The Beer Wrangler

Beer reviews, styles, food pairings and more

Archive for category Spiced Ale

Dogfish Head Midas Touch

Jan 17

Posted by Wranglerette in 4 Tankards, Ale, Delaware, Flavoured Beer, Honey Ale, Specialty Ale, Spiced Ale, United States, Wranglerette | No Comments

Wrangler Rating:

tankard.jpgtankard.jpgtankard.jpgtankard.jpg (Excellent)

Yum Yum! Dogfish Head’s Midas Touch is both justified and ancient, being based on a 2700 year old ancient Anatolian recipe which is a re-creation based on analysis of drinking vessels that were uncovered during an archaeological dig in what is now Turkey – drinking vessels that resided within what is thought to be the tomb of none other than King Midas himself (although suspiciously they had not been turned to gold!)

I can’t say that I have ever tasted a beer quite like this (which is equal parts a delight and a shame.) Deeply golden in colour it is pleasingly sweet with hints of honey and muscat grapes but without the cloying sweetness of many meads (or bee vomit as I like to call it).  The nose has distinct notes of tropical fruit and the finish has a deliciously dry biscuity taste.

As there aren’t really any other beers like this out there I don’t have much compare it to but I think this beer would be a great one for ladies to try but anyone interested in exploring the myriad of flavours beer can create would do well to give this a go.

I’d pair Midas Touch with a Moroccan tagine or a mild Goan prawn curry with coconut milk rice dumplings.

ABV: 9%

Best Served: 8°C

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Howe Sound Father John’s Winter Ale

Nov 13

Posted by Wrangler in 4 Tankards, Ale, British Columbia, Canada, Christmas Ale, Flavoured Beer, Spiced Ale, Winter Ale, Wrangler | No Comments

HoweFather_l

Wrangler Rating:

tankard.jpgtankard.jpgtankard.jpgtankard.jpg(Excellent)

Howe Sound Father John’s Winter Ale is a fantastically warming, well spiced brew that comes in a nice 1 litre swing-top bottle. It has a dark amber colour with a loose head, a rich malty aroma with an obvious spiciness. This full-bodied Christmas Ale has a very malty profile that is the backbone for all the other seasonal flavours that are added. Ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon are the spices that give this warming beer bags of flavour, but it is kept well in balance, and not one really dominates. There are also definite notes of the other fermentable additions, like molasses, brown sugar and honey; they give the beer a depth which compliments the malt and spices, but cleverly don’t add too much sweetness! I really enjoyed this beer and made a slow-cooked cinnamon beef stew to eat with it, and they went together perfectly – a great winter warming combo!

ABV: 7%

Best Served: 11°C

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Traquair Jacobite Ale

Sep 23

Posted by Wrangler in 5 Tankards, Ale, British Isles, Flavoured Beer, Great Britain, Scotland, Specialty Ale, Spiced Ale, Wee Heavy / Scotch Ale, Wrangler | No Comments

Traquair_Jacobite_Ale

Wrangler Rating:

tankard.jpgtankard.jpgtankard.jpgtankard.jpgtankard.jpg(Outstanding)

Traquair Jacobite Ale is brewed in the historic Traquair House, one of the oldest inhabited houses in Britain. This beer descends from an 18th century recipe, and it has left us a very full-bodied Scotch Ale.   The name ‘Jacobite’ comes from the followers of King James II of England, VII of Scotland who was deposed as King of Great Britain by the Dutch William of Orange. In 1745 there was a final failed attempt to oust the German King George II in favour of Charles Stuart ( the grandson of James II/VII) and this beer commemorates the 250th anniversary of this rebellion.This is a marvelously well balanced spiced wee heavy, with a hit of  black treacle and aged red wine on the approach. Dark liquorice notes follow on, suggesting a touch of sweetness, with just a hint of the coriander, but the finish moves on to a wonderfully dry, vinous bitter cocoa bean denouement. This is a fantastic example of a flavoured strong ale, and should be tasted by anyone who considers themselves an aficionado of beer. I would drink this on its own as a digestif, instead of port or brandy as the flavours and strength make this a meal in itself.

*                                                          ABV: 8%

*                                                          Best Served: 12°C

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