942-944. New York: Against the Grain

After leaving Jimmy's No. 43 we headed to Against the Grain, another beer bar in New York that I hadn't been to. The bar is small, it's narrow and not very deep. There are two rows of seating on either side of the bar with a narrow table in the center. There's a pressed tin ceiling and dark brick walls. The bartender was friendly, knowledgeable, and described the beers to us as he was pouring. These reviews are also based on split beers.


Wexford's, Bell's and the Cuvee.

942. Two Hearted Ale

Beer Stats:
Brewery: Bell's Brewery
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: American IPA, BJCP Style Guide

Appearance: 4.5 | Smell: 5.0 | Taste: 4.5 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 4.5

Overall: 4.55

Pours a cloudy copper. Topped by a fluffy, meringue-like, white head with good retention. The aroma is hop-focused: delicious orange-blossom citrus and resiny hops. There's also a bit of a raw sugar undercurrent.

There's a toasty malt backbone with a light, raw sweetness. There's a nice citric hop flavor with a light herbal, resiny kick. Well balanced, there's a focus on the hop flavors rather than the hop bitterness. Light-bodied with a nice kick from the carbonation.

Well balanced. All of the hop flavor is there with just enough of the bitterness.

943. Cuvée Du 8ème

Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Des Franches-Montagnes
Alcohol: 7.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide

Appearance: 3.5 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 4.0

Overall: 3.9

Pours a very nice, hazed, reddish amber. The head thins to a wispy film. The aroma is sharp with acidic cherry notes. Wonderfully tart smelling.

Much milder on the palate than suggested by the aroma. On the sweet side of sour, but only mildy so. There's a nice tart fruitiness. The finish has a hint of cocoa. Mild overall, but tasty. Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.

Nice for a milder sour ale.

944. Wexford Irish Cream Ale


Beer Stats:
Brewery: Greene King / Morland Brewery
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Can
Style: Cream Ale, BJCP Style Guide

Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 3.5 | Taste: 3.0 | Mouthfeel: 3.5 | Drinkability: 3.5

Overall: 3.4


Pours a slightly hazed copper color. The thick, fluffy head retains as a half-inch layer leaving sheets of lace. Malty aroma caramel, toffee and golden raisins.

There's a sweet, malty backbone: caramel and toffee with a mild bitterness in the finish. There are some decent flavors, but it comes off a bit bland overall. Smooth and creamy with moderate carbonation and a sticky, sugary finish.

Flavorful in certain aspects, but a but bland overall.

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