The Beer Belly Files (4)

Another monday... bleh. At least I get to talk about beer which does make my mondays better. Sorry I'm a little late posting but today was very hectic. First off, big time congrats to Tony Dungy and the Indianapolis Colts (whom I sure read my blog regularly) on a great win. The only bad part of the Colts winning was seeing Lovie Smith in defeat. They say that good guys finish last but in this case, no matter who would have won that statement would be completely false. Okay, on to the beer. The first beer I picked up because... well I just had to because of the name.

Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale

Okay, it's quite a gag but is it any good? Well first off I want to say that it is brewed by a serious brewery, Black Sheep Brewery in Masham, England. They've only been around since the early 90's but have a full line of beers that they produce (with more serious sounding names). The Holy Grail Ale was commissioned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Monty Python troop. That was back in 1999 so yeah, it's been around for a while and most likely will stay around. The web site called it a distinctive taste but it surely didn't seem like anything I haven't tasted before. My first impression was that I didn't like it very much but as I continued to drink it, it begun to grow on me. In the end I think it's a pretty good brew and I'd get it again. It has 4.7% ABV and is brewed year round.

Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale

This is made by none other than Anheuser-Busch and is the second of a line of seasonal brews. The first was Jack's Pumpkin Spice Ale offered last fall. It has a dark amber color and I was able to get a good head on it. The taste you'll recognize right away however. The press info says that "it's brewed with dark roasted caramel malts and all-imported hops and aged on toasted bourbon oak casks and whole Madagascar vanilla beans." Well, I have no doubt about the beans, It tastes just like cream soda. I actually liked it and enjoyed drinking it. However, it's not something I would want to drink all the time so it's best that it's just a seasonal brew. As far as the bourbon casks, I'll just have to take their word for it, I can't tell from the taste. All in all it was an all right brew that I would probably get again as a side brew for parties around the holidays, but not the exclusive brew. Here's a selling point... it has 6% APV and is available through February. My wife, who doesn't "love" beer liked it and at 6% ABV, that gives it a thumbs up from me. :)

Samuel Adams Cream Stout

This is part of the Samuel Adams "Brewmasters Collection" of beers and after trying it, I'm eager to try the others. Like a good stout, it pours dark with a good head, The head has a brown head that's reminiscent of creamed coffee. They use roasted (and unroasted) barley as well as roasted chocolate and caramel malts to produce it's rich chocolate-coffee flavor. Don't think that it's too sweet because it's not. It has an interesting smell but is much more powerful in flavor. I was sad when I ran out. I would say that I'd head right back out and get some but.... there is so many beers and so little time. It has 4.69% ABV and is available year round.

I really am trying to find some of the brews that were requested so be patient. I already have some interesting brews lined up for next week so stay tuned. Until then, relax and have a pint.

-Jim