Beer Tasting: Pantius Droppus

That's right, this review is of Ellicotville Brewing Company offering Pantius Droppus.  Quite the clever name for this Imperial IPA.  I actually ventured to Ellicottville Brewing Company today with my family.  I was not there to do a beer place review, but merely to get the family out of the house on a rainy afternoon.  I am planning a return visit sometime over the summer to devote a full afternoon for a beer place review.  But at least I had the opportunity to see where Pantius Droppus was made - as the brewing operation is intimately exposed on the pub side of the brewery - and I enjoyed a delicious brisket sandwich.

Ellicottville Brewing Company resides in Ellicottville, NY, and is about an hour south of Buffalo.  Ellicottville is a very popular destination during ski season and certainly during the fall festival that takes place every October, when the entirety of Western New York descends upon this tiny village.  Here is a copy of Ellicottville Brewing Company's beer release schedule.

Here is a picture of my Pantius Droppus:

Ellicottville Brewing Company: Pantius Droppus

ABV: 10.6%

Style: American Double / Imperial IPA

Rating: 88/100 with 64 ratings on Beeradvocate.com

Pantius Droppus poured a clear amber with a cream-colored light tan head that showed retention.  The smell of Pantius Droppus was sweet malt and citrus.  Citrus notes such as grapefruit and orange can be detected.  The taste was even more malty and bitter than expected from the smell.  Pantius Droppus possesses a very strong malt presence.  And Pantius Droppus is not lacking in the bitterness department either; a strong cascade hop presence is evidence once your palate gets past the malt wall.  There are also orange zest tones that attempt to balance off the malt and hops, but I'm not sure the citrus flavors complete their task.  The mouthfeel of Pantius Droppus is medium and maybe a bit sticky and carbonation is average.

Overall, Pantius Droppus would accomplish the task of making pants drop in about 2-3 beers, as this beer is very convincing at 10.6% ABV.  Pantius Droppus is a powerful sweet and bitter beer with slight citrus tones.  I look forward to returning to the Ellicottville Brewing Company sometime in the near future and trying Pantius Droppus on tap instead of in a bottle.

Beer Tasting: Ryan and the Beaster Bunny

Happy Easter!  The only "Easter-themed" beer I could find was from Evil Twin Brewing entitled Ryan and the Beaster Bunny (I haven't seen Pretty Things Fluffy White Rabbits around here, yet).  I picked up a 4 pack of this farmhouse style ale from Premiere Liquors.

Evil Twin Brewing is based out of Denmark, but brewed by Two Roads Brewing Co in Connecticut.  I have been impressed with many if not all of Evil Twin Brewing's beers, including Biscotti Break, Molotov Cocktail, and Yin and Yang.  I did not hesitate to pick up Ryan and the Beaster Bunny for a tasting.

Apparently, Ryan and the Beaster Bunny was conceived Fanø, an island off the west coast of Denmark.   Evil Twin contracts out breweries in the United States to brew some of their beers.  Just so happens that Two Roads in Stratford, CT is the location for production of Ryan and the Beaster Bunny.  

Here is a picture of my Ryan and the Beaster Bunny:

Evil Twin Brewing: Ryan and the Beaster Bunny

ABV: 7.0%

Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale

Rating: 86/100 with 473 ratings on Beeradvocate.com

Ryan and the Beaster Bunny poured a clear golden color with a two finger foam head that slipped away gracefully.  Not much lacing to speak of.  The aroma of Ryan and the Beaster Bunny is lemon and citrus with some hints of herbs.  There is a very earthy smell to Ryan and the Beaster Bunny.  The taste of Ryan and the Beaster Bunny is almost Brett-like, with sour mixed in with funky herbs and floral notes.  The flavors of Ryan and the Beaster Bunny are difficult to lock down, but are definitely farmhouse and include banana, caramel, bubblegum, pepper, vanilla, and tartness.  The mouthfeel of Ryan and the Beaster Bunny is smooth to a bit on the carbonated side.  There is an ever-so-slight alcohol undertone but at 7.0% really not bad at all.  Overall I feel that Ryan and the Beaster Bunny is a solid farmhouse offering.

