Saturday night's all right (for reviewing six day-old craft beers)

So, we're both sitting at my house, waiting for our dutiful wives to cook dinner for us, beers in hand, and Ben says to me, he says, "We should review these." So I says "Good idea! Give me a beer!" So here goes:

I (Matt) and Robyn and friends visited Free State Brewery in Lawrence last weekend. Ben couldn't attend, though he was there in spirit, and his growler was there in reality, so I returned with two, count 'em, two full growlers. After an interminable 6 days in the fridge, we are now able to enjoy an evening of libation. I can attest that these have lost a little something since they were filled; the aroma has subsided a bit, the hops are more subdued, but still, the beer held up well. We just had a sidebar discussion with the wives, discussing the merits of our a bromance built on beer, and now we're ready to review:

Santa's Helper: Described as a "Belgian IPA," it falls a bit short of being a true IPA, lacking the necessary hoppy nose and bitter finish. Belgian yeast is very much apparent—fruity, citrusy, dry. An interesting take, not the most memorable; very malty and would be improved with more hop character. (I say it was hoppier a week ago, but it is what it is.)

Vortex Red: A red that is actually hoppier than the IPA, not too hoppy, but with more nutty bitterness. A lovely red color. Slight astringent bitterness at the finish, perhaps a bit too sweet for a red, but good with white chili and beer bread, so good enough. My decision to buy it was based on a good experience with Lagunitas' Imperial Red a few weeks back.

We've had better at Free State, but I chalk some of that up to the time it sat in the fridge—the nose was greatly diminished. I think we prefer the Red to the Belgian IPA, but in any case, this makes us want to get back to Free State to compare our experience to the fresh stuff on tap.

Incidentally, we are tenatively planning to brew on Monday, December 28. Our potential lineup has changed; we are now considering our Belgian Ale (with a Mexican twist, courtesy of Dr. Todd Martin), our take on a Saison, and our first ever lager, an M&B Pils. Watch this space, or follow us on our web site for full details. We will probably be inviting guests to serve as assistant brewers, so if you're interested in braving the cold, keep it in mind. Happy holidays!