April Dirty Thirty Day 14 – Bell’s Oberon Ale

The weekend got me a little sidetracked but I still had one new craft beer a night and reviewed it (just didn’t get around to posting it).

Sunday’s April Dirty Thirty beer was…

Bell’s Oberon Ale

Bell’s Oberon Ale

Critical Information:

• 5.8% ABV
• Summer Seasonal

My Experience:

– POUR

Poured from bottle into pint glass. It has a hazy, golden-yellow color with a white foam head that disappears quickly. There’s a fair amount of bubbles that work their way to the top of the beer.

– SMELL

I think I get just some malt and cloves. It is very subtle.

– TASTE

Fresh, even blend of malt and hops. No strong flavors here but it’s consistently flavorful. There’s a slight bit of cloves and nuttiness.

– FOOD PAIRING

Burger with bacon and swiss. Need I say more?

April Dirty Thirty Day 3 – RJ Rockers Bald Eagle Brown Ale

Day three brings us…

RJ Rockers Bald Eagle Brown

RJ Rockers Bald Eagle Brown Ale

Critical Information:

• 5.6% ABV
• Available Year-round

My Experience:

– POUR

Poured from bottle into snifter (I think — can someone confirm from the picture??). Lots of head on this one. Minimal carbonation. Dark brown color that you can almost see through.

– SMELL

I snort the head into my nostrils and get lots of chocolatey-malt goodness. Then cough. It’s worth it. I can also sense some caramel and earthiness.

– TASTE

It has a soft touch to the palate and the chocolate and maltiness really comes through. After you swallow the flavors dance around for a few seconds before easing away.

– MOUTHFEEL

Despite the dark color and stylistic norms of a brown ale, this one is very light and airy. It’s not crisp like a pilsner but definitely one of the lighter brown ales I’ve had. I wouldn’t chug this beer but big gulps shouldn’t be shied away from.

– FOOD PAIRING

Roasted duck with white rice and soy sauce, one of my wife’s favorites, would go great with this. I think duck tastes great with anything though. I could do a burger with this as well. Side note — if you live near Leesburg and haven’t been to Melt yet, stop reading this, get in the car and go. If it’s in the middle of the night bring a six-pack and tailgate outside until they open. Yeah, it’s that good.