Beer Place: Flying Bison Brewing Company

A snowy late March day did not stop me from traveling to Flying Bison Brewing Company's new facilities, located at 840 Seneca Street just off Larkin Square center in Buffalo, NY.  I visited Flying Bison Brewing Company's new facility for the first time last January at Larkin Square's "Ice Fest".  Please see my review of that event by clicking here.  I earmarked a return to Flying Bison Brewing Company when the brewery wasn't as crowded, so I set aside the majority of a late Thursday afternoon to go scouting.  Flying Bison Brewing Company is a Buffalo beer staple and well known for production of such popular beers as Rusty Chain and Aviator Red.

 

Flying Bison Brewing Company new facilities.

Flying Bison Brewing Company was opened in 2000 in Buffalo's west side on Ontario Street.  You can still visit the website for their former location here.  The Ontario Street building was less than optimal for numerous reasons and Flying Bison Brewing Company recently moved to Seneca Street in October of 2014.  The new space is immense, state-of-the-art, and incredibly impressive.

You are immediately enveloped in ample space as you enter Flying Bison Brewing Company.  Banners and other beer signage adorn the walls in every direction, and beer paraphernalia pings your peripheral vision at every angle.  There are a few picnic tables and high-top tables to rest your pint glass as you enjoy a Flying Bison Brewing Company offering.  The brewing facilities can be seen through the glass behind the bar.
 

The Flying Bison Brewing Company brand is ubiquitous in Buffalo.

I approached the bar and was immediately greeted by Vincent, a person whom I had met previously at Village Beer Merchant, but had not associated with Flying Bison Brewing Company until after my first beer.  Just next to us, Flying Bison Brewing Company's  Tim Herzog was "talking shop" with a couple about crafting beers.  I'll admit to eavesdropping.  Conversations like this reassure me that I am in a beer space where people enjoy their craft and patrons visit to share tips and exchange tricks of the trade with professionals.

Flying Bison's Beer Board

I decided to try a flight of Flying Bison Brewing Company beers, including: Helldiver Oatmeal Pale Ale, Walk on the Mild Side English session ale w/U.S. hops, Barnstormer American Pale Ale, and Crème de Bison Milk Stout (limited and now gone, cask).  Assorted snacks are available at the brewery, such as pretzels and cheese.

A flight on the wings of the Flying Bison Brewing Company.

What I have learned to appreciate from Flying Bison Brewing Company is that their best-selling beers stay true to form while being adaptable.  After doing a review of Flying Bison Brewing Company's Aviator Red, I appreciate the craftsmanship required to ever-so-slightly modify an Irish style red ale and successfully complement a traditionally-intense malt sweetness with spicy hops.  To achieve this level of product takes time, tweaking, effort, and the willingness to adapt.

 Flying Bison's Helldiver Oatmeal Pale Ale

I decided to go with a pint of the Helldiver Oatmeal Pale Ale and was not disappointed.  I was happy to also be privy to a couple of experimental batches of beer, including a lactic acid laced sour and the star of the night, a milk stout entitled Crème de Bison.  You know the beer is good when the employees trickle from every corner of the building to pull a pint.  Crème de Bison was indeed delicious.  This also is testament that you can stop into Flying Bison Brewing Company on a random Thursday afternoon and score some sweet one-offs (pun intended).  Crème de Bison was drained before I exited the building.

Tim Herzog at the register and on the cover of WNY Craft Beer magazine.

Flying Bison's Black IPA

Perhaps most admirable about Flying Bison Brewing Company is their commitment to consistency.  And behind any brewing consistency must be a well-managed and maintained facility.  I requested a facility tour from Tim Herzog and he eagerly complied.  Although you can view the brewing facility from the tasting room, you really don't appreciate the vast expanse until you walk through the doors.

 Flying Bison's immense production facility.

New bottles had just arrived at the facility.

Tim exuded a proud parent vibe as he escorted us through the new Flying Bison Brewing Company production facilities.  I gathered the sense that all employees were happy to be in their new space, as well they should be.  Tim exhibited confidence as he returned every question I hurled in his direction with a swift and knowledgeable response.

Lined up and shiny vessels.

