Sunday, September 8, 2013

Beer Review: Sam Adams Belgian Session

I decided that since last week's beer review was so much fun, both the writing and the drinking, that decided to do another. We're still making our way through our recent variety pack. This week the brew of choice was a Sam Adams' Belgian Session. 



This little baby is another seasonal brew which is apparently now out of season. I promise this isn't on purpose it was just luck of the draw. I really like me some Sam Adams. It's not Abita, but it still won't steer you wrong. 

Company Description: 
A crisp, refreshing version of a traditional Belgian beer.  Fruity, slightly spicy flavors from the Belgian yeast are balanced by toffee and caramel notes from our blend of malts while the hops provide a citrus character that rounds out this enjoyable brew.

Pairs well with Boston Lager Steamed Rice, French Onion Soup and Caesar Salad. 

I didn't pair this with any food so I can't tell you how it mixes. The wife and I were so banged up Wednesday that we skipped yoga and caught up on Walking Dead. While we relaxed I grabbed this little baby hoping a little buzz would dull the ache in my arms. Worked like a charm.

Now, I was a little nervous when I saw "citrus character" on the label. I was afraid it would be like an IPA. Stew just doesn't do IPAs. Luckily it was barely an aftertaste as were the fruit notes. Nothing overpowered the main beer taste and it was all complimentary. As my friend Phil would say, it tasted good and I got a little buzz. I'll definitely buy it again when it's available. I give it five Hops.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Beer Review: Abita Fall Fest

In the past I've been accused of being a beer snob. Now, this was from a man who's idea of beer begins and ends with Bud light. Hey, if I wanted to drink water I'd buy some Dasani. Today I've decided to embrace my inner snob and do a beer review. 

Our local grocer allows you to create your own variety 6 pack. My darling wife and I frequently take the opportunity to try new beers. Today we made a random selection of 6 that we had never tried. 


We started with two since we aren't drunks after all. My wife tried the Blue Moon Blackberry Tart Ale. I opted to try the Abita Fall Fest. The Fall Fest is a seasonal beer only brewed from September – November. 

Company Description:

Abita Fall Fest is an Octoberfest-style lager brewed with pale, Munich and caramel malts. iI is hopped with German Perle and Hallertau hops. The result is a full-bodied, malty lager with a bright amber color. Cheese pairings include Gruyère and Swiss-style cheeses.

Suggested temperature: 42°
Suggested glassware: pint, pilsner, goblet, stein or stange. 

Being one of those boys round here I decided to forgo the glass and drink straight from the bottle. I did pair it with my wife's cheesy buffalo chicken dip. The result? More deliciousness than you could imagine. 

I'm a big fan of amber ales. I'm a big fan of Abita. Needless to say I'm a big fan of Abita's regular Amber brew. This Fall Fest had just a little less malt to it but was simply delicious. It also brought out the flavor of the dip like it wasn't no thing. 

If you like ambers, and you should, then. I highly recommend this beer. The window is fairly narrow to get your hands on it so don't wait. Oh, and save me one.