DATE POSTED: 22nd July 2020

STYLE: New Western

ABV: 43.1%

KEY BOTANICAL: Rose Hip

THEY SAY SERVE WITH: Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic and Cardamom Garnish

MOB SAY SERVE WITH: Merchant’s Heart Pink Peppercorn Tonic and Lemon Garnish

 

MOB COCKTAIL SUGGESTION: New Fashioned 

New Fashioned ingredients and method:

50ml Ungava Gin 

10ml Maple Syrup

4 dashes Angostura Bitters

2 strips of Orange Peel

In a mixing glass combine the Gin, Maple Syrup, Bitters and one strip of Orange Peel. Add 4 cubes of ice and stir gently. Strain into an ice filled Old Fashioned glass. Discard used Orange Peel. Squeeze over oils from remaining Orange Peel, twist and put into the glass. Garnish with a small sprig of Rosemary.

m o b s o g 2 0 2 0

BEER REVIEW: 145

BREWER: Molson Coors, Staffordshire, England

STYLE: Wheat Ale

ABV: 5.4%

VESSEL: 330ml brown bottle 

DATE OF POST: 18th July 2020

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

The first thing to note about Blue Moon is that it’s a Belgian styled beer. This doesn’t make it a Belgian beer. That’s a little like saying a sparkling wine is a Champagne styled wine and it just ain’t the case folks. Let’s cut to the chase, if it ain’t a Belgian, it ain’t a Belgian. Call it what it is. It’s a wheat beer. It’s a white wheat beer. And it’s brewed by Molson Coors, which, if we are going to be honest, most certainly isn’t a renowned Belgian brewing house.

What do I like about Blue Moon? I like the name, suggesting rarity and something special. I like the styling, retro and cool.

That’s where my liking of BM stops.

You see, it’s too smooth and creamy. It has no bite. There’s a hint of orange but it has a thick mouthfeel. The claimed ‘refreshing citrus taste’ is nowhere to be found. BM is just plain old bland, brewed for the mass market. It doesn’t stick its neck out in any shape or form. Sad times.

I’m sure at some point in its past, BM was a good beer. The concept was probably strong. Then it got swallowed up by a huge brewing house, which doesn’t always mean things go downhill, and that destroyed its integrity.

BMs not terrible. It’s just so vanilla. So middle of the road. Magnolia.

Sammy’s Rating: 53%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Other than this beer test I’m doing now, the only other time that Blue Moon has passed MOBJymi’s lips was as an opening pint to one of the booziest nights of my life. It was just Sammy and I having the pint but it lead to a few pints of something else which then lead to about 35 bottles of wine and 11 bottles of whisky… each. The fact this was the night before Sam’s wedding where I was best man is best ignored.

From memory the thoughts we both had about Blue Moon on that fateful night were not great. It was a sunny, balmy early evening and we were sat in a tranquil beer garden. So any half decent beer really should have raised an eyebrow of approval. But no, all I remember is us saying to each other that it was alright and not much more. And that really is ALL I REMEMBER.

And I’ll be honest now I’ve finished this bottle in front of me and I start to put pen to paper (finger to key) not much has changed. The bottle look for me is so so, as was the tap head on that fateful night. The nose is ok I suppose but fades very quickly. And the taste is, well you guessed it pretty basic and boring. It’s not bad, it’s not horrible and if someone handed me one I wouldn’t turn my nose but honestly… it’s not worth having on your radar.

Word on the Orange Tree is that popping a slice of fresh orange into this drink can work well and I really think it would if I’m honest. But it’s not mentioned on the bottle and if a beer needs something else to help it along the way then it can’t really be a very good beer now can it?

A certain, currently unfortunately named beer springs to mind…

All in all, average at very best.

Jymi’s Rating: 53%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 53%

MOB review next weekend: RARE BREED by BUTCOMBE BREWING CO

M O B 2020

The MOB SQUAD say…

 

