I don't get to travel all that much so whenever I do it's usually a well thought out vacation planned months in advance. However this Sunday I received a phone call from my brother that kind of threw me for a loop. He had a grand vacation in mind that was anything but planned out. "Let's go to Chicago" he said. I've only been to Chicago once, and it was threw a connecting flight to God knows where. Since I've never explored the city and I have a friend who I haven't seen in ages that lives there I decided to dive head first into this idea. Sometimes you just gotta go with it.
I've gotten to travel to some amazing beer destinations in the US over the past 2 years (Colorado, California, Asheville, and Maine) mostly family vacations, but this will be the first time I'll be going with the strict intentions of having fun with just the guys and just enjoying beer. A "beer-cation" if you will.
With this "beer-cation" happening in just a mere two weeks it got me thinking about about beer destinations I'd like to check off the list. I did a little research and found a few cities that are packed with beer goodies, from bars to breweries/brewpubs. Here's a short list
1. San Diego, CA.
Bar that is a must visit : 1. Toronado
Brewery/Brewpub that is a must visit : 1. Ballast Point 2. Alesmith
2. New York City
Bar that is a must visit : 1. Rattle N' Hum
Brewery/Brewpub that is a must visit : 1. Brooklyn Brewery
3. Portland, OR
Bar that is a must visit : 1. Bailey's Taproom
Brewery/Brewpub that is a must visit : 1. Hair of the Dog Brewing Company 2. Cascade Brewing
Hopefully when I get back from Chicago I'll have a ton of stories to share. Cheers everyone.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Terrapin Hoptaneous Combustion
Brewer : Terrapin Beer Company (Georgia)
Style : Double IPA
ABV : 9.3%
Before I begin today's review I'd like to share some good news with everyone. I was just recently chosen to write about craft beer in the Ft. Lauderdale area for www.examiner.com I'm pretty jazzed about it and hopefully I can hash out a few good articles here and there. Hopefully by next week I'll have my first article up for viewing. I'll keep everyone posted on the links and such.
Well today's beer is from our neighbors up in Georgia, the one and only Terrapin. I was walking around Knightly Spirits in Orlando a few weeks ago making my final selections and saw this one standing alone in a box. Knowing that Terrapin can make a fine beer I whipped out the old iphone and did a little research. This one is a smoked double IPA. Sounds like quite a trip in a glass if you ask me. Smoky beers have never been my favorite style but I decided to take a leap of faith and give it a shot.
This is quite an intriguing beer and not for the faint of heart. It's got all the hopiness one might expect from a DIPA but with the smokiness of a small forest fire, not to mention the malts that backed everything up. The hoppiness and malty flavors were great, no problem there, but it was a little hard for me to get past all the smoky flavors. This is just another prime example of a beer that demands acquired taste buds. I love stepping outside my comfort zone and trying different beers as much as I can but this one just had too much smoky flavor and it somehow reminded me of eating burnt wood chips. Oh well, maybe in time I'll develop a more in tune palate to handle a beast like this.
Grade C
Song of the Day : Explosions in the Sky --Your Hand In Mine
Style : Double IPA
ABV : 9.3%
Before I begin today's review I'd like to share some good news with everyone. I was just recently chosen to write about craft beer in the Ft. Lauderdale area for www.examiner.com I'm pretty jazzed about it and hopefully I can hash out a few good articles here and there. Hopefully by next week I'll have my first article up for viewing. I'll keep everyone posted on the links and such.
Well today's beer is from our neighbors up in Georgia, the one and only Terrapin. I was walking around Knightly Spirits in Orlando a few weeks ago making my final selections and saw this one standing alone in a box. Knowing that Terrapin can make a fine beer I whipped out the old iphone and did a little research. This one is a smoked double IPA. Sounds like quite a trip in a glass if you ask me. Smoky beers have never been my favorite style but I decided to take a leap of faith and give it a shot.
This is quite an intriguing beer and not for the faint of heart. It's got all the hopiness one might expect from a DIPA but with the smokiness of a small forest fire, not to mention the malts that backed everything up. The hoppiness and malty flavors were great, no problem there, but it was a little hard for me to get past all the smoky flavors. This is just another prime example of a beer that demands acquired taste buds. I love stepping outside my comfort zone and trying different beers as much as I can but this one just had too much smoky flavor and it somehow reminded me of eating burnt wood chips. Oh well, maybe in time I'll develop a more in tune palate to handle a beast like this.
Grade C
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Short's The Woodmaster
Brewer : Short's Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : American Strong Ale
ABV : 9.5%
Well in my post yesterday I mentioned that my day started off pretty bad with a ticket in the early morning hours. I figured that the worst was probably behind me at that point, but I was wrong yet again. Later on that day my car decided to overheat, but lucky for me I was stranded at a gas station and was able to acquire the help of the service technician there. I thought my day was about to be shot down in flames before it could even begin but thankfully I made all my lessons and nothing was lost.
Now that I've vented a little let's move on to this wonderful beer from Short's.
I bring up another beer from Short's for two reasons. One, because I read about this beer a while back and saw that Short's has not brewed it in a few years, but the customer demand wanted it back so they went ahead and brewed some more. Second, I enjoyed this past Saturday pool side with my buddy Shook (his last name but everyone refers to him as if it was is first) from NY who vacations in Lake Ann, Michigan often, well his parents do at least. After many cocktails and a few hours in the blistering sun, we got on the topic of Short's in Michigan. I was mainly trying to talk about craft beer at the time but since they are in Michigan quite a bit I asked if they had heard of Short's. My question was answered with an emphatic "yes!" We talked about Short's a little bit, but my big point here is that Short's must be doing something right when people who aren't even into craft beer know about them and/or their company.
Well just a short story to lead into this review, so here we go.
This one was described by Short's has having a pecan, maple flavor to it. Sounds like breakfast in my house on a Saturday morning as a kid. I'm not much a sweet's guy but maple seems to grab my attention on my styles of beers. This one definitely delivered the goods.
The aroma is pretty damn boozy for only 9.5%, but is swiftly complimented by the maple pecan flavor. It also had some brown sugar qualities to it as well. The flavor is was boozy and buttery with hints of pecan and maple. Much like a pancake minus the booze, but hey, if you like booze on your pancakes, then you may just fall in love with this beer.
I'd love to see how this one ages. I'd give it about a year to let it mellow out and see how the taste is then, but still a treat of a beer.
Grade A
Song of the Day : AFI -- End Transmission
Style : American Strong Ale
ABV : 9.5%
Well in my post yesterday I mentioned that my day started off pretty bad with a ticket in the early morning hours. I figured that the worst was probably behind me at that point, but I was wrong yet again. Later on that day my car decided to overheat, but lucky for me I was stranded at a gas station and was able to acquire the help of the service technician there. I thought my day was about to be shot down in flames before it could even begin but thankfully I made all my lessons and nothing was lost.
Now that I've vented a little let's move on to this wonderful beer from Short's.
I bring up another beer from Short's for two reasons. One, because I read about this beer a while back and saw that Short's has not brewed it in a few years, but the customer demand wanted it back so they went ahead and brewed some more. Second, I enjoyed this past Saturday pool side with my buddy Shook (his last name but everyone refers to him as if it was is first) from NY who vacations in Lake Ann, Michigan often, well his parents do at least. After many cocktails and a few hours in the blistering sun, we got on the topic of Short's in Michigan. I was mainly trying to talk about craft beer at the time but since they are in Michigan quite a bit I asked if they had heard of Short's. My question was answered with an emphatic "yes!" We talked about Short's a little bit, but my big point here is that Short's must be doing something right when people who aren't even into craft beer know about them and/or their company.
Well just a short story to lead into this review, so here we go.
This one was described by Short's has having a pecan, maple flavor to it. Sounds like breakfast in my house on a Saturday morning as a kid. I'm not much a sweet's guy but maple seems to grab my attention on my styles of beers. This one definitely delivered the goods.
The aroma is pretty damn boozy for only 9.5%, but is swiftly complimented by the maple pecan flavor. It also had some brown sugar qualities to it as well. The flavor is was boozy and buttery with hints of pecan and maple. Much like a pancake minus the booze, but hey, if you like booze on your pancakes, then you may just fall in love with this beer.
I'd love to see how this one ages. I'd give it about a year to let it mellow out and see how the taste is then, but still a treat of a beer.
Grade A
Song of the Day : AFI -- End Transmission
Monday, February 28, 2011
Founders Breakfast Stout
Brewer : Founders Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 8.3%
Well today started off incredibly wrong. I got up to head to the gym and got caught for making an illegal left hand turn. There is something incredibly humbling about getting caught for something that made you think "I know this is illegal, but I'm gonna do it anyway". We can never beat the system, no matter how hard we try it always catches up with us in the end. That being said, this beer makes me happy beyond belief.
I had this bad boy from Founders about a year or so ago, before I got into blogging, but I just recently acquired this one as an extra in a trade. This could be one of my favorite dark beers to date (as of now that title is held by the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter by the guys at The Funky Buddha).
The pour is extremely dark with a big big fluffy head. The aroma is full of coffee beans, chocolate, and malts, needless to say, it's very inviting. The flavors mixed together are just a match made in heaven. Beside the coffee and chocolate flavors I got a little bit of milky lactose and possibly a little bit of vanilla. The ABV is masked incredibly well, but I probably wouldn't want to drink more then 2 of these. It will fill you up to the brim, so enjoy it after dinner.
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Bright Eyes -- Bowl of Oranges
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 8.3%
Well today started off incredibly wrong. I got up to head to the gym and got caught for making an illegal left hand turn. There is something incredibly humbling about getting caught for something that made you think "I know this is illegal, but I'm gonna do it anyway". We can never beat the system, no matter how hard we try it always catches up with us in the end. That being said, this beer makes me happy beyond belief.
I had this bad boy from Founders about a year or so ago, before I got into blogging, but I just recently acquired this one as an extra in a trade. This could be one of my favorite dark beers to date (as of now that title is held by the Maple Bacon Coffee Porter by the guys at The Funky Buddha).
The pour is extremely dark with a big big fluffy head. The aroma is full of coffee beans, chocolate, and malts, needless to say, it's very inviting. The flavors mixed together are just a match made in heaven. Beside the coffee and chocolate flavors I got a little bit of milky lactose and possibly a little bit of vanilla. The ABV is masked incredibly well, but I probably wouldn't want to drink more then 2 of these. It will fill you up to the brim, so enjoy it after dinner.
