Beer Reviews by SIGMUND

Profile | Card View | Table View
Reviews Per Page  
# Beer Origin Style Score Date
7201 Green Flash Double Stout United States Imperial Stout 4.2

Aroma: 10 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, as Green Flash Stout (Double Stout), courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 8.8%. Pitch black colour, big brown head. Nice aroma of roasted malts, coffee and chocolate. Rich malty flavour with roasty notes, strong coffee and dark bitter chocolate, maybe a hint of liquorice too. Bitter aftertaste. The alcohol is well hidden.

Oct 28, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7202 Port Brewing Old Viscosity United States Strong Ale 4.5

Aroma: 10 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, as Port Brewing Old Viscosity, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 10.0%. Black colour (dark ruby when held to the light), huge tan head. Lovely aroma of moderately roasted malts, mild coffee, chocolate, oak and leather. Full and rich flavour, malty predominance with much the same elements as the aroma, moderate but sufficient hops in the finish. Well balanced, immensely pleasant to drink. Warming mouthfeel, but the alcohol is otherwise well hidden in the flavour.

Oct 29, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7203 Port Brewing Hot Rocks Lager United States Dunkel / Dark Lager 3.7

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 6.5%. Very dark brown colour, big to moderate beige head. Moderate aroma of caramel and toasted brown bread, hints of dark dried fruits. Decent flavour, caramel and toasted brown bread again, a hint of fruit, moderate but sufficient hops in the finish. Well balanced and pleasant to drink.

Nov 2, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7204 Southern Tier Back Burner United States English Barleywine 4.0

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

650 ml bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 10.0%. Copper coloured beer, big to moderate off-white head. Lovely aroma of fruity and piney American hops, some sweetish malty notes too, but not too much. Rich flavour of copious amounts of American hops and sweet malts, nicely balanced. Some vinous notes, also resin, caramel, oak and dark dried fruits. Definitely one of the better barleywines I’ve had.

Nov 3, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7205 Green Flash Le Freak Belgian Style IPA United States Belgian Strong Ale 4.1

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

1 pt. 6 fl.oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 9.2%. Deep golden colour, slightly hazy, with a big white (or slightly off-white) head. Lovely aroma of Belgian ale yeast, white candi sugar and various spices (incl cloves), hints of leather. The flavour is spicy and zesty with a solid hoppy punch throughout, but I’d never have guessed that the IBU was as high as 101. Mixing Belgian and American ale styles is not always successful, but I think Le Freak is a very good try.

Nov 8, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7206 Port Brewing Older Viscosity United States Strong Ale 4.1

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

12.7 fl.oz. corked bottle, as Port Brewing Older Viscosity, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 12.0%. Pitch black colour, moderate tan head. Intense aroma of sweet malts, bourbon whiskey, vanilla and oak, also moderate roasty notes, hints of chocolate and liquorice. Very sweet (too sweet?) and intense flavour, sweet malts galore, notes of bourbon, oak and vanilla again, also notes of mild coffee, dark chocolate and liquorice. Moderate hops.

Nov 12, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7207 Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi Ale United States Biere de Garde 3.8

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

1 pt. 9.4 fl. oz. corked bottle, vintage 2009, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 10.0%. Reddish colour, big off-white head. Aroma of slightly stale berry jam, also some "horseblanket" notes of brettanomyces. The flavour is very sweet with berry fruit and some vinous notes, moderately spicy, noticeable alcohol, distinct hoppy and spicy bitterness in the finish. Warming mouthfeel.

Nov 13, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7208 Southern Tier Imperial Crème Brûlée Stout United States Imperial Stout 4.6

Aroma: 10 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

650 ml bottle, as Southern Tier Imperial Crème Brûlée Stout, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 10.0%. Pitch black colour, big tan head. Intense aroma of crème brûlée and vanilla from the moment you open the bottle, amazing! The smell includes caramel, of course - but also chocolate and mild coffee. The sweet flavour is first and foremost crème brûlée again, but also roasty notes of strong coffee, dark bitter chocolate and liquorice. Also some hoppy bitterness in the finish. Warming mouthfeel. An incredible dessert beer!

