Welcome back to the Brew Review, as you can see I have successfully complete episode 2 of the Brew Review and judging from the comments you guys like the first episode and I am sure the second won’t disappoint. For episode 2 I made a few adjustments the first was to break out the big tripod and get rid of the table tripod which made the video to bouncy, so hopefully that is a major improvement, and I am letting it fully upload to You Tube before posting so the quality should be higher. On to the beer.
Today I continue reviewing the New Belgium beers as I tackled their Mighty Arrow Pale Ale and hopefully finish up the Folly Pack tomorrow with a review of their IPA Ranger.
The Pour
Mighty Arrow pours very nicely with a great golden color a lot of carbonation and a big fluffy white foam head that last and laces down the glass as you drink it. No complaints here.
The Nose
The nose is pretty standard on a pale ale. You get some hops up front, but not the normal piney hops more of a bittersweet aroma that may be a combination of hops and malts. You will pick out some fruit smells too something a little citrus and grapefruit like.
The Palate
I said it in the video and I will say it again. This is a pale ale for hop heads. The first thing that your palate will react to is the bitterness of the hops. It will start along the front of your tongue carry down the sides and into the back. Although the hops are present and dominate the beer, a strong malt really gives Mighty Arrow a medium body and balances the hops to make the beer really smooth.
Upon a second taste in the video the beer had opened up a lot more and you could pull out good citrus tones, a lemon/lime combo.
The one thing I didn’t really care for in the beer was that New Belgium seems to have thrown in some of their biscuity malts again, really becoming a obnoxious staple of their beers. The dry finish turned me off a little bit, but overall I have very few complaints and enjoyed Mighty Arrow quite a bit. If you are looking for a solid Pale Ale to share with your friends pick it up.
The Rating
3.5 out of 5 beers.
Adam,
Another great job. I need to get one of my buds down here tuned in to you. He brews his own and may enjoy the sight. We had talked earlier about a lager called Kronenburg 1664. I was messing around looking for it on line and found out that St. John liquor and spirits has just started to carry it. If you are interested you can get it there. See if your mom will pick you up some. If you don’t like it, save it for me.
Uncle Joe
I found the Kronenburg 1664 in crown point at Wise guys. How is this beer, I think I would love to give it a shot.
Jason,
I like this one probably because it is a little stronger tasting than American lagers. I guess it may have more hops. I will let Adam figure that out. I wish I could be more specific but I’m not that knowlegeable on beers, just drink em.
It is all about expanding the palate. Sit down with one of the beers I review and you will be able to sort of some of the flavors.
Looks like Jason located it. I will have to pick some up since that is right by work.
Another great video Adam.
Kinda missing the photo with the bottle artwork though, it makes it easier for us to find in the liquor stores (when we are being rushed by the women folk)!
Good call Phil. I will have to take pics and post them with the videos.
Adam
Again I am digging this new feature of the Beer Review. It gives a certain ambiance to the whole thing, as for the beer I think I would like this beer. I love the Fat Tire so I have to give this one a try.
I was a little skeptical at first about the videos on here but they are really coming along nice. I enjoyed your review but also owen in the background.
I think I might have had a sample of this beer at Scott’s house and remember it to be good. I actually wrote down a note during the video and then when typing my comment I noticed Phil beat me to the punch on the whole holding up the bottle aspect.
Other than that, I’m just eagerly awaiting the Old Chicago outings as well as the Brickworks video upload.