I see a Yeti

Okay, after a vacation and getting the kids back to school, I return. This is a brew I picked up in St Louis last year on one of Kelsie's Children's Center Hospital visits. I picked it up mid 2011, so I've been waiting awhile on this one. This brewery is another reason I have GOT to get to Colorado in the very near future.

Review #37
Belgian Style Yeti Imperial Stout  ABV: 9.5%    22 oz bottle poured into Chimay bulb
Great Divide   Denver, CO    bottled Jul 27, 2011

A - A milk chocolate pour, with a consistent creamy, latte colored head. Great retention and the lacing trails all the way down the glass. Beautiful picture of an imperial stout.

S - A chocolate dominant aroma with hints of dark and candied fruits. Very rich and bold, with a lightly hopped smell at the very back. Slightly metallic smell comes and goes among the other notes, and there is a definite alcohol presence.

T - Big chocolate here, but there is more at play on the palate. Certainly not one dimensional with the fruity notes  popping in and out--cherry, figs, and even some apple on the tart side. There is a solid Belgian yeastiness here too, with lots of roast malts, especially on the long finish. The alcohol is fairly tame compared to the aroma, but is more evident as the beer warms and grows. There is a light licorice hit on the warmer end that wasn't there previously.

M - A medium, lightly carbonated mouth feel, but creamy and luscious

O - This is a BIG beer, it is dessert rich, and it is smooth and satisfying. The light carbonation keeps the beer feeling light despite its power and ABV. The layers of flavor are interesting and have a great depth that keeps you coming back for another sip. Its a one hour plus beer for sure, but feels like it could be sneaky if you tried for two and picked up a head of steam. All in all, a wonderful beer by a great stalwart in the industry. Another reason Great Divide is among my top tier breweries and is near the top of the list of breweries to visit. Well done!

Cheers,
Chris

Ommegang, are you Seducing me?

I've had this sitting around for a while, so I decided to use this as a pre-cursor to a stronger, darker beer later in the evening. I've been a fan of Ommegang since I went to Cooperstown for the Ryne Sandberg HoF Induction. They aren't all hits, but they are rarely full on misses. I'd say on average, they are better than average with some greats thrown in.

Review #36
Seduction  ABV 6.8%
Brewery Ommegang  Cooperstown, NY  750 ml corked & caged bottle poured into pint

A - This is a deep, rich pour with serious head. A good two inches retains for a good two minutes, but unfortunately gives way to spotty, weak lacing. A little disappointing really, with such a strong start to the pour.

S - Very tart nose here, with the Belgian yeast funkiness blending with under-ripe cherries. A cocoa and roast malt back end, not very boozy smelling, and the aroma doesn't linger for long, disappearing into a memory.

T - Much sweeter on the front than I got from the nose. Dark fruits, with fig and currant at work start the action on the palate, then give way to all that crisp, tart flavor from the smells. The finish is as expected, dry and full of chocolate and malt. The taste lingers for quite a bit, surprisingly, with that tartness clinging in the throat, almost gives you ideas that you are drinking a sour.

M - Very light, with a creamy feeling, despite the carbonation, again a dry finish.

O - This is above average for me and falls right in line with where I tend to rank Ommegang. High B marks from me; on certain days I might like it more, on others, less. It has a nice balance, interesting notes, and more complexity than I expected, but the pour and the nose are a bit below par, in my little humble opinion. I would certainly drink this again, but, I also probably would not rush out to find it.

Cheers
Chris

Feeling Froggy?

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

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

Surrender, You!

I am ashamed to admit this, but I bought French. I don't even buy imports too often, much less French. It was a moment of weakness, and I apologize. That said, I now have to apologize further for what you are about to read. Please forgive me.

Review #33
Gavroche   8.5%ABV
Brasserie De Saint-Sylvestrie  22oz brown bottle poured into large Brandy snifter

A - A plain label; just the title and silhouette of a French lad with a jaunty cap, no brew date. A carbonated pour the orange-red of Fall leaves. A good one inch head with generous lacing and plenty of dancing little bubbles. Nice retention; hangs around just long enough to bring forth the aroma.

S - Lots of fruit, unripe fruit. A crisp aroma of strawberries, apples, raspberries. Faint traces of hops and spice, with a strong malt heart. A bit of yeast and funk creep in, but don't take center stage. A bright, refreshing smell for a high gravity brew.

T - This is tart. Fresh, crisp, clean. Lots of fruitiness that has yet to reach full sweet potential. Doesn't quite get the pucker going, but you can just about imagine it. The malt forward base is what saves it. It brings balance, and character, and keeps that tartness at bay. Hops are minimal here, playing only a minor role. There are pears and apples, cherries and berries, with just a hint of vinegar towards the finish. Again, very refreshing, and very drinkable for 8.5%.

M - Very smooth on the palate with spirited carbonation, and although it isn't heavy, it is very full due to all the flavors at play.