Nov 14, 2010
12:00:00 PM
7209 Sierra Nevada Anniversary Ale United States IPA 4.1

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

350 ml bottle, 2008 vintage, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 5.9%. Orange to amber colour, big off-white head with an orangey hue. Lovely aroma of Cascade hops, piney and grapefruity notes. The flavour is distinctly hoppy throughout, lots of pine needles, grapefruity bitterness in the finish, very bitter aftertaste. Hints of caramel malts, but the beer is not too sweet. A nice and very drinkable IPA.

Dec 20, 2008
07:14:20 PM
7210 Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA United States IPA 4.0

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 8

12 fl. oz. bottle, now available in Norway at Vinmonopolet. ABV from 2008 is 7.1%. Clear orange colour, moderate white head. Pleasant fruity and sweetish aroma of American hops, distinct notes of citrus and blackcurrant leaves, also moderate notes of malts and toffee. The flavour is distinctly hoppy throughout (as expected from an American IPA), but the hoppiness is not overdone, which means that the bitterness is firm but not harsh. Furthermore, unlike many other IPAs this one is not too sweet, and seems pretty well balanced altogether. Definitely a beer I’ll buy again.

Jan 16, 2009
06:01:16 PM
7211 Alesmith / Mikkeller / Stone Belgian Style Tripel Ale United States Abbey Tripel 4.0

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

12 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 8.7%. Golden colour, big white head. Lovely aroma of Belgian yeast, fruity esters, spices and floral and fruity hops. The flavour is spicy and yeasty with a sweet and fruity body, and a distinct hoppy bitterness in the finish. Only drawback is that the alcohol is not particularly well hidden, so if you get drunk on this beer, you understand why. Still a beer I’ll be happy to drink again!

Mar 13, 2009
11:26:13 AM
7212 North Coast Brother Thelonious United States Belgian Strong Ale 3.5

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

355 ml bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 9.4%. Pours very fizzy. Deep copper to mahogany coloured beer, moderate off-white head. Aroma of Belgian ale yeast and brown sugar, some vinous notes. Fizzy mouthfeel. The flavour is malty sweet with strong notes of brown sugar, also some spicy notes, moderate but distinct hops in the finish. The high ABV is noticeable.

Apr 14, 2009
05:57:14 PM
7213 Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale United States Strong Ale 3.6

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 7.2%. Dark brown to ruby colour, big to moderate light tan head. Nice but surprisingly moderate aroma of floral and fruity hops. "Arrogance" shows its face in the flavour, with a distinct and aggressive hoppy bitterness from start to finish. There is a certain malty sweetness in the background, but I cannot say the Arrogant Bastard belongs in the "well balanced" category. It is probably not meant to belong there. Perhaps I am "not worthy" after all? My wife said she liked it, though. Spooky ...

Apr 14, 2009
06:04:14 PM
7214 Stone India Pale Ale United States IPA 4.1

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

12 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 6.9%. Deep golden to orange colour, moderate white head. Lovely hoppy aroma, notes of citrus and tropical fruits. The zesty and fruity flavour is distinctly hoppy from start to finish, on a sufficient malty background. Ends in a grapefruity bitterness, but it is not overdone. Long bitter aftertaste. More to my liking than the Arrogant Bastard. Good stuff!

Apr 14, 2009
06:07:14 PM
7215 Great Divide Old Ruffian Barley Wine United States American Barleywine 4.0

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

1 pint 6 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 10.2%. Dark orange to brown colour, hazy. Big and lasting pale orange to beige head. The sweetish aroma has notes of pine, ripe fruits, raisins and molasses. Full and warming mouthfeel. Rich flavour with loads of malty sweetness, notes of raisins, caramel, molasses and udefined fruit, while the high IBU makes itself known towards the end, through a substantial and resinous hoppy bitterness.

Apr 14, 2009
06:10:14 PM
7216 Rogue Captain Sig's Northwestern Ale United States IPA 4.0

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, as Rogue Captain Sig’s Northwestern Ale, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. Hazy brown colour, huge light tan head. Nice aroma of fruity American hops (Horizon, Amarillo and Cascade). The flavour has a considerable malty sweetness with hints of caramel, which probably is necessary to balance the 80 IBU. The fruity and resinous hops add more to the flavour than just bitterness, but the finish is nonetheless quite bitter. Good stuff.

Jun 4, 2009
08:03:04 PM
7217 Rogue Chocolate Stout United States Chocolate Stout 4.2

Aroma: 10 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

1 pt. 6 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. Black colour, huge brown head. Sweetish aroma with strong notes of chocolate / cocoa, also notes of vanilla. Silky mouthfeel. The flavour is moderately sweet, again with dominant notes of chocolate / cocoa and vanilla, but also a distinct hoppy bitterness in the finish and aftertaste. Not bad at all.

