3 Ravens The Ravenator Bock

Tasted Thursday 8 July 2010. 5.8% Alc/Vol

Australia

Sweet malt aromas, sublt yeasty/vegemite characters  and roasted nuts. Thin head that disappeared quickly. Light to medium body with plenty of flavour. Sweet malt, leading to a dry finish with orange/caramel toasty notes. Very smooth and rich with decent length and balance with a suggestion of hops.  A very good beer and easy drinking – too easy.

Read Full Post »

3 Ravens Ale Noir Oak Aged Smoke Beer

Tasted Thursday 8 July 2010. 750ml bottle, 5.4% Alc/Vol

Australia

This is the Dark Smoke beer aged in French oak barrels that was used to mature Pinot Noir from the Geelong region. An initial dense off white head quickly dissipated. The nose was gorgeous dirty, burnt rubber, earthy and peaty and a touch of toffee. Smooth mouthfeel, slightly sweet malt character, earthy and peaty and charry. Light bodied and very smooth with some seasoned woodiness and seaweed notes. Tangy and salty on the finish and very dry. An excellent smoke beer.

Read Full Post »

Harrington’s Big John Special Reserve – Scotch Ale

Tasted Tuesday 29 June 2010. 500ml bottle, 6.5% Alc/Vol.

New Zealand

This has been infused with authentic Kentucky Bourbon. Which brand or how, I’m not sure. Maybe the brewer in the middle of a bender accidentally tipped a bottle in the mix trying to brew under the influence. The result? Quite nice actually. Perhaps not as strong or complex as some Scotch Ales but this will suffice on a cold winters evening, and at 6.5% alcohol a couple more can happily be consumed. It is big rich and malty. Sweetness up front with liqueur-like spirit undertones plus burnt toffee, banana, clove and a hint of smokiness. It is very well balanced with medium carbonation, a smooth dryish finish and low to mild hop content. Very yum indeed.

Find at Purvis Cellars

Read Full Post »