Ymm, beer

[bluebear]

A few more winter seasonals worth checking out
Avery Old Jubilation--winter warmer
Great Divide Hibernation--old ale
Victory Old Horizontal-barleywine
Troegs Mad Elf--not sure how to classify this one but its a big sweet sipper..
Anchor Our Special Ale (Christmas Ale)

[devildeac]

A few more winter seasonals worth checking out
Avery Old Jubilation--winter warmer
Great Divide Hibernation--old ale
Victory Old Horizontal-barleywine
Troegs Mad Elf--not sure how to classify this one but its a big sweet sipper..
Anchor Our Special Ale (Christmas Ale)

I'll add:

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
Full Sail Old Boardhead Barleywine
Bridgeport Old Knucklehead Barleywine
Anchor Old Foghorn Barleywine

http://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/beer.gif

[devildeac]

Used the search tread tool but couldn't find anything on these guys (http://www.motherearthbrewing.com/).

I've been drinking waayy to much of the Dark Cloud. It entered my top 10 of all time after the first bottle. Had a chance to sample the bourbon barrel tripel - unreal. Good things are coming from Kinston!

I knew this existed but just had not pulled the trigger on a 6er. Was fortunate enough for someone to bring a 6er to Brunchgate this Saturday and share a bottle. Thoughts below:

Dark Cloud-Mother Earth Brewing

One of the locals. This is a dark lager from about a 2 year old brewery in Kinston. More malt than hops with biscuity flavors and a clean, medium brown color and a small head. I'd guess the IBU to be relatively low as with most lagers, probably 20-30 range. Likewise with the ABV, guessing about 5%. This makes a very nice session brew and would accompany most anything from lighter sandwiches (turkey, ham, roast beef) to BBQ/grilled fare like chicken, ribs or brisket. Not quite sure it would hold up to spicy dishes. Don't think I could ever rank this in any top 10 lists unless I am limited to lagers but definitely worth a taste/bottle or pint on draft if you can find it in central or eastern NC.

[A-Tex Devil]

If you ever make it to Austin, pass by the Shiner and the Lone Star (the Texas indie hipster douchebag equivalent to PBR (which is also prevalent in Austin), but a great live music watching beer in a tall boy) and go try the following, most of which are only on tap:

1. Thirsty Planet - Buckethead IPA -- Hoppiest beer in Texas
2. Real Ale Fireman's 4 Blonde Ale
3. (512) Pecan Porter
4. Independence Austin Amber
5. Live Oak Pils

All of these breweries have other beers, too. The Stash IPA from Independence and the Devil's Backbone Tripel from Real Ale are also excellent.

And from Conroe, Texas - Pine Belt Pale Ale is damn good canned beer.

[Mal]

If you ever make it to Austin, pass by the Shiner and the Lone Star (the Texas indie hipster douchebag equivalent to PBR (which is also prevalent in Austin), but a great live music watching beer in a tall boy)...

Can someone explain the whole PBR phenomenon amongst the conformist non-conformist crowd? Isn't it the ultimate indictment of that whole hipster scene? For one, you're not really rejecting the popular and making an individualist statement when you're drinking the same thing every other plaid shirted guy in Austin/Wicker Park/Brooklyn is drinking. But just as importantly, isn't that crowd supposed to be about eschewing the crap of popular culture and mass consumption business? Then why are they drinking such vile beer? I see irony there, but not in the way they intend it.

Anyway, now that we're moving into dark beer discussions as cold weather approaches, if y'all can get your hands on Robert The Bruce from Three Floyds, it's a nice Scottish ale. Lots of caramel, a decent amount of carbonation for its type. I'm not huge into heavier ales and winter beers generally, but find I could actually drink a second of these in one sitting (though I rarely do).

I also recently bought a 6er of Moretti's La Rossa, their doppelbock. It's surprisingly good and drinkable for a big label bock from somewhere other than Germany.

[A-Tex Devil]

Can someone explain the whole PBR phenomenon amongst the conformist non-conformist crowd? Isn't it the ultimate indictment of that whole hipster scene? For one, you're not really rejecting the popular and making an individualist statement when you're drinking the same thing every other plaid shirted guy in Austin/Wicker Park/Brooklyn is drinking. But just as importantly, isn't that crowd supposed to be about eschewing the crap of popular culture and mass consumption business? Then why are they drinking such vile beer? I see irony there, but not in the way they intend it.

Anyway, now that we're moving into dark beer discussions as cold weather approaches, if y'all can get your hands on Robert The Bruce from Three Floyds, it's a nice Scottish ale. Lots of caramel, a decent amount of carbonation for its type. I'm not huge into heavier ales and winter beers generally, but find I could actually drink a second of these in one sitting (though I rarely do).

I also recently bought a 6er of Moretti's La Rossa, their doppelbock. It's surprisingly good and drinkable for a big label bock from somewhere other than Germany.

PBR and Lone Star are cheap (although for some odd reason, Lone Star isn't cheap outside of Texas). Struggling musicians/artists often don't have much money and some like to drink beer. So they buy beer they can afford. Hipster followers see this and start drinking it too. Trend created. I blame skinny jeans and ironically worn thrift store t-shirts on the same phenomenon.

Lone Star actually is a decent 22 oz to carry around a crowded concert or festival. And it actually has a kick unlike the standard lite beer fare.


Back on topic though --- is there an IPA out there better than Dogfish Head 90 Minute?

[devildeac]

PBR and Lone Star are cheap (although for some odd reason, Lone Star isn't cheap outside of Texas). Struggling musicians/artists often don't have much money and some like to drink beer. So they buy beer they can afford. Hipster followers see this and start drinking it too. Trend created. I blame skinny jeans and ironically worn thrift store t-shirts on the same phenomenon.

Lone Star actually is a decent 22 oz to carry around a crowded concert or festival. And it actually has a kick unlike the standard lite beer fare.


Back on topic though --- is there an IPA out there better than Dogfish Head 90 Minute?

There may not be but I'd put this one in your top 5 at least:

Double Trouble IIPA-Founders Brewing-Wonderful brew and pretty darn close to the 90 Minute IPA in terms of my favorites for this style. It is a bit more pale than the DFH but the 1st scent is pink grapefruit and it lingers throughout the glass. Aromatic and pungent hops with a very strong malt backbone and balance. Not for the faint-palated as this clocks in at 86 IBU but doesn't over-power you. The ABV is a hefty 9.4% but it drinks so smoothly it is deceptive. This would make a fine after dinner drink from a snifter/wine glass and shared. However, after the brutal pounding my fingers and furniture took last PM during the wake game, I needed something a bit stronger/longer so I enjoyed the whole 12 ounces in the hour aftermath from the game. One of these awaits CB&B and 8-X in the next trading session. :D

[devildeac]

Here's one that you can enjoy to start your (almost) summer:


Summertime-Goose Island

Quite a refreshing change. After 3 seasons of dark and hearty ales, late spring and early summer arrive (almost) and beers like this appear. This is light and fruity kolsch that is also floral with a slightly cloudy pour (from the wheat malt) and minimal bitterness. The IBU are 20 and the ABV is 4.8% making this a delight to sip with a light appetizer (think fruit salad) or a lighter fish with some pineapple or mango salsa.

Some brewer's notes, too:


The color of sunshine, with a light fruity aroma and a hint of fruity acidity, Goose Island Summertime is the perfect summer session ale. A Kölsch beer brewed in the traditional German fashion, you’ll find yourself enjoying and savoring each sip of summertime as much as you do those hot summer days and cool summer nights.

Recipe Information:
Style: German Style Kölsch
Alcohol by Volume: 4.7%
International Bitterness Units: 20
Color: Sunshine
Hops: Mt. Hood, Saaz
Malt: 2 Row, Wheat

http://www.gooseisland.com/filebin/images/products/full/summertime.jpg

[weezie]

Me, Me, Me, Me!!!!!

Recently returned from a trip to Ireland and innumerable 16 oz curls; the microbrews are fine and all, but nothing quite compares to the fresh Guinness morning, noon and night. Unless maybe a bit of the Porterhouse Oyster stout for a palate cleanser.

But, carry on and forgive the interruption.....:cool:

[devildeac]

Anybody tasted one of these this summer?

1997


Thoughts?

[devildeac]

Here's one that you can enjoy to start your (almost) summer:


Summertime-Goose Island

Quite a refreshing change. After 3 seasons of dark and hearty ales, late spring and early summer arrive (almost) and beers like this appear. This is light and fruity kolsch that is also floral with a slightly cloudy pour (from the wheat malt) and minimal bitterness. The IBU are 20 and the ABV is 4.8% making this a delight to sip with a light appetizer (think fruit salad) or a lighter fish with some pineapple or mango salsa.

Some brewer's notes, too:


The color of sunshine, with a light fruity aroma and a hint of fruity acidity, Goose Island Summertime is the perfect summer session ale. A Kölsch beer brewed in the traditional German fashion, you’ll find yourself enjoying and savoring each sip of summertime as much as you do those hot summer days and cool summer nights.

Recipe Information:
Style: German Style Kölsch
Alcohol by Volume: 4.7%
International Bitterness Units: 20
Color: Sunshine
Hops: Mt. Hood, Saaz
Malt: 2 Row, Wheat

http://www.gooseisland.com/filebin/images/products/full/summertime.jpg

Found another highly tasty summer ale:

2001

[ArnieMc]

I've settled down to drinking mostly IPA's (India Pale Ales), but my favorite BBQ Joint (County Grill in Yorktown) has been featuring American Double/Imperial IPA's on tap. Wow! The last three weeks I've had Dubhe Imperial Black IPA (9.2% ABV), Stone Ruination IPA Double Dry Hopped (7.7% ABV), and Double Jack (9.5% ABV) - all excellent beers. The dry hopped Ruination is fresh, crisp and goes down far too easy. You could make it a session beer! - at least for a short session. The others, not so much. The Dubhe has strong roasted malt flavors, and the Double Jack has a pungent citrusy hops flavor. I would not recommend over 2 or 3 of each. :D

[devildeac]

I've settled down to drinking mostly IPA's (India Pale Ales), but my favorite BBQ Joint (County Grill in Yorktown) has been featuring American Double/Imperial IPA's on tap. Wow! The last three weeks I've had Dubhe Imperial Black IPA (9.2% ABV), Stone Ruination IPA Double Dry Hopped (7.7% ABV), and Double Jack (9.5% ABV) - all excellent beers. The dry hopped Ruination is fresh, crisp and goes down far too easy. You could make it a session beer! - at least for a short session. The others, not so much. The Dubhe has strong roasted malt flavors, and the Double Jack has a pungent citrusy hops flavor. I would not recommend over 2 or 3 of each. :D

I have never heard of the 1st and 3rd ones on your list but the 2nd is excellent.

[JStuart]

I have never heard of the 1st and 3rd ones on your list but the 2nd is excellent.

I'll second the Ruination; have only had it in bottles, but a well-named, excellent IPA.
Devildeac, we'll have to hoist a few after unc gets their ruling from the NCAA in October! Ruination just seems to fit with the unpleasantness swirling out of the southern end of 15-501....

[devildeac]

I'll second the Ruination; have only had it in bottles, but a well-named, excellent IPA.
Devildeac, we'll have to hoist a few after unc gets their ruling from the NCAA in October! Ruination just seems to fit with the unpleasantness swirling out of the southern end of 15-501....

I have a better choice than that:

Damnation: In the great beer producing country of Belgium, some brewers have made it a tradition to give their beers an unusual name. Sometimes the name is curious, now and then it is diabolical and other times it is just plain silly. Damnation is our brewmaster's interpretation of a Belgian style Strong Golden Ale. It has extraordinary aromas of banana and pear with mouth filling flavors of sweet malt and earthy hops. The lingering finish is dry and slightly bitter but very, very smooth.

7.0%ABV / 1.068 O.G / 25 BUs

Silver Medal, 2004 GABF (Belgian Style Ale Category)
Silver Medal, 2001 GABF (Belgian Style Ale Category)
Gold Medal, 1999 GABF (Belgian Style Ale Category)

Available Year Round in the pub, for distribution, and in 750mL cork finished bottles.


2004

2006


2007

[devildeac]

For those who might like a bock beer but with a bit of a twist:

Maibock-Smuttynose Brewing

Make Mine a Smutty! (from their bottle caps)

The April 2011 release in the Smuttynose Big Beer series is Maibock, which is a twist on the typical bock beer recipe. This is lighter and a bit more fruity than the traditional style with hints of crisp, fresh apples and pears but with some classic notes of medium toasted croissants. Hops are very mild and flora and the malts are slightly buttery. I'll guess the IBU to be 20-30 and the ABV 8-8.5% as their prior 3 releases were in the strangely varied 6.2-8.7% range. Pair this with light appetizers, even fruits or with lighter grilled items. I liked this enough to buy a 6er of their Summer Weizen at 30% off from Total Wine this week during their moving sale so that will be a review this weekend most likely. Any of their Big Beers would be worth a sample/trade too as they have been very good to excellent and reasonably priced, usually from $6-8 for a bomber.

2022

[A-Tex Devil]

Not going to post the pictures, but if you like experimental beers, the Belga/Belgiques that Stone is putting out this year are just awesome. Both the Belg-Anise Imperial Stout, and the Cali-Belgie IPA. The collaboration for Japan relief -- the Green Tea IPA -- is really cool too just for the mix of flavors from the unique blend of hops that they added.

Also, Austin is trying to catch Portland, San Diego and Denver. Still behind, though, and the archaic and stupid distributor laws prevent too much growth (Please somebody defend the mandatory 3-tier distribution system as anything but a money grab. Please.)

Anyway, Jester King Wytchmaker Rye IPA and Black Metal Imperial Stout out of Dripping Springs are awesome. Look for them if you are in Texas. Circle Envy Amber (more of an ESB) is damn good too.

Currently enjoying Harpoon Leviathan as I type (just one though).

[devildeac]

Not going to post the pictures, but if you like experimental beers, the Belga/Belgiques that Stone is putting out this year are just awesome. Both the Belg-Anise Imperial Stout, and the Cali-Belgie IPA. The collaboration for Japan relief -- the Green Tea IPA -- is really cool too just for the mix of flavors from the unique blend of hops that they added.

Also, Austin is trying to catch Portland, San Diego and Denver. Still behind, though, and the archaic and stupid distributor laws prevent too much growth (Please somebody defend the mandatory 3-tier distribution system as anything but a money grab. Please.)

Anyway, Jester King Wytchmaker Rye IPA and Black Metal Imperial Stout out of Dripping Springs are awesome. Look for them if you are in Texas. Circle Envy Amber (more of an ESB) is damn good too.

Currently enjoying Harpoon Leviathan as I type (just one though).

Love trying "experimental" beers. I have seen the Cali-Belgie but never bought it. I have a review of the Harpoon Leviathan IIPA/DIPA lying around somewhere so I will search it out and post if I find it. They have a whole series that I never see in Raleigh though I got reaaalll luck last PM and found the Quad on draft for $3 for a "pint" which turned out to be about 10 ounce because of the high ABV (11.75%-whoa, Nellie!)

[devildeac]

Not going to post the pictures, but if you like experimental beers, the Belga/Belgiques that Stone is putting out this year are just awesome. Both the Belg-Anise Imperial Stout, and the Cali-Belgie IPA. The collaboration for Japan relief -- the Green Tea IPA -- is really cool too just for the mix of flavors from the unique blend of hops that they added.

Also, Austin is trying to catch Portland, San Diego and Denver. Still behind, though, and the archaic and stupid distributor laws prevent too much growth (Please somebody defend the mandatory 3-tier distribution system as anything but a money grab. Please.)

Anyway, Jester King Wytchmaker Rye IPA and Black Metal Imperial Stout out of Dripping Springs are awesome. Look for them if you are in Texas. Circle Envy Amber (more of an ESB) is damn good too.

Currently enjoying Harpoon Leviathan as I type (just one though).


Love trying "experimental" beers. I have seen the Cali-Belgie but never bought it. I have a review of the Harpoon Leviathan IIPA/DIPA lying around somewhere so I will search it out and post if I find it. They have a whole series that I never see in Raleigh though I got reaaalll luck last PM and found the Quad on draft for $3 for a "pint" which turned out to be about 10 ounce because of the high ABV (11.75%-whoa, Nellie!)

As promised:
Harpoon Leviathan-Not to be confused with your standard Harpoon ales. This one is a monster. An IIPA with a huge hop presence. The IBU is listed at 122! It tastes it, too with a buncha different hops which explode into flavors of pine, flowers and grapefruit. Massive amounts of malts balance this brew with some caramel sweetness and an ABV of 9.3%. This beverage would match nicely with spicy/hot dishes.

Tasted this in October, 2009.

[devildeac]

Not going to post the pictures, but if you like experimental beers, the Belga/Belgiques that Stone is putting out this year are just awesome. Both the Belg-Anise Imperial Stout, and the Cali-Belgie IPA. The collaboration for Japan relief -- the Green Tea IPA -- is really cool too just for the mix of flavors from the unique blend of hops that they added.

Also, Austin is trying to catch Portland, San Diego and Denver. Still behind, though, and the archaic and stupid distributor laws prevent too much growth (Please somebody defend the mandatory 3-tier distribution system as anything but a money grab. Please.)

Anyway, Jester King Wytchmaker Rye IPA and Black Metal Imperial Stout out of Dripping Springs are awesome. Look for them if you are in Texas. Circle Envy Amber (more of an ESB) is damn good too.

Currently enjoying Harpoon Leviathan as I type (just one though).


As promised:
Harpoon Leviathan-Not to be confused with your standard Harpoon ales. This one is a monster. An IIPA with a huge hop presence. The IBU is listed at 122! It tastes it, too with a buncha different hops which explode into flavors of pine, flowers and grapefruit. Massive amounts of malts balance this brew with some caramel sweetness and an ABV of 9.3%. This beverage would match nicely with spicy/hot dishes.

Tasted this in October, 2009.

Just to be sure we are talking about the same brew:

2023

[A-Tex Devil]

Just to be sure we are talking about the same brew:

2023

Yep. Excellent.

[devildeac]

Not going to post the pictures, but if you like experimental beers, the Belga/Belgiques that Stone is putting out this year are just awesome. Both the Belg-Anise Imperial Stout, and the Cali-Belgie IPA. The collaboration for Japan relief -- the Green Tea IPA -- is really cool too just for the mix of flavors from the unique blend of hops that they added.

Also, Austin is trying to catch Portland, San Diego and Denver. Still behind, though, and the archaic and stupid distributor laws prevent too much growth (Please somebody defend the mandatory 3-tier distribution system as anything but a money grab. Please.)

Anyway, Jester King Wytchmaker Rye IPA and Black Metal Imperial Stout out of Dripping Springs are awesome. Look for them if you are in Texas. Circle Envy Amber (more of an ESB) is damn good too.

Currently enjoying Harpoon Leviathan as I type (just one though).

For you, ATD:


Quad-Harpoon Brewing

This is part of their Leviathan series. I have never seen this in a bottle but was highly fortunate to find it on tap at Draft Restaurant in downtown Raleigh this week. We had a BOGO free coupon for entrees and, on Monday nights, all pints are $3. This ended up being "only" a 10 ounce serving in a goblet but most high gravity brews end up being 8-10 ounce portions due to the higher ABV.

It was served a bit too cold but after warming a bit, I found this to be a fascinating and complex brew. There was a small head topping a deep mahogany colored brew that smelled and tasted of dried raisins, figs, dates and dark rum. The dark Belgian candi sugar added confers a bit of sweetness to the already very malty flavor. The texture is almost silky. I'd guess the IBU to be rather low, perhaps 20-30 and the ABV is a potent 11.75%. I sipped this a bit before my gourmet burger arrived and finished it after dinner for my "dessert." Brews this complex and potent make very fine "after dinner drinks." I'd love to find a 4 pack of this to compare with the draft variety, in addition to storing a bottle or two for a while (2-3 years even) and then tasting what "cellaring" or "aging" has done for its complexity.

2024

[devildeac]

From a really good craft brewery just outside Philadelphia:

Golden Monkey-Victory Brewing

Victory's answer to Duvel. This is a triple style Belgian ale with a yellow, cloudy pour, a bit of white pepper on the palate and a bit of orange peel and coriander, too. IBU are low, guessing 20-30 and the ABV is 9.5%. Serve chilled in a goblet and enjoy with a fruity salsa topping on your chicken or lighter body seafood. I had not enjoyed one of these is a while and bought a 6er for trading purposes and was pleasantly surprised to sample one of these again.

2026

[devildeac]

Beer. It's not just for breakfast anymore.



2144

[-jk]

Beer. It's not just for breakfast anymore.



2144

Nothing new there; once upon a time warm beer and cold pizza was a dorm staple.

-jk

[devildeac]

Nothing new there; once upon a time warm beer and cold pizza was a dorm staple.

-jk

Ah, but this is not just any beer to have with cold pizza. This one is a meal in itself as it is a double chocolate coffee oatmeal stout. The only thing possibly missing is a slice of chocolate/chocolate chip pound cake or a chocolate croissant. IIRC, you like the darker beers and this would be fabulous on any holiday morning that might be coming up in the next several weeks. :-))

[A-Tex Devil]

I just went on a bender at my local liquor store this afternoon.

Not only did they have some special release (512) Brewing bombers -- one a Trippel, one a sour brown, they also had several Dogfish Head --- Pangea, Theobroma and Chateau Jiahu. Have never seen these in Texas before.

I generally prefer clean bears (just hops, water, yeast and grain, please), but I've enjoyed Dogfish Heads other experimental stuff, so can't wait to try these this weekend, especially the Theobroma!

If you like holiday beers, this years version of Anchor Steam's Xmas beer is awesome. Tastes like I'm drinking gingerbread.

Add to that our own Sexy Santa Cinnamon Porter (not bad for a first try) and War Haka Rye IPA (made with all NZ hops), and we are in for a very beery holiday season.

[devildeac]

I just went on a bender at my local liquor store this afternoon.

Not only did they have some special release (512) Brewing bombers -- one a Trippel, one a sour brown, they also had several Dogfish Head --- Pangea, Theobroma and Chateau Jiahu. Have never seen these in Texas before.

I generally prefer clean bears (just hops, water, yeast and grain, please), but I've enjoyed Dogfish Heads other experimental stuff, so can't wait to try these this weekend, especially the Theobroma!

If you like holiday beers, this years version of Anchor Steam's Xmas beer is awesome. Tastes like I'm drinking gingerbread.

Add to that our own Sexy Santa Cinnamon Porter (not bad for a first try) and War Haka Rye IPA (made with all NZ hops), and we are in for a very beery holiday season.

From a bottle I shared with my SIL earlier this year:

Pangaea-Dogfish Head Brewing


Brewer's notes:

Pangaea

Availability: Limited
Brewed with ingredients from each and every continent, this is slightly spicy ale, with a mouthful of rich flavors. Pangaea is a great food beer.

Our list of worldly ingredients includes:

Crystallized ginger from Australia

Water from Antarctica

Basmati rice from Asia

Muscavado sugar from Africa

South American quinoa

European yeast

and North American maize.

Pangaea is released annually in the fall and is bottled in 750ml bottles.

In the video below, Sam talks about the inspiration behind the Pangaea project (while also managing to mention 'poop' and 'dinosaurs'). While we do realize that trying to bring the world together via ingredients in a beer bottle may not result in immediate and lasting world peace - we've gotta have goals!


My thoughts: The pour is a cloudy golden and the nose and tastes are both mainly ginger. There is also a bit of light brown sugar sweetness. Hop presence is floral but fairly light at 28 IBU and the ABV is 7%. This could be served with lighter, fruity fish or chicken dishes or easily as part of a tasting session. The price is fairly reasonable at $8 for the 750 ml bottle.

I really enjoy trying almost any of the DFH concoctions. (The video link is not there.) I may have an old review of the Theobroma somewhere, too. I also received a bottle of the 300th (I exaggerate) annual offering of Anchor's Our Christmas Ale as a trader this weekend and plan to sip that one over the Thanksgiving weekend.

[devildeac]

I just went on a bender at my local liquor store this afternoon.

Not only did they have some special release (512) Brewing bombers -- one a Trippel, one a sour brown, they also had several Dogfish Head --- Pangea, Theobroma and Chateau Jiahu. Have never seen these in Texas before.

I generally prefer clean bears (just hops, water, yeast and grain, please), but I've enjoyed Dogfish Heads other experimental stuff, so can't wait to try these this weekend, especially the Theobroma!

If you like holiday beers, this years version of Anchor Steam's Xmas beer is awesome. Tastes like I'm drinking gingerbread.

Add to that our own Sexy Santa Cinnamon Porter (not bad for a first try) and War Haka Rye IPA (made with all NZ hops), and we are in for a very beery holiday season.

From a tasting I did about 1.5 years ago:

Theobroma

Availability: Limited
This beer is based on chemical analysis of pottery fragments found in Honduras which revealed the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink used by early civilizations to toast special occasions. The discovery of this beverage pushed back the earliest use of cocoa for human consumption more than 500 years to 1200 BC. As per the analysis, Dogfish Head’s Theobroma (translated into 'food of the gods') is brewed with Aztec cocoa powder and cocoa nibs (from our friends at Askinosie Chocolate), honey, chilies, and annatto (fragrant tree seeds). It's light in color - not what you expect with your typical chocolate beer. Not that you'd be surpised that we'd do something unexpected with this beer!

This beer is part of our Ancient Ales series - along with Midas Touch, Chateau Jiahu, and other - step back in time and enjoy some Theobroma.

Quite the fascinating and distinctive brew. Almost reminded me of milk chocolate covered fancy-arse orange jellied candies with a generous amount of orange zest/peel. Served slightly chilled in wine glasses as our after dinner drink/dessert, I think we all found it to be easy on the palate, guessing an IBU of about 40 and a bit winey at 9% ABV. The ancho chilies gave it a tiny bit of a zing, but nothing fiery. The cocoa nibs/powder were not dark or overly chocolatey as one might expect if you had a porter or a stout. Spendy at about $10 for the bomber but worth a try, as just about all the DFH brews are.

I'll be curious to read your thoughts after your weekend tasting.

[weezie]

Boy, I love this stuff!
Has anybody tried it yet?

[devildeac]

I just went on a bender at my local liquor store this afternoon.

Not only did they have some special release (512) Brewing bombers -- one a Trippel, one a sour brown, they also had several Dogfish Head --- Pangea, Theobroma and Chateau Jiahu. Have never seen these in Texas before.

I generally prefer clean bears (just hops, water, yeast and grain, please), but I've enjoyed Dogfish Heads other experimental stuff, so can't wait to try these this weekend, especially the Theobroma!

If you like holiday beers, this years version of Anchor Steam's Xmas beer is awesome. Tastes like I'm drinking gingerbread.

Add to that our own Sexy Santa Cinnamon Porter (not bad for a first try) and War Haka Rye IPA (made with all NZ hops), and we are in for a very beery holiday season.

To accompany your Sexy Santa brew:

2146

[devildeac]

To accompany your Sexy Santa brew:

2146

Or, if that's not naughty enough for you:

2147

[A-Tex Devil]

From a tasting I did about 1.5 years ago:

Theobroma

Availability: Limited
This beer is based on chemical analysis of pottery fragments found in Honduras which revealed the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink used by early civilizations to toast special occasions. The discovery of this beverage pushed back the earliest use of cocoa for human consumption more than 500 years to 1200 BC. As per the analysis, Dogfish Head’s Theobroma (translated into 'food of the gods') is brewed with Aztec cocoa powder and cocoa nibs (from our friends at Askinosie Chocolate), honey, chilies, and annatto (fragrant tree seeds). It's light in color - not what you expect with your typical chocolate beer. Not that you'd be surpised that we'd do something unexpected with this beer!

This beer is part of our Ancient Ales series - along with Midas Touch, Chateau Jiahu, and other - step back in time and enjoy some Theobroma.

Quite the fascinating and distinctive brew. Almost reminded me of milk chocolate covered fancy-arse orange jellied candies with a generous amount of orange zest/peel. Served slightly chilled in wine glasses as our after dinner drink/dessert, I think we all found it to be easy on the palate, guessing an IBU of about 40 and a bit winey at 9% ABV. The ancho chilies gave it a tiny bit of a zing, but nothing fiery. The cocoa nibs/powder were not dark or overly chocolatey as one might expect if you had a porter or a stout. Spendy at about $10 for the bomber but worth a try, as just about all the DFH brews are.

I'll be curious to read your thoughts after your weekend tasting.

