Jan 20, 2009

RJ Rockers Bell Ringer

I’d never seen, let along heard of, RJ Rockers before this weekend. A quick run to my local beer shop allowed me the opportunity to snag a bottle of their American Strong Ale. After letting the brew chill in the fridge for a few hours after purchase, I cracked it open.

Beer Label: Brooklyn Winter Ale

Appearance

The Bell Ringer pours a dark amber in color with an off-white head that faded to a clinging lace.

Aroma

I was rather underwhelmed with the aroma. It smells like your standard pale ale with light malt and hop notes.

Taste

While the aroma did little to entice me, the taste revealed a bit more about the brew. Bell Ringer is a pretty well balanced product — never leaning too heavily to one side or the other of the malt/hop relationship. There’s a slight hop bitterness in the finish and the brewery did a wonderful job masking the 8.5% ABV.

Overall

I expect a bit more from American Strong Ales, but what the Bell Ringer lacks in robustness it more than makes up for as a highly drinkable beer, and dangerously so. It’s subdued flavors, balance and well masked alcohol make it a pretty decent session brew.

Rating: 3/5

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