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Bright Eyes -- Bowl of Oranges
Friday, February 25, 2011
Troegs Scratch 27
Brewer : Troegs Brewing Co. (Pennsylvania)
Style : Sweet Stout
ABV : 6.7%
Friday is finally here people. What a glorious day to kick back and enjoy a good craft beer, after all the hard work is done and the clock strikes 5pm of course. This Friday, for me, feels like I have the day off, for one reason. I didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn at 5:45am to hit the gym before class, which lasts for close to 4 hours. What was I thinking signing up for an oceanography class that early in the morning. But any who, I'm rested and ready to tackle the day.
This beer from Troegs was one that I didn't know anything about. I did a little bit of research on Beer Advocate and found out that it was a sweet stout, so I figured it would be right up my alley.
The pour was extremely black and thick. It had a tiny little brown head to it, with a just a wee bit of carbonation. The aroma was pretty sweet with hints of chocolate and brown sugar. The flavor was on the sweet side as well, definitely an after dinner drink. Sort of a milky lactose taste to it, but with a nice malt backing. Sort of reminded me a little bit of milk chocolate I use to make as a kid.
Overall the taste was great, but I've had plenty of sweet stouts in my time with plenty more to offer in the character department. Not to trash this one at all, but it didn't really wow me out of my seat. But it's definitely worth a try if you get a chance to try it.
Grade B
Style : Sweet Stout
ABV : 6.7%
Friday is finally here people. What a glorious day to kick back and enjoy a good craft beer, after all the hard work is done and the clock strikes 5pm of course. This Friday, for me, feels like I have the day off, for one reason. I didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn at 5:45am to hit the gym before class, which lasts for close to 4 hours. What was I thinking signing up for an oceanography class that early in the morning. But any who, I'm rested and ready to tackle the day.
This beer from Troegs was one that I didn't know anything about. I did a little bit of research on Beer Advocate and found out that it was a sweet stout, so I figured it would be right up my alley.
The pour was extremely black and thick. It had a tiny little brown head to it, with a just a wee bit of carbonation. The aroma was pretty sweet with hints of chocolate and brown sugar. The flavor was on the sweet side as well, definitely an after dinner drink. Sort of a milky lactose taste to it, but with a nice malt backing. Sort of reminded me a little bit of milk chocolate I use to make as a kid.
Overall the taste was great, but I've had plenty of sweet stouts in my time with plenty more to offer in the character department. Not to trash this one at all, but it didn't really wow me out of my seat. But it's definitely worth a try if you get a chance to try it.
Grade B
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Short's Soft Parade
Brewer : Short's Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : Fruit Beer
ABV : 9%
Gotta love Short's from Michigan. Everything that I've tasted from them, with the exception of maybe one beer, has pretty much blown me away. So how does this one match up?
Well this one was pretty much brewed for the ladies, but as a craft beer drinker, and a lover a everything Short's, I fall into the demographic and can proudly consume every drop of this beer.
This would be a great beer for any female who is curious about trying craft beer but is still enjoys sipping her wine.
This beer has a good amount of fruitiness to it. I can't pin point one exact type of fruit, but if I had to name a few I'd go out on a limb here and say a mix between orange,cherry, and apple. I couldn't believe the ABV was clocked in at 9% because this son of a gun drank like nothing. It went down very easy and had a dry finish, very much like a wine. The color, which was a little reddish, even looked like a fruit wine. Just pour this into a glass and don't tell her what it is, I'm sure she'll love it.
Grade B
Song of the Day : MetallicA --- Orion Live in Korea
Style : Fruit Beer
ABV : 9%
Gotta love Short's from Michigan. Everything that I've tasted from them, with the exception of maybe one beer, has pretty much blown me away. So how does this one match up?
Well this one was pretty much brewed for the ladies, but as a craft beer drinker, and a lover a everything Short's, I fall into the demographic and can proudly consume every drop of this beer.
This would be a great beer for any female who is curious about trying craft beer but is still enjoys sipping her wine.
This beer has a good amount of fruitiness to it. I can't pin point one exact type of fruit, but if I had to name a few I'd go out on a limb here and say a mix between orange,cherry, and apple. I couldn't believe the ABV was clocked in at 9% because this son of a gun drank like nothing. It went down very easy and had a dry finish, very much like a wine. The color, which was a little reddish, even looked like a fruit wine. Just pour this into a glass and don't tell her what it is, I'm sure she'll love it.
Grade B
Song of the Day : MetallicA --- Orion Live in Korea
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout
Brewer : Goose Island (Chicago)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 13%
I had the pleasure of having two great beers over the weekend. One was Funky Buddha's Last Snow, which will be reviewed by my good buddy The Ferm , and the other was this beauty of a beer from Goose Island called Bourbon County Coffee Stout, which came curtsy of The Ferm.
Not only was this beer amazing but it happened to be my #900 rated beer. Yet again another feather in my proverbial drinking cap. I have a feeling though that reaching #1000 will be pretty easy within the next few weeks because Cigar City's Hunaphu release, which is happening on March 12, and from what I've been told it is a straight up shit show. I'll be sure to have a full report on that after me and my liver recover.
This baby has a dark dark pour, engine oil dark, if you know what I mean. It had a little brown head to it, which always makes me happy, because I know there is still some carbonation happening in this beer. The aroma was straight up coffee and booze. A good amount of bourbon boozieness going on here. Lucky for me I had the help of my brother and buddy Pat to share the bottle with. The aromas carried over a lot into the flavors, boozy and coffee, with hints of dark bitter chocolate and malts. I could have sipped on this baby all night, if only my liver were made of cast iron. A man can dream though.
Thanks again to the Ferm for being so generous and supplying me with this bottle. Hunaphu should be killer my friend. One for the books.
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Avenged Sevenfold -- Dear God
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 13%
I had the pleasure of having two great beers over the weekend. One was Funky Buddha's Last Snow, which will be reviewed by my good buddy The Ferm , and the other was this beauty of a beer from Goose Island called Bourbon County Coffee Stout, which came curtsy of The Ferm.
Not only was this beer amazing but it happened to be my #900 rated beer. Yet again another feather in my proverbial drinking cap. I have a feeling though that reaching #1000 will be pretty easy within the next few weeks because Cigar City's Hunaphu release, which is happening on March 12, and from what I've been told it is a straight up shit show. I'll be sure to have a full report on that after me and my liver recover.
This baby has a dark dark pour, engine oil dark, if you know what I mean. It had a little brown head to it, which always makes me happy, because I know there is still some carbonation happening in this beer. The aroma was straight up coffee and booze. A good amount of bourbon boozieness going on here. Lucky for me I had the help of my brother and buddy Pat to share the bottle with. The aromas carried over a lot into the flavors, boozy and coffee, with hints of dark bitter chocolate and malts. I could have sipped on this baby all night, if only my liver were made of cast iron. A man can dream though.
Thanks again to the Ferm for being so generous and supplying me with this bottle. Hunaphu should be killer my friend. One for the books.
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Avenged Sevenfold -- Dear God
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Cisco Monomoy Kriek
Brewer : Cisco Brewers (Nantucket)
Style : Sour/Wild
ABV : 6.7%
Let's keep this sour ball rolling shall we. This sour obsession is turning out to be what my imperial stout hook looked like a few months ago, but the Mikkeller thing is never going away, the guy just keeps coming up with more and more things every day.
This one was a little bit different then the Oude Gueuze I had consumed earlier that day.
This wasn't as pungent in the aroma, but definitely had some great qualities to it.
Reading up on this beer I found out that it was aged for 10 months on sour cherries and after tasting it I can definitely see that. It was as if I bit into a cherry. My cheeks puckered and the finish left my mouth a little dry, as most sours tend to do. The color was more on the red side, slightly cloudy and hazy with no foam to speak of. The carbonation seemed a little low but that didn't hold back on the flavor attack.
It was another extremely great sour and I can't wait to crack open another sour from Cisco.
Grade A
I was playing cards and drinking at the same time, not always the best decision when your trying to make money.
Song of the Day: MetallicA -- Suicide and Redemption
Style : Sour/Wild
ABV : 6.7%
Let's keep this sour ball rolling shall we. This sour obsession is turning out to be what my imperial stout hook looked like a few months ago, but the Mikkeller thing is never going away, the guy just keeps coming up with more and more things every day.
This one was a little bit different then the Oude Gueuze I had consumed earlier that day.
This wasn't as pungent in the aroma, but definitely had some great qualities to it.
Reading up on this beer I found out that it was aged for 10 months on sour cherries and after tasting it I can definitely see that. It was as if I bit into a cherry. My cheeks puckered and the finish left my mouth a little dry, as most sours tend to do. The color was more on the red side, slightly cloudy and hazy with no foam to speak of. The carbonation seemed a little low but that didn't hold back on the flavor attack.
It was another extremely great sour and I can't wait to crack open another sour from Cisco.
Grade A
Song of the Day: MetallicA -- Suicide and Redemption
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Hassens Oude Gueuze
Brewer : Hanssens (Belgium)
Style : Gueuze/Lambic
ABV : 6%
For those of you who stumble across this silly little beer blog and have no idea what I'm talking about when I use the word "gueuze" let me take a minute to explain.
Gueuze is a blend of young and old lambic. The yeasts are rejuvenated and carbonation ensues. The old lambic is more refined in character and helps take some of the edge off of the young lambic. The hops used are old, and act only as a preservative, so hop character is not a part of the style. The wild yeasts not only ferment and sour the beer, but they bring the funky, unpredictable flavours that characterize all lambic beers. A quality gueuze will be blended to eliminate some of the less desirable flavours. Above all else, a gueuze should be sour and very complex. The best examples are the most complex beers in the world, and put most champagnes to shame as well. The finish should be bone dry.
This definition was taken from the Ratebeer site, not straight from my head. I'm no beer geek by any means.
I can't say that I've gone to a beer store with the intentions of buying one of these tasty drinks, but I was on a mission to pick up a bunch of sour beers this Saturday and I wanted to throw a little something different into the mix. I'm glad that I did.
This was a pretty intense, sour, funky beer (if you can even call it that). It has a lot of fruity qualities and a lot of sour qualities as well. The funky sour taste was intense, making my cheeks pucker with each sip, and the tangy fruit flavors had me coming back for more. I wasn't sharing this one with anybody, plus no one I was with could probably stomach it. I'll be touching this style of gueuze again for sure.
