Pitchers and catcher reported this week. Spring training starts soon, and the regular season soon after. To me, that means one thing: Cubs baseball. Now I realize there isn't a great deal of high hopes for this season, but that is fine. The future is bright with these off-season moves and the acquisition of young talent. Anyhow, to celebrate, I decided to have a Chicago brew. I visit the brew pub right in front of Wrigley every year I go.
So 'Cheers!' Cubs fans, this one is for you
Review #11
Goose Island Demolition ABV 7.2%
Goose Island Brewery Brown bomber poured into a Chimay glass
A - A pale yellow-orange, with a thin, but very bright white head. There is some visible yeast sediment at the bottom, and decent carbonation bounce from pour off the bottom
S - Lots of spice notes. Coriander, clove, pepper easily recognizable. A little yeast-y and earthy; definitely smells like a 'Belgian.' (Beer, not the person) No real flavors jumping out, just hints of lemon, pear, and sugar with some flowery whiffs as well. My least favorite part of this beverage.
T - This hits quickly with a hop burst, that dissipates rather quickly. Extremely floral tasting, and now comes the orange peel and pear flavors. Some caramel maltiness, and the clove and raw sugar are stronger now. A faint hit of the alcohol at the very end, and definitely improving as it gets closer to room temperature.
M - Buttery and smooth with a decent bit of carbonation providing a refreshing tingle. A sweet finish that lingers just long enough to enjoy and not annoy.
O - This is very good. The carbonation does keep it feeling lighter and more refreshing than the ABV would indicate however, so it could get dangerous. I think this would be good on a summer's day in the sun served as cold as when I first opened it, or on a chilly day at room temperature as it was when I finished it. very versatile. Good job Goose!
Cheers,
Chris
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Collabo
I decided to break out one of my aged beers for this tasting, review #10. Its one that I enjoyed upon its release and shared with my father the Spring before moving to England. So here goes.
Review #10
Avery & Russian River Collaboration not Litigation Ale ABV 8.72%
Avery Brewing, Colorado & Russian River Brewing, California 750 ml brown bottle multiple pours into tulip
**Interesting note: Russian River was founded by the Korbel Champagne Co.**
**Interesting note #2: These two companies had brews by the same name, and instead of a lawsuit, they got together, got drunk & brainstormed. This is the second batch of the series, which is now on Batch #6**
A - A muddled, nutty brown with faint orange hues where the light plays at the edges. 1/2" sturdy head, leaving strong lacing.
S - I was all over the board with the nose on this. I pretty much smelled a grocery store of flavors, but not in a bad way, just seemed crazy to me that every whiff I took, I found different aromas. Apples, raisins, dark cherries were my fruit finds, with some light chocolate, caramel mixed in. Altogether, a very malt forward brew with some definite roasting, but not overdone.
T - Uh. Way sweeter tasting than it smelled. Ouch. Borderline too sweet. Maybe its me, since I prefer the bitterness of beers, and don't have much of a sweet-tooth, but this is like dessert.Still getting dark fruits, but now throw in some figs and plums. Some spice notes hit the back end as it warms up, but not enough to counter the sweetness. Lots of caramel, and definite alcohol heat. Drinking stronger than 8.72%
M - A bit flat, not enough carbonation to carry the sweetness. Lingering taste, but that is the best flavor. Very sugary on the lips
O - Between the sweet and the heat, not the easiest beer to drink, but not overly hard. It would be better enjoyed paired with some food to cut the sweetness. Something salty feels right. I'll pick up subsequent batches for sure. A good, not great beer, but with flavor profiles this strong, its hard to not want to go back for another try.
Cheers,
Chris
Review #10
Avery & Russian River Collaboration not Litigation Ale ABV 8.72%
Avery Brewing, Colorado & Russian River Brewing, California 750 ml brown bottle multiple pours into tulip
**Interesting note: Russian River was founded by the Korbel Champagne Co.**
**Interesting note #2: These two companies had brews by the same name, and instead of a lawsuit, they got together, got drunk & brainstormed. This is the second batch of the series, which is now on Batch #6**
A - A muddled, nutty brown with faint orange hues where the light plays at the edges. 1/2" sturdy head, leaving strong lacing.
S - I was all over the board with the nose on this. I pretty much smelled a grocery store of flavors, but not in a bad way, just seemed crazy to me that every whiff I took, I found different aromas. Apples, raisins, dark cherries were my fruit finds, with some light chocolate, caramel mixed in. Altogether, a very malt forward brew with some definite roasting, but not overdone.
