Two more from the beer run to Gainesville... a Key West Southernmost Wheat from the Florida Beer Company, and a Holy Mackerel Special Golden Ale from Gordash Brewing Company. One of the things I always try to do when traveling is check out the local beers. The only one I found on tap while I was out in Gainesville was the Swamp Head Stumpknocker Pale Ale but I did find these two at the bottle shop, so let's dive in.
Up first, the Key West Southernmost Wheat. It's a pale yellow beer, bubbly with a small white head. An earthy, grassy aroma with a little spice to it. A definite orange citrus flavor as well.
The flavor is more orange citrus than earthy, creamy on the tongue even, and very carbonated. All in all, this is really just an average witbier as far as I can tell. It's not bad, but nothing I would seek out again.
My Rating: C+
Witbier
The second one is the Holy Mackerel Special Golden Ale from the Gordash Brewing Company. It's considered a Belgian Strong Pale Ale... interesting, and not really what I was expecting from a little brewery in Florida. I poured it from a 12 oz. bottle into a Chimay goblet... it's a hazy orange color with a really small white head.
Smell strong of wheat, with a little hint of apples. No real Belgian spices that I'd associate with a Belgian ale. The taste is better, with spicy, fruity, floral notes... pretty good actually. Certainly better than expected after the aroma. Pretty solid mouthfeel too, bubbly, carbonated, not too thin... good.
This one is really easy to drink, the alcohol (8.5% abv) doesn't come through strong at all. Ended up being a pretty decent beer I think. I'd definitely get more from this small brewery if I saw them.
Smell strong of wheat, with a little hint of apples. No real Belgian spices that I'd associate with a Belgian ale. The taste is better, with spicy, fruity, floral notes... pretty good actually. Certainly better than expected after the aroma. Pretty solid mouthfeel too, bubbly, carbonated, not too thin... good.
This one is really easy to drink, the alcohol (8.5% abv) doesn't come through strong at all. Ended up being a pretty decent beer I think. I'd definitely get more from this small brewery if I saw them.
My Rating: B-
And with that... a little closer to 365 in 2011. As of writing this, I'm one behind pace, so I guess tonight will need to involve a beer or two! Good news though, it's my birthday and I'm about to head to the Chimes to celebrate!
Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment