“All About The Beer”
With Mitch Biggar
There are many discussions within the beer community on how beer should be rated or reviewed. I tend to lean towards the following criteria for beer reviews. I use five categories for evaluating beer. I highly recommend keeping a tasting journal whether it be hard copy, or online or through the use of various smart phone apps.
Appearance – Note the beer’s color, carbonation, head and its retention. Is it clear or cloudy? Does it look lackluster and dull or alive and inviting?
Smell – Bring the beer to your nose. Note the beer’s aromatic qualities. Malts are described as: sweet, roasty, smoky, toasty, chocolaty, nutty, caramelly, biscuity? Hops are described as: dank / resiny, herbal, perfumy, spicy, leafy, grassy, floral, piney, and citrusy? Yeast will also create aromas. You might get fruity or flowery aromas (esters) from ales and very clean aromas from lagers, which will allow the malt and hop subtleties to pull through.
Taste – Take a deep sip of the beer. Note any flavors, or interpretations of flavors, that you might discover. The descriptions will be similar to what you smell. Is the beer built-well? Is there a balance between the ingredients? Was the beer brewed with a specific dominance of character in mind? How does it fit the style?
Mouthfeel – Take another sip and let it wander. Note how the beer feels on the palate and its body. Light, heavy, chewy, thin / watery, smooth or coarse? Was the beer flat, over-carbonated?
Overall – Your overall impression of the beer. Here is where I may speak of carbonation and lacing of the beer on the glass.
That said let’s take a look at one of my all time favorite beers by Picaroons. The Best Bitter.
A – Pours a nice dark amber color, good one finger of head with some retention, and some sporadic lacing.
S – Nose is dominated by tones of toasted bread, musty caramel and toffee, some earthy greens and a nutty finish.
T – Much like the nose with the nutty notes coming through nicely alongside a bitter earthy hop flavor, the toffee and caramel lingers with a hint of sour citrus.
M – Medium bodied, smooth and dry.
O – The finish is somewhat dry, but the flavors are nice for the style and the nuttiness adds a uniqueness that stands out.
This ale because of the bitterness would pair well with spicy, heat charred, smoky or aromatic flavors such as those found in blue cheese. Bitterness and hops will always defeat heat. Recommended glassware is a standard pub pint glass.
Beer related questions? Email mitch@railcarbrewing.com
