My buddies and I had a bit of a beer tasting this weekend. Here are my bare-bones notes on what we had:
Moylans Hopsickle Imperial Ale - harsh way to start things off. I learned a valuable lesson from this beer: I don't like overly hoppy beer. Far too bitter for my taste. Hops were like punches to the jaw. Not my style.
Full Sail 21st Anniversary - now this one was much more like it! Less hoppy bitter and more of a "savory" barley and malted sweetness. Nice and smooth.
Bison Organic Belgian Ale - I'm still getting used to the different types of beer but this reminded me a lot of Blue Moon. Complex, vibrant taste with a strong sense of coriander. I liked this one.
Moylans Moylander Double IPA - another hop bomb, but this time thankfully not as unyielding as the Hopsickle. I've had IPAs before and enjoyed them but I must remember to stay away from double IPAs.
Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout - this was another winner for me. Reminded me a lot of Gosser. Not as dark and robust as a typical stout, but still very smooth, complex, and savory.
Bayhawk Chocolate Porter Ale - this one was the polarizing beer of the night as some liked it and others hated it. I've never had a lambic style before but this is what I'd imagine they'd be like. Not as creamy and thick as we were expecting. Fruity taste, heavy presence of raspberry. Had the aftertaste of wine. Personally, I liked this one however disappointing as it was. I was expecting something akin to Youngs Double Chocolate Stout which I love, but still this one was intriguing for me.
Yesterday had a bottle (not my first) of Killian's Irish Red. Much smoother than I would've imagined. Very much lager-style. I also picked up a bottle of Victory 12th Anniversary at Vendome.