LBC at World of beers on sandlake...

Beer Review #2...

Well, I know its slightly overdue,but nevertheless, here it is. This second set of beers reviewed took me a while to get some free time to actually sit down, taste, and write down my thoughts. It's been pretty hectic at work lately with thanksgiving, a couple of banquets, and some family/friend events, but I think it was all worth it in the end. On with it!!

1. Ten Fidy Imperial Stout, from Oskar Blues brewery in Colorado. Talk about a strong, dark beer. So far, this one takes the gold on being the strongest, and hardest to drink beer I've ever encountered. Imagine, if you will, drinking a triple espresso, no cream, no sugar, and a slightly burnt flavor that refuses to go away. Not saying that its a bad beer in any way, in fact I enjoyed it because of the challenge I felt it was throwing my way. Super rich, heavy mouth feel, surprisingly dark head. I'd like to try this one again paired up against a 70-90% dark cacao chocolate maybe? I'm sure Brian will take me up on this.

2. Gonzo Imperial Porter, Flying Dog brewery in Frederick Maryland. Right off the bat you can notice the dark/golden color and the sweet smell it pertains. It starts of a little sweet, and after a couple of sips you start to taste all the "burnt" nuances from roasted malt. Super clean finish at the end. Although it is in the porter style, it reminded me of the sweetness of Belgian style beer, with the bitterness of a more common stout (Guinness per say).

3. Celebration Fresh hop ale, Sierra Nevada California. What can I say about this one. Possibly the perfect beer for this cold season. It's semi-intense hoppiness makes me think of herbs more commonly used during fall and winter (i.e. rosemary and thyme), containing 3 different distinct hops, and two different malts, its complex and subtle all in one. Much lighter than its cousin the Pale Ale. Give this one a shot, and don't be intimidated with its triple hop attack. I promise you, the reward will be most enjoyable.

4. Broklyn's Pre-Prohibition style Lager, Brooklyn New York. Using only the basic simple ingredients found in most beers, they manage to produce a superb product that sets them apart. The dry hopping definitely imparts a huge floral characteristic, and the malted barley adds a subtle sweetness. Rich, golden and so easy to drink.

5. Jai Alai India Pale Ale, from Cigar City brewery, Tampa, Florida. It's hard to believe this awesome beer is overlooked when it is brewed in our own backyard. Definitely intense, hoppy, slightly bitter, citrusy, crisp, with a long lasting after taste. It took me a while to get past the hops, and the bitterness, and I would definitely recommend having this one with a meal. Although I consider myself a hop head, this is one felt like it was a little unbalanced and a little too extreme in the hops department. I would consider having this one again, just not anytime soon for now.

6. PranQster Belgian style ale. North Coast brewing company, Fort Bragg, California. Super refreshing golden beer, with hints of citrus and spices. Apparently they use old-strain yeasts that give it its super aromatic qualities, and perfect levels of carbonation. Slightly sweet, clean crisp finish, and almost a "wine-like" feel to it. Maybe this one would be a better wait for the spring/summer season because it was definitely refreshing and highly drinkable.

7. High and Mighty's Home for the Holidays, from Holyoke ,Massachusetts. So after a long night at work, me and Brian decided to hit up the ol' watering hole aka Redlight Redlight (Bennet Rd. )to quench our thirsts and to subdue all the craziness from a busy night at the restaurant. We took a seat at the bar and decided that we must taste all the seasonal brews available at this location. Out of the 6 beers we tasted that night, this one really caught my attention. First thing that came to mind was bananas foster. I can explain, really. This specific beer had a rich caramel flavor, with hints of raisin, cinnamon, and orange, and I swear I even smelled hazelnuts or almonds. It's neither sweet or bitter, but its so complex I really took my time to finish this one. Definitely go and try this one, and when you do, close your eyes and try and deny that it reminds you of a delicious bananas foster. If you disagree, you're an untrustworthy person and a liar!!

Sippin on some sizzurp...

Not actually, but it's so delicious it can cure any ailment if you ask me. So last month we asked our readers to let us know what they were all drinking for the holidays. Some named their favorite cocktails, wines and beers, I personally had the traditional puertorrican drink, the Coquito. It's like eggnog to the tenth degree. !!
Rich velvety, creamy, and full of flavor with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, and a surprising kick of a smooth aged rum. Seemed perfect for the cold nights we're having this season.
So it starts off as an ice cream base would, whipping eggs on a double boiler, and warming up your cream with the above mentioned spices and vanilla. You incorporate the cream mixture to the egg mixture, then back to warm up until it nappes the spoon. Once cooled, it gets mixed with top shelf rum, toasted coconut flakes and quickly gets bottled and labeled. I happened to witness the making of this wonderful drink one night and purchased 2 bottles for my thanksgiving dinner. My friends and family were hooked immediately and they also placed their orders from the next batch for Christmas eve.
So whether you're drinking sangria, vino, beers or cocktails, it will always taste better surrounded by good friends and family.

If you would like to place and order or have any questions, feel free to contact at:
Eggnut Coquito by Mimz
(407)879-1668 or email at m.martinez85@yahoo.com

Seriously, you won't be disappointed.