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Beer Reviews

Cowbell Common

San Luis Valley Brewing Company
Alamosa, CO
USA

Style: California Common
ABV: 4.0%

Jill’s Rating:
   (Outstanding within its style.)


Comments:
When I first took a sip of this California Common style beer, I thought, “Eh, it doesn’t make me want ‘more cowbell’ like the menu promised." The start was bitter and disappointing, a far cry from what I hoped this beautiful dark amber beer with the fruity nose would offer. Then the liquid moved back in my mouth and I tasted—-no, savored—-a marvelous complexity. The finish was fruity and a bit spicy, wowing my taste buds, and it alone is the reason I gave this beer four mugs instead of three. How’d they do it? Lager yeast and warm fermentation at ale temps gave this brew the complexity San Luis Valley was striving for, and it delivers as promised. I do want more cowbell!

Reviewed by Jill Jaracz on November 20, 2006.

Today in 1516, the Reinheitsgebot, or “German Beer Purity Law,” was adopted in Bavaria.

Drinkin’ And Thinkin’

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