Rogue Morimoto Imperial Pilsner

Pilsner- the Webster's dictionary defines this style as "a dumbed down beer for frat kids and rednecks." It is not the preferred style in any beer drinker's book but what drew us to this brew were two words - "Rogue" & "Imperial." Fifteen dollars for a bomber seemed a little excessive but any imperial brew from Rogue can't be that bad, right? Joining us today, for the first time, is the newb x-Tina.

The brew pours a cloudy light honey color and a citrus smell. Upon delivery to the beer hole, you experience a different mouth feel than that of an American pilsner- much heavier as it leaves an almost chalk like trail when it drains down the throat. Smell and taste collide when lemon undertones come out from hiding. The alcohol taste is hidden, though hops are definitely prevalent on the back end of the brew.

In the end, Morimoto Imperial Pilsner would be better classified in with classic European-style pilsners. It is, however, overpriced. Fifteen dollars for a 750ml bottle could better be spent on a four pack of Founders Breakfast Stout or it is almost enough money for a six-er of Hopslam. For what it's worth, it is a good brew. If we weren't the snobs we were, it would rank higher. It's hard to get over the negatives this style brings to our palette. Even a TV Chef couldn't help us overcome these convictions.

Oz scale: 6.4
Mike scale: 6.4
x-Tina scale: 5.6

Weyerbacher Zotten

Weyerbacher has long caught our eye when it comes to beer despite the subpar labels on the bottles. From our very first sip of Double Simcoe IPA, we grew ever eager to try more from this brewery. Many have dominated our taste buds (Heresy, Blasphemy and Imperial Pumpkin Ale to name a few) so we were excited that these kind brewers would bless us with yet another beverage. Weyerbacher's newest creation, Zotten, is a Belgian Pale Ale. At 6%, this "session beer" still beats any of the ice domestics you can get at your local NE Ohio grocery in ABV.

Zotten, Belgian for "joker," pours a clear amber color with a Belgian Ale style smell and frothy white head. The brew has a creamier taste than what the label promises with hops hidden beneath its classic Belgian fruit flavor. The brew flows freely down the throat making it incredibly drinkable given the style.

Zotten is an every day style beer. Given the drinkability, its shocking that the brew comes in just four packs. There is nothing too innovative about it, just a slight different take on a classic. We would like more of a bite on the back end of the brew. The hops are promising but lead to a dead end street. This could be a great trasitionary brew to get someone into the style, i.e. Mike's girlfriend. Now if he could only get her to swollow something else frothy and creamy...

Oz Scale: 7.2
Mike Scale: 7.3