When my wife brought this beer back from one of her East Coast work trips, I have to admit, I wondered about it. A goofy label, a brewery I had never heard of, and a style that is tough to just drink on a whim. I shelved it. It sat in my dark cabinet, getting pushed back further and further, for over a year. Then I decided to give it a shot in an attempt to help clear room...
Review #35
Barrel Aged B.O.R.I.S Oatmeal Imperial Stout ABV 9.4%
Hoppin Frog Brewery Akron, OH 22 oz bottle poured hard into tall pint
A - This is the green cap, Batch #3 from October of '09. This is a deep, jet black pour, with a cappuccino colored, thin head. Oily and viscous, I almost have to shake the last remnants out of the bottle. There is little to no retention, due to lack of head. The lacing is loose, but strong, and travels well all the way down the glass.
S - The first smell is full of roasted malts and chocolate, backed by a bit of oak. A hint of alcohol, and a strong hit of earthiness finish this off
T - This is dessert and dinner all at once. Big and bold, with assertive vanilla and chocolate flavors, coffee and and oak up front. The oak carries through to mid taste, where the bourbon comes in. Subtle and unassuming, it grows as you roll it over the palate and it warms. The ending is chocolate and alcohol, sweet and bitter all at once, coating my lips in sticky alcohol sweetness. Tastes of chocolate ganache richness, and vanilla pudding smoothness, coffee punch, and heavy chewiness. A Tiramisu in a glass.
M - Very full bodied. Chewy and sweet, with little carbonation.
O - This is probably in my top 3 stouts ever. It is so rich, so complex, so satisfying. It was a two hour drink, every minute savored. No one flavor overwhelmed the others, all playing their supporting roles in the larger picture--the beer as a whole. A contemporary Hollywood movie with ten superstars all playing bit parts for the greater goal. Absolutely fantastic, and I will certainly have Leasea pick up more from Hoppin Frog in the future, hopefully this is a sign of more great beers in my future.
Cheers,
Chris
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Bat Crazy
I make no secret of the fact I am from Texas, and that I don't care for San Antonio. Tough to reconcile, because my folks, and many high school and college friends are either still there or return when I do. So it has become a meeting point for me. If you find yourself in the same situation, you have GOT to stop in to Freetail. On Loop 1604 and NW Military, they've been rocking the brewpub atmosphere with great food and atmosphere to boot for three and a half years. Scott, the Owner/Manager, has challenged other San Antonio restaurants to up their beer game, he has helped in the suit against Texas for beer freedom (HB 660), and has managed to grow the reputation of this little joint the whole way. Always with 6-8 of his own brews, he also carries a nice rotating selection of other local and craft beers. You will not be disappointed.
Review #34
Three - Anniversary Ale ABV ??
Freetail Brewing Company 22 oz bottle poured into Imperial Pint Glass
*My father scored this on the bottle release day, see HB 660 link above for clarity.*
A - This pours the color of black walnut, with a small tan head that disappears in a blink to a light brown puddle in the center of the glass. Minimal retention, and decent lacing.
S - Chocolate malt, roast malt, and some coffee, a hint of sweetness on the second whiff, but overall, this is the weakest segment.
T - A hint of grassy hops underneath a large smack of chocolate and roasted, dark malts. Chocolate gives way to a smooth vanilla after a moment. The chocolate brings a smooth, milky sweetness; the roasted malts counter with oak and char. Just a whisper of smoke on the finish, but doesn't last long enough to register till the third or fourth sip. The alcohol comes forward as the glass, and the brew warm.
M - A medium, big body, but incredibly smooth. Lack of carbonation lends toward the fullness
O - A very decent offering. I have had better from Freetail, but this is incredibly drinkable. It has a porter smoothness, with a bit more depth than usual. I wish there was one closer--hint, hint, Scott, I'll open and run one up here...--but for now, I'll settle for Freetail being the meeting place for, a memory place. Friends old and new, great beer, great food, wonderful atmosphere, perfect place to catch up.
Cheers,
Chris
Review #34
Three - Anniversary Ale ABV ??
Freetail Brewing Company 22 oz bottle poured into Imperial Pint Glass
*My father scored this on the bottle release day, see HB 660 link above for clarity.*
A - This pours the color of black walnut, with a small tan head that disappears in a blink to a light brown puddle in the center of the glass. Minimal retention, and decent lacing.
S - Chocolate malt, roast malt, and some coffee, a hint of sweetness on the second whiff, but overall, this is the weakest segment.
T - A hint of grassy hops underneath a large smack of chocolate and roasted, dark malts. Chocolate gives way to a smooth vanilla after a moment. The chocolate brings a smooth, milky sweetness; the roasted malts counter with oak and char. Just a whisper of smoke on the finish, but doesn't last long enough to register till the third or fourth sip. The alcohol comes forward as the glass, and the brew warm.
M - A medium, big body, but incredibly smooth. Lack of carbonation lends toward the fullness
O - A very decent offering. I have had better from Freetail, but this is incredibly drinkable. It has a porter smoothness, with a bit more depth than usual. I wish there was one closer--hint, hint, Scott, I'll open and run one up here...--but for now, I'll settle for Freetail being the meeting place for, a memory place. Friends old and new, great beer, great food, wonderful atmosphere, perfect place to catch up.
Cheers,
Chris
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