Grade A
Song of the Day : Brad Paisley---Cliffs of Rock City
Style : Gueuze/Lambic
ABV : 6%
For those of you who stumble across this silly little beer blog and have no idea what I'm talking about when I use the word "gueuze" let me take a minute to explain.
Gueuze is a blend of young and old lambic. The yeasts are rejuvenated and carbonation ensues. The old lambic is more refined in character and helps take some of the edge off of the young lambic. The hops used are old, and act only as a preservative, so hop character is not a part of the style. The wild yeasts not only ferment and sour the beer, but they bring the funky, unpredictable flavours that characterize all lambic beers. A quality gueuze will be blended to eliminate some of the less desirable flavours. Above all else, a gueuze should be sour and very complex. The best examples are the most complex beers in the world, and put most champagnes to shame as well. The finish should be bone dry.
This definition was taken from the Ratebeer site, not straight from my head. I'm no beer geek by any means.
I can't say that I've gone to a beer store with the intentions of buying one of these tasty drinks, but I was on a mission to pick up a bunch of sour beers this Saturday and I wanted to throw a little something different into the mix. I'm glad that I did.
This was a pretty intense, sour, funky beer (if you can even call it that). It has a lot of fruity qualities and a lot of sour qualities as well. The funky sour taste was intense, making my cheeks pucker with each sip, and the tangy fruit flavors had me coming back for more. I wasn't sharing this one with anybody, plus no one I was with could probably stomach it. I'll be touching this style of gueuze again for sure.
Grade A
Song of the Day : Brad Paisley---Cliffs of Rock City
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Stone Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout
Brewer : Stone Brewing Co. (California)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 9.2%
I do some pretty dumb things sometimes, I mean come on, we all do. Looking back on my decisions this past weekend, which is when I consume all my beer for the following weeks reviews, I made some great decisions and some pretty dumb ones to add to it.
Starting off with the good. Getting this bottle in a trade for some Cigar City stuff, which ones I can't really recall, was a great find and I deserve a pat on the back for it. But the decision to consume the whole bomber by myself, with the exception of the taster sip from my girlfriend and her sister, was pretty stupid in retrospect.
I mean this beer is delicious, probably too good, but it's a meal within itself. Now I'm use to drinking my meals once or twice a day, I normally eat on the run and like to keep my slim girlish figure, but this was just redonkulous (proper spelling?) The bitter chocolate flavor was just all over the place, not to mention the oatmeal as well. In the flavor, the aroma, everywhere, you can't escape it. It poured really thick, like oil, deep black jet oil. I instantly knew I should have saved this for a proper tasting event of some sort, but I dove in head first and made the most of it.
If I had done my homework I would have skipped dinner, which was a combo of hamburgers, ribs, and other meaty products, and went straight for dessert, this beer being it. After consuming all that meat and then drinking this beer...ah, it was the final nail in my coffin. I was out like a light.
But I really loved it, and would probably do it again.
Grade A+
Song of the Day: Blue Oyster Cult---Burning For You
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 9.2%
I do some pretty dumb things sometimes, I mean come on, we all do. Looking back on my decisions this past weekend, which is when I consume all my beer for the following weeks reviews, I made some great decisions and some pretty dumb ones to add to it.
Starting off with the good. Getting this bottle in a trade for some Cigar City stuff, which ones I can't really recall, was a great find and I deserve a pat on the back for it. But the decision to consume the whole bomber by myself, with the exception of the taster sip from my girlfriend and her sister, was pretty stupid in retrospect.
I mean this beer is delicious, probably too good, but it's a meal within itself. Now I'm use to drinking my meals once or twice a day, I normally eat on the run and like to keep my slim girlish figure, but this was just redonkulous (proper spelling?) The bitter chocolate flavor was just all over the place, not to mention the oatmeal as well. In the flavor, the aroma, everywhere, you can't escape it. It poured really thick, like oil, deep black jet oil. I instantly knew I should have saved this for a proper tasting event of some sort, but I dove in head first and made the most of it.
If I had done my homework I would have skipped dinner, which was a combo of hamburgers, ribs, and other meaty products, and went straight for dessert, this beer being it. After consuming all that meat and then drinking this beer...ah, it was the final nail in my coffin. I was out like a light.
But I really loved it, and would probably do it again.
Grade A+
Song of the Day: Blue Oyster Cult---Burning For You
Monday, February 14, 2011
Cigar City Vuja De
Brewer : Cigar City (Tampa)
Style : Sour Ale
ABV : 10%
Well, I had the grand chance to escape the clutter and confusion of South Florida for the weekend, so what better way to escape then to travel up to Daytona where my "other" family resides. It's actually Kim's family, but I consider them family. I always count on two things happening when I travel up that way. 1. Consuming alcohol and food in gross amounts and 2. making a beer haul from Knightly Spirits in Orlando.
I was especially excited about this trip because before leaving I got word that they received a shipment of Vuja De, Cigar City's collaboration beer with Saint Somewhere. I didn't make it up to the Jupiter Craft Beer fest this year and I heard that Cigar City was pouring this beer, among other delicious brews which I will have to sniff out in the coming months, so I was pretty jazzed about getting this one.
This being a sour beer I was more then excited, but also a little hesitant drinking the whole bomber by myself, which I knew I was gonna have to do. No one in the Daytona extended family seems to like the sours, as of yet, but I'm working on it. The pour was dark and brownish. Slightly hazy and cloudy with a thick bubbly head. It had a good amount of lacing left around the rim of the glass, spotty and a tad bit oily. The aroma was quite pungent and strong to say the least. I was expecting a good amount of that sour funk that I'm use to from sours, which I got, but it almost seemed a little acidic as well. I could tell this would be no daunting task. The flavor was a tad boozy with hints of cherries, lemon zest with an acidic kick to it.
I was a little wrecked at this point in the night, but I decided to man up and finish the whole bomber. Probably not a great decision because I woke up with a headache the next morning (first time in a long time). Did I enjoy the beer?
Yes and no. The sour experience was great, but I should have waited to open it for two reasons.
1. To let it mellow out a bit. It delivers quite a punch
2. I didn't have anyone to share the bottle with, hence the headache the next morning.
Oh well, you live and learn, but this was a great beer and I'm glad I snagged two bottles of it.
Grade A
Song of the Day: John 5 -- Welcome To The Jungle
Style : Sour Ale
ABV : 10%
Well, I had the grand chance to escape the clutter and confusion of South Florida for the weekend, so what better way to escape then to travel up to Daytona where my "other" family resides. It's actually Kim's family, but I consider them family. I always count on two things happening when I travel up that way. 1. Consuming alcohol and food in gross amounts and 2. making a beer haul from Knightly Spirits in Orlando.
I was especially excited about this trip because before leaving I got word that they received a shipment of Vuja De, Cigar City's collaboration beer with Saint Somewhere. I didn't make it up to the Jupiter Craft Beer fest this year and I heard that Cigar City was pouring this beer, among other delicious brews which I will have to sniff out in the coming months, so I was pretty jazzed about getting this one.
This being a sour beer I was more then excited, but also a little hesitant drinking the whole bomber by myself, which I knew I was gonna have to do. No one in the Daytona extended family seems to like the sours, as of yet, but I'm working on it. The pour was dark and brownish. Slightly hazy and cloudy with a thick bubbly head. It had a good amount of lacing left around the rim of the glass, spotty and a tad bit oily. The aroma was quite pungent and strong to say the least. I was expecting a good amount of that sour funk that I'm use to from sours, which I got, but it almost seemed a little acidic as well. I could tell this would be no daunting task. The flavor was a tad boozy with hints of cherries, lemon zest with an acidic kick to it.
I was a little wrecked at this point in the night, but I decided to man up and finish the whole bomber. Probably not a great decision because I woke up with a headache the next morning (first time in a long time). Did I enjoy the beer?
Yes and no. The sour experience was great, but I should have waited to open it for two reasons.
1. To let it mellow out a bit. It delivers quite a punch
2. I didn't have anyone to share the bottle with, hence the headache the next morning.
Oh well, you live and learn, but this was a great beer and I'm glad I snagged two bottles of it.
Grade A
Song of the Day: John 5 -- Welcome To The Jungle
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Dark Horse Tres
Brewer : Dark Horse Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : Sweet Stout
ABV : 7%
I just can't seem to get away from these beers from Michigan, they're all just so good. Some day I'm gonna have to make a trip up that way and do a little exploring for myself.
I pulled this one out of the cellar for a certain, and not just because I was craving a stout. This stout in particular has blueberries in it. Why is that so special? Well earlier on that day I was having an early dinner with my girlfriend Kim, her sister Kiki (answers to Christie, but I only know her by that name), and my buddy Pat. We were eating some BBQ at Texas Hold Em BBQ, which has a pretty good craft beer selection, and Kiki wanted a "fruity" beer. I suggested a Magic Hat #9, but she didn't seem to like that. Long story short she opted for a Heini Light, but I was determined to find her a good fruity beer. I know that she loves Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat, but that has since been removed from the South Florida market for reasons unbenounced to me. We met back at my place for a few more drinks and I decided to pick up a six pack of Blue Paw for her to try. She described the beer as tasting like blueberry pancakes. I then let her taste some of my Dark Horse Tres, to which she replied. "This is like blueberry pancakes, but with syrup on top".
I guess her short description of Dark Horse Tres pretty much summed up this beer in one sentence. It is extremely dark and syrupy. Sweet aroma of chocolate and malts with a good amount of blueberry backing. The flavor is sweet as well, just like pancakes with syrup. I probably couldn't see myself drinking more then one of these though as the sweetness could probably beat my palate into submission.
Needless to say though I really enjoyed this tasty, after dinner beverage. Most definitely a desert beer.
Grade A
Song of the Day : John Denver : Thank God I'm a Country Boy (RIP John)
Style : Sweet Stout
ABV : 7%
I just can't seem to get away from these beers from Michigan, they're all just so good. Some day I'm gonna have to make a trip up that way and do a little exploring for myself.