I was surprised to learn that all the vessels shown here are barely sufficient to supply the Buffalo area demand for Rusty Chain.  This summer, beer drinkers can look forward to Flying Bison Brewing Company in can format.  This mixed pack of cans is currently being distributed all over Western New York and will definitely have a place in your backyard BBQ festivities.

Cans are now available.

Tim Herzog is proud of his new facility.

Flying Bison Brewing Company is truly a Buffalo brewing cornerstone.  A tour of the new production facility is worth the visit.  If available, grab an experimental beer while you are there.  You never know, maybe that beer will become the next Rusty Chain or Buffalo Kolsch.


Flying Biston Brewing Company
840 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY  14210

Beer Tasting: Aviator Red

I decided to end my St. Patrick's Day inspired week of Irish themed beer reviews with a local favorite, Aviator Red.  Aviator Red is an Irish style red ale produced by Flying Bison Brewing Company.  I am admittedly biased, as Flying Bison Brewing Company is well known and respected here in Buffalo.  Having said that, Aviator Red does not require my bias to stand atop the best Irish style reds being produced.

Flying Bison Brewing Company moved locations late in 2014, and having been to the new facilities I can say that the drinking space is very awesome indeed.  Flying Bison Brewing Company now helps anchor a Larkin Square renaissance, and significant revitalization is taking place in the area.  The warehouse style building has ample seating and plenty of bar space.  You can overlook the beer production process while perched at the bar enjoying a pint of Rusty Chain, Buffalo IPA, or Blizzard Bock.  Look for a full review of Flying Bison Brewing Company in the near future.

Here is a picture of my Aviator Red:

Flying Bison Brewing Company: Aviator Red

ABV: 5.5%

Style: Irish Red Ale

Rating: #9 in style

Aviator Red poured a deep ruby to brown with a spirited head that laced down the pint glass.  The aroma of Aviator Red is predominantly caramel sweet malt with a touch of spice.  The taste of Aviator Red was as expected from an Irish style red ale with malt shining through.  Where I think Aviator Red excels is the blend of other flavors surrounding the malt character, including Kent Golding hops.  Kent Golding hops are medium alpha acid level and impart a floral flavor to Aviator Red.  The mouthfeel of Aviator Red is light and the carbonation level is on target.

Aviator Red is certainly malt-centric, but I found Aviator Red to be not as malty as other Irish red ales.  There is a unique balance achieved by Aviator Red; malt dominance is balanced exceptionally well with hop modesty.  The successful blend of malt and hops renders Aviator Red a highly drinkable beer that is accessible to all beer drinkers.

Beer Tasting: Meabh Rua Irish Bog Ale

As the St. Patrick's Day Irish themed beer tasting week comes to a close, I've truly saved one of the best Irish red ales for last.  Brought to you by The White Hag Irish Brewing Company comes Meabh Rua Irish Bog Ale.  I picked this beer up at the last second at Premiere Gourmet yesterday, and I'm glad I did.  This beer is by far one of the most interesting Irish reds I have tasted.

White Hag Irish Brewing Company is located in Ballymote near Ireland's northwest coast, in Sligo County.  Ballymote is a very small town, and in addition to a brewery, boasts the famous Ballymote castle.  On August 22, 2006, New York City Michael Bloomberg unveiled Ireland's National Monument to the Fighting 69th infantry regiment of New York City.

The base of the monument contains a piece of steel from the World Trade Center.  Michael Corcoran was brigadier general of the Fighting 69th during the First Battle of Bull Run.  The reason why this monument was established in Ballymote is that Michael Corcoran was born in Carrowkeel, very close to Ballymote.

From the front bottle text:

"Meabh (pronounced Mave) was the infamous queen of Connaught, one of the four Irish provinces.  She was a legendary leader, and lover of men; a witch and a wonder.  Her ability to woe was often compared to a spell or a potion.  It's quite apt then that her name in old Irish literally translates as "Ale".  When enjoying a glass of Meabh Rua, the smooth, sweet, and smoky character will be reminiscent of the long red locks that cascaded down her shoulders and back.  But be careful, you might just fall under her influence, and you won't be the first."

