4 Brew Tasters - "All-Star" Line-up

Hey all, I went back to visit my good friends at the Hop and Vine Neighbourhood Pub in Burnaby, and just needed to try something good. They've always got something I like, and something I've never tried. This time around, I decided to try 4 new tasters with a good friend of mine.

The brews will be reviewed from Left to Right (as pictured below).

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - Oro De Calabaza (8% ABV)
New Belgium - Spring Blonde Ale (6% ABV)
Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA (6.6% ABV)
Phillips Bottle Rocket ISA (5% ABV)
@ Hop and Vine Neighbourhood Pub, Burnaby BC
Photo: Andrea

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - Oro De Calabaza (8% ABV)
The first one I tried was the Oro De Calabaza from Jolly Pumpkin. Before ordering it, I'd never even heard of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. Well, there's a good reason why. They're based out of Michigan, which is more than just a stone's throw away.

The smell is initially sort of sour, with little or no hops detected. I guess that's the best way to describe it, as there are definitely some tart fruit notes. I think I definitely pick up apples, sour cherries, and perhaps something citrus-y. Either way, this is something I never would have expected. It smells delicious!

On first sip, the first thing I noted before the taste was how light-bodied this brew is. The fact that it's 8% is masked so well by the flavouring. It stands out as a fruity ale to me, as there is so much packed punch in this beer, it's impossible to resist it. With every sip, the flavours become a little different and a little stronger, in a good way.

Overall, this brew is phenomenal. I had no idea a name like Jolly Pumpkin could carry such magnitude. Thank you guys, and if this is what the norm is for you guys, I can't wait to try more of your brews!

The Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - Oro De Calabaza gets a taste-bud-ovation 9.0 / 10


New Belgium - Spring Blonde Ale (6% ABV)
Next on the list is a name I've heard again and again in the craft beer world. Everyone is going nuts over Fat Tire from New Belgium (which is actually quite delicious), but then you get the brand-loyal people (just think of any over-indulgent Apple worshipper). So I'm here to set the record straight. Did New Belgium really pull it off again this time?

This is a bit funny because I had to check the markings on the taster platter just to see what was what. The Spring Blonde Ale is almost the same colour as the Oro De Calabaza. But, onto the nose of the beer, notes of citrus and a standard blonde ale smell. Nothing too special yet.

On first sip, this brew puts up a small front of initial tartness, but continues with a smooth and delicious follow-through, topped off with a crisp finish. I think they've done it again. Albeit I do like their Fat Tire much better as it's a more heavier-bodied ale (two completely different brews). The blonde ale is actually quite good here.

If you're not a fan of darker beers, and you just got off work, pick up a pack of this and relax on the patio.

The New Belgium - Spring Blonde Ale gets a maybe-blondes-do-have-more-fun 8.5 / 10


Sierra Nevada - Ruthless Rye India Pale Ale (6.6% ABV)
Out comes the Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA. Everything I've had from Sierra Nevada before has been quite good, so I had some solid expectations for this brew. Think it followed through?

The smell of this IPA brought me back to the reason why I love IPA brews so much. You know that Team America theme song (from the movie)? That's pretty much what was going through my head. I smelled earthiness and orange peel, with a hint of pine. I'm guessing the earthy smell was from the rye.

The initial taste reveals what the nose detected. However, I didn't get an overload of anything. I'm used to being steam-rolled with flavour in most IPA brews. Although it caught me by surprise, the lack of smack, I quite enjoyed it. The flavour notes were present, and the lingering after-taste was quite pleasant.

If you're a fan of craft beer, and want to get into a good IPA that won't scar you for life, this one's for you.

The Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye India Pale Ale gets a big-bark-without-the-bite 8.0 / 10


Phillips Brewing - Bottle Rocket India Session Ale (5% ABV)
Now, a turn from one of my favourite BC breweries. If you don't know what an India Session Ale is, you would have been in the same boat as me. In a nutshell, an ISA is essentially the "light" version of the IPA. It is supposed to still be flavourful, but with less of a punch. I'm not sure if this is a new trend, but I'm going to give it a go anyway.

The smell of this brew holds some citrus, and some pine, with a little bit of hops. It doesn't smell like it'll do any damage to me whatsoever.

