Nine Pin Light Cider Cucumber Lime

Val wanted to try another cider and this was the next in line. Let’s see how it was.

ABV: 4.3%

Style: Cider

Trivia: According to brewbound.com, “Nine Pin Ciderworks, New York’s first farm cidery, announced the release of Cucumber Lime Light Cider, the first in the company’s new light cider series that honors New York cider’s colonial roots. In colonial New York, ciderkin, as it was called, was produced by soaking the remaining apple pomace from the apple press in water. The beverage was widely produced during America’s colonial era and was often served with breakfast. Ciderkin was nearly lost to history due to the popularization of beer in the 19th century and Prohibition in the first half of the 20th century. Today, with the cider revolution in full force, Nine Pin continues to lead the cider manufacturing industry with its Cucumber Lime Light Cider, a modern take on the historical New York ciderkin. Nine Pin’s Cucumber Lime Light Cider is made from 100 percent New York apples and contains fresh water, cucumber, and lime. This gluten-free cider has only 110 calories per 12 oz. serving with a low ABV of 4.3 percent.”

Random: We picked this one up during a trip to Half Time Beverage in Mamaroneck.

This cider poured with no head on top of a clear, bright yellow body. There was limited carbonation visible through the body. The nose had some green apples along with cucumber water and lime zest. The flavor was light, which was expected. It had green apple peel and cucumber slices. There was some lime flavor as well. It reminded me of watered down cider. The body was very light and it could have used more carbonation. The finish was instantaneous. This wasn’t great and I wouldn’t have this again.

Untappd Rating: 2.5/5.0

Austin Eastciders Sangria Cider

Tonight’s selection is a change of pace for me. Val wanted to pop open a cider, so let’s see how it was.

ABV: 5%

Style: Cider

Trivia: According to wikipedia.com, “Sangría literally means bloodletting in Spanish. The term sangria used for the drink can be traced back to the 18th century. According to the SAGE Encyclopedia of Alcohol, sangria’s origins ‘cannot be pinpointed exactly, but early versions were popular in Spain, Greece, and England.’ Sangaree, a predecessor drink to sangria that was served either hot or cold, likely originated in the Caribbean (West Indies), and from there was introduced to mainland America, where it was common beginning in the American colonial era but ‘largely disappeared in the United States’ by the early twentieth century. Sangria as an iced drink was reintroduced to the U.S. by the late 1940s through Hispanic Americans and Spanish restaurants, and enjoyed greater popularity with the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.”

Random: This cider is available in cans and on draft.

This cider poured with no head whatsoever. The body was a bright magenta color that was clear and had a moderate amount of carbonation visible. The nose was rather muted, but had berry notes along with red apples. There was some honey as well. The taste was also a bit muted. I picked up the same berry notes, specifically raspberry and blackberry. There was also a decent punch of cherry. Apple came through next with some sweetness. The cider was a bit under carbonated. The finish was quick with apple. I thought this cider had potential, it just wasn’t my favorite.

Untappd Rating: 3.0/5.0

Rusty Rail Wolf King

Although the weather is starting to get hotter out, I still find myself enjoying a nice stout. I think they definitely taste better in the Winter, especially when there is some snow on the ground. We didn’t get a lot of snow last year. I didn’t even break out my snow boots once. But, a stout in the Summer still works. Let’s see how it was.

ABV: 8.2%

Style: American Double/Imperial Stout

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “This Imperial Stout is brewed with hints of Warrior One coffee – an organic, shade-grown blend from Costa Rica. Through a partnership with Lycoming College and Golden Valley Farm Coffee Roasters, sales of this coffee help fund study and research opportunities in the developing world. We’re proud to offer a beer that looks and tastes great, but can also help do some good.”

Random: This beer clocks in at 20 IBUs.

The beer poured with a finger and a half of light brown head that was moderate thickness. It dissipated slowly and left some lacing on the glass. The body was dark brown, almost black with some carbonation visible. The nose had roasted malt with tons of black coffee and dark chocolate. The taste started with the same roasted malts and bitter black coffee. There was chocolate as well, but the bitterness overwhelmed the chocolate note. The alcohol was more apparent than I would have liked and the body was thick. There was moderate carbonation. It had a lengthy finish with bitter black coffee. I thought this beer was good, just not outstanding. I think it’s still worth a try.

Untappd Rating: 3.5/5.0

Icarus Pound Of Feathers

Tonight’s selection is from a brewery that I would like to visit after the pandemic is over. Let’s see how it was.

ABV: 7.1%

Style: American Double/Imperial Pilsner

Trivia: According to the National Library of Medicine, “‘Which weighs more–a pound of lead or a pound of feathers?’ The seemingly naive answer to the familiar riddle is the pound of lead. The correct answer, of course, is that they weigh the same amount. We investigated whether the naive answer to the riddle might have a basis in perception. When blindfolded participants hefted a pound of lead and a pound of feathers each contained in boxes of identical size, shape, and mass, they reported that the box containing the pound of lead felt heavier at a level above chance. Like the size-weight illusion, the naive answer to the riddle may reflect differences in how easily the objects can be controlled by muscular forces and not a perceptual or cognitive error.”