Capone: MATURE, DANGEROUS, STONKING, DELIGHTFUL, MOREISH – 90%

Tom Norton: CITRUS, REFRESHING, LIGHT, SLIGHTLY BLAND – 88%

Mark: AVERAGE, OK, ORANGE PEEL, CLOUDY, DRINKABLE – 56%

Jonny Drinkies: SMOOTH, FULL, BALANCED, SPICED, CITRUS – 87%

cWobble: BLAND, MAIN STREAM, UNINSPIRING, CITRUS, NOT BELGIAN – 30%

PanthBrew: NOTICEABLE, LINGERING, PALATABLE, SWISH, DISTINCTIVE – 85%

VK: AWFUL, CHEAP, SHOCKER, NOTHING, NO – 10%

Rush: REFRESHING, DULL, SMOOTH, CITRUSY, OK – 56%

B.T.I.G: HAZY, FRESH, ORANGE, JUICY, GOOD – 74%

Tulane – MEDIOCRE, PLEASANT, SPICY, SMOOTH, ORANGE – 49%

Steve C: ALRIGHT, QUENCHING, THICK, OBVIOUS, FRESH – 60%

Mrs Reebo: AVERAGE, TANGY, ORANGE, BITTER AFTERTASTE – 55%

Mr Reebo: CORIANDER, MAN CITY, MEDICINAL, OLD FASHIONED, HEAVY – 25%

JLarc: SWEET, REFRESHING, TART, THICK, HAZY – 78%

Lava: JUICY, CITRUS, ORANGE, QUAFFABLE, GREAT – 79%

Team Redbeard: HAZY, CRISP, SUBTLE, CLEAN, SMOOTH – 86%

 

MOB SQUAD RATING: 63%

 

THE MOB SQUAD’S NEXT OUTING WILL BE ON 18th SEPTEMBER AND WILL BE LOVE & HATE by VOCATION

PREVIOUS WORK FROM THE MOB SQUAD

BIG WAVE

JAIPUR

NEWCASTLE BROWN ALE

CLOCKWORK TANGERINE

 

 

DATE POSTED: 16th July 2020

STYLE: London Dry

ABV: 41.3%

KEY BOTANICAL: Seville Orange

THEY SAY SERVE WITH: Fever-Tree Tonic and Orange Garnish

MOB SAY SERVE WITH: Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic and Orange & Lemon Garnish 

 

MOB COCKTAIL SUGGESTION: 20th Century Cocktail

20th Century Cocktail ingredients and method:

50ml Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla Gin

25ml White Creme de Cacao

25ml White Dry Vermouth

12.5ml Fresh Lemon Juice

Add all ingredients into an iced cocktail shaker. Shake and fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange ribbon.

m o b s o g 2 0 2 0

BEER REVIEW: 144

BREWER: Cobra Beer, Staffordshire, England

STYLE: Lager

ABV: 4.5%

VESSEL: 620ml brown bottle 

DATE OF POST: 10th July 2020

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Cobra is synonymous with curry.  There’s no escaping it. And, as a curry lover, that’s a good thing.  However, there’s no curry to back it up here.  It’s being tested solo.  It’s alone.

And, I like it.  It has a refreshing lager nose.  It’s crisp to drink.  It’s refreshing.  And it’s light.

It might not be the go to lager for many a punter because of its strong association with the aforementioned meal.  But it should be considered.  I for one, would be happy to consume this as a product in its own right.

This has more going for it than you might think…

Sammy’s Rating: 72%

 

JYMI SAY’S…

Back in the day , when I say that I’m referring to about 20 years ago when I once lived up to the very British stereotype of having some beers with the lads then heading for a curry. Not that I was ever much of a lad but this most certainly happened countless times during my youth. And to be fair, though way less regularly nowadays, it still does once in a while. Now going back to 20 years ago we would bowl into a restaurant and pints of Cobra would be ordered without a moment’s hesitation. I don’t necessarily remember ever sitting back and thinking, blimey that’s a good beer. But order it we always did, so it can’t have been a bad drop? Mind you. I was 18 and really couldn’t have given two hoots.

Fast forward to now (well, yesterday) and this grand embossed bottle of Cobra was sitting in front of me ready for review. Two questions popped into my head…

First. “What happened to the label? I remember it being pretty cool, aggressive even. Turns out the updating of the font has not done the look any favours”.

Secondly, the beer got me thinking as to whether I had ever had a Cobra outside of a curry consuming situation? I must have. Surely somewhere along the line someone must have offered up one at a BBQ or a party? But I honestly don’t remember if it has ever happened. However, I do know for sure that I have never bought Cobra as just a beer to consume in its own right until now.

So, I decided upon this…

I was going to buy two Cobras and I was going to cook a very basic lightly spiced but full of flavour curry. I was then going to crack, drink, make notes and score the first Cobra as I have done with any other beer that we have tested in the ever growing list of REVIEWED BEERS. But then I was going to have the second one with the curry just to see if it made a difference at all. I doubted it would affect my scoring but it could well have changed my musings.

