OctoBEER of the Month Club Review



Nothing completes the Fall ambience of crisp cool air, falling leaves, harvest and Halloween parties, and all varieties of pumpkin spiced treats like beer. This is why I was especially excited about October's Beer of the Month shipment from Amazing Clubs which included selections specially "harvested" for the current autumn atmosphere. This latest Beer Club batch featured brews from Uinta Brewing Company based in Salt Lake City, UT and Shmaltz Brewing Company out of Clifton Park, NY.

Uinta Brewing Company



The Baba Black Lager and Punk’n Harvest Pumpkin Ale that arrived in my box were the first beers I'd ever had the opportunity to try from Uinta, and the selections from this 14-year-old brewery did not disappoint.

Typically, I do not select seasonal beers since they tend to be more of a gimmick than anything else. Especially this time of year, it seems that there is no limit on what pumpkin flavors can work their way into. Uinta's Pumpkin Ale, however, did not follow the trend of overwhelming pumpkin flavor. More like modern conventional ales, the spices(nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice) stood out most and balanced out the sweetness of this beer which tasted of honey or perhaps male syrup. The taste of toasted pumpkin snuck in on the back and like a highly anticipated headliner after some pretty awesome opening acts. The look of this beer, bright orange, medium bodied, and a thin quickly dissipating head, is that of a very richly flavored ale. Overall, this ale is light in flavor but the balance of the presented flavors is excellent.

The Baba Black Lager, on the other hand, had a much more pronounced flavor. This beer poured a dark black color that contrasted with the foamy white lingering head. The flavor of roasted malts and dark chocolate were reinforced by aromas of coffee beans and biscuit-y malts. It had medium body and medium carbonation, yet it was smooth on the tongue. Overall, this was a good black lager that I will definitely find and purchase to enjoy again.

Shmaltz Brewing Company



The selection from Shmaltz, a brewing company I'd never heard of until I received this box, was "He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A." Immediately after reading the label, I had to know what the name was all about. Who was Lenny? Does He'Brew mean Hebrew, and if so, what is Hebrew beer? I learned that Shmaltz Brewing Company is known for their tongue-in-cheek references to Judaism. All of their beers are certified kosher, hence the term He'Brew. Get it?

The Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A. comes as part of their “Tributes to Jewish Stars” series in tribute to late Jewish comedian Leonard Alfred Schneider aka Lenny Bruce. This award-winning beer is aged in Sazerac 6-year Rye Whiskey barrels and took home the silver medal in Wood and Barrel-Aged Strong Beer Category at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival.

The Bittersweet Lenny’s R.I.P.A pours a dark amber color with strong head that has great retention. At 10% ABV the alcohol notes of this double IPA may be a bit strong for some beer drinkers. Considering that percentage, however, I would say that the alcohol is relatively well hidden. The flavor of this beer is true to its name - bittersweet. You can taste whiskey from the barrels, caramel, and orange with notes of spiciness and oak. It is dry with a smooth, creamy mouthful and an explosion of flavor at the end. I really enjoyed this beer and am glad to have discovered Shmaltz.

Overall

October’s Beer Club shipment through Amazing Clubs delivered to me everything I love about being a subscriber – award winning beers that I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to try.

Want to discover great new beers? Join Amazing Clubs' Beer of the Month Club today and sample premium-quality craft beers from independent breweries across the country.