I liked it, and agreed it was a bit winey. Definitely tasted the alcohol. It is so unique because it is light colored but has a distinct chocolate flavor, especially on back end.

An hour after drinking it, I have kind of a dry, sour taste in my mouth. That may be the ancho.

I enjoyed it but wouldn't purchase it again.

[devildeac]

I liked it, and agreed it was a bit winey. Definitely tasted the alcohol. It is so unique because it is light colored but has a distinct chocolate flavor, especially on back end.

An hour after drinking it, I have kind of a dry, sour taste in my mouth. That may be the ancho.

I enjoyed it but wouldn't purchase it again.

Your last sentence captures most of my impressions/feelings about the DFH brews. They are unique and worthy of tastings and most are quite good, but, at $10 or more per 750 ml bottle for most of their concoctions, I don't make a second purchase.

[devildeac]

2152


Goose me!

[A-Tex Devil]

Purchased as a b-day present for me at a great little spot in Austin called Haddington's. Had to split it with a buddy. I generally stick with American brews just because there is so much to try, but this one was fun.



2153

Malheur Dark Brut

Close to champagne in carbonation and even taste - lots of fruit. Very malty too, though, and alcohol was there throughout, but not in a bad way.

I am still learning how to "taste" beers, and I find myself reading other reviews of beers to understand WHAT it is I am tasting and liking so that I can seek it out in the future. It's tough, though, because I can still knock out some light beers in a can at a tailgate or a party when called upon, so I'm not always thinking about what I'm drinking. Let's just say my palate is untrained, and I truly appreciate your posts!!

[devildeac]

Purchased as a b-day present for me at a great little spot in Austin called Haddington's. Had to split it with a buddy. I generally stick with American brews just because there is so much to try, but this one was fun.



2153

Malheur Dark Brut

Close to champagne in carbonation and even taste - lots of fruit. Very malty too, though, and alcohol was there throughout, but not in a bad way.

I am still learning how to "taste" beers, and I find myself reading other reviews of beers to understand WHAT it is I am tasting and liking so that I can seek it out in the future. It's tough, though, because I can still knock out some light beers in a can at a tailgate or a party when called upon, so I'm not always thinking about what I'm drinking. Let's just say my palate is untrained, and I truly appreciate your posts!!

Thank you. I will try to do a little better than "Goose Me" next time:o. In fact, here's a little more detailed review:

Harvest Ale-Goose Island Brewing

I have not had an ESB in a while and this ale was a very nice example. A bit less bitter than I thought at 35 IBU, this single hop ale was a bit fruity and a bit piney and, at a fairly standard ABV of 5.7%, worthy of being included in a session or with a meal of burgers, brats, chicken or ribs from the grill. Lavabe brought this for my private enjoyment after daughter #2's wedding last month and I will use the extra as a trader next month :D .

Your review was interesting, too. That is a brew I have never seen or heard of before.

[ncexnyc]

Picked up a case of Samuel Adams Holiday Brews at Sam's Club the other day. So far I've tried the Chocolate Bock and the Holiday Porter. The Bock reminded me of Creme de Cocoa. Both beers were quite enjoyable.

[cspan37421]

Picked up a case of Samuel Adams Holiday Brews at Sam's Club the other day. So far I've tried the Chocolate Bock and the Holiday Porter. The Bock reminded me of Creme de Cocoa. Both beers were quite enjoyable.

I enjoyed a SA chocolate bock over Thanksgiving. They make a fine brew.

[devildeac]

I enjoyed a SA chocolate bock over Thanksgiving. They make a fine brew.

That is a very unique and well-brewed beer. They used to package that in a fancy 750 ml bottle and charge $15 for it. Much more reasonable to include a couple 12 ouncers in a 12 pack and charge about $16 or 18 for the sampler. I might have to buy the sampler just to taste that fine brew again in addition to the Old Fezziwig which I have not enjoyed in years.

[devildeac]

For you beer lovers in NC:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/11/30/1679600/law-boosts-states-pre-eminence.html#storylink=misearch


I like this part in particular:

"State Rep. Tim Moffitt, an Asheville Republican, said the change would help attract the Colorado-based New Belgium and the California-based Sierra Nevada to open East Coast production facilities, potentially creating about 275 jobs and more than $200 million in capital investments.

New Belgium is looking to open a facility in Asheville and Sierra Nevada is eyeing property in Hendersonville, officials said."

:D

[devildeac]

Belgian Style Yeti-Great Divide Brewing

Yet another twist on the Yeti brew, this one remains an imperial stout but is brewed with a Belgian yeast that imparts a bit of dark fruitiness and sourness to the usual flavors you would expect from a typical RIS and they are dark chocolate and espresso. The other Yeti are about 70 IBU and this one is about the same and carries an ABV of 9.5%. I split this $8 bomber over 2 nights and recommend it highly for dessert buy itself or with the usual chocolate suspects, too.


2162

[A-Tex Devil]

Belgian Style Yeti-Great Divide Brewing

Yet another twist on the Yeti brew, this one remains an imperial stout but is brewed with a Belgian yeast that imparts a bit of dark fruitiness and sourness to the usual flavors you would expect from a typical RIS and they are dark chocolate and espresso. The other Yeti are about 70 IBU and this one is about the same and carries an ABV of 9.5%. I split this $8 bomber over 2 nights and recommend it highly for dessert buy itself or with the usual chocolate suspects, too.


2162

I enjoyed this beer a lot too. I have been making the rounds on the American Imperial Stouts and IPAs that are using Belgian Yeast. Some have been somewhat disappointing (the New Belgium Belgo), but the Stone and Great Divide entries are really good. Clown Shoes, a new brewery out of MA, I believe, does a bunch of variations too. They are a little over the top, but good.

[devildeac]

I enjoyed this beer a lot too. I have been making the rounds on the American Imperial Stouts and IPAs that are using Belgian Yeast. Some have been somewhat disappointing (the New Belgium Belgo), but the Stone and Great Divide entries are really good. Clown Shoes, a new brewery out of MA, I believe, does a bunch of variations too. They are a little over the top, but good.

I actually liked the uniqueness of the Belgo but have a beer buddy who probably feels the same way you do about it. My favorite Yeti is probably the Chocolate Oak Aged one, even with the dash of cayenne pepper in it. I'll try to unearth a couple reviews of that brew from early this year or late last year as I think I have had it on draft and from the bomber. The Espresso Oak Aged Yeti is a close second to the chocolate one as I'd rather have a Ghiradelli dark chocolate square or three instead of a 12 ounce Starbucks :-)) .

[Matches]

I enjoyed a SA chocolate bock over Thanksgiving. They make a fine brew.

I definitely need to try this one. I've been loving the SA Double Bock.

[devildeac]

I definitely need to try this one. I've been loving the SA Double Bock.

They are quite different brews. I think the SA Double/Imperial Bock is one of the better ones on the market and I have had several of the German offerings. The Chocolate Bock is a "single" bock and about 5% ABV, IIRC. It is also brewed with chocolate/cocoa and has a very pleasant taste.

[devildeac]

I actually liked the uniqueness of the Belgo but have a beer buddy who probably feels the same way you do about it. My favorite Yeti is probably the Chocolate Oak Aged one, even with the dash of cayenne pepper in it. I'll try to unearth a couple reviews of that brew from early this year or late last year as I think I have had it on draft and from the bomber. The Espresso Oak Aged Yeti is a close second to the chocolate one as I'd rather have a Ghiradelli dark chocolate square or three instead of a 12 ounce Starbucks :-)) .

Well, this AM so far, I have had both. That is, I have nibbled on a chocolate square and sipped a generous sized mug of coffee. No AM imperial stouts for me. Unless you are attending our Brunchgate tent ;>)) .

[A-Tex Devil]

I actually liked the uniqueness of the Belgo but have a beer buddy who probably feels the same way you do about it. My favorite Yeti is probably the Chocolate Oak Aged one, even with the dash of cayenne pepper in it. I'll try to unearth a couple reviews of that brew from early this year or late last year as I think I have had it on draft and from the bomber. The Espresso Oak Aged Yeti is a close second to the chocolate one as I'd rather have a Ghiradelli dark chocolate square or three instead of a 12 ounce Starbucks :-)) .

I had the Belgo after having the Stone Cali-Belgique, Green Flash's Le Freak and Raging B**ch by Flying Dog, and I just felt it a bit lacking. It may be a lot more accessible, and it is definitely less aggressive, which can be a good thing.

[bluebear]

I enjoyed this beer a lot too. I have been making the rounds on the American Imperial Stouts and IPAs that are using Belgian Yeast. Some have been somewhat disappointing (the New Belgium Belgo), but the Stone and Great Divide entries are really good. Clown Shoes, a new brewery out of MA, I believe, does a bunch of variations too. They are a little over the top, but good.

I liked the Great Divide Yeti version but I did not like the Stone Belgo RIS. The regular Stone RIS is a favorite so maybe I'm a little too biased but the anise was a bit overwhelming. Clown Shoes makes some really good beer. They've been in trouble a bit for their naming and labels but they are tasty..

[A-Tex Devil]

I liked the Great Divide Yeti version but I did not like the Stone Belgo RIS. The regular Stone RIS is a favorite so maybe I'm a little too biased but the anise was a bit overwhelming. Clown Shoes makes some really good beer. They've been in trouble a bit for their naming and labels but they are tasty..

C'mon, who doesn't want their Belgian IPA to be called "Tramp Stamp,"

http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Label_Tramp_450x315.jpg

Then put that on sterioids, and make it a tripel called "Muffin Top"?

http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ClownShoes_Muffin.png

[A-Tex Devil]

I liked the Great Divide Yeti version but I did not like the Stone Belgo RIS. The regular Stone RIS is a favorite so maybe I'm a little too biased but the anise was a bit overwhelming. Clown Shoes makes some really good beer. They've been in trouble a bit for their naming and labels but they are tasty..

I get you on the Stone Belgo-RIS, but I love black licorice, so I liked it a lot. It is definitely not subtle, and the regular Stone RIS is much, much better with it's natural hint of anise.

[devildeac]

I had the Belgo after having the Stone Cali-Belgique, Green Flash's Le Freak and Raging B**ch by Flying Dog, and I just felt it a bit lacking. It may be a lot more accessible, and it is definitely less aggressive, which can be a good thing.

More later. I had a post ready to go comparing the ABV and IBU of the brews you mentioned and my laptop drank it. Now I have to detox it, finish work for the day and re-post later.

[devildeac]

I had the Belgo after having the Stone Cali-Belgique, Green Flash's Le Freak and Raging B**ch by Flying Dog, and I just felt it a bit lacking. It may be a lot more accessible, and it is definitely less aggressive, which can be a good thing.


More later. I had a post ready to go comparing the ABV and IBU of the brews you mentioned and my laptop drank it. Now I have to detox it, finish work for the day and re-post later.

Did a little research and came up with the following:

Raging Bitch-8.3% ABV/60 IBU
Belgo 7% ABV/60 IBU
Le Freak 9.2% ABV/101 IBU
Cali 6.9% ABV/77 IBU

So, I can understand now why the Belgo would be a bit lacking when looking at the other three. Le Freak is really a "merge" or blend of 2 styles, a Belgian tripel and and an imperial IPA or IIPA. Those IBU are really high but well balanced by the massive amount of grain needed to get the ABV up that high, typical for a tripel or an IIPA. I'll see if I can find a review of that I did probably a year or more ago. My recall is that I found it to be an excellent brew and quite unique. The Cali and Belgo are probably a close comparison. I am not sure I could tell the difference in bitterness from an IBU of 60 vs 77. Nor am I sure I could differentiate the 7% vs 8.3% ABV of the Belgo vs the RB. I have seen the Cali but not sure I have ever tasted it.

[devildeac]

I had the Belgo after having the Stone Cali-Belgique, Green Flash's Le Freak and Raging B**ch by Flying Dog, and I just felt it a bit lacking. It may be a lot more accessible, and it is definitely less aggressive, which can be a good thing.

Here's a three-way CB&B, bluebeer (aka bluebear here) and I had almost 18 months ago. I gotta admit, I'm not sure I contributed much to the discussion but remember liking the brew for the Belgian influence on an American IPA.

CameronBornAndBred wrote:

devildeac wrote:

bluebeer wrote:Flying Dog Raging Bitch...Belgian IPA. Pours a nice amber though fairly thin looking for 8.3% ABV. Strong bitter hops up front with both pine and grapefruit. Decent malt balance that gives way to a yeasty and slightly funky finish. Really well done for this style with just the right blend of hops and yeast. Dangerously drinkable as its fairly light bodied with almost no hint of alcohol.


I have seen that but haven't pulled trigger but your review inspires me to look for a 4 pack or 6er of that and share with CB&B, my drug rep trader and my son early next month. Thanks! =p~


I bought a 6 pack once. Once. I don't know why, but it was just not one that I enjoyed as much as I hoped, given the brewer and the name of the beer. I'll be looking forward to DD's review, just to see which side of the tree he barks on.


Woof :D .

I think both you beer nuts have valid thoughts about this brew. I wonder whether the yeast makes the difference with this brew as it is just enough different than your typical IPA to be a bit musty/funky. I am not that big a Flying Dog fan but certainly glad I got the 6er of this last week as CB&B got 1 and I kept 5, drinking one last PM and using the other 4 as gifts/traders in the near future.

[devildeac]

I had the Belgo after having the Stone Cali-Belgique, Green Flash's Le Freak and Raging B**ch by Flying Dog, and I just felt it a bit lacking. It may be a lot more accessible, and it is definitely less aggressive, which can be a good thing.

From a bottle I had almost 2 years ago. I really enjoyed this brew.

Le Freak-Green Flash Brewing-What a complex brew. I split the bomber over 2 nights and had pretty much the same thoughts each night. This is a hybrid, blending American IIPA and Belgian Triple styles. What I tasted was the mild pink grapefruit hoppiness of the IIPA as expected with the estery taste of bananas and zest of orange from the triple. This is a bottle-conditioned ale and pours a cloudy yellow-orange with some of the fizz of the triple and the foaminess of the IIPA. It is fairly well-balanced with the malts giving it a some light brown rum characteristics and an ABV of 9.2% and the IBU is somewhat higher than I would have guessed. They are 101 which makes it higher than Bigfoot. I'm not sure which entree I would match with this as I tasted it with a crisp Granny Smith apple one night and enjoyed it by itself the next night. I've got another bomber and this one will be shared this fall at a Brunchgate ;) :D .

[devildeac]

I enjoyed this beer a lot too. I have been making the rounds on the American Imperial Stouts and IPAs that are using Belgian Yeast. Some have been somewhat disappointing (the New Belgium Belgo), but the Stone and Great Divide entries are really good. Clown Shoes, a new brewery out of MA, I believe, does a bunch of variations too. They are a little over the top, but good.

One of my all-time favorite imperial stouts:

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout (2010-11 edition)-Brooklyn Brewing

Still one of my favorite beers, 15 years after first sampling it at a beer festival at the Omni (I think), which is now the Marriott I think, in downtown Derm. Black, oily and silky smooth with a small tan head, this brew still reminds me of a dark chocolate malted with a stiff shot of whiskey or two. I have always sipped this over an hour at cellar temperature and tonight is no different. I'll guess the IBU at 70 and the ABV is 10%. There is no chocolate, coffee or oatmeal in the brew as best I can tell so all the flavors come from heavily roasted chocolate and black malts. Ideal by itself, it also makes a fine beverage with any chocolate (single, double or triple) dessert or save 1/2 a bottle to make a beer float with a scoop or two of Breyer's pure vanilla ice cream. I think the year of aging has made it a bit smoother but it is dangerously drinkable when purchased. I'll let you know again next week as the 2011-12 product has arrived and I bought a 4 pack for about $8 a couple days ago. I'll also report back on some older vintages over the next couple weeks. Stellar.

2164

This is last year's version. I had a bottle of the 2011-12 version this week and it continues to be every bit as good.

[devildeac]

I enjoyed this beer a lot too. I have been making the rounds on the American Imperial Stouts and IPAs that are using Belgian Yeast. Some have been somewhat disappointing (the New Belgium Belgo), but the Stone and Great Divide entries are really good. Clown Shoes, a new brewery out of MA, I believe, does a bunch of variations too. They are a little over the top, but good.

A review from nearly 2 years ago of the Oak Aged Yeti on draft at Tyler's Taproom prior to a Duke MBB game:

Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout-Great Divide-This was my dessert after the pulled pork, slaw and fries which were washed down with the Magic Hat Howl. What a complex beer! Served too cold in about an 8 ounce snifter-type glass, I let it warm for about 15 minutes and then sipped this onyx elixir. Small, tan head and many different flavors of molasses, dark dried fruits and bittersweet chocolate and expresso. I'd guess the IBU to be about 70. It is not for the faint of tongue or palate. It even tasted a bit peppery. ABV was a massive 9.5% and this gave it a more than a bit of booziness. The oak aging imparts a bit of smoothness, vanilla and woody character to the taste, too. I'd love to sample their chocolate and expresso imperial stouts. Ozzie didn't like this too much but I found it to be a fascinating beverage. I am also glad they did not have Hibernation Ale as I prolly woulda tried that, too :ymblushing: .




So no one misses it on a shelf at your favorite package goods store:

2165

[devildeac]

I get you on the Stone Belgo-RIS, but I love black licorice, so I liked it a lot. It is definitely not subtle, and the regular Stone RIS is much, much better with it's natural hint of anise.

If you like black licorice, you should find a 750 ml bottle of this and divide it with friends or savor it yourself over a couple nights. CB&B brought a bottle to one of our fall tailgate/Brunchgates and folks either hated it 'cuz of the licorice or loved it for its uniqueness.

Labyrinth Black Ale-Uinta Brewing

My 2nd place beer of the day, edging out the Raspberry Coffee Stout by a few % ABV. This is not a black ale. It is clearly an imperial stout as it was almost black with very little head and was also almost oily in appearance (My wife guessed 5W20 :)) ). Strong nose of espresso and dark chocolate with tastes of the same plus black molasses, black licorice (made with licorice sticks), vanilla, oak and a hint of whiskey. This is aged in oak barrels according to the bottle and another source said bourbon barrels but I detected very little whiskey/bourbon taste but it was rather boozey at 13.2% ABV. I'll guess the IBU were 70-80 but little hop character here. There are all the typical tastes and smells of a heavyweight imperial stout. I downgraded it a bit due to the licorice presence but respect the variety of brewing techniques and additives incorporated into this concoction. Utah beer really sucked for years due to the 3.2 and 6.0 laws but this brewery has stepped way outside the old habits and I'd certainly try some of their other products. Taste it with any thing that has chocolate as its first 2 or 3 ingredients or by itself slightly chilled and in small quantities.



2166

[OZZIE4DUKE]

If you like black licorice, you should find a 750 ml bottle of this and divide it with friends or savor it yourself over a couple nights. CB&B brought a bottle to one of our fall tailgate/Brunchgates and folks either hated it 'cuz of the licorice or loved it for its uniqueness.

Labyrinth Black Ale-Uinta Brewing

My 2nd place beer of the day, edging out the Raspberry Coffee Stout by a few % ABV. This is not a black ale. It is clearly an imperial stout as it was almost black with very little head and was also almost oily in appearance (My wife guessed 5W20 :)) ). Strong nose of espresso and dark chocolate with tastes of the same plus black molasses, black licorice (made with licorice sticks), vanilla, oak and a hint of whiskey. This is aged in oak barrels according to the bottle and another source said bourbon barrels but I detected very little whiskey/bourbon taste but it was rather boozey at 13.2% ABV. I'll guess the IBU were 70-80 but little hop character here. There are all the typical tastes and smells of a heavyweight imperial stout. I downgraded it a bit due to the licorice presence but respect the variety of brewing techniques and additives incorporated into this concoction. Utah beer really sucked for years due to the 3.2 and 6.0 laws but this brewery has stepped way outside the old habits and I'd certainly try some of their other products. Taste it with any thing that has chocolate as its first 2 or 3 ingredients or by itself slightly chilled and in small quantities.



2166
Seems like this was a record breaking post for you, devildeac. Sort of like 904 was. :cool: But you better keep posting because the guy with "903" ain't retired like Knight...

[Jarhead]

Seems like this was a record breaking post for you, devildeac. Sort of like 904 was. :cool: But you better keep posting because the guy with "903" ain't retired like Knight...

You're right, Oz. That was 5 posts in a row, all of 'em much bigger than

usual. He's also getting pretty darn close to 8,000 posts. He's rac'n with

Jas'n, but Jas'n composes longer posts. I have learned, however, that

devildeac has compiled a huge file, somewhat like throaty's, except he

has everything in it tied to a function key on his keyboard. He can reply
to, or start any subject in under one second. http://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/wizard.gifhttp://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/jester.gif

[Indoor66]

You're right, Oz. That was 5 posts in a row, all of 'em much bigger than

usual. He's also getting pretty darn close to 8,000 posts. He's rac'n with

Jas'n, but Jas'n composes longer posts. I have learned, however, that

devildeac has compiled a huge file, somewhat like throaty's, except he

has everything in it tied to a function key on his keyboard. He can reply
to, or start any subject in under one second. http://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/wizard.gifhttp://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/jester.gif

Well, he has to respond between heartbeats. That's tough! :cool:

[devildeac]

Seems like this was a record breaking post for you, devildeac. Sort of like 904 was. :cool: But you better keep posting because the guy with "903" ain't retired like Knight...


You're right, Oz. That was 5 posts in a row, all of 'em much bigger than

usual. He's also getting pretty darn close to 8,000 posts. He's rac'n with

Jas'n, but Jas'n composes longer posts. I have learned, however, that

devildeac has compiled a huge file, somewhat like throaty's, except he

has everything in it tied to a function key on his keyboard. He can reply
to, or start any subject in under one second. http://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/wizard.gifhttp://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/jester.gif

I'll borrow a quote from Turk here:

"Quality is not an option."

2167

[devildeac]

Well, he has to respond between heartbeats. That's tough! :cool:

Especially if it's this fast:

2168

:p

Just trying to get davekay1971 to start posting in this thread, too;).

[Jarhead]

I'll borrow a quote from Turk here:

"Quality is not an option."

http://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/19.gif

I thought that was a Walmart slogan.

[devildeac]

I thought that was a Walmart slogan.

Walmart or budweiser. Either or both? After all, this is the beer thread;).

[devildeac]

Well, he has to respond between heartbeats. That's tough! :cool:


Especially if it's this fast:

2168

:p

Just trying to get davekay1971 to start posting in this thread, too;).

I have to respond even faster if it's this rhythm:

2169

Paddles, please. Charge to 360 J please. Clear. Shock. Sip. Post.

[Jarhead]

I have to respond even faster if it's this rhythm:

2169

Paddles, please. Charge to 360 J please. Clear. Shock. Sip. Post.

Wow! I just timed it, and that was fast. Can't understand how come you haven't gone over 10,000 posts. Keep up the good work.http://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/39.gif

[devildeac]

Wow! I just timed it, and that was fast. Can't understand how come you haven't gone over 10,000 posts. Keep up the good work.http://crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/39.gif

I would tell you I already have but that would be just crazietalk;).

Pepe Nero up next on the beer review list.

[Matches]

I tried the Dogfish Head Chicory Stout over the weekend and quite enjoyed it. Not sure if it's new but I had not seen it before.

[rasputin]

I have to put in a plug for my namesake beer:

http://www.northcoastbrewing.com/beer-rasputin.htm

[devildeac]

I get you on the Stone Belgo-RIS, but I love black licorice, so I liked it a lot. It is definitely not subtle, and the regular Stone RIS is much, much better with it's natural hint of anise.

I found a bomber of this tonight at The Cheese Shop in Colonial Williamsburg for $7.50. I think that's a great price for an imperial stout at 10.5% ABV. I will enjoy it (I hope!) during the holiday season on your recommendation. More specifically, I will share it with family a bit later this month. And, if the anise is too overpowering, I'll send the empty to you for a full refund;).

[devildeac]

I have to put in a plug for my namesake beer:

http://www.northcoastbrewing.com/beer-rasputin.htm

From a review I did about 18 months ago:

Old Rasputin Imperial Stout-Draft-

Dee-licious. Compared to the bottled product which I really like, this is smoother, creamier, a bit more foamy and has stronger tastes of espresso and a bit less of the chocolate. The coffee strikes first in the aroma and the first taste and then the smoothness and slight sweetness of bittersweet dark chocolate in the middle and finishes with a moderate amount of hops. I'd guess the IBU to be in the 60-70 range and the ABV to be comparable to the bottle edition at about 9%. It paired well with the cheesesteak with peppers, onions and provolone and salad for lunch. It also was a nice prelude to an extended afternoon snooze.

[devildeac]

For any Goose Island fans out there:

Pepe Nero-Goose Island Brewing

A Belgian style ale brewed with peppercorns. Quite a unique brew. The brewer's notes call this a farmhouse ale but I usually think about those as lighter and more funky, grassy brews. This had plenty of fizz and a light tan head but was not opaque/black/thick enough to confuse with a stout. The Belgian yeast imparts a bit of the barnyard funk to it and the peppercorns give it a bit of a sharp bite but not bitterness as the IBU are only 30 and the ABV is 6%. This would be fine with hard, sharp cheeses, brisket, stews and ribs. Lavabe brought a couple of these on his family's trip in October for our older daughter's wedding and I am not quite sure what to do with the second bottle. Trade? Share? 2176

Some brewer's notes:

With an aroma of roasted chestnuts and a mysteriously dark, mahogany hue, Pepe Nero is a farmhouse ale brewed with black peppercorns. His roasty sweetness melds into a lingering, earthy, black pepper finish that is ideal for pairing with grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Recipe Information:
Style: Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 6.0%
International Bitterness Units: 30
Color: Mahogany
Malt: Pilsner, Rye, Crystal Rye, Black Malt
Hops: Pilgrim, Saaz

Serving Suggestions:

Preferred Glass: Wide Mouth Glass


World Beer Championships Recognition:
Judging Category: Saison
2011: Gold Medal

And, so you don't miss it on the shelf:

2175

Goose me!

[devildeac]

It's winter time (well, almost:o) so, continuing A-Tex Devil's RIS theme:

Double Stout Black Ale-Green Flash Brewing

Another fine offering from the folks in San Diego. This is almost black as night but a bit less viscous and oily than other RIS brews. The oats certainly make this a very silky texture however. The IBU are a bit low for the style at 45. For that matter, the ABV of 8.8% is also a shade low but neither detract from the dark chocolate flavors with the slightest hints of espresso. We are at a meeting in Williamsburg and I bought this 12 ounce bottle for a very reasonable $3 at The Cheese Shop to accompany a dinner full of salads, including a rather unique slaw, broccoli/carrot/cheese/raisin salad and a 3 (or 4) bean salad. The meal was finished off with 1/2 of a giant oatmeal raisin cookie.

Brewer's notes:

Golden naked oats mashed with dark crystal and robust roasted malts create a luscious black brew with satin smooth finish. An old-world style, done the Green Flash way. Big, bold, flavorful and complex.

Nice label, too:

2177

[devildeac]

I simply must find a bottle of this concoction:

2178

One of the better names for a beer. Ever.

2179

[devildeac]

Clutch-New Belgium Brewing

This is another brew from their Lips of Faith series and another very unique bottling. Think RIS blended with Rochefort 8, a Trappist ale. It is not quite as black/oily viscous as a stout but has the dark chocolaty characteristics from all the dark malts used and there are a ton as the ABV is 9%. The southern Belgian style ale, or sour ale, imparts the funky, dark fruitiness to the product with a bit of pucker. The IBU are surprisingly low at 19 as most RIS have them in the 60-80 range. I split an $8 bomber over 2 nights and I am not sure I'd pair this with any entrees but would serve it by itself in a snifter slightly chilled or with a generous wedge of high quality fruitcake. I'd love to taste this on draft, too.

Brewer's notes:


It started as chance, a sandwich shop encounter between a band and a fan. It ended as the Clutch Collaboration. This pleasing, two-part potion was brewed with chocolate and black malts for a rich and roasty overtone, then fused with a dry, substratum of sour for a bold and audacious flavor. Black as night, this beer is blended at 80% stout, 20% dark sour wood beer for a collaboration that begins with a sour edge and finishes with a big, dark malt character, lingering, sweet on your palate.

