Beer Bytes
By Chris Curran
Posted: 4/23/08, 9:58 PM EST Section: Feature
Export Ale
5 percent alc/vol
Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, Maine
$8 per 6 pack
2 of 4 mugs
Export Ale deceives the olfactory neurons with a light, fruity smell that is absent in any aspect of the taste. The golden color holds a distinct malt taste with a small dash of hops that struggles to round out the balance of this bland beer. A rush of carbonation also tries to convince the tongue there is more flavor as well. If Shipyard had harnessed Export Ale's great smell, they would have a winner, but what came out of the brewing process falls far short of that.
Old Thumper Extra Special Ale
5.9 percent alc/vol
The Ringwood Brewery, Hampshire, England
$9 per 6 pack
3 of 4 mugs
An earthy, medium body distinguishes the wicked awesome Extra Special Ale that is Old Thumper. This self-promoting ale hits the pallet with a creamy and buttery texture that both coats and fills. An initial rush of maltiness peters off into a bold hop kick that adds life to Old Thumper giving it a proper British taste worthy of any U.K. pub. Unfortunately, according to the best enjoyed before dating notch, I just indulged in a beer best had four months ago. That serves as a good reminder to check the date on beers before buying them and that Old Thumper does not sell as Ringwood would like.
Shock Top Belgian White
5.2 percent alc/vol
Anheuser-Busch, Inc., St. Louis
$9 per 6 pack
2 and 1/2 of 4 mugs
Shock Top is a beautiful Belgium white ale from all but the most unlikely place to brew such - the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis. An orange slice with a wheat Mohawk and sunglasses adorns that label that barely displays the roots of its massive parent company. A cloudy yellow-white appearance and overpowering aroma of oranges marks goliath's attempt at micro brewing, but the end result is tragically average. A medium body and light wheat and malt tinge makes up the moderate taste in a half-hearted attempt for Bud moguls to do something different.
cjcurr01@syr.edu
5 percent alc/vol
Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, Maine
$8 per 6 pack
2 of 4 mugs
Export Ale deceives the olfactory neurons with a light, fruity smell that is absent in any aspect of the taste. The golden color holds a distinct malt taste with a small dash of hops that struggles to round out the balance of this bland beer. A rush of carbonation also tries to convince the tongue there is more flavor as well. If Shipyard had harnessed Export Ale's great smell, they would have a winner, but what came out of the brewing process falls far short of that.
Old Thumper Extra Special Ale
5.9 percent alc/vol
The Ringwood Brewery, Hampshire, England
$9 per 6 pack
3 of 4 mugs
An earthy, medium body distinguishes the wicked awesome Extra Special Ale that is Old Thumper. This self-promoting ale hits the pallet with a creamy and buttery texture that both coats and fills. An initial rush of maltiness peters off into a bold hop kick that adds life to Old Thumper giving it a proper British taste worthy of any U.K. pub. Unfortunately, according to the best enjoyed before dating notch, I just indulged in a beer best had four months ago. That serves as a good reminder to check the date on beers before buying them and that Old Thumper does not sell as Ringwood would like.
Shock Top Belgian White
5.2 percent alc/vol
Anheuser-Busch, Inc., St. Louis
$9 per 6 pack
2 and 1/2 of 4 mugs
Shock Top is a beautiful Belgium white ale from all but the most unlikely place to brew such - the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis. An orange slice with a wheat Mohawk and sunglasses adorns that label that barely displays the roots of its massive parent company. A cloudy yellow-white appearance and overpowering aroma of oranges marks goliath's attempt at micro brewing, but the end result is tragically average. A medium body and light wheat and malt tinge makes up the moderate taste in a half-hearted attempt for Bud moguls to do something different.
cjcurr01@syr.edu
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