Pumpkin Ale, Buffalo Bill Brewery

I've been wanting to taste a pumpkin ale for quite a while now. I'm salivating in anticipation for Saint Arnold's Pumpkinator, but I thought I ought to "break in" my taste buds to the palate first. So here goes Buffalo Bill.

Eyes: Golden, tawny, almost copper. The head held for a moment and fizzled out quietly.

Nose: Obviously the first thing I smell is pumpkin, though it makes me think more of pumpkin loaf. The flavor profile for "pumpkin spice" always makes me think of Chai, so I pick up on that as well.

Mouth: The mouth-feel is almost creamy, very smooth. Is it pretentious to say it tastes like autumn? I hope not, because that is the most accurate thing I can say. Truly, it makes me think of warm pumpkin bread and a Chai latte on a cool morning... except, you know, it's beer. It is vaguely reminiscent of an amber, though not as much punch on the palate. You definitely get the spices on the back of your tongue, which is really nice for the finish.

The Buffalo Bill site is under construction, but their Facebook site is up and running.
Overall I recommend this, and it makes me even more anxious to try Pumpkinator. Who doesn't love a good craft seasonal?

PS: Don't mind my LSU coozie in the back, there. Tigers kicked butt, so why shouldn't I use it?

Lazy days and upcoming events

The downside to having a blog like this is that I feel like every new beer I try is an assignment. The past two nights I've gotten to try delicious beers that were completely new to me, but I felt guilty for not taking tasting notes. I've decided I am allowed some lazy days of just enjoying this drink that i love; some day I will go back and record my thoughts on these brews:

Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Buffalo Bayou Brewing (Buff Brew) 1836

For now all you need to know is that they are both yummy!

Also, I heard this morning about an awesome event going on at Central Market for the next two weeks: Expand Your Brewniverse! Two full weeks of beer: cooking with beer, pairing food with beer, samples and lectures from across the country, at least. Our Central Market isn't exactly a stone's throw away, but it isn't far. Perhaps we can make a trip out there for Saturday brunch; we always love the live music on weekends, anyway.

Check out the calendar of events on their site.

Widmer Brothers Brewing: Citra Blonde Summer Brew

It looks like I caught this seasonal beer on its way out; their site lists its availability as April to August. Good timing!

Eyes: Honey-colored, light pour. The head fizzled out quickly, so I'm anticipating a crisp sip.

Nose: Something about the nose makes me think of mead. I have only had mead once, and I hated it (long time ago, who knows what I'd think now). I always think of it alongside a quote from Neil Gaiman's "American Gods". To paraphrase, it is described as tasting like honey once it's been pissed out. It doesn't sound like a good thing that I'm connecting that to this brew, but the smell is a little more pleasant. Something herbal in the scent as well, which might be what I'm connecting.

Sidebar: My favorite thing with beer (and even more so, wine) is to taste it and think, "Oh, what is that taste? I know it, I know it, oh... OH, toasted marshmallow!" or whatever fill-in-the-blank of flavor. It is fun, and I happen to be pretty good at it. Hubby studies wine and knows leagues more than I do - the man knows his grapes - but sometimes he will ask me to taste something for him because he can't quite place a flavor. I almost always get it. ;-)

Mouth: My aha moment for this palate was basil. It makes me think of lemons and basil. Which, in turn, makes me want a glass of Buffalo Bayou Brewing "Wit da eff", but that is for another time. The mouth-feel is crisp and thin, very refreshing. This is a great summer seasonal and would be perfectly matched with dipping your legs in the pool while noshing on grilled corn or some fresh bruschetta.

I did a little research and went to the site where they list their beers: HOLY CRAP do I need to visit Portland! Check out these amazing options. I will definitely keep my eyes open for this brewery again.