Fuller's London Pride is pretty much what I expected the ESB to be, based on name alone. A step up from the ESB on my unofficial scale of pale ales, this beer has a larger hops scent and a definitely noticeable hops flavor at the end.
The color is a little lighter than the ESB, that is, light brown. Not dark gold, like a IPA could be. There was a sweetness to it before you got the hops. It wasn't a malty sweetness, like what you find in barleywines. It was crisper, dryer, less sticky. More like a sweetness one finds in cider, sans apple.
I remember that the old toad used to have a beer made from them called the EPA. It reminds me of the ESB. Then one day they got rid of it. Somebody told me (Dan) that the London Pride was the same thing. It wasn't. I got it and thought "This is a lot hoppier than the EPA was". I didn't say anything, but I knew he was wrong. Having the London Pride the other day reminded me of this.
As I said in my ESB post, I think that ESB is a good beginner english ale. Once you are ready to try something with more hops, I think London Pride would be appropriate. It's not overpowering, but you can't miss it.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Original
Today is a day for Weihenstephaner Original.
I am in love with this beer. It's a Munish Helles Lager (Germany's answer to the Czech Pilsner). This is the exact thing I want when I'm looking for a thirst quenching beer. Better than Becks, Heineken (not difficult), Stella and even Pilsner Urquell (obivously not a Helles, but close enough).
The first thing I noticed about this beer is how many bubbles is had in the glass. This was easy to see because its a very clear, light yellow beer. All I can say about the scent is that it is beer. It's the exact smell that I assume most people would associate with beer.
The flavor is simple, and I think that is what makes it so good. It's not fancy or unusual. It's a lager done right. If I didn't want to make sure I had some for later, every time I buy this, I would probably drink most of them that day.
There aren't any off flavors, it comes in a brown bottle (a rariety for this style, it seems) and can be had with anything. It won't overpower your food, or leave a lingering taste.
It seems that I'm going to be giving a lot of good reviews to the beers I drink. This is because the selection here isn't great, unlike the amazing Beers of the World right down the BHTL from RIT, or even Wegmans. I will try to find some new ones to discuss, but if I can't, expect more good reviews because I'm going to buy what I like.
I can certainly do some reviews on cider and perhaps even whiskey and gin.
I am in love with this beer. It's a Munish Helles Lager (Germany's answer to the Czech Pilsner). This is the exact thing I want when I'm looking for a thirst quenching beer. Better than Becks, Heineken (not difficult), Stella and even Pilsner Urquell (obivously not a Helles, but close enough).
The first thing I noticed about this beer is how many bubbles is had in the glass. This was easy to see because its a very clear, light yellow beer. All I can say about the scent is that it is beer. It's the exact smell that I assume most people would associate with beer.
The flavor is simple, and I think that is what makes it so good. It's not fancy or unusual. It's a lager done right. If I didn't want to make sure I had some for later, every time I buy this, I would probably drink most of them that day.
There aren't any off flavors, it comes in a brown bottle (a rariety for this style, it seems) and can be had with anything. It won't overpower your food, or leave a lingering taste.
It seems that I'm going to be giving a lot of good reviews to the beers I drink. This is because the selection here isn't great, unlike the amazing Beers of the World right down the BHTL from RIT, or even Wegmans. I will try to find some new ones to discuss, but if I can't, expect more good reviews because I'm going to buy what I like.
I can certainly do some reviews on cider and perhaps even whiskey and gin.
ESB
Beer post number two.
Fullers ESB, which stands for extra special bitter.
I had trouble with this one. I couldn't find good ways to describe it. What concerned me the most is that there wasn't much hoppiness to it. Bitters are a type of pale ale, which tends to imply a flowery, hop tone to it. It's not like I expected IPA from it, but still, would have liked a bit more flavor in general.
The flavor starts off a little sweet, maybe a hint of raisin. The flavor after that dissipates, but then there is a slight bitterness. And that's all I could find to say about it.
