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Beer Review #32: Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout

Bottle description: Big Bear, as the name implies, is a hefty black stout. This stout boasts a rich, caramel sweetness lavished by a robust deep roasted heartiness you can really sink your teeth into.

ABV: 8.1.%

My thoughts: There’s a strong aroma here that seems to me to be a blend of malt and caramel. While the ABV isn’t super high, I am able to pick up an undertone of alcohol odor in the aroma. The flavor is pretty interesting. The description claims a “rich, caramel sweetness,” but I have to disagree somewhat. Its got some sweetness, but it takes a seat in the back… way back. Imagine the flavor of caramel, but without 90% of the sweetness. That makes up the main part of the flavor. As I said, there is some sweetness in there, but it’s minimized. This is in no way a sweet beer. Mixed in somewhere with that caramel is a smoky sort of flavor. It provides a good counterpoint to the caramel and balances the overall smooth feel of the beer with a bit of a rough edge. It’s not all that carbonated, which I find pretty commonly with the stouts I’ve tried. It leaves a bit of a tart smoke aftertaste, which I rather enjoy. I almost never do this, but I’m gonna recommend a food pairing! I feel like this would pair well with cheese or something similarly rich and salty. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with this beer, and not just because its going to my head!

Number of times I’ve had it: 1 (22 ounce bottle)

Rating: 4/5

Location: Got this as a birthday gift and drank it at home.

Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout
Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout
 
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Posted by on June 5, 2016 in Beer

 

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Beer Review #25: Blue Moon First Peach Ale

Bottle description: Slightly tart with notes of peach and coriander.

ABV: 5.6%

My thoughts: This has a mild peach scent with slight undertones of malt. It tastes pretty peachy, which is nice. Its always a plus when a fruit based beer actually tastes like the fruit its allegedly made with instead of… well… nothing. Its got a sweet base with the promised slight tartness. You can taste the coriander as well (also surprising!) and it makes for a very nice contrast with the sweet fruit taste. Strong carbonation gives it a nice zing. Its got a very full body and is remarkably rich feeling. The color bears noting; its a rich, almost golden red color. It’s pretty eye catching and unique, which matches the unique flavor well. It leaves a very light and pleasant aftertaste that is reminiscent of its namesake fruit. I tore through a six pack of these pretty quick. It’s one of the more enjoyable beers I’ve had from Blue Moon. Their seasonals tend to be really hit or miss. I’m happy to say that this one was a solid hit.

Number of times I’ve had it: 6 (a six pack of 12 ounce bottles)

Rating: 5/5

Location: Bought the six pack at 7-Eleven and drank them at home.

Blue Moon First Peach Ale
Blue Moon First Peach Ale
 
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Posted by on May 29, 2016 in Beer

 

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