I pulled this one out of the cellar for a certain, and not just because I was craving a stout. This stout in particular has blueberries in it. Why is that so special? Well earlier on that day I was having an early dinner with my girlfriend Kim, her sister Kiki (answers to Christie, but I only know her by that name), and my buddy Pat. We were eating some BBQ at Texas Hold Em BBQ, which has a pretty good craft beer selection, and Kiki wanted a "fruity" beer. I suggested a Magic Hat #9, but she didn't seem to like that. Long story short she opted for a Heini Light, but I was determined to find her a good fruity beer. I know that she loves Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat, but that has since been removed from the South Florida market for reasons unbenounced to me. We met back at my place for a few more drinks and I decided to pick up a six pack of Blue Paw for her to try. She described the beer as tasting like blueberry pancakes. I then let her taste some of my Dark Horse Tres, to which she replied. "This is like blueberry pancakes, but with syrup on top".
I guess her short description of Dark Horse Tres pretty much summed up this beer in one sentence. It is extremely dark and syrupy. Sweet aroma of chocolate and malts with a good amount of blueberry backing. The flavor is sweet as well, just like pancakes with syrup. I probably couldn't see myself drinking more then one of these though as the sweetness could probably beat my palate into submission.
Needless to say though I really enjoyed this tasty, after dinner beverage. Most definitely a desert beer.
Grade A
Song of the Day : John Denver : Thank God I'm a Country Boy (RIP John)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Flamboyant Wild Red Ale
Brewer : Arbor Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : Wild/Sour Ale
ABV : ?
My first big kick into craft beer was DIPA, then it was imperial stouts, now I'm on a sour/wild kick. Since I'm a brand new sour head I just reach for about any sour/wild I can find. That goes without saying that some will be good some will be bad. Most of the sours that I've tried so for, Seabass, Cable Car, have been great but I just came across my first bad sour. Well not bad, but I probably wouldn't get it again, given a sour option.
I made a trade for a few beers, including this one. This one was a sour red ale, so I was expecting a reddish tint to it, and that's what I got. The appearance was sort of hazy and cloudy, no real lacing to speak of though. The aroma had a tad bit of a sour funk to it, but it was pretty bland. The flavor was a little better then the aroma. Had hints of cherries and a slight tartness to it. That being said, I can't really say too much more then that. It was a good experience to try something new, as always.
Grade C
Song of the Day : Children of Bodom--Bodom Beach Terror
Style : Wild/Sour Ale
ABV : ?
My first big kick into craft beer was DIPA, then it was imperial stouts, now I'm on a sour/wild kick. Since I'm a brand new sour head I just reach for about any sour/wild I can find. That goes without saying that some will be good some will be bad. Most of the sours that I've tried so for, Seabass, Cable Car, have been great but I just came across my first bad sour. Well not bad, but I probably wouldn't get it again, given a sour option.
I made a trade for a few beers, including this one. This one was a sour red ale, so I was expecting a reddish tint to it, and that's what I got. The appearance was sort of hazy and cloudy, no real lacing to speak of though. The aroma had a tad bit of a sour funk to it, but it was pretty bland. The flavor was a little better then the aroma. Had hints of cherries and a slight tartness to it. That being said, I can't really say too much more then that. It was a good experience to try something new, as always.
Grade C
Monday, February 7, 2011
Short's The Good Samaritan
Brewer : Short's Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : Belgian Strong Ale
ABV : 7%
After my long hard move on Saturday I was totally beat and needed to unwind with a beer. I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for but my experiences with Short's as always been great. Knowing that I had a few new ones in my fridge I grabbed the first one I saw.
This one seemed like a promising, delicious brew. The commercial description says that it's brewed with honey and apple cider. That seems like a winning combo to me. Sounds like something I might have drank when I was a toddler, however.....
The color is dark goldish brown, slightly hazy and cloudy. The aroma does have the honey, apple zest to it, but the combo didn't really impress me all that much. It just seemed somewhat unbalanced and strange. The flavor had that sweet honey touch to it, but that was about it. The body was pretty light, even though this clocked in at 7% ABV.
I just wasn't super impressed by this one, but then again I have 5 more Short's in my fridge to change my mind, or refresh my palate in the future. This beer was a Good Samaritan, but definitely not the best.
Grade C+
Song of the Day: Nonpoint---Double Stakked
Style : Belgian Strong Ale
ABV : 7%
After my long hard move on Saturday I was totally beat and needed to unwind with a beer. I wasn't sure what I was in the mood for but my experiences with Short's as always been great. Knowing that I had a few new ones in my fridge I grabbed the first one I saw.
This one seemed like a promising, delicious brew. The commercial description says that it's brewed with honey and apple cider. That seems like a winning combo to me. Sounds like something I might have drank when I was a toddler, however.....
The color is dark goldish brown, slightly hazy and cloudy. The aroma does have the honey, apple zest to it, but the combo didn't really impress me all that much. It just seemed somewhat unbalanced and strange. The flavor had that sweet honey touch to it, but that was about it. The body was pretty light, even though this clocked in at 7% ABV.
I just wasn't super impressed by this one, but then again I have 5 more Short's in my fridge to change my mind, or refresh my palate in the future. This beer was a Good Samaritan, but definitely not the best.
Grade C+
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Quick update
Alright people I know that I've really been slacking on the updates and reviews but I have good reason. I just moved into a new place, as of a yesterday, and I just got my internet working. So sometime this week, hopefully Monday I'll be back with my reviews and get the ball rolling again.
Cheers,
Casey
Cheers,
Casey
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Short's The Wizard
Brewer : Short's Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : Barley Wine
ABV : 11%
Time for another quick review before I have to run out the door.
Short's, from Bellaire, MI, makes some incredible beers. If you follow, or track down their beers, you've probably heard of their famous Key Lime Pie beer. I mean come on, how could someone not want to try that? Beer lover or not that just sounds tasty. I love beer and love desert (as a kid, not so much anymore, because I want to keep my slim girlish figure) so it would only be nature to want to combine the two. But unfortunately I haven't been able to try this one yet, but rest assured that I will hunt this one down and beat it to the ground.
OK, I've lost my train of thought. On with this beer, The Wizard.
The commercial description about this beer says that it's brewed with raisins and boiled for 6 hours and 66 minutes. I'm no math wizard here, no pun intended, but wouldn't that make it a boil of 7 hours and 6 minutes. But I see where they are going with this. Keep the evil factor involved and the people will eat it up. I don't worship the dark lord, even though I have a bottle of one, but like gimmicks like this keep me interested in beer and it's good for a laugh or two.
The beer itself is loaded with barley flavor. Mostly malts and barley prevail but you do get those raisins as well. The ABV was a tad high, not that I'm a wimp or nothing, but it made for quite a boozy drink. I found myself taking smaller sips then normal and cleaning my palate in between with a cracker here and there. Don't get me wrong I loved it, but I'm not the biggest fan of barely wines. I suppose I just haven't been totally knocked off my feet by one yet.
Grade B
Song of the Day : MetallicA --Mercyful Fate Medley (Evil, just like this beer)
Style : Barley Wine
ABV : 11%
Time for another quick review before I have to run out the door.
Short's, from Bellaire, MI, makes some incredible beers. If you follow, or track down their beers, you've probably heard of their famous Key Lime Pie beer. I mean come on, how could someone not want to try that? Beer lover or not that just sounds tasty. I love beer and love desert (as a kid, not so much anymore, because I want to keep my slim girlish figure) so it would only be nature to want to combine the two. But unfortunately I haven't been able to try this one yet, but rest assured that I will hunt this one down and beat it to the ground.
OK, I've lost my train of thought. On with this beer, The Wizard.
The commercial description about this beer says that it's brewed with raisins and boiled for 6 hours and 66 minutes. I'm no math wizard here, no pun intended, but wouldn't that make it a boil of 7 hours and 6 minutes. But I see where they are going with this. Keep the evil factor involved and the people will eat it up. I don't worship the dark lord, even though I have a bottle of one, but like gimmicks like this keep me interested in beer and it's good for a laugh or two.
The beer itself is loaded with barley flavor. Mostly malts and barley prevail but you do get those raisins as well. The ABV was a tad high, not that I'm a wimp or nothing, but it made for quite a boozy drink. I found myself taking smaller sips then normal and cleaning my palate in between with a cracker here and there. Don't get me wrong I loved it, but I'm not the biggest fan of barely wines. I suppose I just haven't been totally knocked off my feet by one yet.
Grade B
Song of the Day : MetallicA --Mercyful Fate Medley (Evil, just like this beer)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
White Birch Natasha
Brewer : White Birch Brewing (New Hampshire)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 11.6%
OK, another busy day, but I've got a few minutes, so let's knock out another review.
I've heard some piss poor things about White Birch and have actually tasted one of their beers before. I believe it was their Oak Aged Tripel that I had at The Funky Buddha for a tasting, and that thing was just an utter disgrace. So needless to say I was a little bit hesitant to try another beer from them, but I went with my better judgment and decided to make a trade for a bottle of the Natasha imperial stout.
This was a super dark imperial stout. Big foamy head with an off brown color to it. So far, it looks good. The aroma had a good bit of smokey qualities, sort of woody with malts and dark chocolate. Again, so far so good. The flavor was also smokey and chocolaty. The flavor was a tad bit heavy but lucky for me I had my brother here to help me finish the bomber.
Was it good? Yeah it was a pretty solid imperial stout, but I wasn't expecting all that smoke in the aroma and flavor, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Maybe their beers aren't that bad, but it will take more then just 2 to make a good proper judgment.
Grade A
Song of the Day : Chet Atkins -- The Entertainer (check out that shirt)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 11.6%
OK, another busy day, but I've got a few minutes, so let's knock out another review.
I've heard some piss poor things about White Birch and have actually tasted one of their beers before. I believe it was their Oak Aged Tripel that I had at The Funky Buddha for a tasting, and that thing was just an utter disgrace. So needless to say I was a little bit hesitant to try another beer from them, but I went with my better judgment and decided to make a trade for a bottle of the Natasha imperial stout.
This was a super dark imperial stout. Big foamy head with an off brown color to it. So far, it looks good. The aroma had a good bit of smokey qualities, sort of woody with malts and dark chocolate. Again, so far so good. The flavor was also smokey and chocolaty. The flavor was a tad bit heavy but lucky for me I had my brother here to help me finish the bomber.
Was it good? Yeah it was a pretty solid imperial stout, but I wasn't expecting all that smoke in the aroma and flavor, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Maybe their beers aren't that bad, but it will take more then just 2 to make a good proper judgment.