On first sip, the notes of citrus and pine come across more, mildly flavoured with some bitterness of hops. It's a great mix of flavours, and a new style of brew to savour, that's for sure. There's not a lot to say about this brew. I've described the smell, the general taste (similar to the smell), and it's just a good, easy-drinking beer with real flavour to it.

If you want to step out of your econo-lager comfort zone, this is probably the way to go. I give this bonus points for being that transition beer that we can finally get all of our "Vitamin-P" drinking friends into.

I think the folks at Phillips Brewing did an excellent job hitting the target of the ISA. Whether I like it or not determines my score, though.

The Phillips Brewing - Bottle Rocket India Session Ale gets a we-could-drink-this-all-night 8.0 / 10

GIB - False Creek Raspberry Ale!

Now I know you're going to bug me about this one, seeing as GIB is owned by the big guns of the beer industry, but if you're a newbie to craft brews, this one's for you! Plus, I don't think I've ever reviewed this one before on Brewji :)

This is a little something different, if all you're used to drinking is "whatever's cold". Granville Island has sent me stuff in the past, but seeing as I can't get a hold of their PR people anymore (maybe it's because I like beer too much?), I decided to go out and order a pint of their False Creek Raspberry Ale (ABV 4.5%; IBU 11).

Those of you who've tried this brew before know damn well that it's a hit. There's a reason why they brew it year after year. It's not going to be at the top of the chain of summer beers like the Steamworks Raspberry Frambozen, or even along the lines of the Helles Lager from Central City Brewing, but this is a stepping stone into the world of discovering new brews.

Granville Island Brewing - False Creek Raspberry Ale
@ Boston Pizza, Coquitlam B.C.    Photo: Brewji

Aside from the picture, which was taken at a dimly lit Boston Pizza in Coquitlam, it pours a pink-ish copper hue. It sort of looks like someone squirted syrup in the beer. But don't worry, I don't think they did. It also pours well with a slight quarter inch of head.

It smells like raspberry mixed with a bit of different sweetness, perhaps honey? There's also a little bit of hops to the nose. On first sip, you get a bit of sweetness and slight tartness from the raspberry taste. It's nothing super special, but a definite splash of colour if you're using to drinking Canadian. On the end taste, you do get a slight linger of raspberry and a grain-y taste. It still tastes like an ale, which is great, because a lot of the fruit-y beers out there taste more like coolers.

Overall, this brew is a solid patio beer. It's a brew where I wouldn't mind splitting a pitcher with someone, on a hot summer day, outside on the patio. Right now as I look outside, it's raining in Rain-couver, but there's sun in the distant forecast.

In the end, grab these while they're still in season! If you've never had one before, it's a no-brainer. Easily a repeat-purchase brew, as it's consistently good and well-liked during the summer.

The GIB - False Creek Raspberry Ale gets an I'll-have-another 8.0 / 10

Double Brew Review from Big River!

So I went bowling the other night with a few friends, and what do ya know, they serve craft beer! I called Dibs on not driving (I made Mike do it), and got some serving staff down to our lane. I tried to order their stout, but apparently they had run out.

So I kind of gave them the "I love beer", and "What do you have, I'm thirsty" spiel. The server that we got said he usually works behind the bar, and his beer knowledge was impressive. I eventually told him I'm Brewji, and after ordering the River Pilot ESB (ABV 5.5%; 40 IBU) from Big River Brewing Co., he brought me a couple of tasters!

The tasters were impressive, so I decided to order something that wasn't on the menu yet -- the Shiva Session White IPA (ABV 5%; 64 IBU). What does that mean? That means a double brew review, on Brewji!

I apologize in advance for the quality of the pictures. It was "Cosmic Bowling" which means black-lights (that are actually blue-ish in hue). I tried to do a quick colour-correction job, but seeing as my dinky old iPhone 4 can't take pictures to save its rotten core (see what I did there, Apple?), I just work with what I got.

First up, the River Pilot ESB!

