Manufacturer: Nirvana
Cocoa Content: 72%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: B
Up for review today is a 72% cocoa chocolate bar by Nirvana Belgian Chocolates. This bar is made from 100% organic Trinitario beans from the Dominican Republic. The chocolate is dark mahogany in color with a purple hue. The small, unadorned squares break with a crisp snap.
The Nirvana 72% bar has both bitterness and sweetness prevalent. There are roasted notes, salt, espresso, earthiness and nuttiness on the palate. The sweetness also accentuates flavors of apples and caramel. There is just a touch of acidity as well. Chewing the chocolate brings out notes of cherries, hazelnuts and marshmallows. The finish trails with roasted coffee and roasted nuts with some of that sweet marshmallow flavor.
Overall, the Nirvana Belgian Chocolate 72% Cocoa Bar seems rather sweeter than the 72% cocoa content would lead you to believe. There is a nice balance and some complex flavors in this bar. Despite the complexity, I found the flavor to be rather flat. If there was a deeper richness to the chocolate, then this bar would really meet its potential and earn a much higher score.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Kilwin's Authentic Origin Collection 70% Tanzanian Chocolate
Keywords:
Dark Chocolate,
Kilwin's
Manufacturer: Kilwin's
Cocoa Content: 70%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: C
On my recent trip to Panama City Beach, I happened to stop in at Kilwin's for some ice cream. When I saw several chocolate bars from their "Authentic Origin Collection" sitting by the register, I decided to grab a few to taste. First up is their 70% cocoa bar of Tanzanian origin.
The Kilwin's 70% Tanzanian dark chocolate bar is mahogany in color with orange-tan highlights. There are flavors of bread, cocoa and plantains. There is some fruitiness reminiscent of cherries, berries and apricots. A fair amount of sweetness is detectable as well. There is some slight acidity present. Chewing the chocolate intensifies the fruit undertones a bit. The finish has cocoa and marmalade notes.
The Kilwin's 70% Cocoa Tanzanian origin bar has a smooth, though somewhat thin mouthfeel that seems slightly waxy. I did find the taste to be rather flat. I can't help but wonder whether the lack of vanilla in the bar may contribute to that somewhat. Frankly, this chocolate bar reminded me of some of the chocolate that I remember from generic Easter and Christmas candy as a child. And that is certainly not a good thing. I'm hoping that the other bars I picked up from Kilwin's are better this one from Tanzania.
Cocoa Content: 70%
Manufacturer Website
Rating: C
On my recent trip to Panama City Beach, I happened to stop in at Kilwin's for some ice cream. When I saw several chocolate bars from their "Authentic Origin Collection" sitting by the register, I decided to grab a few to taste. First up is their 70% cocoa bar of Tanzanian origin.
The Kilwin's 70% Tanzanian dark chocolate bar is mahogany in color with orange-tan highlights. There are flavors of bread, cocoa and plantains. There is some fruitiness reminiscent of cherries, berries and apricots. A fair amount of sweetness is detectable as well. There is some slight acidity present. Chewing the chocolate intensifies the fruit undertones a bit. The finish has cocoa and marmalade notes.
The Kilwin's 70% Cocoa Tanzanian origin bar has a smooth, though somewhat thin mouthfeel that seems slightly waxy. I did find the taste to be rather flat. I can't help but wonder whether the lack of vanilla in the bar may contribute to that somewhat. Frankly, this chocolate bar reminded me of some of the chocolate that I remember from generic Easter and Christmas candy as a child. And that is certainly not a good thing. I'm hoping that the other bars I picked up from Kilwin's are better this one from Tanzania.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Keywords:
Beer,
North Coast Brewing,
Stout
Brewery: North Coast Brewing Co.
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Style: Stout
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Up today we have the Old Rasputin Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing. Named after one of my favorite historical personalities (and one of my favorite movies), this beer is as dark as Old Rasputin's soul. It pours an opaque ebony color with a thick tan-brown head that hangs around for a good long while. The nose has fruity and floral hop notes, as well as aromas of coffee, malt and a banana-like sweetness.
On the palate the Old Rasputin has coffee and unsweetened chocolate flavors as well as a bitter hop component. There are also hints of black pepper spice. A metallic/mineral flavor is strong initially, but then fades into balance. The alcohol is noticable, which is expected at 9% ABV. The finish is quite bitter with coffee and chocolate notes. There is a creamy mouthfeel and a medium-to-heavy body that matches the big bitter flavor rather well.
The Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout is a big stout loaded with coffee and chocolate flavors. There is a nice bitter hops kick that compliments the malt quite well. This is a great curl-up-on-the-couch winter beer for coffee/chocolate stout fans.
