Quick Take: Wachusett Green Monsta
Wachusett Green Monsta
We recently went out to Wachusett to check on some of their new offerings. They've relaunched Green Monsta, now in bottle form and a recently tweaked recipe. In short the changes have done this beer good.
Smell: Smooth malt with light biscuit tones, light floral hops
Appearance: Light head, medium amber, very clear
Taste: This is a new version on Green Monsta, the brewers over at Wachusett have cut the booze a little bit as well as the hops. But don't fret, it's only lost a few IBUs and the drop in alcohol has only made it more drinkable. We'll be honest, the old version of Green Monsta was good, but it wasn't our favorite from them. We both agree this new version, now in bottles, is a much more drinkable beer. It's very smooth malt up front with a two stage finish. This beer has a very unique finish that first starts with a nice hop bitterness and then follows up with a biscuity malt flavor. The hops build as you drink the beer so the more you drink the better it tastes, well within reason of course. If you've had this beer before, try it again and if you haven't give it a go!
Quick Take: Port Brewing Moonlit Sessions Lager
Port Brewing Moonlit Sessions LagerAppearance: Looks like an old cup of coffee
Smell: Smells like an old cup of coffee
Taste: Tastes like an old cup of coffee
It's not often that we really dislike a beer, but this is one of those times. Made from the second runnings of the Serpents Stout (good beer) this just doesn't hold up. It feels watery, astringent and chalky. We still love a lot of beer from these guys, this just isn't one of them.
Quick Take: Lost Abbey Serpents Stout
Lost Abbey Serpents StoutAppearance: Deep dark brown, tan head
Smell: Lots of roasted malt, chocolaty notes, hint of coffee
Taste: Just a slight hint of Belgian sweetness, but overall this tastes more like an American imperial stout. Very robust, though not overly viscous. There's an interesting sweetness reminiscent of prunes. Quite dry. Prune notes increase as well as astringency as the beer warms.
Quick Take: Flying Dog Garde Dog
Flying Dog Garde Dog
Appearance: Light golden thing fluffy head
Smell: smeet malts, light fruit tones
Taste: Very light flavor with hints of sweet malts. Without bogging down in the history, bier de garde came from french farmers looking for something to quench their thirst. If you go into this beer with that in mind you'll love it. It's a very simple ale, so it doesn't overwhelm your pallet in any way. It's clean, simple and refreshing, try replacing your standard light beer or golden ale with this for a change.






