A Belgian Style Break: Resurrection Ale

During our big move this past week I found time to stop for a moment and taste a bit of Baltimore or Royersford depending on how you look at it. A bottle of The Brewer's Art Resurrection Ale that I received from the Baltimore Beer Guy has been residing in The Beer Fridge since the Super Bowl. My original plans were to use it to toast a Steelers victory but even though the Steelers were victorious the cork was never popped on this Belgian style ale. Now during the big move with all my beer in boxes and the cleaning out of the fridge I figured to lighten the load by one bottle.

This Belgian style Dubbel poured a cloudy copper color with a thick off white head that had staying power. The sweetness came through in the aroma with a mix of candi sugar and dark fruit. The malty beer had a medium mouthfeel, balanced carbonation, an upfront taste of apples, raisins and plums and was sweet without being cloying. Nothing shocking here, it was what you would expect from a easy drinking lighter Dubbel. There are certainly stronger more flavorful Dubbels but this one was perfect for a quick break in a full day of moving. The 7% abv thankfully provided a good kick without sending me into nap mode. I only wish that I could buy this in PA. It's funny to think that I now live only a short drive from Sly Fox Royersford where Resurrection is contract brewed, but unless I am heading to Maryland I'm not getting a bottle anytime soon. Again, a huge thanks to Brian for getting me this one.

Ozzy is a Hell of a Beer

Last weekend while the Steelers were dominating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game I uncorked a bottle of The Brewer's Art Ozzy Ale. I received the bottle from Brian The Baltimore Beer Guy, along with a bottle of Resurrection Ale, after winning a wager on the last regular season meeting of the Ravens and Steelers. I figured it was appropriate to celebrate with Ozzy since this win over the Ravens meant a trip to the Super Bowl.

The Ozzy is a Belgian Strong Pale Ale, has an abv 7.25% and comes in a caged and corked 750 mL bottle. Poured into a Duvel tulip glass the light golden ale created a huge fluffy white head. I didn't get as much aroma as I expected but a peppery spiciness and some sweetness was detectable. The taste is crisp with Belgian yeasty character, citrus fruits, coriander and hints of pepper. A mild bitterness even comes through from the Styrian hops. There is plenty of carbonation but it doesn't interfere with the drinkability. In fact it is almost too easy to drink. I found myself going through the bottle rather quickly. Overall Ozzy isn't quiet up there with Duvel but it is a very satisfying Belgian style ale. Unfortunately It will probably be the last bottle I open any time soon. Although Ozzy Ale is contract brewed and bottled by Sly Fox in Royersford, Brewer's Art doesn't distribute in PA. All the more reason for a quick trip to Maryland.

Thanks again Brian.

Odd fact from the label

A portion of the proceeds will benefit bat conservation programs.

Keep on flappin'

To the Victor Belong the Spoils

A few weeks back I had a friendly wager with Brian/ The Baltimore Beer Guy on the Steelers/Ravens game. The bet was simple; if the Steelers won I would get a couple bottles of fine craft beer from Baltimore. If Baltimore won I would make sure Brian received a couple bottles from Philly. I know that sending Pittsburgh beers would make more sense but living in Philadelphia obviously it's bit easier to search out unique beers from the area.

Ultimately I didn't have to ponder about what beers to pick out. As any football fan knows the Steelers came away with a hard fought victory. "To the victor belong the spoils...", so yesterday I received a box and inside were two fantastic bottles from The Brewer's Art. Resurrection Ale and Ozzy Ale are two of the Baltimore brewery's more well known and highly rated beers. From the Brewer's Art website:

Ozzy

Our answer to the Belgian «devil» beers (i.e. Lucifer, Duvel, etc.). Both rich and dry, this beer is all too easy to consume in large quantities. Hopped with Styrian Goldings.7.25%abv

Resurrection

During the fermentation of the first batch of this Abbey-style ale, the yeast «died» and was «resurrected» by brewer Chris Cashell. Made with five types of barley malt and lots of sugar, this beer is quite flavorful, without being too sweet.7%abv

At one time Brewer's Art beers could be found around Philadelphia and I remember spending evenings at North 3rd enjoying goblets of Ozzy. Or was it Resurrection? Either way those days are gone. Not long ago the brewery stopped distribution to Philly to better support the Maryland market. This makes me even more appreciative of the bottles that now reside in my beer fridge.

I want to give a huge thanks to Brian for the fantastic beer choice and if you haven't done it yet make sure to check out his site Baltimore Beer Guy. I plan on resisting the urge to open either bottle until the first Steelers playoff game. Since they have a bye it's going to be a painful couple of weeks.