Category Archives: 3 – Indifferent (might buy, probably drink)

3 - Indifferent (might buy, probably drink), Beer Reviews, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Stout - Russian Imperial, USA

Sierra Nevada Narwhal 2014

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Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Country: USA
ABV: 10.2%
Style: Russian Imperial Stout

Brewer Description: (from back label) Inspired by the mysterious creature that dwells in the deepest Arctic seas, Narwhal Imperial Stout is midnight black and bold with notes of baker’s cocoa and dark roasted coffee. This massive imperial stout is incredibly complex and explores the darkest depths of malt flavor.

My rating: 3
My beeradvocate.com rating: 3.28
My ratebeer.com rating: 3.4

Intro: 12oz bottle packaged on 6 November 2014 as per the back label. Poured into a Westmalle goblet.
Appearance: It poured pitch black with minimal head and low retention.
Aroma: Mocha chocolate with hints of espresso at first but followed by some alcohol.
Taste: Bittersweet chocolate with some coffee. Later on some booze does show.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, creamy and velvety. Very light carbonation.
Overall: I thought that this was a decent stout. Taste wise its not the best of its style but it is certainly solid. I’ve also heard that it ages well so I may have to find another bottle to age a few years.

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3 - Indifferent (might buy, probably drink), Beer Reviews, Belgian Tripel, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, USA

Sierra Nevada Ovila Abbey Tripel

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Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Country: USA
ABV: 8.8%
Style: Tripel
Other Notes: 30IBU, Specialty Ovila series brewed in collaboration with the monks of the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina, CA.

Brewer Description: (from bottle) Ovila Abbey Tripel’s golden color and brilliant foam hide an incredible depth of flavor. It maintains a perfect balance between slightly sweet and bready malts, floral hop notes, and the fruity aromatics of a traditional Belgian yeast. Tripels were first created by Belgian monks, and this beer is our homage to the original blonde abbey ale.

My rating: 3/5
My beeradvocate.com rating: 3.29
My ratebeer.com rating: 3.2

Intro: A corked and caged 12.7oz (375ml) bottle poured into Westmalle goblet. Packaged and bottled on 13 August 2014. Sierra Nevada suggests 365 days expiry
Appearance: Poured a golden orange, mostly clear, small head
Aroma: Honey, candied sugar, bananas
Taste: Sweet, honey, pineapple (disappears fast though). The alcohol comes out as it gets warmer
Mouthfeel: Medium body, light carbonation
Overall: I bought it because I was attracted to the nice bottle and labelling. The beer itself was decent and not too sweet but I haven’t decided if I would buy it again yet.

caged and corked
caged and corked
poured
poured
back label
back label
3 - Indifferent (might buy, probably drink), American Pale Ale, Beer Reviews, Founders Brewing Company, USA

Founders Pale Ale (Dry Hopped)

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Brewery: Founders Brewing Company
Country: USA
ABV: 5.4%
Style: American Pale Ale (APA)
Other Notes: 35IBU, 100% cascade hops, 163 calories (per 355ml)

Brewer Description: (from Founders website) A testament to Cascade hops in a bottle, this medium-bodied pale ale has a refreshing citrus flavor and a distinctive floral hop aroma due to the aggressive addition of hops during fermentation. You’ll notice a slight malty sweetness with a balanced hop finish. Perfect to enjoy anytime, anywhere.

My rating: 3/5
My beeradvocate.com rating: 3.43
My ratebeer.com rating: 3.2

Intro: A 355ml bottle poured into a La Chouffe tulip glass. Bottle says best before 4th March 2015 so not exactly fresh, but tried a few days before best before date
Appearance: Poured a cloudy orange/copper with some floating residue, small head with very little retention
Aroma: Grassy, pine, mango and citrus
Taste: Starts crisp and grassy with very light bitter taste, ends with some caramel and alcohol
Mouthfeel: Crisp and dry with nice carbonation
Overall: Feels dry but goes down easy. Also disappointed with the alcohol appearing at the end

Founders Pale Ale (Dry Hopped)
Founders Pale Ale (Dry Hopped)