Tag Archives: roasted malts

Drexl Blackstrap Imperial Stout – Bench Creek Brewing

by Mike

From Bench Creek Brewing out of very rural Alberta (Yellowhead Country) near Edson comes their “Drexl Blackstrap Imperial Stout”.  The beer pours an opaque black colour with a brown head.  The aroma consists of roasted malts, smoke, molasses and anise.  The flavour is of roasted malts, smoke, molasses, anise, toffee, sweetness, resin and bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 11% with an IBU of 80.  I have been a fan of Bench Creek Brewing for some time and this beer does not change that opinion at all.  This is a well made Imperial Stout.

Commercial Description:  Y’know what we got here? Charlie Bronson. Mr. Majestyk.Rich biscuity UK base malt and multiple caramel malts for layered toffee and dark fruit flavours got you thinkin’ it’s pretty… But it’s not as pretty as a variety of roasted malts which provide chocolate and coffee depth. In fact, we’re gonna show you with a little demonstration.  Now, see, we’re sittin’ down here, ready to negotiate, and you’ve already given up. It’s still a mystery to you. But we know it’s got generous additions of blackstrap molasses and star anise.  All right, peep this: it’s aged on American oak to fully mimic the flavours and aromas of blackstrap rum. Ey’ yo, yo why you trippin’?

The Jungle Bird Tropical Dark Sour – Dandy Brewing Company

by Mike

From the Dandy Brewing Company in Calgary Alberta comes their “The Jungle Bird Tropical Dark Sour”.  The beer pours a deep brown colour with a brown head.  The aroma consists of big tropical fruits, tartness and some roasted malts.  The flavour is of tropical fruit, pineapple, citrus, tartness, roasted malts, caramel and brown sugar.  The alcohol content comes in at 5%.  This was not your typical sour ale and takes its inspiration from Tiki cocktails from my understanding.  While I don’t drink cocktails I can say that this was really enjoyable.

Commercial Description:  An homage to the classic Tiki cocktail. This beer has notes of demerara sugar, bitter lime, tropical pineapple coming together for a refreshing sour that is like no other.

Cannon Fodder Barley Wine – Fort Garry Brewing Co

by Mike

From Winnipeg, Manitoba’s Fort Garry Brewing Co comes their “Cannon Fodder Barley Wine” brewed with smoked malt.  The beer pours a deep reddish colour with a brown head.  The aroma consists of mild smoke, roasted malts, caramel and dark fruits.  The flavour is of smoked malts, brown sugar, roasted malts, dark fruits, resin, bitterness, caramel and Belgian yeast.  The alcohol content comes in at 11% with an IBU of 60.  I am not a fan of smoked malts usually but this light smoke is great in this Barley Wine and if you can find it make sure to pick up a few bottles.

Commercial Description:  At a whopping 11% abv, cannon fodder barley wine is best enjoyed one sip at a time. Intense caramel sweetness and the use of smoked malt make for a nicely balanced strong ale. Fermented with Belgian yeast, there is a uniqueness and complexity not often found in traditional barley wines.

Pacific Northwest Porter – Granville Island Brewing

by Mike

From Granville Island Brewing out of Vancouver comes their new “Pacific Northwest Porter”.  The beer pours a very deep black with a brown head.  The aroma consists of roasted malts, smoke, caramel and earth.  The flavour is of smoke, ash, roasted malts, caramel and a big hit of bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 6% with an IBU of 32.  Once a gain Kevin Emms has made a very tasty brew and should be picked up if you see it.  Granville Island Brewing is owned by Molson.

 

In the Bleak Midwinter: Black IPA – Dandy Brewing Company

by Mike

From the Dandy Brewing Company in Calgary Alberta comes their “In the Bleak Midwinter: Black IPA”.  The beer pours a deep brown with a light brown head.  The aroma consist of roasted malts, smoke, mild fruit and herbal hops.  The flavour is of caramel, roasted malts, citrus, tropical, earth, burnt coffee and medium bitterness.  The alcohol content comes in at 6.5%.  The Dandy Brewing Company makes really tasty beer and this black IPA is no different.  It is both IPA and a bit stout and 100% tasty.

Commercial Description:  A fruity Black IPA. With only a kiss of roast, this black IPA is fresh and juicy but dark as the coldest days of winter. Citra and Mosaic are late hop additions to avoid the biterness and focus on aroma.