Summer Solstice

 I received this can from Adam Slaker's going away party last weekend. I was able to get a ride from Holland to Chicago for the weekend to take part. Adam is being relocated from the Trader Joe's there to one in Corvallis, OR. Congrats Adam, and thanks for the can!

Appearance: Prior to even opening the can I noticed a few flaws: For one it was not firm from a strong carbonation. The root of the problem showed leakage at the seams. Oh well, I guess...this is the only can I got. The beer is a muddied amber. No carbonation, obviously. And the same goes for a head. Clarity is subpar with a prominent protein haze throughout.
Aroma: A rich biscuit and caramel malt base erupts from the surface of the beer. Clean smelling and ALL malt. One of the biggest and freshest grain based smells I've encountered.
Taste: Somewhat reminiscent of New Holland Brewing Co's Sundog, but with a richer biscuit malt base. I'd say they dosed this beer with a ton of Briess pale malt giving it that really wholesome biscuit/caramel. It's sweet all the way through and perhaps even finishing a bit nutty in the end. A very subtle earthiness finishes out the beer along side a grain husk bitterness in the end.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied. Carbonation is extremely low, but still minimally present. Somewhat syrupy in the end, but I'm sure if the carbonation were at it's optimal, it would finish with a summery bite. Still, the end is drying and mildly refreshing.
Overall Impression: An entirely different interpretation towards a summer beer that I've ever experienced. Boasting a huge biscuit malt base, and little else. Nevertheless it fairs well on the refreshing side. I wish I got a template can of the beer to get a more accurate review.
I'm interested to know what the "Ale with natural flavor added" means?

Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout

Time to switch it up from the typical bitters. Tasted this off the tap at 8th Street Grille on Tuesday afternoon. Found I would be taking the 2nd shift today at 3pm, so decided to hit up the bar and get in a couple reviews to make up for my infrequent posting.

Appearance: Very dark in color with a very appealing mocha colored head of dense proportion. Dissipation is slow, resulting in a thick even film across the surface. Very little light penetrates the beer, so it takes on a very opaque black color. Lacing is entire
Aroma: Some chocolate and grain and very little else.
Taste: Served cold, so the malt takes a while to come through, but as it warms, a rich velvety chocolate douses the palate in a sensational sweetness. Not in any way acidic. Mild toastiness and rich chocolate with very little roasty flavor. The chocolate flavor is quick to leave the mouth, and what resides in it's wake are the first taste of hops which take a neutral status. Some roast is present here as well.
Mouthfeel: Full and extremely smooth and velvety. Almost oily, but the soft carbonation helps distribute the beer to all areas of the palate encouraging a very palatable experience: feeling wise. The oatmeal really helps with the body, purposefully bringing a viscosity I've found in few others.
Overall Impression: This is a great stout. The oats contribute a number to the body, while the perfect balance of malts bring to the table a delightful chocolate flavor. The beer still manages an element of drinkability to it, regardless of its viscous body.

Summer Solstice Ale

Picked up a single can from The Wine and Cheese Place in Plainfield, after spending a lovely dinner with Miss Sheri Hendricks! Making up for the fact we only drank water ;) Poured into a pint glass.


Appearance: Got a little shook up on the ride home, so it poured with a lot more foam than expected. Retains a frothy and tan colored head about a 1/4 inch thick and leaves wet lacing on the side of the glass. Color is a light brown with a slight copper and ruby tint. Relatively clear, yet the carbonation is barely visible.
Aroma: Very sweet aroma, mainly comprised of caramel and toffee malts. There are traces of vanilla and actually, it is kind of reminiscent of cream soda. Complements of herbal-like hops and a dark fruit like raisins at the finish.
Taste: Caramel malts provide the majority of the flavor upfront. Less sweet than the aroma lets on. Some cereal and breadiness add to the body as well. Detect a bit of spicing, toffee, and lot of vanilla flavoring becomes more evident with each sip. Dark fruit at the finish, and some traces of alcohol becomes more apparent as it reaches room temperature. Aftertaste sticks around for a bit.
Mouthfeel: Medium body that basically coats your mouth on the way down. Creamy with moderate carbonation.
Overall Impression: Overall, it was a bit heavier than I expected for a "summer"-esk beer. Not entirely sure what to think of it since I haven't tasted a lot of cream ales. Yet I'd like to try another can so that's gotta say something!

Boont ESB

My first Boont beer. I have never had this company until a customer recommended it to me while working at Binny's. After this I tried the IPA as well. This beer was purchased this from Chicago's very own Green Grocer off of Grand Ave. We picked up a six pack of this for Aubrey's holiday party following a day of touring the Chicago breweries. Finally got around to actually blogging it Tuesday evening after practice. Pint glass served.

Appearance: Strong golden color with a foamy white film across the top. Some chill haze is present, but still transparent. Very little action going on by way of carbonation in this beer.

Aroma: Biscuity and sweet with an herbaceous undertone that leads to a spicy finish. Malt sweetness is predominantly caramel and biscuits with touches grassy hops.
Taste: Starts sweet, but quickly transitions into a very bitter and drying flavor. Leafy and grassy at the finish with a compliment of spices and herbs. Leaving behind it a very grassy aftertaste with some resin feel. I find there develops some grapefruit bitterness and lemon/orange zest as the beer continues to develop. Gradually some tropical flavors integrate themselves into the beer, as it becomes lesser reminiscent of bittering hops and develops a complexity to it. Nevertheless it is crisp to taste from the high hop content.
Mouthfeel: Medium carbonation with a subtle Spike to the tongue. Smooth texture in the back of the throat while it remains more carbonated and aggressive at the front. Has the feel of ha heavier body, leaving lest to the palate and more for the heavy liquid to bring these sensations...if that makes sense.
Overall Impression: Interesting beer, far different from the Schlafly ESB. Yet it has an astounding ability to develop a complexity the further into the glass one gets. Afterburp leads on some lagered flavors. But this beer is quite refreshing and drinkable if you can get past the initial strength of the hops and let the palate develop to the beer.