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Beer Reviews

La Roja

Other reviews for this beer:
Nigel Tanner		read it ›

Jolly Pumpkin
Dexter, MI
USA
http://www.jollypumpkin.com/

Style: Bière de Garde
ABV: 7.2%

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


Comments:
It’s finally time to come out of hibernation. I have been contemplating what beer I should jump back into the game with and I think I have found one. The one I speak of is Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Amber Ale out of Dexter, Michigan. I will call this AAA throughout the review.

Nigel reviewed this as a Biere de Garde and I feel this is more of a sour red ale. There was a significant amount of head right after the pour, which collapsed shortly after. Upon doing the usual swirl and sniff, there was a strong note of cherries with some type of wood scent to it. It is hard to put a nose on it, but usually brewers use oak barrels to enhance aroma and flavor. Tasting the AAA was enjoyable with a sweet and sour flavor flowing through my mouth. I could taste the cherry that was evident with the aroma. To some people a sour flavor in their beer might be a horrible experience. To me, I absolutely love this. The great thing about making beer is the four main ingredients used can influence how it affects all the senses. Special kinds of yeast and bacteria are used to contribute all the characteristics that are present. I know bacteria are something that is not usually tossed around in the world of beer. It is actually something that brewers do not want to see in their product except for certain styles of beer. The bacteria usually used are classified as lactic acid bacteria and they contribute sourness.

To sum this review up, a lot of southern Wisconsinites have had the opportunity to try New Glarus’s Wisconsin Belgian Red. If I had to compare any other beer that tasted like this, the Belgian Red would be it. The only difference would be the Belgian Red is sweeter and the AAA is more matured and sour. It is a great beer as far as I can tell. I haven’t had the chance to try another of this style. I guess I’ll just have to try to find another type to compare this beer to.

Prosit

Reviewed by Franz Mueller on February 11, 2009.

Drinkin’ And Thinkin’

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