494. Southampton Double White Ale
I purchased this a few weeks ago at Downtown Wine & Spirits. I let this warm and served it in one of my Duvel tulips. The bottle says:
Brewery: Southampton Publick House
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy straw-golden with a fluffy, white head that slowly fades to a persistent film leaving sparse lace that clings to the side of the glass.
Smell (4.0): Notes of bananas and oranges. Swirling brings out the tart orange aromas as well as spicy notes of black pepper and coriander. There's also a strong yeasty aroma and a light hint of grain.
Taste (4.5): The taste is fruity and spicy, much like the aroma. Initially a a light spiciness meets the tongue, followed by a nice orange and banana fruitiness. Peppery and coriander spice become evident in the center before fading into a lightly bitter finish with a pleasant residual sweetness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, crisp carbonation, with a pleasing smoothness.
Drinkability (4.0): Flavorful and refreshing.
Overall (4.3): A unique take on a Belgian Wit. The spices and flavors are dead on, but the "Double Gravity" adds a little something extra.
I purchased this a few weeks ago at Downtown Wine & Spirits. I let this warm and served it in one of my Duvel tulips. The bottle says:
Southampton Double White Ale is our unique "double gravity" version of classic Belgian-Style White Ale. Brewed with quality grains and hops. Lightly spiced with coriander and Curacao orange.Beer Stats:
Brewery: Southampton Publick House
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy straw-golden with a fluffy, white head that slowly fades to a persistent film leaving sparse lace that clings to the side of the glass.
Smell (4.0): Notes of bananas and oranges. Swirling brings out the tart orange aromas as well as spicy notes of black pepper and coriander. There's also a strong yeasty aroma and a light hint of grain.
Taste (4.5): The taste is fruity and spicy, much like the aroma. Initially a a light spiciness meets the tongue, followed by a nice orange and banana fruitiness. Peppery and coriander spice become evident in the center before fading into a lightly bitter finish with a pleasant residual sweetness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, crisp carbonation, with a pleasing smoothness.
Drinkability (4.0): Flavorful and refreshing.
Overall (4.3): A unique take on a Belgian Wit. The spices and flavors are dead on, but the "Double Gravity" adds a little something extra.
Labels: Reviews, Southampton Publick House, Witbier
493. John Harvard's Bière Du Père
I went to John Harvard's with my aunt tonight. I had about five or six of these over the course of around three hours.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: John Harvard's Brew House
Alcohol: 4.80% (I think this was what was listed)
Serving: Tap
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy golden with a fluffy, white head that quickly dissipates leaving sparse lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity and spicy. The peppery and coriander aromas are quite high.
Taste (4.0): Fruity and spicy. I caught notes of bananas, pears and tart apple, as well as a strong peppery spiciness and a nice yeasty flavor. There's also a nice grainy and citric undercurrent.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, with tingly carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very drinkable. I easily had at least five.
Overall (4.0): A solid witbier. One I'd definitely have again.
I went to John Harvard's with my aunt tonight. I had about five or six of these over the course of around three hours.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: John Harvard's Brew House
Alcohol: 4.80% (I think this was what was listed)
Serving: Tap
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy golden with a fluffy, white head that quickly dissipates leaving sparse lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity and spicy. The peppery and coriander aromas are quite high.
Taste (4.0): Fruity and spicy. I caught notes of bananas, pears and tart apple, as well as a strong peppery spiciness and a nice yeasty flavor. There's also a nice grainy and citric undercurrent.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, with tingly carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very drinkable. I easily had at least five.
Overall (4.0): A solid witbier. One I'd definitely have again.
Labels: John Harvard's, Reviews, Witbier
491. Bush De Noël (Scaldis Noël)
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week. I let it warm to around 45º F and served it in one of my Chimay chalices.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Dubuisson Frères
Alcohol: 12.00%
Serving: Bottle, 25 mL
Style: Quadrupel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy amber with a half-inch, beige head that thins to a sudsy film.
Smell (4.0): Very fruity, with notes of banana, raisins, dates and cherries. There's also caramel maltiness and the light scent of alcohol.
Taste (3.5): Fruity and sweet throughout. There are lightly tart hints of cherries and strong flavors of dark fruit. The finish is lightly bitter with alcoholic spiciness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Full-bodied, moderate carbonation with a strong warming sensation.
Drinkability (4.0): Surprisingly drinkable, given this is 12% alcohol.
Overall (3.8): A good quadrupel.
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week. I let it warm to around 45º F and served it in one of my Chimay chalices.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Dubuisson Frères
Alcohol: 12.00%
Serving: Bottle, 25 mL
Style: Quadrupel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy amber with a half-inch, beige head that thins to a sudsy film.
Smell (4.0): Very fruity, with notes of banana, raisins, dates and cherries. There's also caramel maltiness and the light scent of alcohol.
Taste (3.5): Fruity and sweet throughout. There are lightly tart hints of cherries and strong flavors of dark fruit. The finish is lightly bitter with alcoholic spiciness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Full-bodied, moderate carbonation with a strong warming sensation.
Drinkability (4.0): Surprisingly drinkable, given this is 12% alcohol.
Overall (3.8): A good quadrupel.
Labels: Brasserie Dubuisson Frères, Quadrupel, Reviews
490. De Dolle Bos Keun
I purchased this on my last trip to Downtown Wine & Spirits. This is a spring seasonal from De Dolle. The label describes it as a "Speciaal Paasbier," which I can't find a translation for. I let this warm to around 45º F and served it in one of my Duvel tulips.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.6 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy golden-orange with chunks of yeast that are whipped around by the vigorous carbonation. The head is fucking ridiculous (I poured it as gently as I could). It's at least four fingers, probably more had the head not run out of glass to expand into. The head eventually overflowed the glass making a mess. I removed the top of the head only to have it rise another half-inch. The head itself is a fluffy, off-white meringue that slowly fades, coating the inside of the glass with lace. Honestly I couldn't decide whether to be impressed or annoyed, I eventually settled on the former.
Smell (4.5): The nose is very fruity with notes of banana, sour apple and pineapple. There's also a light medicinal phenolic character evident on swirling.
Taste (3.5): Lightly fruity and sweet initially. There are hints of banana and sour apple. The finish is peppery and lightly medicinal with a low herbal hop bitterness. There's a light residual sweetness in the finish along with some alcoholic warmth.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Light-bodied, low carbonation (surprising given the vigorous head). A touch watery.
Drinkability (4.5): Light-bodied and easy to drink with a noticeable, but not overpowering alcoholic spice.
Overall (4.0): A very nice Belgian Strong Pale Ale. It's not my favorite, but it's very good and very drinkable.