The two flavors come as raucous and riotous as the Maryland band and their Fort Collins fans, getting loud and making beer, together.
Just the facts Ma'am...
ABV - 9.0%
IBU - 19
Calories - 260
Hops - Target
Malts - Dark Chocolate, Coffee, Black
OG - 20
TG - 3.2
Fruits/Spice - Dark Wood Ale


2181

[cato]

I simply must find a bottle of this concoction:

2178

One of the better names for a beer. Ever.

2179

Green Flash is a very good brewery (and Hamilton's is a great place to drink beer), but I'm not sure how far beyond San Diego you can find its beers. Heck, for things like this, you can't even reliably get it in San Diego.

ETA: Love their Hop Head Red.

[devildeac]

Green Flash is a very good brewery (and Hamilton's is a great place to drink beer), but I'm not sure how far beyond San Diego you can find its beers. Heck, for things like this, you can't even reliably get it in San Diego.

ETA: Love their Hop Head Red.

I did not see their stuff in NC until about 3-4 years ago and have really liked just about eveything of theirs that I have tasted, especially Le Freak. Many of their ales are available here now.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I'm brewing an oaked bourbon stout on Sunday...wooohooo! It won't be worth drinking until March. Boooo! (Worth drinking or not, I'll be surprised if I have more than 12 bottles left by then :rolleyes:)

[devildeac]

I'm brewing an oaked bourbon stout on Sunday...wooohooo! It won't be worth drinking until March. Boooo! (Worth drinking or not, I'll be surprised if I have more than 12 bottles left by then :rolleyes:)

I'll take/trade for 6 of your leftovers. (batting eyes)

[A-Tex Devil]

I'm brewing an oaked bourbon stout on Sunday...wooohooo! It won't be worth drinking until March. Boooo! (Worth drinking or not, I'll be surprised if I have more than 12 bottles left by then :rolleyes:)

That's been the biggest problem as a nascent home brewer and beer-cellar builder. I can't have my beer and drink it too!!!

[devildeac]

Talon-Mendocino Brewing (Saratoga Springs, not CA)

Bomber. Copper. Small head. High IBU (80? 90?). High ABV. 10.5%. Caramel/toffee-like. Good deal at $7. Fabulous deal at $3. Worth buying a bunch at that price and say, trading for a Victory Helios. Probably worth aging for a year and bringing one back to Brunchgate next fall. Glad CB&B shared this with several of us yesterday.

2186

[devildeac]

Tiny-Weyerbacher Brewing

Another unique and winning brew from this brewery in Pennsylvania. Black as night but a bit less oily/viscous than your typical RIS, this brew represents yet another twist to "blending" different styles of beers. The Belgian abbey yeast used in the brewing process gives this imperial stout prominent notes of dark fruits and rum and a bit more smoothness than you might expect. I had half this corked and caged 750 ml bottle tonight as the ABV is a massive 11.8% from the chocolate, black and other deeply roasted malts. I'd guess the IBU to be 60-70 but it is balanced very well by the intense dark chocolate flavors and booziness. Forget the chocolate cake or torte you might serve for dessert with this beverage as it makes a fine after dinner treat all by itself. I have a second bottle of this (couldn't resist at about $8) and I am not sure whether I will share this over the holidays or save it to age for a year and twist off the cork next winter.

2191

[devildeac]

From April 21, 2010:

Had this one Sunday night. I'm still celebrating:

http://www.foundersbrewing.com/foundersnew/beer/

Folks, this is amazing. Kentucky Breakfast Stout, or KBS by the folks at Founders. This is nearly pitch black with a modest medium tan head and the coffee, dark chocolate and bourbon will knock you on your arse. My first impression was drinking a shot (or two) of a fine single batch/malt bourbon in a cup of dark roast Jamaican java. Wow. It clocks in at 70 IBU and 11.2% ABV, so it has a nice hop wallop as one would expect from an imperial stout and the booziness of the whiskey, too. Forget having anything else with this goblet/snifter worthy dessert. Pull one out of your cellar, pour, sit in your recliner and savor this nectar over an hour or so some evening. Be prepared to take out a small loan for it however. A 4 pack of these will set you back $23-242194 . The remaining 3 should last me a year or four.

I had the second one from the "litter" last PM so it was about 18 months old and worthy to celebrate another occasion. I'll post that a bit later this evening.

[devildeac]

From April 21, 2010:

Had this one Sunday night. I'm still celebrating:

http://www.foundersbrewing.com/foundersnew/beer/

Folks, this is amazing. Kentucky Breakfast Stout, or KBS by the folks at Founders. This is nearly pitch black with a modest medium tan head and the coffee, dark chocolate and bourbon will knock you on your arse. My first impression was drinking a shot (or two) of a fine single batch/malt bourbon in a cup of dark roast Jamaican java. Wow. It clocks in at 70 IBU and 11.2% ABV, so it has a nice hop wallop as one would expect from an imperial stout and the booziness of the whiskey, too. Forget having anything else with this goblet/snifter worthy dessert. Pull one out of your cellar, pour, sit in your recliner and savor this nectar over an hour or so some evening. Be prepared to take out a small loan for it however. A 4 pack of these will set you back $23-242194 . The remaining 3 should last me a year or four.

I had the second one from the "litter" last PM so it was about 18 months old and worthy to celebrate another occasion. I'll post that a bit later this evening.

Well, a few days late but savored nonetheless:

KBS/Kentucky Bourbon Stout (2010 edition)-Founders Brewing

This was one of the brews I found at Liquor Bar in Lexington, Kin-tucky sometime in early 2010. Or was it summer, 2009? Or did Lavabe bring it to me at Christmas in 2008 or 2009? Oh, never mind. I reviewed this in April, 2010 as a beer of celebration after our NC. I had bottle #2 from the 4 pack Tuesday night after finding out my youngest daughter received an acceptance to medical school that afternoon. More about that later. Well, enough drivel and on to the tasting.

This is simply a fabulous beer. After 18 months (or more) of cellaring, I found it to be even richer, smoother and perhaps even blacker than the first bottle. Coffee and dark chocolate are the opening aromas and appropriately so as both ingredients are used in the brewing process. Hints of vanilla from the aging in oak bourbon barrels appear during the initial tasting and the moderate booziness of the bourbon enters at the end of the taste. Incredibly complex brew. IBU are 70 and the ABV is 11.2% so this was my ale for the entire evening and I savored it slightly chilled from a Duke Hall of Fame goblet Ozzie brought me last month. No cookies. No cake. No brownies. Just the imperial stout. Heaven in a glass. I have 2 more left. Wonder how/when I will partake of the third one of the litter...

[-jk]

I have to say: it's never occurred to me to age beer.

Now I have to go out in this god-forsaken county of mine* and try to find some to put in my cellar.

*Montgomery County, MD, is an ABC county for beer, wine, and spirits - seriously lacking in choice in every category. Hell, Derm (in an ABC state) has better beer shops (Hi!, Sam's).

-jk

[devildeac]

I have to say: it's never occurred to me to age beer.

Now I have to go out in this god-forsaken county of mine* and try to find some to put in my cellar.

*Montgomery County, MD, is an ABC county for beer, wine, and spirits - seriously lacking in choice in every category. Hell, Derm (in an ABC state) has better beer shops (Hi!, Sam's).

-jk

The styles of beers worth aging are usually the high gravity (high ABV) ones like imperial IPAs, barleywines and (Russian) imperial stouts. They generally have higher hop content (reflected in the higher IBU, or International Bittering Units) and are often bottle-conditioned, meaning some yeast is left in the bottles and they continue to ferment as they age. Beers often become smoother and take on characteristics of ports and sherries, speaking of the imperial stouts and barleywines, respectively. I have some of Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot (Bigfeet? Bigfoots?) from as far back as 2006 and some Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA and World Wide Stout from several years ago, too. IIRC, you do like some of the stouts and perhaps bourbon so an imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels might be to your liking;).

When I attended more meetings in DC, I usually went to Chevy Chase Beer and Wine on Connecticut Avenue (http://www.chevychasewine.com/) to haul my brews back to NC before we enacted the Pop the Cap campaign about 5 or 6 years ago and raised the 6% ABV limit here to 15% for beers. Not sure where you live in the DC area but they had a great selection of micro brews whenever I went. Total Wine also has a fine selection of hand crafted ales.

Let me know if you need any other general and/or specific suggestions.

[devildeac]

Well, a few days late but savored nonetheless:

KBS/Kentucky Bourbon Stout (2010 edition)-Founders Brewing

This was one of the brews I found at Liquor Bar in Lexington, Kin-tucky sometime in early 2010. Or was it summer, 2009? Or did Lavabe bring it to me at Christmas in 2008 or 2009? Oh, never mind. I reviewed this in April, 2010 as a beer of celebration after our NC. I had bottle #2 from the 4 pack Tuesday night after finding out my youngest daughter received an acceptance to medical school that afternoon. More about that later. Well, enough drivel and on to the tasting.

This is simply a fabulous beer. After 18 months (or more) of cellaring, I found it to be even richer, smoother and perhaps even blacker than the first bottle. Coffee and dark chocolate are the opening aromas and appropriately so as both ingredients are used in the brewing process. Hints of vanilla from the aging in oak bourbon barrels appear during the initial tasting and the moderate booziness of the bourbon enters at the end of the taste. Incredibly complex brew. IBU are 70 and the ABV is 11.2% so this was my ale for the entire evening and I savored it slightly chilled from a Duke Hall of Fame goblet Ozzie brought me last month. No cookies. No cake. No brownies. Just the imperial stout. Heaven in a glass. I have 2 more left. Wonder how/when I will partake of the third one of the litter...

Forgot to include the picture so no one misses it on the shelves on the rare occasion you can find it:

2196

[devildeac]

Old Fezziwig Ale-Sam Adams/Boston Brewing

I must admit, after not having tasted this brew for about a decade, I was really looking forward to sipping this winter brew and found it a bit disappointing. I think it is much as I remembered it from that long ago, but I am betting my tasted have changed. Pours a clear reddish-brown with a melange of spices on the nose that were fairly prominent on the tongue. A slight bitterness from the orange peel is most prominent but the ginger and cinnamon also appear. I am guessing I just did not care for this particular blend/combination of aromas and tastes and perhaps it is because they use a very similar blend in their Winter Lager that DinK so eloquently described a few days ago and I am just tired of (over)spiced winter brews. IBU probably 30, which would be on par for a brown ale. ABV is 5.9%, also in line with the style. Please don't misinterpret this review. I liked the beer, am happy I found it again in their 12 pack of winter classics, pleased to have sampled it again, would serve it to guests with a slice of pound cake or sugar cookies but would not make it a regular seasonal purchase. Great label, BTW.

2199

[CameronBornAndBred]

Hell, Derm (in an ABC state) has better beer shops (Hi!, Sam's).

-jk
They also have a Total Wine which is a mandatory pre-football game stop for me.

[devildeac]

I have to say: it's never occurred to me to age beer.

Now I have to go out in this god-forsaken county of mine* and try to find some to put in my cellar.

*Montgomery County, MD, is an ABC county for beer, wine, and spirits - seriously lacking in choice in every category. Hell, Derm (in an ABC state) has better beer shops (Hi!, Sam's).

-jk


I'll assume by ABC you meant the usual:

Anybody
But
carolina.

;):rolleyes:

[A-Tex Devil]

Last night at Alamo Drafthouse, I ordered a bottle of Abita Christmas Ale. I like most of what Abita does so I decided to try this. I hope there was something wrong with the bottle, but after reading reviews on Beer Advocate after I got home last night, I think it is just the beer. Tastes like a pine tree with a strong onion note. Bitter too and not in a good way. Ugh.

And I am not a critical beer drinker. Everything in my mind has a time and a place, even American Light Lagers. This just tasted bad.

[devildeac]

Last night at Alamo Drafthouse, I ordered a bottle of Abita Christmas Ale. I like most of what Abita does so I decided to try this. I hope there was something wrong with the bottle, but after reading reviews on Beer Advocate after I got home last night, I think it is just the beer. Tastes like a pine tree with a strong onion note. Bitter too and not in a good way. Ugh.

And I am not a critical beer drinker. Everything in my mind has a time and a place, even American Light Lagers. This just tasted bad.

Believe it or not, we even have a thread here for posts like this:

http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?8179-Ycch-Beer!&highlight=ycch%2C+beer


:eek:;)

[CameronBornAndBred]

Last night at Alamo Drafthouse, I ordered a bottle of Abita Christmas Ale. I like most of what Abita does so I decided to try this. I hope there was something wrong with the bottle, but after reading reviews on Beer Advocate after I got home last night, I think it is just the beer. Tastes like a pine tree with a strong onion note. Bitter too and not in a good way. Ugh.

And I am not a critical beer drinker. Everything in my mind has a time and a place, even American Light Lagers. This just tasted bad.
DD gave me a bottle of "Horse Piss" a couple years ago that I have yet to be brave enough or desperate enough to open. It is worth the conversation it inspires, still safely in its bottle.

[devildeac]

DD gave me a bottle of "Horse Piss" a couple years ago that I have yet to be brave enough or desperate enough to open. It is worth the conversation it inspires, still safely in its bottle.

Bought a 4 pack (or was it a 6er?) of it in Lexington as we drove back to NC after the 2010 NC. I had my bottle and am sure I have the review somewhere (:rolleyes:). CB&B got one of the bottles as he mentioned above and I think my son and a drug rep with whom I do some beer trading got the other. No reports from either of them but I can vouch they are both still alive:o.

[devildeac]

DD gave me a bottle of "Horse Piss" a couple years ago that I have yet to be brave enough or desperate enough to open. It is worth the conversation it inspires, still safely in its bottle.


Bought a 4 pack (or was it a 6er?) of it in Lexington as we drove back to NC after the 2010 NC. I had my bottle and am sure I have the review somewhere (:rolleyes:). CB&B got one of the bottles as he mentioned above and I think my son and a drug rep with whom I do some beer trading got the other. No reports from either of them but I can vouch they are both still alive:o.

Ahh, found my old review:

Horse Piss Beer-Horse Piss Brewing-Actually, I think this is a contract brew by Bluegrass Brewing Company. I read at Beer Advocate or somewhere this is classified as an adjunct lager. That means they use grains in it other than barley, wheat or rye. The mass produced swill by AB usually uses rice in their brewing process as it is cheaper. Also less bitterness. And less flavor. This one fits all the above criteria. I'd bet the IBU is around 0. Perhaps even -5 or -10. There's basically no hop presence. There is some flavor from some crystal, pale or caramel malts. The color is from those malts. Unless it's red dye #5 (aka food coloring). The head is 2-3 mm at best and lingers about as long as a kerlina possession before they turn it over. I'd guess the ABV to be 5%. Not much redeeming there either as I'm not sure what kind of session I'd start/finish this with. I guess this would be good with a hot dog or burger fresh off the grill on a hot summer afternoon. But, then again, the hot dog/burger would probably be insulted. I guess I really did not expect that much except a novelty beer/bottle and it's honestly not that bad but there's just not much to this brew. Glad I passed one on to CB&B on Saturday during our trading session. I got the oatmeal stout I am sipping on now. I think I got the better of the trade but, over the course of the entire 6er, I'll bet we call it a draw.

I wonder what poor, unsuspecting souls I can unload the other 2 bottles on later this spring.2201

Let's see. We are heading up to NOVA in a couple weeks and Bones did put an IC in one of his prior traders...

Plus, my son is always interested in trying new brews...



2202
2203


Come to think of it, this beer/review probably belongs here, too, along with the Abita Christmas Beer that ATexDevil had recently:

http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?8179-Ycch-Beer!&highlight=ycch%2C+beer

[CameronBornAndBred]

Glad I passed one on to CB&B on Saturday during our trading session. I got the oatmeal stout I am sipping on now. I think I got the better of the trade but, over the course of the entire 6er, I'll bet we call it a draw.

Hard to argue with that since I've managed to not drink it yet. There are one or two others that I have gotten from you that I have not opened in over a year..so it is in fine company! (Although I'm pretty sure the other brews are going to benefit from aging.:cool:)

[devildeac]

Old Curmudgeon Ale (2009 edition)-Founders Brewing

Original review (February, 2010):

Another complex winter brew-I bought a 4 pack of this so there just might be a leftover or two for future consideration ;) :D . This is my 1st time ever tasting this concoction which is a slightly reddish-brown old ale with a heavy malt emphasis. I believe it is bottle-conditioned so it is slightly cloudy. They brew this with molasses but I wouldn't think a black molasses style as the flavors are more like dark brown sugar. The oak aging give is a bit of vanilla, wood and whiskey-ish tastes and they are all very pleasant. Frighteningly smooth at a mere 50 IBU and highly potent at 9.8% ABV. I decided to divide one of the bottles over 3 nights and sipped it at very slightly chilled temps out of a larger cordial glass. This is a dessert beer and I was happy with my 4 ounce pour by itself but could imagine serving this with a Granny Smith apple or a large fancy arse pear also.

2011 Update:

Aging does very interesting things with beers. In most cases, it makes them smoother and more port or sherry-like in their characteristics and this concoction is no exception. Almost 2 years later, Old Curmudgeon has also mellowed a bit and is even more sherri-esque (?) on the palate. I divided a bottle over three nights again and thoroughly savored it, perhaps even more than the first tasting. I believe I still have 2 bottles from my original purchase in 2009 and have started looking for another occasion to celebrate :D .

And I still look like the guy on the label.


2206

[JNort]

Working mans lunch.... Had it in Albemarle, NC at a place called Z pi and loved it. It is an American brown ale from Fullsteam Brewery here in Durham, NC. I introduced one of my friends to it and he loves it as well

[devildeac]

Working mans lunch.... Had it in Albemarle, NC at a place called Z pi and loved it. It is an American brown ale from Fullsteam Brewery here in Durham, NC. I introduced one of my friends to it and he loves it as well

Good find. I am not sure I have had any of their beers and I live 30 miles away:o.

[devildeac]

Picked up a case of Samuel Adams Holiday Brews at Sam's Club the other day. So far I've tried the Chocolate Bock and the Holiday Porter. The Bock reminded me of Creme de Cocoa. Both beers were quite enjoyable.


I enjoyed a SA chocolate bock over Thanksgiving. They make a fine brew.

Chocolate Bock-Sam Adams/Boston Brewing

This is rather luscious. It is a dark lager that is brewed with chocolate or cocoa nibs from Ecuador, IIRC. The initial brewing was brewed with Scharfenberg (sp?) chocolate from Belgium and was a 750 ml bottle that was about $15 so it was quite spendy. The new version is found in 12 ounce bottles in their Winter Classics 12 pack and pretty widely available. The IBU are low, guessing about 20, and the ABV is on the bottle at 5.8% so a good beer for tasting in a session or having with dessert or for dessert. I chose to drink it slightly chilled as a nightcap. It smells and tastes of dark bread and caramels with an almost creamy milk chocolate feel and taste, too. Moderate sized tan head with little bitterness. There are sadly only 2 of these in the sampler and as far as I am concerned, they could toss the 2 Boston Lagers they stuff in the box and include another one of these and the Black and Brew which I drank tonight. Review to follow;).

[JNort]

Good find. I am not sure I have had any of their beers and I live 30 miles away:o.

O wow well shoot you need to get on this little bandwagon I am trying to start up for this taste of heaven. Go out and give it a try :cool:

[devildeac]

Black and Brew-Sam Adams/Boston Brewing

As you might expect, this is a coffee stout, and a rather good one. Please pass the cream and sugar! This is part of their 12 pack called Winter Classics (more on that later) that is worth purhasing for about $16, IIRC. The color is dark, dark brown with a fluffy tan head and a nose of freshly roasted (or brewed ;;) ) coffee as they use 1.5 pounds of sumatran coffee per barrel. It is a tad bitter and I am not sure if it's the coffee, the hops or both. I'd guess the IBU about 30 and the ABV is 5.8% so you can have this after dinner instead of/in addition to your decaf or with a chocolate dessert. Or, by itself like I did last PM. Let this warm a bit and the coffee and dark chocolate (none added) flavors will please your palate.

Now, about the "Winter Classics." Boston Lager is not a "winter beer," and I would argue that it is not a "classic." So, they could take the 2 bottles from the 12 pack, stick them in another "classic" package and let us have another two of the following: Chocolate Bock, Black and Brew, Holiday Porter, Winter Lager or Old Fezziwig.

[devildeac]

The Companion-Brooklyn Brewing

What a wonderful, seductive brew! This tastes like a combination of two styles, a wheat wine and a Belgian tripel. I had a pint of this limited production concoction on draft at Tyler's Taproom before the game Monday night at a very reasonable $5.50. The grains are 55% wheat and the remainder is likely composed of lighter roasted barley style such as caramel, Munich or pale malts. The head is small, the carbonation is fizzy and the nose is pretty typical Belgian tripel with orange and clove the most prominent. Tastes mirror the aromas in addition to what I'd guess is the use of light candi sugar in the brewing process. I'd guess the IBU about 30, par for a triple but low for a wheat/barley wine. The seductive part comes from the 10% ABV as the booziness is pretty minimal. This was fine with a Buffalo chicken sandwich but would be a better after dinner drink.

[devildeac]

Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale-Lagunitas Brewing

The story behind the brew:

This sad holiday season we didn’t have the brewing capacity to make our favorite seasonal brew, the widely feared BrownShugga’ Ale. You see we had a couple of really good years (thank you very much) and so heading into this season while we are awaiting the January delivery of a new brewhouse we are jammin’ along brewing 80 barrels of IPA and PILS and such every 3 hours. A couple of months back we realized that since we can only brew a mere 60 barrels of Shugga’ every 5 hours, that we were seriously screwed. For every case of Shugga’ brewed, we’d short 3 cases of our favorite daily beers. It’s a drag. This year, we brewed something that we think is also cool and brews more like our daily brews. The new brewhouse will help insure this kind of failure never happens again. It’s a mess that we can not brew our BrownShugga’ this year and we suck for not doing it. There is nothing cool about screwing this up this badly and we know it. Maybe we can sue our own sorry selves. There is no joy in our hearts this holiday and the best we can hope for is a quick and merciful end. F*@& us. This totally blows. Whatever. We freaking munch moldy donkey butt and we just want it to be all over...
So this substitute beer is a ‘Cereal Medley’ of Barley, Rye, Wheat, and Oats…. Full of complexishness from the 4 grains, and weighing in at 7.85% abv, Then joyously dry-hopped for that big aroma and resinous hop flavor.

The brew:

Interesting take/variation of a winter IPA. The rye gives this a bit of mustiness, the wheat imparts a bit of orange taste and aroma and the oats lend their usual silkiness/smoothness to the mouth feel here. I tasted Ozzie's draft at Tyler's Taproom in Derm before the UNCG game and the aroma and tastes are mostly grapefruity but they are well balanced by the large amounts of grains that give this the IBU of 63 and the ABV of 7.85%. Not quite IIPA levels but in the range for you typical IPA. Generous, foamy head and the flavors paired well with my Buffalo chicken sammich though Oz did not like the brew quite as much as I did and he had a Newcastle as his second brew. My 10% ABV Brooklyn Companion was all I could handle.


2207

[A-Tex Devil]

Enjoyed a North Coast Old Rasputin 12th anniversary bourbon barrel aged Russian Imperial Stout tonight with my dad and brother in law Ummmmm. Amazing. I have had some aged bourbon barrel porters and stouts before but this is by far the best I have ever had. It was almost a port in a lot of ways.

I had been holding on to it for about 9 months. If you can find it, and it may be gone, get it.

[devildeac]

Enjoyed a North Coast Old Rasputin 12th anniversary bourbon barrel aged Russian Imperial Stout tonight with my dad and brother in law Ummmmm. Amazing. I have had some aged bourbon barrel porters and stouts before but this is by far the best I have ever had. It was almost a port in a lot of ways.

I had been holding on to it for about 9 months. If you can find it, and it may be gone, get it.

I have seen this a couple times but at >$20 for a 500 ml bottle, I just could not justify pulling the credit card out for this one. I think bluebeer, err, bluebear bought a bottle of this about a year ago and has yet to report on it here or on crazietalk. It sounds like a fabulous concept with a wonderful RIS made even more delectable by bourbon barrel aging. A friend of the family gave me a father of the bride gift of a 500 ml bottle of bourbon barrel aged Old Stock 2009 edition at our younger daughter's wedding in June. Not sure when I'll open/share that one.

[devildeac]

Toasted Lager-Blue Point Brewing

New brew, new brewery to me. Pretty much as advertised, this yellow-golden lager tastes like toasted, buttery homemade bread. A hint of floral hops are very pleasant and the IBU are estimated to be 20-30. I'd guess the ABV to be about 5% so a most pleasing session beverage for sharing or trading. This was a trader from a drug rep who visits my office every couple weeks or so. What the heck, it was 70 degrees in Raleigh 2 days this week so it was an appropriate beer for the weather, too. Back to the darker, stronger winter ales tonight as the highs will be in the 50s and the lows in the 30s :D .

[Indoor66]

Toasted Lager-Blue Point Brewing

New brew, new brewery to me. Pretty much as advertised, this yellow-golden lager tastes like toasted, buttery homemade bread. A hint of floral hops are very pleasant and the IBU are estimated to be 20-30. I'd guess the ABV to be about 5% so a most pleasing session beverage for sharing or trading. This was a trader from a drug rep who visits my office every couple weeks or so. What the heck, it was 70 degrees in Raleigh 2 days this week so it was an appropriate beer for the weather, too. Back to the darker, stronger winter ales tonight as the highs will be in the 50s and the lows in the 30s :D .

Come down here and you can drink all of it you wish. The temps are in the high 70's to 80! Merry Christmas.

[devildeac]

Holiday Cheer-Spoetzl Brewing

From the great state of Texas, the town of Shiner brings you this dunkelweizen, or dark wheat ale. Ya got yer malted barley and roasted wheat grains to which Texas peaches and roasted pee-cans are added in the brewing process and you arrive at a clear, medium brown ale that has aromas of dark fruits and cooked peaches. Think slightly overdone peach crisp with a nutty-grainy topping. IBU appear low, guessing 20-30 and the ABV tastes low too, as in the 5% range, so you can drink/share one of these with some grilled/BBQ pork or brisket and finish with a Monster like I did tonight. A Christmas gift from daughter and first SIL. A fine choice.

[devildeac]

Monster (2005 edition)-Brooklyn Brewing

A fine barleywine style ale gets even better with age. Cellaring has made this a bit cloudy but smoothed any the very few remaining rough edges this had when purchased initially in the late fall of 2005. Sherry notes abound with a cloying sweetness. Dark, cloudy brown now with a bit of sediment but very smooth. I'd guess the IBU about 70 or so and the ABV is 11% so I had about 6 ounces of this after a "session" brew each of the last 2 nights and I let the bottle sit on the counter each night for about 15 minutes before decanting. Don't "spoil" this with a meal or dessert but just sip on it by itself until the last molecule is drained from your brandy or cordial glass. I have seen some 2007 Monster at Total Wine and Bottle Revolution in Raleigh so the distributors/warehouses must have stockpiled this (or they brewed WAAAYYY too much) for its re-release and I'd suggest a 6er, drinking 1 now and saving the rest for special occasions over the next several years if you have the patience.

[devildeac]

Luna de Miel-Bluegrass Brewing Company

Brewer's notes first:

Luna de Miel: Raspberry Meade
Historically a meade was made to celebrate the union of a couple and given to them for celebration of their marriage. Truly defined as a braggot, BBC Luna De Miel is a fermented honey ale flavored with a blend of raspberries and blackberries. Luna De Miel is a refreshing change from standard BBC offerings. Luna De Miel is effervescent, fruity, and light, yet warming from its moderate strength. BBC Luna De Miel is offered in a wine glass.
• ABV: 7.82% • IBU: 0.00


2211

My thoughts:

More like a champagne than an ale/mead/braggot, this bubbly delight was one of our Christmas day beverages. Huge Belgian lace head which lasted a bit longer than I thought, it poured a pinkish-tan with a small amount of sediment. Made a fine companion to our feast. I'd disagree the IBU is 0 but it tasted low, as in the 5-10 range. ABV as above though neither was listed on the bottle. Slightly sweet and tingly, this concoction had hints of honey, light caramel and raspberries. Served chilled in wine glasses, it could just as easily be an after dinner drink by itself, with a plate of fresh fruit or a variety of fruit tarts. This was a gift from Lavabe in October for the father of the bride and we saved it for yet another special occasion. All 5 of us who shared the capped 750 ml bottle were highly pleased.

Now, let's see. what shall we have for our dessert ale, Blue Chimay or a Life and Limb collaboration from Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head...

