Ale

Apr 12 2013

New Belgium Trippel Ale

Imagine a world where you fall in love with a beer all over again. Isn’t it romantic? Isn’t it glorious? It’s like everything old is new again. And all that. And more!

Yeah, good times they are had when you roll with a Trippel – especially one as wicked awesome as this one. It reminds me why in the heck I enjoy beer in the first place. To the review!

New Belgium Trippel Ale Review

Taste

What you want out of a Trippel. Hoppy goodness, a little bitterness, maybe a tinge of fruit or spice – coriander, in this case. Not too gosh darn heavy, though. Crafty is this Trippel.

Profile

7.8% ABV. This means more than one and you had better pace yourself.

Value

We paid about $14 for a 12-pack of a number of New Belgium beers – we’ll review the other ones, too. A bit north of $1 per bottle, but yes, this is entirely worth it.

Metasip Grade: A-

Yeah, this would be a 90-point beer on many a scale. Not perfect, but well worth the cost. Score some, Trippel lovers. Ale lovers. Hey, beer lovers who want to broaden their horizons.

Mar 30 2013

Four in Hand Crafty Ale

On the one hand, you can say that Four in Hand Crafty Ale is a really deep, complex and, well, crafty brew.

On the other hand, though, you might ask if this is the best they’ve got.

We’re not sure: we’ve had the Winter Brew and like it, and this is a definitely quite likable brew as well. We’re not sold – but we’re not scared away, either. Color us…satisfied. But not turning cartwheels.

Four in Hand Crafty Ale Review

Taste:

Slightly bitter and hoppy. Yet smooth. Slightly bitter finish.

Profile:

IBUs: 60. ABV: 6.3%.

Value:

It’s around 8 bucks for four pint-sized cans.

Metasip Grade: B

And let’s talk about a couple other things here. First of all – a grade of “B” isn’t bad at all. As was this beer – not bad at all. So don’t let that scare you – and let us know if you think we’re off the mark.

ALSO: We were told by an intrepid reporter that this is ostensibly Whole Foods’ house label. Who knew? (Well, they knew.)

Mar 30 2013

Jumping Cow Amber Ale

I still remember the first Jumping Cow Amber Ale I tried: shocked at how inexpensive, approachable, not pretentious. Then I stopped myself and said “Dude, it’s a beer, drink it.” And there we were.

This was a few years ago, mind you, and I think my palate has mellowed with age.

Now, this is something I’ll pick up from Trader Joe’s – still the only place I’ve found it – from time to time.

Jumping Cow Amber Ale Review

Taste

As ales go, this one is missing…something. When we’re able to put our finger on what it is that it’s missing, we’ll let you know. If beer had a “table wine” category, this one would be in it. You won’t embarrass yourself serving it to friends – but you won’t win over beer snobs, either.

Profile

ABV: 5.5%.

Value

Using the “buck a bottle” gauge, this is right about, well, okay. Not our favorite, and not a solid “B” when it comes to getting your money’s worth.

Metasip Grade: B-

Mar 30 2013

Double Take Pale Ale

So, in the Pale Ale category, you can spend $10 for a six-pack. And more. And be satisfied, too.

But does it make sense to pay that much when you can get something like the Double Take Pale Ale for $6.99 for a sixer?

By the way…can someone please explain the “It’s a Head Snapper” statement – and the fact we’ve found it on a wine bottle, too? Thanks. Anyway…

If there’s one thing we like here at Metasip, it’s value: and you can get that with Double Take, and specifically this Pale Ale.

Taste

We actually preferred their IPA to this Pale Ale – but there’s a “hey, that’s a pale ale” taste to it. Won’t overpower you, and won’t underwhelm, either.

Profile

ABV 5.1%. Light in color – thus the name.

Value

See above: $6.99 for a 6-pack of the Double Take Pale Ale and we’re in.

Metasip Grade: B

Have you tried this? Do you agree with our assessment? Want to write your own review – of this, or something else? Let us know!