Big River Brewing Company - River Pilot ESB @ The Zone Bowling Centre, Coquitlam B.C.
Photo: Brewji

In reality, the Pilot ESB poured a beautiful glowing amber colour, copper-y if you will. It had a full half inch of head, and smelled like malt, toffee, and some floral hops. This is definitely one of those rich kind of beers that you like to savour before you sip.

On first taste, it was actually not so bitter. I expected more of a punch, but instead it was like watching a Sedin twin throw a body check (come on now, they're skilled, but none of them have ever thrown a solid body check in their careers).

Of course, the flavours were all there, delicious like the smell. There wasn't anything that stood out aside from what the nose brought it. However, the lack of oomph from the ESB might bring this down a notch. Otherwise, a delicious repeat for sure! A definite transition brew for anyone looking to step onto the ESB playing field.

The Big River Pilot ESB gets a two-pins-short-of-a-strike 8.0 / 10

__

Okay, so I was a little disgruntled that the ESB didn't pack enough of a punch, so then I ordered the Shiva Session White IPA (ABV 5%; 64 IBU). Now that I look it up, it's apparently made by "Fuggles &Warlock Craftworks" but brewed at Big River Brewing Co.

This was something to savour in a bowling alley. I've never in my life had the opportunity to do any sort of craft beer tasting while bowling before. This is a feat that I can always mention in games of Never-Have-I-Ever (you know, before the dirty stuff kicks in).

Back on topic, the brew poured a pale yellow-ish blonde colour, with a little bit of head. The nose is fresh, citrus-y, hoppy, and sort of like someone spilled a couple drops of Five Alive juice somewhere near me.

Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks - Shiva Session White IPA - Brewed at Big River Brewing Co.
@ The Zone Bowling Centre, Coquitlam B.C.  --  Photo: Brewji

The taste is very citrus-y and hoppy. Oh, and it finishes with a violent hop-rush. It's quite overly bitter near the end, but it's a solid brew. I don't think I'm enough of a hop-head to take this much citrus and hops all at once. However, I do get some Belgian yeast flavour...I think.

Overall, this brew is definitely for the hop-head out there who wants a little something different. I personally would recommend to try it once, but I can't see myself with a full pint any time soon. I'd definitely take it in a taster session though!

The Shiva Session White IPA gets a you're-not-ugly-you're-unique 7.5 / 10

Belle Royale Sour Cherry Wild Ale - Driftwood Brewery

This is a limited edition brew from the wonderful folks at Driftwood Brewery, in Victoria. They're famous for producing one of Canada's best IPA brews, called Fat Tug. However, this time they went a little sour...in a good way.

I got my hands on a 650mL bottle of the Belle Royale - Sour Cherry Wild Ale from Driftwood Brewery (8% ABV). I was so excited to dive into this one, because after trying such champion brews like Fat Tug, Crooked Coast, and Farmhand, I was tempted to see if they'd finally produced a beer I might not like, or if they continued their strength.

Keep in mind, this is a sour brew, and it's 8% ABV. This is probably going to hit like a slap in the face, but I'm down if it's from Driftwood.

Belle Royale Sour Cherry Wild Ale from Driftwood Brewery
@Brewji

On first pour, it's a deep, dark red colour while pouring, but settles into the glass looking like a dark ale. The aroma smells like cherry. Straight up big hits of cherry, but there are also sour notes looming among the cherry.

The taste is very sour -- it hit me harder than I thought it would. But it balanced out right away with just enough sweetness to balance the tart. It sort of tastes like one of those Sun Rype fruit leather things infused in a fruity dark ale, in a good way. There's a sweetness of fruits, perhaps not just cherries. There are some wood-like notes (maybe oak?) in it as well. However, it did have a slightly funky taste to it.

Does that make sense? Just be careful, it's a strong brew, so one glass will probably be good for sipping. Definitely not a "hey-look-at-how-fast-I-can-drink-this!" type of brew.

There's a moderate carbonation to the brew, and it's really a side-step to most beer produced by any major brewery in Canada. If you're new to taking a step away from an econo-lager, I'd recommend something else first. This might be too much for a newbie to handle. However, if you're really game, go for it!

I'm not sure if this is still available anywhere, but if you find it, go for it. It's a unique brew experience that any craft beer appreciator should enjoy.


