Beer Styles Bingo - April 2019

Owen Ogletree gathered a group of 15 craft beer enthusiasts and beer judges on April 20, 2019 for another round of Beer Styles Bingo. Each taster was given a list of ten beer styles with short descriptions from the Beer Judge Certification Program (see below). Beers were presented one at a time in blind fashion and in random order, and participants tried to match each beer to its appropriate BJCP style. It seems easy but turns out to be quite challenging when comparing ten different beers...

MONDAY NIGHT BREWING DARK SUBJECT MATTER

Russian-Style Imperial Stout

A strong, thick, high alcohol, dark beer loaded with rich malt and roasted, espresso, coffee-like character. Quite viscous and rich with notes of molasses, chocolate, 

              

IRONMONGER BREWING PHRASING PALE ALE

American Pale Ale

An average-strength, hop-forward pale ale with light fruity character and citrusy, piney American hops. More sessionable than American IPAs. This version could use a bit more hop character.

HIGHLAND GAELIC ALE

British Strong Bitter

A moderate-strength, malty, caramely, deep amber ale around 5-6% ABV with notes of toasted bread, toffee and earthy UK hops. This style is not very bitter or strong by today's standards but quite drinkable and delicious.

                

GATE CITY BREWING TERMINUS PORTER

Baltic Porter

Malty sweet with a smooth, roasted flavor not as strong as an Imperial Stout. Clean lager character with few fruity esters. Starts sweet, but dark malts quickly dominate with hints of coffee, licorice, caramel, toffee, nuts, molasses, black currant and dark fruit. Notes of molasses, dark chocolate, roasted malt, and caramel candy dominate. 

   

TERRAPIN WATERMELON GOSE

Gose with Watermelon

A highly-carbonated, somewhat dry, tart and fruity wheat ale with a mild coriander and salt character and low bitterness. Sharp, crisp, smooth lactic acid character reminiscent of pickle juice. Fruit complexity comes from the use of watermelon juice, and watermelon rind notes come through. 

       

CREATURE COMFORTS ATHENA 

Berliner Weisse

A refreshing, light-bodied, sour, wheat ale with low alcohol and crisp, smooth notes of lactic acid. Like a Gose without the salt and spice. This version is malty for the style. Crisp and refreshing. 

                

AKADEMIA BREWING NAME OF WORDS

Double IPA

A higher alcohol version of an IPA with impressive malt character and moderately high mouthfeel - all backed by citrusy, piney, American hops. Experimental hops provide hints of earthy, pungent, onion/garlic character. This example is quite clear - not hazy. A delicious and satisfying strong IPA.

               

VICTORY GOLDEN MONKEY

Tripel with Spices

A pale, somewhat spicy, dry, strong Trappist-style ale with a pleasant, rounded pale malt flavor and firm bitterness. Quite aromatic, with spicy, fruity, light warming alcohol notes. Spices provide a hint of added complexity. Malt sweetness and clove notes emerge on the palate. 

              

TERRAPIN GAMMA RAY

Wheatwine with Honey

A high alcohol wheat ale with rich wheat/malt character, strong body, spicy/fruity notes, alcohol warmth and a bready profile. Like a wheat-focused Barleywine. The honey provides added complexity and alcohol spice and warmth. Smooth, delicious and dangerous. 

                 

CATAWBA WHITE ZOMBIE

Witbier (Belgian White)

A refreshing, light/moderate strength, effervescent, wheat-based Belgian ale with wheat cereal grain notes, orange peel and coriander. This version could use a bit more orange and coriander complexity.