Location: Fort Bragg, CA
Style: Stout
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Up today we have the Old Rasputin Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing. Named after one of my favorite historical personalities (and one of my favorite movies), this beer is as dark as Old Rasputin's soul. It pours an opaque ebony color with a thick tan-brown head that hangs around for a good long while. The nose has fruity and floral hop notes, as well as aromas of coffee, malt and a banana-like sweetness.
On the palate the Old Rasputin has coffee and unsweetened chocolate flavors as well as a bitter hop component. There are also hints of black pepper spice. A metallic/mineral flavor is strong initially, but then fades into balance. The alcohol is noticable, which is expected at 9% ABV. The finish is quite bitter with coffee and chocolate notes. There is a creamy mouthfeel and a medium-to-heavy body that matches the big bitter flavor rather well.
The Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout is a big stout loaded with coffee and chocolate flavors. There is a nice bitter hops kick that compliments the malt quite well. This is a great curl-up-on-the-couch winter beer for coffee/chocolate stout fans.
Thirsty Dog Old Leghumper Robust Porter
Keywords:
Beer,
Porter,
Thirsty Dog
Brewery: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
Location: Akron, OH
Style: Porter
Brewery Website
Rating: A
Today's tasting is Old Leghumper, an award-winning porter from Thirsty Dog. Thirsty Dog is currently distributed in 11 states, and by some lucky chance Rhode Island is one of them. If you can find them in your area, do yourself a huge favor and check them out.
The Old Leghumper Porter is deep mahogany, nearing black in color. It pours with a thick, light-mocha colored head that leaves a nice lacing behind as it fades to a clumpy foam. Its nose has liquid smoke, floral hops, citrus and woody notes.
On the palate, the Old Leghumper hits you with some bitterness up front, followed by a quick squirt of acidity. Following that roasted notes start to kick in. There is some sweet maltiness. Undertones of bitter hops, grassiness and carrots are present on the palate as well. There is a touch of steely minerality on the finish, along with roasted and citrus notes. The Old Leghumper has a medium to heavy body that is well matched with its robust flavor. This is a beer that just screams out "big porter". If that's your style, then do what you need to hunt down this beer. Your search will be well-rewarded.
Location: Akron, OH
Style: Porter
Brewery Website
Rating: A
Today's tasting is Old Leghumper, an award-winning porter from Thirsty Dog. Thirsty Dog is currently distributed in 11 states, and by some lucky chance Rhode Island is one of them. If you can find them in your area, do yourself a huge favor and check them out.
The Old Leghumper Porter is deep mahogany, nearing black in color. It pours with a thick, light-mocha colored head that leaves a nice lacing behind as it fades to a clumpy foam. Its nose has liquid smoke, floral hops, citrus and woody notes.
On the palate, the Old Leghumper hits you with some bitterness up front, followed by a quick squirt of acidity. Following that roasted notes start to kick in. There is some sweet maltiness. Undertones of bitter hops, grassiness and carrots are present on the palate as well. There is a touch of steely minerality on the finish, along with roasted and citrus notes. The Old Leghumper has a medium to heavy body that is well matched with its robust flavor. This is a beer that just screams out "big porter". If that's your style, then do what you need to hunt down this beer. Your search will be well-rewarded.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter
Keywords:
Beer,
Flying Dog,
Porter
Brewery: Flying Dog Brewery
Location: Frederick, MD
Style: Porter
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Today's tasting is the Gonzo Imperial Porter from Flying Dog's Canis Major Series. This is Flying Dog's "big beer" line. The Gonzo Imperial Porter is nearly black in color with a faint hint of reddish brown. It has a somewhat short, light brown head. The nose has chocolate and roasted notes. There are also fruity hops, reminiscent of plums.
On the palate the Gonzo Imperial Porter has cocoa, smoky and roasted notes. There is a mild bitter kick, as well as some fruity hops. There are background flavors of grass and cucumber as well. Through all of this a powerful smoky flavor remains dominant. There is noticible warming alcohol. The Flying Dog Gonzo Porter has a fairly heavy body that clings to the tongue a bit. The finish has some bitter notes akin to unsweetened chocolate. The powerful smokiness seems a bit out of balance to me, but if you're a smoke fan then this may just be the porter for you.
Location: Frederick, MD
Style: Porter
Brewery Website
Rating: B+
Today's tasting is the Gonzo Imperial Porter from Flying Dog's Canis Major Series. This is Flying Dog's "big beer" line. The Gonzo Imperial Porter is nearly black in color with a faint hint of reddish brown. It has a somewhat short, light brown head. The nose has chocolate and roasted notes. There are also fruity hops, reminiscent of plums.
