Brew52 » Joe Lunchpail

Bender, but don’t break ‘er

Joe Lunchpail — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:22:53 +0000

I absolutely love everything about Bender. The look, flavor, aroma-all of it. Deceptively smooth and expectedly delicious. It is a bastard child of a brown ale and a porter, with a little more hops than either bring to the table alone. I’d constantly keep this in the fridge if the price was a little bit easier on the pocket. Go on a bender with Bender and your wallet will certainly feel it too. But as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. A premium price for a premium beer. Don’t let imminent economic meltdown make you drink crap beer, though. I think it was the Bible that stated, “Man cannot live on crappy beer alone.” Preach.

Flurries

Joe Lunchpail — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:19:50 +0000

While much better than the 2007 Snowstorm, I’m not really that impressed with the 2008 version. Definitely malty, with the rye coming through as well. They say hints of chocolate, but I’m not catching it. Good head and carbonation. Not bad, not great. Pretty much par for Schell.

The old reliable Twin Cities metro area beer

Joe Lunchpail — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:16:03 +0000

The reason I say this is that, usually, no matter where you go in the TC, you can at least get yourself a Summit EPA. I take advantage of this when I end up at bars/restaurants that have limited beer selections. The Summit EPA, to me, is what Grain Belt Premium is to a lot of people. The EPA is not a world-class talent, but it sure beats the pants off of the typical bland domestic light beers. It is versatile enough to appeal to the light beer crowd, but is hoppy and flavorful enough for those like me that would rather take a punch in the teeth than to be stuck sipping a Bud, Miller, Coors, Busch, or Michelob. A reliable old friend that can be counted on to be there for me when others don’t show up, that’s my Summit EPA.

Oktoberfest: 2nd Place

Joe Lunchpail — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:58:58 +0000

Better than Schell, but not nearly as good as Surly. Interesting info provided by Wilbur. I was not aware of that. I imbibed a few of these at the State Fair this year and wasn’t particularly thrilled or disappointed with it.

The Best of Schell’s Line-up

Joe Lunchpail — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:51:52 +0000

Not that it takes much, but the Stout is far and away the most flavorful and impressive of all Schell beers. Looking more like a bottle of root beer that you might buy at Gander Mountain or Cabela’s than an actual bottle of the suds, it’s a bit deceiving to the eye. Good, bold choco-coffee stout flavor and heavy enough to fill the belly with warmth, I really enjoy this beer.

Third is the word

Joe Lunchpail — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:42:57 +0000

I have to agree with Rett here. Putting the Schell up against the Summit and Surly varieties is a guaranteed bronze for the New Ulm nectar. Not that its a bad beer, which it is not. It is just that it lacks the personality and “flava” of it’s Oktoberfest counterparts. On par with most Schell offerings, which always just seem to lack a little punch. Schell:the C-student Minnesota beer. Don’t get down, though, you can still be President.

Great. Northern. Porter.

Joe Lunchpail — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:25:33 +0000

That about sums it up. A solid porter that is a lot lighter in body than it looks. Good flavor and aroma. I like it.

Re: Summit Winter samplers

I, too, was a bit confused at the selections included in the sampler. Lord knows I would’ve liked to see the Oatmeal Stout and/or the Porter in the mix. Something to think about, Summit.

The hops define this beer

Joe Lunchpail — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:42:37 +0000

The extra hoppiness contributes wonderfully to the overall flavor character of this beer. It has the look and initial similarities to the other Oktoberfest beers, but the extra hop kick puts Surlyfest miles ahead of the competition, at least in my book. I felt like the aroma was a little like an old dishrag, leaving me thinking that I might not have washed my beer glasses properly, but, no, it was the beer. That would be my only dislike about this beer. Otherwise, the Surly boys have brewed up another winner. The can design is a beautiful touch as well.

What Wylbur said

Joe Lunchpail — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:51:10 +0000

Only in a less descriptive manner. I liked it, despite also having had some poor experiences with Brau beers in the past. This is a very drinkable beer and can be enjoyed by those that normally wrinkle their noses at the sound of the word “Stout”.

Unconvention-ale

Joe Lunchpail — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:35:31 +0000

While I’m not out slashin’ police cruiser tires and protesting, I am taking part in an even better aspect of this year’s RNC. The Convention Ale is a well carbonated, reddish hued beer with an excellent malt to hop balance. I can’t tell much by the aroma, but the taste is subtle and smooth. A very light malt flavor that doesn’t linger on the buds for too long, you don’t have to be a beer aficionado to appreciate this beer’s craftsmanship. Once again, the St. Paul water is doing it for me. I don’t even care if it’s daughter is knocked up or not, Flat Earth is bound to steal some votes with this one. Three cheers, four stars.