Grade A
Song of the Day : Chet Atkins -- The Entertainer (check out that shirt)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Bells Hopslam
Brewer : Bells Brewing Co. (Michigan)
Style : Double IPA
ABV : 10%
So the season of Hopslam is upon us, South Florida that is, and the beer community is up in arms. People are fighting each other in the stores for a six pack, which is limited to one six pack per person. People are selling their first born child for a sip of this beautiful elixir. There is pandemonium in the streets. People are chomping at the bit with foam dripping from their jaws. It will surly be the death of us all.....
Or maybe that was just a bad dream I had last night
But in all seriousness this is truly an amazing beer. People are super excited about this beer officially hitting the South Florida market. So much so that there is a limit to how much people can actually buy, one sixer per person. Personally I don't need a sixer, just one or two bottles and I'm on to the next great beer in my cellar. That being said I shouldn't neglect to say how amazing this beer really is.
The aroma is hoppy and sweet. Label says "brewed with honey" and that is no lie my friends. There is a good amount of sweet honey in the aroma and flavor. I handed a small sample to my brother and his fiance last night to get somewhat of an outsiders perspective and they mentioned that they smelled apricot and peaches in it. I might not have really noticed that at first but I can see it now. It's hoppy, and yes my girlfriend sneezed within the first 10 seconds, but isn't super over the top hoppy. Just writing these words gets me salivating for one right now and there just happens to be one more in my fridge.
All in all, if you get the chance to try this, whether it be out of the bottle or on draft, jump at the chance. Become a believer
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Megadeth---Sweating Bullets
Style : Double IPA
ABV : 10%
So the season of Hopslam is upon us, South Florida that is, and the beer community is up in arms. People are fighting each other in the stores for a six pack, which is limited to one six pack per person. People are selling their first born child for a sip of this beautiful elixir. There is pandemonium in the streets. People are chomping at the bit with foam dripping from their jaws. It will surly be the death of us all.....
Or maybe that was just a bad dream I had last night
But in all seriousness this is truly an amazing beer. People are super excited about this beer officially hitting the South Florida market. So much so that there is a limit to how much people can actually buy, one sixer per person. Personally I don't need a sixer, just one or two bottles and I'm on to the next great beer in my cellar. That being said I shouldn't neglect to say how amazing this beer really is.
The aroma is hoppy and sweet. Label says "brewed with honey" and that is no lie my friends. There is a good amount of sweet honey in the aroma and flavor. I handed a small sample to my brother and his fiance last night to get somewhat of an outsiders perspective and they mentioned that they smelled apricot and peaches in it. I might not have really noticed that at first but I can see it now. It's hoppy, and yes my girlfriend sneezed within the first 10 seconds, but isn't super over the top hoppy. Just writing these words gets me salivating for one right now and there just happens to be one more in my fridge.
All in all, if you get the chance to try this, whether it be out of the bottle or on draft, jump at the chance. Become a believer
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Megadeth---Sweating Bullets
Friday, January 28, 2011
Ballast Point Big Eye
Brewer : Ballast Point Brewing Co. (California)
Style : IPA
ABV : 6%
Well I haven't been able to update the blog as much as I'd like this week but that's because I've been pretty busy with work and school. I suppose those things are a little bit more important then beer, but I don't know sometimes... Speaking of which I only have 20 minutes to review this beer before I have to leave for my next guitar lesson, so I'm gonna keep this brief.
Ballast Point makes some great beers, especially the IPA style. I've had a few of their beers, most importantly Sculpin, which was heavenly, and they really seem to have their IPA's down to a science.
This one sort of reminded me of Sculpin, but the balls just haven't dropped yet. It has a good amount of hops and citrus in the aroma, and flavor, but doesn't quite carry the bite that Sculpin had. The color is darkish and hazy, with a slightly cloudy center. The way I know if a beer has a good amount of hops in it or not is if my girlfriend sneezes within 10 seconds of trying it. She's allergic to hops I believe ( and chocolate, so pretty much all things good in this world, or any other). She better stay away from Hopslam or Hopstoopid. Anyway, I really enjoyed this beer. The beer wasn't too heavy on the mouth and as it warmed up a bit the malt backing really made it's presence known.
Probably too brief of a description but I'm running out of time.
Grade A
Song of the Day : Iron and Wine ---Communion Cups and Someone's Coat
Style : IPA
ABV : 6%
Well I haven't been able to update the blog as much as I'd like this week but that's because I've been pretty busy with work and school. I suppose those things are a little bit more important then beer, but I don't know sometimes... Speaking of which I only have 20 minutes to review this beer before I have to leave for my next guitar lesson, so I'm gonna keep this brief.
Ballast Point makes some great beers, especially the IPA style. I've had a few of their beers, most importantly Sculpin, which was heavenly, and they really seem to have their IPA's down to a science.
This one sort of reminded me of Sculpin, but the balls just haven't dropped yet. It has a good amount of hops and citrus in the aroma, and flavor, but doesn't quite carry the bite that Sculpin had. The color is darkish and hazy, with a slightly cloudy center. The way I know if a beer has a good amount of hops in it or not is if my girlfriend sneezes within 10 seconds of trying it. She's allergic to hops I believe ( and chocolate, so pretty much all things good in this world, or any other). She better stay away from Hopslam or Hopstoopid. Anyway, I really enjoyed this beer. The beer wasn't too heavy on the mouth and as it warmed up a bit the malt backing really made it's presence known.
Probably too brief of a description but I'm running out of time.
Grade A
Song of the Day : Iron and Wine ---Communion Cups and Someone's Coat
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Kuhnhenn Solar Eclipse Imperial Stout
Brewer : Kuhnhenn Brewing (Michigan)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 18% (Big old boy)
So for the Sarasota/FlaBrew meet up two weeks ago I wasn't sure what I was going to bring. A good bomber of something is always a good plan, but most of the bombers in my cellar are things I want to share for a special day. Kuhnhenn Solar Eclipse was a beer that I just got in a recent trade, and at a staggering 18%ABV I knew I'd need some help with this big boy. As it turns out the tasting was a bit smaller then I was expecting and most everyone brought bombers. So bringing a 12oz bottle turned out to be a good thing. The sad thing was that there was more beer then everyone could consume, we ended up dumping some amazing beer. Oh well, at least the plants were happy.
This one ended up having a pitch black pour with a creamy head. Swishing it around in my taster glass like a snob I noticed it had somewhat of a spotty lacing and an oily texture. The aroma was pretty intense to say the least. It had hints of brown sugar, chocolate malts and coffee. Heavenly, and to quote The Ferm, it was "sexual". The flavor was boozy, malty, and creamy. The booze sort of a gave my palate a good swift gut shot, but sometimes I enjoy a good surprise.
I believe that everyone that got a chance to try it either really enjoyed it or gave me a hug for bringing it (AlesFromTheCrypt).
Grade A
Song of the Day: Led Zeppelin --Fool In The Rain
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 18% (Big old boy)
So for the Sarasota/FlaBrew meet up two weeks ago I wasn't sure what I was going to bring. A good bomber of something is always a good plan, but most of the bombers in my cellar are things I want to share for a special day. Kuhnhenn Solar Eclipse was a beer that I just got in a recent trade, and at a staggering 18%ABV I knew I'd need some help with this big boy. As it turns out the tasting was a bit smaller then I was expecting and most everyone brought bombers. So bringing a 12oz bottle turned out to be a good thing. The sad thing was that there was more beer then everyone could consume, we ended up dumping some amazing beer. Oh well, at least the plants were happy.
This one ended up having a pitch black pour with a creamy head. Swishing it around in my taster glass like a snob I noticed it had somewhat of a spotty lacing and an oily texture. The aroma was pretty intense to say the least. It had hints of brown sugar, chocolate malts and coffee. Heavenly, and to quote The Ferm, it was "sexual". The flavor was boozy, malty, and creamy. The booze sort of a gave my palate a good swift gut shot, but sometimes I enjoy a good surprise.
I believe that everyone that got a chance to try it either really enjoyed it or gave me a hug for bringing it (AlesFromTheCrypt).
Grade A
Song of the Day: Led Zeppelin --Fool In The Rain
Friday, January 21, 2011
White Whales and the ride that got me there
In the craft beer community a "white whale" is often referred to as a beer on your want list that is highly sought after, or very limited. I have a few white whales that I've been after since becoming a craft beer enthusiast, and here's just a short list:
1.Dark Lord
2.Kate The Great
3.Darkness
4.Isabelle
5.Pliny The Younger
Within the last week I've been able to either taste or obtain two of those beers from my whale list, Darkness 09', 10' and Dark Lord. The Darkness bottles where shared by my good friend Phil, or The Ferm, from DosBeerigos. Now I have a few milestones coming up, beer #900 and #1000, but I think the most important thing to remember here is not just the beers themselves but the ride that got you there.
This may sound like a I'm singing a sappy country song, but for me it's always been more about the chase then the catch. I love hunting down beers I can't find in South Florida and trying just about every different beer under the sun. I read somewhere that the difference between a beer snob and a beer geek is that a beer snob wants to know everything about craft beer and a beer geek just wants to try everything.
Sounds true to me because I probably couldn't tell you how beer is brewed or made, even though it's pretty much only 4 simple ingredients (water, barley, hops, and yeast), but I could probably tell you if I've tried a certain type of beer or not and my thoughts on it. Even today it's odd, to me especially, how my brain can retain certain information like that. There's pretty much three types of information my brain can retain without a doubt. 1.Movie lines and quotes 2.Music 3.Beer, everything else may fall by the waste side.
OK, well I've gone off on a tangent here, but my big underlining theme was suppose to be something like this. Enjoy every glass of beer you drink. A beer you may find commonly around South Florida, such as Cigar City Jai Alai, could be someones most sought after beer or white whale. And don't forget to enjoy the ride.
"Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride" (HST)
Song of the Day: Van Halen -- Ain't Talkin' Bout Love
1.Dark Lord
2.Kate The Great
3.Darkness
4.Isabelle
5.Pliny The Younger
Within the last week I've been able to either taste or obtain two of those beers from my whale list, Darkness 09', 10' and Dark Lord. The Darkness bottles where shared by my good friend Phil, or The Ferm, from DosBeerigos. Now I have a few milestones coming up, beer #900 and #1000, but I think the most important thing to remember here is not just the beers themselves but the ride that got you there.
This may sound like a I'm singing a sappy country song, but for me it's always been more about the chase then the catch. I love hunting down beers I can't find in South Florida and trying just about every different beer under the sun. I read somewhere that the difference between a beer snob and a beer geek is that a beer snob wants to know everything about craft beer and a beer geek just wants to try everything.
