Schlenkerla Lagerbier

Pours very light gold with an ivory head – this is a Helles, after all.  Noble hops are in the background, letting some delicate malty sweetness come through.  What makes this beer stand out is the smokiness.  Schlenkerla makes several other beers with smoked malt, and this has none but is made on the same equipment.

The subtlely of the smoke works with the beer’s overall lightness.  I’ve been a bit obsessed with smoked beers lately, and while I’m not a big fan of Schlenkerla in general (I find the smoke in their beers to be too simplistically single-noted) the light touch on this beer works.  I wouldn’t pair this with food that is too flavorful – subtly flavored fish or cheese like halibut or chevre perhaps?

Sam Smith Stingo

I am a huge fan of Samuel Smith’s beers.  Their entire line is consistently flavorful, balanced, and eminently drinkable. When I saw this oak-aged ale for the first time I was ecstatic, and couldn’t wait to crack it open.

The nose is warm, orangey and spicy.  It’s got a nice full body and plenty of complexity. It’s a solid 8% AVB, enough malt character to balance it’s solid background hop bitterness. Oakiness is subtle.  This is another winner in their lineup, but I might stick to their Nut Brown or Old Brewery Pale Ale.

Apparently ‘stingo’ is slang for old ale.  I can see this aging well, I’ll have to pick up a few more to set aside. As it warms the head disappears and it heads toward treacliness and raisins and less citrus. This would make a great after-dinner beer, something to sip with a good book or good company.

Pliny The Elder

I love the Russian River, home to some great pinot noir.  Pliny isn’t my usual cup of… um… beer.  It’s a hop bomb.  Their label appears to be inspired by Dr. Bronner’s Hippie Soap, with tiny crazy writing all over.  It demands that you drink the stuff right away and not age it.  It’s heavily hopped and I’m inclined to agree lest the fresh hoppiness disappear.  Of course, here in September I’m sitting here wondering why I’m not looking for some fresh hop beer since it’s hop harvest time.

As for the beer itself, the nose is abundant with the smell of fresh hops – green and resinous. The flavor is hoppy and bitter, and not to my taste.  It’s well done for the style but just not balanced.  At least it’s not a palate scorcher, for all of it’s hoppiness it’s very drinkable and I’d like to match this with some spicy Thai food or something similar.  I guess that means I might even buy it again.

Belhaven Scottish Stout

Clean nose background floral hops.  Nice sweet and subtly roasty/chocolatey flavor.  Very enjoyable, well-balanced. One to remember when I’m looking for a nice dark beer.  Goes great with food too.

Smoke Jumper – Left Hand Brewing

Mmmmm, I’m looking forward to this.  It’s gonna be smoky – it’s called Smoke Jumper!  Hmm, no smoke in the aroma.  It smells malty, not much hop aroma.  Well, time to dig in.  Wait, where’s the smoke?  I guess it’s ‘subtle’.  Overall not a bad porter, but I’m not finding anything to keep me here.  I won’t be buying this again.

Michter’s Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey

According to the label, this is held to their pre-Revolutionary War quality standards.  I’m not so sure about that.  On the other hand, it is a single barrel straight rye (no percentages given), aged for 3 years in new charred oak barrels, and filtered.

It’s straw to honey in color.  The nose is clean, big, round, mellow, and very inviting.  It glides very smoothly on the palate, it tastes like it was made to be a crowd pleaser.  Slight medicinal aftertaste.  Not bad, but rather boring.

Hinzerling Ten Year Tawney Port 1996 Vintage

Hinzerling are great, making awesome ports in their garage.  This was a 10-year, a ’96 vintage.  Since I’m a ’76 vintage I bought it as a birthday gift to myself.

Pretty pink-copper color.  Nice complex nose, sweet and sour and woody with a little vanilla.  The honey, syrup sweetness is restrained on the palate, giving way to subtle wood, earth, and floral notes before quickly fading to a very subtle but satisfying finish. This is some of the best port I’ve ever had.

Clear Creek Grappa

100% pinot noir grapes. Harsh, solventy nose. Smooth on the tongue, large mouthfeel, gorgeous silky finish.

Clear Creek Eau de Vie de Pomme (8 yr)

Straw in color.  Lots of alcohol on the nose, with faint fruit notes.  Somewhat harsh on the palate, but with a long smooth finish.

Blanton’s

Sweet vanilla nose.  Smooth and warming on the palate. Lingering, warming finish.  Excellent bourbon.