SouthShoreMagazine

SSM Late Spring 2016

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43 nose. With a steady carbonation effort, it is not too sour and is very palatable. It is definitely an entry level, gose-style ale for drinkers and not overly sour by any means. The body is medium and stands up well, even for the moderate four percent alcohol level for this style. Salt from Jacobsen Salt in Portland, Oregon adds a nice balance of salty and brine notes to the sour ale. A very well made product here from Sixpoint Brewing Co.; it is truly a fine product to seek. JACK'S ABBY SUNNY RIDGE PILSNER Cupping the glass in his hands as he breathes in, he appears to be getting the hang of this experiment. The initial sip commences and a confusing look appears on his face. He rocks his shoulders high and his neck tightens in reaction. From what I can diagnose, he feels this offering is too bitter for his taste. As he takes his third sip, he has relaxed a bit, but the beer has won this battle for sure. "This label is misleading; too hoppy for me." He sits quietly and ponders the beer further, then nods as he is ready for the next test. In my review, the hops and bitterness are heavy upfront, but fade quickly into sweet, light malt flavors focused on cereal grains. The head dissipates quickly with a simple and easy aroma, proper for the style, making for easy drinking and light bodied at 5.1% ABV. Sweetness lingers some on the tongue, but it is very drinkable overall. A strong summer lager and perfect for the style, this is a very approachable beer. BREWERY OMMEGANG ROSETTA This will be interesting, as I have a feeling he will react strongly to the flavors this beer imparts. He quietly gazes into the deep, russet colored liquid with a pinkish white head. "Whoa, this is dark, and doesn't appear to be a very summery kind of beer." The first sip, he coughs a little. "Wow," he exclaims. His eyes brace themselves and he forces down another sip. Following a pause, he then takes a third sip. He comments, "A highly carbonated beer, not a good after taste, very drying in the finish." He reaches for a fourth attempt, closes his eyes and studies, "Too much action, like I'm drinking Listerine." He's ready for the next cold one. By "action," I determine my father means "carbonation." I plan to use "action" to explain my rendition of this excellent Belgian beer. Rosetta pours with an off white head, thick and welcoming. The aroma is full of cherries and other fresh fruits; strawberry aromas are very strong. The body is medium with consistent carbonation containing plenty of "action." Perfect for the style, this beer has an excellent balance of sweet, dark malt profiles and sour, fruity cherries. The finish is slightly sour, but expectably so for the style. Cheers to Ommegang for this year-round release. BALLAST POINT PINEAPPLE SCULPIN Precursor: my Dad HATES IPA's. He hates them, so this will probably go terribly. He looks ready, but not ready. Inhaling, he immediately smells fruit and the hops he hates. Slowly, he brings the three ounce sample to his lips, and he sticks his bottom lip out in approval! Wow, I can't believe it. "This beer has more body than all the others I've tried tonight." A second sip happens very quickly, some hand motions occur, but all in approval. I determine a bigger, higher alcohol beer seems to be the way to his heart. He adds, "Smells like a fruit basket," before reaching back for a third sip. We have a winner here… I didn't see that coming. I genuinely enjoyed this heavily fruit-forward beer. It is deep gold in color, with lots of strong fruit aromas of mangos and pineapples. Bitterness is present but pleasant, as the hops are very prevalent but also very juicy. Good carbonation and head retention with a body above average, this beer is correct at seven percent alcohol. This popular San Diego brewery continues to impress. It is not what separates us, but what brings us together that is the most important. This shared six-pack in celebration of Father's Day combines two generations, raised during very different times in our country's history and appreciating much different styles of food, drink and culture. The vast number of beer options that we experience in today's world cannot be compared to the styles and brands of the 1960's and 1970's. This Father's Day, reach out to your Father or close relative and share an experience. You will be certain to learn something new and appreciate memories from years past. Life is hard. Beer is easy. Happy Father's Day. Cheers!

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