[devildeac]

bluebeer wrote:Sierra Nevada/Dogfish Head Life and Limb...Was extremely fortunate to get a bottle of this as my local store received a whopping 6 bottles of it. Not sure what availability is elsewhere but very limited up here in MA. 24 ounce bottle with probably the best label I have seen...
http://www.life-limb.com/
I guess I would cal this a barleywine or strong ale...Pours an imperial stout-like black though much thinner and with a very small head. Taste is extremely complex. Lots of sweet carmel malts but balanced well with a mild pine hoppy bite. I'm not sure if it's the birch but there is a fairly substantial earthiness/woody taste that reminds me a bit of some scotch ales. The maple syrup is very noticeable but also subtle enough to not overpower everything else. No alcohol bite despite the 10% ABV. This is easily one of the best beers I have had. I thought it would be very sweet but it is balanced just perfectly. I have 12 ounces to finish tonight and I will be quite sad when my glass is empty...




Life and Limb 2 or 2011 edition-Sierra Nevada/Dogfish Head Brewing

I'm gonna quote bluebeer/bluebear with his original review of Life and Limb 1.0 from 2009 and then add a few thoughts of my own. His thoughts are on the money. I'd probably go with strong ale as it did not have the usually intense hop bitterness of a barleywine. I'd guess the IBU to be 50-60 however. I doubt they varied the recipe much for this year's edition except I thought the pour was not quite a RIS-like black. Four of us split the $10 750 ml caged and corked bottle late this afternoon as we had our family gift exchange and everyone found it absolutely delightful by itself, slightly chilled from red wine glasses. I have another bottle and I do believe it will be cellared until Christmas, 2012 :D .

BTW, the fish are still swimming on the label on the link but I could not get mine to even budge on my label. Maybe if I had 3 or 4 of these they might start moving :o.

[budwom]

Along these lines, may I heartily recommend Vermont's own (from Otter Creek Brewing) Wolaver's Alta Gracia Coffee Porter. Rich and wonderful with hints of chocolate. Most festive. A manly man's brew.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I'm brewing an oaked bourbon stout on Sunday...wooohooo! It won't be worth drinking until March. Boooo! (Worth drinking or not, I'll be surprised if I have more than 12 bottles left by then :rolleyes:)
I added my toasted oak chips today that I've been soaking in bourbon for about a month; I had done some reading and found that other brewers say to be very careful with the quantity and time the chips are allowed in the fermenter, since they really impart a LOT of themselves on the flavor. So I'm going to let the chips hang out in my carboy for 3 days, and bottle on Wednesday night. A week afterwards, the stout will be drinkable but from everything I've read it will much better in a couple months. After the stout, I'm brewing a IPA of some sort, so that one might actually be ready first.

[devildeac]

I added my toasted oak chips today that I've been soaking in bourbon for about a month; I had done some reading and found that other brewers say to be very careful with the quantity and time the chips are allowed in the fermenter, since they really impart a LOT of themselves on the flavor. So I'm going to let the chips hang out in my carboy for 3 days, and bottle on Wednesday night. A week afterwards, the stout will be drinkable but from everything I've read it will much better in a couple months. After the stout, I'm brewing a IPA of some sort, so that one might actually be ready first.

You could even have an oaked/bourboned IPA if the chips are still usable;).

[devildeac]

Grand Cru (circa 2009)-Schlafly Brewing

This was a traveler's gift from Lavabe either last year or in 2009. The bottle is not dated like their barleywine or imperial stout so I am guessing here. Don't worry, AD, I'll review the bottle you selected next year or in 2013 ;;) . OK, on to the review.

This is an excellent representation of the classic Belgian golden ale. It is made with barley and wheat malts, which impart some of the cloudiness to the brew, in addition to Belgian candi sugar. Coriander and orange peel/zest are commonly added and this ale is no exception. Two (or three-see brewer's notes) strains of Belgian yeast are utilized and they lend the typical spiciness or peppery tastes to the final product. It is a bottle conditioned ale so the yeast left in the final product continue to ferment the ale, and, over time, create different tastes, too, generally those of light, crisp fruits such as apples and pears. It pours a hazy orange with a moderate fizzy head which creates the Belgian lace appearance to the side of your glass as the head disappears. It is sweet, yet spicy on the palate with minimal bitterness as the IBU are 17. It is a bit boozy with an ABV of 9%, again, pretty typical for the style. This was our nightcap last PM and the capped 750 ml bottle was shared 4 ways, with the host, yours truly, getting a couple extra ounces :D . This could be dessert by itself but would also be fabulous with sliced apples and/or pears or with some fruit tarts.

2215

[CameronBornAndBred]

You could even have an oaked/bourboned IPA if the chips are still usable;).
I thought about that...and I thought about how even longer I would have to wait. I have plenty of chips left, 2 ounces of which are still soaking. :)

[devildeac]

I thought about that...and I thought about how even longer I would have to wait. I have plenty of chips left, 2 ounces of which are still soaking. :)

Maybe you could brew a simple brown ale in the aging period between the 2 brews;).

[CameronBornAndBred]

I added my toasted oak chips today that I've been soaking in bourbon for about a month; I had done some reading and found that other brewers say to be very careful with the quantity and time the chips are allowed in the fermenter, since they really impart a LOT of themselves on the flavor. So I'm going to let the chips hang out in my carboy for 3 days, and bottle on Wednesday night. A week afterwards, the stout will be drinkable but from everything I've read it will much better in a couple months. After the stout, I'm brewing a IPA of some sort, so that one might actually be ready first.

Bottled tonight, I could definitely smell the bourbon as we were going through the bottling process, but could not detect any overpowering flavors when I tasted it, which is good. Came in around 6%ABV. Looking forward to tasting a full bottle in a few days; it's fun to see how the quality and characteristics alter, even in just a matter of days. I'll make sure I keep a few for March, too.
2218

[theAlaskanBear]

Bottled tonight, I could definitely smell the bourbon as we were going through the bottling process, but could not detect any overpowering flavors when I tasted it, which is good. Came in around 6%ABV. Looking forward to tasting a full bottle in a few days; it's fun to see how the quality and characteristics alter, even in just a matter of days. I'll make sure I keep a few for March, too.
2218


How long have you been homebrewing? My pops has been doing it for a year or two, and makes a surprisingly tasty IPA, a nice smooth stout, and a way too cloying and sweet scottish ale. I think next batch I will try to help him out.

[CameronBornAndBred]

How long have you been homebrewing? My pops has been doing it for a year or two, and makes a surprisingly tasty IPA, a nice smooth stout, and a way too cloying and sweet scottish ale. I think next batch I will try to help him out.
I've been brewing pretty steadily for about 5 years. I'm lucky in that there are two supply shops close to me, so I can get grains and additives without needing anything shipped. My girlfriend, who doesn't like beer, helped me on this last batch. Not only did she have fun, she was able to ensure that I didn't make a gigantic mess in her house. She helped me clean all the equipment before bottling, and then capped all the bottles. If she wasn't capping, she was manning the stove or chasing after me with towels.

2220

[devildeac]

bluebeer wrote:Ommegang Adoration--One of two new offerings from Ommegang this fall (the other being a Tripel)..This one is a strong dark ale/winter warmer. Corked 750ml bottle. Pours a deep amber brown with a medium head. Taste is all malt. Lots of sweet carmel malts and candied fruit. A fairly substantial bready yeast taste..lots of spice. Some boozy alcohol taste but not overpowering given the 10% ABV. This is like drinking christmas dessert... A bit of a departure from the rest of the Ommegang lineup which seem to stick to more traditional belgian styles..but a nice ale that I would surely enjoy even more in December.


Adoration-Ommegang

After going back in this thread and seeing this ale at Bottle Revolution for $8 for the caged and corked 750 ml bottle, I simply could not resist. This is pretty traditional for a Belgian winter ale, considering it's from upstate New York. Spiced with above additives except for sweet orange peel (?) which replaces the cumin, this is quite the winter warmer. It's a dubble or Belgian brown ale which has been tweaked to an ABV of 10% (most dubbles are ~8%) and borders on being luscious with a creamy tan head and additional tastes of dark, dried fruits, typical of the style. Mild hop bitterness, probably not any more than an IBU of 20-30. Excellent by itself for dessert or with a thick slice of nutty, rummy high quality fruit cake. I have another one and we shall share it some time late next year.

[cato]

Adoration-Ommegang

After going back in this thread and seeing this ale at Bottle Revolution for $8 for the caged and corked 750 ml bottle, I simply could not resist. This is pretty traditional for a Belgian winter ale, considering it's from upstate New York. Spiced with above additives except for sweet orange peel (?) which replaces the cumin, this is quite the winter warmer. It's a dubble or Belgian brown ale which has been tweaked to an ABV of 10% (most dubbles are ~8%) and borders on being luscious with a creamy tan head and additional tastes of dark, dried fruits, typical of the style. Mild hop bitterness, probably not any more than an IBU of 20-30. Excellent by itself for dessert or with a thick slice of nutty, rummy high quality fruit cake. I have another one and we shall share it some time late next year.

Random rant: what is it with brewers coming out with seasonals earlier and earlier? I went to one of my go-to beer spots two weeks before Christmas to sample some nice Christmas offerings, and all of the local beers were sold out. The beer guy told me that they had sold out by Thanksgiving, when I was still wearing shorts and t-shirts and not even thinking about cold weather beers.

I suppose I'll have to think ahead next year and stock up long before the season, and then just store the beer until Christmas. (Although that poses another problem: if the beer has already been refrigerated, where can I find the space to keep it cold for a couple of months?)

[/rant]

ETA: all was not lost. They still had plenty of the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale.

[devildeac]

Random rant: what is it with brewers coming out with seasonals earlier and earlier? I went to one of my go-to beer spots two weeks before Christmas to sample some nice Christmas offerings, and all of the local beers were sold out. The beer guy told me that they had sold out by Thanksgiving, when I was still wearing shorts and t-shirts and not even thinking about cold weather beers.

I suppose I'll have to think ahead next year and stock up long before the season, and then just store the beer until Christmas. (Although that poses another problem: if the beer has already been refrigerated, where can I find the space to keep it cold for a couple of months?)

[/rant]

ETA: all was not lost. They still had plenty of the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale.

That is a bit irritating with the fall release of winter brews. Can't help with the storage issues but I have had some brews for 2-3 years or more in our garage which is a bit hot in the summer and have had next to no spoilage issues. We also have a 2nd 'fridge which I use to keep certain selections chilled. Most important thing is to keep brews away from the light (and no budlite references, please ;-(( )

[devildeac]

Winter Welcome Ale-Sam Smith

Fat Tire from Tadcaster, England. I am not sure I have ever tasted this before, and, if I have, it has been many years. Three of us shared the 12 ounce bottle one night this week and all of us found ourselves a bit disappointed. It is an amber ale with a toasted bread nose and buttery croissant taste which pours with a small head and also has tastes of light caramel and subtle floral notes. I'd guess the IBU low, around 30, and the ABV is on the bottle as 6% so we were able to divide another winter warmer the same evening. Not a bad beer but we have generally greatly enjoyed most of the other Sam Smith brewings more than this one. This would be fine with lighter grilled fare and sandwiches but might be overpowered by rich winter soups and stews.



2224

[devildeac]

2225

Winter Ale-Weyerbacher Brewing

This reminds me of several of the West Coast winter warmers I have sipped while visiting family out there over the last couple decades. I am referring to Ebenezer Ale by Bridgeport and Wassail Ale by Full Sail in particular. Jubelale by Deschutes is another excellent winter offering. All these are brewed with no special additives and derive their aromas and tastes form the unique and complex combinations of hops and malted barley they use and various degrees of roasting their grains. This pours a medium to dark brown with a light tan head and has hints of dark chocolate from malts of the same variety. It also has a crisp nuttiness to its flavor and I think this is generally from some English malts that are often used by U.S. brewers in their winter creations. IBU probably 30-40 and ABV is 5.6% so it was a nice second sampling after the Sam Smith's we had just prior. This would be fine by itself as we tasted it but would pair well with hearty winter soups, stews or stronger grilled fare.

[devildeac]

devildeac wrote:

CameronBornAndBred wrote:Most horrible review of the best beer ever...
"Damn this is good"
Samael from Avery. That's all I got for a review. "Damn this is good". I've saved this for a loooong time, too. I drank it out of need, not celebration. I brewed tonight, OG is 1.090. In brewers terms, this beer will be a monster. I needed a yeast that could hang with that, and Samael is bottle conditioned, so I poured the dregs in. I'll find out in a few days if I'm lucky enough to have gotten a winner from the yeast, but from the bottle I know I did. High octane, high pepper notes, suprisingly low sweetness. It's an ale with a LOT of spice. Flavors only though, the yeast is the source of the spicyness..I'm pretty sure none are added. TW marks it on their shelf at 14.5%, the bottle says 16%. Either way...it kicks yer I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.. Just like Duke! "Damn this is good!"


I found 4 of these at TW about a month ago. I'll have 1 each year for the next 4 years. ;) :D


Samael's Oak-aged Ale (batch 5, April, 2009)-Avery Brewing

Ahh, where to begin with this fabulous brew. Not sure it "fits" into the English strong ale category as Avery describes it but I'd have difficulty with characterizing it as any other type brew either. Guess it has features that make it resemble an IIPA, barleywine, Belgian triple and strong ale. And a sherry. Pours a slightly cloudy golden-orange hue with little head. Most ales this strong have next to no carbonation due to the high ABV, in this case not the 14.5% as they list on their site but an astounding 16.45% so it is pretty boozey but not fiery. The IBU are 41 so it is not a hop bomb but has some citrus notes of grapefruit and orange. Significant amount of malty sweetness (with Turbinado sugar added in the brewing process) in the form of light caramel and tofffee but not overly cloying. I split a 12 ounce bottle ($8 or 9) with my son one night this week to celebrate the Christmas season and all the children being around for several days with their new spouses, and his fiancee. Served slightly chilled in wine glasses, this makes a great after dinner drink or nightcap. I have 2 of these left, enjoying 1 last year to celebrate the 2010 NC (but I can't find my review anywhere. Unless I traded one with CB&B.) and plan on keeping the other 2 for additional celebrations in the near or even distant future :D .



2227

[devildeac]

2229

Festive Ale-Dundee Brewing

New brew and brewery to me. This is another in a long line of spiced Christmas/seasonal ales populating shelves in your local specialty shops and grocery stores over the holiday. Today's entrant has nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon and orange peel and I'm not sure I could have named all of them after sipping this brew this week, but the orange and cinnamon were leaders. Basically an amber or light brown ale, it had a modest head, minimal hop profile with an IBU of 30 and moderate ABV, discovering after the fact that the ABV is 6.2%. It would be nice to make a comparison among several of the flavored winter brews which, if any, would be a favorite. This was not but it was pleasant and worthy to be tasted and discussed.

[devildeac]

Hop Notch IPA-Uinta Brewing

This brewery's offerings are growing on me. There are not many breweries in Utah (AFAIK) and for years, this really has been the only one with which I have been acquainted and unimpressed. Since "beer laws" appear to have changed there, these folks have assembled quite an assortment of session and specialty ales and lagers. The first thought/taste/aroma here is grapefruit juice, fresh and pungent. After all, an IBU of 82 will quickly grab your palate's attention. Somewhat higher than I would have guessed but not too bitter or unpleasant as the toffee-ish, malty balance is well done. The ABV is 7.3% and the overall character of the brew would make it a fine IPA to enjoy and pair with spicy Asian dishes. Definitely worth a trader and a taste. Part of my traded 6er from the week before Christmas.


2230

[CameronBornAndBred]

2229

Festive Ale-Dundee Brewing

It would be nice to make a comparison among several of the flavored winter brews which, if any, would be a favorite. This was not but it was pleasant and worthy to be tasted and discussed.
Dundee is one of those lower tier brewers that I will never mind buying when I'm pinching pennies. The 12 pack samplers are usually 11-12 bucks, and offer a solid variety of what they offer. I don't like any one beer enough of theirs to justify buying only one kind, but if you are looking to please a crowd at once, or yourself over a few days, then the sampler is worth the purchase. Looking forward to trying this one.

[devildeac]

Immort Ale-Dogfish Head Brewing

Welcome back to my palate, old friend. I have not sipped one of these in quite a while which is rather sad as this is one of my top 10, maybe even top 5 brews of all time. Its release is limited and I never seem to find it on the shelves, either due to its quick disappearance or bad timing on my part. Best characterized as a barleywine with a bit low IBU for the style at 50 but a potent 11% ABV, this sweet, dee-luscious brew is so easy to enjoy. Dark amber in color with next to no head, its initial impressions on your senses are maple syrup (added to the brew), oak and vanilla (also added). Juniper berries are also added but not sure I could identify that flavor. I had forgotten they age it in oak barrels and that imparts the "woodiness" to the flavors. Serve slightly chilled in a snifter for a nightcap or dessert and savor its complex nature. I bought a 4 pack last week (about $16) and it ages very well so I will add the other 3 to the cellar and embrace them as the special occasions arise over the next year or three.

2232

Note worth reading from the brewer, too:

Pour this over pancakes. Vast in character, luscious and complex, Immort Ale was born at our brewpub in 1995 and made its way into bottles in 1997.

For this beer, we use maple syrup from Red Brook Farm -- Sam's family farm in Western Massachusetts, peat-smoked barley, juniper berries and vanilla.

Immort is fermented with a blend of English and Belgian yeasts, then aged in the big oak tanks at the brewery.

The sweet and earthy flavors meld magnificently in the Immort Ale. But be warned, the ABV is 11%, so after one or two you may start feeling immortal (even though we promise you won't be).

For more on the Immort Ale (including a bit about the artist who did our 4-pack artwork), watch Sam's Quick Sip Clip.

.

Original Release Date:
07/1997
Food Pairing Recommendations:
Spicy meatballs, meatloaf, corn, dried fruit, balsamic vinaigrette
Wine Comparable:
Red wine with dried fruit, zinfandel
ABV
11.0
IBU
50

[devildeac]

Schlafly Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout (2009 edition)-Schlafly Brewing

This is a 2+ year old capped 750 ml bottle that I am enjoying solo over 2 nights and savoring every drop. AD brought a bottle (I think) on her great adventure this fall but I believe this bottle is one Lavabe bequeathed on me 2 Christmases ago during a family visit. I am sipping this slightly chilled from a wine glass as a nightcap as I post this and find it to be a rather complex brew. The aromas are dark chocolate and caramel with vanilla and oak with a hint of the bourbon. The booziness come through more during the tasting at the end, along with the aforementioned aromas also appearing on the palate. Not quite as black as most imperial stouts, this has very mild bitterness (IBU=40), a small tan head and hints of vanilla, too. I found it to be a nice match with some Moravian cranberry orange Christmas cookies but would be very satisfied to enjoy by itself for dessert, too. I'll have to rummage through the cellar later this week to see if I have one more that I can save for another occasion or perhaps next year.

Some brewer's notes and history, too:

ABV: 10.5% | IBU: 40

Appearance: Deep black
Process: Aged in Bourbon barrels for several months after primary fermentation and conditioning
Hops: Marynka (PL), Northdown (UK)
Malts: 2-row malted barley, Caravienne, roasted barley, black malt, chocolate malt, caramel malt, flaked oats, biscuit malt
Yeast: American Ale
OG: 23
SRM: 75

Our Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout is complex and strong, with rich chocolate and roasty flavors. The beer is brewed to have big malt flavor and hop bitterness to balance the sweetness of the high alcohol content. After primary fermentation and conditioning, the beer is transferred to freshly-emptied bourbon barrels and aged for several months before being carbonated and bottled.

In the 18th Century, Imperial Stout was first brewed in London for export to the court of Catherine II of Russia. The beer had to have a higher alcohol content to prevent freezing during transport. The process of aging beer in liquor barrels, however, is new; there is no tradition for this process, as beer and liquor production have traditionally been kept separate. We hand-select bourbon barrels from a micro-distillery in Bardstown, KY and transport the barrels immediately to St. Louis to ensure the barrels do not dry out before being filled with Imperial Stout.

2235

[devildeac]

Bigfoot (2007 edition)-Sierra Nevada Brewing

Ahh, the advantages of beer aging are manifest in a smoother ale that is more drinkable after a year or more. I gotta admit, I stopped buying Bigfoot in 2011 as it was just such an overwhelming hop bomb and just tough to drink the first year and I can only store so much beer in my garage. The 5 year old product is a bit cloudy now with a 1/2 finger head and has notes of tobacco and toffee and still heavy on the piney, resinous hops. Dark, sherry-like tastes sneak through also. I don't think they have changed the recipe for many years and IIRC, the IBU are about 90 (or perhaps a bit higher) and the ABV has been 9.6% for quite a long time. Chill it slightly, pour into a snifter or pint glass and plan on sipping for an hour or so while curled up with a book by the fire. I'm waiting on my 2008 (25th anniversary for the brew) edition to chill a few more minutes and I'll enjoy that one tonight.


2249

not

2250

[devildeac]

Bigfoot (25th Expedition: 2008)-Sierra Nevada

I think they might have changed the formulation just a bit for this brewing as it was a bit more reddish-brown in color and had a bit thicker, foamier head. Still pretty similar tastes of tobacco, toffee and piney/resinous hops, high bitterness with the same ABV of 9.6% as in many years past. Perhaps not quite as smooth as the 2007 but certainly more palatable than on its first sampling.

[devildeac]

Bigfoot-2010 edition-Sierra Nevada

Still kind of rough/bitter with not enough time to mature/age yet. It was a bit more drinkable now than when first purchased in 2010 but I'd expect a bit smoother by now after waiting 2 years. Oh well, I have 2-3 more, IIRC, that I can allow to age another year or three. This is not as clear a pour as when first bought and has a bit more foamy head but the IBU of 90+ just does not have enough malt/toffee/caramel balance, even at 9.6% ABV. I did not procure any of the 2011 variety and glad I never really searched for it as I am pretty tired of Bigfoot after about 15 years of trying to enjoy it. There are smoother, sweeter barleywine style ales that I'd rather sip than this one so I believe I'll skip the 2012 entry also. I don't believe I have ever had a draft Bigfoot so I'd be willing to taste one of those this year if we find it at Tyler's Taproom before a Duke game this season.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I don't believe I have ever had a draft Bigfoot so I'd be willing to taste one of those this year if we find it at Tyler's Taproom before a Duke game this season.
The refs thought they had their hands full with K...just wait until DD gets at 'em after a pint of a high octane barleywine.

[devildeac]

The refs thought they had their hands full with K...just wait until DD gets at 'em after a pint of a high octane barleywine.

Don't forget Ozzie, too.

2254

[OldPhiKap]

Alright, this was my assistant's Christmas gift to me. Let me know if I should keep her or not. One of each:

Sweetwater Festive Ale
Bison Gingerbread Ale
Sweetwater 420
Bridgeport IPA
ShinerBock
DeliriumNoel
Black Chocolate Stout
Peg Leg Imperial Stout
Stone IPA (yum)
Brother Thelonious Belgium style abbey ale
Victory Prima Pils
Stone Pale Ale


I'm more of a wine and single malt guy these days, although when i drink beer it is usually an IPA (Sierra Nevada) or Sam Adams.

[devildeac]

Alright, this was my assistant's Christmas gift to me. Let me know if I should keep her or not. One of each:

Sweetwater Festive Ale
Bison Gingerbread Ale
Sweetwater 420
Bridgeport IPA
ShinerBock
DeliriumNoel
Black Chocolate Stout
Peg Leg Imperial Stout
Stone IPA (yum)
Brother Thelonious Belgium style abbey ale
Victory Prima Pils
Stone Pale Ale



I'm more of a wine and single malt guy these days, although when i drink beer it is usually an IPA (Sierra Nevada) or Sam Adams.

Sweetwater-very good
Bison-very good
Sweetwater 420-very good
Bridgeport-excellent
Shiner-not a fan (I think other folks like it)
Delirium-outstanding
Black Chocolate Stout-which brewery?
Peg Leg-very good if it is the Clipper City product, o/w IDK
Stone-excellent
Brother-very good (Anderson Valley Brewing)
Victory-very good
Stone-never had it

I'd keep the assistant AND give her a raise. Or, if you'd rather return to the wine and/or single malts, save the beer and bring it to Derm if you get to a game this season or to a Brunchgate this fall.

[OldPhiKap]

Sweetwater-very good
Bison-very good
Sweetwater 420-very good
Bridgeport-excellent
Shiner-not a fan (I think other folks like it)
Delirium-outstanding
Black Chocolate Stout-which brewery?
Peg Leg-very good if it is the Clipper City product, o/w IDK
Stone-excellent
Brother-very good (Anderson Valley Brewing)
Victory-very good
Stone-never had it

I'd keep the assistant AND give her a raise. Or, if you'd rather return to the wine and/or single malts, save the beer and bring it to Derm if you get to a game this season or to a Brunchgate this fall.

Black Chocolate Stout is Brooklyn Brewery.
Peg Leg is indeed Clipper City.

Thanks.

Brunchgate, I'll certainly bring something. I'll check with you and DiBD, who of course is the hostess with the mostess.

I like the Stone IPA, and they have some sort of double IPA which is great.



"I don't always drink beer, but when I do, it's usually . . . {this space for rent}"

Stay thirsty, my friend. OPK

[devildeac]

Black Chocolate Stout is Brooklyn Brewery.
Peg Leg is indeed Clipper City.

Thanks.

Brunchgate, I'll certainly bring something. I'll check with you and DiBD, who of course is the hostess with the mostess.

I like the Stone IPA, and they have some sort of double IPA which is great.



"I don't always drink beer, but when I do, it's usually . . . {this space for rent}"

Stay thirsty, my friend. OPK

I thought the Black Chocolate Stout would be the Brooklyn Brewery. That has been one of my favorite brews for about 15 years now.

They really don't have a DIPA but the Arrogant Bastard series comes close as do the Ruination and the Self Righteous Ales.

Check out their site:

http://www.stonebrew.com/ruin/#

This one is pretty amusing:

2255

Oepn yuor mnid. Use a craobwr if you msut. Snice 1997, Arorgnat Basartd Ale has denemdad taht tyrnianacl micredioty rleax its girp of opprobrium on our ciollectve couniescosnss. Few pessoss the ruiereqd isinght or detph of piversceptve to crdiet the Liuqid Arorgnace for initatgsing the rlveoituon in tsate taht it has. Hevweor, taht’s pfecertly fnie, as our hlurecaen erffots in thirstung the larlegy unlliwing wolrd farorwd rquereis no exrtneal vaditilaon. We ralieze it’s hmaun nautre to bleeive taht pregorss trowads getreanss is one’s own ieda.

The mree fcat taht yuo’re hdoinlg tihs bttloe in yuor hnad ianidctes taht yuo’re pyiang antteiton, wihch ideitammley stes you arpat form the msseas. It aslo mkaes you one Lukcy Basartd. Hewover, lcuk faovrs the blod... and the arorgnat. The trmiraivute of Arorgnat Basartd Ale, OEKAD Arorgnat Basartd Ale and Dbolue Basartd Ale are all in paly in this cvueé de Basartd you now hlod, and wihle it is idneed a Lukcy Basartd, lcuk had ntohing to do wtih it.

Taody, wihle nueomrus iendicrlby dinistcitve chcoies are now alavaible, msot popele sitll fucos tiehr attntieon uopn msas mdiea’s isscenatnly banal ehco cheambr, keenpig thier hdeas frimly buerid in the maross of mecridioty. To beark thurogh tihs cophocany, to gsarp enitghnelnemt anmog the mnid-nmubnig culettr, rerequis itnent. Coinscous itnent. For mnay, this aictve piticipataron in the wolrd is unomfacbtorle. Prerrifeng inasted for oethrs to mkae teihr chcoies for tehm — be it a shioutng pindut or a toelievisn ciommecral — sheeple apccet the cmmoitozdied nrom wioutht thoghut. And to thsoe we say: “Setp asdie, and get the hlel out of our way.”

[OldPhiKap]

^ That probably made more sense than it should.