I purchased this on my last trip to Downtown Wine & Spirits. This is a spring seasonal from De Dolle. The label describes it as a "Speciaal Paasbier," which I can't find a translation for. I let this warm to around 45º F and served it in one of my Duvel tulips.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.6 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy golden-orange with chunks of yeast that are whipped around by the vigorous carbonation. The head is fucking ridiculous (I poured it as gently as I could). It's at least four fingers, probably more had the head not run out of glass to expand into. The head eventually overflowed the glass making a mess. I removed the top of the head only to have it rise another half-inch. The head itself is a fluffy, off-white meringue that slowly fades, coating the inside of the glass with lace. Honestly I couldn't decide whether to be impressed or annoyed, I eventually settled on the former.
Smell (4.5): The nose is very fruity with notes of banana, sour apple and pineapple. There's also a light medicinal phenolic character evident on swirling.
Taste (3.5): Lightly fruity and sweet initially. There are hints of banana and sour apple. The finish is peppery and lightly medicinal with a low herbal hop bitterness. There's a light residual sweetness in the finish along with some alcoholic warmth.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Light-bodied, low carbonation (surprising given the vigorous head). A touch watery.
Drinkability (4.5): Light-bodied and easy to drink with a noticeable, but not overpowering alcoholic spice.
Overall (4.0): A very nice Belgian Strong Pale Ale. It's not my favorite, but it's very good and very drinkable.
Labels: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers, Reviews
489. Smuttynose Wheat Wine Ale
I noticed another Smuttynose Big Beer release at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week. This one is a Wheat Wine, which is a style I've never had before. I let it warm to around 45º F and served it in my New Belgium glass.
The bottle says:
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Company
Year: 2006
Alcohol: 10.70%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Wheat Wine
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy amber. It's topped by a one-finger, off-white head that quickly thins to a sudsy film that slowly fades to a ring. Lace is low and sporadic.
Smell (4.5): Very aromatic. Tart fruitiness, floral hops, and spicy and peppery alcohol in the background.
Taste (3.5): Lightly fruity with sweet malts upfront. The malts run throughout and provide a nice backbone. There is substantial hop bitterness in the finish that mingles with spicy alcohol. The aftertaste is a light citric tartness.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, low carbonation, with a lightly oily texture.
Drinkability (4.0): High alcohol, but it's very warming, which is nice on a cool night like tonight.
Overall (3.85): This is my first Wheat Wine, so I'm not sure how it compares to other examples of the style. I enjoyed it.
I noticed another Smuttynose Big Beer release at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week. This one is a Wheat Wine, which is a style I've never had before. I let it warm to around 45º F and served it in my New Belgium glass.
The bottle says:
Smuttynose Wheat Wine Ale is a unique hybridization of two well-known beer styles, combining the rich voluptuous taste of a traditional barleywine with the subtle, tart flavors of an American wheat ale , topped off with a healthy dose of crisp, herbaceous hops.Beer Stats:
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Company
Year: 2006
Alcohol: 10.70%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Wheat Wine
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy amber. It's topped by a one-finger, off-white head that quickly thins to a sudsy film that slowly fades to a ring. Lace is low and sporadic.
Smell (4.5): Very aromatic. Tart fruitiness, floral hops, and spicy and peppery alcohol in the background.
Taste (3.5): Lightly fruity with sweet malts upfront. The malts run throughout and provide a nice backbone. There is substantial hop bitterness in the finish that mingles with spicy alcohol. The aftertaste is a light citric tartness.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, low carbonation, with a lightly oily texture.
Drinkability (4.0): High alcohol, but it's very warming, which is nice on a cool night like tonight.
Overall (3.85): This is my first Wheat Wine, so I'm not sure how it compares to other examples of the style. I enjoyed it.
Labels: Reviews, Smuttynose Brewing Company, Wheat Wine
144. Allagash White
I went to The Asgard for dinner tonight with a couple people from lab. Their beer selection isn't great, but they did have Allagash White. I mostly reviewed this for the entertainment of my labmates who had never seen me review a beer.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company
Alcohol: 5.50%
Serving: Draft, 20 oz.
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy, pale, straw with a creamy white head that recedes to a thin film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.5): Smells like a Wit. There are fruity notes of bananas and citrus, with grainy wheat, pepper and coriander.
Taste (3.5): Crisp wheat flavors are present throughout. The center is fruity with a nice tart citrus flavor and mild bananas. The finish is yeasty and spicy with notes of pepper and clove. The bitterness is low.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, moderate carbonation, with a lightly dry finish.
Drinkability (4.0): Crisp and refreshing.
Overall (3.9): A nice drinkable witbier, not my favorite, but solid.
I went to The Asgard for dinner tonight with a couple people from lab. Their beer selection isn't great, but they did have Allagash White. I mostly reviewed this for the entertainment of my labmates who had never seen me review a beer.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company
Alcohol: 5.50%
Serving: Draft, 20 oz.
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy, pale, straw with a creamy white head that recedes to a thin film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.5): Smells like a Wit. There are fruity notes of bananas and citrus, with grainy wheat, pepper and coriander.
Taste (3.5): Crisp wheat flavors are present throughout. The center is fruity with a nice tart citrus flavor and mild bananas. The finish is yeasty and spicy with notes of pepper and clove. The bitterness is low.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, moderate carbonation, with a lightly dry finish.
Drinkability (4.0): Crisp and refreshing.
Overall (3.9): A nice drinkable witbier, not my favorite, but solid.
Labels: Allagash Brewing Company, Reviews, Witbier
467-488. Return of the Belgian Beer Fest
Published by Unknown on Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 6:38 PM.
David and I went to Beer Advocate's Return of the Belgian Beer Fest last night at the Cyclorama. This is the first BA fest that I've been to since they revamped the format. All pours are now two ounces, but tastings are unlimited rather than ticket based. While larger pours would have been nice, overall the changes are an improvement.
Food was provided by Sunset Grill and Tap. We had dinner before hand, but I saw grilled sausages with peppers and onions, moules frites, and pretzels. Waffle Haus was serving their always delicious waffles. We had two during the course of the evening.
We arrived at around 6 and stayed around as long as possible, getting beer from the booths that were still pouring. Quite a few people were dressed up in Halloween costumes, these were two of the most visible:
The cover to the fest guide was cool:
We talked to a few people. One woman was curious about my notes, we got a recommendation from a fest volunteer (Kastaar), and we got a great tip from another note taker about a single bottle of De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2000 that was opened at 9 PM.
Rather than taking detailed notes on each beer I wrote a short paragraph about each. I've been pretty general in my notes, listing general characteristics more than specifics. There are several reasons for this including, speed of taking notes, lingering congestion from a cold, and the small sample sizes.
467. Dogfish Head Pangaea
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pangea is brewed with an ingredient from every continent. It pours a hazy golden with a foamy head. The aroma is malty and a little spicy. The flavor is mild and sweet with caramel notes. Smooth and light bodied with moderate carbonation. Pangea was pleasant enough, but nothing phenomenal.
