Just A Dash Of Liquid Courage: #11

Last fortnight we took a look at a local brew. So this time, I'm bringing in something imported; a popular Austrian brew known as Gösser. It's so dark, that I was actually surprised to find out that it's actually a lager.



Gösser Dark Beer
500mL bottle at 4.5% ABV
Appearance: 9/10 (A-)
An unusually deep ruby color, or perhaps garnet, so dark that you almost can't tell that it's also crystal clear. With an even, light tan head, it's almost a perfect score.
Aroma/Nose: 7.5/10 (B-)
A little yeasty, but with an excellent malty coffee finish that is rather enticing, and distinct in and of itself.
Mouthfeel: 6/10 (C-)
A little thinner than I honestly expected, but still somewhat smooth. It does, however, have a harsh prickle on the tongue, which is just a little overbearing.
Flavor: 8.5/10 (B+)
With a good balance between sweet and bitter, this beer is exquisite, and under the soft tones of coffee, it finishes with a mild, lingering tang.
Overview: 8/10 (B)
One of Austria's best, this export-quality beer is sure to be a hit amongst the crowd, and is surprisingly light for a dark beer, making it a good choice for extended drinking sessions.

Just A Dash Of Liquid Courage: #7

I'm a big fan of Belgian beers, and La Trappe is one of the more interesting brands I've seen. In fact, rather than just coming in your typical glass bottle, La Trappe packages their brews in fancy little ceramic crocks. Sadly, though, I no longer have mine.



La Trappe Trappistenbier Dubbel
500mL bottle at 7.0% ABV
Appearance: 9/10 (A-)
A frothy beer, with an excellent mahogany color and a light tan head. Unfortunately, the head barely lasts at all, quickly reducing to a thin layer. Excellent lacing.
Aroma/Nose: 6/10 (C-)
Definitely a very strong beer, with a smell that matches. It is, however, very pleasant to the nose, with fruity aromas of citrus coming through.
Mouthfeel: 7.5/10 (B-)
A very creamy beer, to say the least, with a very smooth texture and a warm feeling. It is, however, just a hint too fizzy.
Flavor: 8/10 (B)
Though the beer has problems covering up the flavor of the alcohol, it is nonetheless outstanding and strong, with a malty, citrusy flavor and a slight sweetness to finish it off.
Overview: 7.5 (B-)
A typical Belgian beer, standing out amongst most as a fine brew. Worth the ten dollars simply for the neat little crock it comes in. I'd like to try the blonde version of this beer.

Just A Dash Of Liquid Courage: #3

Sorry for the short post here, folks. Not up to writing a bunch right now. At any rate, I came across this once, and thought it sounded interesting. I mean, it's the closest thing I can get to a braggot. So, I figured I'd try it. Mind you, even after trying it, I'm still not sure if it's a braggot or not, but it's pretty damned good.



Fuller's Organic Honey Dew
500mL bottle at 5.0% ABV
Appearance: 8/10 (B)
A light beer with a rich amber color, reminiscent of a clear honey, though lacking in clarity somewhat. The lacing is very white, even and unexpectedly clean.
Aroma/Nose: 9/10 (A-)
A delightfully rich and flavorful aroma, smelling of just the perfect blend of honey and hops. It comes on a little strong, though.
Mouthfeel: 6.5/10 (C)
A smooth and heavy beer, for a lager, with a rather slick finish and just the right amount of carbonation.
Flavor: 8/10 (B)
A rich blast honey flavor without the overwhelming sweetness, though sweeter than your typical beer. It has malty hops in the undertones, and a pleasantly heavy aftertaste.
Overview: 8/10 (B)
Hands down one of the best lagers I've ever had, and the honey is a pleasant addition to what would otherwise be an ordinary beer, and it's at a good price of only five dollars.