Jun 28, 2009
04:56:28 PM
7218 Jolly Pumpkin / Nøgne Ø / Stone Special Holiday Ale United States Spiced Beer 4.2

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

12 fl. oz. bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 9.0%. Bottle conditioned. Chestnut coloured beer, huge and creamy lasting tan head. Nice aroma of caramel, spices and dark fruits. Rich and full mouthfeel. The flavour is malty, rich and sweet, with loads of spices - but I’d have trouble identifying which ones, if I didn’t know. I would also have guessed that there was some aniseed or liquorice in there. There is a distinct hoppy bitterness and more spices in the finish. Interesting stuff!

Jun 28, 2009
04:59:28 PM
7219 Rogue American Amber United States Amber Ale 3.5

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

12 fl. oz. bottle, as Rogue American Amber Ale, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. The beer starts pouring out of the bottle by its own will. Dark amber colour, moderate beige head. Malty and bready aroma, notes of bakery and caramel, also some fruity hops, hints of spices. The flavour is malty and earthy with caramel and toffee, decent hops in the finish.

Jun 28, 2009
05:01:28 PM
7220 North Coast Old Stock Ale United States English Barleywine 4.2

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

12 fl. oz. bottle, 2007 vintage, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 11.7%. Dark reddish brown colour, slightly hazy, big beige head. Strong aroma of sweet sherry, oak, malts and caramel. The flavour is very sweet and malty, again with strong notes of sweet sherry and caramel, ending in a hoppy bitterness. Powerful stuff, a beer to sip slowly. Should not be drunk too cold.

Jun 28, 2009
05:05:28 PM
7221 North Coast Acme California IPA United States IPA 3.7

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

12 fl. oz. bottle, at Olympen, Oslo. ABV is 6.5%. Deep golden colour with "cooling fog", moderate creamy head. Distinct aroma of American hops, also notes of toffee. Distinctly hoppy flavour too. Hints of Scotch orange marmalade and alcohol.

Jul 7, 2009
03:09:07 PM
7222 Rogue Saint Rogue Red Ale United States Amber Ale 4.1

Aroma: 9 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 8

12 fl. oz. bottle, as "Rogue Dry Hopped St. Rogue Red Ale", at Olympen, Oslo. Deep copper colour, nice and creamy head. Lovely aroma of American hops. Hoppy flavour, notes of Scotch orange marmalade and malts too. Very nice beer!

Jul 7, 2009
03:13:07 PM
7223 Samuel Adams Honey Porter United States Porter 3.7

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 8

355 ml, from Systembolaget, Sweden, thanks to OleR. ABV is 5.45%. Very dark brown colour, big and lasting beige head. Fairly moderate but pleasant aroma of heather honey, also notes of roasted malts, caramel, chocolate, fruity hops and mild coffee. The flavour is not as sweet as I feared, but the heather honey has a distinct presence throughout, nicely balanced by the hops. There is also a moderate roastiness, again with moderate notes of caramel, chocolate and mild coffee. Unlike the brewers I would not call this a "robust" porter, but it is certainly a good one all the same.

Aug 22, 2009
05:11:22 PM
7224 Left Hand Haystack Wheat United States Hefeweizen 3.4

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

12 fl. oz. bottle, bought at Systembolaget. ABV is not mentioned on the label. Cloudy golden colour, big white head. Strong and very yeasty aroma, notes of baking yeast and bread dough. Also notes of over-ripe bananas, rotting fruits and cloves. Fresh mouthfeel, refreshing flavour with moderately fruity and spicy notes, but the finish is rather dull and bland.

Aug 22, 2009
05:22:22 PM
7225 Great Divide Titan IPA United States IPA 3.7

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

355 ml bottle, courtesy of Cardinal Pub & Bar, Stavanger. ABV is 6.8%. Deep golden colour, slightly hazy. Big white head. Lovely aroma of American hops, piney and citrussy notes, also hints of blackcurrants. The flavour is very bitter (too bitter) from the first sip, with piney and resinous notes. There is some malty and fruity sweetness, but not enough to balance the bitterness. The long aftertaste is chinine-like and very bitter.

Sep 9, 2009
08:17:09 PM