468. Stone 04.04.04 Vertical Epic Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Year: 2004
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Tap(?)
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Beer Advocate lists this as a Tripel, but when I asked what style it was teh guy said it was a Saison/Bière de Garde hybrid. Pours a hazy, pale golden. The aroma is sweet and fruity with a touch of mellow hops. The flavor is lightly fruity with a funky, hoppy finish. Light-bodied with high carbonation.
469. Allagash Curieux
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Curieux is Allagash's Bourbon aged tripel. It pours a hazy golden. With aromas of fruit and bourbon. The beer is lightly fruity with spicy bourbon and vanilla flavors. Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
470. Brooklyn BLAST!
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Double IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy golden with a strong aroma of citrusy hops. Fruity and citrusy upfront, but fades into a strong hop bitterness. Mouthfeel is oily with strong carbonation. Good stuff.
471. Bornem Dubbel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy brown with a thick beige head. The nose is heavy on caramel and dark fruits. The palate is sweet and malty with notes of raisins, pepper and a light bitterness. Very high carbonation.
472. Girardin Gueuze 1882 Black Label
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Girardin
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy peach color, with a strong sour aroma and accompanying funkiness. The flavors are dominated by sourness, with notes of fruity cherries. Light-bodied, low carbonation with a dry finish. Very good.
473. Abbaye Des Rocs Grand Cru
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie de l'Abbaye des Rocs s.a.
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, light brown with a beige head. The nose is peppery with light fruity notes, maltiness and subtle hops. The flavors are sweet and fruity with evident honey, and a peppery finish. Light-bodied with low carbonation.
474. Matilda
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Goose Island
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy golden with a fluffy, off-white head that leaves thick lace. The nose is fruity and citrusy with the charcteristic Brettanomyces aroma. Lightly fruity with a nice Brett finish. Light to medium-bodied, low carbonation. This was one of my favorites from the fest.
475. Demolition 1800 Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Goose Island
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy golden with a foamy head. The aroma is fruity with a honey-like character. The flavors are fruity and malty with light pepper and bitterness. Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
476. La Gnomette Part II
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie d'Achouffe
Serving: Tap
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
This is the Brooklyn Blast recipe brewed at Brasserie d' Achouffe with Belgian yeast. Pours a very cloudy straw color, leaving massive lace. The nose is dominated by characteristic Belgian yeast fruitiness, with underlying citric hops. Flavors of banana and tart fruit that fade into a muted hop bitterness. Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation.
477. Drie Fonteinen Schaerbeekse Kriek
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Fonteinen
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Fruit Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy red with a thin wispy head. The aroma is sour cherries with a light funkiness. Sour cherries are evident upfront, but fade into a sour funky finish. Light-bodied with low carbonation.
478. Calabaza Blanca
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Alcohol: 4.80%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy pale golden. The aroma is fruity and peppery. Sour and tart fruitiness is evident upfront, this fades into a peppery spice wiyh a light bitterness in the finish. Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
479. La Seigneuriale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Unibroue
Alcohol:7.50 %
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy light-brown/amber. The aroma is light and fruity with peppery alcohol. The flavor is light fruit, a sour tartness, graininess, peppery spice and a light lingering bitterness. Medium-bodied with moderate to high carbonation.
480. Luciérnaga
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Alcohol: 6.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy amber/golden. The aroma is tart and fruity with a hint of funky Brettanomyces. The flavors are tart and fruity with a finish that is lightly bitter hops and Brett funkiness. Light to medium-bodied with tingly carbonation.
481. Slaapmutske Triple Nightcap
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Slaapmutske
Alcohol: 8.10%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
How can you not try a beer with "Nightcap" in the name? Pours a cloudy pale straw color. The aroma is fruity. The flavor is fruity and tart with pepper and alcoholic spice in the finish. Medium-bodied, low carbonation. David says "Pleasant, I'd like to be in a room with it."
482. Sixpoint Grand Crüe
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sixpoint Craft Ales
Alcohol: 12.40%
Serving: ?
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, light brown. The nose is dominated by caramel and dark fruit with light hops evident. The flavors are much the same, caramel and dark fruit with a light hop bitterness in the finish. Medium to full-bodied, low carbonation
483. Kastaar
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Block bvba
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, pale straw. The aroma is predominantly sour apple, as is the flavor with a nice crisp finish. Light-bodied with high carbonation.
484. Ned Flanders
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Milly's Tavern
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Tap
Style: Flanders Red Ale, BJCP Style Guide
David was skeptical based on the name, but this turned out to be a good choice. Pours a hazy-brown. The aroma is sweet with a light tartness. The flavors are predominantly sour cherries with a little bit of funkiness. Light bodied with moderate carbonation.
485. Merry Monks' Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 9.30%
Serving: ?
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy golden. The aroma is very strong bananas. Bananas dominate the flavors as well, however there is peppery and alcoholic spice in the finish. Medium-bodied with low to moderate carbonation.
486. Lindemans Gueuze Cuvée René
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Lindemans
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy straw color. The aroma is light, but there is the sour lambic aroma with a bit of Brett. Sour and tart in the palate, definites notes of sour apples and possibly a bit of citrus. Light bodied, low carbonation with a dry finish.
487. Napoleon's Waterloo
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Milly's Tavern
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Tap
Style: American Wild Ale
Pours a light amber/golden. The aroma is tart with a bit of Brett funkiness and hoppiness. The flavors are the same, tart and fruity with characteristic Brett flavors. Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
488. De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2000
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Year: 2000
Alcohol: 12.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Thanks to a fellow fest attendee for the great tip on this one. Pours a clear, light amber. The aromas are very vinuous, with strong caramel and alcoholic spice. Very port-like in the nose, very nice. Upfront the flavors are a blend of caramel, sweet fruitiness which are eclipsed by the alcoholic spiciness in the finish. Low carbonation, medium to full-bodied. Very very good stuff.
Other Beers:
I also had samples of Ommegeddon, Chimay Red, Harpoon 100 Barrel Saison and Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel. I'm sure I had some others that I'd had before, but my memory is failing me.
Top Five:
Of the new beers that I tried the top five in the order I tried them are: Girardin Gueuze 1882 Black Label, Matilda, Luciérnaga, Napoleon's Waterloo and De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2000.
Food was provided by Sunset Grill and Tap. We had dinner before hand, but I saw grilled sausages with peppers and onions, moules frites, and pretzels. Waffle Haus was serving their always delicious waffles. We had two during the course of the evening.
We arrived at around 6 and stayed around as long as possible, getting beer from the booths that were still pouring. Quite a few people were dressed up in Halloween costumes, these were two of the most visible:
The cover to the fest guide was cool:
We talked to a few people. One woman was curious about my notes, we got a recommendation from a fest volunteer (Kastaar), and we got a great tip from another note taker about a single bottle of De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2000 that was opened at 9 PM.