T - Uh. Way sweeter tasting than it smelled. Ouch. Borderline too sweet. Maybe its me, since I prefer the bitterness of beers, and don't have much of a sweet-tooth, but this is like dessert.Still getting dark fruits, but now throw in some figs and plums. Some spice notes hit the back end as it warms up, but not enough to counter the sweetness. Lots of caramel, and definite alcohol heat. Drinking stronger than 8.72%
M - A bit flat, not enough carbonation to carry the sweetness. Lingering taste, but that is the best flavor. Very sugary on the lips
O - Between the sweet and the heat, not the easiest beer to drink, but not overly hard. It would be better enjoyed paired with some food to cut the sweetness. Something salty feels right. I'll pick up subsequent batches for sure. A good, not great beer, but with flavor profiles this strong, its hard to not want to go back for another try.
Cheers,
Chris
Friday, February 17, 2012
Import Time!
After my epic tasting the other night, (see previous blog and drool. May need to highlight to read, since apparently I wrote in invisible ink.) One of my new beer geek buddies left a beer he said I was welcome too. So I thought I should review it publicly, and give credit where credit is due. Thank you Alex.
Review #9
Chouffe Houblon Dobbelen IPA Trippel ABV 9%
Brasserie d'Achouffe Achouffe, Belgium Green bomber poured into Maredsous Tulip
A - First off, green bottle? Little strange, especially given how light in color this beer is & given the breweries reputation. Shame, shame. Okay, nitpicking aside, this beer pours a cloudy blond color with a 1" thick white head on top. Extremely thick lacing. The head never completely disappears, leaving a nice, foamy puddle in the center of your beer, and eventually at the bottom of your glass.
S - Light yeast and citrus are first notes I get, and although this bottle claims no Noble hops are used, it does have that distinct damp, wood smell. Nothing is too powerful, leaving the nose a bit disappointed at this point.
T - Zing! Its full of zest, with spicy finishing notes, fading to a pleasant bitterness. Banana is an odd taste here, but its my mouth, and that is what I am getting. Hoppy up front, followed by peppery clove notes are rinsed clean with a dry finish.
M - Decent body, tingly, but not over carbonated. Dry, flavor, dry. Carbonation tingle makes sure the bitter end doesn't linger.
O - This is pretty good for a style I don't typically enjoy very often anymore. Flavors certainly grew and developed as the beer warm and matured. Nice drinkability factor despite the ABV. All in all, its nice. After reading the Beer Advocate score of 94/98, I was a little let down. Didn't seem overly unique from the other Belgian ales in this vein. Of course that could be me also, not drinking this style very much too. Very glad to have had it, wouldn't seek it out, but would drink it again.
Cheers,
Chris
Review #9
Chouffe Houblon Dobbelen IPA Trippel ABV 9%
Brasserie d'Achouffe Achouffe, Belgium Green bomber poured into Maredsous Tulip
A - First off, green bottle? Little strange, especially given how light in color this beer is & given the breweries reputation. Shame, shame. Okay, nitpicking aside, this beer pours a cloudy blond color with a 1" thick white head on top. Extremely thick lacing. The head never completely disappears, leaving a nice, foamy puddle in the center of your beer, and eventually at the bottom of your glass.
S - Light yeast and citrus are first notes I get, and although this bottle claims no Noble hops are used, it does have that distinct damp, wood smell. Nothing is too powerful, leaving the nose a bit disappointed at this point.
T - Zing! Its full of zest, with spicy finishing notes, fading to a pleasant bitterness. Banana is an odd taste here, but its my mouth, and that is what I am getting. Hoppy up front, followed by peppery clove notes are rinsed clean with a dry finish.
M - Decent body, tingly, but not over carbonated. Dry, flavor, dry. Carbonation tingle makes sure the bitter end doesn't linger.
O - This is pretty good for a style I don't typically enjoy very often anymore. Flavors certainly grew and developed as the beer warm and matured. Nice drinkability factor despite the ABV. All in all, its nice. After reading the Beer Advocate score of 94/98, I was a little let down. Didn't seem overly unique from the other Belgian ales in this vein. Of course that could be me also, not drinking this style very much too. Very glad to have had it, wouldn't seek it out, but would drink it again.
Cheers,
Chris
Monday, February 13, 2012
1st Annual NWA Beer Tasting for BGoA
Last Saturday was pretty great. I got to celebrate Baylie's upcoming 12th birthday a little early, and later I got to meet a couple new friends, hang out with some known friends, & taste some great craft beer. The Facebook group, 'Beer Geeks of Arkansas' has been a great resource for me the past 9 months or so. We even had an impromptu, mini-tasting as the hotel in LR before Kelsie's last facial surgery. So, I hosted several of the guys, some coming from as far away as Beebe, and we got down to business.
