Entries tagged with “Blue Point” from Malt & Barley Chronicles
I'm always intrigued and frightened by winter ales. Intrigued by the idea of cinnamon and nutmeg and ginger and cloves, like a mulled wine or cider, but frightened by the attendant malt sugars that overwhelm the rest of the brew. Blue Point's entry for 2008-09 gets the job done by dialing back some of the spices and adding more hops to maintain balance.
Characteristics: Deep amber-brown color, low-to-medium carbonation, medium body, flat malty start that leads to a battle of citrusy hops and a mix of spices -- mostly coriander and nutmeg -- that continues through the finish and aftertaste.
Minor Gripes: I'd prefer for the spices to win a little more definitively. Fans of American Pale Ales, or those who dislike winter ales but are forced to consume this one, may hold different opinions.
Bottom Line: As winter ales go, Blue Point's is one of the most drinkable. I wouldn't buy it more than once a year, but that's typically enough for winter ale season (unlike pumpkin ales, which I would sample all year round).
Rating: 6 / 10
Characteristics: Deep amber-brown color, low-to-medium carbonation, medium body, flat malty start that leads to a battle of citrusy hops and a mix of spices -- mostly coriander and nutmeg -- that continues through the finish and aftertaste.
Minor Gripes: I'd prefer for the spices to win a little more definitively. Fans of American Pale Ales, or those who dislike winter ales but are forced to consume this one, may hold different opinions.
Bottom Line: As winter ales go, Blue Point's is one of the most drinkable. I wouldn't buy it more than once a year, but that's typically enough for winter ale season (unlike pumpkin ales, which I would sample all year round).
Rating: 6 / 10
My first review of a "local" beer since getting to NYC, where the insane tax rate means that decent six packs (even on sale) start close to $10. I'm starting to think that it's better to buy the big (22-24 oz) bottles (and a wine bottle stopper) than to persist with the six pack. But that's not a reflection on this particular brew, which presents different concerns.
Characteristics: Golden-reddish color, medium-to-high carbonation, light body, with strong citrus hops running roughshod over the toasted malt opening and then lingering on the tongue.
Minor Gripes: I'm simply not a fan of overblown hops, especially of the citrus variety. This beer is dominated by its hops, though not as much as a comparable American pale ale.
Bottom Line: I wanted to like this beer. It originates from a nice low-key town on Long Island, and the name "toasted lager" is appealing. But the citrus finish just doesn't match the malty intentions of the name and coloring. A softer hop profile would allow the "toasted" flavor (and not just the color) come out.
Rating: 5 / 10
Characteristics: Golden-reddish color, medium-to-high carbonation, light body, with strong citrus hops running roughshod over the toasted malt opening and then lingering on the tongue.
Minor Gripes: I'm simply not a fan of overblown hops, especially of the citrus variety. This beer is dominated by its hops, though not as much as a comparable American pale ale.
Bottom Line: I wanted to like this beer. It originates from a nice low-key town on Long Island, and the name "toasted lager" is appealing. But the citrus finish just doesn't match the malty intentions of the name and coloring. A softer hop profile would allow the "toasted" flavor (and not just the color) come out.
Rating: 5 / 10
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