Rogue White Crane Bitter Ale

I picked up this tiny 12 oz bottle at State Line Liquors in Elkton, MD. According to the label, this brew made its way all the way from Monbetsu Hokkaido, Japan to Rogue country at Newport, Oregon. But then it says brewed and bottled by Oregon Brewing, so I am confused. Oh well, let me just review the damn thing!

Appearance: I poured it carefully and I still got a solid three fat fingers of head. The color reminds of Thanksgiving with blends of yellow/orange/red at different angles of light. Very clear and alive and looks like a light style beer.

Smell: Dusty malts and staley yeast aromas. Can not distinguish any hops, which surprises me for a bitter ale.

Taste: Alot sweeter compared to what the smell told me. Not as sugary dense as a soda pop, but it must be the sweet raisin malts coming through. Starting to remind me of an ESB.

Mouthfeel: Thin and definitely over carbonated. That bitterness of hops finally tingles my palete.

Drinkability: I would give this beer another try perhaps if it was free. I think I paid $8.49 for it, which is a ripoff. Went down with ease like a college student competing in Teen Jeopardy. Good to try something new, but I will give it a 6/10 hopheads.

Sierra Nevada ESB (Early Spring Beer) (2008)

Appearance: The color of cherry wood. Finger of head.

Smell: Smells like natty but more refreshing ;) Don’t smell any hops but slight maltiness stands out.

Taste: Reminds me of a lager. The bitterness stands out and the hops barely come out from hiding.

Mouthfeel: Carbonation tingles my tongue, but same as the taste

Drinkability: Not too impressive. I originally bought it because of a recent good experience with McNeil’s ESB, but it doesn’t match. 5.9% abv