Who's the Boss: Boulevard Boss Tom's Golden Bock

Boulevard's new spring seasonal, Boss Tom's Golden Bock, should be hitting shelves soon.  Irish Ale needs to sell down some more before Boss Tom will get released.  If you can't wait for the six packs, you can probably find some in Boulevard Sampler 12 packs. 

Boss Tom is replacing last year's Maibock, which was only released on draft.  Unfortunately I was unable to try the draft version.  The recipe was changed up a little for Boss Tom.  Slightly different grain bill, a little higher ABV.  I would still call Boss Tom a Maibock though.  Boulevard was kind enough to reserve a couple of 12 oz bottles for me, however that does not influence my reviews.

12 oz bottle poured into a Smokestack tulip. Mild off white head quickly recedes, though a solid ring maintains around the edge. Color is a clear golden yellow.  Very straight forward, very traditional.

Smell has a mild spicy hop, but mostly has a fresh apple sweetness. Taste is not overwhelming, it is mild and relaxed. Apples play a big part of the taste too. It is a little more than apple juice, but not as heavy as a cider. Hops come in more grassy. There is a little peppery warmth in the finish.

Mouthfeel has a light/medium body. A little heavier than the Pilsener, but still crisp. Very smooth and refreshing, this would be great with a heavy meal.  I am definitely grabbing a six pack when this hits the shelves.

Get in Mah Belly! O'Fallon Wee Heavy Scotch Ale

O'Fallon is gearing up new limited releases, The Brewer's Stash Series. The first release is a Wee Heavy Scotch Ale (be sure to say this in your best Fat Bastard accent!).  Scotch Ales are malty strong ales with a full body.  The wort is caramelized in a long boil, which adds sweetness and alcohol content.  O'Fallon's will clock in at 10.4% ABV.  Four packs of 12 oz bottles should hit shelves this spring, though you might find a keg or two at some beer events.

Enter the Dragoons: Moylans Irish Dry Stout

We are zeroing in on the first Amateur Drinking Day of the year, AKA St Patrick's Day.  KC does a pretty good job St Patrick's parade, but you wouldn't catch me dead at the parade.  Parades are like watching really slooooow traffic.  Not my idea of a good time.  We do usually go to the North Kansas City Snake Saturday carnival, once again bypassing the parade.  The kids like the carnival rides, and I think it's an important cultural experience for them to meet real Carnies.

This is not to say we don't celebrate.  Hell, my best friend is a green-blooded Mick from Éire.  That said, it's a little hard to break him away from Guinness.  Every year I try to find something to break him out of his 250 year rut.  This year I'm trying Moylan's Dragoons Dry Irish Stout.  Moylan's has been available in our market for a little while now.  The Dragoons comes in 22 oz bottles and priced at $4.50.

Poured into a 20 oz mug. Creamy looking mocha colored head starts off at two fingers width and recedes to a tight foam cap on the surface. Color is dense black/brown, no light comes through.

Smell has a sweetened coffee aroma with hints of chocolate. Chocolate comes out more in the taste. Still mildly sweet with a roasted bitterness.

Mouthfeel has a slick creamy texture. Guinness is the standard for a Dry Irish Stout. This version has more body and flavor than Guinness. Solid stout and enjoyable.

Prayers for Spring: Cathedral Square White Ale

Cathedral Square Brewery, Missouri's newest brewery, has just hit shelves in my area.  They are so new, their website is still under some construction, but they do list a few St Louis location that have their beers on tap.  They have two initial offering, Belgian-Style White Ale and an Abbey Ale.  Both come in 22 oz bottles and are priced at $4.  I decided to start with the White Ale.  The weather was really nice today, and Spring Fever is starting to set in at work.  I wanted something light, crisp and clean.

White Ales, or witbier, are unfiltered wheat ale and are usually spiced with coriander, orange peel, and other spices.  Wheat ales are usually lighter and crisp, and the added spices increase the refreshing zing

22 oz bottle poured into a pilsener glass. Very tall initial head that dies down at a quick pace. It leaves a thing film on the surface and a few spidery thin rings of lace. Color is a hazy reddish gold.

Smell has a pleasant savory spice. A mild green grass hops mingles with the other spices. Not a lot of citrus, though I think I get a hint of lemon from the wheat.  Taste has a pleasant peppery finish. An oaky vanilla comes in as it warms.  Body has a clean finish.

Nice solid offering from a new brewery. Nothing mind blowing, but this beer could be a foundation for Cathedral Square.

History Lesson: Lemp Brewery

I friend sent me a link to this.  Pretty interesting bit of St Louis beer history