The Duke of WinshipFour out of four mugs

Who the Duke is may be a mystery, but he sure makes one hell of a beer. Brewed locally by Middle Ages Brewing Co., The Duke is a hybrid of the Scottish ale and the robust English porter. In some hybrid beers like Yuengling Black & Tan, flavors are lost, but this beer presents the best qualities of both styles.

Deep red, almost to the point of black, The Duke appears intimidating. However, this is a beer for everyone. The Duke smells inviting with cream and bitter chocolate and expands on taste. Java-lovers will enjoy the dark roasted-coffee flavor, while others will take pleasure in the chocolate milk and slight creamy-fruit character. Drinkers with a fine palate will also enjoy a touch of smoke, a character of the Scottish ale. All this flavor makes for a beer on the heavy side, but like so many great beers, it’s best in moderation.

Fans of The Duke should look for Cooperstown Brewery’s Benchwarmer Port, a similar English porter. California’s Anchor Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewing also make fantastic porters. Like most Middle Ages beers, The Duke is usually available at the brewery (120 Wilkinson St.) on-tap for growler fills or bottled. It’s also on-tap at Kelly Cole’s and The Blue Tusk downtown, and at P&C Foods.

Beer-ucation

Skunky beer

Beer skunking is caused by a reaction of light and the hops in beer. This means while cans and kegs are safe, beer in glass bottles are susceptible. Clear glass bottles are the worst. A Corona, for example, can skunk in 15 minutes if left in direct sunlight. Green bottles block some light and brown bottles are fairly safe. Your best bet for avoiding skunked beer is steering clear of the first 6-pack in a display or sticking to brown bottles.

Beer Bites

Harpoon Munich Type DarkThree of out four mugsSweet and smooth, a great American adaptation of the classic German dark beer.

Mackeson Triple StoutThree out of four mugsBrewers actually add lactose, making a super-creamy mouth-feel.

Flying Bison’s Aviator RedThree out of four mugsBrewed down the road in Buffalo, this red ale stands out for balancing rich malt and hops.

Stella ArtoisOne out of four mugsStop buying this beer. It’s expensive Budweiser, nothing more.

Published on September 26, 2006 at 12:00 pm