A Break from Summer with a Beer on a High Horse

Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast Stout

The coolest thing about Mikkeller is that it was originally 2 guys who were home-brewing and decided to move to a larger stage . They began to rent out space at breweries to create large batches. Now it is down to one guy, Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, who brews alone in breweries around Denmark (his home), Europe, and the U.S. But...

Have you ou ever had that friend that didn’t shut up? Who thought they were the best? The thing about them that everyone quickly realized was that, while they were good enough to get away with the trash talk, they were no where near the best. While I really respect Mikkeller, that’s kind of how this beer is.

Don’t get me wrong, this kid can play in the big leagues; it’s a great beer, with an awesome smell, and balanced flavor. I really enjoyed this beer despite the fact that I was drinking a stout on a day where the temperature was pushing a hundred and the air was more humid than a rain forest.

The reason I compare this beer to the friend that talks too much is ‘cause of the price tag. It’s usually $15+ at the cheapest. While it’s a great beer, 15+ dollars for a 16 oz beer is just a bit on the crazy side. Drop that price, cut the unnecessary hype, and this beer is a thing of beauty.



QUICK TASTE

Mikkeller, Beer Geek Breakfast Stout

Nøgne Ø, Norway.

ABV% 7.50

Beer Style: Imperial Stout

Appearance: Dark Brown, little translucence, think dark brown head

Aromatics: Smelled of coffee and roasted/burnt flavors, malty

Taste: Strong coffee flavor, hint of malty sweetness, and bitter chocolate

Notes: This beer was rough on a day pushing 100 degrees, it was a good beer but I expected more from the hype and the price

Score: 80

Summer In The City

Brooklyn Summer Ale

So, to continue my summer beer theme, I recently picked up a bottle of Brooklyn Summer Ale. I did this partially because I knew I was going to be in Brooklyn a few days later... unfortunately the brewery is only open on the weekends and I was only there on a Tuesday. Such is life.

The first thing I noticed about this beer was a very unique smell. It’s neither good, nor bad; just very unique and strong. The aroma that I’m talking about is very sweet and grainy, but I can’t put my finger on the exact scent, though I did notice the same smell when I walked around the outside of the brewery. If anyone can define it please tell me, because I couldn’t find what I was looking for on BeerAdvocate.

As far as summer beers go this beer is a PAR beer. It’s refreshing and not offensive; nothing special and nothing disappointing. The normal summer beer grainy flavors and fruity notes are present and accounted for. All in all, if you want a cold beer for a hot day (like the day I spent in NYC), then its a good, refreshing way to go.

QUICK TASTE

Brooklyn, Summer Ale

Brooklyn, NY

ABV% 5.00

Beer Style: English Pale

Appearance: Clear, golden amber, with a thin to medium size white head

Aromatics: Smells of fruit and bread and something else I cant identify.

Taste: Very grainy, hops are present but only ever so slightly, some apple-like flavors

Notes: Beer is like every other summer beer. Nothing special, slightly refreshing, bland flavor at best, It actually smells like the Brooklyn Brewery which I visited the day after I tasted it.

Score: 73

Local Love Falls Short

Hanger 24 Orange Wheat

Everyone loves his or her local watering hole, no matter how bad it actually is. Local breweries are very much the same way. Two years ago my local brewery, Hangar 24, opened (Happy 2nd Anniversary, btw) in Redlands, CA. Their flagship beer is the Orange Wheat. It appeals to the local history of the area, which was once covered in orange groves, even going so far as to have many of their logos mimic orange crate labels.

There is not a bar in my area where you cannot at least get a pint of Orange Wheat, if not a few of Hanger 24’s other beers. But is it a great beer?

The short answer is: I don’t think so… but, I do think it is the perfect beer for the Inland Empire area. My reasons? Inland Empire is hot as balls all year round (seriously.) and Orange Wheat is a refreshing, low alcohol wheat beer. Second, it appeals to the locals and local history. Finally, what it lacks in innovation and creativity it makes up for with a orange flavor that will certainly please the average beer drinker.

QUICK TASTE

Hanger 24, Orange Wheat

Redlands, CA

ABV: 4.60%

Beer Style: American Wheat Ale

Appearance: Cloudy golden color, ¼ inch thin head

Aromatics: Oranges, a bit of grainy hay smells

Taste: Sweet, not much bitterness, tart and very refreshing

Notes: A well-made beer but nothing exciting or overly unique, Smart advertising placement

Score: 79