Rather than taking detailed notes on each beer I wrote a short paragraph about each. I've been pretty general in my notes, listing general characteristics more than specifics. There are several reasons for this including, speed of taking notes, lingering congestion from a cold, and the small sample sizes.
467. Dogfish Head Pangaea
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pangea is brewed with an ingredient from every continent. It pours a hazy golden with a foamy head. The aroma is malty and a little spicy. The flavor is mild and sweet with caramel notes. Smooth and light bodied with moderate carbonation. Pangea was pleasant enough, but nothing phenomenal.
468. Stone 04.04.04 Vertical Epic Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Year: 2004
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Tap(?)
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Beer Advocate lists this as a Tripel, but when I asked what style it was teh guy said it was a Saison/Bière de Garde hybrid. Pours a hazy, pale golden. The aroma is sweet and fruity with a touch of mellow hops. The flavor is lightly fruity with a funky, hoppy finish. Light-bodied with high carbonation.
469. Allagash Curieux
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Curieux is Allagash's Bourbon aged tripel. It pours a hazy golden. With aromas of fruit and bourbon. The beer is lightly fruity with spicy bourbon and vanilla flavors. Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
470. Brooklyn BLAST!
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Double IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy golden with a strong aroma of citrusy hops. Fruity and citrusy upfront, but fades into a strong hop bitterness. Mouthfeel is oily with strong carbonation. Good stuff.
471. Bornem Dubbel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy brown with a thick beige head. The nose is heavy on caramel and dark fruits. The palate is sweet and malty with notes of raisins, pepper and a light bitterness. Very high carbonation.
472. Girardin Gueuze 1882 Black Label
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Girardin
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy peach color, with a strong sour aroma and accompanying funkiness. The flavors are dominated by sourness, with notes of fruity cherries. Light-bodied, low carbonation with a dry finish. Very good.
473. Abbaye Des Rocs Grand Cru
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie de l'Abbaye des Rocs s.a.
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, light brown with a beige head. The nose is peppery with light fruity notes, maltiness and subtle hops. The flavors are sweet and fruity with evident honey, and a peppery finish. Light-bodied with low carbonation.
474. Matilda
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Goose Island
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy golden with a fluffy, off-white head that leaves thick lace. The nose is fruity and citrusy with the charcteristic Brettanomyces aroma. Lightly fruity with a nice Brett finish. Light to medium-bodied, low carbonation. This was one of my favorites from the fest.
475. Demolition 1800 Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Goose Island
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy golden with a foamy head. The aroma is fruity with a honey-like character. The flavors are fruity and malty with light pepper and bitterness. Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
476. La Gnomette Part II
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie d'Achouffe
Serving: Tap
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
This is the Brooklyn Blast recipe brewed at Brasserie d' Achouffe with Belgian yeast. Pours a very cloudy straw color, leaving massive lace. The nose is dominated by characteristic Belgian yeast fruitiness, with underlying citric hops. Flavors of banana and tart fruit that fade into a muted hop bitterness. Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation.
477. Drie Fonteinen Schaerbeekse Kriek
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Fonteinen
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Fruit Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy red with a thin wispy head. The aroma is sour cherries with a light funkiness. Sour cherries are evident upfront, but fade into a sour funky finish. Light-bodied with low carbonation.
478. Calabaza Blanca
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Alcohol: 4.80%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy pale golden. The aroma is fruity and peppery. Sour and tart fruitiness is evident upfront, this fades into a peppery spice wiyh a light bitterness in the finish. Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
479. La Seigneuriale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Unibroue
Alcohol:7.50 %
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy light-brown/amber. The aroma is light and fruity with peppery alcohol. The flavor is light fruit, a sour tartness, graininess, peppery spice and a light lingering bitterness. Medium-bodied with moderate to high carbonation.
480. Luciérnaga
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Alcohol: 6.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy amber/golden. The aroma is tart and fruity with a hint of funky Brettanomyces. The flavors are tart and fruity with a finish that is lightly bitter hops and Brett funkiness. Light to medium-bodied with tingly carbonation.
481. Slaapmutske Triple Nightcap
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Slaapmutske
Alcohol: 8.10%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
How can you not try a beer with "Nightcap" in the name? Pours a cloudy pale straw color. The aroma is fruity. The flavor is fruity and tart with pepper and alcoholic spice in the finish. Medium-bodied, low carbonation. David says "Pleasant, I'd like to be in a room with it."
482. Sixpoint Grand Crüe
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sixpoint Craft Ales
Alcohol: 12.40%
Serving: ?
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, light brown. The nose is dominated by caramel and dark fruit with light hops evident. The flavors are much the same, caramel and dark fruit with a light hop bitterness in the finish. Medium to full-bodied, low carbonation
483. Kastaar
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Block bvba
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, pale straw. The aroma is predominantly sour apple, as is the flavor with a nice crisp finish. Light-bodied with high carbonation.
484. Ned Flanders
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Milly's Tavern
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Tap
Style: Flanders Red Ale, BJCP Style Guide
David was skeptical based on the name, but this turned out to be a good choice. Pours a hazy-brown. The aroma is sweet with a light tartness. The flavors are predominantly sour cherries with a little bit of funkiness. Light bodied with moderate carbonation.
485. Merry Monks' Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 9.30%
Serving: ?
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy golden. The aroma is very strong bananas. Bananas dominate the flavors as well, however there is peppery and alcoholic spice in the finish. Medium-bodied with low to moderate carbonation.
486. Lindemans Gueuze Cuvée René
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Lindemans
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy straw color. The aroma is light, but there is the sour lambic aroma with a bit of Brett. Sour and tart in the palate, definites notes of sour apples and possibly a bit of citrus. Light bodied, low carbonation with a dry finish.
487. Napoleon's Waterloo
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Milly's Tavern
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Tap
Style: American Wild Ale
Pours a light amber/golden. The aroma is tart with a bit of Brett funkiness and hoppiness. The flavors are the same, tart and fruity with characteristic Brett flavors. Light-bodied with moderate carbonation.
488. De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2000
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Year: 2000
Alcohol: 12.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Thanks to a fellow fest attendee for the great tip on this one. Pours a clear, light amber. The aromas are very vinuous, with strong caramel and alcoholic spice. Very port-like in the nose, very nice. Upfront the flavors are a blend of caramel, sweet fruitiness which are eclipsed by the alcoholic spiciness in the finish. Low carbonation, medium to full-bodied. Very very good stuff.
Other Beers:
I also had samples of Ommegeddon, Chimay Red, Harpoon 100 Barrel Saison and Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel. I'm sure I had some others that I'd had before, but my memory is failing me.
