Beer Review: Bell's Oarsman Ale

Serving Type: Bottle

ABV: Four percent

Appearance: Bell's Oarsman Ale pours a lemon-like shade of yellow. There was a slight haze that gives the beer an appearance of slight thickness. There was decent visible carbonation. The head of the beer as about the thickness of a quarter inch and only left minimal lacing. I can certainly let that slide as I've read that Berliner Weisse brews aren't exactly known for their heads.

Smell: Overall, the aroma of this was loaded with wheat and citrus. There was also a bit of yeasty character to it. This smelled very sour and tart as well. I was reminded of when I used to purchase and open up a pack of Shock Tarts as a kid. I think I remember them being called that. Anyways, on with the review.

Taste: This was a very enjoyable tease upon drinking. On the very tip of the tongue it was a hint of sweetness. Then the tartness of the beer took over. It was a tasty lemon flavor. I mean that in more of a sour sense rather than a fruity one. As the sip drifted towards the back I got more of the wheat and yeasty characters in the brew. There wasn't any hop notes to be noticed or compliment in any way, shape or form! I enjoyed it that way. Any bitterness on the finish would have interfered with the crispness of this beer.

Overall Rating: 

This is one of my favorites. I'm not completely knowledgeable on the Berliner Weissbier style yet, but I really enjoy this beer on a hot day. Sweet, yet sour and very crisp and refreshing. Tastes amazing and plays like a lighter beer. I never fill full after having a couple of these. Bell's with another awesome beer.

Beer Review: Flying Dog Sour Cherry Ale

Serving Type: Draft

ABV: 4.7 percent

Appearance: Flying Dog's Sour Cherry Ale instantly reminded me of the old Raspberry 7Up my grandmother would serve at the kids table during Thanksgiving. It was a slightly hazy hot pink with plenty of visible carbonation. The head was white and thin.

Smell: I got a strong sense of tart cherries at the initial waft. I'm sure this wasn't a sour, but it smelled pretty close. A somewhat strong backbone of wheat was behind the cherries, giving off a sense of cherry pie.

Taste: The tartness and sourness of those cherries was prominent in the beer's flavor. The wheat flavor doesn't kick in until the after taste hits. It's a very interesting flavor when the wheat finally mixes with the tart of the cherries. It reminded me of a pie crust, which is in my opinion the best part of any pie. This would be awesome as a dessert beer.

Overall Rating: 

The body of the beer reminded me of pop or soda, depending on where you're from, but the combination of tart cherries and what reminded me of pie crust made up some big ground in the points department.