Finally something that we probably should have reviewed a while ago considering our coverage of vodka. Yes it’s the vodka you see with a name almost synonymous with top-shelf. It’s what the bars carry, what you see in youtube and rap videos, and it’s what we’ve always thought of as – eh I’d rather have Hammer + Sickle. So then finally sitting down and scoring does it hold up?
I’m sure some of you may have noticed that last week we did not have a review, this is because unfortunately I was not able to cover for my co-presenters like I often do. I literally had nothing to go on. It was okay though because I made sure things were in place for this week. Except they decided to go to Pax East (which due to not being able to get a ticket and work I am unable to attend), and completely botch any way of getting things done right.
Good afternoon everyone, if you’re wondering why there’s another Buffalo review (and no Bison Grass Vodka), I’d like to say that what I’m reviewing is so special to my heart that my fellow reviewers shall not get a share. Sadly though you’ve already seen Seagram’s Gin in the title, so that’s basically ruined.
Afternoon kids, yes once again this week we’ve reviewed a scotch. Why? Because we’re adults and real adults drink scotch. Sadly though even faux adults wouldn’t typically drink this scotch, and while it’s suffering from being compared to the recent pleasure of Johnnie Walker Double Black, make no mistake this isn’t something I’d recommend.
This week on booze reviews I – BuffaloJern, review a water bottle. Okay so it’s actually vodka inside of a water bottle – but what vodka typically comes with a nalgene and carabineer? Honestly I half expected them to include the words “don’t drink and hike.”
Greetings everyone. Typically these reviews as you know are conducted by the 4 main reviewers myself (BuffaloJern) DJ_LvL, Justice, and William Henri Neve the IVth. Today is different, because my father informed me that we would be drinking tequila. When I expressed my “non-forthcoming desire for Cuervo” I was then informed that it wasn’t a debate, and even if it was I would lose.
We then go across the pond (more on that in the coming months btw), and try their British bitter style beer. Perhaps as it was cold I was more apt to enjoy it, but as I and everyone else found out British bitters are not terribly pleasant. Surely not an awful beer, but the aftertaste and overall feel of the beer doesn’t blend well.
Shipyard Old Thumper ESB: 5.5/10 – Ends weirdly, not a bad tasting brew but it’s not really enjoyable. This isn’t a beer you’d seek out, this is the beer that they have on tap that’s cheap, and while it’s not awful it can pair well with the right food, but it’s not a beer to write home about.
Google Shop Average: (Prices at Brew Haus for Draught) – $5.50
Website: http://www.shipyard.com/
We then were very much surprised by the Sea Dog Blueberry. Now being from WPI we know Wachusett’s Blueberry very well, but it never really struck us. Thankfully Shipyard has shown us the light and that when you make a blueberry beer you must not taste beer with hints of blueberry, but must feel like you’ve bitten into a pie with every sip.
Shipyard Sea Dog/Smashed Blueberry: 7.8/10 – Most blueberry beers are weak with a bit of blueberry taste thrown in, here it feels like they’ve really committed to the blueberry flavor and it really shows. The beer and hops are still prevalent but they’ve taken the back burner and honestly that’s what we want.
Google Shop Average: (Prices at Brew Haus for Draught) – $5.50
Website: http://www.shipyard.com/
Ahh finally onto a stout – now while this stout is in no way better than Guinness or Allagash draft it does beat Guinness bottles (again these are all on Draft and Guinness Draft may be one of the better things in this world.) However their selection is very solid and enjoyable.
Shipyard Blue Fin Stout: 7.4/10 – Its ends like a nice vanilla ice cream float, but overall it’s nicely balanced and flavorful. An all around good stout. We can’t begin to accurately describe the head on this beer, most heads are liquidly and to an extent half and half kinda creamy. It’s almost whipped here though and is nearly as thick as ice cream, which combos quite nicely with the rest of the stout.
Google Shop Average: (Prices at Brew Haus for Draught) – $5.50
Website: http://www.shipyard.com/
Our first foray was Shipyard’s main beer which is their Export Ale, but like most beers that are standard for the line we weren’t impressed though we acknowledge at times it’d be a great beer to have. Certainly above average it’s just not something we’d really go far that much.
Shipyard Export Ale: 6.6/10 – Good taste, it doesn’t grab us though. It’s got a nice flavor though, and the taste is a bit more bitter than your average Sam Adams or Smuttynose, but again it’s standard by release and taste.
Google Shop Average: (Prices at Brew Haus for Draught) – $5.50
Website: http://www.shipyard.com/