Top Five:
Of the new beers that I tried the top five in the order I tried them are: Girardin Gueuze 1882 Black Label, Matilda, Luciérnaga, Napoleon's Waterloo and De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2000.
Labels: American Double IPA, American Wild Ale, Beer Fests, Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Dubbel, Flanders Red Ale, Gueuze, Lambic, Reviews, Sour Beer, Tripel, Witbier
466. Chateau Jiahu
I purchased this a month or so ago at Downtown Wine & Spirits. I served it in my Westvleteren Chalice at around 50ºF.
This is another "molecular archaeology" beer like Midas Touch. The bottle says:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Herbed/Spiced Beer, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy, pale-straw color. It's topped by a thin, fluffy, white head that thins to a persistent film.
Smell (4.0): Sweet and fruity: honey, grapes and a sharp graininess.
Taste (3.5): Sweet with a tart grape fruitiness that fades into a honey sweetness toward the finish. The finish is peppery and spicy with warming alcohol and almost undetectable bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Smooth, creamy and medium to full-bodied with low carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): A little too sweet with high, but concealed alcohol.
Overall (3.75): An interesting beer. It's pretty good, and reminds me a little of a dessert wine.
I purchased this a month or so ago at Downtown Wine & Spirits. I served it in my Westvleteren Chalice at around 50ºF.
This is another "molecular archaeology" beer like Midas Touch. The bottle says:
9000 year old Chateau Jiahu stands apart as the most ancient, chemically-attested alcoholic beverage in the world. Its recreation is based on painstaking excavation by Chinese archaeologists of Jiahuin the Yellow River basin, state-of-the-art microanalysis of pottery residues by American laboratories, and the inspired "Neolithic" brewing of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Chateau Jiahu, then as now, opens a window into the world of our ancestors.Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Herbed/Spiced Beer, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy, pale-straw color. It's topped by a thin, fluffy, white head that thins to a persistent film.
Smell (4.0): Sweet and fruity: honey, grapes and a sharp graininess.
Taste (3.5): Sweet with a tart grape fruitiness that fades into a honey sweetness toward the finish. The finish is peppery and spicy with warming alcohol and almost undetectable bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Smooth, creamy and medium to full-bodied with low carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): A little too sweet with high, but concealed alcohol.
Overall (3.75): An interesting beer. It's pretty good, and reminds me a little of a dessert wine.
Labels: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Herbed/Spiced Beer, Reviews
465. La Chouffe
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week along with several other beers. I let this warm to around 45º F and served it in one of my Duvel tulip glasses.
According to the bottle:
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie d'Achouffe
Alcohol: 8.0%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a hazy golden with a dense, fluffy, white head that's fed by vigorous carbonation. The head slowly fades to a thin layer leaving massive lace.
Smell (4.0): The nose is predominantly peppery with some alcoholic spice. There are notes of grain, lemon, banana and yeast.
Taste (4.5): Tingly carbonation domiantes upfront. The center is fruity with notes of banana, apple and citrus. The finish is a blend of peppery and alcoholic spice, powdery yeast, and a light bitterness, all over a lingering fruity sweetness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Highly carbonated, light to medium-bodied with a smooth texture.
Drinkability (4.0): Refreshing, but spicy with high alcohol.
Overall (4.3): A very good Belgian Strong Pale Ale. It has the nice mix of fruitiness and spiciness that I like in the style.
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week along with several other beers. I let this warm to around 45º F and served it in one of my Duvel tulip glasses.
According to the bottle:
La Chouffe is brewed by the Artisans of the 21st Century at La Brasserie D'Achouffe deep in the heart of Belgium's Ardennes mountains. The legend of gnomes (chouffes) who once brewed in this mysterious region provides the inspiration for this eccentric bottle conditioned, double fermented ale.
This Belgian micro brewery crafts La Chouffe with local Ardennes' spring water, top fermenting yeast, Pilsner malts and English Golding and Saaz hop and coriander for spice. Double fermentation produces natural carbonation and a small yeast deposit (lees) on the bottom of the bottle.
Enjoy the golden color, dense white head and sweet-spicy flavor of La Chouffe. Serve cool between 50-55ºF and pour carefully into a wide-mouthed La Chouffe glass to enjoy the full flavors and aromas of this ale from Belgium's most eccentric brewery.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie d'Achouffe
Alcohol: 8.0%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a hazy golden with a dense, fluffy, white head that's fed by vigorous carbonation. The head slowly fades to a thin layer leaving massive lace.
Smell (4.0): The nose is predominantly peppery with some alcoholic spice. There are notes of grain, lemon, banana and yeast.
Taste (4.5): Tingly carbonation domiantes upfront. The center is fruity with notes of banana, apple and citrus. The finish is a blend of peppery and alcoholic spice, powdery yeast, and a light bitterness, all over a lingering fruity sweetness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Highly carbonated, light to medium-bodied with a smooth texture.
Drinkability (4.0): Refreshing, but spicy with high alcohol.
Overall (4.3): A very good Belgian Strong Pale Ale. It has the nice mix of fruitiness and spiciness that I like in the style.
Labels: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Brasserie d'Achouffe, Reviews
464. Weihenstephaner Korbinian
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week and had it last night. It was served in my NERAX pint at 50ºF.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brauerei Weihenstephan
Alcohol: 7.40%
Serving: Bottle, 500 mL.
Style: Doppelbock, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear ruby-brown with a fluffy beige head that thins to a patchy film.
Smell (5.0): Malty with notes of caramel and fruit: dates, raisins and tart cherries. There's lightly smoky and faint chocolate aromas as well. As the beer warms a faint alcoholic spice becomes evident.
Taste (4.5): Malty, but not overly sweet: caramel, toffee, raisins and dates. The finish is lightly smoky and roasted.
Mouthfeel (5.0): Thick and full-bodied, with light carbonation. Very smooth and creamy.
Drinkability (4.5): Well hidden alcohol with nice malty sweetness that never becomes cloying.
Overall (4.55): An excellent doppelbock, very flavorful and well crafted.
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week and had it last night. It was served in my NERAX pint at 50ºF.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brauerei Weihenstephan
Alcohol: 7.40%
Serving: Bottle, 500 mL.
Style: Doppelbock, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear ruby-brown with a fluffy beige head that thins to a patchy film.
Smell (5.0): Malty with notes of caramel and fruit: dates, raisins and tart cherries. There's lightly smoky and faint chocolate aromas as well. As the beer warms a faint alcoholic spice becomes evident.
Taste (4.5): Malty, but not overly sweet: caramel, toffee, raisins and dates. The finish is lightly smoky and roasted.
Mouthfeel (5.0): Thick and full-bodied, with light carbonation. Very smooth and creamy.
Drinkability (4.5): Well hidden alcohol with nice malty sweetness that never becomes cloying.
Overall (4.55): An excellent doppelbock, very flavorful and well crafted.
