Taproom Talk

The Hobgoblin Ale is undoubtedly one of the coolest looking beer labels around– in fact, that’s what caused me to consider picking up a few the other day. But, like a book, which cannot be judged by its cover, one should also judge a beer for its character only.

The Hobgoblin pours a nice dark brown color and reveals a wonderfully thick head that dissipated slowly over the course of a tasting. Its nose revealed sweet malts with an essence of dates, which had me quite excited to take a taste. Indeed, the ale’s taste was initially quite nice as there is an elegant hoppy bitterness; however, that’s about all there is. The finish is noticeably absent and aside from a nice hoppy mouth feel, there isn’t much more to this beer. Perhaps the combination of a slick label and wonderful nose had me quite excited for a bold taste, but there isn’t anything there.

The Hobgoblin makes for an excellent label and emparts a pleasant nose, however, its taste is rather bland and frankly, underwhelming. If you see one in a store, pick it up and take a look, but put it back and grab a case of Ridgeway Bitter for something with a distinctive character.

Not long ago, I wrote about the Breckenridge Christmas Ale in a most unflattering manner. The beer’s showing was so poor that I had essentially written off the Breckenridge Brewery– in fact, I had seen their Vanilla Porter a number of times since tasting the Christmas Ale and ignored it. That all changed a few nights ago, in what could have been a moment of weakness; however, it turned out to be pure genius. Breckenridge’s Vanilla Porter is outstanding!

This fine ale poured a dark brownish true porter color with a light head that dissipated quickly, leaving a slight tan lacing. The real essence of this beer, however, is its fine nose, which is pleasantly sweet vanilla with hints of burnt malts. The taste is equally as nice with elegant hints of vanilla much like that of a cream soda. There are traces of caramel too in its taste, which can easily complement a tasty dessert. The finish is also endowed with vanilla, in such a manner as to leave you eager to taste another sip.

I must say that I find the Breckenridge Vanilla Porter a remarkable find and I can assure you that this particular beer won’t last long in my fridge.

There’s something to be said for chanting. That is, chanting and making beer or cheese or chocolate. These are some of the practices of monks. I understand why the brothers of a monastery must keep a vow of silence. There are secret recipes and such that can’t just go wondering off! I have no doubt that some of the best beer in the world is made in small batches by the holiest of holy. In this case the monk’s of Belgium have a strong ale that yet brings us closer to God.

In this style of reverent drink, I got my hands on a bottle of Westmalle trappist. It’s golden in color, yeasty with a light crisp taste and a lemon peel zest, undeniably delicious. Very crisp, clean, almost like a champagne, it has a tangy aftertaste; a tart finish. At first the fruitiness is like a green apple, but it changes to the tender sweetness like a red apple near the end. There is the subtle underlying aroma of fresh bread.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If this is my calling; if this is my vocation, then I am ready to serve. 1 ticket to Belgium, one-way, please. Amen.