Sounds true to me because I probably couldn't tell you how beer is brewed or made, even though it's pretty much only 4 simple ingredients (water, barley, hops, and yeast), but I could probably tell you if I've tried a certain type of beer or not and my thoughts on it. Even today it's odd, to me especially, how my brain can retain certain information like that. There's pretty much three types of information my brain can retain without a doubt. 1.Movie lines and quotes 2.Music 3.Beer, everything else may fall by the waste side.
OK, well I've gone off on a tangent here, but my big underlining theme was suppose to be something like this. Enjoy every glass of beer you drink. A beer you may find commonly around South Florida, such as Cigar City Jai Alai, could be someones most sought after beer or white whale. And don't forget to enjoy the ride.
"Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride" (HST)
Song of the Day: Van Halen -- Ain't Talkin' Bout Love
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Belgium Lips of Faith - Imperial Berliner Style Weisse
Brewer : New Belgium Brewing Co. (Colorado)
Style : Sour/Wild Ale
ABV : 7%
A few months back Mike from www.mikelovesbeer.com invited me and a few other beer lovers over to his place for a good old fashion BBQ, and drinks of course. While I was there someone pulled out a bottle of New Belgium Lips of Faith La Folie. I had heard things about New Belgium's Lips of Faith series but never had any of them. Well needless to say I was quite surprised about how good it was. After the BBQ I went home and did a little more research on these Lips of Faith beers. I found out that there are somewhere around 25 beers from the Lips of Faith series. I decided the only way to make an accurate assumption about these beers is to try them all, hell or high water.
This one was another beer I picked up while in California. The pour was golden with slight brownish tints. A thin bubbly head, with very little lacing. The aroma had hints of citrus and sour zest but nothing that made me jump out of my seat. The flavor was also a little bland with a little bit of sour funk and citrus notes. The flavors were actually a little bit bitter on the back end and things just seemed a little off balance.
I don't know how many of you out there have had this beer, but for me the flavors just seemed a little too inconsistent and arbitrary. Not only do I love stouts, but I'm also slowly becoming a sour head, so I guess I really love a super sour beer. This one just didn't have enough sour funk to impress me.
Grade C+
Song of the Day -- Lamb of God Ruin (yeah it's one of those kind of days)
Style : Sour/Wild Ale
ABV : 7%
A few months back Mike from www.mikelovesbeer.com invited me and a few other beer lovers over to his place for a good old fashion BBQ, and drinks of course. While I was there someone pulled out a bottle of New Belgium Lips of Faith La Folie. I had heard things about New Belgium's Lips of Faith series but never had any of them. Well needless to say I was quite surprised about how good it was. After the BBQ I went home and did a little more research on these Lips of Faith beers. I found out that there are somewhere around 25 beers from the Lips of Faith series. I decided the only way to make an accurate assumption about these beers is to try them all, hell or high water.
This one was another beer I picked up while in California. The pour was golden with slight brownish tints. A thin bubbly head, with very little lacing. The aroma had hints of citrus and sour zest but nothing that made me jump out of my seat. The flavor was also a little bland with a little bit of sour funk and citrus notes. The flavors were actually a little bit bitter on the back end and things just seemed a little off balance.
I don't know how many of you out there have had this beer, but for me the flavors just seemed a little too inconsistent and arbitrary. Not only do I love stouts, but I'm also slowly becoming a sour head, so I guess I really love a super sour beer. This one just didn't have enough sour funk to impress me.
Grade C+
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Firestone 14
Brewer : Firestone Walker Brewing Co. (California)
Style : American Strong Ale
ABV : 12.5%
Picking up this beer was sort of a last minute decision while I was on vacation in California. I walked into a store, saw this beer sitting in the cooler, and then saw the price tag. $25!!!!! WTF!!!!
With a price as high as that there must be some kind of hype behind it, or something rare about it. I got in front of my computer later on that day and did a little research on it. Here's what I found out (and I'll just copy and paste it because I'm too lazy to type the whole thing out verbatim)
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
As a finished beer, 14 is brimming with amazing flavors and textures. DDBA leads the blend lending American toasted oak, English caramel toffee and light leather nuances. Newcomer, Sticky Monkey, folds in the taste of brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger and ripe figs. Parabola brings the familiar flavors of bitter dark chocolate and cherry pit. Velvet Merkin carries silky bourbon soaked chocolate cake goodness to the party while a touch of Black Xantus teases coffee and tobacco. Last, but not least, Good Foot brings the hops... hints of citrus zest and tangerine, which adds a pop to the aroma and nice finish to this big, sexy brew. 14 is best enjoyed in a half filled brandy snifter or wine glass. Allow it to warm to 55F to fully enjoy the pleasing and complex aromas. If left in a cool dark place, I suspect this beer will age well. It was an absolute pleasure making it and I truly hope you enjoy our fifth oak–aged blend! The journey continues
So it's a blend of some really awesome beers, one of which, Parabola, is one that I've had the pleasure of sharing with my friends after my first successful trade. So I asked myself the most logical question at the time: "Is it worth it?"
Well by the time I answered the question I had already had a few drinks and I figured I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to try it. So I walked a few blocks back to the store and forked over my $25. Was it worth it? Oh yeah
It was super dark when poured into the snifter I was using. I thought it should have been under the Imperial Stout moniker, but whatever, I'll just go with it. The taste was rich and creamy. Good amount of roasted malt character along with hints of chocolate and caramel. It carried somewhat of a milky lactose texture, but it also had a good amount of oaky-ness to it as well. The mouth feel was a little heavy, but not enough to slow me down from taking my next sip.
Overall it was a great experience and a great final beer of my trip.
Grade A+
Song of the Day: Trivium----The Crusade (A great display of guitar riffing)
Style : American Strong Ale
ABV : 12.5%
Picking up this beer was sort of a last minute decision while I was on vacation in California. I walked into a store, saw this beer sitting in the cooler, and then saw the price tag. $25!!!!! WTF!!!!
With a price as high as that there must be some kind of hype behind it, or something rare about it. I got in front of my computer later on that day and did a little research on it. Here's what I found out (and I'll just copy and paste it because I'm too lazy to type the whole thing out verbatim)
COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
As a finished beer, 14 is brimming with amazing flavors and textures. DDBA leads the blend lending American toasted oak, English caramel toffee and light leather nuances. Newcomer, Sticky Monkey, folds in the taste of brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger and ripe figs. Parabola brings the familiar flavors of bitter dark chocolate and cherry pit. Velvet Merkin carries silky bourbon soaked chocolate cake goodness to the party while a touch of Black Xantus teases coffee and tobacco. Last, but not least, Good Foot brings the hops... hints of citrus zest and tangerine, which adds a pop to the aroma and nice finish to this big, sexy brew. 14 is best enjoyed in a half filled brandy snifter or wine glass. Allow it to warm to 55F to fully enjoy the pleasing and complex aromas. If left in a cool dark place, I suspect this beer will age well. It was an absolute pleasure making it and I truly hope you enjoy our fifth oak–aged blend! The journey continues
So it's a blend of some really awesome beers, one of which, Parabola, is one that I've had the pleasure of sharing with my friends after my first successful trade. So I asked myself the most logical question at the time: "Is it worth it?"
Well by the time I answered the question I had already had a few drinks and I figured I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to try it. So I walked a few blocks back to the store and forked over my $25. Was it worth it? Oh yeah
It was super dark when poured into the snifter I was using. I thought it should have been under the Imperial Stout moniker, but whatever, I'll just go with it. The taste was rich and creamy. Good amount of roasted malt character along with hints of chocolate and caramel. It carried somewhat of a milky lactose texture, but it also had a good amount of oaky-ness to it as well. The mouth feel was a little heavy, but not enough to slow me down from taking my next sip.
Overall it was a great experience and a great final beer of my trip.
Grade A+
Song of the Day: Trivium----The Crusade (A great display of guitar riffing)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Alesmith Speedway Stout
Brewer : AleSmith Brewing Co. (California)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 12%
First off I must say that my trip to Sarasota this weekend was one hell of a great time. I got to drink some incredible beer with some awesome beer enthusiasts from South Florida. Big shot outs to DosBeerigos,MikeLovesBeer,AlesFromTheCrypt,CrazyCatLady,RoadTripsForBeer,CervezaChica,and AlanShaw. You guys all rock. Till next time, Cheerz!!!
This was another beer I picked up while out in California. I'd heard a lot about this beer from the forums, postings, and even from the few South Florida beer bloggers that have been able to try it. Well it most certainly lived up to all the hype.
The pour was pitch black and somewhat syrupy. The texture was thick with an off brown bubbly head. It left a good amount of lacing around the rim, spotty and somewhat runny. The aroma was packed with coffee and roasted malts. The flavor had a good bit of dark chocolate and coffee in there, with a nice bitter back end to it.
It drank incredibly smooth, while the ABV was masked superbly amongst the flavors. Every part of this beer seemed very well balanced and structured. Hopefully next time I'll be able to bring a bottle back.
Grade A+
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 12%
First off I must say that my trip to Sarasota this weekend was one hell of a great time. I got to drink some incredible beer with some awesome beer enthusiasts from South Florida. Big shot outs to DosBeerigos,MikeLovesBeer,AlesFromTheCrypt,CrazyCatLady,RoadTripsForBeer,CervezaChica,and AlanShaw. You guys all rock. Till next time, Cheerz!!!
This was another beer I picked up while out in California. I'd heard a lot about this beer from the forums, postings, and even from the few South Florida beer bloggers that have been able to try it. Well it most certainly lived up to all the hype.
The pour was pitch black and somewhat syrupy. The texture was thick with an off brown bubbly head. It left a good amount of lacing around the rim, spotty and somewhat runny. The aroma was packed with coffee and roasted malts. The flavor had a good bit of dark chocolate and coffee in there, with a nice bitter back end to it.
It drank incredibly smooth, while the ABV was masked superbly amongst the flavors. Every part of this beer seemed very well balanced and structured. Hopefully next time I'll be able to bring a bottle back.
Grade A+
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Dissident
Brewer : Deschutes (Oregon)
Style : Sour/Wild
ABV : 9%
Dictionary.com defines the word Dissident as "disagreeing or dissenting, as in opinion or attitude". OK, now that the vocabulary lesson is over let's "get right down to brass tax" as the good old Dr. HST would say (Dr. Hunter S. Thompson)
There's no area of this beer I disagree with whatsoever. This could be, if my mind serves me correctly, my very first brown sour. Now I've had a few sours in my short beer career, but none of which I can say were brown. So I went ventured into this bottle somewhat blind not knowing what to expect.
