Follow-up to Friday and Other New Things

Bison Organic Farmhouse Ale: This Belgian-style farmhouse ale (aka "Saison") is an incredibly faithful reproduction of the style. It uses a sour mash to impart some gentle sourness and acidity to the flavor which compliments the subtle spicyness and sparkling carbonation. The use of organic columbus hops from New Zealand (instead of one of the traditional "noble" hops) adds a slight citrusy twist to the beer. The yeast in this beer has worked hard, driving the abv. up to 8% and and creating a bone-dry, supremely refreshing finish. If you like Saison DuPont you really ought to try this beer. As an added bonus it comes in half-liter swing top bottles which can be refilled like miniature growlers at many local breweries. $5.70/500ml bottle

ReaperAle's Redemption Red: This is an excellent hoppy red. Not too bitter, not too tame, not too strong. Lively, fruity hop flavors intermingle with a complex maltiness highlighted by caramel, toffee and "crusty bread" flavors. In the finish it's fairly smooth, with just the right amount of bite to make you go back for more.


Avery Samael: I haven't had this monster of a beer yet, but it seems anything over 10% is bound to be a "love it" or "hate it" beer, and this demon approaches 15%. I checked out the beer geek sites to get some reviews and found some truly classic descriptions; this is my favorite:

"When I took my first sip of this, I let out a loud "F$@K"! This beer took me by surprise, I knew I was getting something strong, but not this. This is closet thing to brandy that a beer can get. The feel is thick, velvety and sticky. A strong aroma of caramel, toffee, and candy sugar prepares you for the taste of many flavors of candied sugar, molasses, raisins, pine and spice. Be careful, drink this slowly. It's worth every penny." ~Palidor19


Scaldis Prestige: Somehow we managed to get 12 more bottles of this impossibly good Belgian nectar. It's not cheap, but then again perfection comes at a price.

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Tags: Beer, Belmont Station, Bison Brewing, ReaperAles, Avery Brewing, Scaldis