Random: Icarus is also doing home delivery, but we live too far from the brewery to get delivery.

The beer poured with a quarter finger of loose, white head. It dissipated almost instantly and left no lacing on the glass. The body was a straw-yellow color and completely clear. There was a ton of carbonation visible. The nose had a lot of grain with a hint of honey sweetness. There was a touch of booze as well. The taste also had a lot of grain with some floral notes as well. The honey was present, but a bit muted. The booze provided some warming. The body was medium thickness and had a lot of carbonation. The finish was quick with grain. This beer was a pleasant change from all of the IPAs that I’ve been having. I would have this one again.

Untappd Rating: 4.0/5.0

Kane Wax Comb

It’s officially Summer in New Jersey. Places are slowly starting to open up and traffic is getting heavier. At least we still have breweries doing direct delivery, like Kane.

ABV: 7%

Style: American IPA

Trivia: According to wikipedia.com, “A wax comb is a tool used in the maintenance and removal of surfboard wax on a surfboard. Wax combs typically have features such a jagged or toothed edge and a straight, relatively sharp edge. The jagged edge is used to create textured grooves for improving the traction of the wax and the straight edge is used for scraping off unwanted wax. In addition to the straight edge for wax removal, some wax combs even have an inwardly curved edge for the rails (such as Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax ‘Sex Comb’). Additionally, wax combs can have features such as fin key, bottle opener or a snap for portability (attachment to interior pocket loop, lanyard or leash attachment lanyard).”

Random: Although given Kane’s location, I should have figured out that their beers would have beach themed names, I didn’t figure it out until now.

The beer poured with a finger of loose, pure white head. It dissipated quickly and left some lacing on the glass. The beer was bright yellow in color and had no carbonation visible due to the haziness. The nose started with grapefruit pith and zest and some pine as well. The taste was much of same, big notes of bright citrus and then pine sap and pine needles. There was also some green melon note as well. The body was on the medium side with a lot of carbonation. The finish was sticky with grapefruit. I enjoyed this beer and would search this one out.

Untappd Rating: 4.0/5.0

Kane Party Wave

Tonight’s beer is another one from Jersey. I’ve been trying to have more local beers to support them in the pandemic.

ABV: 7.2%

Style: New England IPA

Trivia: According to surfertoday.com, “Party waves make sense when you’re surrounded by friends, in a relaxed environment with gentle, rolling waves or dying swells. It is not only a fun way to meet new people, but also an excellent opportunity to have a good laugh. Longboards or foam surfboards will help make party waves a tremendous success. In the end, you’ll understand why sharing the stoke of surfing with total strangers is an absolute surprise. Surfing doesn’t have to be serious. Sometimes, we all need to transform a poor surfing session into a memorable experience that will only make us better persons. Nevertheless, let’s not forget that successful party waves require talented skills. Otherwise, the chances of someone getting injured or damaging a board will increase. Party waves are not a good idea in ultra-crowded surf breaks, or in environments where localism and snaking behaviors dominate the line-up. Sharing a wave is a cool option in long beaches with multiple peaks, or in places where you’re sure there’s room for everyone. Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach is famous for its occasional party waves. In the end, remember that safety must come first. Party waves in waves of consequence may put surfers’ lives in danger.”

Random: Until researching for this post, I had no idea what a party wave was.

The beer poured with a three finger, white head. It dissipated slowly and left a lot of lacing on the glass. The body incredibly hazy and bright yellow in color. There was no carbonation visible. The nose started with grapefruit, honeydew and some notes of mint and cilantro. The taste was really bright. It had grapefruit pith and orange segments and some lime zest as well. There were also notes of fresh pine as well. The body was medium thickness with lots of carbonation. It had a lengthy pine finish. This beer had outstanding flavor and went down really easily. I highly recommend this one.

Untappd Rating: 5.0/5.0

Kane SBX

Happy Memorial Day! Although we’re not going anywhere, it’s nice to have an extra day off. We’ve been watching movies and reading and spending time annoying the cats. Hopefully next Memorial Day will be more event filled. Anyways, let’s get to the beer.

ABV: 8.4%

Style: American Double/Imperial IPA

Trivia: According to wikipedia.com, “A sneakbox is a small boat that can be sailed, rowed, poled or sculled. It is predominantly associated with the Barnegat Bay in New Jersey, just as the canoe-like Delaware Ducker is associated with the New Jersey marshes along the Delaware River near Philadelphia. Railbird skiffs and garvey-like sneakboxes are other American hunting-boat types. Typically, they were all used for hunting waterfowl and marsh birds but also have been used by trappers.”

Random: When Val and I go on vacation, we try to find a way to get on a boat, whether it’s a sailboat or a ferry. We really enjoy boats.

