Tag Archives: dry finish

The Fraser – Steel & Oak Brewing (Four Winds Brewing)

by Mike

From Steel & Oak Brewing in New Westminster in collaboration with Delta’s Four Winds Brewing across the river comes “The Fraser” a pale ale fermented with Saccharomyces Trois.  The beer pours a cloudy orange colour with a white head.  The aroma consists of light tropical fruit, yeasty, mild funk and some floral hops.  The flavour is of mango, stone fruit, tropical fruit, citrus rind, yeast, mild funk with a dry not sweet finish.  There is very little bitterness in this brew.  The alcohol content comes in at 5.2% with an IBU of 24.  This beer is not going to punch you in the face with flavour but it is an excellently executed collaboration brew from two great breweries.

Commercial Description:  Fermented with Saccharomyces Trois yeast this Pale Ale was brewed with Amchoor (Green Mango spice) and hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Azacca, as well as some fresh Cashmere for good measure. The Fraser is fruity, tropical, and funk. Not as funky as the people who brewed it but still pretty funky.

Hummingbird Hop Saison – Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

by Mike

From Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub in Victoria BC comes the “Hummingbird Hop Saison”.  The beer pours a golden colour with a good amount of haze and a white head.  The aroma consists of wheat, yeast, citrus and grassy hops.  The flavour is of wheat, yeast, citrus rind, citrus, pepper, maybe a little astringent, bitterness with a very dry finish.  The alcohol content comes in at 5.5% with an IBU of 39.  This is definitely more bitter than your average saison but it is pretty darn tasty.

Commercial Description:  A West Coast take on a classic style. Brewed with Pilsner malt and oats this medium bodied beer balances the spicy characteristics of a saison with a pleasant bitterness an citrus note thanks to a blended, new world dry hop addition. The refreshingly dry finish will have you humming for more!

Barrel Aged Sparkling Wit – Dogwood Brewing

by Mike

From Dogwood Brewing in South Vancouver comes their brand new “Barrel Aged Sparkling Wit” a beer aged in Pinot Noir barrels.  The beer pours a cloudy orange colour with an off white head.  The aroma consists of wheat, yeast, lemon, wine, vanilla and some mild oak.  The flavour is of Wine but more of a white wine than a Pinot Noir, vanilla, lemon, citrus, yeast, bubblegum, mild oak flavour and a sweet although dry finish with some tannins.  The alcohol content comes in at 6%.  This is one of the most complex beers that I have enjoyed from Dogwood Brewing.  Head over to the brewery to give it a try as this will only be available at the tasting room and select taprooms around town.

Commercial Description:  This Organic Belgian Wit was brewed with Coriander and Black pepper, then aged for 3 months in Organic French White Oak Pinot Noir Barrels. Delicate spicy esters create the perfect base for layer after layer of Flavour that Evolves as your glass warms, creating a thoughtfully refreshing drinking experience. Bright Lemon plays counterpoint to the deeper flavour of vanilla and oak imparted by the young barrels which; like a good pinot noir, pairs well with all types of food. Made with all Organic Local B.C ingredients, this creamy Wit is beautifully rounded in its complexity and finishes Dry with a hint of tannin. We’re very proud of this limited release and sincerely hope you enjoy.

Coup de Foudre (New World Wild Ale) – Strange Fellows Brewing

by Mike

From Strange Fellows Brewing Company in East Vancouver comes their “Coup de Foudre (New World Wild Ale)”.  This was the first bottle release from their Foudre.  The beer poured a cloudy orange brown colour with an off white head.  The aroma was of oak, cherry, malt vinegar and tartness.  The flavour was of malt vinegar, oak, cherries, dark fruits, toffee, tartness and a dry finish.  The alcohol content comes in at 6% and they list the IBU as low.  This is an excellent execution of a sour ale!

Commercial Description:  Heaven-sent by arrow or lightning bolt, “Love at First Sight” is thought to be a madness inflicted upon unsuspecting beings by the Gods for sport. Others believe it’s that moment of recognition when one first looks upon their other half. Either way, the poor soul didn’t know what hit them. Aged for over a year in our 6000 litre oak Foudre this fruity, complex ale is our tribute to the love struck

Food pairing as per brewery:  Seafood (muscles), Fruit deserts, Fresh cheese, Charcuterie. Quiche

Blue Monk Barley Wine 2016 – Brewsters Brewing Company

by Mike

From Brewsters Brewing Company out of Calgary, Alberta comes their “Blue Monk Barley Wine” a bottle from the 2016 vintage.  The beer pours a deep copper colour with an off white head.  The aroma consists of dark fruits, caramel, candied sugar and sweetness.  The flavour is of caramel, toffee, dark fruit, candied sugar, earth, bitterness, resin and alcohol with a dry finish.  The alcohol content comes in at 10% with an IBU of 65.  I am a massive fan of Barley Wine beers and this one hits all the notes.  I would recommend this one to anyone.

Commercial Description:  The monk represents discipline, respect and morality but that doesn’t mean he can’t indulge in a holy brew now and then. Blue Monk Barley Wine is an English style strong ale characterized by an intense, fruity flavour with notes of bread and toffee. Malt varietals include 2-Row, Carastan, Special B and Munich. Hop Varietals include Chinook, Magnum and Cascade.

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