Beer of the Day: Kells Irish Lager

Kells Irish Lager

Rogue Brewery in Newport, Ore., describes Kells Irish Lager as an “Irish style lager with a smooth, mellow flavor and an apple crisp finish,” and that’s pretty “spot on”. It’s a bit of a departure from the norm for Rogue, which turns out unique, full-bodied ales with lots of hops and alcohol (think Dead Guy Ale or Brutal Bitter). Kells is an easy drinking session brew, is a close cousin to Harp and certainly worth a try. It’s also billed as a perfect accompaniment to a stout when making a “Half and Half”, which is half stout, half lager.  The other Irish favorite is the “Black and Tan”, which is half stout, half ale (usually Smithwick’s or Bass).

Have you tried Kells Irish Lager?

Beer of the Day: Ayinger Celebrator

Ayinger Celebrator

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock (6.7% ABV) From Ayinger: A beer that has a dominant malty taste. This beer’s origins in a monk’s recipe are reflected in its heartiness.  A well known Austrian journalist and leading German language specialist on beer, Conrad Seidl, describes it as: “Almost black with a very slight red tone, a sensational, festive foam and truly extraordinary fragrance that at first summons up visions of greaves lard. The first taste is of mild fullness with an accompanying coffee tone, which becomes more dominant with the aftertaste. There is very little of the sweetness that is frequently to be tasted with doppelbock beer.”  The Ayinger Celebrator has been ranked among the best beers of the world by the Chicago Tasting Institute several times and has won numerous platinum medallions in competition.

Have you tried Ayienger Celebrator?  What did you think?

Beer of the Day: Weihenstephaner Korbinian Doppelbock

Weihenstephaner Korbinian Doppelbock

Today’s beer of the Weihenstephaner Korbinian Doppelbock (7.4% ABV), brewed & bottled by Bay. Staats-Brauerei Weihenstephan, Freising, Germany. This Korbinian is a hearty, malt-driven doppelbock (or “double bock”.) The Beer offers complex, roasted malt aromas of coffee, chocolate, caramel, bread and raisins, and delivers plenty of malt – with notes of peppery spice, alcohol and hop bitterness – on the palate. At the same time, this smooth, creamy, medium-to-full-bodied beer is eminently drinkable and highly regarded by lovers of the style.

If you feel the urge to do a comparison, I would suggest you try the Ayinger Celebrator (it has the little goat charm) and see which comes out on top.

If you’ve tried the Korbinian, let me know what you think. I’ve really enjoyed all of the Weihenstephaner beers.

*Side note: The Weihenstephaner Brewery opened back in 1040 making it the worlds oldest brewery.

Beer of the Day: Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA

Torpedo Extra IPA

Today I bring you the Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA (7.2% ABV), brewed & bottled by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico California. The beer has an Amber body that reveals little carbonation. When properly poured, a 2 inch white foamy head appears, exactly how an IPA should look.

The Torpedo opens with a piney hop bite that slowly dissipates, replaced by an orange-y sweet sourness with nice full malt overtones. The alcohol content makes it quite a “warming” beer. Toward the end of the taste, there is a sense of brown sugar, and the rich hoppiness appears again towards the end that slowly fades into an easy finish that creates a lingering citrus bitterness.

All-in-all, the Torpedo Extra IPA is another pretty enjoyable beer.

Have you tried Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo?

Beer of the Day: Flying Dog Kerberos Tripel

Kerberos Tripel
Kerberos Tripel

Today’s Beer of the day is brought to you from the Flying Dog Brewery of Frederick, Maryland, and it’s their Kerberos Tripel (8.5% ABV). It’s a traditional Belgian-style Tripel with a dark golden color.  It has a crisp, clean, sweet flavor with a dry and spicy finish. The aftertaste lingers on the palate with a hoppy bitterness.

This turned out to be a great sipping beer, and I will most likely buy it again.

Do you like Belgian Tripels?  Have you tried the Flying Dog’s version?

Tip: on Flying Dog’s website, click on the “No” to the question “are you 21 years old or older?”.  You’ll laugh at the results.