Return to Redbones 12/1/2006

I found myself on my own in the Cambridge area on my day off, and coudn't keep myself away from a lunch at Redbones, after months of exile in the northern regions of the great state of Massachusetts. Still, I managed to hold out until 3:30pm for lunch.

Maritime Pacific Salmon Bay ESB

This ESB arrived hazy, sporting a frothy, rocky head. The beer was rather gassy, leaving a dry, vegetal hop finish, with no residual sweetness. Not a great drinker, for me; and with a pile of BBQ in my belly, I decided to quit while I was ahead.

Then I decided to cowboy up and have one more...

Steelhead 2002 Wheatwine

This is a 10.5oz pour, and it is strong, as suggested by the thick body, which was visibly evident as the red-gold liquid settled in the glass.

I'm glad I hung around for one more - this a complex, perfumed, fruity, alcohol-laced ponderer. Quite forward, and beatifully balanced. A succession of flavors in the mouth: hops, sweetness, grains, fruit, floral notes, alcohol; then more fruit, and a flowery-spicy finish, dryer than I expected.

A fine lace was left to cling to the sides of the glass as it disappeared, too soon, too soon.

This beer is too strong to be generally food-friendly, but would pair beautifully with any number of non-chocolate desserts, especially with cream or eggs, along with spice or caramel. Flan, creme brulee, panna cotta, ginger bread, berry shortcake, indian pudding; all would be wonderful.

Encouraged, I ventured forth for one more...

Harpoon Triticus

The first thing I noticed was the fine creamy, uneven head, topping this opaque black brew.

This, too, is a wheat-based strong ale, but with a clearly different approach, more like a strong porter or imperial stout. This also seems to have a lower content of wheat malt, if my palate is to be trusted.

This is a simpler beer than the Steelhead. There is dark malt, some coffee, and spice up front, with a roasty, clean finish.

It's a nice beer, but failed to hold my attention, after the Steelhead.