Brandon Van Meter
At some point during my sophomore year, I realized that beer comes in cases of less than 30. In fact, some beer doesn’t have “Light” after the name. The amazing thing was some of these beers don’t taste like water.
At our local Brookings Hy-Vee, between the cans of Old English and the beer cooler (i.e. 29 Degrees of Heaven), there are actually good, tasty beers. They call it a “Pick-a-Six,” but I call it an addiction. The premise is you choose six beers from the wall and give the cashier $8.47. I was just as shocked as my party colleagues, and before long, I was sitting at a table with six beers that were neither Bud nor Miller.
Ever since, I’ve sampled-loved or despised-most of the beer in that glorious display. It’s been taxing on both my psyche and liver. However, I’ll take the time now to tell you: None of these beers belong in a beer pong cup. You shouldn’t chug these. If Michelob Golden Light is your definition of “heavy beer,” move on and forget everything I’ve said. For enterprising souls seeking adventure: the following is my (highly recommended) Pick-a-Six from Saturday, Dec. 8.
Summit Winter Ale: Grab it
Why I Like It: All-knowing Wikipedia describes a Winter Ale as “quite dark, but not as dark as a stout, with a big malt presence.” I describe it as a full-fledged appetizer in a bottle.
However, this Winter Ale nails the standard definition of its predecessors. There’s enough flavor to go around without going insane. On top of that, it’s smooth going down. While some would be put off by its taste, I feel this is best served ice cold with a steak.
Summit Brewing Co.St. Paul, Minn.
Point White Bieré: Grab It
Why I Like It: Brewed with coriander and oranges, it gives off a different taste. The high amount of carbonation turned me off-until it went down so smooth. The different ingredients come together so nicely.
Other companies should take a note from Point. There’s adding flavor and then there’s adding flavor to hide the taste of beer.
When tasting this, it makes me wonder why people actually drink Leinenkugel’s and call themselves men. Personally, I’d rather taste a beer rather than a poor man’s attempt at brewing. Buy this beer if you want to salute the gods of brewing on a summer day.
Stevens Point BreweryStevens Point, Wisc.
Red Hook IPA: Grab It
Why I Like It: For the longest time, I thought an India Pale Ale was liquid death. Apparently, whole societies have called this stuff “beer,” especially the parts dominated by England back when they carried muskets. The whole reason pale ales were conceived was to fuel their monarchial madness in far-flung regions, while keeping their flavor.
Since these beers had to survive on a boat for months, most taste like fermented metal. Not so with Red Hook’s foray into Union Jack-style brewing. That horrible sensation I normally taste is diminished to the point where its refreshing. Most often, I preach the virtues of beer staying true to its history. Of course, it still has a sting and is an acquired taste. With this IPA, however, I dare you to raise a glass.
Redhook BrewerySeattle, Wash.
Widmer Hefeweizen: Grab it
Why I Love It: It’s hard for me to remain objective when a wheat beer is involved. I love the solid, sweet flavor the Widmer brothers brewed into this beer. Solid from beginning to end, it will not let you down. I heard “hefeweizen” means delicious in German, and that’s all the evidence I need. This brew is a great leg for a Pick-a-Six to stand on.
Widmer Brothers BreweryPortland, Ore.
Full Moon Winter Ale: Skip It
Why I Hate It: If a normal winter ale is supposed to be dark, the Blue Moon Brewing Co. missed that memo. Everything that Full Moon is seems to go against the traditions of its brethren. On top of that, it tastes way too much like its old brother, Blue Moon. It’s almost like they took a vat of Blue Moon and threw extra spice in there to hodgepodge a winter ale together. Don’t be afraid to climb the “Summit” and skip this beer
Blue Moon Brewing Co.Toronto, Canada
Kirin Ichiban: Skip It
Why I Hate It: The label makes it known that this is from a “Special Premium Reserve.” The more I drink this beer, the more I think that reserve might mean “a pile of rotting vegetables.”
While drinking this stale, obtrusive and unimpressive beer, I was left wondering: are all Japanese beers like this? Is an entire country drinking this?
Nothing about this brew is special or premium. It literally tastes like fermented rice brewed with garbage. Unless you have a fetish for pain and general discomfort, just skip this beer.
Kirin Brewery of AmericaTorrance, Cal.
#1.882893:869637041.jpg:vanwesten,brandon.jpg:The Big Ol’ B, College Connoisseur:
Related posts:
Follow Us!