Evil Twin Brewing Even More Jesus Imperial Stout
As if Christmas Day didn't bring enough, a mini-growler from the Barrel Chest (Roanoke, VA) tap was a Boxing Day purchase. I've been having mediocre luck with off-the-beaten-path imperial stouts lately, and that unfortunate streak was not broken with this one. The initial pour was as expected: dark, thick black, with a thin dark-brown head. The nose was as expected, too: Coffee'y, chocolatey, and boozy. But there is a heavy metallic bitterness to the aftertaste that was just off-putting (at least to me). And, at 12% ABV, it's a beer that needs to be savored slowly, but savoring was difficult with the back-end funk. I tried it over two nights, with no real change in the experience. Not Ycch, but not a do-again for me.
Now, the 12-ounce of DuClaw's Sweet Baby Jesus that is in my fridge, *that's* another story . . . .
Bull City Burger and Brewery
Paying a visit this afternoon, in advance of seeing The Book of Mormon at DPAC tonight. Any recommendations (or things to avoid) from this esteemed group of beer aficionados?
I'm totally pulling a Fuse here...
Reviewing while drinking...
Catawba Brewing - King Winterbolt Winter Ale
Having this one at Jack of the Wood Pub here in Asheville, home of the original Green Man Brewery, and a pretty tasty Shepherd's Pie.
Brewed with crystal and dark malts, Sorachi, East Kent Golding, and Cascade hops.
Poured a very murky brown, which reminds me a lot of the Catawba River (how fitting). A very small off white head that sticks around and leaves a thick coat of lacing.
Not much on the aroma, mostly spiciness, and maybe some cinnamon. A bit of a dark dried fruit smell, but very subtle.
Much more carbonation on the palate than what you would expect from the appearance. The spiy hop notes burst through first. The initial bitterness is tamed rather quickly by the sweetness of caramel and dark fruits. Finishes dry and makes you want to keep drinking.
The flavors of this one really comes out more as it warns. Very enjoyable. Pick one, or 6, up if you find it.
Happy New Beers!