Labels: Brauerei Weihenstephan, Doppelbock, Reviews
463. Salvation
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits tonight and served it at around 45ºF in one of my Duvel Tulips.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Avery Breweing Company
Alcohol: 9.00%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.0): Pours a cloudy, peach-golden color, with a thin white head that fades to a patchy layer before disappearing completely.
Smell (3.5): The aroma is very fruity, with notes of banana and sour apple. There are also hints of yeast, grain and a light alcoholic spice.
Taste (3.5): Peppery upfront with a phenolic clove presence. The center is sweet and malty with banana and sour apple notes. The finish is clean with a light graininess and a light hop bitterness. There are a lot of flavors, but overall they never mesh well.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, high carbonation, with a mildly dry finish.
Drinkability (3.5): Easy to drink, but high in alcohol and a little lacking in flavor.
Overall (3.4): I think this is a pretty average Belgian Strong Pale. It did improve as it warmed though.
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits tonight and served it at around 45ºF in one of my Duvel Tulips.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Avery Breweing Company
Alcohol: 9.00%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.0): Pours a cloudy, peach-golden color, with a thin white head that fades to a patchy layer before disappearing completely.
Smell (3.5): The aroma is very fruity, with notes of banana and sour apple. There are also hints of yeast, grain and a light alcoholic spice.
Taste (3.5): Peppery upfront with a phenolic clove presence. The center is sweet and malty with banana and sour apple notes. The finish is clean with a light graininess and a light hop bitterness. There are a lot of flavors, but overall they never mesh well.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, high carbonation, with a mildly dry finish.
Drinkability (3.5): Easy to drink, but high in alcohol and a little lacking in flavor.
Overall (3.4): I think this is a pretty average Belgian Strong Pale. It did improve as it warmed though.
Labels: Avery Brewing Company, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Reviews
462. Freak Out Ale
I got this at Downtown Wine & Spirits a week or two ago. I served it in my NERAX pint glass at around 45º F.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.30%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz,
Style: American IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy golden-copper with a one-finger white head that clings to the sides of the glass leaving heavy lace as it thins to a persistent film.
Smell (4.5): Mild toasty malts and peppery spice. There are strong aromas of hops: citrus, resin and grapefruit.
Taste (4.5): Toasty and sweet malts upfront. The malty sweetness carries through to a tart grapefruity hop bitterness in the finish, with a bit of spiciness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, low to moderate-carbonation, with an oily slickness.
Drinkability (4.5): Very tasty and easy to drink.
Overall (4.35): A very good American IPA, the hop bitterness is strong and isn't overpowered by malty sweetness.
I got this at Downtown Wine & Spirits a week or two ago. I served it in my NERAX pint glass at around 45º F.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.30%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz,
Style: American IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy golden-copper with a one-finger white head that clings to the sides of the glass leaving heavy lace as it thins to a persistent film.
Smell (4.5): Mild toasty malts and peppery spice. There are strong aromas of hops: citrus, resin and grapefruit.
Taste (4.5): Toasty and sweet malts upfront. The malty sweetness carries through to a tart grapefruity hop bitterness in the finish, with a bit of spiciness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, low to moderate-carbonation, with an oily slickness.
Drinkability (4.5): Very tasty and easy to drink.
Overall (4.35): A very good American IPA, the hop bitterness is strong and isn't overpowered by malty sweetness.
Labels: American IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Reviews
461. Samuel Adams Scotch Ale
This is another beer that I fished out of the cooler at the CCR beer hour, like the Sam Adams Black Lager that I had last week. Lately the beer selection had been more varied, like last week they had purchased a Sam Adams mixed 12-pack or two. This is a huge improvement over the summer selection (Corona, Amstel, Heineken, Bud Light, Sam Summer and/or Sam Adams Boston Lager). I had a Sam Adams Octoberfest and a slice of pizza at beer hour and took a bottle of the Scotch Ale home with me. I served this at around 45º F in one of my Duvel Tulip glasses.
The bottle says:
Brewery: Boston Beer Company
Alcohol: 5.40%
Serving: Bottle, 12 oz.
Style: Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear reddish-brown with a fluffy, beige head that thins to a persistent film leaving heavy lace on the glass.
Smell (4.0): Caramel malts, dark fruit and a nice smoky aroma.
Taste (4.0): Sweet caramel malts, tart fruitiness and a subdued smokiness, with low hop bitterness. The smoke does a nice job of providing an interesting balance to the malty sweetness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied with subdued carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): Tasty and very drinkable. It doesn't hurt that the beer is only 5.4% abv.
Overall (4.05): A very tasty Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy. I really liked the smokiness.
This is another beer that I fished out of the cooler at the CCR beer hour, like the Sam Adams Black Lager that I had last week. Lately the beer selection had been more varied, like last week they had purchased a Sam Adams mixed 12-pack or two. This is a huge improvement over the summer selection (Corona, Amstel, Heineken, Bud Light, Sam Summer and/or Sam Adams Boston Lager). I had a Sam Adams Octoberfest and a slice of pizza at beer hour and took a bottle of the Scotch Ale home with me. I served this at around 45º F in one of my Duvel Tulip glasses.
The bottle says:
This is a brew for adventurous ale drinkers: an ale with four special malts, including a rare peat-smoked malt used in scotch whiskies. This unique malt gives Scotch Ale a subtle smoky flavor and deep amber hue. This is a big, malty brew with a long smooth finish. Cheers!Beer Stats:
Brewery: Boston Beer Company
Alcohol: 5.40%
Serving: Bottle, 12 oz.
Style: Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear reddish-brown with a fluffy, beige head that thins to a persistent film leaving heavy lace on the glass.
Smell (4.0): Caramel malts, dark fruit and a nice smoky aroma.
Taste (4.0): Sweet caramel malts, tart fruitiness and a subdued smokiness, with low hop bitterness. The smoke does a nice job of providing an interesting balance to the malty sweetness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied with subdued carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): Tasty and very drinkable. It doesn't hurt that the beer is only 5.4% abv.
Overall (4.05): A very tasty Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy. I really liked the smokiness.
Labels: Boston Beer Company, Reviews, Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
460. Maximus
I purchased this at Downtown Wine a & Spirits last week. I let this warm to around 50º F and served it in one of my Duvel tulips.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.5%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: American Double IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a clear, reddish copper with a sudsy, beige head that thins to a persistent film, coating the inside of the glass.
Smell (3.5): A mix of sugary caramel and resiny, floral hops.
Taste (3.5): Toasty and sweet malts are evident upfront, but remain present throughout. There are hints of raw sugar, but little of the caramel that I noticed in the aroma. The finish is significantly bitter with resiny and citrusy hop flavors. There's also a peppery and alcoholic spiciness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, tingly carbonation, with a slick oiliness.
Drinkability (3.5): Very hoppy with evident alcohol.
