Well, it’s time for another craft beer review. I want to thank you guys in advance for checking back in on the blog.
Today, I’m going to be trying a beer from the Anchorage Brewing Company situated in Anchorage, Alaska. This one is called the Love Buzz.
Anchorage is easily one of my top 5 favorite brewers and I have yet to try a brew from them that has been disappointing.
From the website, anchoragebrewingcompany.com, we find this delightful description of the Love Buzz.
A feeling overcomes, deriving of a most curious perplexity. A rich desire awakens to explore the contents of such delicate loveliness. Upon a deep connection with rounded lips, a bitter sweet complexity enters the soul…and so begins an amorous affair.
Heightened awareness envelopes the senses as the grandeur of such bold character develops. Caramel beauty exhibits itself, sprawling its full body widely upward, bubbling with excitement. Tantalizing effects of peppery bitterness grasps the tongue. Enchantment takes hold as a blanket of citrus slowly unfolds. As in any noteworthy love story, a subtle fruity sweetness of a rose emerges to the finish. A warm contentment grazes over, signifying a united marriage of balance and pleasure.
Fortitude has revealed itself to those who have encountered such an enriching experience. An experience so delectable, so defining, so unequivocal. An experience that is Love’s Buzz.
Ok. Let’s drink.
This beer came in a 25.4 oz. bottle and it had an ABV of 8.0%.
It poured a semi-hazy to mostly clear orange color. The head was white, decently sized with a solid retention time. The texture was kind of fizzy and soapy, however it left behind some very nice lacing as it settled back into the liquid.
The nose presented a very well defined aroma of funk and yeast. Tones of pineapple fruit and orange citrus along with hints of red roses and oak. A peppery spice was in there too. I also found a hint of white grapes (pinot noir?) in there as well. It seemed to be very fruity for the first half, but it really became more harmonized and balanced as it warmed and was allowed to breathe. Like all Anchorage brews… the bouquet was phenomenal.
The taste began with a medium strength funk. Not really a musty funk per say, but a very pleasing “fresh” funk if that makes sense. More of the yeasty/bready aspects came into play and I found a plethora of fruits. Everything from orange, pineapple, lemon and grapes. The peppery spice was involved, however it wasn’t overpowering in the least. A very light oaky undertone was discovered and just a wee bit of tartness was experienced from the citrus aspects. It also released just a minor relish of grassy tones. Overall, very complex, balanced and…. good.
The mouthfeel was medium bodied. Only the most subdued sharpness was to be had. It was crisp, dry, refreshing and thirst quenching. A little bit of warmth was felt, although I’m not for sure if that was from the peppery spice or the alcohol. A flood of flavor was left behind on the palate after each sip.
Well, the Anchorage Brewing Company has done it again. The Love Buzz is awesome. This beer is chocked full of character. Even though Saisons are typically relegated to the Spring and Summer season I do believe that I could have this at any point and time and be completely satisfied. It’s very easy to drink and it’s complex enough to satisfy even the most advanced craft beer drinker. I don’t know how Gabe Fletcher does it. I have no idea how he, no matter what beer he’s producing, continues to knock it out of the ballpark. I want to thank him for brewing these great beers. I realize I’m just a county bumpkin from Kentucky, but I’m very fortunate to be able to grab these brews and enjoy them from time to time. I’d highly recommend anything from the Anchorage Brewing Company. Have you guys had the opportunity to try any of them? What’s your opinion? Feel free to leave a comment if you would like.
Thanks for reading and commenting folks. I really appreciate it.
Until next time. Cheers.
Score: 4.55 out of 5
Grade: A+
Beer Apprentice - Craft Beer News, Reviews, Interviews and Info. 