Blame the Paso Robles Red.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Originally Posted by devildeac http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?p=541271#post541271)

Shiner-not a fan (I think other folks like it)
I had two different Shiner's at Tyler's pint night about two months ago. I think one was an Octoberfest and the other one was ... bock? I liked them both! Nice glasses too! :cool:

[devildeac]

Nemesis (2009 edition)-Founders Brewing

From the brewer:

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
“The 2009 release of Nemesis is best described as a Maple Bourbon barrel aged wheat wine holding 12% abv and 70 ibu’s. The barrels have been resting deep in the mines of Grand Rapids for nearly 9 months and have been most effective in developing a great product. The Bourbon barrels we used in this creation were once used to age Maple syrup from northern Michigan, then emptied, and procured for our use in aging this beer. The combination of American oak, Kentucky Bourbon, Michigan Maple syrup and our golden/tan wheat ale has provided a delicious malty sweet ale distinctive of strong vanilla and bourbon notes.”

My thoughts:

This is a nice variation on a traditional barleywine style ale with the wheat malt lending a bit of citrus flavor to the typical highly hopped and abundantly malted barleywine. It has a slight orange hue and is a bit cloudy from the addition of the wheat. All the flavors above are prominent with the bourbon appearing a bit later in the sip and the maple being more subtle. Vanilla nuances are present from the oak aging and the caramel sweetness balances the moderate bitterness. Yes, I really did save this since finding it at the Liquor Barn in Lexington, Kentucky in mid 2009, IIRC and it went for about $16 for the 4 pack. Yes, it is worth it. And yes, I am still celebrating everything from last night's escape to the 2010 National Championship to last year's two weddings. And yes, finally, I do have one bottle remaining for a celebration next year :D .

2261

[devildeac]

Barleywine-Duck Rabbit Brewing

Pretty classic rendition here. Dark amber color, modest head and floral bitterness and tons of dark caramel, toffee and dried fruit aromas and flavors. Borders on syrupy. Do not pour this on your pancakes. I'll guess the IBU about 70 (not listed anywhere, in fact, this brew doesn't even make their web site) and the ABV is 11% but minimally boozey. Serve this slightly chilled in a goblet or snifter and sip after dinner for an hour or so.






2268

[devildeac]

Christmas Ale-Goose Island Brewing

Yet another slant on a winter seasonal and a high quality one, too. All the typical characteristics of a brown ale are here with a rich, clear pour, modest head and nutty tastes and aromas. There are hints of creamy milk chocolate, too. Bitterness is modest, guessing about 30 and the ABV is 6.2%. This would be a nice pairing with burgers, ribs or a pork roast. Lavabe sent this 4 pack for holiday enjoyment and I have 3 left and will probably trade 2 and keep the final one for a year and sample it again as they claim it ages well for 5 years. Many thanks.

Goose me.



2273

[devildeac]

Oak (Chip) Aged Bourbon Stout-CB&B (Home) Brewing

I really enjoy sampling home brews but don't get too many chances (hint) as a group of friends we have stopped several years ago and CB&B has been busing cooking, painting and moving, but he cranked up the fermenting last month and bottled this variation of a stout. He does not own any bourbon barrels (yet :D ) so he bought some oak chips from his home brew store and let them marinate in some bourbon for a couple weeks or so. I'll let him correct any errors in my memory here :o . The final product turned out to be a dark brown, slightly opaque pour with a 1-2 finger head that smelled and tasted woody/oaky with unsweetened dark chocolate notes and a faint tastes of bourbon and coffee, though no coffee was used in the brewing process. I'd guess the IBU to be 30-40, so not particularly bitter (not sure what hops he used) and he told me the final ABV was about 6%, so it was not an imperial stout. I poured it into a pint glass and sipped over 30 minutes or so as I allowed it to warm even a bit more after it sat on the counter for 15-20 minutes after removing from my 45 degree garage, err, beer cellar. I guess I'd let the chips soak a bit longer or use a bit more bourbon to impart a bit more of that flavor to the final product, but otherwise would not change a thing. I have a second bottle I will age for 90 days and re-visit at that time. Thank you for sharing.

[theAlaskanBear]

Devildeac,

Speaking of those bourbon chips:

I picked up a growler of Craggy Brewing (Asheville) Burning Barrel Porter at my local Ingles. It was tres bien! It was advertised as a chili pepper and bourbon woodchip porter. Very nice, smooth and flavorful. It was a bit on the mellow side but I'm not a huge porter fan so I appreciated that.

I had never really heard of soaking bourbon chips with beer until then...it that a pretty common thing to do?

[PSurprise]

2274

This is my Bohemian lager with the recipe from Asheville Brewing Supply. Really good taste. I like this style, and like mine even more than commercial beers-this one has a little more body than others. The beer guy at the supply store said to wait a month after bottling. I couldn't wait that long, and I'm glad I didn't...:)

[CameronBornAndBred]

2274

This is my Bohemian lager with the recipe from Asheville Brewing Supply. Really good taste. I like this style, and like mine even more than commercial beers-this one has a little more body than others. The beer guy at the supply store said to wait a month after bottling. I couldn't wait that long, and I'm glad I didn't...:)
I lived in Canton when I got into brewing...and it was that store and that guy that I depended on. I bought his kits, and for a partial grain brew they are a really good way to go. I don't know if you have done all grain brewing, I'd strongly suggest it and he can help you out. Even when I moved to the beach I would order my supplies from there until I found a shop only 30 minutes away. (Now only 5 minutes. 2275)
Good to hear DD enjoyed the stout...I'm very happy with it. The use of the oak chips has been pretty common lately as we see more "oaked" brews hit the shelves. It's the happy answer to those of us that don't own our own casks. Next time I'm going to let them soak longer in the fermenter...but I had read that they can really impart themselves strongly so I used an abundance of caution for my first try.

[devildeac]

Devildeac,

Speaking of those bourbon chips:

I picked up a growler of Craggy Brewing (Asheville) Burning Barrel Porter at my local Ingles. It was tres bien! It was advertised as a chili pepper and bourbon woodchip porter. Very nice, smooth and flavorful. It was a bit on the mellow side but I'm not a huge porter fan so I appreciated that.

I had never really heard of soaking bourbon chips with beer until then...it that a pretty common thing to do?

I'll let CB&B clarify your question but he told me he bought oak chips and soaked them in bourbon for a week or two and then put them in the fermenter. I don't brew my own so I'll trust him to describe the process more accurately.

[devildeac]

2274

This is my Bohemian lager with the recipe from Asheville Brewing Supply. Really good taste. I like this style, and like mine even more than commercial beers-this one has a little more body than others. The beer guy at the supply store said to wait a month after bottling. I couldn't wait that long, and I'm glad I didn't...:)

Lagers/pilsners are harder to brew than ales as the fermenting temperatures have to be so closely regulated which is somewhat surprising for the "lighter" beers.

[PSurprise]

I have yet to try the all-grain brewing yet. I still feel like I'm getting my feet wet with the whole process-trying out different hops, recipes, etc. All-grain brewing sounds interesting but also a lot more work/time/supplies. I basically still have just the basics right now (I still don't even have a wort chiller...yet) and am enjoying some of the different recipes they have at Asheville Brewing Supply. But next time I go in I'll ask him about all-grain brewing.

Lagers are perfect for us since we keep our house a bit on the cool side in the winter. I'm sure the yeast was quite happy.

[devildeac]

Hennepin-Ommegang Brewing

Well, technically not, as the front label says "Product of Belgium" and, in small print on the back label, "Brewed and bottled by Duvel Moortgat NV, Puurs, Belgium." I wonder if I never noticed this ages ago of if they changed the bottling of the ale from Cooperstown, NY, to Belgium when Duvel acquired Ommegang several years ago. It matters little as this Saison ale is every bit as pleasant as I remember it from the last time I had one several years ago. It pours a hazy orange-yellow with a lot of Belgian lace (light bodied "foam") into an Ommegang tulip glass with subtle hints of orange peel, ginger and coriander in the nose which are even more perceptible on the palate. Crispness and floral hops are present as are tastes of slightly underripe apples and pears. I'd guess the IBU in the 30 range and the ABV is 7.7% so I divided this caged and corked 750 ml bottle over 2 nights. Some nice dinner pairings would be grilled seafood with fruity/spicy salsa or even chicken with similar toppings. I bought this for myself as a Christmas present as it was packaged with Three Philosophers and Gnomegang for about $25 and included the above mentioned Ommegang tulip glass. I think individually, the Hennepin is $7 and the other 2 are $9 each so I figured I basically got the glass for free :D . Highly recommended.



2293

[devildeac]

Holy Hazel! This sounds incredible. Anyone interested?

http://www.raleighrarebeertasting.com/the-beers/

Virtual sporks to Ozzie (too soon to spork again) for bringing this to my attention after the game last PM.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Holy Hazel! This sounds incredible. Anyone interested?

http://www.raleighrarebeertasting.com/the-beers/

Virtual sporks to Ozzie (too soon to spork again) for bringing this to my attention after the game last PM.
Looks pretty awesome. The $65 is pretty steep though..if I'm paying that much I'm planning on crawling out the door.

[devildeac]

Looks pretty awesome. The $65 is pretty steep though..if I'm paying that much I'm planning on crawling out the door.

It is spendy. Regular beer fests are about $40 and I have not attended one of those for a decade or more for that reason. If you sample 10 beers/hour, you can try all 40 if they don't run out. I'd wager they have one ounce pours somehow but that's still a lot of beer, especially the high ABV ones that they will be sampling. I'd bet most are 9% ABV or higher.

Let's see, that works out to less than $2/taste. That will be good for 30-40 posts here, plus discussing each one, assuming I can remember what I tasted and read the notes I take on each brew...

[luvdahops]

[QUOTE=devildeac;541283]

They really don't have a DIPA but the Arrogant Bastard series comes close as do the Ruination and the Self Righteous Ales.

Check out their site:

http://www.stonebrew.com/ruin/#

QUOTE]

Stone beers are uniformly very good to excellent. The Ruination IPA is phenomenal in my view. I also like the Levitation Ale, which is a mellow (4.4% ABV) but meaty deep amber ale.

[devildeac]

[QUOTE=devildeac;541283]

They really don't have a DIPA but the Arrogant Bastard series comes close as do the Ruination and the Self Righteous Ales.

Check out their site:

http://www.stonebrew.com/ruin/#

QUOTE]

Stone beers are uniformly very good to excellent. The Ruination IPA is phenomenal in my view. I also like the Levitation Ale, which is a mellow (4.4% ABV) but meaty deep amber ale.

I have the Vertical Epics from 2009, 2010 and 2011 "cellaring" and am waiting until 12/12/12 for the final one before sampling them all. I agree that pretty much all their ales are very good to excellent. The Oaked Bastard is spendy at $15 or more for the 6er but someone gave me a single last year and I was quite pleased.

[rasputin]

Hennepin-Ommegang Brewing

Well, technically not, as the front label says "Product of Belgium" and, in small print on the back label, "Brewed and bottled by Duvel Moortgat NV, Puurs, Belgium." I wonder if I never noticed this ages ago of if they changed the bottling of the ale from Cooperstown, NY, to Belgium when Duvel acquired Ommegang several years ago. It matters little as this Saison ale is every bit as pleasant as I remember it from the last time I had one several years ago. It pours a hazy orange-yellow with a lot of Belgian lace (light bodied "foam") into an Ommegang tulip glass with subtle hints of orange peel, ginger and coriander in the nose which are even more perceptible on the palate. Crispness and floral hops are present as are tastes of slightly underripe apples and pears. I'd guess the IBU in the 30 range and the ABV is 7.7% so I divided this caged and corked 750 ml bottle over 2 nights. Some nice dinner pairings would be grilled seafood with fruity/spicy salsa or even chicken with similar toppings. I bought this for myself as a Christmas present as it was packaged with Three Philosophers and Gnomegang for about $25 and included the above mentioned Ommegang tulip glass. I think individually, the Hennepin is $7 and the other 2 are $9 each so I figured I basically got the glass for free :D . Highly recommended.



2293

We toured the Ommegang brewery in the Cooperstown area in the fall of 2010. It was quite enjoyable, and they had some good stuff, especially their BPA.

[bluebear]

[QUOTE=devildeac;541283]

They really don't have a DIPA but the Arrogant Bastard series comes close as do the Ruination and the Self Righteous Ales.

Check out their site:

http://www.stonebrew.com/ruin/#

QUOTE]

Stone beers are uniformly very good to excellent. The Ruination IPA is phenomenal in my view. I also like the Levitation Ale, which is a mellow (4.4% ABV) but meaty deep amber ale.

Ruination is excellent. My overall favorite stone brew remains double bastard though their 15th Anniversary Escondian Imperial IPA (Black IPA) is phenomenal. I'm hoping they decide to work it into the regular brewing schedule.

[bluebear]

Nemesis (2009 edition)-Founders Brewing

From the brewer:

COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
“The 2009 release of Nemesis is best described as a Maple Bourbon barrel aged wheat wine holding 12% abv and 70 ibu’s. The barrels have been resting deep in the mines of Grand Rapids for nearly 9 months and have been most effective in developing a great product. The Bourbon barrels we used in this creation were once used to age Maple syrup from northern Michigan, then emptied, and procured for our use in aging this beer. The combination of American oak, Kentucky Bourbon, Michigan Maple syrup and our golden/tan wheat ale has provided a delicious malty sweet ale distinctive of strong vanilla and bourbon notes.”

My thoughts:

This is a nice variation on a traditional barleywine style ale with the wheat malt lending a bit of citrus flavor to the typical highly hopped and abundantly malted barleywine. It has a slight orange hue and is a bit cloudy from the addition of the wheat. All the flavors above are prominent with the bourbon appearing a bit later in the sip and the maple being more subtle. Vanilla nuances are present from the oak aging and the caramel sweetness balances the moderate bitterness. Yes, I really did save this since finding it at the Liquor Barn in Lexington, Kentucky in mid 2009, IIRC and it went for about $16 for the 4 pack. Yes, it is worth it. And yes, I am still celebrating everything from last night's escape to the 2010 National Championship to last year's two weddings. And yes, finally, I do have one bottle remaining for a celebration next year :D .

2261

Yum..this was a great brew. I have one more bottle myself which I've stashed away for a special occasion.

[devildeac]

Samichlaus (2004 edition)-Castle Brewery Eggenberg

No typo. I really saved a beer 8 years and it was worth the wait. It was somewhat unintentional as I discovered this rotating/consolidating stock in the cellar, err, garage this week. I did not think I had any prior to 2006 but found this gem and divided it over 2 nights. It is technically a double bock but really most resembles a sherry. Brown sugar and dark caramel sweet with dark cherry and very winey, sherry-like flavors. Tough to believe this is beer as it has little head but remained rather clear over eight years. Best served in a snifter or wine glass at cellar temperature and only as a dessert beer. Sip and savor over an hour or so as the ABV is 14% (no typo here either) and I'd guess the IBU 20-30 as it is technically a lager. I don't think they brewed this in 2005 as the Hurlichman (sp?) sold out to Eggenberg, IIRC, and almost stopped producing this. It is about $18 for a 4 pack and truly one of the better "beers" in the world.




2306

[devildeac]

Old Stock Ale (2009)-North Coast Brewing

Ahh, another year older and another year smoother. I will post this "blind" to my post from last year about the 2011 tasting of this old style ale. I guess the style it most closely resembles is a barleywine with a much softer hop blast. Pours a slightly cloudy brown but not quite as dark as a porter and has a small tan head. This likewise resembled a sherry with a cloying sweetness, much like dark caramel or brown sugar, a bit of mild chocolate and dark cherries with a moderate booziness to it. I'd guess the IBU to be 60-70 and the ABV is 11.5% so I poured it at about 50 degrees in a pint glass for a night cap and sipped for 30-45 minutes. I have one or two remaining and I'll taste them annually.

2307


History/research note: I have no prior review of the 2009 version. My prior review was of the 2007 edition.

[devildeac]

Damnation (2009)-Russian River Brewing

This is the only Russian River brew I believe I have ever tasted. Apparently, not much escapes southern California. I found this caged and corked 750 bottle at a package goods store in Vail while we attended a meeting and skiied almost 3 years ago. Well worth the wait. It is a very fine likeness of a typical Belgian golden ale like Duvel. Pours a cloudy yellow-orange with a very pretty Belgian lace head and aromas of fresh apples and pears. There is a bit of peppery spice on tasting it with the same tastes of fresh fruit as in the bouquet. There must be some wheat malt, too, as a hint of orange is also perceived. I'd guess IBU to be about 30 and the ABV is on the bottle at 7.75% so I divided the bottle over 2 nights. A fruit plate or some soft cheeses and crackers would be pleasant with this as an appetizer or with dessert, perhaps with a fresh fruit tart, too. Another fine benefit of this ale is that I get to give myself another spork by including the label in my post:



2308



23092310

[devildeac]

From March, 2011:

Quad-Weyerbacher Brewing

Another celebratory brew after the hard fought Duke win last PM. I am not sure why this is a quadruple. Could be 4 malts, 4 yeasts, 4 hops or 4 fermentations. Or all of the preceding. The style is really a Belgian dubbel but it is a bit lighter in color (medium-light brown) with a small head and a nose rich with dark, dried fruits like raisins, dates and figs and tastes to match. Most ales of this style have candi sugar and this tastes no different with the presence of light brown sugar and rummy notes, too. I'd guess the IBU to be about 30 and the ABV is high for a dubbel (but not for a quad) at a stunning 11.8%, so pull out your snifter, let it the brew warm a few minutes on the counter and enjoy as your dessert. I found this as a 4 pack in Asheville about 6 weeks ago for about $14. Not cheap but well worth the purchase.

From last week:

Quad (2011 version)-Weyerbacher

As advertised, this has become somewhat more complex over a year of aging. The tastes and aromas are similar to my thoughts from 2011 but with richer and darker rummy and brown sugar flavors. No barrel aging (though they have done that in the past with this brew and called it Blasphemy, IIRC) and no additives except the candy (or candi) sugar. Once again, worth the price to have one this year and age the others for a couple or three years.


2314

[devildeac]

Imperial Stout-Sweetwater Brewing

This was a winter addition to Tyler's Taproom draft menu so I decided to enjoy a $5 pint of this pre-game on Saturday. I think this used to be called Happy Ending but Sweetwater must have run afoul of some Georgia ABC commissioners with the name so they changed it to something bland and unexciting. Yawn. Nonetheless, it is an almost black brew with a small tan head that has the nose of unsweetened dark chocolate with a hint of coffee. Very roasty and slightly bitter, guessing an IBU of 60 or so which would be typical of a RIS. IBU listed at 9% so I sipped this as it warmed to near room temperature with a carolina Cuban sammich and some non-garlic fries. Not a bad combo but it would be better as a dessert beer with a few chocolate chocolate chip cookies, brownies or chocolate pound cake. I would not hesitate to buy a 4 pack and trade one, taste one and save the others until next year.

(OK, they still call it Happy Ending on their web site but it was not on the menu at Tyler's that way.)

"This seasonal “Catch and Release” Imperial Stout is a dry hopped stiffy, leading to an explosive finish at 9% ABV that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face."

2316

[cato]

This is the only Russian River brew I believe I have ever tasted.

Tell me this isn't so! You haven't tried Pliny the Elder?

[devildeac]

Tell me this isn't so! You haven't tried Pliny the Elder?


Sadly, this is true. Apparently, RR has a very limited distribution range, not getting many bottles out of California. I don't recall ever seeing any other products of theirs except for Damnation and that was a 750 ml bottle I spotted in Vail almost 3 years ago. I have read great reviews of their ales but just haven't had any other chances to sip one on draft or purchase a bottle here in Raleigh :>(( .

[devildeac]

Sexual Chocolate was scheduled for release this past weekend from the Foothills Brewing Company in Winston-Salem. Any sightings/tastings yet?

[CameronBornAndBred]

Sexual Chocolate was scheduled for release this past weekend from the Foothills Brewing Company in Winston-Salem. Any sightings/tastings yet?
From a friend's reply on Facebook...

If you didn't get any, you'll have to wait tell next year. Only released once a year. Sold out in Durham in an hour.

[devildeac]

From a friend's reply on Facebook...

Hoping to find some on draft at Tyler's pre-game on Sunday.

2337



Sexual Chocolate

A cocoa infused Imperial Stout – Opaque black in color with a dark brown head. Big chocolate aroma with notes of espresso, blackstrap molasses, dark sweet toffee and dark fruit. Smooth dark chocolate backbone with complex notes of coffee, dark toffee and dark fruit.

SRM: 70
IBU: 85
ABV: 9.75%

[devildeac]

Barleywine (2009 edition)-Schlafly Brewing

This actually has a much longer name and on the bottle is Schlafly Reserve, ale aged on oak chips. I'll just call it delicious and the way all barleywines should be brewed. I sipped this over 2 nights as it was a capped 750 ml bottle that Lavabe delivered in late 2009 during a Christmas visit. Poured a slightly cloudy brown-orange color with a faint nose of bourbon and lots of toffee and dark caramel aromas. The taste is a smooth dark caramel with vanilla from the oak aging and, I'll swear bourbon. I can't find any statement anywhere that the aging vessels are old bourbon casks but the tastes are boozey and whiskey-ish. The IBU are 40 which I find to be a bit low for the style and the ABV is 10.2% and the bourbon notes make it seem a bit higher. I let this warm a bit and sipped over an hour or so as a dessert beer. So, if you can find a 2011 version, buy two and enjoy one now and save a bottle for a year or three.




2338

[devildeac]

Tripel-Schlafly Brewing
Brewer's notes:

Tripel
Available year round
ABV: 10% | IBU: 25

Appearance: Deep yellow, slightly hazy
Process: Traditional Trappist-style Tripel
Hops: Marynka, Lublin (PL), Hallertau, Mittelfrüh (DE)
Malts: 2-row malted barley, Carapils malt, sugar
Yeast: Belgian Abbey Ale
OG: 22
SRM: 8

Our Tripel is golden with a relatively light body compared to its alcohol content. Bottle-conditioning creates an effervescent mouth feel, as well as the distinct Belgian lace prized in Belgian beers. The use of European noble hops creates a mild spicy flavor. Fermented with a traditional, Trappist Belgian yeast strain, this beer has subtle fruity and banana flavors.

While the origin of the word “Tripel” is unknown, there is a theory that it indicates “strength in some way”, as Tripels tend to be high in alcohol and strong in flavor. The term is most associated with Westmalle, a Trappist brewery in Belgium. This term has spread to other Belgian and American breweries to describe a light-colored, strong ale with high alcohol content and Belgian yeast.
My notes:

I'd love to compare this during a tasting with Duvel, Westmalle, Corsendonk and another tripel or three. I believe it would fare favorably. I think there are some orange notes in the taste, too. This would pair well with fresh fruits and soft cheeses before a meal or after a meal with the same or a fruit tart.

This was a delivery from ArkieDukie during her visitation during a Brunchgate last fall and was brewed in June, 2011, so it was nearly 8 months old. Shame I did not have her bring 2 so I could age the second one for a year or more.




2340

[devildeac]

Bitter American-21st Amendment Brewing

Quite the pale ale here. Pours a clear amber with a modest head and subtle notes of light caramel and toffee and soft floral scents. Most other features are modest with an average IBU of 42 and ABV of 4.4%, which is a bit low for a pale ale. This is a fine session ale that could be enjoyed with sandwiches or grilled fare in spring, summer or fall at a Brunchgate or holiday gathering. This was a trader this week with a drug rep who calls on me in my office every 2 weeks or so.


Great picture on the can:




2341

[devildeac]

Founders' Ale-Newcastle

This is probably best described by the link at the end of my tasting notes. A pale ale in the English style, this sessionable brew pours a clear amber with a small head and has a bouquet and tastes of light caramel and fresh winter flowers. IBU are a bit lower than a standard pale ale at 20 and the ABV is 4.8%. This would be fine for an afternoon or evening of tasting or to accompany sammiches or burgers/sausages off the grill. I received this as a trader this week.

http://beernews.org/2012/01/newcastle-founders-ale-makes-debut/



2343

[OldPhiKap]

Founders' Ale-Newcastle

This is probably best described by the link at the end of my tasting notes. A pale ale in the English style, this sessionable brew pours a clear amber with a small head and has a bouquet and tastes of light caramel and fresh winter flowers. IBU are a bit lower than a standard pale ale at 20 and the ABV is 4.8%. This would be fine for an afternoon or evening of tasting or to accompany sammiches or burgers/sausages off the grill. I received this as a trader this week.

http://beernews.org/2012/01/newcastle-founders-ale-makes-debut/



2343

I'm a big fan of Newcastle, look forward to trying this.

Just picked up a nice Imperial IPA for the Super Bowl -- Majaraja by Avery Brewing Co. Yum yum.

[devildeac]

I'm a big fan of Newcastle, look forward to trying this.

Just picked up a nice Imperial IPA for the Super Bowl -- Majaraja by Avery Brewing Co. Yum yum.

Here's a review I have from last year:

Maharaja-2011 Edition-Avery Brewing

This is just as much of a hop bomb as prior tastings but still one of the better IIPAs I have tasted. These are bomber only offerings in their Dictator series along with the Kaiser and the Czar. A highly hopped and grapefruity double IPA with some pine and cannabis notes, too. Huge malty presence for a nicely balanced taste. The IBU rolls in a a massive 102 and the ABV is a coma-inducing 10.54%. I had 4 ounces of this Sunday and Monday nights after a couple lighter brews and finished the bomber tonight with a 14 ounce portion. This is great as a night cap or would be fine with dinner with Indian or hot/spicy Asian fare. Part of the CB&B/devildeac trading series earlier this month. I'd buy another bomber of this at about $8 according to CB&B and hide it for a year ;) .

[devildeac]

I'm a big fan of Newcastle, look forward to trying this.

Just picked up a nice Imperial IPA for the Super Bowl -- Majaraja by Avery Brewing Co. Yum yum.


Here's a review I have from last year:

Maharaja-2011 Edition-Avery Brewing

This is just as much of a hop bomb as prior tastings but still one of the better IIPAs I have tasted. These are bomber only offerings in their Dictator series along with the Kaiser and the Czar. A highly hopped and grapefruity double IPA with some pine and cannabis notes, too. Huge malty presence for a nicely balanced taste. The IBU rolls in a a massive 102 and the ABV is a coma-inducing 10.54%. I had 4 ounces of this Sunday and Monday nights after a couple lighter brews and finished the bomber tonight with a 14 ounce portion. This is great as a night cap or would be fine with dinner with Indian or hot/spicy Asian fare. Part of the CB&B/devildeac trading series earlier this month. I'd buy another bomber of this at about $8 according to CB&B and hide it for a year ;) .


And one from this past fall on a draft tasting:

Maharaja (draft)-Avery Brewing

Now this ale Ozzie tasted last PM is bitter. I found this on tap last PM at Tyler's Taproom in Derm prior to CTC and it was $5 for the pint. That's a really good price for a 10.2% ABV IIPA with an IBU of a massive 102. There was a small head on the pour with an intense grapefruity aroma and the Tropicana taste to match. The use of large quantities of caramel, 2 row and victory malts readily balance the bitterness with a bready sweetness. Color was amber-orange and this hop monster paired nicely with the surprisingly mild honey-jalapeno wings Oz and Talklady shared as an apppetizer and my dinner reuben sandwich. This is not for those with faint palates and is modestly superior to the several annual offerings I have enjoyed of this fine ale from the bombers which are an annual member of the Avery Dictator Series.

[OldPhiKap]

Here's a review I have from last year:

Maharaja-2011 Edition-Avery Brewing

This is just as much of a hop bomb as prior tastings but still one of the better IIPAs I have tasted. These are bomber only offerings in their Dictator series along with the Kaiser and the Czar. A highly hopped and grapefruity double IPA with some pine and cannabis notes, too. Huge malty presence for a nicely balanced taste. The IBU rolls in a a massive 102 and the ABV is a coma-inducing 10.54%. I had 4 ounces of this Sunday and Monday nights after a couple lighter brews and finished the bomber tonight with a 14 ounce portion. This is great as a night cap or would be fine with dinner with Indian or hot/spicy Asian fare. Part of the CB&B/devildeac trading series earlier this month. I'd buy another bomber of this at about $8 according to CB&B and hide it for a year ;) .

This raises several important questions:

1. Does this really age well? I know that IPA's were originally designed to last long times in heat, but never heard of aging it after in the bottle. If so, should it be kept cold like wine in the chiller?

2. "cannabis notes" -- um, really?

[devildeac]

This raises several important questions:

1. Does this really age well? I know that IPA's were originally designed to last long times in heat, but never heard of aging it after in the bottle. If so, should it be kept cold like wine in the chiller?

2. "cannabis notes" -- um, really?

