Beer - Page 3

A can of Reizendbier by Alementary Brewing Company with a colorful design featuring a vintage van, poppies, and a rainbow on a white background.

Reizendbier by Alementary Brewing Company: A Hefeweizen to Remember

I’ll admit, I picked up Reizendbier by Alementary Brewing Company mainly because I was on the hunt for a new craft Hefeweizen, and the can’s artwork caught my eye. I thought I had struck gold with this one. It was smooth and flavorful, free from any small brewer’s bitterness. It was a joy to drink. My only regret at the time? For the review, I only bought one can.

Reizendbier poured a cloudy, light golden color with a nice white head. While it didn’t have a strong aroma, that didn’t detract from its appeal. The real magic happened in the taste—this is where Reizendbier truly shone. It was perfect for a hot day—light enough to be fully refreshing yet packed with enough flavor to keep you interested.

Reizendbier was brewed with a balanced mix of 50% Pilsner malt and 50% wheat, complemented by European aroma hops, and fermented with a world-famous yeast. Alementary Brewing Company believed that sometimes style didn’t need creative input; it just needed to be made well. And brewed well, this beer certainly was.

Unfortunately, not all good things last. Alementary Brewing Company announced on January 29, 2024, that they were closing their business due to a contract business that fell through and a not-so-great fourth quarter in 2023. They closed their doors in April 2024, leaving a void in the craft beer community. Even outstanding beers can meet an untimely end, but Reizendbier remains a testament to their brewing excellence.

If you are lucky enough to find a can of Reizendbier on a shelf somewhere, don’t hesitate to buy it. It’s a delicious investment and a fitting tribute to a truly exceptional beer. Rest in peace, Reizendbier. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

  • Style: Hefeweizen-Style Wheat Beer
  • ABV: 5.25 %
  • IBUs: 10
  • Season: Year-round
  • Brewer: Alementary Brewing Company, Hackensack, New Jersey-based, craft microbrewery
A 12 ounce can of Greenport Harbor Brewing Beehave Summer Ale with a blue and white design on a white background.

Greenport Harbor Summer Ale Review: A Refreshing Taste of Summer in a Glass

Greenport Harbor’s seasonal Summer Ale hits the mark as an easy-drinking brew, perfect for unwinding on warm days or balmy nights. This golden ale pours a brilliant, sunlit hue, enticing the senses with its subtle wheat notes and a delicate floral aroma imparted by a touch of orange blossom honey. On the palate, it’s incredibly smooth and refreshing, with a balanced malt profile that provides a gentle sweetness, expertly countered by a crisp, clean finish. The beer boasts a moderate hop presence, adding a whisper of bitterness that lingers just enough to cleanse the palate and beckon another sip. This seasonal gem is a true embodiment of summer in a glass, offering a delightful and refreshing escape with every sip.

  • Style: Golden Ale
  • ABV: 5.3 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Seasonal: Summer
  • Tasting Notes: Moderate hops, brewed with a hint of orange blossom honey, offering a light, slightly sweet, and floral finish.
  • Brewer: Greenport Harbor Brewing Company, Greenport, New York-based craft brewery
A can of Rupee Mango Wheat Ale with a green and gold design on a white background.

Rupee Mango Wheat Ale Review: One of the Best Mango Beers

I’m a fan! My first thoughts on the Rupee Mango Wheat Ale: This is a damn good beer. It’s bursting with flavor, like biting into a ripe mango and chasing it with a refreshing beer. This might be one of the best fruit beers I’ve ever had. The balance is perfect. The mango dances on the tongue, perfectly integrated with the beer, making every sip a delightful experience. The aroma of mango excites the senses with each tip of the glass, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Crafted by a world-renowned master beer brewer and an award-winning Indian chef, Rupee Mango Wheat Ale is designed to complement Indian, spicy, and global cuisines. The ingredients, including mango, wheat, malted barley, and natural flavors, create a harmonious blend that pairs beautifully with various dishes. Whether you’re enjoying Indian, Thai, Asian, Mexican, Caribbean, BBQ, Middle Eastern, African, or Latin cuisine, this beer is a perfect match, including other spicy foods like one of my favorites, good-ole American buffalo wings.

The multi-award-winning Rupee Mango Wheat Ale follows a traditional Indian recipe with lower levels of carbonation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience, especially with spicy foods. If you’re a fan of fruity beers, this mango wheat beer is a surefire bet. It’s a worthy buy. If this blog had a rating system, it would be at its peak. Without a doubt, it stands out as one of the best mango beers on the market.

  • Style: Wheat Ale
  • ABV: 4 %
  • IBUs: 8
  • Brewer: Rupee Beer Company, Massachusetts-brewed, emerging craft brewery
A photo of a 16-ounce can of Captain Lawrence Brewing Company's Golden Delicious, an ale aged in apple brandy barrels.

