Posted: February 10th, 2008 | Author: Stacy | Filed under: Beer Reviews, Commercial Brew, Gluten-free, What's that in your fridge? | No Comments »
Redbridge Sorghum BeerI finally succumbed to curiosity/beerlessness and bought a bottle of
Redbridge, Anheuser-Busch’s sorghum beer. Yes, I know, I don’t like A-B at all, and was really reluctant to try their version of a gluten-free beer. But it was the only “beer” option apart from the previously reviewed
Bard’s Tale, and given that I’ve been drinking mostly cider and wine, any beer was better than no beer.
The verdict is that Redbridge is OK. It kind of reminded me of Stella Artois, which I know people love but I really don’t like at all. The flavor is just strangely astringent/bitter, a little metallic, and lacking depth much like your usual A-B beer; it was fizzy and fairly light on the palate. It was pretty lightly hopped, and had little hoppy aroma or finish. It still didn’t taste like a proper beer, so I’m guessing it’s a beer replacement much like those “coffee replacement” teas you can find at some health food-oriented stores. It just ain’t right!
While the price on Redbridge isn’t awful at $7.99/6-pack, it’s not worth it for what you get. I think it might appeal to people with serious gluten allergies or Celiac Disease, who maybe haven’t had actually beer in years if ever. My tongue still remembers what a proper beer tastes like. I mostly tried the beer because A) I’d really like a beer and B) I wanted to support even A-B in their efforts to provide alternative beer options. I mean, that’s what they do best: give the people what they want, even if what they want is total crap.
So, I won’t be buying Redbridge again. I guess it’s more cider and wine for me! In other booze news, we bought some 12 Bridges Gin made by Integrity Spirits here in Portland. Interesting gin! Very different.
Posted: January 27th, 2008 | Author: Stacy | Filed under: Beer Reviews, Craft Brew, Gluten-free, What's that in your fridge? | No Comments »
Bard’s Tale Dragon’s Gold BeerI’ve seen this $9.99 a six pack sorghum beer at New Seasons for a few months now, but the price always put me off. Enter gluten-free living and I’m willing to consider my options! I only bought one bottle, though, since I’m still not interested in expensive beer buying.
Bard’s Tale Beer claims to be the first all-sorghum craft beer, and I’m not sure that’s true, but there you have it. The name is, yes, dorky. And the Celtic uncial font on the labels is goofy. In fact, I’m not entirely sure what’s with the Celtic theme, since sorghum is more of an African and Asian grain, not on from the fair isles. And then there’s the stylized dragon on the bottle. Go figure.
Dragon’s Gold isn’t actually THAT golden in color. More of a ruddy amber, truly. Is it a lager like they claim? Mmm, not so much, more of an amber ale to me. On first pouring the beer smells more like a cider; tart fruity aroma. As it warmed up, though, it took on more molasses and caramel aromas, which was pleasant. Really too sweet to be a lager, and much more like a brown ale in that respect. Have these guys HAD a lager beer?
There’s a strange bitterness to the finish on the back of the tongue that reminds me of un-pitted olives – the bitterness of lye and the dry, acerbic tone of antioxidants. But up front, it’s light and fairly mild, with a bit of sweetness. All in all, not bad, though not exactly beer. You know, because there’s no malt.
Would I buy it again? Not at that price! Would I try making my own sorghum beer? Sure!