1. Yes. IIRC, it is bottle-conditioned, meaning there is yeast left in the bottle so the brew will continue to ferment, develop and "mature," sometimes over many years. The higher hop content in the original IPAs brewed by the British served as preservatives as the beers made their long journey to India, hence the name India pale ales. You will also find that your higher ABV brews will "age" or cellar well. If a beer is not pasteurized, and a number of micros are not, they should be kept refrigerated. Most beers are perfectly fine if you wish to keep them for a year or two (or even more) as long as you keep them away from heat and light so I'd stick a 6er or two of beer you'd like to try aging in a closet, basement or storage area.

2. Seriously. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hops and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis. Specifically this: "The genus Cannabis was formerly placed in the Nettle (Urticaceae) or Mulberry (Moraceae) family, and later, along with the Humulus genus (hops), in a separate family, the Hemp family (Cannabaceae sensu stricto).[20] Recent phylogenetic studies based on cpDNA restriction site analysis and gene sequencing strongly suggest that the Cannabaceae sensu stricto arose from within the former Celtidaceae family, and that the two families should be merged to form a single monophyletic family, the Cannabaceae sensu lato.[21][22]"

2346
2347

[devildeac]

Ruthless Rye IPA-Sierra Nevada

Brand new brew time! Quite a twist on your typical IPA with the addition of rye to the malted barley. The other brew I have had in the last year or two in which I recall rye being one of the grains is the Rye-Squared IPA by the folks at Terrapin Brewing. And, if my feeble memory is correct, I thought the rye imparted a bit of an earthy, musty taste. This one is different to me as the rye here appears peppery and spicy and not musty at all. All the other usual IPA characteristics are present including some malt sweetness, floral hop bitterness, all in a reddish-brown pour with a modest head. IBU are 55 and the ABV is 6.6%, both fairly typical for the style. Glad I bought my own 6er of this one as I traded two, drank one and now have to decide what to do with the other three.

2348

[devildeac]

Chocolate Stout-Harpoon Brewing

Almost black. Viscous. Smooth. Roasty. Cocoa-like flavors. Mild bitterness. IBU about 40-50. ABV probably 5-6%. Very pleasant mouthfeel and would make a fine dessert beverage by itself or with a brownie or slice of chocolate cake. This would even be good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream :D .

[devildeac]

Black Cannon-Clipper City Brewing

This is their variation on Loose Cannon with the addition of black and/or chocolate malts which impart a rather smooth texture to an otherwise rather hoppy IPA. There really are milk chocolate notes to this brew which balance the piney hop tastes very well. I'd guess the IBU about 50-60 and the ABV is 7.25% but I did enjoy it over the weekend to celebrate several events. The pour is a dark brown with a small tan head and this would be pleasant with ribs, 'cue or BBQ chicken or brats off the grill. I actually bought a 6er of this myself and plan on trading 3 or 4 and enjoying the rest myself.

[devildeac]

Brew Free or Die IPA-21st Amendment Brewing

I have read/heard about this brewery/pub in SF but no prior tastings. This was a canned brew I received as a trader last week. Pours a gold color, 2 finger head with a bouquet of hop aromas, including a bit of citrus and a bit of pine. Solid balance with the malts and a hint of caramel sweetness. IBU at 70 and the ABV is 7% from the 6 hop varieties and 2 malts. Pair with spicy dishes or thick soups/stews, ribs and BBQ. This is actually a contract brew with Cold Spring, Minnesota listed as the brewery/place of origin. Not sure what they pour in SF, whether it is brewed on site or in the frozen north. Worth a single, 6er/trader.

2359

[devildeac]

Sexual Chocolate-Foothills Brewing (2011 review)

A grand slam brew or hitting for the cycle. This imperial stout has become somewhat legendary in its several year existence and the pint yesterday afternoon at Tyler's Taproom prior to the NCSU game lived up to its reputation and more. The pour is nearly black and the small head which does not linger long is a medium tan. The nose is dark, semisweet chocolate and espresso and the tastes are the same with black strap molasses and dark aged rum. As is standard for imperial stouts, the IBU are high at 85 but the massive amounts of chocolate and black patent malts smooth the high IBU very nicely along with the ABV of about 10%. It was served cold but I sipped it about 30 minutes and the warming released all the above flavors. I actually drank water with my meal and savored this as a dessert beer. The pint was $7, which I thought was very reasonably priced. My drug rep buddy had a friend standing in line at the brewery on release date on 1/29 and he waited an hour in a line that was 3 blocks long and had to leave to take a child to swim practice so I ended up with zero bottles :(( :(( . I'd have another pint of this in a New York minute if we go out to dinner next week and it would be worthwhile for anyone living in NC to call around to your local beer emporiums to see if they have any left on draft. This was a stunning brew and easily makes my top 5 list along with the BBCS, the DFH Palo Santo Marron, Bridgeport's Old Knucklehead and the Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.

Oh, yea, I forgot:

2378



Sexual Chocolate (2012 version)-Foothills Brewing

I'll just let y'all read last year's review as this year's pint on Sunday at Tyler's Taproom before the Miami game was just as fine as last year's. I may visit a new micro brew store, Bottle Revolution, about as block from my office tomorrow on the way home and see if the owner got a keg and treat myself again on the way home from work tomorrow.

2377

[devildeac]

Fat Squirrel-New Glarus Brewing

I received this as a trader a couple weeks ago from another drug rep who calls on me at the office after his visit to relatives in Wisconsin over the holidays. I had placed an order for Wisconsin Red and Raspberry Tart but he said he could not find them so he split a 12 pack sampler with his BIL and brought his 6 back to NC for me. This is a bit of an unusual brown ale as it is unfiltered with a blend of a number of hops and malts. It pours a light brown with a modest head and has a floral hop bouquet mixed with a bit of nuttiness. The nuttiness (almonds and hazelnuts) are more prominent on tasting it and it is crisp and clean and only very slightly cloudy. I'd be happy to sip this with sandwiches, grilled fare or BBQ goods on a fall afternoon. I'd guess the IBU about 30 and the ABV around 5%. Solid session brew.

Some amusing brewer's notes:

Fat Squirrel
One deceptively spring like winter day, Brewmaster Dan walked home from the brewery, sat down to dinner and said, "Boy, there are some fat squirrels out there. They're running all over the place. I think I should brew a Fat Squirrel Nut Brown Ale." Deb agreed and so another beer legend was born.

100% Wisconsin malt of six different varieties impart the natural toasted color to this bottle conditioned unfiltered ale. Clean hazelnut notes result from these carefully chosen barley malts. Hops from Slovenia, Bavaria and the Pacific Northwest give Fat Squirrel its backbone. When the going gets tough, remember to relax a moment and enjoy the "Fat Squirrel" in your neighborhood.


2379

[fuse]

Belated but it's Hopslam season! If you like IPAs or "double" IPAs, Hopslam is a must drink. If you find any beer that has a better nose, let me know. Smells like pure hop heaven, and has a nice honey sweetness to balance out the high hoppiness.

Bell's makes some awesome beers.

[devildeac]

Lager-Brooklyn Brewing


Pretty standard fare here but a solid brew. Poured a light amber with a modest head and aromas of fresh flowers and tastes of light caramel and toasted bread. Had this at Chalk Talk with chicken and a light cream sauce, pasta and some veggies, succotash and 2 different salads. Would also be good with Brunchgate fare on a warm summer or fall afternoon. I'd guess the IBU about 20 and the ABV was 5.2% so worthy to include in a tasting session, too.

[devildeac]

Belated but it's Hopslam season! If you like IPAs or "double" IPAs, Hopslam is a must drink. If you find any beer that has a better nose, let me know. Smells like pure hop heaven, and has a nice honey sweetness to balance out the high hoppiness.

Bell's makes some awesome beers.

From a review I did here 2/4/08:

Tonight's delight-Bell's Brewery's offering of Hopslam. I will quote the bottle here. "Hopslam Ale-ale brewed with honey." (on the front of the bottle). "A biting, bitter, tongue bruiser of an ale. With a name like Hopslam, what did you expect?" (back of the bottle). My thoughts: this is an I2PA, or Imperial India Pale Ale. It is highly hopped(can't tell what kind of hops), and moderately bitter but the honey and high ABV(10%) smooth this out nicely. This is a sipping ale with some floral aromas and taste. I enjoyed it immensely as an after dinner type beer with a Granny Smith apple which was just about as tart and bitter as the beer. You hop heads in the Midwest (I am talkin' to you Ohioguy and TB) would really enjoy this one. Very comparable to the Dogfishead 90 Minute IPA.

Wow! I can't believe it has been 4 years since I tasted one of these. Outstanding DIPA. Good find/suggestion!

[devildeac]

For A-Tex Devil:

Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout-Stone Brewing

I'm going to let the professional reviewer describe this one and then add a few thought of my own:


Appearance:

The beer pours black with a deep tan head of foam.

Aroma:

The aroma is a blend of anise, coffee, and cocoa, with black licorice and dried fruit flavors.

Taste:

Up front taste impressions are classic Stout, with coffee and dark roasted malt flavors dominating. The anise comes through mid-palate, and blends nicely with the malt flavors. Towards the finish, the oak character from the aging on oak makes its appearance, and creates lingering subtle mellow vanilla and oak complements to the dark roasted malt.

Palate:

The palate is full bodied and very smooth. The alcohol is minimally perceivable, it's not very hot.

Overall Impression:

Really nice flavor combination. There's a lot going on in this beer, yet it never loses the original character of a classic Stone Imperial Russian Stout. The Belgian yeast is largely subdued, there's very little in the way of clove, and just hints of banana, yet the yeast esters add to the overall palate of flavors here, and come out more as the beer warms in the glass. This is one that will age nicely for several years.
Stone Beer Quick Facts
2011
Release Date:

May 31st, 2011
First Release Date:

July 2000
Hop Variety:

Warrior
Stats:

ALC/VOL 10.5%, 56 IBUs

There is not quite as much licorice flavor in this RIS as I thought. Certainly not as much as in Labyrinth from Uinta Brewing which I tasted at one of our Brunchgates. I found this brew to be almost overpowering but not so with the Stone product. It's boozey enough, giving it tastes of dark Caribbean rum, too. There are also hint of black molasses.

I found a bomber of this in Williamsburg at The Cheese Shop in December so I managed to "age" it for about 3 months before I split it over a couple nights last week. Definitely worth a tasting but not sure I'd buy it again although it was a very reasonably priced high gravity ale at $7.50 for the bomber.

2398

[devildeac]

Fifteen (2010)-Weyerbacher Brewing

Some brewer's note first:

This is a celebration of our fifteenth year making craft beer and it stands as an example of the bold flavorful beers that we have come to make. This is not a timid ale; it’s an intense, full-bodied smoke experience. Fifteen has a rich flavor profile balancing notes of dark roast, burnt toast, and spicy rye with a deep earthy aroma of smoke and wood. This beer should age nicely and be a smoky treasure for many years.

My thoughts:

Not quite as thick/chewy as some imperial stouts, but close. Pours almost black with a small tan head and multiple flavors of smoked peat, cocoa and espresso. This could be a dessert beer but could also be served with a meal of game or smoked meats such as brisket. Pretty standard IBU at 80 and an ABV of 10.8% so be careful as you sip one of these. Best served slightly chilled in a snifter or pint glass. I bought a couple of these and will save one to sample and review next year.

2399

[fuse]

An imperial stout with chocolate and cayenne pepper, leaves a lingering little bit of heat on the tongue.

Went well with some nice chocolate truffles last night, eminently sippable and enjoyable on its own.

Great Divide makes some fantastic beers. There are quite a few in the Yeti series, but Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti was the first I've tried. I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest based on how good this was.

[devildeac]

An imperial stout with chocolate and cayenne pepper, leaves a lingering little bit of heat on the tongue.

Went well with some nice chocolate truffles last night, eminently sippable and enjoyable on its own.

Great Divide makes some fantastic beers. There are quite a few in the Yeti series, but Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti was the first I've tried. I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest based on how good this was.

I'll try to locate some of my past tastings/reviews and add them here. That really is a great collection of brews and all are worth tasting. More than once.

From 1/16/10:

Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout (draft)-Great Divide-This was my dessert after the pulled pork, slaw and fries which were washed down with the Magic Hat Howl. What a complex beer! Served too cold in about an 8 ounce snifter-type glass, I let it warm for about 15 minutes and then sipped this onyx elixir. Small, tan head and many different flavors of molasses, dark dried fruits and bittersweet chocolate and expresso. I'd guess the IBU to be about 70. It is not for the faint of tongue or palate. It even tasted a bit peppery. ABV was a massive 9.5% and this gave it a more than a bit of booziness. The oak aging imparts a bit of smoothness, vanilla and woody character to the taste, too. I'd love to sample their chocolate and expresso imperial stouts. Ozzie didn't like this too much but I found it to be a fascinating beverage. I am also glad they did not have Hibernation Ale as I prolly woulda tried that, too:o.

[devildeac]

An imperial stout with chocolate and cayenne pepper, leaves a lingering little bit of heat on the tongue.

Went well with some nice chocolate truffles last night, eminently sippable and enjoyable on its own.

Great Divide makes some fantastic beers. There are quite a few in the Yeti series, but Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti was the first I've tried. I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest based on how good this was.


I'll try to locate some of my past tastings/reviews and add them here. That really is a great collection of brews and all are worth tasting. More than once.

From 1/16/10:

Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout-Great Divide-This was my dessert after the pulled pork, slaw and fries which were washed down with the Magic Hat Howl. What a complex beer! Served too cold in about an 8 ounce snifter-type glass, I let it warm for about 15 minutes and then sipped this onyx elixir. Small, tan head and many different flavors of molasses, dark dried fruits and bittersweet chocolate and expresso. I'd guess the IBU to be about 70. It is not for the faint of tongue or palate. It even tasted a bit peppery. ABV was a massive 9.5% and this gave it a more than a bit of booziness. The oak aging imparts a bit of smoothness, vanilla and woody character to the taste, too. I'd love to sample their chocolate and expresso imperial stouts. Ozzie didn't like this too much but I found it to be a fascinating beverage. I am also glad they did not have Hibernation Ale as I prolly woulda tried that, too:o.

From 10/17/10:

Espresso Oak Aged Yeti-Great Divide

Amazing beer. An imperial stout aged on oak chips with coffee added. Black and viscous with the taste of a good strong cuppa Joe with a generous shot of whiskey added and some dark chocolate syrup. I'd wager the IBU to be rather high as most imperial stouts are usually in the 70-85 range. The ABV is 9.5% and, served at air temperature at Brunchgate which was about 55, it was a bit boozey. The pecan rolls, coffee cake and banananana chocolate chip bread were nice pairs with the stout. This would also be highly tasty in a snifter for dessert by itself or with other chocolate baked goods. I think I have had this one other time at Tyler's on draft as my dessert that evening. It was even better from the tap, IIRC.

[devildeac]

An imperial stout with chocolate and cayenne pepper, leaves a lingering little bit of heat on the tongue.

Went well with some nice chocolate truffles last night, eminently sippable and enjoyable on its own.

Great Divide makes some fantastic beers. There are quite a few in the Yeti series, but Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti was the first I've tried. I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest based on how good this was.


I'll try to locate some of my past tastings/reviews and add them here. That really is a great collection of brews and all are worth tasting. More than once.

From 1/16/10:

Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout-Great Divide-This was my dessert after the pulled pork, slaw and fries which were washed down with the Magic Hat Howl. What a complex beer! Served too cold in about an 8 ounce snifter-type glass, I let it warm for about 15 minutes and then sipped this onyx elixir. Small, tan head and many different flavors of molasses, dark dried fruits and bittersweet chocolate and expresso. I'd guess the IBU to be about 70. It is not for the faint of tongue or palate. It even tasted a bit peppery. ABV was a massive 9.5% and this gave it a more than a bit of booziness. The oak aging imparts a bit of smoothness, vanilla and woody character to the taste, too. I'd love to sample their chocolate and expresso imperial stouts. Ozzie didn't like this too much but I found it to be a fascinating beverage. I am also glad they did not have Hibernation Ale as I prolly woulda tried that, too:o.


From 10/17/10:

Espresso Oak Aged Yeti-Great Divide

Amazing beer. An imperial stout aged on oak chips with coffee added. Black and viscous with the taste of a good strong cuppa Joe with a generous shot of whiskey added and some dark chocolate syrup. I'd wager the IBU to be rather high as most imperial stouts are usually in the 70-85 range. The ABV is 9.5% and, served at air temperature at Brunchgate which was about 55, it was a bit boozey. The pecan rolls, coffee cake and banananana chocolate chip bread were nice pairs with the stout. This would also be highly tasty in a snifter for dessert by itself or with other chocolate baked goods. I think I have had this one other time at Tyler's on draft as my dessert that evening. It was even better from the tap, IIRC.

From 5/3/11:

Oak Aged Yeti (bottle)-Great Divide Brewing


Getting kinda out of the dark beer season but couldn't resist this one which has been cellaring since January, 2010. This is a smooth, almost black imperial stout that has been aged in oak barrels. They have 4 versions of the Yeti: regular, oak aged. espresso oak aged and chocolate oak aged.
I believe the chocolate is my favorite but I'd buy another couple bombers of this next winter and enjoy one promptly and let the other sit for a year. Heavily roasted black and chocolate malts in large quantities give this brew the bittersweet cocoa flavors and the oak aging imparts woody and vanilla tones to the palate. No bourbon here. Hints of coffee, black licorice and dark molasses are present, too. IBU are at 75 and the ABV is 9.5% so this is a share beer (about $8 for the bomber) or cork and serve over 2 nights brew like I did. Dessert beckons, with or without a slice of double or triple chocolate cake/torte.

Can you tell I really like this series;)?

[devildeac]

An imperial stout with chocolate and cayenne pepper, leaves a lingering little bit of heat on the tongue.

Went well with some nice chocolate truffles last night, eminently sippable and enjoyable on its own.

Great Divide makes some fantastic beers. There are quite a few in the Yeti series, but Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti was the first I've tried. I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest based on how good this was.


I'll try to locate some of my past tastings/reviews and add them here. That really is a great collection of brews and all are worth tasting. More than once.

From 1/16/10:

Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout (draft)-Great Divide-This was my dessert after the pulled pork, slaw and fries which were washed down with the Magic Hat Howl. What a complex beer! Served too cold in about an 8 ounce snifter-type glass, I let it warm for about 15 minutes and then sipped this onyx elixir. Small, tan head and many different flavors of molasses, dark dried fruits and bittersweet chocolate and expresso. I'd guess the IBU to be about 70. It is not for the faint of tongue or palate. It even tasted a bit peppery. ABV was a massive 9.5% and this gave it a more than a bit of booziness. The oak aging imparts a bit of smoothness, vanilla and woody character to the taste, too. I'd love to sample their chocolate and expresso imperial stouts. Ozzie didn't like this too much but I found it to be a fascinating beverage. I am also glad they did not have Hibernation Ale as I prolly woulda tried that, too:o.


From 10/17/10:

Espresso Oak Aged Yeti-Great Divide

Amazing beer. An imperial stout aged on oak chips with coffee added. Black and viscous with the taste of a good strong cuppa Joe with a generous shot of whiskey added and some dark chocolate syrup. I'd wager the IBU to be rather high as most imperial stouts are usually in the 70-85 range. The ABV is 9.5% and, served at air temperature at Brunchgate which was about 55, it was a bit boozey. The pecan rolls, coffee cake and banananana chocolate chip bread were nice pairs with the stout. This would also be highly tasty in a snifter for dessert by itself or with other chocolate baked goods. I think I have had this one other time at Tyler's on draft as my dessert that evening. It was even better from the tap, IIRC.


From 5/3/11:

Oak Aged Yeti (bottle)-Great Divide Brewing


Getting kinda out of the dark beer season but couldn't resist this one which has been cellaring since January, 2010. This is a smooth, almost black imperial stout that has been aged in oak barrels. They have 4 versions of the Yeti: regular, oak aged. espresso oak aged and chocolate oak aged.
I believe the chocolate is my favorite but I'd buy another couple bombers of this next winter and enjoy one promptly and let the other sit for a year. Heavily roasted black and chocolate malts in large quantities give this brew the bittersweet cocoa flavors and the oak aging imparts woody and vanilla tones to the palate. No bourbon here. Hints of coffee, black licorice and dark molasses are present, too. IBU are at 75 and the ABV is 9.5% so this is a share beer (about $8 for the bomber) or cork and serve over 2 nights brew like I did. Dessert beckons, with or without a slice of double or triple chocolate cake/torte.

Can you tell I really like this series;)?

Oooh, I found another one from 12/1/11:

Belgian Style Yeti-Great Divide Brewing

Yet another twist on the Yeti brew, this one remains an imperial stout but is brewed with a Belgian yeast that imparts a bit of dark fruitiness and sourness to the usual flavors you would expect from a typical RIS and they are dark chocolate and espresso. The other Yeti are about 70 IBU and this one is about the same and carries an ABV of 9.5%. I split this $8 bomber over 2 nights and recommend it highly for dessert buy itself or with the usual chocolate suspects, too.


I have another bomber of this that I will cellar for a year and taste again;).

There may be one more Yeti. I'm still looking:o.

[devildeac]

Oooh, I found another one from 12/1/11:

Belgian Style Yeti-Great Divide Brewing

Yet another twist on the Yeti brew, this one remains an imperial stout but is brewed with a Belgian yeast that imparts a bit of dark fruitiness and sourness to the usual flavors you would expect from a typical RIS and they are dark chocolate and espresso. The other Yeti are about 70 IBU and this one is about the same and carries an ABV of 9.5%. I split this $8 bomber over 2 nights and recommend it highly for dessert buy itself or with the usual chocolate suspects, too.


I have another bomber of this that I will cellar for a year and taste again;).

There may be one more Yeti. I'm still looking:o.

If their web site is correct, they now have 5 Yeti.

1. Yeti
2. Oak Aged Yeti
3. Belgian Style Yeti
4. Espresso Oak Aged Yeti
5. Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti

Damn, come to think of it, there are more Yeti than there are Bigfoot/Bigfoots/Bigfeet.

No telling what they might have as draft only concoctions at the brewery but they don't count 'cuz I can't taste them :( .

[devildeac]

Insanity (2011)-Weyerbacher Brewing

Even smoother than the March, 2011 tasting. And I still have one bottle left to sample next year :D . Oak/cask/bourbon barrel aging has made most of the barleywines I have tried so much softer on the palate by giving them vanilla, woody and dark fruity flavors in addition to the whiskey tastes.

Here are my 2011 notes:

Insanity-Weyerbacher Brewing

From the brewer: Insanity is made by aging our perfectly balanced Blithering Idiot Barleywine in oak bourbon casks. This incredible combination creates a mélange of flavors from rich malts, raisons, and dates to oak, vanilla, and bourbon. Insanity will be yours this February!

From my lips: This is the style/manner in which most barleywines should be made. I'll guess an IBU about 70-80 but the ABV is 11.5% for an incredible malty backbone and balance. Quite smooth and luscious and even reminding me of another favorite of mine, Dogfish Head's Immort Ale, with some maple syrup notes. Marketed in 4 packs at about $13 for the grouping. The pour is slightly cloudy and deep reddish-brown, the head is modest and it should be served about 55-60 degrees in a snifter/goblet and sipped after ACCT victories

2406

[fuse]

Insanity (2011)-Weyerbacher Brewing

Even smoother than the March, 2011 tasting. And I still have one bottle left to sample next year :D . Oak/cask/bourbon barrel aging has made most of the barleywines I have tried so much softer on the palate by giving them vanilla, woody and dark fruity flavors in addition to the whiskey tastes.

Here are my 2011 notes:

Insanity-Weyerbacher Brewing

From the brewer: Insanity is made by aging our perfectly balanced Blithering Idiot Barleywine in oak bourbon casks. This incredible combination creates a mélange of flavors from rich malts, raisons, and dates to oak, vanilla, and bourbon. Insanity will be yours this February!

From my lips: This is the style/manner in which most barleywines should be made. I'll guess an IBU about 70-80 but the ABV is 11.5% for an incredible malty backbone and balance. Quite smooth and luscious and even reminding me of another favorite of mine, Dogfish Head's Immort Ale, with some maple syrup notes. Marketed in 4 packs at about $13 for the grouping. The pour is slightly cloudy and deep reddish-brown, the head is modest and it should be served about 55-60 degrees in a snifter/goblet and sipped after ACCT victories

2406

Thanks for the Yeti notes- nice!
If you like Insanity, you should do a side by side with Dogfish Head Burton Baton.
I did this, unfortunately with a young Insanity and an aged Burton Baton, and the difference was striking between an older oak aged beer and a young one.

Independently, I would have said I enjoyed the Insanity. Compared to a one year older Burton Baton, it was sharp, woody and astringent where the Burton Baton was smooth and mellow and more balanced.
An interesting experiment for sure.

Weyerbacher makes some great beers- their Imperial Pumking is one of my favorites (along with SFH Punkin).

-g

[bluebear]

Thanks for the Yeti notes- nice!
If you like Insanity, you should do a side by side with Dogfish Head Burton Baton.
I did this, unfortunately with a young Insanity and an aged Burton Baton, and the difference was striking between an older oak aged beer and a young one.

Independently, I would have said I enjoyed the Insanity. Compared to a one year older Burton Baton, it was sharp, woody and astringent where the Burton Baton was smooth and mellow and more balanced.
An interesting experiment for sure.

Weyerbacher makes some great beers- their Imperial Pumking is one of my favorites (along with SFH Punkin).

-g

Interesting side by side. Burton Baton is one of the smoothest beers out there, especially with a little age on it. I like Insanity as well, but as you describe, it's hot and boozy. The bourbon from the barrels really dominates. I've never tried one with more than a year or so of age on it though.

[devildeac]

Thanks for the Yeti notes- nice!
If you like Insanity, you should do a side by side with Dogfish Head Burton Baton.
I did this, unfortunately with a young Insanity and an aged Burton Baton, and the difference was striking between an older oak aged beer and a young one.

Independently, I would have said I enjoyed the Insanity. Compared to a one year older Burton Baton, it was sharp, woody and astringent where the Burton Baton was smooth and mellow and more balanced.
An interesting experiment for sure.

Weyerbacher makes some great beers- their Imperial Pumking is one of my favorites (along with SFH Punkin).

-g

Great stuff/ideas. I think I have one Insanity left from a January, 2011 purchase and several bottles of Burton Baton "aging" in the "cellar" so I'll have to check and probably plan on that next winter.

Weyerbacher brews are kinda tough to find here in Raleigh and I almost always grab the anniversary or aged brews when I see them.

[fuse]

Great stuff/ideas. I think I have one Insanity left from a January, 2011 purchase and several bottles of Burton Baton "aging" in the "cellar" so I'll have to check and probably plan on that next winter.

Weyerbacher brews are kinda tough to find here in Raleigh and I almost always grab the anniversary or aged brews when I see them.

You said Raleigh but I am sure you know about Sam's in Durham. There are a couple new bottle shops in Raleigh but I have not been to them, and the Beer Dispensary in Apex is generally flush with Weyerbacher brews.

The new Tyler's in Raleigh is supposed to have a bottle shop, and Bottle Revolution is getting quite a reputation as well.

Anyone tried DFH Noble Rot, Tweason'ale or the Olde Hickory Euriophodes (sp?) imperial pilsner?

[bluebear]

You said Raleigh but I am sure you know about Sam's in Durham. There are a couple new bottle shops in Raleigh but I have not been to them, and the Beer Dispensary in Apex is generally flush with Weyerbacher brews.

The new Tyler's in Raleigh is supposed to have a bottle shop, and Bottle Revolution is getting quite a reputation as well.

Anyone tried DFH Noble Rot, Tweason'ale or the Olde Hickory Euriophodes (sp?) imperial pilsner?

I have a bottle of Noble Rot in the fridge which I hope to crack this weekend. I've seen 4 packs of tweasonale around but having picked one up.

[devildeac]

You said Raleigh but I am sure you know about Sam's in Durham. There are a couple new bottle shops in Raleigh but I have not been to them, and the Beer Dispensary in Apex is generally flush with Weyerbacher brews.

The new Tyler's in Raleigh is supposed to have a bottle shop, and Bottle Revolution is getting quite a reputation as well.

Anyone tried DFH Noble Rot, Tweason'ale or the Olde Hickory Euriophodes (sp?) imperial pilsner?