Overall (3.7): A decent Double IPA. It's definitely very hoppy, which I sometimes find to be overpowered by malts in DIPAs. Not the best, but good nonetheless.
I purchased this at Downtown Wine a & Spirits last week. I let this warm to around 50º F and served it in one of my Duvel tulips.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Lagunitas Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.5%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: American Double IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a clear, reddish copper with a sudsy, beige head that thins to a persistent film, coating the inside of the glass.
Smell (3.5): A mix of sugary caramel and resiny, floral hops.
Taste (3.5): Toasty and sweet malts are evident upfront, but remain present throughout. There are hints of raw sugar, but little of the caramel that I noticed in the aroma. The finish is significantly bitter with resiny and citrusy hop flavors. There's also a peppery and alcoholic spiciness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, tingly carbonation, with a slick oiliness.
Drinkability (3.5): Very hoppy with evident alcohol.
Overall (3.7): A decent Double IPA. It's definitely very hoppy, which I sometimes find to be overpowered by malts in DIPAs. Not the best, but good nonetheless.
Labels: American Double IPA, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Reviews
459. Drie Fonteinen Oude Gueuze
This was purchased at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week. I chilled it and served it in my New Belgium glass. I apologize for the crappy camera phone picture. The bottle said it was bottled on 28 February 2004.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Drie Fonteinen
Year: 2004
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (5.0): Pours a lightly hazy, deep golden-orange. It's topped by a thick, fluffy, effervescent, beige head that thins to a persistent quarter-inch layer that's lent an orange tint from the beer below. This beer coats the glass in patchy lace.
Smell (4.5): There are fruity notes of sour apples; a dry, acidic tartness; and funky undertones that become stronger upon swirling.
Taste (4.5): Tart and acidic upfront, withe definite flavors of sour apples. The acidic tartness is maintained through to the finish, which is dryly acidic with funky and woody flavors. There's a subtle underlying sweetness throughout.
Mouthfeel (5.0): Light-bodied, with fizzy carbonation and a very nice dry finish.
Drinkability (4.5): The sourness is present, but is never overpowering. The dry finish is quite refreshing.
Overall (4.65): An excellent Gueuze. It's sour and funky but has a nice underlying sweetness.
This was purchased at Downtown Wine & Spirits last week. I chilled it and served it in my New Belgium glass. I apologize for the crappy camera phone picture. The bottle said it was bottled on 28 February 2004.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Drie Fonteinen
Year: 2004
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (5.0): Pours a lightly hazy, deep golden-orange. It's topped by a thick, fluffy, effervescent, beige head that thins to a persistent quarter-inch layer that's lent an orange tint from the beer below. This beer coats the glass in patchy lace.
Smell (4.5): There are fruity notes of sour apples; a dry, acidic tartness; and funky undertones that become stronger upon swirling.
Taste (4.5): Tart and acidic upfront, withe definite flavors of sour apples. The acidic tartness is maintained through to the finish, which is dryly acidic with funky and woody flavors. There's a subtle underlying sweetness throughout.
Mouthfeel (5.0): Light-bodied, with fizzy carbonation and a very nice dry finish.
Drinkability (4.5): The sourness is present, but is never overpowering. The dry finish is quite refreshing.
Overall (4.65): An excellent Gueuze. It's sour and funky but has a nice underlying sweetness.
Labels: Brouwerij Fonteinen, Gueuze, Lambic, Reviews, Sour Beer
458. Samuel Adams Black Lager
On Fridays there's a weekly beer hour that follows a brief talk by a researcher in a Cancer Center affiliated lab. The beer selection varies from week to week. This week it looks like someone bought a couple Sam Adams mixed twelve packs. I had a Harpoon IPA while talking with some labmates and I grabed a bottle of Sam Adams Black Lager to take home. I served this at around 45º F in my NERAX pint glass.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Boston Beer Company
Alcohol: 4.90%
Serving: Bottle, 12 oz.
Style: Schwarzbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear, dark brown with ruby tints. It's topped by a thick, fluffy, beige head that thins to a sudsy film leaving patchy lace on the glass.
Smell (4.0): The nose is predominantly malty. There are notes of caramel, tart fruit, burnt sugar and coffee.
Taste (3.5): Sweet caramel, dried fruit, smoky roasted flavors, with a very light bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Moderate carbonation, medium-bodied, a tad sticky.
Drinkability (4.0): Mild flavors and low alcohol make this easily sessionable.
Overall (3.75): Not much to say here...
On Fridays there's a weekly beer hour that follows a brief talk by a researcher in a Cancer Center affiliated lab. The beer selection varies from week to week. This week it looks like someone bought a couple Sam Adams mixed twelve packs. I had a Harpoon IPA while talking with some labmates and I grabed a bottle of Sam Adams Black Lager to take home. I served this at around 45º F in my NERAX pint glass.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Boston Beer Company
Alcohol: 4.90%
Serving: Bottle, 12 oz.
Style: Schwarzbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear, dark brown with ruby tints. It's topped by a thick, fluffy, beige head that thins to a sudsy film leaving patchy lace on the glass.
Smell (4.0): The nose is predominantly malty. There are notes of caramel, tart fruit, burnt sugar and coffee.
Taste (3.5): Sweet caramel, dried fruit, smoky roasted flavors, with a very light bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Moderate carbonation, medium-bodied, a tad sticky.
Drinkability (4.0): Mild flavors and low alcohol make this easily sessionable.
Overall (3.75): Not much to say here...
Labels: Boston Beer Company, Reviews, Schwarzbier
457. Stone 06.06.06 Vertical Epic Ale
Published by Unknown on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 11:00 PM.
457. Stone 06.06.06 Vertical Epic Ale
I purchased two bottles of Stone's 2006 installment in their Vertical Epic series at Downtown Wine & Spirits recently. One for now, one for later. I let this warm to around 50ºF and served it in my Westvleteren Chalice.
The bottle has this to say:
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Year: 2006
Alcohol: 8.66%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear, dark brown with ruby tints. The beer is topped by a moderate, fluffy, brown head that thins to a persistent patchy film.
Smell (3.5): Very rich and malty. The aroma has notes of sugar, sourness, peppery spice and a whiff of alcohol. All of these are secondary to strong notes of raisins and dates.
Taste (4.5): Lightly sweet upfront with some toasty malt flavors. This is followed by the aroma, with tart raisins and dates evident. The finish is a pleasant mix of peppery and alcoholic spiciness, along with a low, but lingering bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): On the medium side of full-bodied, low carbonation, with a smooth, silky texture.
Drinkability (4.5): Quite nice, not as cloying as some other Belgian Stong Dark Ales I've had.
Overall (4.15): This is a well-balanced beer. It has all of the sweetness and spiciness of a Belgian Dark, with a nice bitterness, none of which overpower the others.
