DECEMBER'S FEATURED BEERS
Flying Fish Brewing Company Exit 13 Chocolate Stout
BEER ADVOCATE SCORE: B+ Excellent (94 Reviews)
It poured a very deep dark black with a large (2-3 finger) dense creamy medium brown head that lasted throughout and had exquisite lacing that stuck very well to the glass. The aroma right off gets you with a nice whiff of chocolate then a moderate roasted dark bread malt and a sweet leathery yeast with hints of dark roasted coffee, caramel, a touch of dark fruit and a tinge of citrus. The taste well lets just say "WOW" begins with a mild bitterness that has a nice note of coffee, then it progresses into a much sweeter flavor with a large dose of chocolate and a mild fruitiness at the end. The flavor only lasted an average amount of time after the swallow which was rather disappointing since it tasted so good. Mouthfeel was extremely full and chewy in body with the texture being super creamy and having a nice soft carbonation. Overall this brew with out a doubt is one of the best beers I have ever sampled. This one definitely makes my top 10 thus far.
Ondineke Kleinbrouwerij De Glazen Toren
BEER ADVOCATE SCORE: A- Excellent (50 Reviews)
Pours a light yellow color w/ a two finger white head. Good carbonation and lacing on my snifter glass. Somewhat cloudy in appearance as well. Nose is pretty incredible- lemon, fruit, and yeast are the main characters here. Taste profile is the same, and feel goes in between tartness and sweetness/zestyness. Excellent carbonation and a medium feel as well. I had never tried this beer before, but it's a winner. I'd definitely buy it again. Cheers!
Ovila Saison
BEER ADVOCATE SCORE: B+ Excellent (173 Reviews)
Pours a hazy gold, almost tangerine orange. A very nice, one-finger pure white head with very tight bubbles. Really beautiful, creamy lacing around the glass. Beautiful beer. Quite a sweet aroma. Honey plays a major part, as does a sweet wheat character that compliments it well. Grassy and earthy notes, with a touch of citrus fruit. As the aroma would suggest, the taste is on the sweeter side. Again, lost of honey, almost a caramel malt sweetness at work. Some lemony tartness, but it's subdued. A fair amount of pepper, which imparts a nice balancing spicy kick. Very nice mouthfeel on this beer, lush but with an appropriately moderate level of carbonation. With a totally negligible alcohol presence, this is quite easy to drink. One of the better American-made (well, for the most part) saisons I've had. Sweeter than I normally like, but never cloying or over the top.
St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
BEER ADVOCATE SCORE: A- Excellent (396 Reviews)
Poured into a chalice from a bomber. Huge foam! Maybe two inches of thick creamy head that slowly dissipated to a nice 1/4 inch layer that lasted to the end. Great lacing too. Scent is dark fruit, molasses, a little orange and clove. Taste is similiar, dark fruits and molasses. Good carbonation with a medium mouthfeel. Overall a great beer. I was defiantly wanting more when it finished. Highly recommended.