Came recommended. Disappointed. Really like the western Massachusetts vibe, except it's so not western Massachusetts. Apparently.
Bitterbill (4330) reviewed Toy Soldier from Jack's Abby Craft Lagers 1 year ago
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5
Drinking this Christmas Lager is interesting. Lots going on. I dig the ginger and nutmeg. Orange peel is okay. It took a lot of swishing in my mouth to pull out the Rye. Overall, it fits the festive season rather well. Jack's Abby usually means quality.
Not much head retention, almost no lacing.
Canned October 29th.
Appearance - 6 | Aroma - 6 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5
I try to have one or two Oktoberfest beers each season. This evening I am sampling Copper Legend bought from Half Time in a 16 oz can. Stamp on the bottom says: Canned 07/30/24. I have a throwback glass beer mug in place and I tilt the can into it. The appearance is gold-orange complete with a significant head of off-white foam. I smell the familiar Marzen scent of grain, hops and perhaps a bit of caramel. The drink is also familiar. There is a decent maltiness, baked bread, hops and a small touch of toffee. A nice, full sensation, good by me. No rewriting of the book on Oktoberfest beer but better than most, it's an incremental thing I believe.
Gripweed57 (8744) reviewed Toy Soldier from Jack's Abby Craft Lagers 1 year ago
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 7 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5
16 ounce can. Copper orange pour. Moderate beige head dissipates quickly to a scant ring. Subtle aroma of sweet honey, orange and cinnamon. Flavor is slightly reminiscent of chai tea. Orange, nutmeg, cinnamon and black tea. Some earthy grain as well. An interesting take on a holiday brew.
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8.5
Brewery draught, 11/26/24. Clear, bright blonde-golden. Small, fairly well-retained, white head. Lovely honey-like malt in the nose with herbal, slightly minty hops and a bit of earth/mineral. Nice and crisp on the end with biscuit and such. Clean. In the mouth it's surprisingly malty for a French pilsner, which are usually thinner, grainier. This hand round, almost succulent malts with a bit of bread, bit of biscuit and lots of crisp yeast and playful herbal hop notes. Clean and very flavorful for its size.
Clarkvv (16523) reviewed Higher Calling from Jack's Abby Craft Lagers 1 year ago
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 8 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 8
Brewery draught, 11/26/24. Moderately to lightly hazy, pale lime-brass. Medium-sized, white head, moderate retention. Line skin, unripe tropical fruit skin, hint of sulfur and lots of mineral. Basic biscuit and cracker balance. Clean. Biscuity-crackery edge with some dough and lots of juicy, but not acidic lime. Light melon, light tropical fruit, touch chewy, lots of mineral and light sulfur. Fresh and raw in a pretty good way.
Appearance - 8 | Aroma - 7 | Flavor - 8 | Texture - 8 | Overall - 7.5
Pours mahogany-tinged black into a willi. Tan micro head with good retention recedes to coat surface. Toasted pumpernickel and raisin brown bread aromas. Soft with dried chocolate-covered pit fruit, toasted brown bread and clove upfront turning to earthy burnt pumpernickel in the dry, lasting finish.