a bit thin overall, presumably as a result of the degree of attenuation. Some non-fermentable sugars might help bring up the flavour somewhat. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a dry, almost champagne-like finish, this might work for you. Definite possibilities as a gateway beer for wine drinkers. (15/20)

7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com

Avery Brewing Co. Hazyish IPA American IPA at 7% ABV (US$3.09 at Specs Main Houston, 355 ml, packaged on 27-Dec-2018, acquired 3-Mar-2019, reviewed 31-Mar-2019)

Appearance: hazy straw with one fat finger of rocky off-white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, tropical fruit, pale malt, floral. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium slightly creamy body, moderate carbonation, mild bitter finish. (4/5)

An enjoyable example of the style, pleasantly juicy with mild bitterness. There’s a nice blend of hops here, with Mosaic in particular providing a tropical fruit note in addition to the slightly more dominant citrus. (16/20)

8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com