I have many things to give thanks for. Family, friends, music, the White Sox. And beer. Good beer in particular. Some people think I’m a beer snob, but I’m not. I had a Miller Lite this weekend, isn’t that proof? I had a can of Natty Boh last week, if you need more evidence.
Thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws gave me a chance to try a new beer. J.W. Dundee IPA. I’ve had their Honey Brown, which is OK, but not something I crave, or have ever bought. The IPA fit this description as well. It is a little thin and weak, and the hops aren’t strong or spicy enough. It’s inoffensive at best.
Now, for a live review of Utenos Porter. 6.8% alcohol by volume, this brew hails from Lithuania. Deep brown with a hint of garnet, it is far from opaque, as some porters are. It supports a thin head, although it is well carbonated. The bouquet is really nice, and in the order it greets the nose, banana when the cap is popped, a hint of butterscotch or caramel, light coffee and an alcohol sharpness. The immediate taste is sharp and slightly sweet, and not too thick. There is a graininess in the finish, and a smooth maltiness on the edges of the tongue. Again, alcohol is noticed in the exhale, and the malt tstes and texture remains. I like it. It’s not as strong or thick as what I would expect from a porter, but it does seem like a hearty brew. I’ll buy it again, and it really is a nice late November kind of beer. I am thankful for it.
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