Beer

330ml bottle of Kyoto White Yuzu Ale by Kizakura Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. Captured for a Denimbmc.com taste review blog post, showcasing its label and bottle design.

Kyoto White Yuzu Ale Review—Crisp Citrus from Japan

Kyoto White Yuzu Ale by Kizakura Sake Brewing Co. is a refreshing Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with Japanese yuzu and coriander. It opens with a clean citrus aroma and pours golden with a light haze. The first sip brings mild, fruity yuzu upfront, layered over a smooth wheat body with subtle spice notes and a slightly bitter, peel-like finish.

The body is light and smooth with just enough carbonation to keep things crisp. It also comes with an easy-opening pull tab bottle cap—not something you see every day, but it fits the beer’s approachable vibe. If you’re into Belgian Whites and want a well-made, citrus-forward variation with a Japanese twist, Kyoto White Yuzu Ale is worth seeking out.

  • Style: Belgian White style with “Yuzu”
  • ABV: 5.0 %
  • IBUs: 20.3
  • Available: Year-Round
  • Brewer: Kizakura Sake Brewing Co., based in Kyoto, Japan
Can of Barrel of Monks Single in Havana Blonde Ale with Guava, red and teal label, on white background.

Barrel of Monks Single in Havana Review

Barrel of Monks Single in Havana is an exceptionally light and subtly flavored beer. Right from the pour, you’re greeted by a faint yet inviting aroma of guava and citrus. True to its description as a Belgian-inspired blonde ale, this brew delivers a very mild taste, with guava notes present but quite subtle, approaching almost watered-down territory.

This beer’s charm is in its simplicity and crisp finish. At just 4.5% ABV, Single in Havana is refreshingly easy to drink, perfect for those who prefer lighter beers or desire something gently flavored without heavy sweetness. While the guava presence doesn’t dominate, it adds a pleasant touch that lifts the beer from being just another blonde ale into something more intriguing and enjoyable.

Overall, Single in Havana may not thrill drinkers looking for intense fruit flavors or bold complexity, but it’s certainly a winning choice if a clean, refreshing, and sessionable beer with a delicate hint of tropical fruit appeals to you.

A can of Sullivan's Brewing Company's Maltings Irish Ale standing upright on a white background

Review of Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Ale

Sullivan’s Brewing Company’s Maltings Irish Ale pours a dark ruby red with modest carbonation. The aroma greets you with pleasant notes of caramel and malt, making each tilt of the glass inviting. The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and toasty malt flavors, with hints of caramel and a mildly bitter finish. It has a medium body and is very easy to drink, free from any major flaws or distracting bitter notes. The finish is dry and swift, leaving you wanting more. Overall, it’s a solid choice and one of the better red ales I’ve tasted.

The beer has a pleasant caramel sweetness and some mild fruit notes. The flavors are rich and malty, with a balanced touch of hops that provide a slight bitterness without overwhelming the palate. The mouthfeel is smooth and clean, with a medium body and just the right amount of carbonation to keep it refreshing.

If you’re a fan of red ales or simply enjoy a well-balanced beer, Sullivan’s Maltings Irish Ale is worth a try. Its rich, malty character and easy drinkability make it a standout in its category.

A can of Blue Moon Mango Wheat beer, photographed on a white background, for a Denimbmc.com blog review. The can features bright yellow-orange packaging with a mango illustration.

Review of Blue Moon Mango Wheat Beer

Blue Moon Mango Wheat is a beer that delivers exactly what it promises—a smooth, easy-drinking wheat ale with a punch of mango flavor. I first tried this beer at a big-chain steakhouse, where it stood out as the most intriguing option on the menu. It was refreshing and enjoyable enough for me to go through multiple tall glasses. A year later, I stumbled upon it in six-packs at my local Whole Foods Market and had to revisit it to see if it held up to my memory.

The aroma is undeniably mango-forward, leaning toward a ripe, juicy sweetness. However, while the label touts the use of real mango, the flavor leans slightly artificial, with a mild bitterness in the finish.