Cobra one: Well I have to say, it is rather flippin’ lovely! Yes it is a mass produced lager (which sends any beer lover running for the nearest bucket) but Cobra brings a delicate touch and smoothness that surprised me even though I was kind of expecting it. The nose is sensational for a lager and even though the carbonation in glass is high, as already mentioned this brew is breathtakingly smooth. There is a malty backdrop to the taste. However to really elevate it there could certainly be an added zing or punch somewhere but honestly this is a really, really nice lager.

Cobra two (with curry): Made no difference whatsoever!

Jymi’s Rating: 76%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 74%

MOB review next weekend: BLUE MOON by MOLSON COORS

M O B 2020

 

DATE POSTED: 8th July 2020

STYLE: New Western

ABV: 43%

KEY BOTANICAL: Gunpowder Tea

THEY SAY SERVE WITH: Fever-Tree Tonic and Grapefruit Garnish

MOB SAY SERVE WITH: Double Dutch Tonic and Lime Peel Garnish

 

MOB COCKTAIL SUGGESTION: Gin Mule

Gin Mule ingredients and method:

50ml Gunpowder Gin

25ml Lime Juice

25ml Sugar Syrup

10 mint leaves

Ginger Beer

Lightly muddle the Mint leaves in a highball glass with the sugar syrup and lime juice. Half fill the glass with ice and add the Gin. Churn for 30 seconds to bring the flavours together. Fill the glass with ice and top with Ginger Beer. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a wedge of lime.

m o b s o g 2 0 2 0

BEER REVIEW: 143

BREWER: Cerne Abbas Brewery, Dorset, England

STYLE: Beer / Ale

ABV: 2.8%

VESSEL: 500ml brown bottle

DATE OF POST: 4th July 2020 

 

JYMI SAY’S…

“Have you ever tried this”, he said.

“No, I haven’t”, I replied.

“It’s great. I’m not saying it’s the best thing since sliced bread, but for a low alcohol beer it’s really good”, he stated.

“Sounds interesting”, I replied.

“Would you like me to get you and Sam a bottle each to do a review”, he offered.

“Faw shawa Daddy Cool”, I replied.

“Say again James”? he questioned.

“Yeah, definitely Dad, I’m intrigued, thanks” I replied.

 

So a week or so later Responsibly by Cerne Abbas arrived at the gates of Muse on Booze manor.

Two things instantly struck me. The look of the bottle in the flesh is not great, at all. Not inviting, at all. The design crew have had a shocker I’m sorry to say. And the fact that it’s 2.8% scared me, which is frankly ridiculous as almost six months ago we reviewed Simcoe Small Pale which was 2.9% and utterly fantastic. But scared I was still.

Deep blue lid lifted an aroma of sweet malts made its way toward zee nose… a pleasant surprise but nothing to get you excited really. Once sipped though there was suddenly A LOT to talk about!!

Right…

Whilst the glass is to the mouth Responsibly tastes absolutely fine, good in fact. However the second said glass leaves those lips it’s over. By over I don’t mean, it’s terrible or anything, I mean everything stops. Literally stops. The glass leaves your lips and the millisecond it does it is like you hadn’t ever taken a sip at all. This messed with my mind.

So, being a man with a penchant for scientific theory I decided to keep the sips going unbroken. A 10 second glug / chug fest confirmed that whilst ACTUALLY drinking this beer it is perfectly acceptable but the second you’re not it is like it never happened.

Brain. Explosion.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY (& KEEP KEEP KEEP DRINKING IT TO MAKE SURE IT TASTES GOOD).

Jymi’s Rating: 67%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

I’m not going to lie, I thought I’d hate Responsibility. I didn’t like the last beer I had from Cerne Abbas, the packaging is terrible and it’s only 2.8% (not that means a beer will be bad). So all the signs were there that a poor beer was in the offing.

Not so. Responsibility it actually surprisingly good. It’s crisp, has a nice upfront flavour and would be great at any time in the year. And despite it’s lightness, it’s not pathetic in it’s body. It’s actually very generous. It has presence and you know you’re drinking a beer, which is exactly what one wants. Of course, once finished the flavour doesn’t stick around for too long, but that’s okay. You can keep on going back for more.

I would describe Responsibly as a table beer. But as mentioned before, it would be good on any table for any occasion.

It just goes to show, even when things are stacked against a beer, they can still deliver. I thoroughly recommend getting out there and getting your hands (and mouth) on one of these. I’m willing to bet you’ll like it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed because this is one for the masses.