Captain Lawrence Golden Delicious: A Knock You On Your A.. Beer Review

Buckle up, buttercup, because Captain Lawrence Brewing Company’s Golden Delicious is not your average beer. It’s more like a shot of brandy chasing a beer, or, for me, a beer chasing a shot of brandy. Either way, at 10% ABV, this apple-brandy-barrel-aged tripel is a potent brew that demands your full attention.

My first sip was a bit of a shock—a symphony of “Ahh!” and “What the…”—but like a fine wine (or a stiff drink), Golden Delicious mellows with each subsequent sip. The vanilla oak barrel flavor and the undeniable warmth of the alcohol gradually permeate your senses, transforming you into a full-fledged fan by the time you reach the bottom of the glass.

Just remember, this ain’t no regular beer. Don’t even think about cracking open a can of Golden Delicious if you’re behind the wheel. And if you plan on having more than one, make sure you’ve got a designated driver (or a comfy couch) and a few friends to help you walk.

As for accolades, Captain Lawrence claims Golden Delicious won first place in the 2023 Great International Beer Competition’s Strong Beer Category. And let’s not forget those shiny medals. The can also boasts a GABF Bronze Medal for Wood-and-Barrel-Aged Strong Beer in both 2008 and 2012. But honestly, who needs awards when you’ve got a beer this unique and unforgettable?

So, if you’re feeling adventurous and your liver is up for the challenge, give Golden Delicious a try. Just be prepared for a wild ride—and maybe have some aspirin on hand for the morning after.

  • Style: Belgian Tripel
  • ABV: 10%
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Awards: First place in the 2023 Great International Beer Competition’s Strong Beer Category
  • Awards: GABF Bronze Medal for Wood-and-Barrel-Aged Strong Beer in both 2008 and 2012
  • Brewer: Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Elmsford, New York-based craft brewery
A can of Captain Lawrence Orange Crusher Citrus Lager with a white background. The can features a white label with orange accents, displaying the Captain Lawrence Brewing Company logo at the top.

A Subtle Review of Captain Lawrence Orange Crusher

When I first laid eyes on the can of Orange Crusher Lager by Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, two things caught my attention: it was a lager, and it promised an orange flavor. In my mind, I envisioned a light, vibrant burst of citrusy goodness.

Based on my experience with other Captain Lawrence lagers, I expected it to be light in taste. Indeed, my first sip confirmed that this beer is subtle, with a mild bitterness and a delicate hint of orange peel and citrus. While it didn’t deliver an intense orange explosion, it offered a more nuanced and refined citrus touch, which makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a lightly flavored beer.

Orange Crusher Citrus Lager pours with a clear, pale yellow hue. The mouthfeel is light, crisp, and pleasantly carbonated. The slight citrus note keeps it interesting without being overbearing, and its lightness makes it incredibly easy to drink.

If you’re looking for a beer on the lighter side of the spectrum with just a hint of orange, Captain Lawrence Orange Crusher is the one for you. It’s a refreshing and pleasant option, especially for summer. Light and easy-going, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a subtly fruity beer. Its delicate citrus twist offers a mild yet enjoyable beer experience that’s definitely worth a try.

  • Style: Lager
  • ABV: 4.2 %
  • IBUs: N.A.
  • Brewer: Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Elmsford, New York-based, independently-owned craft brewery
Hell or High Watermelon American wheat beer by 21st Amendment Brewery'

A Hell or High Watermelon Storied Review

Years ago, my beer journey took a delightful turn with a sip of Hell or High Watermelon from 21st Amendment Brewery. Imagine a scorching summer day, a cozy beer bar by the park, and a group of friends after a satisfying bike ride. As a big fan of wheat beers, stumbling upon a watermelon-infused wheat brew on tap was a pleasant surprise. Curious, I took a sip. And wow, I was hooked.

That first taste sparked a hunt. Like a detective, I searched everywhere, hoping to find that elusive watermelon beer again. But alas, it disappeared like a fleeting summer breeze, leaving me wanting more. However, luck was on my side the following summer when, like an old friend, Hell or High Watermelon showed up again.

Fast forward to today. My palate has grown after sampling many fruity beers, yet I’m still in love with this American wheat. With each sip, memories of that first taste come flooding back. With its delicate, mellow watermelon essence and a crisp finish, Hell or High Watermelon is a quenching delight that’ll have you yearning for another sip.

Even though it’s not always available, I grab it whenever I can, especially in the hot summer months. To be real, a beer this good is worth waiting for. So, if you ever get the chance to try Hell or High Watermelon, consider yourself lucky. Enjoy it, savor it, and let its fruity charm take you to beer heaven. Here’s to the beer that started it all!

    • Style: American wheat brewed with real watermelon

    • ABV: 4.5 %

    • IBUs: 17

    • Seasonal: Available April through September

    • Brewer: 21st Amendment Brewery, San Leandro, California-based, independent craft brewery

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