Shwag Beer Awareness ( Dundee Craft Pack)

So as I walked the beer isle looking for a choice beverage, I had a novel (well to me) idea.

Why not take a beerventure in the world of shwag beer. I think we can all agree on the pointlessness of reviewing the big guns, like Miller and Bud, but a venture into cheap "craft" beer seemed like a fun (and inexpensive) journey. I snagged a 12 pack of Dundee's Craft Pack, which offers 4 varieties of their take on classic Ales and Lagers. The Craft Pack features a Stout, India Pale Ale, Kolsch Style Ale, and a Pale Bock Lager. I figured at a price tag of around a buck a beer I couldn't go wrong, especially with the hot days still among us.

The Stout:

Alright. First of all I am a big fan of creamy stouts. I get very skeptical about carbonated stouts, and would always prefer a Beamish or Young's Double Chocolate over a stout that is full of CO2. The Stout here is a bit on the weak side. It lacks that full bodied, just-drank-a-loaf-of-bread feeling and after my first I was feeling a little dissatisfied, although for the price, what could I really expect? I will say in this beer's favor that it gets better as it goes. As I continued through I found myself enjoying the effect of not feeling full from the Stout. If I was ranking it straight I would be hesitant to give this beer anything above a 3 but for the purpose of ranking these "shwag ales" I'm instituting an "Shwag Adjustment Scale" or SAS of 4 to the Stout.

The India Pale Ale:

All I have to say is this: If the India Pale Ale was labeled a Pale Ale I would give it a 3.5 straight up. But since it is a pale ale masquerading in the his much stronger older brother's bottle I have to give it SAS rank of 4.

The Pale Bock:

This beer was the most indistinct of the bunch. Not a lot of flavor or character. If there is nothing better around then I guess it would do, but I almost imagine I'd reach for the Pabst over this disappointing variety. SAS 3.

The Kolsch-Style Lager:

Easily my favorite of the pack! This is a beer I would be glad to drink on a hot afternoon. It is crisp, clear and refreshing. Although it lacks a substantial amount of the flavor complexities of traditional Kolsch Lagers, it makes up for it which true "drinkability" that was just refreshing. SAS 5.

Overall I think the Dundee Craft Pack is a step in the right direction for the brewers of Honey Brown. There were some highs and lows but overall it is a great value. Give it a try.

Dundee Brewing Co. Rochester NY

Skinny Dip (New Belgium Brewing)

After a long and stressful week of packing

and a move to Atlanta, GA, I was ready to

sit down and enjoy a glass in my new digs.

As I perused the beer aisle at the local grocers, Jordan suggested I try Skinny Dip from New Belgium Brewing. She is always raving about their most popular Fat Tire amber ale, which is a delightful change of pace, with it's mild flavor. I decided to give Skinny Dip a chance, and boy am I glad I did! This summer creation has the most malt flavor of any summer brew I have experienced yet and is perfect for the hot weather. The brew is balanced with a generous selection of Cascade Hops and lime leaf infusion to give a wonderful full-bodied flavor that has jumped to the top of my summer beer list. I cannot stress enough how great it is to experience a summer beer that utilizes malty flavor as this has. For those of you in the Northeast without access to this great treasure, all I can say is it's worth the trip to get one!

For those of you keeping score: 5 out of 5 for this hidden treasure.

On a side note for all you Green folks out there, New Belgium Brewing is employee owned and wind powered, touche.