A glass of Blue Moon Mango Wheat beer with a can beside it, taken inside the Williamsburg Garment Company studio to showcase how the beer pours and looks.
Blue Moon Mango Wheat beer, freshly poured in a glass.

That said, it’s an easy-drinking, refreshing brew that works well for a hot summer day. There aren’t a lot of mango wheat beers out there, so if you’re a fan of fruity wheat ales, Blue Moon Mango Wheat is a solid choice. It may not be the most complex mango beer, but it’s an enjoyable and accessible option that I’d happily buy again.

  • Style:  Fruited Wheat Ale
  • ABV: 5.4 %
  • IBUs: 19
  • Available: Year-Round
  • Awards: Silver Medal, Fruit Wheat Beer 2016 Great American Beer Festival®
  • Calories: 175 per 12 fl. oz. (355ml) serving size
  • Brewer: Blue Moon Brewery, based in RiNo District of Denver, Colorado, is owned by Molson Coors brewery
Two glasses on a table, left filled with Montauk Pumpkin Ale showing a darker hue and creamier head, right filled with Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale, lighter in color.

New York Pumpkin Ales Face-Off: Brooklyn Brewery vs. Montauk Brewing

In the realm of New York State pumpkin ales, both Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale and Montauk Brewing Company’s Pumpkin Ale offer lighter takes on this seasonal favorite, each with its own unique flair.

Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale is marked by its lighter color and a head that vanishes quickly, offering a refreshing clarity in its presentation. It boasts a straightforward pumpkin flavor that headlines its profile, complemented by a subtle blend of spices. This makes it an exceptionally refreshing choice, perfect for those who appreciate a pumpkin ale that’s flavorful yet not overpowering. Its clean finish and balanced taste make it highly approachable and enjoyable.

Montauk Pumpkin Ale, while also on the lighter side, introduces a spicier kick and a notable hoppy character. It pours a little darker and features a creamier, more persistent head. Spices like nutmeg and earthy cinnamon are slightly more pronounced than in the Post Road, appealing to those who enjoy a spicier touch. However, it shares a similar lightness in body and flavor, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit of spice without the heaviness often associated with pumpkin ales. The finish here is slightly bitter, adding a distinct touch to its overall profile.

While both ales are crafted for those who prefer a milder pumpkin experience, Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road Pumpkin Ale edges out slightly for those seeking a cleaner, more refreshing taste, whereas Montauk’s offering will appeal to those who enjoy a gentle spice presence with a hoppy note in their brew. Both are excellent choices for a light, enjoyable pumpkin ale experience.

Curious to see where each of these beers ranks among other contenders? Check out our “A Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked” to see how Brooklyn Brewery’s Post Road and Montauk Brewing’s offerings compare to other top pumpkin ales this season.

Bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales' Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout standing on a white background, showcasing its intricate Halloween-themed label with pumpkin and spooky decorations.

Indulge Your Senses: A Review of Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout

Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout is a truly decadent experience, and it earns its spot high on my pumpkin beer rankings. This isn’t your average fall seasonal; it’s a luxurious sipper meant to be savored. The beer pours an opaque black, hinting at the richness within. The aroma is an intoxicating blend of bourbon, pumpkin, coffee, vanilla, maple, and pumpkin pie spice, all layered over a base of roasted malt. It’s like sticking your nose in a freshly baked pumpkin pie spiked with a shot of espresso.

A bottle of Prairie Artisan Ales’ Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout next to a glass filled with the beer, showcasing its nearly flat pour and minimal head on a white countertop.

On the palate, those aromas translate into a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The bourbon barrel aging adds warmth and depth, while the coffee and roasted malt provide a grounding bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The pumpkin and spice notes are definitely present, but they don’t overwhelm, playing harmoniously with the other elements. This is a full-bodied stout with a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish. While it might be a bit too intense for an everyday beer, it’s absolutely perfect for those occasions when you’re looking to indulge in something truly special.

  • Style: Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
  • ABV: 13.9 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Prairie Artisan Ales, based in Oklahoma, is a craft brewery.

Read our blog post “A Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” to find out where Pumpkin Maple Marty Imperial Stout by Prairie Artisan Ales ranks in our top pumpkin beers list.

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