Taproom Talk

With a mysterious sobriquet like Slaapmustske, one expects a phenomenal beer with exotic tastes fit for only the most refined among beer snobs (even those living in Tennessee). Being of such esteemed position, I approached the brewsky, obviously not meant for the simple bourgeoisie and found myself unable to disagree. This fine beer poured with a huge white head that produced an elegantly spicy nose with an pleasurable hoppiness quite similar to a Belgian blonde– in fact, much like that of the Leffe (which, by the way, that cloudiness has lots of Vitamin B). Indeed, this brew’s aromatic nose was a guarantee that I was going to enjoy this brewsky. Its color was a quite cloudy dark blonde hue and its taste was peppery, yet not too harsh, much like a fine potpourri. It had a refined spiciness to it that was complemented by hoppy overtones with a slight taste decribed maybe as grassy. As I stroked my goatee whilst imbibing this fine Slaapmustske, I found myself enjoying this drinking jubilee and am left to decree: the Slaapmustske is one heck of a brewsky!

Not long ago, I had the opportunity to venture to beautiful Asheville, NC where I happened upon mixed case of the Highland Brewing company’s beers. Of course, you may remember that in April of 2005, I reviewed the Tasgall Ale and henceforth declared that the Tasgall “is a unique beer that has me excited to taste others from this company.” So it should be of no surprise that I eagerly bought the mixed case (which didn’t include the Tasgall, unfortunately) and trucked the whole lot home.

Highland’s Gaelic Ale pours with a reddish hue and has a light head that slowly dissipates to reveal a wonderfully sweet malty nose with hop hints. The Gaelic imparts a well balanced clean malt taste that has hints of hops and a pleasant clean finish. I noted that there are few bubbles in the body and I was particularly impressed with the slick finish of this beer; however, I will say that this particular beer lacks the distinctiveness of their Tasgall. That’s not to say this isn’t a beer worthy of a snob’s notice, it’s just that this isn’t something you’ll find yourself asking for if there is, say, a Liberty Ale on tap.

All in all, this is a good showing for Highland, but if one’s bar is set by the Tasgall, then you’ll understand why the Gaelic falls a bit short.

Ice beer was all the rage a number of years ago– indeed, it was a successful marketing ploy that got a lot of people drinking beastly beer containing a lot of alcohol. First, there was Icehouse, then the venerable Beast Ice, which became the choice of sophisticated frat boys looking to impress the ladies, and even the much sought after Colt Ice became a hit– this was indeed a serious drink for the refined fellas among us. Somehow, I suspect that many people eventually figured out that these beers, and others with the same sobriquet, were simply awful.

It’s easy to understand then, why this beer snob was quite suspicious at the notion of imbibing a beer that claims to be the “original ice beer.” To my surprise, the Kulmbacher Eisbock is outstanding– I mean, this beer is phenomenal! What’s more, its icy-ness is authentic!

The Kulmbacher pours a deep dark brown hue with a slight white head that disappeared before I could take in its aromatic, sweet malty nose. Its taste was equally as pleasing in all its sweet malty glory– indeed, I was able to discern a slight hint of raisins, which was complemented nicely with a smooth and spicy warming finish.

Weighing in at a hefty 9.2% ABV, this beer is made to be sipped, preferably after a hard day’s work, which is much the opposite from Beast Ice, which was made to be pounded at any given hour, preferably an early one (say, before 10am). So the next time you’re tempted to snub an ice beer, make sure it’s not the Kulmbacher Eisbock– this is no beer to knock!