If anybody is interested in trying a true ale, I would recommend this beer. The name sounds a bit scary, but I don't think it has any characteristics that somebody who has had a few drinks in their life couldn't handle.
Probably my favorite thing about this beer is that it comes in a 16.9oz bottle, which fits perfectly in my large pintglass, which I believe holds 18fl.oz. even though the store marketed it as 20.
Fullers ESB, which stands for extra special bitter.
I had trouble with this one. I couldn't find good ways to describe it. What concerned me the most is that there wasn't much hoppiness to it. Bitters are a type of pale ale, which tends to imply a flowery, hop tone to it. It's not like I expected IPA from it, but still, would have liked a bit more flavor in general.
The flavor starts off a little sweet, maybe a hint of raisin. The flavor after that dissipates, but then there is a slight bitterness. And that's all I could find to say about it.
If anybody is interested in trying a true ale, I would recommend this beer. The name sounds a bit scary, but I don't think it has any characteristics that somebody who has had a few drinks in their life couldn't handle.
Probably my favorite thing about this beer is that it comes in a 16.9oz bottle, which fits perfectly in my large pintglass, which I believe holds 18fl.oz. even though the store marketed it as 20.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Fat Tire
Here it is, a new category of posts. Beer!
Last night I had a Fat Tire from New Belgium Brewery. Fat Tire has become my goto beer. It's only available in the west, so it has achieved somewhat of a cult status in the east. I'm not saying that it doesn't deserve it. It is one of the most lovely, drinkable beers I have ever had.
It's an American Amber Ale, which I poured into a mug style glass. It had the color of real maple syrup, Grade A, which is not as dark as most people think. Perhaps a bit lighter, but the hue is spot on. The lacy head dissipated quickly, but any that sticks around clings to the edges of the glass.
The smell is pretty sweet. It reminded me of Chimay, or another strong Belgian dark ale. The smell does is not indicative of the taste though. It has a low bitterness and some malty flavor, but it's not really sweet and sticky either. I think this quality is what makes it something that you could drink a lot of. Really hoppy or really malty beers numb the taste buds. This is mild enough to not do that, but still have a good flavor that one can appreciate. Though it has a ABV of 5.2%, so it would not be appropriate to call it a session beer.
The only problem was that I was impatient and did not let it chill long enough. It was probably twenty degrees too warm. It didn't taste bad like some beers do when they aren't freezing, but the warmth didn't add anything to it.
The brothers on beeradvocate.com say in their reviews of this beer that it is biscuity. I'm not sure what that means and I am curious. What sort of biscuit do they mean? The kind you put sausage gravy on? Something a bit drier? And then does that describe some wheat flavors it might have?
I love beer. And coffee. I can't pick one over the other.
Last night I had a Fat Tire from New Belgium Brewery. Fat Tire has become my goto beer. It's only available in the west, so it has achieved somewhat of a cult status in the east. I'm not saying that it doesn't deserve it. It is one of the most lovely, drinkable beers I have ever had.
It's an American Amber Ale, which I poured into a mug style glass. It had the color of real maple syrup, Grade A, which is not as dark as most people think. Perhaps a bit lighter, but the hue is spot on. The lacy head dissipated quickly, but any that sticks around clings to the edges of the glass.
The smell is pretty sweet. It reminded me of Chimay, or another strong Belgian dark ale. The smell does is not indicative of the taste though. It has a low bitterness and some malty flavor, but it's not really sweet and sticky either. I think this quality is what makes it something that you could drink a lot of. Really hoppy or really malty beers numb the taste buds. This is mild enough to not do that, but still have a good flavor that one can appreciate. Though it has a ABV of 5.2%, so it would not be appropriate to call it a session beer.
The only problem was that I was impatient and did not let it chill long enough. It was probably twenty degrees too warm. It didn't taste bad like some beers do when they aren't freezing, but the warmth didn't add anything to it.