Here is an overall list, I won't be doing full reviews on all of them, but several are too noteworthy to pass up.
Allagash Dubbel
De Molen Donder & Bliksem
Bear Republic Pete Brown Tribute Ale
Three Floyd's Alpha King
Terrapin Moo-Hoo Milk Chocolate Stout
Widmer Brothers W'12 Dark Saison
Uinta Crooked Line Labyrinth
Panil Barriqee
Ballast Point Sculpin
Goose Island King Henry
Founders Imperial Stout
Stone Sublimely Self Righteous
Duchesse De Borgogne
Terrapin Wake n Bake
Odell Myrcenary DIPA
It was quite a stunning list, highlighted by the Goose Island King Henry, which I think won the night for all. It was a loose tasting with beer coming from multiple locations, so we just went around the table picking the one we'd like to try next, with the owner sharing a bit about it. Easy conversation flowed, anchored by beer talk, veering in multiple directions, always coming back to center. Though ages and backgrounds were quite varied, the passion and desire to learn about beer, made for a pleasant evening, with no real lull in the conversation; that is till we hit the King Henry and a reverential silence fell across the table.
There was food to pair, to contrast, to experiment with; we all gave our palate insights, our initial findings, reinforced by or backed off of after a bit of warmth, air, and introspection.
So without further adieu, here is the review of GI KH
Review #8
Goose Island King Henry ABV 13.4%
Goose Island Brewery Barleywine, aged in bourbon barrels Bomber poured into highball glasses for tasting
A - Jet black, with virtually no head. Glass instantly coated in brown. Edges allow a dark chocolate hue to pass through
S - Chocolate and bourbon hit me first with a wet, oaky woodiness playing at the back end. Some raisins and fig are underlying here too. A very pleasant aroma, though rich and decadent. You can tell from the nose, this is not a beer to mess around with
T - Definitely a bourbon hit, but there is a balance here that moves quickly past that. My first strong taste thought was brown sugar. Thoughts of baking cookies hit me as a slight breadiness was in the background with it's hand raised, begging for attention. The chocolate flavors, ares till strongly at play, but there is a vanilla note that is blocking it from becoming too powerful.
M - Syrupy, it coats the tongue, and demands to be savored. No big gulps or quick second drinks here. A dessert in a glass
D - This beer was the clear winner on the night, and a glance at Beer Advocate or RateBeer will show you why. Its absolutely gorgeous. All at the table agreed it was the hands down winner. However, with that said, it is not a beer that possesses a great drinkability. I think regardless of the tasting, I would have to split a 650 ml bottle with someone to appreciate it. At 13.4%, the alcohol will hit you, but it is the richness of this beer, bordering on decadence, that will keep you from downing one solo. Even if one bottle was enjoyed solo, I think you would find that the evening's closing ceremonies had been held. As an extremely rare beer, I doubt I will find myself anywhere near another one, but if I do, I hope I have a friend handy to help me enjoy it.
Cheers,
Chris
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A Sad Day
Yes, I know I have been lax getting to this next post. Mainly its because I have been grieving. Last January I had my first Victory beer, it was called Hop Wallop, and I fell in love. It was exactly what I want in an Imperial IPA, and coincidentally, exactly what the label says. It was my favorite overall beer of 2011, a grand discovery, I savored and cherished the 12 I had. Had. Rhymes with sad, and the reason for my melancholy. This review is on the late Hop Wallop the Twelfth.
Review #8
Victory Hop Wallop ABV 8.5%
Victory Brewing Company Downington, PA 12 oz brown bottle poured into tulip
A - Crystal clarity in this golden treasure. Big, fluffy cumulus cloud head with lacing clear down the glass. Good to the last drop indeed
S - Spring is dancing in my nose every time I smell this. Pine, floral hops, spice. Wet grass. Pine and grapefruit citrus with flowers. Yeasty malt essence must be a stalwart to keep up here but it does its job; there, but not hogging the spotlight. That is the hops job, and its doing it beautifully. Mouth watering, nose tingling. This is what my perfect beer smells like.
T - The opening sweetness of orange and grapefruit prep your mouth for the near instantaneous bath of hop (walloping) bitterness in all its glory. Some pineapple flavors sweetening up the brew here and you are immersed in pine cone paradise. Toasted, earthy hops kick in just at the right time to heel the bitter onslaught. The alcohol is greatly masked in this flavor carnival, so be careful, be warned.