On the palate the Gonzo Imperial Porter has cocoa, smoky and roasted notes. There is a mild bitter kick, as well as some fruity hops. There are background flavors of grass and cucumber as well. Through all of this a powerful smoky flavor remains dominant. There is noticible warming alcohol. The Flying Dog Gonzo Porter has a fairly heavy body that clings to the tongue a bit. The finish has some bitter notes akin to unsweetened chocolate. The powerful smokiness seems a bit out of balance to me, but if you're a smoke fan then this may just be the porter for you.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Newport Storm Cyclone Series Luke India Style Red Ale
Keywords:
Amber,
Beer,
Newport Storm
Brewery: Coastal Extreme Brewing Co.
Location: Newport, RI
Style: Amber
Brewery Website
Rating: C+
Today we have a brew from my home state of Rhode Island. Luke is from the Newport Storm Cyclone Series, which is a line of limited release beers generally brewed in a big style. Cyclone Luke is a deep amber red/brown in color, similar to cherry wood, with a slight haze. The tan head pours very thick and foamy. The nose has butter, bread and tart lambic notes.
On the palate, Luke's flavor is dominated by a strong buttered-popcorn flavor. There are smoky notes, bitter hops and some alcohol on the palate as well. The bitter character is reminiscent of unsweetened dark chocolate. Supporting notes of earthiness and wood are present as well. The Luke India Red Ale has a medium body with a bit of astringency. The finish is butter and bitter notes.
To me, this one is a bit of a swing and miss for Newport Storm. There are some nice flavors here, but the strong buttery diacetyl flavor clashes with the strong bitter hops. If you like buttery beer, then you may like this. I just can't get into it myself.
Location: Newport, RI
Style: Amber
Brewery Website
Rating: C+
Today we have a brew from my home state of Rhode Island. Luke is from the Newport Storm Cyclone Series, which is a line of limited release beers generally brewed in a big style. Cyclone Luke is a deep amber red/brown in color, similar to cherry wood, with a slight haze. The tan head pours very thick and foamy. The nose has butter, bread and tart lambic notes.
On the palate, Luke's flavor is dominated by a strong buttered-popcorn flavor. There are smoky notes, bitter hops and some alcohol on the palate as well. The bitter character is reminiscent of unsweetened dark chocolate. Supporting notes of earthiness and wood are present as well. The Luke India Red Ale has a medium body with a bit of astringency. The finish is butter and bitter notes.
To me, this one is a bit of a swing and miss for Newport Storm. There are some nice flavors here, but the strong buttery diacetyl flavor clashes with the strong bitter hops. If you like buttery beer, then you may like this. I just can't get into it myself.
Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale
Keywords:
Beer,
Pale Ale,
Smuttynose
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Co.
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
Up for review we have the Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. With all the great craft breweries in New England, I think Smuttynose tends to fly under the radar a bit, which is a real shame since they brew so many great beers, such as the Shoals Pale Ale.
The Shoals Pale Ale is ruddy amber in color. It has a slight haziness and many very fine bubbles. The head is a rather thick light foam, and is a light golden color. On the nose, the Shoals Pale Ale has fruity hops notes of cherry and lemon, along with bread and some sweetness.
On the palate, there is a grainy, bready malt flavor up front with a medium hoppy kick. The bitter and aromatic hops are well-balanced with floral, pine and citrus notes. There is a slight acidity which rounds out the flavor well. The finish has bitter hops with a background of sweet malt. The Shoals Pale Ale has a drinkable light-to-medium body with some juiciness.
The Shoals Pale Ale is a well-balanced pale ale that drinks like a good IPA. There is a lot of nice hops flavor without being overpowering, and a great bready malt that holds its own with the hops. This is easily one of the top pale ales coming out of New England at the moment.
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery Website
Rating: A-
Up for review we have the Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. With all the great craft breweries in New England, I think Smuttynose tends to fly under the radar a bit, which is a real shame since they brew so many great beers, such as the Shoals Pale Ale.
The Shoals Pale Ale is ruddy amber in color. It has a slight haziness and many very fine bubbles. The head is a rather thick light foam, and is a light golden color. On the nose, the Shoals Pale Ale has fruity hops notes of cherry and lemon, along with bread and some sweetness.
On the palate, there is a grainy, bready malt flavor up front with a medium hoppy kick. The bitter and aromatic hops are well-balanced with floral, pine and citrus notes. There is a slight acidity which rounds out the flavor well. The finish has bitter hops with a background of sweet malt. The Shoals Pale Ale has a drinkable light-to-medium body with some juiciness.
The Shoals Pale Ale is a well-balanced pale ale that drinks like a good IPA. There is a lot of nice hops flavor without being overpowering, and a great bready malt that holds its own with the hops. This is easily one of the top pale ales coming out of New England at the moment.
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