Webster’s dictionary defines drive-by as:
done or made in a quick or cursory manner <a drive–by analysis>
So, since I am behind in my beer reviews, I am going to briefly, and in a cursory manor, influence your future beer choices.
Two Brothers’ Bare Tree
I would wager that this is an under rated, and unfortunately, unknown, brewery. Their most popular beer would probably be Hop Juice, but their creative genius extends far beyond our favorite herb. I was at my favorite beer purveyor and spotted a bottle of their elusive Bare Tree. For lack of a better link, I’ll throw my support behind The Beer Advocate for your resoucesul pleasure.
The packaging is breathtaking. Bare Tree is sold in miniature champagne bottles, furnished with miniature synthetic corks, held in place by miniature wire cages. It’s adorable, and irresistible when viewed on the shelf of your favorite beer store.
The Treasure inside is not easily accessible…I had to get out my vise-grips pliers to remove the cork!
The aroma was pleasantly alcoholic. A strong vodka flavor escaped my flute-glass, speckled with banana, grapes, cloves, and earthy grains. These flavors are unleashed on the tongue like a tsunami. Surprisingly, the vodka aroma does not stick around in the taste. At a hearty 11.5% ABV, this is a pleasant surprise. Unlike other beers that even closely resemble this style, the carbonation is subdued and the beer is silky…like an aged brandy. The flavor is nearly indescribably. I suppose the brewer (specializing in brews that go where no brew has boldly gone before) packaged this beer in a small bottle, because even the most educated consumer could forget the ABV and drink this delicious beverage like water.
Nates Rating:
Overall Satisfaction: 
Among other Wheatwines:
Darh Horse Brewing Company’s Amber Ale
This brew caught me by surprise!
I have been waiting for some new breweries to make there way into my neck of the woods, so I bough this beer without giving it a second thought. Naturally, I was prepared for another run-of-the-mill ale. You know the type…a yeast-devoured and nearly non existant malt backdrop against a sea of cascade hops.
Not so. This beer is one of the most refreshing beers I’ve had in a while. Do yourself a favor before drinking this brew: Cut your grass. Get hot and sweaty, and then pick up a chilled bottle of this Amber Ale.
The aroma is minimal and confusing. At first it smells like a weiss bier, but digging further their is a strong hop aroma, and lovely flowery fruit notes. The taste is even better. Imagine a mild IPA bred with a crisp heffeweizen, and this frankenstien is your beautiful offpring. I’ve really never tasted anything quite like it. I am glad I picked up a sixer and have five of these beauties sitting in my fridge begging to be swallowed when the time is right.
My only complaint is the carbonation level. This beer was borderline flat. Now, I enjoy a beer that is lacking in carbonation, so long as the style permits. A big beer (thick, sweet, and highly alcoholic), for one, demands low carbonation levels, but not this.
Nates Rating:
Overall Satisfaction: 
Among other Amber Ales:
Saranac’s Black Forest – Growler
This brewery has let me down in the past. I picked up their sampler a couple of years ago and yawned after each beer. The brew was not horrible, just obtusely average. So why did I buy from them again? Marketing.
Yes, I am a sucker for marketing. Apparently, so is the rest of this egocentric culture of ours, as we’ve recently discussed. I was just about to head for the checkout when I noticed a mini 32oz growler under a bright red sign that read 2.99. Really??? Three bucks for 32oz of non-commercial beer? I’ll bite!
I am sure that the unique bottle has affected my admiration for Black Forest, but what can I say…it was good. It wasn’t titillating, by any means, but it was tasty and fun. The mildly hopped burnt grain flavor was smooth enough for me to easily finish the growler alone. Notes of hazelnut, chocolate, pine/oak, and a mild whiskey flavor were great. In fact, as the picture below demonstrates, I ditched my glass and indulged in the growler.
Nate’s Rating:
Overall Satisfaction:
Among other Schwarzbiers:
That’s a great deal for that growler, and great picture too! That’s hard core – no glass or anything!
[Reply]
My shirt was off too Scott…and there is a bear on the label…and I was pumping iron with my free bicep.
[Reply]
That’s hard core to the max. Those powerthirst folks better watch out. That beer looks like it is more of an energy drink. Arrrrrrgggggggh!
[Reply]
that link is appropriate following yesterday’s discussion of “lowbrow’ marketing tactics. Hilarious!
I actually tried energy beer before…blahhhh.
[Reply]
Too bad you were clean shaven in that picture. A beard would only make that picture the perfect manly picture.
I love the artwork on the label of the Bare Tree bottle. It is very “indie” for the lack of a better word.
[Reply]
I knocked out a Bare Tree today (after retrieving my pliers), and I completely agree with your assessment. It’s very sweet and tasty, and not even a hint of the high ABV, at least until you stand up. It’s very much like an Imperial Heffeweizen, without the cloudiness. I wish it came in a 750 so I could tell my wife that I only had one beer! You should try out Weihenstephaner Vitus, it’s in the same ballpark, and much cheaper ($3-$4).
I’ve yet to try Dark Horse’s Amber, but their Black Bier is a real trip as well. It tastes like they blended a Milk Stout with a Scotch Ale, and the results are delicious.
[Reply]
I’ll be looking for that Weihenstephaner Vitus (that’s a mouthful!). I like the dollar amount. Bare Tree was a bit too expensive. I’m glad I’m not the only one who had trouble with the cork!
I almost picked up the the Black Bier this weekend. I’ll grab it this week.
[Reply]
I think that I have an extra bottle of Vitus. If you come we can drink it. Just to let you know guys, I’ll be fully at the site again tomorrow. Traveling can be wearisome.
[Reply]
I’ll me coming through indy in late june…that’s the new time frame. I’m sure you’ll be in CA by then. Too bad! My trappist beer should be drinkable by then.
[Reply]