Monday, May 25, 2015

Circle Devil's Envy

Generally the end of May keeps me in lighter fare, pales and hefes and whatnot.  But the gloom and doom brought on this weekend by the torrential downpours and constant thunder and lightning has me thinking a little darker instead.  Devil's Envy from Circle Brewing is a pretty tasty different take on their Envy amber beer.  The beer has been aged in whiskey barrels making it a little darker and a lot tastier.  Pouring a dark amber with minimal head, Devil's Envy smells of bread, whiskey, and oak, and those whiskey and oak flavors prevail.  At only 4.8% ABV, the heavy alcohol flavor can kind of throw you off, but the beer is light bodied and delicious.

Visit the brewer.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Independence Red Bud Berliner Weisse

As springtime continues its transition into summertime, my beer palette often begins to seek out lighter, sweeter, more sessionable brews to while away my hours to, the days longer and the beers colder.  Austin's Independence Brewing has a pretty tart and tasty Berliner Weisse beer on the market called Red Bud, presumably named for the lakeside dog park here in town.  The brew pours a light, clear gold with a nice white head, and smells of lemon, citrus, and bread.  The beer is tart and sour, with the citrusy lemon flavor at the forefront and some notes of yeasty breadiness on the back end.  It's like having a cool glass of lemonade on a hot day, but it's a beer.

Visit the brewers.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Presidio La Bahia Black Hefeweizen

A few weeks ago when i overdid out at Austin's Untapped Festival, i managed to try quite a few beers, many of which i no longer remember, hence the "overdid" aspect of that weekend.  While i'm a little angry at myself for that, one of the brews i do remember is the delicious Presidio La Bahia Black Hefeweizen from Goliad Brewing down in southeast Texas.  It's the perfect beer for a hot day.  Pouring a dark amber, the beer smells of bananas, citrus, and clove.  The flavor is pretty sweet, but not overpowering, with some hefty banana notes and some maltiness to round the whole thing out.  I was pretty stoked to find some bottles here in Austin.

Visit the brewer.

Monday, May 4, 2015

1836 Copper Ale

Houston's Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. scores with their 1836 Copper Ale, a serendipitous blend of styles in a tasty penny-colored beer.  The beer smells of yeast and hops with some bread and spice notes hitting the nose instantly.  The crisp body highlights flavors of caramel and toffee, and orange and citrus that work together in harmony creating a brew that is easily drinkable, but also complex.  A total spring/summer beer, i look forward to drinking this at many an upcoming barbecue.

Visit the brewer.