Uinta Organic Wyld tasting

We invited over a few friends last night to have a tasting of my blueberry stout that just carbed up.  Among the other beers had also had on hand was a mixed pack from local Uinta Brewing Company's Organic line.  Included in it was their extra pale ale, Wyld, which I really enjoyed when we visited Uinta's taproom in the fall.  While a lot of the local beers haven't done a lot for us, it's nice to come across something really nice like this.

Date - 18 February 2012

Venue - My house
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Appearance - Clear, golden, with just a little head developing.

Aroma - Lots of stone fruit (apricot, peach); bread is also prominent.

Taste - Fresh, clean malt with a moderate assertive bitterness.  Breadiness in the nose is very prominent in the aftertaste.  It leaves quickly and cleanly, though a light bitterness lingers.

Mouthfeel - Light and easygoing; moderate carbonation.

Overall - This is a really great session beer; it's almost too drinkable.  Light and refreshing, with a lot of flavour.  I really like the bready quality, though it might get old after a few pints.

- Br. Absalom

Squatter’s Barrel of Russians tasting

DeAunn and I had an early dinner at SLC brewpub Squatter’s the other night, and brought home this specimen for further research.  A Russian imperial stout brewed with licorice root, aged in rye whiskey barrels from the local High West Distillery, and clocking in at 10.5% ABV, it’s right up our collective alley, particularly this time of year.

Date - 13 February 2012

Venue - My house

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Appearance - Inky black with a deep brown head of small to medium bubbles that dropped back to a ring after several minutes.

Aroma - Perfumey, muted oak, hints of molasses and chocolate.

Taste - This one immediately goes to the back of the tongue with definite alcohol and licorice.  Notes of dark chocolate, subdued oak, and low roast; a little acrid.  More chocolate and a balanced sweetness as it warms.

Mouthfeel - Rich and creamy on the front of the tongue; full bodied.

Overall - A big, tasty beer for ski season (should the snow ever arrive in force); dark and acrid in the right ways.  Considering picking up another bottle or two to lay down for a year.

- Br. Absalom