Gulden Draak Ale

Oh Gulden Draak. Where do I even begin?

This was one of my favorite new beers that I tried in 2012. I even got to have it on tap at Croxley Ales in Farmingdale. This Belgian beer has so much going for it, the taste, the smell...everything is phenomenal about it.

If I had to describe Gulden Draak I would say it's like a very flavorful piece of banana bread with a whole slew of fruits thrown in. Raisins, Cranberries, a caramelized flavor; all so good. The beer is sweet, but never once lets the drinker forget that it is a Belgian Ale, and a good one at that.

I've enjoyed Gulden Draak so many times and last night I decided to drink it out of one of my golden-rimmed goblets (I thought it was appropriate). The flavor never once lets up in this finely made beer.

At 10.5% ABV Gulden Draak is a lot stronger than most regular beers and the alcohol taste is obvious, but never overpowering. Everything used in the brewing ofthis beer balances out perfectly and the result is one of the best beers I have ever had.

Gulden Draak is great and anyone who wants to have a more fancy beer in their life should look no further than this Belgian masterpiece. I love Gulden Draak and you should too!

"The Perfect Crime" (Evil Twin / Stillwater / Stone)

While visiting Shoreline Beverage in Huntington, NY with my good pal Tom, I came across a third Stone Collaborations beer for 2012; "The Perfect Crime."

I was surprised to say the least and picked it up immediately. The Stone Collaborations are always something I'm interested in, especially since they are only brewed once and never again.

"The Perfect Crime," brewed by Evil Twin, Stillwater and Stone is a black smoked saison and a good one at that. After pouring it into my glass this is the beautiful sight I was met with:

This dark brown saison had the perfect amount of head when poured into my Ommegang glass. The first few sips were frothy and reminded me of a Guinness poured on tap. Definitely enjoyable.

As for the flavor it was mostly bitter (not too bitter!) with a smokey aftertaste that I enjoyed throughout drinking this 6.8% ABV beer.

I didn't care much for the last saison collaboration beer I tried, Saison Du Buff, but this one went down easily and I was never turned off by its flavor or smell. Overall a great beer and one I would drink again given the chance.

"The Perfect Crime?" More like the perfect beer!

 Evil Twin's Brewmaster Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergse's statement on "The Perfect Crime"

Anchor Steam Beer

Tonight's new beer to try is Anchor Steam Beer courtesy of Erica. Anchor Steam is a California Common/Steam Beer with an ABV of 4.9%. This type of beer is an American style lager that was originally brewed back in the 1800's when refrigeration wasn't as common it is today. During the brewing process shallow fermenters had to be used, which resulted in a very particular flavor.

I poured this one in my Three Philosopher's glass (one of my favorites!) and this is what I was greeted with:

The appearance of Anchor Steam Beer is a light orange/amber color and had a modest amount of head. The smell of the beer had a very pleasing malt aroma. I took a sip.

Right as Anchor Steam met with my tongue I experienced a grainy/malty flavor that reminded me of some of the first American lagers I tried as a younger Phil (Yuengling anyone?) except with a more refined taste.

As I continued to drink it I enjoyed the subtleness of it, but wasn't blown away in any regard. Anchor Steam is good, just not great. It also goes down easy.

If you're a beer drinker who loves the taste of beer, Anchor Steam is a good choice, whether you're expecting company of if you just want to enjoy a beer by yourself. For anyone else looking for something completely different than what they're used to, Anchor Steam is not the beer to fill that desire.

Looks pretty, the taste is just okay

Kona Pipeline Porter

This is my first Beer Blog post of the new year. I know what you're saying: "It's about *&%#^%$ time!" Well one of my resolutions for the new year is to write more often which includes posting as many beer blogs as I can! This includes trying more delicious beers and offering suggestions to any one of my readers in search of a new beer in their life. That being said here is my post on the first beer I decided to discuss this year: Kona Pipeline Porter.

Pipeline Porter is brewed with 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee beans and pours a dark brown color bordering on black. Out of the bottle, Pipeline Porter is filled with the aroma of coffee and has a very pleasant smell to it. The taste is even more endearing.

Pipeline Porter proudly displayed in my Three Philosophers Glass

Pipeline Porter doesn't taste like most beers. From the very first sip you know Kona has come up with something special. As I drank it the coffee taste wasn't overwhelming nor underwhelming. Every gulp of Pipeline Porter was enjoyable till the very end. 

Like I said it didn't even seem like I was drinking a beer, but instead a delicious iced coffee beverage. Out of all the coffee beers I have tried this is one of the best to enjoy with friends who appreciate light beers. It in no way compares to the richness of Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout, but it's a nice go to beer to have at social gatherings, especially if your friends like coffee.

Pipeline Porter has an ABV of 5.4% and is made my the Hawaiian brewing company Kona.