Beer Journal #50: Winter Lager, Shine On Ale, Storm King, Pride & Joy and More

Winter Lager
Seasonal Brew
Lager brewed with spices
The Boston Beer Co.
Boston, MA; Cincinnati, OH;Breinigsville, PA;LaCrosse, WI; Latrobe, PA

I'm right on target as I drink this beer on 2/15/15. It's definitely the proper season for Winter Lager.

The label tells me:
5.6% ALC./VOL.
For brewery-fresh taste, enjoy before month notched, that is, June.

German brewers may have been onto something centuries ago when they created bold, rich bock beers for the winter. For our brew, we created a dark wheat bock subtly spiced with fresh ground cinnamon, ginger & orange peel for a deep smooth flavor that's perfect on a cold winter's night. Cheers! Jim Koch

Shine On Ale
Central Waters Brewing Co.
Amherst, WI

The sun still shines in February. SHINE ON ale was my brew of choice today, 2/16/15.

Upon searching the small print on the label, I discovered:
An easy-drinking ale made with Wisconsin-grown barley, Shine On delivers baked-fresh, bready maltiness and a bright, clean finish. Brewed to commemorate our switchover to solar power, with a portion of all sales going to the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

A L E , S U N , E A R T H  A N D  S K Y

Anchor Porter
Anchor Brewing Co.
San Francisco, CA

I threw out my anchor, settled in my chair and enjoyed this porter on 2/17/15.

The label tells me:
"San Francisco's famous Anchor Porter brand is made in one of the smallest and most traditional breweries in the world by the Brewers of Anchor Steam Beer. Our old-fashioned porter is virtually handmade, with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing. We use 100% malted barley; generous amounts of fresh whole hops; entirely natural carbonation; and a simple, natural brewing process that is like no other in the world. The deep black color; the thick, creamy head; and the intensely rich flavor of Anchor Porter, made in San Francisco since 1972, have earned this delicious and unique brew a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality. It is aesthetically pleasing and wholly superior in every respect."

Matilda
Belgian Style Pale Ale
Goose Island Beer Co.
Chicago, IL

I waltzed with Matilda on 2/18/15.

Straight off the label:
7% ALC/VOL
Wild in character, a complex ale with dried fruit and clove aromas and a satisfying dry finish.
Belgian Style Pale Ale fermented with the wild yeast Brettanomyces Bruxellensis.
Bottled on 13OCT14
Develops in the bottle over 5 years. Contains live yeast. A sediment may form.
Serve in a wide mouth glass. 

Storm King
Imperial Stout
Victory Brewing Co.
Downingtown, PA

On 2/19/15, I enjoyed this glass of stout.

Label info:
9.1% Alc./Vol.
Enjoy by: 14 NOV 2019

Emerging from the deepest shades of darkness, a rolling crescendo of flavors burst forth from this robust stout. The thundering, hoppy appeal of Storm King subsides into the mellow subtleties of roasted malt, exhibiting an espresso-like depth of character in its finish. An exquisite blend of imported malts and whole flower American hops merge harmoniously in this complex ale. Discover the dark intrigue of Storm King, as it reveals the rich, substantial flavors that it holds within. Cheers!
Bill      Ron
The Brewmasters of Victory

Pride & Joy
Mild Ale
Three Floyds Brewing LLC
Munster, IN

Today, 2/20/15, I sampled this mild ale and found it to be not so mild after all.

I took this info off the label:
A classic session ale, Pride & Joy mild combines subtle maltiness with a soft, citric hop nose. Like all our beers, it's brewed for our own demanding tastes. We won't compromise; neither should you!

CHEERS!