I purchased two bottles of Stone's 2006 installment in their Vertical Epic series at Downtown Wine & Spirits recently. One for now, one for later. I let this warm to around 50ºF and served it in my Westvleteren Chalice.
The bottle has this to say:
In this year's edition, you'll notice a deep, rich aroma of toasty malts, anise Belgian yeast spiciness, and a hint of cedar. The toasty, dark and roasty malt flavors combine with a soft palate - courtesy of specialty dark wheat and barley malts. The body is fairly light for a beer with such a high gravity. There is a pleasant, lingering bitterness, so you know it's a part of the Stone family. This ale was brewed with a specialty Belgian yeast that we're really liking here at Stone... it's the same one we used for brewing the Stone 03.03.03 Vertical Epic Ale. And as with Stone 05.05.05 Vertical Epic Ale, all the spicy, deep, and wonderfully funky aromas and flavor characteristics in this beer come as a result of nothing more than malts, hops, water and yeast!Beer Stats:
Brewery: Stone Brewing Co.
Year: 2006
Alcohol: 8.66%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear, dark brown with ruby tints. The beer is topped by a moderate, fluffy, brown head that thins to a persistent patchy film.
Smell (3.5): Very rich and malty. The aroma has notes of sugar, sourness, peppery spice and a whiff of alcohol. All of these are secondary to strong notes of raisins and dates.
Taste (4.5): Lightly sweet upfront with some toasty malt flavors. This is followed by the aroma, with tart raisins and dates evident. The finish is a pleasant mix of peppery and alcoholic spiciness, along with a low, but lingering bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): On the medium side of full-bodied, low carbonation, with a smooth, silky texture.
Drinkability (4.5): Quite nice, not as cloying as some other Belgian Stong Dark Ales I've had.
Overall (4.15): This is a well-balanced beer. It has all of the sweetness and spiciness of a Belgian Dark, with a nice bitterness, none of which overpower the others.
Labels: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Reviews, Stone Brewing Co.
456. Hazelnut Brown Nectar
I purchased and consumed this last night. It was purchased at Downtown Wine & Spirits as usual. I served it in a plain pint glass. Sorry, no picture for this one.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Rogue Ales Brewery
Alcohol: 6.20%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: American Brown Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy ruby-brown with a dense, half-inch, light brown head that thins to a persistent, smooth, one-eighth inch layer.
Smell (3.5): There's a little bit of roastiness against a nice caramel and hazelnut aroma. There's a slight metallic hint that isn't great.
Taste (4.0): Caramel and toasty malts, hazelnut nuttiness, and a subdued, but firm bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light to medium-bodied, with significant carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): Flavor full and very drinkable, a good session beer.
Overall (3.95): Nicely balanced and not too sweet.
I purchased and consumed this last night. It was purchased at Downtown Wine & Spirits as usual. I served it in a plain pint glass. Sorry, no picture for this one.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Rogue Ales Brewery
Alcohol: 6.20%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: American Brown Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy ruby-brown with a dense, half-inch, light brown head that thins to a persistent, smooth, one-eighth inch layer.
Smell (3.5): There's a little bit of roastiness against a nice caramel and hazelnut aroma. There's a slight metallic hint that isn't great.
Taste (4.0): Caramel and toasty malts, hazelnut nuttiness, and a subdued, but firm bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light to medium-bodied, with significant carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): Flavor full and very drinkable, a good session beer.
Overall (3.95): Nicely balanced and not too sweet.
Labels: American Brown Ale, Reviews, Rogue Ales Brewery
455. Big Bear Black Stout
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits recently. I let it warm to around 50º F and served it in a New Belgium glass.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 8.10%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Russian Imperial Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours an opaque black, with a fluffy, light-brown head that thins to a patchy film leaving light lace on the glass.
Smell (4.0): Rich aromas of dried fruit and chocolate, with light aromas of roasted coffee.
Taste (4.0): Notes of sweet chocolate and fruit are followed by a cherry tartness in the center, and a strong roasted coffee bitterness in the finish, with a light alcoholic bite.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Full-bodied with low to moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): The alcohol is well hidden, it's a very pleasant beer to drink.
Overall (4.0): A nice RIS, this one was a bit on the sweet side, though it was still very good.
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits recently. I let it warm to around 50º F and served it in a New Belgium glass.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 8.10%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Russian Imperial Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours an opaque black, with a fluffy, light-brown head that thins to a patchy film leaving light lace on the glass.
Smell (4.0): Rich aromas of dried fruit and chocolate, with light aromas of roasted coffee.
Taste (4.0): Notes of sweet chocolate and fruit are followed by a cherry tartness in the center, and a strong roasted coffee bitterness in the finish, with a light alcoholic bite.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Full-bodied with low to moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): The alcohol is well hidden, it's a very pleasant beer to drink.
Overall (4.0): A nice RIS, this one was a bit on the sweet side, though it was still very good.
Labels: Bear Republic Brewing Co., Reviews, Russian Imperial Stout
454. Hop Rod Rye
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits on Saturday. I let it warm to around 45º F and served it in my NERAX pint glass.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: American IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy dark-copper color with a thick, fluffy, beige head that fades slowly to a persistent one-eighth inch layer leaving behind patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Light caramel malt aromas that become stronger upon swirling, rye spiciness and strong resiny hops and a hint of grain.
Taste (4.5): There's a lightly sweet caramel malt presence from start to finish that provides balance. The malt sweetness that's first evident is met by a nice spicy rye flavors in the center followed by an intense hop bitterness in the finish. The aftertaste is lingering bitterness with a light alcoholic spice.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Full-bodied, with moderate carbonation that somehow seems subdued.
Drinkability (4.0): The alcohol is well hidden and the beer is well-balanced.
Overall (4.35): Very tasty. The hop bitterness is high, but is balanced by an underlying maltiness that never seems too sweet.
I purchased this at Downtown Wine & Spirits on Saturday. I let it warm to around 45º F and served it in my NERAX pint glass.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: American IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy dark-copper color with a thick, fluffy, beige head that fades slowly to a persistent one-eighth inch layer leaving behind patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Light caramel malt aromas that become stronger upon swirling, rye spiciness and strong resiny hops and a hint of grain.
Taste (4.5): There's a lightly sweet caramel malt presence from start to finish that provides balance. The malt sweetness that's first evident is met by a nice spicy rye flavors in the center followed by an intense hop bitterness in the finish. The aftertaste is lingering bitterness with a light alcoholic spice.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Full-bodied, with moderate carbonation that somehow seems subdued.
Drinkability (4.0): The alcohol is well hidden and the beer is well-balanced.
Overall (4.35): Very tasty. The hop bitterness is high, but is balanced by an underlying maltiness that never seems too sweet.
Labels: American IPA, Bear Republic Brewing Co., Reviews
