Monday, February 28, 2011

Narragansett Introduces Bock Beer

NARRAGANSETT INTRODUCES BOCK CRAFT BREW, RELEASED IN 16oz TALLBOY CANS

Specialty Seasonal Beer Offers Elegant, Spicy Flavor with Full Body and Balanced, Smooth Finish

March 1, 2011; Providence, RI – The Famous Narragansett Beer announces the seasonal release of its spring craft brew, Narragansett Bock. Distributed throughout New England at leading package stores, bars and restaurants, Bock will be available on draught and, for the first time, in ‘Gansett’s signature 16oz. Tallboy cans.

Narragansett Bock is brewed under the supervision of award-winning Brewmaster Sean Larkin at Trinity Brew House in Providence, RI and Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT with light and dark Munich malts, Pilsner malt, Malted Wheat, and hopped with Northern Brewers and Hallertau hops. A traditional Bavarian helles lager beer, Narragansett Bock is deeply flavorful with a rich golden color and full body. Drier, hoppier, and slightly more bitter than a traditional bock, it still has a relatively low hop flavor, making for an extremely approachable craft experience. Narragansett Bock is 6.5% Alcohol by Volume and 32 IBUs.

Narragansett Bock originally debuted in the 1930s after the repeal of Prohibition. Its popularity grew quickly due in large part to the annual Bock Beer Festivals held on the brewery’s grounds each spring. The English translation of ‘Bock’ is literally ‘ram,’ and is the reason that the ‘Gansett’s Bock Tallboy can features the animal in paying homage to German lore surrounding the beer’s history. Many believe the brew’s name originates from the abundance of billy goats that descended from the mountains in spring when the beer was brewed, while others claim that the term was used metaphorically to reference the strength of the beer.

For further information on Narragansett Bock or to find a retailer near you, visit: www.narragansettbeer.com/products/bock.

ABOUT NARRAGANSETT BEER:
Narragansett Beer….. Brewed since 1890, ‘Gansett is a straight-forward, quality beer that has been a New England tradition for generations, producing a classic family of award winning American lagers & ales. Today ‘Gansett is produced at top-rated breweries in Rochester, NY and Latrobe, PA, with their craft-brews being produced in Providence, RI and Pawcatuck, CT. Narragansett Lager is available for purchase in local restaurants, bars and liquor stores throughout New England, Florida, Southern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Western North Carolina.

Thirsty for more? Visit: www.narragansettbeer.com.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild

Little Sumpin' Wild poured a clear, golden yellow color with a two fingered width, off white head.  The aroma is amazing,  a little wheat but dominated by a fruity sweetness that reminds me of a stick of juicy fruit gum.  A perfect balance between a weak aroma and an overbearing one. 

The body is smooth, with a wheat base, and a little sugar from some faint fruit.  There is a little alcohol warmth on the backend before a finish that has a little bitterness that increases as the beer wears on. 

Overall, this is another very good beer from Lagunitas.  A dangerously easy drinking 7.5% ABV beer, Lagunitas has become very good at making style stretching beers. 

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

North Coast Old Rasputin

Old Rasputin poured a dark brown, blackish color with a thin, pen width, brown head.  The aroma is rich, with plenty of darker malts.  The body is smooth, low levels of carbonation with almost a creamy mouthfeel.  There is a little sweetness up front, and a roasted malt backbone.  The finish is pleasant, dry with decent length without overwhelming.  Overall, this is a very tasty beer that seems a little out of style.  Classified as a Russian Imperial Stout that measures 9% ABV, there is not hint of alcohol and is incredibly easy drinking. While there is plenty of flavor, the nose, depth, and finish are all not what I expected from a RIS.  Style guidelines or not, Old Rasputin is a damn fine beer that would be welcome in my fridge anytime.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Flying Fish Exit 4

Exit 4 poured a cloudy, golden yellow color with a thumb width, white head.  The nose is nice, with some hops that compliment a typical malt backed triple aroma.  The body has an almost creamy middle with a little carbonation on the edges.  The body is complex, with a touch of sweetness up front with a malt base and a hoppy edginess.  The finish has a pefect weight, leaving a light, lingering bitterness.

Overall, this is just an awesome beer, one of the best that I have had in a long time.  It has everything you would want in a beer, a great aroma, balance, complexity, and it hides its 9.5% ABV about as well as any beer I have ever had.  This is the definition of the American Tripel style.