What I found was a small piece of heaven. It had the sour funk that most sours/wilds have with that distinct funk that only that style can pull off. It also had a tiny bit of malt, which I was expecting, since it is a darker beer. I dug the aroma the most, I wanted to crawl inside the bottle and just live in there for a while. The flavor had a good bit of sour cherries and some oaky character to it. The mouth feel wasn't super heavy, but the flavors stayed on the palate for a good while.
I wanted to pass the bottle around but no one else in the room had the taste for sours yet, so I had to finish the bomber by myself, which I was totally fine with.
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Dear and The Headlights "It's Gettin' Easy"
Can't wait to meet a bunch of new beer geeks tomorrow at the Meet Up at Cock and Bull. Should be a great time. Cheerz!!
Style : Sour/Wild
ABV : 9%
Dictionary.com defines the word Dissident as "disagreeing or dissenting, as in opinion or attitude". OK, now that the vocabulary lesson is over let's "get right down to brass tax" as the good old Dr. HST would say (Dr. Hunter S. Thompson)
There's no area of this beer I disagree with whatsoever. This could be, if my mind serves me correctly, my very first brown sour. Now I've had a few sours in my short beer career, but none of which I can say were brown. So I went ventured into this bottle somewhat blind not knowing what to expect.
What I found was a small piece of heaven. It had the sour funk that most sours/wilds have with that distinct funk that only that style can pull off. It also had a tiny bit of malt, which I was expecting, since it is a darker beer. I dug the aroma the most, I wanted to crawl inside the bottle and just live in there for a while. The flavor had a good bit of sour cherries and some oaky character to it. The mouth feel wasn't super heavy, but the flavors stayed on the palate for a good while.
I wanted to pass the bottle around but no one else in the room had the taste for sours yet, so I had to finish the bomber by myself, which I was totally fine with.
Grade A+
Song of the Day : Dear and The Headlights "It's Gettin' Easy"
Can't wait to meet a bunch of new beer geeks tomorrow at the Meet Up at Cock and Bull. Should be a great time. Cheerz!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Red Poppy
Brewer : Port Brewing/Lost Abbey (California)
Style : Sour/Wild Ale
ABV : 5.5%
When I traveled out to California I had made a list, somewhat, of the beers I wanted to try. Pliny, Speedway,Sculpin etc etc. Most of them I got to try and then there were some that made me think "I'd love to get that, but probably won't find it". Red Poppy was one such beer.
I came across this in a small wine store about 2 blocks from where I was staying in Manhattan Beach,CA. I saw the bottle and thanked the beer gods, but then saw the price. 375ml bottle for $20. Was it worth it? I pondered for quite some time and realized that I wasn't about to let this one get away. Lucky for me my girlfriends mom promised me some beer as a Christmas present and I figured this would be a good a time as any to cash in on that deal. Well not only did she buy this for me but she proceeded to get me The Dissident, Jubel 2010, The Abyss, plus a few others. What can I say, I was truly in luck.
Uncorking the bottle took a little bit of time but once I got it opened I started to salivate at the aromas I got from it. I was hit with an onslaught of cherries and sour funk goodness. I also got some woody, oaky characters as well. The appearance was dark and hazy. A brownish hue with a very thin head. The flavors were sour and fruity. Not too overly sweet, but just the right balance between sour and sweet. Nice tart after taste, which hung on the palate for a good while.
I quickly poured everyone at the table a small taste. Of course no one was into it, but that was the plan, more for me (I'm sort of greedy beer geek). I felt it only fair to try and spread the wealth around since it was Christmas time and the season of giving.
Grade A+
As you can tell by the photo I use the tools I have around me at the time. You/I never know when a possible review might strike.
Song of the Day : MetallicA's All Nightmare Long
Style : Sour/Wild Ale
ABV : 5.5%
When I traveled out to California I had made a list, somewhat, of the beers I wanted to try. Pliny, Speedway,Sculpin etc etc. Most of them I got to try and then there were some that made me think "I'd love to get that, but probably won't find it". Red Poppy was one such beer.
I came across this in a small wine store about 2 blocks from where I was staying in Manhattan Beach,CA. I saw the bottle and thanked the beer gods, but then saw the price. 375ml bottle for $20. Was it worth it? I pondered for quite some time and realized that I wasn't about to let this one get away. Lucky for me my girlfriends mom promised me some beer as a Christmas present and I figured this would be a good a time as any to cash in on that deal. Well not only did she buy this for me but she proceeded to get me The Dissident, Jubel 2010, The Abyss, plus a few others. What can I say, I was truly in luck.
Uncorking the bottle took a little bit of time but once I got it opened I started to salivate at the aromas I got from it. I was hit with an onslaught of cherries and sour funk goodness. I also got some woody, oaky characters as well. The appearance was dark and hazy. A brownish hue with a very thin head. The flavors were sour and fruity. Not too overly sweet, but just the right balance between sour and sweet. Nice tart after taste, which hung on the palate for a good while.
I quickly poured everyone at the table a small taste. Of course no one was into it, but that was the plan, more for me (I'm sort of greedy beer geek). I felt it only fair to try and spread the wealth around since it was Christmas time and the season of giving.
Grade A+
Song of the Day : MetallicA's All Nightmare Long
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
All Hail The Mighty Pliny
Brewer : Russian River (California)
Style : Double IPA
ABV : 8%
For those of you who don't follow/read up on beer as much as I do you probably have never heard of Pliny the Elder from Russian River. For those of you who do, you know that it's one of the most highly sought after beers on the planet.
If you jump over to RateBeer and click on the "top beers" icon on the left hand side you will see that Pliny ranks at #2 as one of the top beers on the planet. Why so highly ranked you ask? Well this is a question I had been asking myself too. While out in California I was on a mission to find the answer to this question.
I was lucky enough to not only score a bottle, which I've been told cases have sold out in just matter of minutes, but to also try it on draft. It was actually one of the first beers I consumed while on my trip. The taste is not only extremely hoppy, but has a good amount citrus and malts in the mix as well. The taste was somewhat of a mix of those three flavors, sort of a bland explanation I know, but what really impressed me was how well this beer was balanced. Every flavor was easily distinguishable. It was incredibly smooth/light on the palate and was incredibly easy to drink. I don't know what you look for in a beer but those qualities can win me over most every time.
Is it worth being ranked at #2? I believe so. Is the hype monster a big factor to play in this? Probably, but it most certainly lives up to all of it. All I know is that it was a great beer and a great drinking experience. Another feather in my cap to say the least.
Grade A+
New Feature....Song of the Day : Neil Young "Harvest Moon"
Style : Double IPA
ABV : 8%
For those of you who don't follow/read up on beer as much as I do you probably have never heard of Pliny the Elder from Russian River. For those of you who do, you know that it's one of the most highly sought after beers on the planet.
If you jump over to RateBeer and click on the "top beers" icon on the left hand side you will see that Pliny ranks at #2 as one of the top beers on the planet. Why so highly ranked you ask? Well this is a question I had been asking myself too. While out in California I was on a mission to find the answer to this question.
I was lucky enough to not only score a bottle, which I've been told cases have sold out in just matter of minutes, but to also try it on draft. It was actually one of the first beers I consumed while on my trip. The taste is not only extremely hoppy, but has a good amount citrus and malts in the mix as well. The taste was somewhat of a mix of those three flavors, sort of a bland explanation I know, but what really impressed me was how well this beer was balanced. Every flavor was easily distinguishable. It was incredibly smooth/light on the palate and was incredibly easy to drink. I don't know what you look for in a beer but those qualities can win me over most every time.
Is it worth being ranked at #2? I believe so. Is the hype monster a big factor to play in this? Probably, but it most certainly lives up to all of it. All I know is that it was a great beer and a great drinking experience. Another feather in my cap to say the least.
Grade A+
New Feature....Song of the Day : Neil Young "Harvest Moon"
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mikkeller It's Alright or is it It's Alight?
Brewer : Mikkeller (Denmark)
Style : Belgian Ale
ABV : 4.5%
While I was out in California for Christmas and New Years I was on a mission to pick up beer from 3 different brewers.
1.Mikkeller
2.Alesmith
3.Deschutes
I was lucky enough not only to score bottles from each brewer but come across some real gems, which I will get to in the following weeks. But first things first, let's start with one of the very first beers I was able to get while on my Cali trip.
If you've been following this blog for a awhile then you don't need to hear me say how much I love Mikkeller beer. Most of everything I've tried has been fantastic. On my first stop in Cali I stopped at Beverage Warehouse, literally a warehouse, to pick up whatever I could find. I saw this baby and I knew it was in the basket. When I checked it out on RateBeer.com it told me that the new alias for this beer is "Its Alight" but the name on the bottle was still "Its Alright". I was a little confused by this but didn't pay much attention, since the style and the ABV matched up I knew I had the right beer.
The pour was hazy and cloudy. Orange tints around the rim with a very intense bubbly head. This thing fluffed up like an animal. The aroma was citrusy with hints of orange peel. The ladies would love this one, that is if they like Blue Moon. The flavor is somewhat sweet with the citrus and orange peel coming through. It's also got a bitter yeast flavor to boot as well.
There was nothing super exciting about this beer, but any Mikkeller beer not readily available to me in South Florida is a find for me.
Grade B
Style : Belgian Ale
ABV : 4.5%
While I was out in California for Christmas and New Years I was on a mission to pick up beer from 3 different brewers.
1.Mikkeller
2.Alesmith
3.Deschutes
I was lucky enough not only to score bottles from each brewer but come across some real gems, which I will get to in the following weeks. But first things first, let's start with one of the very first beers I was able to get while on my Cali trip.
If you've been following this blog for a awhile then you don't need to hear me say how much I love Mikkeller beer. Most of everything I've tried has been fantastic. On my first stop in Cali I stopped at Beverage Warehouse, literally a warehouse, to pick up whatever I could find. I saw this baby and I knew it was in the basket. When I checked it out on RateBeer.com it told me that the new alias for this beer is "Its Alight" but the name on the bottle was still "Its Alright". I was a little confused by this but didn't pay much attention, since the style and the ABV matched up I knew I had the right beer.
