Golden Hued from Humbolt

The Fourth of July offers the chance for all Americans to spend time with family and friends as well as fire up the BBQ and celebrate the freedoms we all share. For most, this is tradition. To me, the American tradition is inexorably intertwined with brewing, a craft that existed before our country existed. Our nation's credo is "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", and when I think of this, I am reminded of what our founding father Ben Franklin said: "Beer is proof that God wants us to be happy."

So, who am I to usurp such deep rooted tradition? For this Fourth, trying anything but an American made beer seemed like blasphemy and quite possibly treasonous. I decided on Mad River Brewing Co.'s "Steelhead Extra Pale Ale". Hailing from Humboldt County, a haven for California craft brew, it serves at 5.6% abv, appropriate for a summer afternoon by the pool. Taste was nothing but spectacular and did not boast a heavy body, maintaining itself as modest beer (something I would not expect to come out of Humboldt, an area of California that holds a reputation of anything BUT modesty). Steelhead carried a hoppy aroma, not too strong however, which surprised me seeing as Northern California is well suited for cultivating the hop vine (as well as its more infamous cousin). Crisp, refreshing and moderately bitter going down.

By the way, this flavorful sensation I experienced Ale happened after I discovered it won the gold medal at the 2008 Great American Beer Festival. No where did I see this award printed anywhere on its packaging or bottles, nor did I see it listed on their website, say for it mentioned once in the Brewery's history. Very modest indeed. Brew Master Bob Smith will let his work speak for itself.

What caught my eye was Steelhead's coloration. I could not take my eyes off its golden hue and had to remind myself to sip the pint glass every so often. It seemed as though it had the looks of a Belgian wit ale, fooling most, labels aside. This feature makes Steelhead's Extra Pale Ale even more distinct among its place in the beer world.

Mad River Brewing left me on our day of independence as a happy beer geek. I recommend the Extra Pale Ale on such occasions, relaxing and enjoying the holiday with those who you are close to. Such a magnificent beer deserves no less.

Black Toad Porter...err...Dark Ale

For my first entry, I will dedicate my rantings to a $5.99 six-pack I picked up at Trader Joe's tonight. Black Toad "Distinctive Dark Ale" hails from the Black Toad Brewing Co. of Chicago, Illinois. I've never heard of these guys before, so I am guessing they directly distribute to TJ's (though the labels are crooked and caps are "generic" blank). I won't let this persuade my judgment alone as TJ's is a respectable establishment and generally carries quality products.

Black Toad does not disappoint by its claim to brewing a dark ale. This is a very dark ale by means of "dark and roasted" barley malts, as claimed upon their misshaped labels. This is reason number one by why I felt this beer falls very close to a porter. Secondly, the color gives off a slight reddish hue, as does most porters as well. However, first impressions only last so long.

Pouring it into my glass, I noticed the head was thin and practically disappeared almost instantly. I thought that only happens with cheap American beers! I suspect this brewery bottle conditions their product. They also use cheap-o homebrew caps so I suspect some CO2 escaped during shipping. Maybe a combination of both.

The taste is supposed to contain a nutty flavor. I tasted a very dark chocolaty flavor with a bland and fleeting maltiness. The only flavor that remains is a light roasted flavor. This beer makes for a good dinner companion of bbq'ed meats.

With an abv of approximately 3.5%, its definitely not a kick in the butt, but rather a mild beer to enjoy throughout the night. Its porter consistency will confuse most on this, as dark beers are usually misconstrued as being the most alcoholic out of all beers. The price is right but probably won't become your weekend go-to beer.