Tuesday, May 22, 2012

what does that label mean??

I felt like I should grab a German beer, just because...well just because.  Something in the air, maybe.  The bottles of Ruppaner Hecker Dunkel were sitting politely on the shelf, with the red of their labels snapping smartly.  I'm always the sucker for a dark beer, too.
See? Snappy
 In the glass it has a nice dark amber color and a malty smell.  The head is nice and light.  The smell starts to become a bit caramelly as the beer takes on a little warmth and I immediately get a sweet taste from the first sip, reminds me of Märzen.  It's a very pleasant beer, without overpowering flavors or scents, one that can be enjoyed very well on its own.
The label gives you something to ponder, too.  The man with the hat seems to be reaching out to lead you into a world of fermented grain drinks, and his friend behind him looks a little irritated with having to deal with a crowd, and then...wait, is there a naked woman standing on his hand?

 
Just a minute here...





And with broken ... shackles?

The symbolism is lost on me.

Monday, May 21, 2012

the crow again

I went looking for more cream stout, but unfortunately there was none to be found.  There was, however, Old Style Porter.  Can't stay away from those porters either.


Upon opening the bottle, I get a maltier sniff than from the stout.  It sits in the glass like the respectable beverage it is, with that near-black brown color and that cap of heavy off-white foam.  The first sip gives me that smokey, bitter porter, just like it should be.  The taste gets earthy, as drinking continues.  St. Peter's has a porter through and through, something I'd like to have next to me while I write short stories.  Or maybe to relax after a long day of walking or working, since it isn't something for those who might worry about their weight.  It certainly makes me feel like scarfing down something chocolate.
It's no cream stout shake, but it'll definitely do