We had a most incredible thunder storm on Sunday. I reached out to the gentleman who sent me homebrews and asked which he recommended I ernjoy during the lightning show. On the spot, he answered "Flanders Red," which we enjoyed together, miles apart.

Appearance
Deep russet with ruby tones and a nearly non-existent head, but that may have been my fault, if the glass was not "beer clean."

Aroma
In a word, vinegar – just as it should be. Delightfully sour, in a way that opens up your nasal passages. Can barely wait to take a sip!

Taste
More sour than some others I’ve had. For example, Duchesse de Bourgogne, while having an extremely sour aroma, rounds out with quite a bit of sweetness on the palate. Brian’s Flanders Red is refreshingly sour, with a touch of white grape coming through.

Mouthfeel
Light body with medium-light carbonation. Extremely refreshing. The body smooths out nicely as the brew warms up.

Overall
Another solid homebrew from Brian Gruner. If he were to open a brewery, I’d be among his biggest advocates.

TAGS [ BEER REVIEW | HOMEBREW | FLANDERS RED ]

I call Moose-ears!

It was raining outside to the point of flooding, and I had the hair-do to prove it. The wall was reminiscent of a Cosby sweater and the beer was flowing. KegWorks’ night at the Ukrainian-American Civic Center was all that and a bag of chips.

Although many American beers were available, we all decided to enjoy Obolon, from the Ukraine – it seemed only fitting. Every style was consumed, repeatedly. This is KegWorks we’re talking about, after all, and we do enjoy good brews. Of the styles we tried, I especially enjoyed the Obolon Oksamytove, quoted on the bottle as "Obolon Deep Velvet Beer."

Appearance
Deep russet with two fingers of off-white head and no visibility through the brew.

Aroma
Sweet and biscuity, like lightly over-baked bread, with a touch of dark fruit.

Taste
Dark, slightly sour cherry flavor really comes through on front and side of tongue through the first part of the sip. Flavor is heavier on malt than hops, offering up a smooth, biscuity finish on the back of the tongue.

Mouthfeel
Medium body with light carbonation, keeping the brew smooth overall.

Overall
This 5.3% Euro Dark Lager reminded me a little of a Belgian dubbel, though not as complex, with far lower ABV. I wouldn’t go out of my way to find this beer, but if I’m at the Ukrainian-American Civic Center, I’d have it again.

TAGS [ OBOLON | BEER REVIEW | UKRAINIAN BEER ]