https://www.pastemagazine.com/articl...he-decade.html
Beers of the decade? I’ve had very few on this list.
Not sure what selections August West and buddy are bringing but mine has already fallen into The Abyss...
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
https://www.pastemagazine.com/articl...he-decade.html
Beers of the decade? I’ve had very few on this list.
Stillwater Artisanal and Hoof Hearted Brewing Collab
Fruit ( and hops) on the bottom
“A rotationally hopped sour IPA with strawberry, banana, milk sugar, yogurt, and vanilla extract”.
If I had to guess, Mosaic hops, smells very fruity.
If you grew up enjoying Dannon strawberry banana yogurt, this might be a beer you want to find.
Tastes a bit like a sour banana strawberry smoothie.
Would have expected it to be cloudy/hazy, not at all. Quite clear.
A generous gift from a friend.
Always fun to try something new. 🍻
Boy, you’d better like rye (and I mean *really* like rye) to dig this beer. I do, but even for me it was borderline overpowering in the flavor profile of this one. It get to almost a black strap molasses flavor. A very good beer, but I can see it being jarring to some. Come prepared. Solid Cat 2.
"Amazing what a minute can do."
Solid line-up at tailgate today. We went six deep...
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
The gang of six; first up:
Silent Night 2019-Mother Earth Brewing
Damn right it's local!
Credit-August West; many, many thanks!!
Format-750 ml corked and caged bottle
Style-BBA Coffee Imperial Stout
Appearance-Quaker State, probably about 10W30
Nose-bourbon, espresso and dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-maybe 20W50, not 10W30
Tastes-java, dark chocolate, bourbon, molasses, fudge
IBU-55
ABV-9%
Overall impression-helluva way to start the session today; amazing creation; could sip one every day
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3; but, wait'll you see #5 & 6 from the line-up
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
Batting second:
Wetherburn's Tavern Bristol Ale-Alewerks Brewing Company (Williamsburg, VA)
Credit-buddy; thanks!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-English strong ale
Appearance-light gold amber; small, light tan head
Nose-earthy; herbal; toasted bread
Mouthfeel-mildly bitter
Tastes-toffee, herbal bitterness, toast
Grains-brown and pale malts
Hops-East Kent Golding
IBU-maybe 40
ABV-7%
Overall impression-more of an ESB than a true strong ale; nice palate cleanser
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
#3:
Thunderstruck Coffee Porter-Highland Brewing Company
Close to local!
Credit-dpslaw; nice choice!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Appearance-dark brown; modest tan head
Scents-maybe some coffee here
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-java, medium roast; cocoa; earthy bitterness
IBU-28
ABV-5.8%
Overall impression-well done for the style; comparable to Fullsteam's Coffee is for Closers
Ymm, Beer rating-middle to top shelf cat 2; would be a nice after dinner drink with a slice of chocolate cake, pecan pie or bread pudding
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
In the clean-up spot:
A Little Sumpin' Sumpin'-Lagunitas (Heineken International) Brewing Company
Nowhere near local!
Credit-dpslaw; thanks!
Style-"A hoppy pale wheat ale that is great for IPA fans but so smooth that the hefeweizen fans dig it too."
Appearance-clear; light yellow gold; modest head
Nose-orange juice and rind; pine
Mouthfeel-mild/moderate bitterness
Tastes-orange rind; a bit of resin; caramely; grapefruity
IBU-64.2
ABV-7.5%
Overall impression-an imperial wheat ale that drinks like an IPA; well done
Ymm, Beer rating-upper shelf cat 2; delighted to have tasted again after a few year absence from my palate
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
Your post inspired me. Our son just called and will be buying several of the 2018 and 2019 Wheat Wine versions, several of the 2019 originals and the last couple on the shelf of the Mon Cheri and the Cafe de Olla, both of which sound amazing.
We'll be anxiously awaiting your reviews.
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
Bringing out the heavyweights to finish the tailgate:
Bourbon County Stout-Goose Island (InBev) Beer Company
The Original
Credit-August West; 7 thank yous and/or exclamation points are not sufficient
Style-BBA imperial stout
Appearance-Texas crude, oil, that is; thin, tan head
Nose-dark chocolate fudge swirled with bourbon
Mouthfeel-straight 30W; chewy
Tastes-fudge, bourbon, molasses, more dark chocolate, more bourbon, warmth, hints of coffee (not added to The Original)
IBU-you're kidding, right? (I'll guess about 60)
ABV-14.7% (yes, 14.7%)
Overall impression-despite my disdain for big beer, the buy-out now allows this legendary world class beverage to make it outside the greater Chicago area
Ymm, Beer rating-treading near cat 4 territory; worth the $13 for The Original; will report back over the holidays and next year about the variants
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
The grand finale:
CBS-Founders (Mahou San Miguel) Brewing Company
"Never to be brewed again" (famously quoted since about 2009 )
Still out of state
Credit-August West, again; six thank yous and exclamation points
Style-Breakfast Stout->Imperial Stout->KBS->CBS
Appearance-more motor oil
Nose-booze, coffee, dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-it's still on my palate
Tastes-coffee bean/dark chocolate fudge; bourbon; warm; Vermont Grade A sap from a tree; even more fudge and bourbon
IBU-60?
ABV-a paltry 11.3%
Overall impression-world class; yeah, I've bought the hype and have a second 4 pack of this
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3 and eyeing another rating zone
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.
One for the road at Fishy Fishy in Southport. Nice bright yellow pour. Minimal head. An easy-drinker at 4.7% ABV. Well-balanced between the hint of citrus and the hops. A good beer,
but not a memorable one in a crowded field. Easily Cat 2.
"Amazing what a minute can do."
Dark Rye - Ardent - 9.8% - 45 IBU
I must really like Rye. I loved this beer, and I don't think mine needed any more aging (though I admit I don't appreciate at all what that would do.). But this is probably my favorite beer tried so far from Ardent.
There is a lot going on with the flavor. But I think it's quite well-balanced.
It's a black pour with almost no-head. I probably drink these beers too cold right out of my fridge to smell as much as I should. I do smell dark chocolate, and it's good.
The taste is outstanding. I think I just got a different bottle contents than Tripping William. The Rye was not overpowering at all in mine. It was good! I taste light roasted malts, delicious dark chocolate, raisins, figs, and delicious Rye coming through with a bitter, but outstanding finish. This beer went down fast and was easy to drink.
Outstanding imperial stout. High Category 2 for me. I'd love to hear what others think. I have had lots of Rye's in traditional Manhattans, and for me Rye can often be pretty harsh. This beer wasn't harsh at all for me. I think you'll love it if your bottle tastes like mine. Thanks Devildeac!
Serendipity - New Glarus
Candy. Like yummy cherry, apple Jolly Ranchers. Except easier to sip
Thanks, DevilDeac!