The Belle Royale - Sour Cherry Wild Ale gets a sour-and-satisfying 8.5 / 10


P.S. I used the last table-spoon or so of my brew, and mixed it with Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream that I found in my freezer. It was incredible.

Stanley Park Brewing Wit

A couple of months ago, Stanley Park released their Wit beer, and I was going to receive a sample to review. However, their third-party courier service decided to brew-block me and it mysteriously "disappeared". However, thanks to the fine staff at SPB, they hand-delivered this beautiful package to my door! I'll start this review by thanking them for this.

Stanley Park Brewing Wit (Belgian Style Wheat Beer) @ Brewji

I've been looking forward to putting something up from Stanley Park Brewing, seeing as I really enjoyed their Amber, and their Pilsner is up to par as well. I received an entire 6-pack of the Stanley Park Brewing Wit (Belgian Style Wheat Beer) (5.0% ABV; 16 IBU). The first thing I want to point out is that they have a little neck-tie of a guide around a couple of the bottles in the package.

Stanley Park Brewing Wit (Belgian Style Wheat Beer) @ Brewji
"Witual" Label

It explains their "Witual" (witty!), whereby you pour in 2/3 of the beer as per usual, do a little swirl with what's left on the inside, and pour the rest in. I'm guessing that this is so you don't leave any ingredients left behind. Then again I was never a big fan of wheat beers, so perhaps I should do my research on that?

Nonetheless, I can happily say I followed their "Witual" to achieve the desired pour.

Stanley Park Brewing Wit (Belgian Style Wheat Beer) @ Brewji

On first sniff, I get mild yeast-y banana notes, and a hint of orange zest. I think I have to give them props on that, I haven't had such a distinct, polite nose in a long time. Diving in to the first sip, it starts with a mouth full of wheat-y yeast goodness, followed by a hit of banana (kind of like those dried banana chips), and just a slight touch of orange and spice at the end. This is one brew that follows through, from nose to taste.

Folks, this is my new summer beer! Until someone else can prove me wrong, this is a solid wheat ale. Remember when I didn't use to like them so much? This is a resounding reminder of when I got lured into wheat ales. Its flavour palette is complex, but not too much; it leaves just enough to dissect easily and distinguish the ingredients.

That, and the price point at BC Liquor Stores is $11.99 for 6. That's cheaper than most corn-water that a lot of people buy! So plain and simple, I highly recommend this brew. If you liked the White Bark from Driftwood, or even if your only Wheat Beer experience has been a Rickards White, you gotta give this one a go.

The Stanley Park Brewing Wit gets a cold-brew-on-a-sun-drenched-patio 9.0 / 10

Around the World - 6 Brew Taster @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market!

Another trip to Vancouver Craft Beer Market? I think so! With the limitless possibilities of delicious inebriation, there isn't a way I would hesitate to return here. The tasters are great, the selection is impeccable, and the staff are...easy on the eyes.

My buddy Mike and I returned for another set of tasters. The line up this time looked much more promising than last time, as you can see below:

Around the World 6-Brew Taster @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market
Brewji

"Around the World" 6-Brew Tasters @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market
Photo Credit: Mike

From LEFT to RIGHT:

Kroenenbourg 1664 (5.9% ABV)
Ah, this is a classic which I haven't had since my summer days in Ontario in 2011. I remember this being one of the smoothest Euro lagers at the time. It smells hay-like and grassy / bread-y. It's got an okay on the sniff test, and diving in for the sip, it's got a malty barley taste, with some grassy notes and surprisingly a little tartness. Is that a hint of lemon? I don't know, but it's not bad. I'd probably pick this one up at a bar by choice.

The Kroenenbourg 1664 gets a this-is-what-I-call-a-lager 7.5 / 10


North Coast PranQster Belgian Style Golden Ale (7.6% ABV)
Mmm, a Belgian-style ale on the menu! Not just that, but with a reputation from North Coast, you know we're talking delicious. A sniff reveals Belgian yeast, and a slightly sweet touch as well. On first sip, I get a bit of citrus with the yeast, some fruit, and some spice. Its bitterness is not too apparent, and it finishes clean. I really think this is a go-to brew. You can't even tell that it's 7.6%, it tastes about 6 at the most. Incredible job by North Coast once again!

