Beer

SEPTEMBER BEER REVIEWS

This month’s beers are available depending on supply & demand at all 10 Liquor Locker locations. Visit our website at www.Liquor-Locker.com.

URBAN CHESTNUT O-KATZ

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5

This is a very typical Oktoberfest marzen. It pours a clear amber and has a full white head that persists. Notes of toasted malt on the nose. Slightly sweet on the palate with a caramel maltiness. The hops are subtle and balanced well with the malty sweetness. While lagers are not my go-to beers, I think a marzen fan will appreciate this beer.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.5

A good white head tops this Oktoberfest style beer when poured in a traditional beer mug. A generous amount of malt controls the scent profile. Similarly, sweet malt flavors remain during the initial tasting of the beer, with a slight hop presence, followed by more malt flavors in the finish. Drink this seasonal offering while it’s available. Pair it with traditional German foods like sausages, sauerkraut and a generous helping of German fries.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.5

This beer pours a burgundy-orange with decent carbonation. It has the aroma of bread and biscuit. The flavors are bread, biscuit and rye. This is a good representation of an Oktoberfest beer - overall, it's above average and I do like the pint can.

BELL'S SPARKLE BERRY

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.5

This is described as a raspberry Belgian style ale. It has a raspberry red hue with a thin head that dissipates quickly. Raspberry on the nose and distinct tartness on the front of the palate, with a fresh effervescence from the high carbonation. Finishes slightly bitter, without the estery notes typical of a Belgian Tripel. Refreshing on a hot day, but at 9% ABV you might not want two.

PAUL BRAGIN - 3.75

A thick head with a slight pink tint forms on this Belgian Tripel style beer and slowly evaporates. The beer boasts a dark red color. A burst of raspberry scent fills the nose. Likewise, raspberry flavor hits the tongue first when drinking the beer, with some malt and hops coming through in the finish. People who like fruity beers should try this seasonal offering. Pair it with salmon, brie, angel food cake or dark chocolate.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3

This beer has a pinkish color with decent carbonation. I can smell tart raspberries. Taste is the same as the aroma. I would have liked some Belgian yeast flavors, especially the spices. I'm a fan of Bell’s but this is just average.

BOULEVARD TANK 7

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 4.75

Tank 7 is an American Saison that represents the style very well. Thick head on a clear yellow pour, this has notes of clove on the nose. On the palate that clove continues and is accompanied by a distinct spiciness. It finishes slightly sweet with no lingering bitterness and fills the palate with the estery flavors typical of a Saison.

PAUL BRAGIN - 5

A thick white head crowns this straw-colored American Saison style ale when poured in a tulip glass. The scent profile offers a good balance of malt and hops. The malt and hop flavors seem to wrestle back and forth on the tongue with the first sip and remain in the extended finish. Every craft beer aficionado should drink this one. The versatility of this beer lends itself to pairing with nearly any food imaginable.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

This beer pours a hazy amber color. It has a sweet hops flavor with an 8.5% ABV. I'm very impressed with this beer - it's pretty smooth and has Belgian characteristics to it with clover and other spices. Best of all, it's easy to drink.

VICTORY DIRTWOLF

PAUL HOLLYFELD - 3.25

This pours a clear, yellow hue with a nice white head. On the nose there are hoppy aromas with subtle tropical notes. On the palate I taste a touch of stone fruit with a slightly malty sweetness. It finishes with a strong bitterness typical of a traditional IPA, not nearly as smooth as you tend to find with a typical Double IPA. If you crave that bitterness, give this a try.

PAUL BRAGIN - 4.25

A decent white head rests on this Double IPA. A good amount of hops dominate the scent profile, especially citrus notes. The hop flavors of citrus and pine continue while drinking the beer, especially in the long finish. The high alcohol content provides a real punch. People who enjoy hoppy beers will want to drink this. Pair it with picnic classics like hamburgers and barbecue, or pair it with hard cheeses.

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 3.5

The beer pours a clear straw color and I can smell and taste the sweet hops right away. This is a solid Double IPA with an ABV of 8.7%. I haven't tried that many Victory beers but this one is pretty decent; in fact, I may have to try some of their other offerings.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.