O - I almost hate to say it, but I quite enjoyed this. The overall balance was very nice, with full flavor playing against light feel, and malt backbone against lightly sour fruit. Biere de Garde isn't a choice I typically seek out, but I do enjoy one when opportunity presents itself, i.e. nothing more interesting available. The price tag wasn't bad either, so I would likely buy this again if I were to find it, and my basket wasn't full already. Shoot, I guess they owe us something after pulling their butts out of the fire, and I for one will take this over wine or art...but bring me a sharp cheese to match this garcon!

Cheers,
Chris

Not Bad, Not La Bestia

This beer came to me courtesy of my Dad, who has been contributing to my craft beer habit over the last several years by picking up beer in Texas I can't get here in Arkansas. He also keeps a lookout for news, releases, and occasionally he'll have something I haven't, and pass it along. Such is the case here, a San Antonio brewery and distillery that is fairly new and cranking out some adventurous brews. Kudos to them and hopefully they'll have long continued success. To the review...

Review #32
La Bestia Aimable  ABV 9.5%
Ranger Creek Distillery  22 oz bomber poured into a snifter

A - For starters, the label on the beer is like artwork; its gorgeous. A sticker on the side says it is a January of 2012 batch. This beer poured a bright, clear garnet color with one finger of creamy white head. Not a lot of retention here, but the lacing and clinging bubbles show legs and promise.

S - A bready malt aroma is quickly overtaken by a sugary sweet burst. Brown sugar, molasses, dark fruit. An earthy tone creeps in towards the end and you can finally get that Belgian 'funk.' I was worried for a second there. The finish is all honey and oak.

T - A very sweet, almost cloying first sip. It is banana bread and sugar and honey and YEAST, lots of yeast. And unbalanced amount of yeastiness. The malts are almost overtaken here and I am not sure they stand up to the yeast and sweeter notes. There is certainly some fig, dark fruit and funk here as well, but it just doesn't seem to all come together. A bit disappointing really.

M - Medium bodied buoyed by lots of carbonation, which does help to cut the sweetness somewhat.

O - If there were just a bit more balance one way or the other, I could write very similar tasting notes in a positive light. As it is, I just can't. I don't hate it, its an admirable effort, and still drinkable, but it just lacks harmony. I am looking forward to my Mesquite Smoked Porter from these guys, and any others I can get my hands on. Keep up the efforts, good luck to you!

Cheers,
Chris

Squatters Stands Tall

So, I had this beer quite awhile back, but i misplaced my notes, then I went on vacation. Then I found them, and went on another vacation. Then Summer hit, and the kids were home and, yep, another vacation. I was really excited when I wrote my notes for this one to, because if y'all don't know Squatters, then you're missing out. Not only do they make great beer, but they are superb at customer service and social media. I have never enjoyed a brew by these guys and not received a 'Cheers!' at the very least. In dialogue, they've even cheered me on about a future visit. Pretty outstanding, and I wish I could get some in Arkansas.
Oh shoot, I think I just gave away my objectivity. Anyhow, if you're still interested in this particular beer, read on!

Beer review #31
Outer Darkness   ABV: 10.5%   Russian Imperial Stout
Squatters Beers  Utah Brewers Coop.  Salt Lake City  750ml Bottle

A - For starters, this beer has a great label, with burning eyes staring at you out of an all black background. Very cool. Pours a jet black; thick and viscous with a large mocha colored head that takes its time to settle, leaving massive lacing.

S - There are aromas bursting from the glass. Before I even get close, I can smell molasses and tobacco, with woody tones. As I get closer, I am treated to a wide array of smells. There is a spice, maybe clove that fades into smoke, some definite licorice, and some vanilla sweetness. All of this plays on a bed of roasted dark malts, bringing forth the chocolate you'd suspect from a RIS

T - This is intense. There is an initial sweetness that quickly runs to string coffee. Chocolate malts and dark fruits are throughout, with some spice again, this time a bit more peppery. There is an alcohol heat in the back but it is all balanced by the richness of flavor that is in each sip. As it warms, the smoke and earth and wood become stronger players and the only sweetness is on the lips and in the molasses thickness.

M - Very robust, yet the carbonation seems to lighten and buoy this thick, oily black stout. Even the mouth feel has a tremendous balance to it.

O - Well, I sorta jumped the shark at the intro, but seriously, if you like dark beer, and don't try this? You're doing yourself a disservice and the rest of us that know and love Squatters will continue to imbibe in secret. They have a bar in SLC airport, so even if you can't make it out to one of their pubs, catch one on a layover. Mention them on Twitter, or Facebook, they'll shout back at ya. A really well run brewing company from brewers to social media, the way it should be done in today's age. You don't need advertising, you need a grass roots, word of mouth wildfire borne out of a quality product. Nail, meet head. Thanks, Squatters!

Cheers,
Chris