The North Coast PranQster Belgian Style Golden Ale gets a you-could-get-my-number-with-this 9.5 / 10


North Coast Blue Star Wheat Ale (4.5% ABV)
I'm not normally a fan of the hefeweizen variety. I don't mean to be biased, but there's a definite reason why I bring Mike along, he's down for the wheat ales. The nose brings wheat and citrus, and on first sip, you get a crisp wheat-like taste with a hint of citrus. It's actually quite pleasant. What's this, North Coast making a style I normally don't like, into something more-than-palatable? I'm starting to love this brewery. This wheat ale is nearly flawless. But since I still can't get used to the mouth-feel of a wheat ale, it's not exactly flawless in my opinion.

The North Coast Blue Star Wheat Ale gets a wow-it-tastes-better-in-person 8.5 / 10


New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale (5.2% ABV)
I've already reviewed this one on a previous post, so I'm going to let Mike take the reigns for this one. He describes how it appears like a normal pale ale, smells like a normal pale ale (actually, there is a sweetness to it). He takes the first sip, and says he can taste a fruity subtlety among the malty ingredients. He thinks this beer is the best thing since sliced bread. Overall, he's not far off. This is one of the most delicious brews!

Mike gives the New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale a can-you-not-add-this-part 9.5 / 10


Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale (5% ABV)
On first sniff, there are roasted caramel notes, citrus, and a nutty smell which separates this pale ale from most. On first sip, it's pretty much what it smells like, but with a crisp finish. It's a bit hoppy, but definitely comes together in the end. A high-ranking pale ale that I would recommend to anyone looking for something new. I'd definitely order a full pint of this at a bar.

The Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale gets a solid-tasting 8.0 / 10


Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (5.6% ABV)
Last up for bat, we have the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. With a reputation that Sierra Nevada holds, I'm hoping for some good suds. The nose is a citrus-y pine, with caramel and malt. It smells like something I would definitely order. Mike and I both noted grapefruit-like bitterness Citrus and pine come across in the taste, which is somewhat bitter and somewhat sweet, but delicious. Very crisp and clean finish. I think tonight has been the pale ale night! It makes up for the last round of tasters for sure.

The Sierra Nevada Pale Ale gets a that-name-sounds-familiar 8.5 / 10

6 Brew Review at Vancouver Craft Beer Market

Well well, we mark a big night with Brewji hitting a new record number of views! Thanks to all of you who either mistakenly landed on my Craft Beer review blog, or those of you who actually enjoy reading.

My buddy Mike and I decided to head down Vancouver Craft Beer Market, and see what their rotation of tasters was for the week. He doesn't really remember if he's ever "tried craft beer" before. So, what better place for a grand introduction?

On the menu tonight, aside from the cute German tourists sitting next to us who, for some reason didn't like beer (yet I got them to try and like a Maple Cream Ale), were:

"6 Pack Sampler / Around the World" Beer List @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market
Brewji, 2014

Now, I wasn't particularly excited to try ANY of these, mainly because the first three sounded like they would be awful. I'm not one to trust any "lager" or "pilsner" descriptions any more. To me, those words (unless they come from Europe, or I get proven wrong) mean bland or gross, overpriced corn-water.

But then they poured the glasses so nice for us, all 6 of them. So maybe they wouldn't be so bad. Well, take a look, and see what's what. From left to right in the glasses, are the menu items in order (top to bottom).

"6 Pack Sampler / Around the World" Beer Tasters @ Vancouver Craft Beer Market
Brewji, 2014

Skagit River Cold Beer Lager (ABV 3.5%) from Mount Vernon, WA

First on the list, the Skagit River Cold Beer Lager. What did I tell you about overpriced corn water? Well, this isn't really overpriced, per se, but it is definitely corn water. The colder it is, the smoother it will go down. Contrary to the menu description, I wanted more beer, but not this stuff. It's better than Canadian, but that doesn't say much. You know what? Now that I think about it, this doesn't taste right for a lager. **Takes a moment to look this up** So this is actually the "Cold Beer Pilsner" according to Skagit. I'm not the biggest North American Pilsner fan  Mike thought it was alright, but he seemed bored and uninterested. I think I yawned in agreement...next!