Never seem to get to Sam's when we get to Derm. Have not been to World of Beer nor heard of any other beer shops in Raleigh and never get to Apex. Have not been to the Raleigh Tyler's but they are located next to the old Capital (City?) grocery so a package shop makes sense. (Un)fortunately, Bottle Revolution is 2 blocks from my office and waaaayyyy too tempting on my way home from work everyday. In fact, just about 2 hours ago, I made a stop there and picked up bombers of Old Ruffian and Gemini and I am sipping the latter as I post.

Never heard of the last 3 you mentioned.

[devildeac]

Demolition Ale-Goose Island Brewing

Part of a gift pack for Christmas from Lavabe, lovingly delivered by his vivacious wife, ILJ during their visit in December. IIRC, this has been discontinued and that is a bit sad as I first tasted this Belgian style golden ale about 15 years ago during my first (and only) ever attendance at the annual Oregon's Brewers' Festival. I don't think it has changed much over the years as it still pours a slightly hazy yellow-orange with a bouquet of fresh flowers and tastes of crisp pears and apples with a hint of orange citrus. There is a nice array of Belgian lace (aka fizz) that lingers on the glass as you sip. This would be a great appetizer ale with lighter cheeses and crackers or fresh fruit and would also make a nice dinner beverage with lighter fish, other seafood or chicken with mango/pineapple salsa or chutney. Heck, it would make a great dessert liquid, too, with a plate of fruit or a fresh fruit tart or cobbler (no ice cream). IBU at 40 and ABV at 7.2% so I split this 2011 bomber over 2 nights from a snifter. My only objection is that it is a bit "thin" or "light" for a true Belgian golden ale, most of which are 8-9% ABV or a bit higher.



2416

[devildeac]

Gemini-Southern Tier Brewing

What a luscious combination! This is a blend of 50% unfiltered Hoppe and 50% Unearthly and the result is a DIPA with hints of grapefruit, orange (from the wheat malts) and a solid backbone of caramel sweetness balancing the moderate hop bitterness. Pours a slightly cloudy orange-yellow with a thick, foamy head. I'd guess the IBU to be rather high, probably 70-80 range, and the ABV is 10.5% so this hefty bomber was split over two nights. Would make a fine beverage to serve with hot/spicy foods or to sip from a snifter as a nightcap.



2417 + 2418 = 2419

:D

[devildeac]

Battlefield Bock (draft)-Red Oak Brewing

Had a pint of this at carolina Ale House Saturday night at a surprise birthday party for dukediv2011/11/12/13 and I liked the way my son described it best. He said it was a "light dark beer." It is a lager made with darkly roasted malts, likely chocolate and caramel, as there were hints of milk chocolate and dark caramel as I sipped it. It was more flavorful as it warmed, had little hop presence, was dark brown in color and nearly opaque. I'll guess an IBU of 20 and the ABV was 6.8%, pretty typical for a bock. Quality offering from the folks just off I-40 in the Greensboro area.

[SupaDave]

Went to Sweetwater Brewery's 15th Anniversary this past Saturday. I was really enjoying their Sch-wheat ale.

[fuse]

I found a stray Shiner Cheer in the fridge.
I discovered this beer last year during a Tyler's pint night and it is becoming one of my holiday favorites. The glassware from Shiner for this beer is pretty cool.
I'm not a big fan of Shiner Bock, although I can fondly recall a time that I enjoyed it.

Shiner Cheer is pretty unique- it is described as a dark wheat beer (dunkelweizen) brewed with peaches and roasted pecans.

It drinks well as a standalone (although you probably won't want more than one in a sitting) but shines (pardon the pun) as a dessert beer. I am having a hard time suggesting pairing it with a food other than maybe a peach or pecan pie. There is probably a cheese somewhere that might go nicely.

Shiner Cheer pours a nice coppery color. The peach sweetness is very upfront (although not overwhelming) and the finish is all the sharpness of pecan. I think it drinks well enough to appeal to non-beer drinkers as well as those that enjoy a bit more of an off the beaten path beer experience.

Well worth trying if you can find it, I believe the release is usually late October or early November.

On a related note, I will caution anyone who stumbles across Shiner "Ruby Redbird" not to succumb to temptation and buy it unless you really, really like grapefruit and ginger flavored beer. Was worth trying for the experience but I quickly offloaded the remaining five to anyone who wanted it. Not my cup of tea (or mug of beer) at all.

-g

[fuse]

Went to Sweetwater Brewery's 15th Anniversary this past Saturday. I was really enjoying their Sch-wheat ale.


Sweetwater makes some nice beers, although I have been afraid to try their blueberry beer. I've tried too many blueberry beers to admit and each time I come away with the feeling that blueberry and beer are not a good match.

Sweetwater 420, RoadTrip, MotorBoat are all good. I tried their "Dank Tank Ghoulash" and it was also excellent.

-g

[devildeac]

I found a stray Shiner Cheer in the fridge.
I discovered this beer last year during a Tyler's pint night and it is becoming one of my holiday favorites. The glassware from Shiner for this beer is pretty cool.
I'm not a big fan of Shiner Bock, although I can fondly recall a time that I enjoyed it.

Shiner Cheer is pretty unique- it is described as a dark wheat beer (dunkelweizen) brewed with peaches and roasted pecans.

It drinks well as a standalone (although you probably won't want more than one in a sitting) but shines (pardon the pun) as a dessert beer. I am having a hard time suggesting pairing it with a food other than maybe a peach or pecan pie. There is probably a cheese somewhere that might go nicely.

Shiner Cheer pours a nice coppery color. The peach sweetness is very upfront (although not overwhelming) and the finish is all the sharpness of pecan. I think it drinks well enough to appeal to non-beer drinkers as well as those that enjoy a bit more of an off the beaten path beer experience.

Well worth trying if you can find it, I believe the release is usually late October or early November.

On a related note, I will caution anyone who stumbles across Shiner "Ruby Redbird" not to succumb to temptation and buy it unless you really, really like grapefruit and ginger flavored beer. Was worth trying for the experience but I quickly offloaded the remaining five to anyone who wanted it. Not my cup of tea (or mug of beer) at all.

-g

Tasted one of these over the Christmas holiday season. Here are my thoughts (sound a lot like yours):

Holiday Cheer-Spoetzl Brewing

From the great state of Texas, the town of Shiner brings you this dunkelweizen, or dark wheat ale. Ya got yer malted barley and roasted wheat grains to which Texas peaches and roasted pee-cans are added in the brewing process and you arrive at a clear, medium brown ale that has aromas of dark fruits and cooked peaches. Think slightly overdone peach crisp with a nutty-grainy topping. IBU appear low, guessing 20-30 and the ABV tastes low too, as in the 5% range, so you can drink/share one of these with some grilled/BBQ pork or brisket and finish with a Monster like I did tonight. A Christmas gift from daughter and first SIL. A fine choice.

[devildeac]

Sweetwater makes some nice beers, although I have been afraid to try their blueberry beer. I've tried too many blueberry beers to admit and each time I come away with the feeling that blueberry and beer are not a good match.

Sweetwater 420, RoadTrip, MotorBoat are all good. I tried their "Dank Tank Ghoulash" and it was also excellent.

-g

Probably one of my favorite Sweetwater brews:

Imperial Stout-Sweetwater Brewing

This was a winter addition to Tyler's Taproom draft menu so I decided to enjoy a $5 pint of this pre-game on Saturday. I think this used to be called Happy Ending but Sweetwater must have run afoul of some Georgia ABC commissioners with the name so they changed it to something bland and unexciting. Yawn. Nonetheless, it is an almost black brew with a small tan head that has the nose of unsweetened dark chocolate with a hint of coffee. Very roasty and slightly bitter, guessing an IBU of 60 or so which would be typical of a RIS. IBU listed at 9% so I sipped this as it warmed to near room temperature with a carolina Cuban sammich and some non-garlic fries. Not a bad combo but it would be better as a dessert beer with a few chocolate chocolate chip cookies, brownies or chocolate pound cake. I would not hesitate to buy a 4 pack and trade one, taste one and save the others until next year.

(OK, they still call it Happy Ending on their web site but it was not on the menu at Tyler's that way.)

This seasonal “Catch and Release” Imperial Stout is a dry hopped stiffy, leading to an explosive finish at 9% ABV that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Their blueberry brew is refreshing under the right circumstances: warm spring or hot summer afternoon after a Power/Gatorade after mowing the lawn or during a cook out. Not meant to sound derogatory either. I like that beer.

[devildeac]

Three Philosophers-Ommegang Brewing

A Belgian style quadruple ale (98%) blended with a cherry lambic (2%) makes a delicious combination for a celebratory brew. I enjoyed 1/2 a 12 ounce bottle of this with my son Saturday night as a pre-dinner beverage. It was a rather cold but, with a bit of warming, the dark, fruity flavors of dates and figs blended exquisitely with the bing cherry flavors of the lambic. There are also notes of dark brown sugar and rum which add to the enjoyment of this excellent ale. The pour was a deep ruby brown with a small head. I'd guess the IBU to be 20-30 with little hop presence and the ABV is a hefty 9.8%. This would also be a fine after dinner or dessert brew and could be served alone or with a plate of dark dried fruits or even with chocolate, making your dessert even more decadent. I have a 750 ml bottle I'll save for a year and celebrate again :D .



2420

[devildeac]

Monster(2009 version)-Brooklyn Brewing

Just looked at my 2004 and 2005 reviews and this one will fall short of those accolades but not by much. This barleywine style ale is highly drinkable when it is released and continues to become smoother and softer as it ages. Pours a fairly clear reddish-brown with a small head and has aromas of dark (but not chocolate) caramels, light brown sugar and dark dried fruits, mostly cherries. Still resembles a sherry but not quite as much as the older versions. The cloying sweetness balances the typical floral hop bitterness at an estimated IBU of 80 or more and an ABV of 11%. So, let this warm a bit, decant into a snifter and sip for an hour or so for your bedtime brew.



2421

[Matches]

Three Philosophers-Ommegang Brewing



I'll second the recommendation on this one. Really good, if a little pricey.

[devildeac]

I'll second the recommendation on this one. Really good, if a little pricey.

Agreed, although for this particular bottle, I was particularly lucky. It was $8 for the 12 ounces and I shared it with my son as a bit of a celebration. However, when the check appeared, neither his Dale's Pale Ale nor the Three Philosphers was charged. We notified the server and he waved it off as he was extremely busy, had taken longer than he should have with the final bill, did not feel like re-submitting it and our birthday party of 25 had probably spent $500 or more for the evening. We left him a very generous tip.

I also have a 750 ml bottle I bought for myself for about $25 in December as part of a 3 bottle package which also included a Hennepin and a Gnomegang, along with a special Ommegang snifter/chalice. I thought it was a reasonable deal.

2429

[devildeac]

Black Chocolate Stout (07-08 edition)-Brooklyn Brewing

This remains one of my favorite brews, made even better with several years of aging. The smooth, silky texture remains and appears richer with cellaring. It pours an opaque black with a 1-2 finger head and the dark chocolate notes blend perfectly with a bit more whiskey-like tastes after 4-5 years in the bottle. I have never really detected any coffee presence in the brew and the heavily roasted bitter notes are perfectly balanced with the 6 grains used in the brewing process. Can't find the IBU anywhere but I'd estimate 70-80 which would be typical for most imperial stouts and the ABV is 10.6% with only mild booziness. I will always think of this exquisite brew as drinking a dark chocolate malted with a generous shot of whiskey. Best served at room temperature for your dessert but a slice of flourless chocolate cake or triple chocolate chip cookies would make nice friends here, too. Or, you could divide your 12 ounce serving and have half with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and enjoy a beer float and have the other half solo or with a chocolate baked good.



2432

[fuse]

Before I jump back in, I'll third Three Philosophers as an outstanding drop.

Rumor has it Sierra Nevada is bringing back Hoptimum in a 4 pack instead of 22oz bombers.
I cracked open a 2011 Hoptimum bomber (only one left...).

First, I realize fresh hop beers should be consumed ASAP but I am a sucker for trying to do vertical tastings when I can so sometimes I hold onto things a bit longer than I should.

Hoptimum is a big in your face hoppy IPA / double IPA. It is a high alcohol beer suitable for sharing with like minded friends. This is not a well balanced beer- the nose is all pine, straw and a bit boozy- if you like the smell of hops you will enjoy the nose. In spite of the high hop (100+ IBUs) profile there is a bit of nice clean malt taste up front prior to the hops reaching out and smacking you around a bit. I love a good hop heavy beer and Hoptimum delivers. Bell's Hopslam could be a comparable beer of similar style but Hoptimum has none of the honey sweetness of the Hopslam.

If you like hops and IPAs, Hoptimum is worth drinking. Avery Mataraja is another good strong IPA that is a similar in style. Another home run from Sierra Nevada- quite excited that they are bringing beer and jobs to western NC and hoping New Belgium will follow suit soon.

Devildeac, I'm not sure we have critical local mass but it sounds like we could have some fun at Tyler's or some other local venue as Duke beer drinkers.

[fuse]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g

[devildeac]

Before I jump back in, I'll third Three Philosophers as an outstanding drop.

Rumor has it Sierra Nevada is bringing back Hoptimum in a 4 pack instead of 22oz bombers.
I cracked open a 2011 Hoptimum bomber (only one left...).

First, I realize fresh hop beers should be consumed ASAP but I am a sucker for trying to do vertical tastings when I can so sometimes I hold onto things a bit longer than I should.

Hoptimum is a big in your face hoppy IPA / double IPA. It is a high alcohol beer suitable for sharing with like minded friends. This is not a well balanced beer- the nose is all pine, straw and a bit boozy- if you like the smell of hops you will enjoy the nose. In spite of the high hop (100+ IBUs) profile there is a bit of nice clean malt taste up front prior to the hops reaching out and smacking you around a bit. I love a good hop heavy beer and Hoptimum delivers. Bell's Hopslam could be a comparable beer of similar style but Hoptimum has none of the honey sweetness of the Hopslam.

If you like hops and IPAs, Hoptimum is worth drinking. Avery Mataraja is another good strong IPA that is a similar in style. Another home run from Sierra Nevada- quite excited that they are bringing beer and jobs to western NC and hoping New Belgium will follow suit soon.

Devildeac, I'm not sure we have critical local mass but it sounds like we could have some fun at Tyler's or some other local venue as Duke beer drinkers.

I'd be down with that. Have had many a sandwich and pint at Tyler's over the last few years with Ozzie. They now have one in Raleigh but have not been there yet.

[devildeac]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g

Don't think I have had a Frambozen in several years. I'll see if I can locate a review I may have done. That's one I'd buy every couple years or so. I know I have a couple Lips of Faith reviews somewhere and will try to locate those later tonite or tomorrow. Good stuff.

[devildeac]

Black Chocolate Stout (07-08 edition)-Brooklyn Brewing

This remains one of my favorite brews, made even better with several years of aging. The smooth, silky texture remains and appears richer with cellaring. It pours an opaque black with a 1-2 finger head and the dark chocolate notes blend perfectly with a bit more whiskey-like tastes after 4-5 years in the bottle. I have never really detected any coffee presence in the brew and the heavily roasted bitter notes are perfectly balanced with the 6 grains used in the brewing process. Can't find the IBU anywhere but I'd estimate 70-80 which would be typical for most imperial stouts and the ABV is 10.6% with only mild booziness. I will always think of this exquisite brew as drinking a dark chocolate malted with a generous shot of whiskey. Best served at room temperature for your dessert but a slice of flourless chocolate cake or triple chocolate chip cookies would make nice friends here, too. Or, you could divide your 12 ounce serving and have half with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and enjoy a beer float and have the other half solo or with a chocolate baked good.



2432

Black Chocolate Stout (10-11 edition)-Brooklyn Brewing

This RIS was a mere youngster only being brewed last year (well, technically fall, 2010) and aging for about 15 months but it was still highly quaffable. Not quite as smooth as a 2-3 year old version (or older) but still oily/thick/viscous and chewy. Same stats and thoughts as the 07-08 above with the same serving suggestions. They are sold in 4 packs for about $8 and well worth that price. No barrel aging or additives, just the 4 basic food groups of water, yeast, malted barley (and more malted barley) and hops. I may try one of the 08-09 versions tomorrow night;).

[devildeac]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g

From December, 2010:

Frambozen-New Belgium

One of their traditional winter offerings I have enjoyed almost annually for about a decade now. This is a brown ale brewed with Pacific NW raspberries (hand-picked by DA from what I understand :D ) and is a gorgeous ruby-brown color with a 2 fingered reddish-tan head and faint aromas of medium to dark caramel and raspberries. The raspberry taste is more prominent than the aroma and is quite pleasant and not over-powering. I'd guess the IBU to be about 30 and the ABV is a very manageable 6.5%. Fine as a stand alone brew or with a dessert like Black Forest cake or a raspberry chocolate torte. Guess who's gonna find one of these in his next trading 6er;).

[devildeac]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g
From December, 2011:

Clutch-New Belgium Brewing

This is another brew from their Lips of Faith series and another very unique bottling. Think RIS blended with Rochefort 8, a Trappist ale. It is not quite as black/oily viscous as a stout but has the dark chocolaty characteristics from all the dark malts used and there are a ton as the ABV is 9%. The southern Belgian style ale, or sour ale, imparts the funky, dark fruitiness to the product with a bit of pucker. The IBU are surprisingly low at 19 as most RIS have them in the 60-80 range. I split an $8 bomber over 2 nights and I am not sure I'd pair this with any entrees but would serve it by itself in a snifter slightly chilled or with a generous wedge of high quality fruitcake. I'd love to taste this on draft, too.

Brewer's notes:


It started as chance, a sandwich shop encounter between a band and a fan. It ended as the Clutch Collaboration. This pleasing, two-part potion was brewed with chocolate and black malts for a rich and roasty overtone, then fused with a dry, substratum of sour for a bold and audacious flavor. Black as night, this beer is blended at 80% stout, 20% dark sour wood beer for a collaboration that begins with a sour edge and finishes with a big, dark malt character, lingering, sweet on your palate.

The two flavors come as raucous and riotous as the Maryland band and their Fort Collins fans, getting loud and making beer, together.
Just the facts Ma'am...
ABV - 9.0%
IBU - 19
Calories - 260
Hops - Target
Malts - Dark Chocolate, Coffee, Black
OG - 20
TG - 3.2
Fruits/Spice - Dark Wood Ale

[devildeac]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g

From September, 2011:

Belgo-New Belgium Brewing

Pineapple juice. Dole pineapple juice. Hey, if Ozzie can describe Magic Hat as papaya juice then I certainly can think fresh-to-overripe Dole pineapples to describe this brew in their Lips of Faith Series. Interestingly, I think this was 1st released as a bomber in the series as all their other LoF have been so this 6er was a surprise to see on the shelves and then read about it. There are plenty of hops (5) in the brew with some dry hopping which yields an IBU of 70. There are some fresh floral notes, too. Generous amounts of malts balances the bitterness well and hits the ABV at 8%. The style is a Belgian IPA and the Belgian yeast gives a hint of black pepper and spice to the palate. This probably raced to near the top of my favorite IPAs due to its unique aromas and tastes and I'd sip one of these again with grilled halibut/tuna with a spicy and fruity salsa. I have several left from the 6er so CB&B, my son and my drug rep buddy will see one of these in their future traders and I will save 1 or 2 for myself.

Some brewer's notes:


Belgo IPA is a Belgian twist on India Pale Ale made with five varieties of hops. Simcoe, Cascade, Centennial, and Amarillo hops are pitched in the kettle. Cascade, Amarillo, and Willamette hops are added during dry-hopping. Medium-bodied, Belgo opens with citrus and floral tones from generous hopping, then gives way to soft fruit tones implied by the authentic Trappist yeast strain and finishes clean.
Just the facts Ma'am...
ABV - 8.0%
IBU - 70
Calories - 232
Hops - Simcoe, Centennial, Cascade, Amarillo
Malts - Pale, C120, Honey malt
OG - 18.5
TG - 3

I think ATexDevil and someone else discussed this one with me a few months ago.

[devildeac]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g

Found a third one from August, 2011:

Abbey Grand Cru-New Belgium Brewing

In my 3rd plate appearance of the evening, I sampled this gem and took it deep over the right center field wall for another 4 bagger. This is the "top shelf" version of their long-standing Abbey ale that I have enjoyed for years in Colorado apres ski or back in Raleigh after smuggling in various ski equipment. More malts but not many more hops give this brown, creamy ale wonderful aromas and tastes of ripe bananas and freshly ground cloves which is typical for an abbey or Belgian style brown ale. Dark brown sugar and mild chocolate are other flavors that I perceived in addition to dried, dark fruits. IBU are a bit lower than I would have thought at 20 and the ABV is a hefty 9.5%, perfect for a dessert beer served in a goblet. Once again, this was a 4 ounce sampler sipped with a salad but I'd prefer it alone. I am now 3-3 with one more brew sitting before me to complete a perfect evening at the plate :D . Here is some background from the brewer:



Before there was New Belgium Brewing, there was Abbey Ale. It was the first beer of home brewer and New Belgium co-founder, Jeff Lebesch. So the love brews deep for Abbey Grand Cru.

To date, Abbey Ale has garnered no less than 16 medals at the Great American Beer Festival 7 of those being Gold. Take that award-winning recipe, precisely increase the hops, malt and fermentation time, and the result is a Grand Cru worth collecting. And that s exactly what many of us at New Belgium, as well as a growing number of fans, have done.

By saving it for a few years, Abbey Grand Cru will continue to improve and age deliciously. Optimal storage is a cool (40-55°), dark place where the bottles can remain undisturbed. But lest we forget, it is a great beer and great beers deserve to be enjoyed. Best served at cellar temperature in a wide-mouthed glass. Toast to the monk s virtue and have a heavenly experience.
Just the facts Ma'am...
ABV - 9.5%
IBU - 20
Calories - 270
Hops - Willamette, Target, Liberty
Malts - Pale, Chocolate, Carapils, C-80, Munich
OG - 16.2
TG - 2.6

I think this was one of their LoF series.

[fuse]

Pours inky brown like a proper stout with a coffee colored head that lingers only briefly. Interestingly enough the head gives way to Belgian lace that clings to the glass throughout.

Ever so faint fresh hop nose. On the first sip you are greeted with an instant hop bitterness on the tongue. This black IPA finishes with a nice roasty coffee / chocolate malt flavour.

My favorite example of this style is Victory Yakima Twilight ( now Yakima Glory ). Stone's Escondidian ( not Cascadian) dark ale is another great example.

Black Raven is not quite as nice as either of the above, but for an up and coming western NC brewery, it is a great local drop.

Most black/dark IPAs are pretty high in alcohol. Black Raven is 7%, which is no slouch but feels a bit low for the style. The nice thing about this is Black Raven does not come across as boozy- you get to enjoy the complexity of flavours without an overpowering alcohol heat or finish.

This one is an important one not to serve too cold as it will blunt the flavours. Black Raven becomes more enjoyable as it warms up.

[fuse]

Ok, seems like devildeac and I are game. Who else in Raleigh/ Durham / Chapel Hill area is up for a beer meetup?

Weekday or weekend? Location?

My selfish proposal would be to converge on Tyler's in Apex on a Monday for pint night. That said there are a lot of good locations throughout the Triangle including Fullsteam, Big Boss, Busy Bee, Raleigh Times and the other three Tyler's ( Durham, Carrboro, Raleigh).

Monday March 12 anyone?

-g

[devildeac]

Ok, seems like devildeac and I are game. Who else in Raleigh/ Durham / Chapel Hill area is up for a beer meetup?

Weekday or weekend? Location?

My selfish proposal would be to converge on Tyler's in Apex on a Monday for pint night. That said there are a lot of good locations throughout the Triangle including Fullsteam, Big Boss, Busy Bee, Raleigh Times and the other three Tyler's ( Durham, Carrboro, Raleigh).

Monday March 12 anyone?

-g
Ironic you should propose March 12 as we will be OOT at a meeting, err, skiing in Vail as I look for some hard-to-find Russian River brews in that area that are unavailable here. Following week or two sometime would be great. The Tyler's in Derm has pint night every Wednesday (buy the featured brew, keep the glass). Haven't been to any of the other locations.

[devildeac]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g

I think this one is from their LoF series, too:

Abbey Grand Cru-New Belgium Brewing

In my 3rd plate appearance of the evening, I sampled this gem and took it deep over the right center field wall for another 4 bagger. This is the "top shelf" version of their long-standing Abbey ale that I have enjoyed for years in Colorado apres ski or back in Raleigh after smuggling in various ski equipment. More malts but not many more hops give this brown, creamy ale wonderful aromas and tastes of ripe bananas and freshly ground cloves which is typical for an abbey or Belgian style brown ale. Dark brown sugar and mild chocolate are other flavors that I perceived in addition to dried, dark fruits. IBU are a bit lower than I would have thought at 20 and the ABV is a hefty 9.5%, perfect for a dessert beer served in a goblet. Once again, this was a 4 ounce sampler sipped with a salad but I'd prefer it alone. I am now 3-3 with one more brew sitting before me to complete a perfect evening at the plate :D . Here is some background from the brewer:



Before there was New Belgium Brewing, there was Abbey Ale. It was the first beer of home brewer and New Belgium co-founder, Jeff Lebesch. So the love brews deep for Abbey Grand Cru.

To date, Abbey Ale has garnered no less than 16 medals at the Great American Beer Festival 7 of those being Gold. Take that award-winning recipe, precisely increase the hops, malt and fermentation time, and the result is a Grand Cru worth collecting. And that s exactly what many of us at New Belgium, as well as a growing number of fans, have done.

By saving it for a few years, Abbey Grand Cru will continue to improve and age deliciously. Optimal storage is a cool (40-55°), dark place where the bottles can remain undisturbed. But lest we forget, it is a great beer and great beers deserve to be enjoyed. Best served at cellar temperature in a wide-mouthed glass. Toast to the monk s virtue and have a heavenly experience.
Just the facts Ma'am...
ABV - 9.5%
IBU - 20
Calories - 270
Hops - Willamette, Target, Liberty
Malts - Pale, Chocolate, Carapils, C-80, Munich
OG - 16.2
TG - 2.6

[devildeac]

NB Frambozen, a brown ale brewed with raspberries.

A great standalone beer, although hard to sort what foods beyond the obvious desserts what you might drink this with.

Sweet but not cloyingly sweet, this brown ale has no real hop profile to speak of, although there must be enough to provide a very low amount of bitterness in mouth feel. Very crisp, clean with a mild fruit finish of raspberry.

If you like brown ales, this is enough of a different twist to satisfy your palate and curiosity. Pete's Wicked Ale was a beer I used to enjoy quite a bit and I was sad to see them go out of business. Frankly, Lone Rider Brown Betty winning the GABF gold medal for brown ales tells me how far the brown ale category has fallen as to me Brown Betty is nothing special. Frambozen is not a pure brown ale for sure but it is a winner in my book. We buy this New Belgium seasonal every year.

From an alcohol perspective, this beer is a session beer but unless you have a sweet tooth, you'll likely want no more than one or two in a sitting.

I'm a big fan of New Belgium in general and I think their "Lips of Faith" series of beers are industry leading.

-g

From August, 2011.
Super Cru-New Belgium Brewing

Fourth time at bat Sunday evening and this one went deep over the center field wall for my 4th long ball of the night. This is Fat Tire that has made a visit to Roger Clemens' "gift bag." Double the malt and double the hops of their trademark brew for an IBU of about 30-40 and a base-clearing ABV of 10% ABV. This was also a 4 ounce sample that was a clear, medium brown that tasted like dark toasted biscuits and dried fruits, in addition to dark brown sugar. They added Asian pears (barely perceptible) and a Saison yeast for just a bit of funk. Immensely quaffable and dangerous high gravity brew that would be a fine dessert brew but was a nice beverage to sip with a salad entree also. One of the best beer tasting evenings I have had along with the one around Christmas 2009 with my son and Lavabe when we had a couple aged Samichlauses, Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) and a Bourbon County Stout, IIRC.



I know there are more but this is the extent to which I have tasted them. Most are too spendy at >$10 for a bomber. I think I procured all the ones previously tasted/reviewed for less than that amount. I promise I'll stop now. Really.

[fuse]

Ironic you should propose March 12 as we will be OOT at a meeting, err, skiing in Vail as I look for some hard-to-find Russian River brews in that area that are unavailable here. Following week or two sometime would be great. The Tyler's in Derm has pint night every Wednesday (buy the featured brew, keep the glass). Haven't been to any of the other locations.


Color me jealous, this will be the first year in a while we are not heading to Colorado.
Let's pick up the idea after you return but I can make most days work with a week or two notice.

