Well, this weekend I went to a friend's birthday that was held at BJ's Restaurant/Brewhouse, and had a chance to enjoy a very very good beer. From what I understand it is a seasonal brew that they feature only a couple times a year, so obviously I seized the opportunity. Here is the info listed on their website about it:
Well, needless to say, I am not a huge fan of Pale Ale's by any means, and I find it odd that BJ's considers it a Pale Strong Ale. I found it closer to a Hefeweizen myself, in terms of consistency, color, body, and general experience. Anyways, I ordered up a taster of it to try out, and when I tried it found it delicious. I didn't let the first impression stay in my mind as I wanted to review it from a full glass, so I just ensured that I wouldn't be wasting my money first
Once I got the full glass, well, I will let the review speak for itself:
The beer came with an extremely small head on it, and a golden, milky appearance that reminded me immediately of a hefeweizen. This is a stronger beer, at 10%, and so my initial sniff of it turned up alcohol, with hints of fruit and sweetness, maybe even a little dab of honey. Very pleasing to the nose! My mouth was already watering as I took my first sip. The flavors exploded right off the bat, with floral, fruity notes hitting hard at the front, a good sweetness that was making itself known but not overpowering by any means, and surprisingly enough the alcohol taste was extremely subtle, though it was there enough to let you know, "Hey, take it easy...or I'll kick your ass!" I was loving this beer already, and lamenting that it isn't available year round or in bottles. The finish was long and creamy smooth, with no harsh hoppy bitterness or acidity (which is why I was confused on the pale ale part...). The beer left surprisingly little lace on the glass as I drank it, and stayed very consistent throughout the course of it, though I started to pick up a hint of spice to it as I began to relax and focus on the tasting. All in all, I give this beer a 10/10 in my book, I loved it and will definitely be going back before the end of this next week to get in another glass before it is gone again! I look forward to this time next year when I will be able to enjoy it again, and now that I know about it I will be watching for it to pop up!
Well, needless to say, I am not a huge fan of Pale Ale's by any means, and I find it odd that BJ's considers it a Pale Strong Ale. I found it closer to a Hefeweizen myself, in terms of consistency, color, body, and general experience. Anyways, I ordered up a taster of it to try out, and when I tried it found it delicious. I didn't let the first impression stay in my mind as I wanted to review it from a full glass, so I just ensured that I wouldn't be wasting my money first
Once I got the full glass, well, I will let the review speak for itself:The beer came with an extremely small head on it, and a golden, milky appearance that reminded me immediately of a hefeweizen. This is a stronger beer, at 10%, and so my initial sniff of it turned up alcohol, with hints of fruit and sweetness, maybe even a little dab of honey. Very pleasing to the nose! My mouth was already watering as I took my first sip. The flavors exploded right off the bat, with floral, fruity notes hitting hard at the front, a good sweetness that was making itself known but not overpowering by any means, and surprisingly enough the alcohol taste was extremely subtle, though it was there enough to let you know, "Hey, take it easy...or I'll kick your ass!" I was loving this beer already, and lamenting that it isn't available year round or in bottles. The finish was long and creamy smooth, with no harsh hoppy bitterness or acidity (which is why I was confused on the pale ale part...). The beer left surprisingly little lace on the glass as I drank it, and stayed very consistent throughout the course of it, though I started to pick up a hint of spice to it as I began to relax and focus on the tasting. All in all, I give this beer a 10/10 in my book, I loved it and will definitely be going back before the end of this next week to get in another glass before it is gone again! I look forward to this time next year when I will be able to enjoy it again, and now that I know about it I will be watching for it to pop up!
