Beer(s) #: 611, 612, 613 & 614

© 2014 popsonhops

Beer of the Month Club

About twenty-five years ago, my family bought me a beer of the month club membership. Every month, a package containing two different six packs of beer would arrive at my doorstep. On the plus side, the beer of the month club introduced me to my first pumpkin ale by Buffalo Bill and Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale. Unfortunately most of the twenty four different beers I received that year were not quite so memorable. For the most part, they ended up being my desperation beers or I pawned them off on friends.

Last week, my friend Mike invited me to stop by after work for a Heady Topper. How could I say no? I asked him about a a box of beer that I thought was a care package of Odell from his brother. With a puzzled look on his face, he told me that his family had bought him a beer of the month club membership. Mind you, Mike’s taste in beer is Heady Topper and everything else pales in comparison. He offered me a sampling of each of the four beers in the box. I politely refused at first but flashed to back to my own experience. I figured I was doing him a favor.

Flagship Ale by Grey Sail Brewing
Tasting: September 14, 2014
Style: Ale (Cream)
Beer #: 611
4.9% ABV

If you drive by the Anheuser Busch brewery in Newark, the air is filled with a sweet and pungent aroma of cooking wort. It’s a unique malt, lemongrass aroma. Flagship Ale isn’t offensive – but I wouldn’t go out of my way to have it again – 82 points.

Paleo IPA by North Country Brewing
Tasting: September 14, 2014
Style: IPA
Beer #: 612
6.4% ABV

Off bitter – clunky grass and lemon rind combination. 72 points.

Flying Jenny by Grey Sail Brewing
Tasting: September 14, 2014
Style: Pale Ale
Beer #: 613
5.3% ABV

Flying Jenny is probably the best of this quartet. Presents a nice balance of candy sweetness and lemongrass hops. It’s just too light. I’ll still put Flying Jenny at 85 points.

Station 33 Firehouse Red by North Country Brewing
Tasting: September 14, 2014
Style: Red Ale
Beer #: 614
5.5% ABV

The can says drink responsibly. I’ll take that advice and find something else to drink. very little flavor, but what flavor it does have is unpleasant. 63 points.