Hello Friends -
For my first official blog entry, I wanted it to be on one of my favorite beers. Normally my fridge is stocked with a pretty decent variety. Meghan lets me keep a whole shelf full of beers, and I take full advantage. To the left is a quick peak on my current stock. This serves as a preview of what some of my next blog entries will analyze!
It was tough decision, as it always is, and I went with the Bell's Two Hearted Ale. I've probably had this beer about 20 or 30 times in my life. The beer poured well, with the head quickly developing, but also quickly subsiding. I was struck by its great, hoppy aroma I could smell from over a foot away. The taste was crisp, and refreshing, which is surprising given its a 7% alcohol beer. There was powerful citrus notes, but the hops were the overwhelming theme for this beer. I think Bell's Brewery classifies this as an IPA, but some might consider it a imperial IPA, because its notably stronger than my Sierra Nevada IPA benchmark. As I finish the beer, the hoppiness is subsiding, and some malt flavors start to take over. It's probably because my olifactory senses are tapped out from absorbing all those hop particles. Overall, this beer was delight to drink. I'm going to give it a 9.5 rating.
Thanks for reading - Cheers, Zack.
First, I like to say that I pride myself in being the first to comment on your blog! I think this is a terrific idea and you might have even inspired me to start my own blog...although I think mine might have a general all encompassing culinary theme and include recipes I create, restaurants I find delicious, and of course beer & wine reviews.
ReplyDeleteBut..since I am actually supposed to comment on your blog..my only critique at this point is how could you rate the first beer a 9.5? Does your scale max at 10 ? I consider 9.5 way hard to beat...unless your scale is going to be logarithmic or something and the difference between 9.5 and 10 is huge....So conclusion..you need to post a blog on what your scale is and how you are determining your ratings...this way I know when something is truly AMAZING and that I need to run to the store right now and buy it.
Cheers- can't wait to read more! I am going to bookmark this site!
Responding in your defense to the previous post (who I can only presume to be the typically self-absorbed Gen Y female who likely thinks this beer tastes “gross”) Bell's Two Hearted is obviously a 9.5 on a linear 10 point scale. This IPA was pre-sentient in the category and represents the finest in Mid-Western offerings. It stands head and shoulders above the school yard of IPA pubescents such as Sierra Nevada. It's only sad that so much of America has not been exposed to the hoppy, heady zing of this delightful beer. Not to mention the name and packaging are cool- who will join me floating on a keg of Two Hearted down the river of the same all in Hemingway's name?
ReplyDeleteContinue in your beer quest my good man, share your electronic draughts with a world of thirsty souls- Cheers!
Zack, I have also had the Bell's Two Hearted quite a few times. It is pretty good from a cask. Also, when doing these taste tests, look up at what temperature you should be drinking the beer at. You can ask Dad about this, but I have heard it can make a difference in the taste and smell of the beer.
ReplyDeleteIt would also be cool if you review peoples home brews (Dads) and give them the same critique you would a purchased beer.
And to Anonymous @ 1:29am: "Responding in your defense to the previous post (who I can only presume to be the typically self-absorbed Gen Y female who likely thinks this beer tastes “gross”)" hahahahaha, that is funny, you don't even know!
Thanks for taking a quick interest in my blog! It looks like my Dad forwarded the link out to his beer club friends. Awesome - the more readers the better! I appreciate the great comments and your added thoughts on the Two Hearted Ale. One comment though, Miranda isn't that typical Gen Y female who thinks beer is disgusting. She appreciates good beer just like the rest of us. In fact, she out drank our whole group at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver this past fall (although she did pass out drunk later that evening...). Thanks for reading. I'll publish another review over the weekend - I'm going back home to Michigan where I'm sure to have a lot of good brews! -Zack
ReplyDeleteI figured out who anonymous was! It was none other than Byron! LOL, good stuff. Cheers, Zack.
ReplyDelete