The Skagit River Cold Beer Lager (Pilsner!) gets a light, bland-but-still-drinkable 5.0 / 10

Steam Whistle Pilsner (ABV 5%) from Toronto, ON

Further into the list, the Steam Whistle Pilsner...not a fan. You know that "Vitamin P" cheap pilsner that comes in that green can? Yeah, the one with the t-shirts available at Walmart? You're probably better off buying that. After the first two, you won't be able to tell the difference. Not going to lie, other people like this stuff but I honestly don't care for the Steam Whistle Pilsner. This taster paddle seemed to be going downhill. Mike wasn't a big fan either; he was kind of turned off.

The Steam Whistle Pilsner gets an "I-don't-get-why-it's-so-popular" 3.5 / 10

Big Rock Grasshopper (ABV 5%) from Calgary, AB

Up next was another red flag, and I really didn't want to drink this. I smelled it and it smelled worse than the Steam Whistle. Was it? Oh yeah baby, oh yeah. This one got me talking to the German tourists, they gave me a sip of their G.I. Kitsilano Maple Cream Ale -- leagues better than the Big Rock Grasshopper. The description reads that I will taste some hops and citrus. There were hardly any hops, and no citrus. This is actually a wheat ale, and it tasted really skunky, making it even more gross. Sorry, Big Rock, but unless you pull it off with your Scottish Style Ale, I can't trust you with another brew. Maybe it was a bad keg?

The Big Rock Grasshopper gets a skunky-grasshopper's-behind 3.0 / 10

Hilliard's Chrome Satan (ABV 5.7%) from Seattle, WA

Finally, we get into the brews with some spunk. Hilliard's Chrome Satan -- that's just a bad-ass name on its own, isn't it? This had to have some merit to it. Fourth from the left, this hazy, copper-y coloured brew with an off-white frothy head smelled like a true ale. It had a floral aroma, where you can smell and distinguish that real ingredients were put into this brew. The taste, albeit not complicated, is well-rounded and flows smoothly. Easily my favourite beer of the night at this point. Mike seemed to quite like this as well. A brew with some flavour gets things going!

Hillard's Chrome Satan gets a finally-something-worth-drinking 8.0 / 10


Big Rock Scottish Style Heavy Ale (ABV 7%) from Calgary, AB
After shaking off three disappointments, and landing a good one, I'm ready for the next one. Oh crap, it's another Big Rock ale. The Scottish Style Heavy Ale better not make me feel like heaving up a heavy. I sniff just above the glass, cautious of the last Big Rock brew, and the German girls beside me giggle and watch intently (and almost curiously). The nose of this brew is malty, nutty, and slightly sweet. The smell better not deceive me, because people start looking at me funny at this point. The first sip is a big one, go big or go home right? I get a strong first taste of malt, followed by an overwhelmingly strong flavour rush, finishing off with a caramel note. This beer is delicious! Well done, Big Rock. I won't be ordering any more brews with insects in the name, nor any of your wheat ales, but this one is truly remarkable. Thank you. Mike also enjoyed this quite a lot.

The Big Rock Scottish Style Heavy Ale heavily redeems itself with a powerully-delicious 9.0 / 10


North Coast Red Seal (ABV 5.5%) from Fort Bragg, CA
Last on the list is the North Coast Red Seal ale. I've heard a few good things about this brew, as it was available for awhile on tap at the Hop and Vine Neighbourhood Pub in Burnaby. The brew looked a dark amber-orange colour, and the head didn't hold up for long at all (contrary to the photo). The aroma is like roasted caramel, but has a spicy tone to it as well. On taste, it's sort of hoppy, sort of fruity, and finishes with bitter caramel malt. That's the best I can do in terms of describing it. It's not too complex, but it's worth taking more sips to figure it out until it's all gone. Absolutely my favourite beer of the taster paddle. Mike agrees.

The North Coast Red Seal ale tops off the night with a save-your-best-for-last 9.5 / 10


So there you have it! I'm looking forward to another taster line-up! I'll definitely be back to Vancouver's Craft Beer Market.