I wanted something simple to sip on for an easy summer day. The six you see here offered just that. It was a nice mix of simple & exotic. Some were hits, others misses.
1. Sierra Nevada Nooner – German Pilsner
I’m not a fan of pilsners. I blame it on America’s mass produced shitty beer. A pilsner brings back memories of a drink that tastes like wet cardboard. But it’s sad, cause a pilsner done right is a special thing, and Sierra Nevada just does that. The Nooner has a nice profile of hops and spices that are backed by a nice biscuity malt flavor. It’s a pilsner that pleases.
2. Short’s Bellaire Brown – American Brown
Short’s Brewing is new to me. Located over in Michigan, they seem to be doing some interesting things. And apparently this brown ale is their flagship – a fitting way to start. It’s a nice sweet ale, with caramel and malt flavors. It’s pretty light on carbonation, but I could have just gotten a bum bottle. Who knows? It’s smooth and creamy with some nice notes of chocolate and nuttiness. For some reason I’m just not sold on it though. It makes for a nice one and done kind of beer.
3. Sierra Nevada Otra Vez – Gose
Back so soon Sierra Nevada? The Otra Vez is interesting. It’s a satisfying summer beer because of its tropical fruity, floral and sour flavor – all of which make it very refreshing. The tartness of the prickly pear and grapefruit bite at the tongue. I wonder how it would taste if you mixed it with tequila? I gotta put that on my list of things to do.
4. Stone Delicious IPA – American IPA
Another first! I don’t think I’ve had Stone Brewing before. Their delicious IPA is a west coast styled beer. It has a nice blend of citrus fruits with some Lemondrop and El Dorado hops. The fruit does what you’d expect, and the hops give it a nice refreshing and bitter kick. The result is a solid IPA that lives up to the name – delicious.
5. One Barrel Brewing The Commuter – Kolsch
And we’re back in Madison. One Barrel is a little local treasure. While they have a smaller offering, each beer is focused and the result is great tasting beer. The Commuter is a solid beer. It’s mainly sweet malts & fruit flavors with a nice background of hops. It’s light, crisp, & simply screams summer.
6. Lake Louie Kiss the Lips – American IPA
Of the 6, this was my least favorite. It starts of bold enough, with nice hit of piney hops, but fails to deliver after. It finished light, with that nickel metallic watery taste. What a sad way to end the 6 on.
So who was the winner? It’s hard to say. I liked both of Sierra Nevada’s. But I’m going to give it to Stone’s Delicious IPA. A perfect west coast IPA in every aspect.