Erie Brewing Co. "Golden Fleece" Maibock

Erie Brewing Company Golden Fleece Maibock:

It's hard to resist a good maibock. The color alone is sort of magical -- golden like an elixir that warms your soul and allows you to travel through space and time. And the richness of flavor and body are no accident -- maibock was invented to magically transport you across reality more thoroughly with each sip so by the time you get there, your arrival has less and less to do with your own decision-making process. Just give yourself over to the potion and begin your journey. What on earth am I talking about?

Speaking of journeys, the search for the Golden Fleece was no picnic, if I remember my history lessons. Never fear, intrepid Argonauts, Erie brings the Golden Fleece to you. It basically has all the lovely qualities that a maibock should have (see the discussion of rich flavor and body above). Golden Fleece may be the heir apparent to Stoudts Maibock, which is brewed these days but has been retired from 6-pack bottling according to sources. The Erie offering is not as exactly ethereal as the Stoudts version, but it would hold up fairly well in a head-to-head. It may be more accessible than Stoudts, not quite as rich. A pinch less stylish, but that's a fair trade-off when trying to get a novice to try some "fancy" beers.

So far, some Spring seasonals have leaned from Equinox into Solstice and as lighter fare could double as Summer beers. Golden Fleece seemes to be more distinctly a vernal selection. At 8.5% abv, we are reminded that golden sweetness in the sun masks a rich malty, boozy, warming special sump'n for those Spring nights that still get a bit chilly. So grab a hoodie and a chalice and sit by the fire pit. Also, be ready to wake up somewhere else if you have too many. Did I mention that Golden Fleece is 8.5%?

Erie Brewing Company Golden Fleece Maibock:

Representation: .98

Accessibility: .95

Style: .95

Personal Preference: .95

Total Score: 3.83 Flags

Erie Brewing Company Mad Anthony's APA

Erie Brewing Company Mad Anthony's APA American Pale Ale:

American Pale Ales seem to have an interesting color... just a shade darker than a traditional Pale Ale (mostly fashioned in the British tradition) with a slightly sharper hop profile than an English style pale ale.

The flavor is an interesting "melting pot" of pale ale, pilsner, and IPA. Mad Anthony's APA is a pleasantly refreshing version of this patriotic style. Nothing crazy going on here, but I detect a slight haze, perhaps a wheaty influence. There's a little hoppy bite right in the middle of the draught, and I seem to sense a bit of German influence in the brewing.

Mad Anthony's APA is a prime candidate to share with neighbors and friends at a Fourth of July barbecue. Pour some over the bratwurst and enjoy the rest straight out of the bottle or perhaps in a pilsner glass. Feel free to enjoy a few: this is a nice session brew at 5.5% abv. Mad Anthony's APA would be a fine brew drunk ice cold on a hot day -- and accessible enough to pass along to a stranger who is simply curious about the intriguing name of the man whose bust adorns the label ("Mad" Anthony Wayne was a widely decorated and highly respected military officer in the American Revolution. He was apparently quite the spark plug, earning his nickname "Mad" Anthony. His legacy is quite profound, having left his mark on history by way of a billion towns named after him. Rock a Wiki if you don't believe me).

Actually, I'm quite looking forward to this summer after a cold, wet East Coast winter. If you remember last Independence Day, yours truly celebrated with Troegs Sunshine Pils and another American Pale Ale, Stoudts APA. Erie Brewing Company has offered a fun and drinkable session brew in Mad Anthony's APA. Not terribly stylish, but certainly user friendly.

Erie Brewing Company Mad Anthony's APA American Pale Ale:

Representation: .90

Accessibility: .99

Style: .80

Personal Preference: .895

Total Score: 3.585 Flags