European-style pilsner
Southern Tier brewing
Lakewood, NY
12oz bottle, 5.2%abv
Like most euro pilsners, there's not a whole lot to this beer. What's there is quite good though. Light noble hop aroma, moderate but distinct pilsner malt flavor. Balanced, but crisp, dry, and refreshing. Not a great beer for this time of year, but it makes me dream of the hot summer day it would be perfect for.
Barleywine, 2010 vintage
Hair of The Dog brewing, Portland, OR
12 oz bottle, 11%abv
Since I don't have a dog anymore I figured I could crack open a dog-themed leftover xmas beer.
Pours dark gold with a fluffy white head that lasts well. Slightly cloudy, but that could've been my pour since it's bottle conditioned.
Aroma is rich toffee, toasty malt, and mild hops.
Flavor is big, but surprisingly balanced. Lots of big malt, toffee, and some really nice spiciness.
Finish is quite warm with a solid lingering bitterness. Nice and clean with none of the cloying sweetness that some barleywines exhibit.
Really, really yummy.