The brothers on beeradvocate.com say in their reviews of this beer that it is biscuity. I'm not sure what that means and I am curious. What sort of biscuit do they mean? The kind you put sausage gravy on? Something a bit drier? And then does that describe some wheat flavors it might have?
I love beer. And coffee. I can't pick one over the other.
Delays
The game gods giveth and the game gods taketh away. They gave us the time vortex that is the Guild Wars 2 calculator, but it appears in order for that glory to be shone upon us, we must have delays.
The only two games that I was waiting for in the near future have been delayed. The PC version of Fable 3 is delayed. The version for the 360 is still on time. I don't expect the delays to be long, but then again, who knows.
The other game, is no surpise, Gran Turismo 5. Most recently scheduled for a release date of November 5, it has now been pushed back to "Holidays 2010". This does not ensure a release date before 2011. The holidays also include January, because Japan is funny like that.
What will I do in the mean time? Besides play guild wars? I will write about street fighter again. It will be boring and not make much sense to casual readers, but that's okay. I would like to make these posts on another blog, but I can't think of a witty name for it. My other thought would be to post on iplaywinner.com. They are offering a blog to registered users, but as far as I can tell, it appears this means just being an author on the blog, rather than having a personal section. While this sounds good, since posts are moderated beforehand, if a post of mine is not accepted, then it would be unreadable by all. So, because of this, I think I would rather make something else on blogger, when a suitable name is found. Any ideas would be appreciated.
The only two games that I was waiting for in the near future have been delayed. The PC version of Fable 3 is delayed. The version for the 360 is still on time. I don't expect the delays to be long, but then again, who knows.
The other game, is no surpise, Gran Turismo 5. Most recently scheduled for a release date of November 5, it has now been pushed back to "Holidays 2010". This does not ensure a release date before 2011. The holidays also include January, because Japan is funny like that.
What will I do in the mean time? Besides play guild wars? I will write about street fighter again. It will be boring and not make much sense to casual readers, but that's okay. I would like to make these posts on another blog, but I can't think of a witty name for it. My other thought would be to post on iplaywinner.com. They are offering a blog to registered users, but as far as I can tell, it appears this means just being an author on the blog, rather than having a personal section. While this sounds good, since posts are moderated beforehand, if a post of mine is not accepted, then it would be unreadable by all. So, because of this, I think I would rather make something else on blogger, when a suitable name is found. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Death of Me
Meh. Late posts, will still have two due come tomorrow. Guild Wars talk again.
I like Penny-Arcade. It is funny. And there are a few comics that describes how I feel right now perfectly.
The Ungift, Part One
The Ungift, Part Two
ArenaNet has released the Guild Wars 2 Hall of Monuments calculator. What is that, you ask? It is a website where you can type your character's name in, and it will tell you how many points you have achieved through your hall of monuments. These points unlock special items you can get in guild wars 2. Being the pack-rat that I am, I am now doing many things to try to get more points.
You can see my current progress (as of this post, I don't know if the URL updates), here.
Whyyyyyy do they do this to me? Guild Wars does not have a monthly fee. There is nothing they are gaining from this. Those jerks... giving people new content while they wait. How rude.
I like Penny-Arcade. It is funny. And there are a few comics that describes how I feel right now perfectly.
The Ungift, Part One
The Ungift, Part Two
ArenaNet has released the Guild Wars 2 Hall of Monuments calculator. What is that, you ask? It is a website where you can type your character's name in, and it will tell you how many points you have achieved through your hall of monuments. These points unlock special items you can get in guild wars 2. Being the pack-rat that I am, I am now doing many things to try to get more points.
You can see my current progress (as of this post, I don't know if the URL updates), here.
Whyyyyyy do they do this to me? Guild Wars does not have a monthly fee. There is nothing they are gaining from this. Those jerks... giving people new content while they wait. How rude.
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