-g

[fuse]

This brew will challenge every notion you have about wine and beer.
Noble Rot is 49% grape, 51% malt in composition for fermentable sugars.

Noble Rot pours with a pretty dense head to start that is not long lasting beyond a hint of foam at the top of the glass. It's golden straw color looks similar to a hard cider or a Chardonnay.

The nose is very fruity (apple-y). The bubbles from this very effervescent beer dance on your tongue and the sweetness of it all ends in a slightly tangy, sour finish.

If you like sour beers or saisons, I think you'll like Noble Rot. If you are a wine drinker who enjoys Vino Verde, I think you will like Noble Rot. If you like hard cider, you'll probably like it as well.

This is a versatile beer that I think could be paired with most anything, although I wish I has some nice soft sheep's milk cheese to wash this down. This is a very easy drinking beer in spite of its complexity. The fact that Noble Rot is 9% is well hidden in all the flavour and carbonation, you could easily get yourself in trouble if you had access to this brew in volume.

Dogfish Head brews some of the most innovative beers I've ever tried, and Noble Rot is no exception. I'm glad I bought two bottles and will likely buy more when the opportunity presents itself.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Ok, seems like devildeac and I are game. Who else in Raleigh/ Durham / Chapel Hill area is up for a beer meetup?

Weekday or weekend? Location?

My selfish proposal would be to converge on Tyler's in Apex on a Monday for pint night. That said there are a lot of good locations throughout the Triangle including Fullsteam, Big Boss, Busy Bee, Raleigh Times and the other three Tyler's ( Durham, Carrboro, Raleigh).

Monday March 12 anyone?

-g


Ironic you should propose March 12 as we will be OOT at a meeting, err, skiing in Vail as I look for some hard-to-find Russian River brews in that area that are unavailable here. Following week or two sometime would be great. The Tyler's in Derm has pint night every Wednesday (buy the featured brew, keep the glass). Haven't been to any of the other locations.


Color me jealous, this will be the first year in a while we are not heading to Colorado.
Let's pick up the idea after you return but I can make most days work with a week or two notice.

-g
I'm in. I didn't know that Tyler's, Apex, had their pint night on Mondays! How nice of them to stagger them on different nights at different locations! :cool: A Monday night usually works for me.

[devildeac]

This brew will challenge every notion you have about wine and beer.
Noble Rot is 49% grape, 51% malt in composition for fermentable sugars.

Noble Rot pours with a pretty dense head to start that is not long lasting beyond a hint of foam at the top of the glass. It's golden straw color looks similar to a hard cider or a Chardonnay.

The nose is very fruity (apple-y). The bubbles from this very effervescent beer dance on your tongue and the sweetness of it all ends in a slightly tangy, sour finish.

If you like sour beers or saisons, I think you'll like Noble Rot. If you are a wine drinker who enjoys Vino Verde, I think you will like Noble Rot. If you like hard cider, you'll probably like it as well.

This is a versatile beer that I think could be paired with most anything, although I wish I has some nice soft sheep's milk cheese to wash this down. This is a very easy drinking beer in spite of its complexity. The fact that Noble Rot is 9% is well hidden in all the flavour and carbonation, you could easily get yourself in trouble if you had access to this brew in volume.

Dogfish Head brews some of the most innovative beers I've ever tried, and Noble Rot is no exception. I'm glad I bought two bottles and will likely buy more when the opportunity presents itself.

What a coincidence you should review a DFH brew. I just happened to taste this one last week:

Miles Davis Bitches Brew-DFH Brewing

Oh, my, what a treat this was. Sold as a capped 750 ml bottle, this 18 month old (cellared from fall, 2010) gem was divided over 2 nights. It is a blended beer of 3/4 imperial stout (DFH does not have a classic or standard RIS) and 1/4 honey beer with gesho root ("The Rhamnus prinioides plant has many uses amongst the inhabitants of Africa. All parts of the plant are harvested and used for nutrition, medicine or religious purposes. In Ethiopia, where the plant is known as gesho, it is used in a manner similar to hops: the stems are boiled and the extract mixed with honey to ferment a mead called tej.[2] It is also used in the brewing of tella, an Ethiopian beer."). Fascinating concoction that pours almost black as night but with a little thinner body than your usual RIS due to the blending with the honey beer. The unsweetened dark chocolate flavor is balanced nicely with the honey and I am guessing there may be few hops in the brew as the gesho is used instead. IBU are fairly low at 38 (most RIS are 70-80 or higher) but the ABV is high at 9% but the booziness is minimal. The head is modest and the brew best enjoyed at slightly chilled temperatures by itself or with some decadent chocolate cake or other baked good. Not sure this is brewed anymore as it was a commemorative to the 40th anniversary of the release of his classic album.

2437

[fuse]

I'm in. I didn't know that Tyler's, Apex, had their pint night on Mondays! How nice of them to stagger them on different nights at different locations! :cool: A Monday night usually works for me.

Apex Monday, Carrboro Tuesday, Durham Wednesday, have not seen a posting for Tyler's Raleigh yet.

Given Devildeac will be out of town 3/12 do we want to shoot for Monday 3/26?

-g

[fuse]

What a coincidence you should review a DFH brew. I just happened to taste this one last week:

Miles Davis Bitches Brew-DFH Brewing

Oh, my, what a treat this was. Sold as a capped 750 ml bottle, this 18 month old (cellared from fall, 2010) gem was divided over 2 nights. It is a blended beer of 3/4 imperial stout (DFH does not have a classic or standard RIS) and 1/4 honey beer with gesho root ("The Rhamnus prinioides plant has many uses amongst the inhabitants of Africa. All parts of the plant are harvested and used for nutrition, medicine or religious purposes. In Ethiopia, where the plant is known as gesho, it is used in a manner similar to hops: the stems are boiled and the extract mixed with honey to ferment a mead called tej.[2] It is also used in the brewing of tella, an Ethiopian beer."). Fascinating concoction that pours almost black as night but with a little thinner body than your usual RIS due to the blending with the honey beer. The unsweetened dark chocolate flavor is balanced nicely with the honey and I am guessing there may be few hops in the brew as the gesho is used instead. IBU are fairly low at 38 (most RIS are 70-80 or higher) but the ABV is high at 9% but the booziness is minimal. The head is modest and the brew best enjoyed at slightly chilled temperatures by itself or with some decadent chocolate cake or other baked good. Not sure this is brewed anymore as it was a commemorative to the 40th anniversary of the release of his classic album.

2437

I have two of the original bottles I've been waiting to crack. I've heard nothing but good things about it. There was a second run that I missed. I like what DFH is doing with their music series, but Hellhound on My Ale was good, not great, and the Pearl Jam 20 was not my cup of tea (pretty sure it was the currants).
I did check the Dogfish head website and was thrilled to see Saison du BUFF (a collaboration originally done with Stone and Victory) is coming back in a couple weeks!!

[devildeac]

I have two of the original bottles I've been waiting to crack. I've heard nothing but good things about it. There was a second run that I missed. I like what DFH is doing with their music series, but Hellhound on My Ale was good, not great, and the Pearl Jam 20 was not my cup of tea (pretty sure it was the currants).
I did check the Dogfish head website and was thrilled to see Saison du BUFF (a collaboration originally done with Stone and Victory) is coming back in a couple weeks!!

Got a bottle of Hellhound in my cellar from last fall. Never seen/hear of the Pearl Jam brew. Here's a review of the Saison:

(from bluebear/bluebeer from 6/16/10)

Saison Du Buff--Collaboration between Victory, Stone, and Dogfish head (3 of my favorite brewers). Mine came in a stone bottle though I heard each are brewing separate batches. It's a saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Pours a nice light cloudy yellow. Dry pilsnery taste with hop bitterness and some light yeasty funk. Can't pick up the individual herbs but it has a grassy, herbal taste with some spiciness. Less fruity than other saisons with a very dry finish. A good beer but not as great as I would hope for given the brewers involved. Not my favorite style overall which probably adds some bias. Definitely worth checking out though. 6.8% ABV...

(my review from 9/24/10)

Saison du Buff-DFH

From the brewers' lips/fingers to your ears/eyes:

This beer is collaboration between Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA), and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The idea for this beer germinated way back in 2003 when the three guys (Sam from Dogfish, Greg from Stone and Bill from Victory) formed the BUFF alliance (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor) - a noble endeavor with the goal to highlight the passion and camaraderie of the American craft brew movement.

So, BUFF didn't really do anything (beyond talk a lot of talk) until 2010 when the three brewers finally got together to jointly brew at beer at the Stone Brewery. Saison du BUFF will first be brewed at Stone and then replicated at each of the other two breweries - same recipe, same ingredients, three different breweries throughout 2010.

Plans call for Saison du BUFF to be a 6% alc/vol Saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. This beer will be brewed three times, once at each brewery using the same recipe. The expected release dates for each brew are as follows:

Stone Brewing Co.- Late April 2010 (release date 5/3/2010, visit Stone Brewery for more information)

My thoughts:

Simon and Garfunkel. This is a saison style ale meaning it's a Belgian farmhouse type ale which is a bit funky, light, fruity (think apples and pears) and slightly cloudy, fizzy and light yellow. The Simon and Garfunkel reference is to the fact that this ale is brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme ( :D ) and has those earthy aromas and also a nose of fir. This is one of the most unique smelling brews I have ever imbibed and is a fabulous summer/fall beverage and would be marvelous with grilled chicken or grouper or light fish with just a hint of lemon or pepper for the marinade/basting. IBU are estimated to be small at about 20 and the ABV is 6.8%. $3/12 ounces at Total Wine and not available as a 4 pack or 6er. Definitely worth a sample.

(from CB&B on 12/6/10)

Saison Du Buff--Dogfish Head....but only sorta.
I bought this because the ingredients were intriguing...parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary. But the story behind it is even more intriguing. Three breweries, each brewing the same recipe. Now I've got to find the other 2 (Victory and Stone are the other two.) This is something that is unique in business to craft brewing, the collaboration furthuring the experience of the beer. I doubt we'll see a Budweiser-Coors brew anytime soon.
The beer itself by the way is excellent, smooth tasting with lots of flavor. Different flavor, very unique. I don't really detect any of the herbs that went into it, but I'm guessing that's because they are slight and in unison...they work really well together. The overall quality is it's smoothness. I could sip on this all day long (as long as it were a weekend!). Very low bitterness, but lots of mild flavor to play on the taste buds. As I stated, I can't pin down any flavor in particular, it's unique. Buy it and try it! Or buy them and try them!

3/26 is not good for me as I have Monday nights tied up until about mid-April. I'll check to see if/when the new Tyler's in Raleigh has their pint night.

[Indoor66]

Got a bottle of Hellhound in my cellar from last fall. Never seen/hear of the Pearl Jam brew. Here's a review of the Saison:

(from bluebear/bluebeer from 6/16/10)

Saison Du Buff--Collaboration between Victory, Stone, and Dogfish head (3 of my favorite brewers). Mine came in a stone bottle though I heard each are brewing separate batches. It's a saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Pours a nice light cloudy yellow. Dry pilsnery taste with hop bitterness and some light yeasty funk. Can't pick up the individual herbs but it has a grassy, herbal taste with some spiciness. Less fruity than other saisons with a very dry finish. A good beer but not as great as I would hope for given the brewers involved. Not my favorite style overall which probably adds some bias. Definitely worth checking out though. 6.8% ABV...

(my review from 9/24/10)

Saison du Buff-DFH

From the brewers' lips/fingers to your ears/eyes:

This beer is collaboration between Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA), and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The idea for this beer germinated way back in 2003 when the three guys (Sam from Dogfish, Greg from Stone and Bill from Victory) formed the BUFF alliance (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor) - a noble endeavor with the goal to highlight the passion and camaraderie of the American craft brew movement.

So, BUFF didn't really do anything (beyond talk a lot of talk) until 2010 when the three brewers finally got together to jointly brew at beer at the Stone Brewery. Saison du BUFF will first be brewed at Stone and then replicated at each of the other two breweries - same recipe, same ingredients, three different breweries throughout 2010.

Plans call for Saison du BUFF to be a 6% alc/vol Saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. This beer will be brewed three times, once at each brewery using the same recipe. The expected release dates for each brew are as follows:

Stone Brewing Co.- Late April 2010 (release date 5/3/2010, visit Stone Brewery for more information)

My thoughts:

Simon and Garfunkel. This is a saison style ale meaning it's a Belgian farmhouse type ale which is a bit funky, light, fruity (think apples and pears) and slightly cloudy, fizzy and light yellow. The Simon and Garfunkel reference is to the fact that this ale is brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme ( :D ) and has those earthy aromas and also a nose of fir. This is one of the most unique smelling brews I have ever imbibed and is a fabulous summer/fall beverage and would be marvelous with grilled chicken or grouper or light fish with just a hint of lemon or pepper for the marinade/basting. IBU are estimated to be small at about 20 and the ABV is 6.8%. $3/12 ounces at Total Wine and not available as a 4 pack or 6er. Definitely worth a sample.

(from CB&B on 12/6/10)

Saison Du Buff--Dogfish Head....but only sorta.
I bought this because the ingredients were intriguing...parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary. But the story behind it is even more intriguing. Three breweries, each brewing the same recipe. Now I've got to find the other 2 (Victory and Stone are the other two.) This is something that is unique in business to craft brewing, the collaboration furthuring the experience of the beer. I doubt we'll see a Budweiser-Coors brew anytime soon.
The beer itself by the way is excellent, smooth tasting with lots of flavor. Different flavor, very unique. I don't really detect any of the herbs that went into it, but I'm guessing that's because they are slight and in unison...they work really well together. The overall quality is it's smoothness. I could sip on this all day long (as long as it were a weekend!). Very low bitterness, but lots of mild flavor to play on the taste buds. As I stated, I can't pin down any flavor in particular, it's unique. Buy it and try it! Or buy them and try them!

3/26 is not good for me as I have Monday nights tied up until about mid-April. I'll check to see if/when the new Tyler's in Raleigh has their pint night.

I could use that phrasing in a song...maybe in a slightly different order.... Intriguing. :cool:

[devildeac]

Got a bottle of Hellhound in my cellar from last fall. Never seen/hear of the Pearl Jam brew. Here's a review of the Saison:

(from bluebear/bluebeer from 6/16/10)

Saison Du Buff--Collaboration between Victory, Stone, and Dogfish head (3 of my favorite brewers). Mine came in a stone bottle though I heard each are brewing separate batches. It's a saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Pours a nice light cloudy yellow. Dry pilsnery taste with hop bitterness and some light yeasty funk. Can't pick up the individual herbs but it has a grassy, herbal taste with some spiciness. Less fruity than other saisons with a very dry finish. A good beer but not as great as I would hope for given the brewers involved. Not my favorite style overall which probably adds some bias. Definitely worth checking out though. 6.8% ABV...

(my review from 9/24/10)

Saison du Buff-DFH

From the brewers' lips/fingers to your ears/eyes:

This beer is collaboration between Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA), and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The idea for this beer germinated way back in 2003 when the three guys (Sam from Dogfish, Greg from Stone and Bill from Victory) formed the BUFF alliance (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor) - a noble endeavor with the goal to highlight the passion and camaraderie of the American craft brew movement.

So, BUFF didn't really do anything (beyond talk a lot of talk) until 2010 when the three brewers finally got together to jointly brew at beer at the Stone Brewery. Saison du BUFF will first be brewed at Stone and then replicated at each of the other two breweries - same recipe, same ingredients, three different breweries throughout 2010.

Plans call for Saison du BUFF to be a 6% alc/vol Saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. This beer will be brewed three times, once at each brewery using the same recipe. The expected release dates for each brew are as follows:

Stone Brewing Co.- Late April 2010 (release date 5/3/2010, visit Stone Brewery for more information)

My thoughts:

Simon and Garfunkel. This is a saison style ale meaning it's a Belgian farmhouse type ale which is a bit funky, light, fruity (think apples and pears) and slightly cloudy, fizzy and light yellow. The Simon and Garfunkel reference is to the fact that this ale is brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme ( :D ) and has those earthy aromas and also a nose of fir. This is one of the most unique smelling brews I have ever imbibed and is a fabulous summer/fall beverage and would be marvelous with grilled chicken or grouper or light fish with just a hint of lemon or pepper for the marinade/basting. IBU are estimated to be small at about 20 and the ABV is 6.8%. $3/12 ounces at Total Wine and not available as a 4 pack or 6er. Definitely worth a sample.

(from CB&B on 12/6/10)

Saison Du Buff--Dogfish Head....but only sorta.
I bought this because the ingredients were intriguing...parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary. But the story behind it is even more intriguing. Three breweries, each brewing the same recipe. Now I've got to find the other 2 (Victory and Stone are the other two.) This is something that is unique in business to craft brewing, the collaboration furthuring the experience of the beer. I doubt we'll see a Budweiser-Coors brew anytime soon.
The beer itself by the way is excellent, smooth tasting with lots of flavor. Different flavor, very unique. I don't really detect any of the herbs that went into it, but I'm guessing that's because they are slight and in unison...they work really well together. The overall quality is it's smoothness. I could sip on this all day long (as long as it were a weekend!). Very low bitterness, but lots of mild flavor to play on the taste buds. As I stated, I can't pin down any flavor in particular, it's unique. Buy it and try it! Or buy them and try them!

3/26 is not good for me as I have Monday nights tied up until about mid-April. I'll check to see if/when the new Tyler's in Raleigh has their pint night.


I could use that phrasing in a song...maybe in a slightly different order.... Intriguing. :cool:

It's amazing I thought of that, too, in my review from 9/24/10, as did bluebear/bluebeer did in his review about 3 months before that. Great minds...

[fuse]

Olde Hickory Eiraphiotes is an imperial pilsner aged in Chardonnay barrels. This 2012 release pours a orange gold and the head disperses quickly.

The nose is all oak and a little fruit (grape / Chardonnay ), but not in a overwhelming way. No hops in the nose at all.

Very mild for a 7.5% beer and it's not clean like a "regular" pilsner. I'm not sure it makes sense but it's a dry sweet up front, with a mild oaky finish. Hops and malt are not balanced- this is mildly hoppy compared to an IPA, but hoppier than a traditional pilsner. If you've had a Victory Prima Pils, this is in a similar vein but higher alcohol. Carbonation is a bit on the low side.

Side note- per the bottle, Eiraphiotes is a Greek epithet for Dionysus, and means twice born. This becomes a bit of a clever play on words given this brew was barrel aged after primary fermentation.

This beer is light enough in flavour to pair with almost anything, although as I get through the glass there seems to be an interesting anesthetic effect on the tongue.

I was really looking forward to trying this. The first chardonnay barrel aged beer I ever had was a Nebraska Brewing Hop God, which might make my top ten beers to be stuck with on a desert island. Similar beers in this style are Dogfish Head My Antonia, and Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning. Imperial pilsner as a style is capitalizing on the current trend of bigger and bigger (higher alcohol) beers, like barleywines and double IPAs among others. Frankly, I'm not sure this works with the pilsner style which is supposed to be really fresh and clean. Don't get me wrong, this is a good beer but I had high expectations. I'll reserve judgment until I try another bottle but at this price point there are other beers I'd rather enjoy.

The trend of wine aged (Pinot, Chardonnay) barrel aged in addition to the bourbon barrel aged beers seems to be increasing, and it definitely adds some interesting flavours to the mix. Most (all?) Nebraska Brewing beers are Chardonnay barrel aged, Dogfish Head Red&White ( another fave ) is aged in Pinot barrels. Dogfish Head also mixes wine/beer in Noble Rot and some of their ancient ales series ( Chateau Jihau, maybe others).

It would have been interesting to try Eiraphiotes side by side with and without Chardonnay barrel aging.

[bluebear]

The trend of wine aged (Pinot, Chardonnay) barrel aged in addition to the bourbon barrel aged beers seems to be increasing, and it definitely adds some interesting flavours to the mix. Most (all?) Nebraska Brewing beers are Chardonnay barrel aged, Dogfish Head Red&White ( another fave ) is aged in Pinot barrels. Dogfish Head also mixes wine/beer in Noble Rot and some of their ancient ales series ( Chateau Jihau, maybe others).

It would have been interesting to try Eiraphiotes side by side with and without Chardonnay barrel aging.

Nebraska also has some nice whiskey barrel aged brews. The wine aging does seem to be a growing trend. One of the up and coming local breweries up here in MA has a whole series of their beers (saisons, belgian pale, belgian dark) aged in different wine barrels. I'm not a huge saison fan but it's a nice twist on that style.

[fuse]

I'll try to sneak this in while waiting on the Wake game.

Tweasonale is a gluten free beer made from sorghum syrup and strawberries.

The nose is all biscuit and very inviting.

Very clean, fresh tasting and a prominent sweet strawberry finish.
Tongue in cheek this would make a great breakfast beer to contrast against some coffee stouts.

Quaffable at 6%. I've not tried many gluten free beers so I don't have a comparable reference point. If you have issues with gluten but like beer, this is a good one to try. The strawberry makes it a bit on the sweet side but I can really see enjoying this on a nice spring or summer day.

[devildeac]

Nebraska also has some nice whiskey barrel aged brews. The wine aging does seem to be a growing trend. One of the up and coming local breweries up here in MA has a whole series of their beers (saisons, belgian pale, belgian dark) aged in different wine barrels. I'm not a huge saison fan but it's a nice twist on that style.

Never tried any of the Nebraska brews and, at $20+ for the 750 ml bottles, not sure I ever will:(.

Next up: Gnomegang;).

[fuse]

Never tried any of the Nebraska brews and, at $20+ for the 750 ml bottles, not sure I ever will:(.

Next up: Gnomegang;).

Had Gnomegang once, I enjoyed it.

While I agree it is pricey, you are short changing yourself if you don't give one of the Nebraska Brewing beers a try. Both Melange A Trois (see what they did there? ;-) and Hop God are excellent.

I really like the saison style but not apricots so I have been reluctant to try their Saison Au Poivre with apricots and pepper (I don't like Aprihop either, one of the few DFH beers I am not a fan of).

You've put a couple nice imperial stout reviews together, I hear Nebraska's Black Betty is stellar.

[fuse]

Pours a thick amber with very little carbonation and no head.

Nose is all sweet vanilla, and at 11%, this is a heavy one and done beer.

Malty start with low bitterness on the tongue finishes with some vanilla maple sweetness ending in oak.

It's been a long time since I had an Immort Ale, but if memory serves when it is young it is very boozy and unbalanced. Three years of aging has taken off the edge, and this is a very mellow, drinkable 11%.
Complex like a barleywine, but the additional maple, vanilla, and oak make this a nice after dinner drink or dessert beer.

You could pair this with the right nuts and cheeses, or serve alongside vanilla ice cream ( or probably any ice cream for that matter). Carolina Brewery used to do a stout float, and this would be a good float beer if you are so inclined.

One of the nice things about Immort ale is it comes is a regular 12oz bottle. If you think about the alcohol percentage, this is easily a 2 for 1 relative to a normal beer. A lot of high alcohol beers come in 750ml or 22oz bombers, which is more along the lines of a 4 for 1. Nice if you have friends to share with but limits what you might open on your own.

Immort Ale is a tasty brew. This was my last one so I'll be looking to find some more to cellar and enjoy in the future.

[devildeac]

Pours a thick amber with very little carbonation and no head.

Nose is all sweet vanilla, and at 11%, this is a heavy one and done beer.

Malty start with low bitterness on the tongue finishes with some vanilla maple sweetness ending in oak.

It's been a long time since I had an Immort Ale, but if memory serves when it is young it is very boozy and unbalanced. Three years of aging has taken off the edge, and this is a very mellow, drinkable 11%.
Complex like a barleywine, but the additional maple, vanilla, and oak make this a nice after dinner drink or dessert beer.

You could pair this with the right nuts and cheeses, or serve alongside vanilla ice cream ( or probably any ice cream for that matter). Carolina Brewery used to do a stout float, and this would be a good float beer if you are so inclined.

One of the nice things about Immort ale is it comes is a regular 12oz bottle. If you think about the alcohol percentage, this is easily a 2 for 1 relative to a normal beer. A lot of high alcohol beers come in 750ml or 22oz bombers, which is more along the lines of a 4 for 1. Nice if you have friends to share with but limits what you might open on your own.

Immort Ale is a tasty brew. This was my last one so I'll be looking to find some more to cellar and enjoy in the future.

2009 Immort Ale. Impressive.

From a bottle I had and reviewed 2 years ago. I'll guess it was a 2009 purchase as I can't seem to cellar this brew very long:o.

Dogfish Head Immort Ale-One one my favorite beers all time for about the last 10 years. Is is a barley wine? Is it a double bock? Is it a strong ale? I think it has characteristics of each. It is a clear, medium brown ale with a modest head and has the caramel/butterscotch sweetness of a double bock and it is brewed with maple syrup so that flavor is also quite prominent. Vanilla and oak also make their voices known in a slightly boozey ABV of 11%. The hop presence is quite modest and IIRC, there may be juniper berries in the wood-aging process. The characteristics and flavors change as the brew warms while you enjoy this over an hour or so. Pour yourself 6 ounces in a snifter for dessert, or treat yourself to the entire bottle by the fire as a nightcap. I have not seen this in Raleigh for months but cl buncha numbers has provided 2 of these as traders in our last 2 meetings so I enjoyed one Sunday night and the other gets tucked away with some Bigfoot and Samichlaus for next winter. Thank you kind sir for this fabulous treat.

[devildeac]

Pours a thick amber with very little carbonation and no head.

Nose is all sweet vanilla, and at 11%, this is a heavy one and done beer.

Malty start with low bitterness on the tongue finishes with some vanilla maple sweetness ending in oak.

It's been a long time since I had an Immort Ale, but if memory serves when it is young it is very boozy and unbalanced. Three years of aging has taken off the edge, and this is a very mellow, drinkable 11%.
Complex like a barleywine, but the additional maple, vanilla, and oak make this a nice after dinner drink or dessert beer.

You could pair this with the right nuts and cheeses, or serve alongside vanilla ice cream ( or probably any ice cream for that matter). Carolina Brewery used to do a stout float, and this would be a good float beer if you are so inclined.

One of the nice things about Immort ale is it comes is a regular 12oz bottle. If you think about the alcohol percentage, this is easily a 2 for 1 relative to a normal beer. A lot of high alcohol beers come in 750ml or 22oz bombers, which is more along the lines of a 4 for 1. Nice if you have friends to share with but limits what you might open on your own.

Immort Ale is a tasty brew. This was my last one so I'll be looking to find some more to cellar and enjoy in the future.

From a bottle I had last month, purchased in December, 2011, so it was "fresh.":rolleyes:

Immort Ale-Dogfish Head Brewing

Welcome back to my palate, old friend. I have not sipped one of these in quite a while which is rather sad as this is one of my top 10, maybe even top 5 brews of all time. Its release is limited and I never seem to find it on the shelves, either due to its quick disappearance or bad timing on my part. Best characterized as a barleywine with a bit low IBU for the style at 50 but a potent 11% ABV, this sweet, dee-luscious brew is so easy to enjoy. Dark amber in color with next to no head, its initial impressions on your senses are maple syrup (added to the brew), oak and vanilla (also added). Juniper berries are also added but not sure I could identify that flavor. I had forgotten they age it in oak barrels and that imparts the "woodiness" to the flavors. Serve slightly chilled in a snifter for a nightcap or dessert and savor its complex nature. I bought a 4 pack last week (about $16) and it ages very well so I will add the other 3 to the cellar and embrace them as the special occasions arise over the next year or three.



Note worth reading from the brewer, too:

Pour this over pancakes. Vast in character, luscious and complex, Immort Ale was born at our brewpub in 1995 and made its way into bottles in 1997.

For this beer, we use maple syrup from Red Brook Farm -- Sam's family farm in Western Massachusetts, peat-smoked barley, juniper berries and vanilla.

Immort is fermented with a blend of English and Belgian yeasts, then aged in the big oak tanks at the brewery.

The sweet and earthy flavors meld magnificently in the Immort Ale. But be warned, the ABV is 11%, so after one or two you may start feeling immortal (even though we promise you won't be).

For more on the Immort Ale (including a bit about the artist who did our 4-pack artwork), watch Sam's Quick Sip Clip.

.

Original Release Date:
07/1997
Food Pairing Recommendations:
Spicy meatballs, meatloaf, corn, dried fruit, balsamic vinaigrette
Wine Comparable:
Red wine with dried fruit, zinfandel
ABV
11.0
IBU
50