The beer poured with a three finger, thick, pure white head. It dissipated slowly and left a lot of lacing on the glass. The body was a bright yellow and quite cloudy, with no visible carbonation. The nose was filled with melon and mango and pineapple. The taste was really bright and fruity. There was plenty of honeydew and mango and pineapple with a touch of mint as well. The beer was full-bodied with generous carbonation. It had a lengthy finish with strawberry and mint. I thought this beer was outstanding and the alcohol was really hidden and there was a lot of flavor to it. I would definitely have this one again.

Untappd Rating: 4.5/5.0

Carton Will It Waffle?

Val and I started watching the new season of the New York version of Real Housewives. It’s one of my guilty pleasures that helps me destress from work. This season looks like it is going to be absolutely bananas.

ABV: 10%

Style: Cream Ale

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “The realm of the pastry chef essentially breaks down into two distinct arenas; decadent ‘rock your world’ chocolate confections and, the necessarily more creative, ‘shake your beliefs’ non-chocolate creations. Pastry Cream ales are our foray into the sweeter side of inspiration from the other side of the dessert menu. Will It Waffle? is an imperial cream ale brewed with almond flour, maple syrup, Belgian waffles, bananas and vanilla. Drink Will It Waffle? because if you are gonna face the pastry plate, stack it high.”

Random: This beer comes in at 25 IBUs.

The beer poured with a hugely thick, cream-colored head. It dissipated at a moderate pace and left some lacing on the glass. The body was cloudy and a dark yellow color. There was limited carbonation visible. The nose was filled with maple syrup, almonds, white sugar and vanilla. The taste was really sweet and had a lot of almond with banana and tons of maple syrup and toffee. There was a touch of booze as well. The body was thick with moderate carbonation. The finish was sweet and lengthy with lots of vanilla and maple. I thought this beer was good, just a bit too sweet for my taste. I’m glad that I got to give it a shot.

Untappd Rating: 3.5/5.0

New Belgium Fat Tire Belgian White

Happy Saturday! Let’s jump right into it.

ABV: 5.2%

Style: Witbier

Trivia: According to wikipedia.com, “Witbier, white beer, bière blanche, or simply witte is a barley/wheat, top-fermented beer brewed mainly in Belgium and the Netherlands. It gets its name due to suspended yeast and wheat proteins which cause the beer to look hazy, or white, when cold. It is a descendant from medieval beers which were flavored and preserved with a blend of spices and other plants such as coriander, orange, and bitter orange referred to as ‘gruit’ instead of using hops. The style was revived by Pierre Celis at the Hoegaarden Brewery in Belgium and the Celis Brewery in the United States and is traditionally made with up to 50% raw wheat rather than wheat malt. The beers have a somewhat sour taste due to the presence of lactic acid or acetic acid, much more pronounced in the past than today. Also, the suspended yeast in the beer causes some continuing fermentation in the bottle.”

Random: Since we’ve only brought a small staff in given the pandemic, I’ve been listening to a lot more music while at work.

This beer poured with a two finger, pure white head. It dissipated quickly and left some lacing on the glass. The body was a bright yellow and hazy. Despite that, I could still some carbonation. The nose had some wheat and bright citrus. There was coriander in there as well. Belgian yeast came through as well. The taste was bright and had the same wheat notes as the nose. There was orange and coriander with Belgian yeast. I only got a touch of white pepper. The body was on the light side with a lot of carbonation. It had a quick finish with wheat and Belgian yeast. I thought this beer went down easily and had some nice flavor. It wasn’t the best of the style that I’ve had, but definitely solid.

Untappd Rating: 3.5/5.0

The Bruery Tripel Berry Hand Pie

We’ve been really busy at work lately, in advance of the holiday. Since I haven’t worked in clinical trials for an extended period time and with COVID-19, I’m never exactly sure when we’re going to be super busy. I’m looking forward to spending the weekend and putting my feet up.

ABV: 11.8%

Style: American Wild Ale

Trivia: According to wikipedia.com, “A semilunar pastry with either a sweet or savory filling, formed by placing a dollop of filling onto a circular piece of biscuit-style dough and then folding it over and crimping it shut. They may be baked, fried or deep-fried. A pasty.”

Random: I have never had a hand pie. I’m not a huge fan of sweets, although Val is an outstanding baker and makes some of the best sweet treats that I have ever had.

The beer poured with a half a finger of pinkish tinged head that dissipated quickly, leaving no lacing on the glass. It did leave a small crown on top of the body. The body was a deep reddish-pink color with no visible carbonation due to the color. The nose was very tart and filled with berries. There was a slight amount of vanilla as well. The taste was also very powerfully tart. The underripe berries hit in the palate all at the same time with only a bit of graham cracker and vanilla to back it up. There was a decent amount of alcohol as well on this. The body was on the medium side with some carbonation present. The finish was lengthy and a bit too tart for me. I was really excited about this beer, it was just too intense for me. I wouldn’t rush back to this one.

Untappd Rating: 3.0/5.0