Great job Cerne Abbas!

Sammy’s Rating: 75%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 71% 

 

MOB review next weekend: COBRA by COBRA BEER

M O B 2020

DATE POSTED: 1st July 2020

STYLE: London Dry

ABV: 38.6%

KEY BOTANICAL: Nettle 

THEY SAY SERVE WITH: Lamb & Watt Basil Tonic and Mint Garnish

MOB SAY SERVE WITH: Cambridge Lemon Verbena Tonic and Lime & Mint Garnish

 

MOB COCKTAIL SUGGESTION: Roman Holiday

Roman Holiday ingredients and method:

25ml Nettle Gin

25ml Sweet Red Vermouth

Dash Lemon Juice

Chilled Dry White Wine (Italian preferably) 

Shake the first three ingredients with ice. Strain into a tumbler. Top with the dry white wine.

 

M O B S O G 2 0 2 0

BEER REVIEW: 142

BREWER: Oskar Blues Brewery, Colorado, USA

STYLE: Rose Ale

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 355ml tin

DATE OF POST: 27th June 2020

 

JYMI SAY’S…

This beer has taken me on quite the journey I have to say…

Let’s start with the name. Is it just me or would everything about the name of this beer, including how it looks on the tin just be better if the FOR was dropped. Rosé Daze seems an amazing name to me. Rosé for Daze seems… clunky. Also the font used for FOR is straight out of an 80s movie based in Beverly Hills. Just dump it Oskar.

Tin design wise I really like the flowers knocking around and the pink is pretty cool too. Though it really doesn’t look like a tin of beer, which is also quite cool, I suppose.

Once the can was cracked the journey really began to kick off…

Rosé, as in the wine, has never been on my hit list I have to say. There is always something about the dry cranberry yet fruity aftertaste that for some reason has never sat well with me. Now on the first sip of Rosé for Daze I had the exact same reaction as I do with a Rosé wine. Too much dry cranberry, just too much. I wasn’t that much of a fan.

But half way through the drink things began to change. Suddenly the mega dry cranberry thing began to level out. Suddenly the pear that was promised on the tin began to come through. Suddenly I began to not just like this brew but actually LOVE IT.

So I finished my glass up, sat back, breathed out after the whirlwind I had just encountered, closed my eyes… and smiled.

Jymi’s Rating: 75%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Everyone knows that different is good. Different is something to be championed. And, with Rose for Daze, the can is most certainly different. It’s pink for goodness sake. But that’s good, isn’t it? Well, its certainly a good start. Of course, times gone by, male folk would have baulked at a pink beer can. But not these days. These day, it’s something to be celebrated. So celebrate it we will.

It’s not all about show though. RfD can’t just pack a punch in the packaging department. Oh no! What we need it to do is come through on taste and it’s claimed refreshingness.

Hibiscus and prickly pear, there’s two ingredients I’d never thought I’d see in a beer. In hot climes, yes I’d expect to see them by the road side. But in a beer, packaged in a pink can, never. Does it work in the brewing though?

I’d don’t want to over egg it (or over beer it – get it?) but RfD hits the mark and yes, yes yes! It does work in the brewing.

It’s got a sharp nose with loads of oomph, which is a little fruity with a flowery hint in the background. Then, the main event is once again sharp upfront with an almost creamy finish that’s quite quick to end. And this quick finish is a clever feature of this beer. Sometime we want a long drawn out ending. Not the case here. The quick conclusion makes you want to go back to that sharp beginning that RfD offers. And the dryness is a welcome ending.

I’m sure RfD is not for all. I’m going to hedge my bets and tell you it’s almost not one for the purist. But hey, we can’t all be purists can we?

Sammy’s Rating: 87%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 81%

 MOB review next weekend: RESPONSIBLY by CERNE ABBAS BREWERY

M O B 2020

DATE POSTED: 24th June 2020

STYLE: London Dry

ABV: 40%

KEY BOTANICAL: Sweet orange peel & Hibiscus flower

THEY SAY SERVE WITH: 1724 Tonic and Orange Twist Garnish

MOB SAY SERVE WITH: Schweppes Signature Collection Tonic and Lemon Peel Garnish 

 

MOB COCKTAIL SUGGESTION: Princeton

Princeton ingredients and method:

50ml Copper House Gin

25ml Ruby Port

Dash of Orange Bitters

Stir in a mixing jug with ice until the temperature is cold enough to mist up the glass, and then strain into a cocktail glass. Squeeze a piece of lemon peel over the top.

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