Thoughts on Beer

Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca

While most of the beer I have enjoyed lately have either been Oktoberfests (one of my favorite styles), or some of my homebrewed beer (such as my recent Harvest Ale), I recently had a chance to sample Calabaza Blanca, one of the offerings from a new-to-Iowa brewer, Jolly Pumpkin.

It is Belgian-style witbier, and I felt it was a perfect example of the style.  It was light and refreshing, with a bit of a tart flavor. It did smell slightly fruity, and had a hint of a ‘sour’ scent to it. The finish was light and refreshing.  It was a great beer, and hope to see more around soon.

Have you had Calabaza Blanca?  What did you think?

Madhouse Brewing American Wheat

Madhouse Brewing Pastime Pale Ale

Over the past few weeks, Madhouse Brewing Company has made its way into Iowa City, and I had a chance to sample both beers they make, the American Wheat and the Pastime Pale Ale.

The American Wheat had a slight citrusy scent.  The taste had a bread-like flavor, and was very light and crisp.  It was a great example of an American unfiltered wheat style.

The Pastime Pale Ale had a fragrant citrus scent.  It tasted like a balanced hopped pale ale.  The flavor of the cascade and centennial hops shine through.  It finished clean, and left a nice citrus flavor.

I think Madhouse is on the right track with their first couple of beers, and look forward to next few beers they make.  Word has it they are experimenting with a black IPA, and I hope to see that soon.

Have you tried the Madhouse Brewing company beers?  What did you think?

Boulevard Tank 7

Boulevard Brewing‘s Tank 7 arrived in Iowa City recently, and I was excited to try the latest in the Smokestack Series.  Tank 7 replaces Boulevard’s Saison, which I had taken a liking to.

It was a nice, light farmhouse ale.  Initially, it smelled a bit fruity.  The taste was a light and crisp citrus flavor, with a hint of fruit.  It left my palate very crisp and clean, leaving just a bit of citrus.

Have you tried Tank 7?  What was your impression?

Flying Dog Dogtoberfest

New to the scene is Dogtoberfest, Flying Dog’s take on the traditional Oktoberfest style.

I thought it was a great example of an Oktoberfest.  It started nice and malty, and finished with just a bit of burnt caramel flavor. The hop choice added a bit of spiciness, rounding out the flavor.

I am very picky about my Oktoberfest-style beers, and Dogtoberfest is probably now in my top 5 Oktoberfests.

Have you tried Dogtoberfest?  What did you think?

Shiner Oktoberfest

I was recently in Northwest Arkansas, and had a chance to pick up a six-pack of Shiner Oktoberfest.  This recipe has been brought back after a five year absence, and I’m glad they did.

It was a smooth Oktoberfest, and had a hint of burnt malt flavor. It had considerably less body than a few of my favorite Oktoberfest beers, but it was definitely drinkable.  It finished nice and sweet.

Have you tried Shiner Oktoberfest?  What was your impression?