Amstel Wheat

Amstel Wheat

Hefeweizen (Bier)

Holland

IBU's: 10.7

Alcohol: 4.5%

This blog has been lacking on formal reviews of Hefeweizens, which is kind of odd now that I think about it.  I drink plenty of Hefeweizen, especially during the summer.  Well regardless, here is something brand spanking NEW...

Amstel Wheat Bier.

That's right, the makers of the famous Amstel Light are releasing a new beer in America!  Okay, so they've already released it a week ago in certain parts of the U.S., but for portions of the country it's still not available.  So be on the look out!  I was fortunate enough to get a sample before it has released in my state, thank goodness!

So, for those of you who don't know, Amstel is a Dutch beer brand founded in the almighty Amsterdam, Holland in 1870.  By 1886, they were Amsterdam's largest brewer of lager.  Their famous Amstel Light was first imported to the U.S. in 1982.  So they've really not been selling their brew very long in America, at least in relation to their 140+ years of brewing.

Amstel Wheat is made in a classic Hefeweizen style using at least 50% wheat malt, barley malt, Weizen yeast, Saaz hops, and water.  No additives, no flavoring, no chemicals.  Just old fashioned, delicious beer.  Like any classic Hefeweizen, it is left unfiltered, giving it that distinct look.

Amstel Wheat pours a rather hazy, golden straw color with a thick, yet light and airy white head.  It smells predominantly of light wheat malt, a hint of apricot, and a touch of sweetness almost like a Belgian-style beer, but not as tart.  It tastes of wheat bread, light-roasted malts, a touch of lemony citrus, and more of the apricot notes that were in the aroma.  The mouthfeel is surprisingly in that it's really almost silky.  It's not watery like a domestic mass market beer, yet it's not heavy and overly bready like Hefeweizens can be.  It somehow has what I would call a perfect mouthfeel for the style.  

This brew strikes, for me, the perfect balance for a Hefeweizen.  Not only is it tasty, but it's exceedingly drinkable and silky smooth.  I could easily drink a couple of these in a sitting.  Unfortunately, I did not have any citrus slices (lemon, orange, etc.) to try in the beer, but I realize that's how many people prefer their Hefeweizens.  I'm willing to bet the citrus would only accentuate the apricot notes present here.

Bottom line, this is now easily in my top 5 favorite Hefeweizens of all time, perhaps even top 3.  

If you can find it, try it.   

Drink This: if you want an exceptionally drinkable, classic-style Wheat Beer. 

Don't Drink This: if you abhor Hefeweizens, and I know some people who do.  Although... I'm willing to bet this could easily convert a few Wheat Beer haters into Amstel Wheat lovers... 

By the way, go check out Amstel Light's Facebook page.  Tell 'em Bob sent ya!

Cheers!     

 

 

End of Summer Cocktails and Where I've Been

End of Summer Cocktails

and Where I've Been

If you follow this review blog at all, you'll notice the amount of reviews I have been doing has gone down drastically over the past few months.  

Well... life happens.

I thought I would give everyone a taste of what I've been doing in addition to a few end of summer cocktails.  The first day of Fall is September 22, after all! Only two weeks away!

So, where have I been?  

Fishing.  

Lots and lots of fishing, while visiting some gorgeous places.  I'm really trying to hone my fly fishing skills, but it definitely takes practice.  Savor these pictures of the places I've been lately...

 

You get bonus points if you can name any of these rivers or lakes!!!  One of which is world famous for its fly fishing!

Despite all my fishing and adventures, it's amazing how quickly the days are shortening with Fall on its way.  So, soak up the sun for the final two weeks of Summer and enjoy these tasty cocktails.  Old Man Winter will be here before you know it!

Jacob's Creek Sparkling Sangria

4 parts Jacob's Creek Sparkling Moscato Rose'

1 part Hiram Walker Triple Sec

.75 parts Fresh Lemon Juice

5 Cinnamon sticks

3 Strawberries, halved

1 Whole Green Apple and 1 Whole Lime, sliced

Build in a pitcher or punch bowl, and stir.

Float slices of apple and lime.

Enjoy!

 I Spirit Vodka Sour

1 part I Spirit Vodka

0.25 parts Fresh Lemon Juice

Pinch of sugar

1 Slice of Orange

Lemon Peel

Combine, shake with ice, and strain into glass. 

Float orange slice, and garnish with lemon peel.

Enjoy!

Disaronno Cranberry Cooler

1 part Disaronno Amaretto

1 part Vodka

3 parts Cranberry Juice

2 parts Orange Juice

Serve over ice.

Enjoy!

Grown-up Creamsicle

1 part Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka

6+ parts Fresh Orange Juice

Serve over ice.  Easy!

Cheers!

Little Black Dress Merlot

Little Black Dress

Merlot

Origin: California

Vintage: 2010

Sometimes I have to just set my manhood aside and drink something a little... girly.

This is the 2010 Little Black Dress Merlot which comes out of Mendocino County California.  Judging by the label, this is obviously geared toward the female wine drinkers out there.  The issue I have with this is that regardless of whatever they put on the label, it's still a Merlot, which in the wine world isn't really gender stereotypical like something such as White Zinfandel.  And even with White Zin, who is to say a guy can't enjoy it?  Sure, it's sweet, but it's intended to be.  That's the style.  My point is, they could have put skulls and scantily clad women on this label, but it'll still be the same Merlot inside!  

But back to Little Black Dress Merlot, which is obviously marketed toward the females out there.  I find it interesting, if not a tad clever, that the label does not actually have a little black dress on it, just a clothes hanger and a pair of heels.  So, is this really an effeminate wine?  Well, let's see..

Little Black Dress Merlot pours a deep maroon and has aromas of sweet black cherries and soft vanilla.  Tasting brings predominant black cherry, a touch of plum, and a hint of oak.  It's a bit thinner than I prefer my merlots, but not bad overall, just simple.

This is exactly the kind of merlot I could see a group of girls drinking in the evening while they sit around talking.  It's not too heavy, not heavily oaked, and fairly sweet.  It's a straightforward Merlot, for sure, and fits its target market.  Were the label to be more gender neutral, maybe even a touch manly, I'd say it was just okay, but for its intended female drinkers (who tend to prefer a lighter style), it's decent and only costs $9-11 per bottle depending on where you buy it.  

This paired well enough with my grilled ribeye even though I, personally, would have preferred something a bit heavier and tannic.  Oh well, it at least was worth tasting.

Drink This: if you want a straightforward, cherry-forward Merlot. 

Don't Drink This: if you're looking for a heavily oaked, complex Merlot.  Not that some girls don't like that kind of wine, but I'm willing to bet the label will scare away many a male wine drinker.  Just not this guy!

Cheers!