Kulmbacher EKU Pils: 6.0 – Going into this fearful for another generic import, it’s actually a really nice pils. The aftertaste leaves a little bit to be desired as it sort of ‘grays out’ but it’s got good flavor, isn’t overly hopped, and it’s not disarmingly weak taste-wise.
Price Average: $3
Website: https://www.kulmbacher.de/
Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock: 6.5 – We do appreciate the additional Christmas tree ornament. That however is a very intense double bock. It’s nutty and kind of malty, but the nuts are like actually diverse in flavor. It’s a very rich beer, and having more than even a half pint is a bit of work – good though.
Price Average: $7
Website: https://www.ayinger.de/
If you’ve noticed a distinct trend on this site it’s that overall we’re not big fans of sherry casking. It’s often just the result of a tax avoidance, and usually is used improperly and to ill effect. However we have been known from time to time to enjoy that bit of sherry, and it seems that while a nice 12 year scotch may not be helped with it – it seems Rye and Sherry might just be the combo we needed. That or maybe these Limestone Branch Distillery folks know what they are doing.
Brooklyn Summer: 2.5 – It may be the dead of winter but that’s just not a good summer ale. Not sure where the concept of it being sunny is, but there’s just some critical aspects that make this less a nice bright citrusy pale ale and more something that tastes vaguely like what a wet sock would taste like.
Price Average: $20 for mixed 12-pack
Website: https://brooklynbrewery.com/
So this has in 3 years gone through 3 casks, Bourbon/Port/Sherry – but the thing about casking is you kinda need time and while you do get some of the sherry finish here – it’s not ideal in any way. Add some massive burn and sugary nonsense and you begin to think maybe this shouldn’t be blonde and maybe – it just needs more time to age. As it stands though this is basically worthless.
Brooklyn Lager: 5.0 – We’ve lamented of late that there’s so many ales going on and not enough lagers. (or scotch ale, or schwarzbier, but anyway) That’s what sort of makes this disappointing because while we’ve listed as a 5 (aka average) it’s only average because of shittier beers, of which this sort of is. It’s a tad too hoppy, but is otherwise just a subpar lager.
Price Average: $20 for mixed 12-pack
Website: https://brooklynbrewery.com/
What we have is a blended Auchentoshan decided upon by 12 bartenders from around the world who got together and created this. The mere concept of which right now in the (thankfully) waning days of pandemic lockdown is about as foreign a concept as possible. Nonetheless what have these 12 minds come together to make – well in short something that has some good aspects but also glaring flaws – so basically anything designed by a committee.
Apripeche: 7.5 – It’s a tart ale with apricot and peach which you can guess by the name. As always Ommegang delivers as it balances that sweet peach and tart apricot. It’s virtue is by not being a true sour, and really keeping that wheat ale like flavor with the additional fruit and tartness. Overall it’s just nice to drink.
Price Average: $10 for 4-pack cans
Website: https://www.ommegang.com/