M - Unctuous in all its hop wonder, it finishes clean and crisp, with a nice carbonation rinse
D - If you are a hop-head like me, this review should not need to be summed up, but let me try and pin it down. Last rites and all. Although this beer comes at you in wave after wave of hoppy love, it has such a wonderful balance--albeit skewed to the hop side, as a IIPA should be--that any craft beer lover will appreciate this. It may not be a stout drinker's dream, but he'd know what he had on his hands. That's something to be proud of; a beer with 90+ ratings on all respected review sites. I will never pass this by again, shelf, draught, street puddle, whatever. I look forward to meeting Sir XVIII, wherever He may be
Cheers,
Chris
Review #8
Victory Hop Wallop ABV 8.5%
Victory Brewing Company Downington, PA 12 oz brown bottle poured into tulip
A - Crystal clarity in this golden treasure. Big, fluffy cumulus cloud head with lacing clear down the glass. Good to the last drop indeed
S - Spring is dancing in my nose every time I smell this. Pine, floral hops, spice. Wet grass. Pine and grapefruit citrus with flowers. Yeasty malt essence must be a stalwart to keep up here but it does its job; there, but not hogging the spotlight. That is the hops job, and its doing it beautifully. Mouth watering, nose tingling. This is what my perfect beer smells like.
T - The opening sweetness of orange and grapefruit prep your mouth for the near instantaneous bath of hop (walloping) bitterness in all its glory. Some pineapple flavors sweetening up the brew here and you are immersed in pine cone paradise. Toasted, earthy hops kick in just at the right time to heel the bitter onslaught. The alcohol is greatly masked in this flavor carnival, so be careful, be warned.
M - Unctuous in all its hop wonder, it finishes clean and crisp, with a nice carbonation rinse
D - If you are a hop-head like me, this review should not need to be summed up, but let me try and pin it down. Last rites and all. Although this beer comes at you in wave after wave of hoppy love, it has such a wonderful balance--albeit skewed to the hop side, as a IIPA should be--that any craft beer lover will appreciate this. It may not be a stout drinker's dream, but he'd know what he had on his hands. That's something to be proud of; a beer with 90+ ratings on all respected review sites. I will never pass this by again, shelf, draught, street puddle, whatever. I look forward to meeting Sir XVIII, wherever He may be
Cheers,
Chris
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Holy Friar Tuck!
For this review, I am going blind. I've never had a thing from this brewery, I've never researched them, and have heard little to nothing about them. Leasea picked these up for me on a recent East Coast swing. I'll let my review do the talking for my impressions, but there were absolutely ZERO biases, which was fun.
Review #7
Weyerbacher Merry Monk's Ale 9.3% ABV
Weyerbacher Brewery in Easton, PA 12 oz brown bottle poured into Chimay glass
A - This one pours a cloudy orange, reminiscent of a pumpkin. Small layer of white laced head. There is some sediment floating around but it settled nicely in little time
S - WHOA! Huge aroma here. I am being bombarded by such powerful smells, its tough to place them immediately. I know it sounds strange, but I am getting bananas & nuts, therefore my first thought was banana nut bread. Weird. Getting past that, there are vanilla and grapefruit tones underlying a definite ester blast. There is a also a big, spicy sparkle that hits you in waves amongst all that. Crazy experience.
T - Crisp and bubbly, the carbonation hits immediately. Wheat and berries, pepper and clove. Alcohol for certain, but not a heat per se. No crazy aftertaste lingering like you'd normally have a from a big ABV Belgian either. Okay, 30 minutes in, I have added some more notes. It has a white wine finish; tart, with Granny Smith apples abundant.
M - Despite the shocking carbonation hit, it fades quickly and leaves a smoother feel overall. Finishes a bit sour, but rich.
D - Loads of fruit, spice and natural grains--this has bags of character. Its complex, balanced and wonderful. I couldn't recommend drinking this regularly however, because it isn't an EASY drink, but that doesn't mean its bad. Quite the opposite in fact, it really is fantastic. Great first impression from a complete unknown, I'll definitely be on the lookout in the future.
Cheers,
Chris
Review #7
Weyerbacher Merry Monk's Ale 9.3% ABV
Weyerbacher Brewery in Easton, PA 12 oz brown bottle poured into Chimay glass
A - This one pours a cloudy orange, reminiscent of a pumpkin. Small layer of white laced head. There is some sediment floating around but it settled nicely in little time
S - WHOA! Huge aroma here. I am being bombarded by such powerful smells, its tough to place them immediately. I know it sounds strange, but I am getting bananas & nuts, therefore my first thought was banana nut bread. Weird. Getting past that, there are vanilla and grapefruit tones underlying a definite ester blast. There is a also a big, spicy sparkle that hits you in waves amongst all that. Crazy experience.
