-Reviewed- Port Hot Rocks Lager

 Hmmm. Lemme see here. If it weren't for the classic lager "whatever-it-is" that all lagers share, I'd rate this one a notch higher. A very good effort by Port Brewing in a lager. I love the fact that they (Port) are not afraid to venture into this realm. This effort is not only quite refreshing, but actually has some character to it as well! Dark with a cherry red body when held to a bright light, it smells of dark, fuity maltiness with just a hint of spice. Ever smell a fresh Budweiser? It has that going on also, but just a little. This beer has a nice refreshing mouhtfeel and tastes of minerals, caramel, a twist of hops (very relaxed on the hops, but they're there) and some dark candy sugar.

All in all a refreshing beer that would be a nice choice after mowing the lawn on a hot day. At 6.56% ABV a 22oz would be just the ticket and leave you ready to do anything. But still, there's that damn lingering "lager-ishness", that "whatever-it-is" common to all lagers that makes me wince. Just a little. Maybe the old AB memories have just not faded enough. But I'll tell you this: for a person coming from the world of Bud, Miller, Rolling Rock, Corna, or whatever looking to step outside their comfort zone and explore the "new world" of craft beers, this should be your next beer! Get used to this and your next steps will be easier! For what it is and how obvious Port is in NOT trying to simply "parrot" a Bud or Corona, I give this one 5 out of 10 bottles.

Good god, where have I been?

I think every blogger goes through this: At some point we just have to put bloggin' on the back burner (if anything temporarily). Because it's life. And life happens. Personal stuff that just needs taking care of, ya know?

Goodbye 2 or 3 months... 

*But* this also strangely began last year (more or less). And that meant traveling. And traveling meant tasting beer in other places! And I might say on one or two occasions this past spring, this definately meant tasting some good beers. And I must say there are some damn fine beers produced in the Pacific Northwest. 

More on that later... 

So! I am back and so is the blog (For those who care about such things). Oh, and with some new rules -most importantly a change. From now on we will be reviewing "everything beer" in the raw, that is: without the lingo BS or methodical analysis. Oh, one of the rules? Keep the reviews down to one or two paragraphs! 

Smashmouth (but honest) reviews.  

Miss me? ;)