This week's beer reviews come from a variety of different kind of ales. Ales are warmed using a fermentation method that is warm, which results in an ale being more hops heavy. This fermentation method also allows ales to be sweeter with more hints of fruit. Let's take a look at some of the ales we found at the local store.
Life - American Pale Ale
North High Brewing Co. (Columbus, OH)
7.2% ABV
The Can: North High went pretty relaxed and calm for the design and colors on this can. The main image resembles a heart, which is a clever play on the name of the beer, "Life." The contrast between the red and the light blue is nice and helps draw out the main component of symbolism in the can. It is definitely warm and welcoming.
The Taste: This is quite possibly the lightest beer I have ever tasted. This beer was made in combination with a champagne yeast, and with it also being 7.5% ABV, I was anticipating a very strong taste. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how light and fresh each sip tasted. I was expecting slightly more flavor, maybe some sort of fruit, to compliment the beer-champagne taste, but it tasted more of strictly the alcohol. The hops come out first a bit but are quickly subdued by the slight taste of champagne. The champagne sticks out a little more the further down the can you drink.
The Situation: While this isn't a beer that I can see myself getting often, I could see myself having it in certain circumstances. This beer would pair very well with a card game, a fire and some Christmas music. What warms the soul during the holidays more than a beer-champagne combo? At 7.5%, it is easily an early contender for the "perfect mimosa."
Fun Fact: Sparkling Ales originated in Scotland as a lighter ale to combat the more pungent ales of the day.
Who Cooks For You - Hazy Pale Ale
Jackie O's Brewery (Athens, OH)
5.5% ABV
The Can: A pretty neat can. The color scheme on it is very bright and vibrant. The pattern of the colors gives some muted retro vibes. The peak of this can is the owl, which wraps around the side of the can. The quirky pun play on "who" and an owl will always get a chuckle out of me. There is also a tribute to the artist of the design on the can, this one being designed by Bryn Perrott.
The Taste: This beer is very bright, very aromatic. The hops come through pretty prominently but are not overbearing and blend well with the bright citrus flavor. The beer is fairly light with a hint of bitterness that lingers around just a little bit towards the backend of the sip. It actually tastes a little sweeter in the beginning of the sip, as well. A classic hazy pale ale taste.
The Situation: I recently had this beer in draft form and knew immediately that it had to be one of the early reviews. This is a beer that I could see one having while hanging around a grill with some friends on a sunny Sunday afternoon watching football on the TV. It is a great tasting, lighter beer to stay fresh with while getting ready to watch the Chargers defeat the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Fun Fact: The artist of this can's design, Bryn Perrott, is from West Virginia and she creates also creates tattoo designs! Even cooler, while she also paints and draws, her main medium of art is woodworking! You can check out some of her art at www.deerjerk.com, or her Instagram, @deerjerk.
Benjamin Danklin - India Pale Ale
Fat Head's Brewery (Middleburg Heights, OH)
7.4% ABV
The Can: This can shot its way up into the top ten of my favorites. First off, the name. Hilarious. Secondly, the tie in with the lightning bolt and the hops flowers as rain. Then you come to face to face with the Peter Griffin-esque Benjamin Franklin character. To top it all off, there is a fun little description on the can that reads, "We're convinced there's a statesman in our history that wants us to be hoppy!" Incredible word play and tie into the rest of the can and beer.
The Taste: Verrrry hoppy. The hops hit you right in the mouth every sip. The body of the sip brings the citrus to the party with the pine flavors sneaking in at the end and lingering just long enough. It actually feels like it gives you a bit of a jolt after a little bit. I definitely felt it in my face. Normally I get a little hesitant about India Pale Ales, but this was a really easy drink.
The Situation: When I took a sip of this beer, my imagination was immediately transported to a trivia being hosted at a local brewery. I picture myself drinking this beer as my trivia partners quietly discuss the answer to "Who is pictured on the hundred-dollar bill?" When I am finally able to put the beer down because I have the bolt of energy from the delicious sip, we get the point wrong because our answer was: Benjamin Danklin.
Fun Fact: While Benjamin Franklin is most well-known for his frequent lighting experiences and renowned diplomacy, he is also a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame!
Until next time, bottoms up.
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All your beers suck you dummy
Love the taylor swift title. Very smart. Love your blog. Do not listen to josh, hes just jealous he’s not this cool. Keep being you, you’re great.
The chargers over the chiefs? Even I know that’s not possible. Love the reviews, keep ‘em coming!
To quote Brett Kavanaugh: “I like beer” All of these sound good to me!
“It is a great tasting, lighter beer to stay fresh with while getting ready to watch the Chargers defeat the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.”
So really there’s no situation to drink this one