Santa Fe Brewing Once Again

What to do when you need to bring beer to a BBQ? Pick something that looks tasty- and if you are me, grab something you haven't tried from a brewery that seems to do you right. The only problem, which I didn't realize until the aroma hit me, was that i purchased a Saison (Saison 88 to be exact) which is a type of beer I don't generally enjoy. For those of you that love a fruity, wheaty beer, you'll love Saisons. Unless of course you don't like higher alcohol beers. Then stay away.
For me, Saisons tend to be too fruity and too wheaty. When i popped the top of this Santa Fe Brewing Company beer I got a whiff of the fruity pale ale smell. A smell that made me reconsider my buying decision. However, after a few sips, I found that I wasn't completely wrong in choosing Saison 88. It still bears the hallmarks of a Saison, but it is much more drinkable, less cloying, and well balanced. Most saisons seem to slap you in the face with their fruitiness, while this one is pleasant. I may not buy it again, but i give it props. 3.5/5. Also, the can is damn pretty.

Working my way through the Beer tour of the Southwest

While i still mourn the lack of availability of some of my favorites, like Yuengling and Three Floyds, trying new beer around here has been a very good time. At least for my taste buds.

artzberger.com

This past weekend, I stopped a local shop to pick up some beer for a graduation party. When picking out beer in a store, i'll be honest. I'm a pretty lazy shopper. The number of beers is usually overwhelming, and i'm never quite sure where to go. The simplistic red cans of this beer from the Santa Fe Brewing Company caught my eye. Double plus good on the Irish Red, usually a potable beer even at its mildest. As soon as I had the cans off the shelf my roommate praised my choice. Although, i'm not sure how good her recommendation was, considering her lack of preferences. 

Anyways, I was happy. Even without pouring them, straight from the cans they were robust, malty and good. Not overly hearty, but still fairly rich. Mmmmm.... I only managed three, and at a low ABV of 4.5, it was a nice relaxing evening. I would definitely recommend these. They are a suitably good pick at about 8.50 for the 6 pack. 

Next up: some back blogging and my quest to collect brewing bottles :).