Estonian beer

It’s Beermad number ten, and more populated than the last time, from the very beginning.  It wasn’t that much of a line, not like years ago, but last year I was the only one at the gate until practically opening time.  There were about 20 people hanging out patiently this year, even as opening time came and went and the gate remained shut.  They got us in pretty quickly once things were worked out inside, whatever it was that had to be done; people are pretty used to what is expected by now.  It’s only 11(:15) and I’m already feeling thirsty, so I set off to get my first drink and take a look around.

There are quite a few new names this year, along with some old familiar friends, so I’m feeling hopeful.  As usual, I want to start off strong with a nice stout/porter.  Not far from the entrance I found Japi, beer from Cantabria, and a new one for me.  Fortunately, they have a black beer, simply called Japi Negra, which I happily accept as my first of the day.

It has a good look, dark brown, fluffy beige-ish head, and with kind of an oaty stout aroma.  Maybe a little malt-heavy, but that’s not bad for a dark beer.  It hits a little malty on the tongue, and gives a heavy first impression, but it really is pretty slick drinking.  It takes a bit for some bitterness to make an appearance, but eventually it does, from the back of the tongue, interestingly.  As a relatively light stout, it’s a good beginning for me.  Other times I dive in a little too fast, but this feels…sensible.

Now it’s time for something different, and I noticed quite a few different things on the signs.  As usual, lots of IPAs, but also some fruity sours with less common fruit.  I toss some plans around in my head as I head for another new name, Tensina.  There’s a Little Cherry Sour waiting for me.

Incredible color, Kool-Aid worthy, bubbly but not much head, and not much aroma either.  It does have a little bit of a cherry yogurt smell, maybe due to the lactose that they told me was in there.  Although it looks fizzy, it’s very smooth feeling, not a single tickle on the tongue.  The sour cherry flavor is there, but it’s hardly overpowering.  It has a very dry feel, in fact.  It seems like Kool-Aid with less sugar than normal, and a little watered down too.  Well, the color is right anyway.  That’s not necessarily bad, we need to have some subtle things to tune our palates to once in a while, to keep us on our toes.  I’ve been awfully spoiled with strong flavors as of late.

Now we get back to my preference, the dark beers.  I saw Pohjala’s Chocolate Porter listed alongside some Lervig and others, and had to go back for that.  I think I’ve probably had it either at Taproom or from the bottle, but there’s no harm in trying a new serving style and new environment.

As expected, it looks splendid with it’s color and head.  It smells a little coasty, but it is a Baltic porter, after all.  A second whiff gives me a hint of licorice.  Dark chocolate taste, crumbly, slightly savory, a real mouthful.  Licorice is enhanced by the Sachertorte, which is quite dry.  Again, it’s not a kick you in the face kind of beer, it’s very mild, but the flavors that are there come right out without shame.  I start to pick up a little porter plumminess after a while, adding something sweet on top.  The bottom of the Sachertorte has some fruity, jammy surprises awaiting, which end up adding some moisture, but overall it is the porter that is carrying the weight of softening things up here.  Not a bad combination at all.

Finally, one more tongue cleaning sour.  There’s some mystery about the exact fruit in it, it might be cranberry, but probably raspberry.  This is DAI Sour.

Big bubbles, but little head, suggestive if light aroma.  It’s fuzzier than the cherry, but with more woodiness and confidence.  It does have the essence of a cranberry drink with something sparkling added.  A cranberry virgin cocktail, I guess.  I am a little whistful for the days of tongue wresting brews that fight all the way down, but Anne Bonny here is no doubt a thirst quencher.  Not a flavor bomb in any way, but definitely palatable, and not as dry as Little Cherry.  It’s very much a drink, not a sensation.

And with that, my Beermad concludes.  See you next year…