6.5/10
—
Appearance 6
Aroma 6
Flavor 7
Texture 6
Overall 7
Draft sampler at W. Dundee. Somewhat deeper brown than other dubbels. A slight banana smell in the glass, which was nearly last in my sampler tray, so by now it’s showing just a thin rim of foam. Taste is spices, mostly coriander, with a few more banana esters, then dark sugar ands a flourish of brandy. Once I’m attuned to the beer, I can get an idea of the lighter malts and maybe some wheat, too.
Tried
from Draft
on 10 Apr 2006
at 08:00
6.6/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 7
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6.5
Nitro sampler pour at W. Dundee. Inky black beer under a proper thin, tan head. Big coffee taste, followed by some bitter chocolate. Suitable nitro mouthfeel that helps the taste mellow out further on. Not quite as creamy as an oatmeal stout oughtta be, but very fine.
Tried
on 10 Apr 2006
at 07:56
7.1/10
—
Appearance 6
Aroma 7
Flavor 7
Texture 8
Overall 7.5
Draft sampler at West Dundee. Nice orangey color with a touch of haze, and a thin head. Tasty pine and citrus up front, that settles to a slightly orange aftertaste. Good northwestern hop profile, not overdone. A swell fresh hoppy smell when there’s enough room in the glass to stick my nose. I see my notes didn’t mention anything about the malts. Oh, well.
Tried
from Draft
on 10 Apr 2006
at 07:53
7/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 6
Flavor 7
Texture 8
Overall 7
Draft sampler at Emmett’s West Dundee. Coppery and brassy color, with a thin lacy head. Toasty caramel malts, but still with a beer-geek-ilicious hop load. Certainly a northwestern hop style, but some English to it, too. A bitterness that stands up through the end of the glass.
Tried
from Draft
on 08 Apr 2006
at 22:46
5.9/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 6
Flavor 5
Texture 6
Overall 5.5
Pint-size glass mug, draft at Downers Grove. Standard light lager: straw body with a thin white head. Smell not very noticeable, just an agreeable beer aroma. First impression is that it’s definitely close to a Dortmunder. Correct confluence of light malts and noble hops, maybe with an extra hint of lemon. Some bitterness builds up after half the pint is done. There may be some rice in here, too. Actually pretty good example, but of a style that doesn’t excite me: the brewpub "light" offering. But at least refreshing, and good choice for that "just one" before heading home for the day.
Tried
from Draft
on 09 Feb 2006
at 21:30
5.8/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 4
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 6
Draft. U.S. Beer #14 of 31 for American Beer Month! There’s a slight banana smell here that’s a little off-putting, perhaps their yeast is pooping out. Still, nicely brown and a wee bit cloudy. Some very attentive bitterness, just enough for flavor instead of being in the way, interesting considering they’re using American hops. Good caramel malt with just a little toast to it. Bitterness increases. Smell improves, too, after a while. Comes in pretty nice.
Tried
from Draft
on 14 Jul 2005
at 08:02
6/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 4
Flavor 6
Texture 6
Overall 7
Draft, at the Downers Grove pub. #5 of 31 US Beers for American Beer Month. Clean, golden pils color and a firm head. Has a bit of a yeasty lager smell. Nice biscuity malt taste and a German hop profile that increases as you go further down. Seems to match the DAB water, too. There’s a touch of banana ester that suggests it may have lagered a bit too warm, but that does not ruin the experience of a pretty darn good lager.
Tried
from Draft
on 05 Jul 2005
at 22:06
6/10
—
Appearance 8
Aroma 6
Flavor 5
Texture 6
Overall 6
Draft, Downers Grove pub. Served in a proper "bump" pint glass on a hand pull. A very thick and creamy head with the Guinness cascade effect. Very frothy, but the froth has a roasty smell. Taste is kind of subtle, even light, with the kind of watery mouthfeel you get from a hand pour. No real harshness to get in the way... or create a contrast, either. Just a slight bitterness that builds up in the back of the throat. Leaves lovely thick rings of lace as the glass empties. Nothing exceptional, just a well-tuned brew.
Tried
from Draft
on 29 Apr 2005
at 22:30