Here is a picture of my Meabh Rua:

The White Hag Brewing Company: Meabh Rua

ABV: 8.2%

Style: Irish Red Ale

Meabh Rua pours a very dark red to brown color and struggles to maintain a consistent head (too cold when poured perhaps?).  The aroma is sweet smoky malt.  Meabh Rua tastes like a traditional red ale combined with a smoky peat undertone.  Sweet roasted malt takes the forefront with tastes of caramel, bread, and dark fruit flavors following close behind.  There is very little to no detection of pronounced hops.  And at 8.2%, Meabh Rua exhibits surprisingly little alcohol detection on the palate.  The mouthfeel is medium and a bit sticky and the carbonation level is low.  Overall Meabh Rua is the most intriguing Irish red ale I have tasted all week, combining both a traditional red ale with smoky depth.

Meabh Rua is a most authentic tribute to the historic Irish red ale style.  The beer is steeped not only with slightly smoky malts, but also history and tradition.  Meabh Rua contains all elements of a traditional Irish red ale but adds just enough smoky character to set this beer apart from the competitors and push the style.  If you are a fan of Irish red ales, do give Meabh Rua a try, and allow the infamous queen to cast a spell on you.

Beer Tasting: Cobblestone Stout

From our friends north of the border at Mill St. Brewery comes Cobblestone Stout.  Keeping in line with this week's Irish themed reviews, Cobblestone Stout is an Irish dry stout.  I purchased Cobblestone Stout from Premiere Gourmet in a pleasantly plump 15 ounce (440 mL) can.

Here is a picture of my Mill St. Brewery Cobblestone Stout.

Mill St. Brewery: Cobblestone Stout

ABV: 6.0%

Style: Irish Dry Stout

Rating: #29 in style

Cobblestone Stout is brewed in the theme of a traditional Irish dry stout, and this beer is certainly in line with the likes of other traditional dry Irish stouts I've tried with subtle distinctions.  This beer is full of gas.  Upon opening the can there is a release of beer gas, and immediately foam begins an attempt to escape the can.  The thick khaki coloured head rises and Cobblestone Stout pours very Guinness-esque.  The color of Cobblestone Stout is a dark brown to black and yet Cobblestone Stout retains a light-bodied look and feel in the glass.  The smell is of sweet roasted malt.  The taste is roasted malt with complexity supplied by coffee, chocolate, and walnut flavors.  In Cobblestone Stout, hops are not showcased, but are present.  The mouthfeel of Cobblestone Stout is silky smooth and light.  I found Cobblestone Stout to be well-balanced and true to Irish dry stout form.  At 4.2%, Cobblestone Stout is very sessionable and would be enjoyed by anyone with a penchant for Irish dry stouts. 

Beer Tasting: Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red

This week's Irish-themed beer comes to you from Frederick, MD, and Flying Dog Brewery.  Flying Dog Brewery is triangulated about 1 hour northwest of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.  Flying Dog Brewery is known for such craft concoctions as Raging Bitch Belgian IPA, Gonzo Imperial Porter, and Snake Dog IPA.  I've always been a fan of their creative cartoonish artwork and beer quality.  The beer I chose to review today is Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red.

Here is a picture of my Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red.

Flying Dog S.O.B. Irish Style Red

ABV: 5.0%

Style: Irish Red Ale

Rating: #52 in style

Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red pours a clear copper with an tan/ecru stable foam head.  The sweet caramel smell characteristic of an Irish red ale malt is present, along with nut and toffee.  Barely any hops are noticeable on the nose.  Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red tastes how it looks: very clean.  The taste is rich caramel malt and a nice crisp bite.  Other flavors detected in Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red include toast, grain, and very minimal hops.  A light tea-flavor is also evident.  The mouthfeel of Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red is medium-bodied and malty. 

One of the alleged ingredients in Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red is four-leaf clovers.  I don't really get a lot of clover taste from this beer, so I'll take Flying Dog's word on this one.  I do, however, hope that drinking Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red brings me the luck of the Irish.  Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red would make a good session beer due to drinkability.  Lucky S.O.B. Irish Style Red is very much in-line with the traditional Irish red ale style and quite tasty.