Oskar Blues Old Chub Scottish Ale

Oskar Blues Old Chub Scottish Ale

Scottish ales are usually dark, malty and full of flavor and most have a smoky flavor as well.  Oskar Blues Old Chub Scottish Ale has increased in popularity and winning awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Championships.  The fact that it’s served in can, is even more of a feat and slashing those beer stereotypes.

BREWED BY: Oskar Blues Brewing Co. (Lyons, CO, USA)
STYLE: Scottish Ale
ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 8%
AVAILABILITY: Year Round

Appearance:
Dark and rich brown.

Smell:
Hints of cocoa, caramel and coffee.

Mouthfeel:
It had a pleasant feel, immediate flavors were chocolate and a caramel sweetness, but then an espresso aftertaste that lingers on the tongue.  Reminded us of a cup of Italian Roast coffee.

Overall:
It’s an instant favorite.  This definitely isn’t for someone who doesn’t like dark beers or someone who enjoys hoppy beers, but this is definitely a keeper in the Serving Wench’s go to beer list. (5/5 stars)

Pairings:
Any dishes that are smoky, grilled or hearty.  Try a smoked pork tenderloin or hearty beef stew.

Have you already tried it or interested?  Please leave us your opinion on the beer in our comments section.  We love discussing beers!

Photo courtesy of http://www.oskarblues.com

Some information was retreived from http://www.oskarblues.com/the-brews/old-chub and to check a more comprehensive (let’s just say these are beer experts) review of this and any style beer, check out www.beeradvocate.com

San Tan Hefeweizen

San Tan HefeWeizen

For our second beer review, we’ve decided to highlight a local Arizona brewery who prides themselves in making craft beers, San Tan Brewing Company.  The fast growing popularity of San Tan is due to the company owner and Brewmaster, Anthony Canecchia.  I’m sorry to say, that so far the distribution has only spread to through out Arizona and not further.  So if you are travelling through Arizona this summer, I definitely recommend stopping by Chandler to their restaurant and check out their weekly cask beer specials or ask the watering hole you’ve stopped at if they have any San Tan available.

BREWED BY: San Tan Brewing Co. (Chandler, AZ, USA)
STYLE: Bavarian Wheat
ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 5.0%
AVAILABILITY: Year Round

Appearance:
Golden, nice head

Smell:
Fruity with citrus notes.

Taste:
Orange and lemon flavors are distinct.  Some clove and sweetness.

Overall:
I’m pretty particular about my hefeweizens, however this one was refreshing and thoroughly pleasing.  3.7/5

Pairings:
According to the San Tan Brewing Co. website, this beer pairs well with curries and sweet dishes as well as fresh cheese such as Mozzarella and Chevre.  I suggest a nice fruit salad or cheesy appetizer with this beer for any summer party.

Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA

This is our very first beer review. What you should expect that we have a very specific scientific formula and methods to review each beer. We take beer drinking seriously. If we feel the first beer did not truly capture it’s magnificence, then in the name of science, we shall have another!
We are reviewing the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company’s Ruthless Rye IPA. Below is what are impression is.

BREWED BY: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Chico, CA, USA)
STYLE: American Rye IPA
ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 6.60%
AVAILABILITY: Spring Seasonal. (Jan.-Apr.)

Appearance:
Copper colored and clear. White to cream colored head

Smell:
Distinct rye and piney aroma. A touch of allspice scent that lingers

Mouthfeel:
Strong and hoppy at first, at the front of the tongue. However, it quickly mellows out, lingering on the back of your tongue.

Overall:
I’m not partial to IPA’s, but this beer truly impressed me. I could definitely enjoy a couple of these on a nice clear spring night.

Pairings:
Any spicy dishes will do! Black peppered porkloin to spicy chicken enchiladas.