New Beer Friday 11/2/12

The session beer invasion continues this week with the arrival of Anchor Brewing's Small Beer. Anchor Small revives the ancient brewing tradition of creating two distinct beers from one mash. Made from the second runnings of their Old Foghorn Barleywine mash, – a sweeter, stronger and traditionally more expensive beer made for sipping, and a more plentiful drinking beer. The Anchor brewers sprinkle warm water over the Old Foghorn mash after the first “wort” has run off, creating a second, lighter brew. Technically, both beers are the same, the alcohol by volume being the only difference.

This beer is light, even for Utah standards. It comes in at a whopping 3.3% abv. and is available at some grocery stores right now. You may also see it on tap in the coming weeks as well. There have been some sightings at Harmon's; if you see it anywhere, please share the love!

Widmer Bros. Drop Top Amber: Pours a somewhat hazy orange-amber color with a moderate cap of foam. The nose has bready malt with a mild honey-like character. A tart fruity character is present also, balanced with a fresh herbal hop presence. The taste starts with biscuit flavors that balance nicely with some caramel sweetness. Surprisingly tart, although not over the top. Hop bitterness is moderate, with a balanced fruity and herbal flavors. the finish is lively and crisp. 5.0% abv.

The unusual hop profile and tartness saves this from beer from being another nondescriptly average amber ale. It drinks easily enough and is pretty approachable. @ DABC, Beerhive

We haven't seen Unibroue's Grande Réserve series in few years, Unibroue 17 is the perfect beer to revisit this annual offering. Unibroue 17 Grande Réserve Pours a nice auburn color with a sturdy foamy head. The nose is a beautiful blend of toffee, caramel, vanilla, and just a touch of banana. The taste starts with tobacco, maple, vanilla, and brown sugar, with just a bit of cocoa. In the middle there's a dramatic shift with cherry tannis, plums, pepper and clove. The tannins carry thought to the finish, though the sweetness from the front end lingers underneath.  10.0% abv.

The tannic elements really dries out what could have been a very cloying chewfest. Very nice beer! @ Bayou, DABC

Also from Widmer Bros. we have a winter warmer that hop lovers will really love. Brrr has a deep amber color with a nose of caramel, lemon zest and grapefruit. The taste is equally rich with a nice malty beginning followed by a quick bite of citrus zest and pine, ending with a glowing balance of the two. The Citrus really kicks in at the end and really holds on. A really solid beer, very enjoyable. 7.2% abv.

 I have to say, the Widmer beers that have popped into the market, have been exception if you haven't tried them your really missing the boat. @ DABC

And don't forget Alta's 75th Anniversary Ale is also available.

Cheers!