The pour was hazy and cloudy. Orange tints around the rim with a very intense bubbly head. This thing fluffed up like an animal. The aroma was citrusy with hints of orange peel. The ladies would love this one, that is if they like Blue Moon. The flavor is somewhat sweet with the citrus and orange peel coming through. It's also got a bitter yeast flavor to boot as well.
There was nothing super exciting about this beer, but any Mikkeller beer not readily available to me in South Florida is a find for me.
Grade B
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tommyknocker Golden Saison
Brewer : Tommyknocker (Colorado)
Style : Saison
ABV : 5%
Tommyknocker holds a special place in my heart. They were one of the first breweries that got me interested in craft beer, with there maple brown ale. Plus every time I visit Colorado I always make a stop into their brew house for some lunch and a beer, the buffalo burrito is the shit.
When I first saw that this beer was available in South Florida I thought it was only on draft at World of Beer, but was pleasantly surprised to see it on the shelves at my local Total Wine.
Poured into my Delirium snifter I first noticed the hazy golden color. It also carried with it a fluffy, bubbly head that seemed to stick around for quite a while. The aroma had hints of lemon zest and a little bit of floral aroma with it as well, sort of like sniffing a flower. The flavor was citrusy with a nice tartness to it, plus a little bit of sour tartness as well.
It was great to revisit a brewery to got you started in the craft beer scene and to try something new from them. They really are brewing great beers out in Colorado so I suggest you grab some while you can.
Grade B
Style : Saison
ABV : 5%
Tommyknocker holds a special place in my heart. They were one of the first breweries that got me interested in craft beer, with there maple brown ale. Plus every time I visit Colorado I always make a stop into their brew house for some lunch and a beer, the buffalo burrito is the shit.
When I first saw that this beer was available in South Florida I thought it was only on draft at World of Beer, but was pleasantly surprised to see it on the shelves at my local Total Wine.
Poured into my Delirium snifter I first noticed the hazy golden color. It also carried with it a fluffy, bubbly head that seemed to stick around for quite a while. The aroma had hints of lemon zest and a little bit of floral aroma with it as well, sort of like sniffing a flower. The flavor was citrusy with a nice tartness to it, plus a little bit of sour tartness as well.
It was great to revisit a brewery to got you started in the craft beer scene and to try something new from them. They really are brewing great beers out in Colorado so I suggest you grab some while you can.
Grade B
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Brewdog Paradox Isle of Arran
Brewer : BrewDog (Scotland)
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 10%
I've got so many beers to review after my California trip that I don't even know where to start. How about those beers I didn't get to right before the trip. That sounds like a natural place to start.
Those brewers from Scotland, BrewDog, are just insane. It seems like they keep pushing the envelope on where beer can go, most of all the ABV. They have 3 beers that are over 30% ABV, which is just nuts in my opinion. That spells one and done in my book, I don't care who you are and what your drinking status is. You finish a beer like Sink The Bismarck, which weighs in at 41% ABV, all by yourself and you better hand over your car keys.
The one I picked up recently in Orlando, Paradox Isle of Arran, is a little easier to handle, but still a bit high in the ABV range.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with my sister Natalie to get some outside perspective on this beer and how it hit here palate.
I poured the 12oz bottle into two Cigar City snifter glasses and we examined the color first. It was very dark, that was obvious, but the texture was pretty thick, almost syrupy. Very little carbonation and a very small head.
Next we went for the aroma next. Both of us thought there was a sweet chocolate vanilla to the aroma, but also with a bit of alcohol burn and oak aromas as well. (I somewhat coached Natalie into smelling the oak aromas because she's a Corona type girl, but you gotta start somewhere)
Next came the flavor. Since the carbonation was so low Natalie took a sip and thought it was almost like flat Coke. I examined it a little closer. I could see where she was coming from. The mouth feel was very light and I could see how the flat Coke thing could come to mind. I also got a little bit of chocolate and whiskey flavors on the back end.
I didn't want to get super technical with Natalie on her first go around with rating so I decided to call it quits after just going over three aspects of this beer, but I think she did a fine job for her first beer rating.
Grade B+
Style : Imperial Stout
ABV : 10%
I've got so many beers to review after my California trip that I don't even know where to start. How about those beers I didn't get to right before the trip. That sounds like a natural place to start.
Those brewers from Scotland, BrewDog, are just insane. It seems like they keep pushing the envelope on where beer can go, most of all the ABV. They have 3 beers that are over 30% ABV, which is just nuts in my opinion. That spells one and done in my book, I don't care who you are and what your drinking status is. You finish a beer like Sink The Bismarck, which weighs in at 41% ABV, all by yourself and you better hand over your car keys.
The one I picked up recently in Orlando, Paradox Isle of Arran, is a little easier to handle, but still a bit high in the ABV range.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with my sister Natalie to get some outside perspective on this beer and how it hit here palate.
I poured the 12oz bottle into two Cigar City snifter glasses and we examined the color first. It was very dark, that was obvious, but the texture was pretty thick, almost syrupy. Very little carbonation and a very small head.
Next we went for the aroma next. Both of us thought there was a sweet chocolate vanilla to the aroma, but also with a bit of alcohol burn and oak aromas as well. (I somewhat coached Natalie into smelling the oak aromas because she's a Corona type girl, but you gotta start somewhere)
Next came the flavor. Since the carbonation was so low Natalie took a sip and thought it was almost like flat Coke. I examined it a little closer. I could see where she was coming from. The mouth feel was very light and I could see how the flat Coke thing could come to mind. I also got a little bit of chocolate and whiskey flavors on the back end.
I didn't want to get super technical with Natalie on her first go around with rating so I decided to call it quits after just going over three aspects of this beer, but I think she did a fine job for her first beer rating.
Grade B+
Monday, January 3, 2011
What a Trip. The Good/The Bad/The Horrible
So I just got back into town today from sunny California. The trip was simply incredible but it probably a bit too long. 10 days is a long time to be away from work, the gym, and my normal life, but I was able to partake in some incredible brew. Here's the entire list of what I was able to consume:
1. Black Butte Porter
2. Alaskan IPA
3. Pliny
4. Sculpin
5. Russian River Blind Pig
6. Mikkeller It's Alright
7. La Terrible
8. Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin Single Hop
9. Hair of the Dog Fred
10. Goose Island Pere Jacques
11. Lost Abbey Devotion Ale
12. Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi
13. Tecate (don't ask me why I have this here)
14. Ballast Point Seamonster (Bourbon Barrel)
15. Saison de Buff (Victory Version)
16. Parrot in a Palm Tree
17. Mikkeller Chinook Single Hop
18. Mikkeller Simcoe Single
19. Goose Island Matilda
20. Requiem Espresso Stout
21. Stone San Diego county session ale
22. Obsidian Stout
23. Infinium
24. Russian River Damnation
25. Midnight Sun Kodiak Brown
26. Lips of Faith Sahti
27. Goose Island Demolition
28. Lost Abbey Red Poppy
29. Goose Island Sofie
30. Bruery Levud's
31. Lips of Faith Vrienden
32. Lost Abbey Lost and Found
33. Port Brewing Shark Attack
34. Firestone Merlin
35. Hair of the Dog Adam
36. Bruery Mischief
37. Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale
38. The Dissident
39. Speedway Stout
40. Lips of Faith Imperial Berliner Weisse
41. Alaskan Smoked Porter
42. Jubel 2010
43. Bear Republic Red Rocket
44. The Abyss
45. Firestone Walker 14
I had a few others, but nothing too special to name.
I'm gonna try and start reviewing some of those beers tomorrow if I can find the time.
The whole trip was a success except the traveling home part. Here's the short and skinny of what happened.
We had a flight that was scheduled for 9:30am and our plane didn't take off till 9:30pm. We missed our connecting flight in Houston by a long shot so I ended up sleeping in the Houston airport with my girlfriend from the hours of 4am till 6am. We boarded a plane in Houston at 7:20am and landed in Fort Lauderdale today at 10:30am. I was probably able to get maybe an hours worth of sleep on the plane and had to work today dog tired. But on the bright side all the bottles I stowed in my bag arrived in one piece, so that was the only positive note about the trip.
If I never fly on a plane again it won't be soon enough. I'd rather drive next time.
1. Black Butte Porter
2. Alaskan IPA
3. Pliny
4. Sculpin
5. Russian River Blind Pig
6. Mikkeller It's Alright
7. La Terrible
8. Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin Single Hop
9. Hair of the Dog Fred
10. Goose Island Pere Jacques
11. Lost Abbey Devotion Ale
12. Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi
13. Tecate (don't ask me why I have this here)
14. Ballast Point Seamonster (Bourbon Barrel)
15. Saison de Buff (Victory Version)
16. Parrot in a Palm Tree
17. Mikkeller Chinook Single Hop
18. Mikkeller Simcoe Single
19. Goose Island Matilda
20. Requiem Espresso Stout
21. Stone San Diego county session ale
22. Obsidian Stout
23. Infinium
24. Russian River Damnation
25. Midnight Sun Kodiak Brown
26. Lips of Faith Sahti
27. Goose Island Demolition
28. Lost Abbey Red Poppy
29. Goose Island Sofie
30. Bruery Levud's
31. Lips of Faith Vrienden
32. Lost Abbey Lost and Found
33. Port Brewing Shark Attack
34. Firestone Merlin
35. Hair of the Dog Adam
36. Bruery Mischief
37. Lost Abbey Red Barn Ale
38. The Dissident
39. Speedway Stout
40. Lips of Faith Imperial Berliner Weisse
41. Alaskan Smoked Porter
42. Jubel 2010
43. Bear Republic Red Rocket
44. The Abyss
45. Firestone Walker 14
I had a few others, but nothing too special to name.
I'm gonna try and start reviewing some of those beers tomorrow if I can find the time.
The whole trip was a success except the traveling home part. Here's the short and skinny of what happened.
We had a flight that was scheduled for 9:30am and our plane didn't take off till 9:30pm. We missed our connecting flight in Houston by a long shot so I ended up sleeping in the Houston airport with my girlfriend from the hours of 4am till 6am. We boarded a plane in Houston at 7:20am and landed in Fort Lauderdale today at 10:30am. I was probably able to get maybe an hours worth of sleep on the plane and had to work today dog tired. But on the bright side all the bottles I stowed in my bag arrived in one piece, so that was the only positive note about the trip.
If I never fly on a plane again it won't be soon enough. I'd rather drive next time.
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