T - Crisp and bubbly, the carbonation hits immediately. Wheat and berries, pepper and clove. Alcohol for certain, but not a heat per se. No crazy aftertaste lingering like you'd normally have a from a big ABV Belgian either. Okay, 30 minutes in, I have added some more notes. It has a white wine finish; tart, with Granny Smith apples abundant.
M - Despite the shocking carbonation hit, it fades quickly and leaves a smoother feel overall. Finishes a bit sour, but rich.
D - Loads of fruit, spice and natural grains--this has bags of character. Its complex, balanced and wonderful. I couldn't recommend drinking this regularly however, because it isn't an EASY drink, but that doesn't mean its bad. Quite the opposite in fact, it really is fantastic. Great first impression from a complete unknown, I'll definitely be on the lookout in the future.
Cheers,
Chris
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Happy February!
Well, the calendar has changed, the weather is still mild, and I am still keeping up with this. All wins in my book. Although this is still from last Friday, its getting the February kick-off write-up. I went for a special release beer this go round, so if you like what you read, snap it up, it won't be around long!
Review #6
Lagunitas Lucky 13 Anniversary Release 8.9% ABV
Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, CA A 22 oz brown bomber poured into an imperial pint glass
A - A golden, hazy orange. Amberesque, even. (Is that a word? Is now, used it in context.) Frothy white 1 & 1/2" head full of lacing and potential. Liking the look of this straight out of the gate.
S - Vanilla, grapefruit, some citrus rind, and strangely enough, a hint of a berry zing. The malt is there too, right on the hop's heels. Delightful and refreshing smelling, I know I have to be careful with this weighty of a beverage
T - Initial malt whack backed up immediately by a piny bitterness smack. Wasn't expecting that reversal after the aromas. Kinda got okie-doked there. I like it. Its certainly a good surprise as there is a weight to this beer that belies its strength. Its letting you know, I am an 8.9%, respect me...but in a nice way. Like your best friend, who you know has your back, and you're glad he does, because you wouldn't want him to turn on you. (Looking at you, Tim Conway) Its a bit of a rabbit hole there, hope you followed. Anyhow, its good, and I really enjoy the balance here.
M - An unctuous hop feel. Can almost feel that resin. Not awful, but a little off-putting at first taste. Didn't notice much after. Decent carbonation, medium body
D - Easy drinking overall. The magnitude is certainly there, but not oppressively so. Has alcohol heat to it, but it doesn't overpower or diminish the overall flavor. At 8.9%, it would be difficult to have more than one if you are out and about, but could easily drink several on a night in. Drinks like a maltier IPA. I like it and wish I had more than just one left.
Cheers,
Chris
Review #6
Lagunitas Lucky 13 Anniversary Release 8.9% ABV
Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, CA A 22 oz brown bomber poured into an imperial pint glass
A - A golden, hazy orange. Amberesque, even. (Is that a word? Is now, used it in context.) Frothy white 1 & 1/2" head full of lacing and potential. Liking the look of this straight out of the gate.
S - Vanilla, grapefruit, some citrus rind, and strangely enough, a hint of a berry zing. The malt is there too, right on the hop's heels. Delightful and refreshing smelling, I know I have to be careful with this weighty of a beverage
T - Initial malt whack backed up immediately by a piny bitterness smack. Wasn't expecting that reversal after the aromas. Kinda got okie-doked there. I like it. Its certainly a good surprise as there is a weight to this beer that belies its strength. Its letting you know, I am an 8.9%, respect me...but in a nice way. Like your best friend, who you know has your back, and you're glad he does, because you wouldn't want him to turn on you. (Looking at you, Tim Conway) Its a bit of a rabbit hole there, hope you followed. Anyhow, its good, and I really enjoy the balance here.
M - An unctuous hop feel. Can almost feel that resin. Not awful, but a little off-putting at first taste. Didn't notice much after. Decent carbonation, medium body
D - Easy drinking overall. The magnitude is certainly there, but not oppressively so. Has alcohol heat to it, but it doesn't overpower or diminish the overall flavor. At 8.9%, it would be difficult to have more than one if you are out and about, but could easily drink several on a night in. Drinks like a maltier IPA. I like it and wish I had more than just one left.
Cheers,
Chris
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