10.23.2011

So before heading out to watch the Walking Dead tonight, I grilled up some meat and cracked open a brew.  Beer, fire and zombies... sounds fantastic, right?  Well it is!  I'm starting to break into the stash of Harpoon 100 Barrel Series that I have.  Just like the Stone Vertical Epics, I caught onto the series after the start, so I can't get what's already been released.  But I'm starting, and although terribly sad I've missed out on some forever, gotta enjoy what I can take advantage of!  Starting with #32....

session 32 - Pott's Landbier.  Categorically described as a Vienna Lager, it apparently translates as country beer and has a nice spicy strong malt backbone with some earthy notes.  At 4.8% ABV and 30 IBUs, this would be a great beer to enjoy while working out in the fields all day, giving just enough oomph and refreshment, but not getting Mr. Farmer-person hammered and running the tractor into the creek. This beer turns out to be a collaboration with Pott's Braueri from Oelde, Germany and mimics their own 'Pott's Landbier.' A nice dark amber hue with a great thick head, this beer has a bit of grassy hops on the nose with some sweet toasted malts and a bit of an apple/honey sweetness.  Taste-wise, very smooth, but carbonated enough to provide refreshment.  The major flavor profile is sweet, nutty, roasted malts giving some caramel and bready tastes with some hidden cherry and plum.  A bit of spice carries from the malt to the hop finish, hints of nutmeg, a little cinnamon with woody, earthy tastes.. a very nice addition.  On the finish is a slight kick of some grassy hops..keeping with the earthy theme.  A really nice sessionable beer, not so sure if it's worthy of a unique spot on the 100 Barrel Series..but it is a collab brew and a slightly different style than Harpoon is accustomed to...greatly refreshing overall though!