2 Beers @ The Coffee Bar (Philadelphia, PA)

At the The Coffee Bar again.  I have to admit that this place is my secret fortress of solitude.  Despite having great beer (2 on tap at a time and 25+ in bottles), tasty sandwiches, and a friendly staff, this place has never been really crowded the times I have gone there.  Why?  I have no idea.  And there is good news: The Coffee Bar has changed up their $10 lunch policy.  It used to be that they had a pre-selected featured beer to go with any sandwich for $10.  Now, with some high-priced and limited quantity selections as exceptions, you can pair your sandwich with any bottle.  Nice!

This particular night I started off with Otter Creek's Stovepipe Porter.  Dark in appearance, roasted in aroma and taste, I think I like this beer.  At 4.4% abv, it is very tasty and easy drinking.  I could see this being a session beer in the right circumstances.  Maybe not my first choice for a Spring night, but indoors with a hearty dinner, this beer would be very nice choice, indeed.

If you are intersted in Otter Creek as a brewery, or what some of their other offerings are like, be sure to check out El Presidente's review of Otter Creek Spring Ale German-Style Kolsch [CLICK HERE].

Beer #2 was Speakeasy's Prohibition Ale.  Maybe it's the fact that it's an amber ale, and I prefer British style brown ales, or maybe it's the hops they use, but this beer just doesn't do it for me.  Don't get me wrong, this beer isn't bad, it just isn't something I would get on a regular basis.  I believe Nugget Nectar technically is an amber ale, so a beer like this doesn't stand a chance in comparison, but even standing alone, this would not be my choice of beers.

Only two beers that night, but I will be sure to return.  My one criticism of The Coffee Bar is that their website is busted.  Broken links, no Twitter or Facebook to keep people up to date, no mention of their beers on tap, and no mention of the lunch special.  Not sure what is going on there.  The Ferment Nation is open for business for website consulting!  Reasonable rates, too!  Drop us a line.

Otter Creek Solstice (Citizen Review)

What: Otter Creek Solstice 4% abv
Where: Pour House (Westmont, NJ)
When: July 17, 2010
What-have-you: "Utterly approachable in its mild hoppiness.  Refreshing, but unmemorable.  Pretty good.  Reminds me of: hops, but drowned."


Representation: .5
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: .5
Personal Preference: .25

Total: 2.25 Flags

Reviewed by Citizen Jack W.

Otter Creek Spring Ale

Otter Creek Spring Ale German-Style Kolsch:

Admittedly I'm not an expert on kolsch. I tend to pass over the lighter style in favor of funkier, spicier seasonals around this time of year. I seem to remember kolsch being a little bit pungent and very dry, almost like Pilsner's weird, emo, indie-rock younger sibling. Otter Creek Brewing Company from Middlebury, VT gives a little face-lift to the German-style brew.

Otter Creek Spring Ale pours a really nice bright golden color. The body is mostly light but gains a little heft from the malted wheat. Light and refreshing in flavor, this kolsch sits somewhere between a saison and a light pilsner. This would be another great back deck beer to relax with. In place of a glass of chilled white wine, perhaps? Use it to wash down some fish or poultry appetizers and you won't be disappointed.

Expect some see-saw scoring on this beer for a few reasons: I don't think this is the best Representation of a kolsch -- probably have to be a bit more traditional to ace that category. Accessibility is way good. Style: tough one. Yes, it breaks barriers in the kolsch world but it isn't so mind-altering as to redefine the style. And Preference: Gotta say, I really like it. Sassy yet subtle, I just might go back for more. Oh, and mysterious! Can't find the abv% anywhere.

Otter Creek Spring Ale German-Style Kolsch:

Representation: .70

Accessibility: .95

Style: .90

Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.45 Flags

Otter Creek Imperial IPA (Citizen Review)

Otter Creek Imperial IPA:

"Too hoppy + sweet for

me"

Representation: .50

Accessibility: .25

Style Points: .50

Personal Preference: .10

Total Score: 1.35 Flags

--Reviewed by Citizen Cheryl Selah