Ymm, Beer!

[Very Duke Blue]

Stovepipe Porter-Otter Creek-A well-brewed traditional porter with a deep brown hue, light tan head and some milk chocolate and expresso tastes and aromas. Bitterness is mild at 30 IBU and I'd estimate the ABV to be about 5%. Would be wonderful in/with stews, game or as an after dinner drink, with some chocolate or a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream as a beer float. I'd love to find more of their brews down here as I have wonderful memories of the IIPA brought to one of the Brunchgates.

FORGET THE BEER!! IT'S GAME NIGHT. THE BIGGEST THIS SEASON. GO DUKE!

[Very Duke Blue]

But you can drink the beer while you watch our guys play their best game this season.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Just got back from a cool trading session with . We met at the brew shop that I buy my supplies from. We split a 6 pack of Mad Hatter...which if I've had it's been a long time, and a 6 of Modus Hoperandi, which neither of us have seen before. He got a bomber of Oaked Arrogant Bastard, and I picked up a bomber of New Holland's Dragon's Milk (also an oak aged ale). 1 each of the Mad Hatter and Hoperandi will land in DD's trader collection.

[devildeac]

Just got back from a cool trading session with . We met at the brew shop that I buy my supplies from. We split a 6 pack of Mad Hatter...which if I've had it's been a long time, and a 6 of Modus Hoperandi, which neither of us have seen before. He got a bomber of Oaked Arrogant Bastard, and I picked up a bomber of New Holland's Dragon's Milk (also an oak aged ale). 1 each of the Mad Hatter and Hoperandi will land in DD's trader collection.

[devildeac]

CB&B: If you just happen to be reading this thread, I finally found some Breck Vanilla Porter so I'll save you 1 or 2. ;)

Breckenridge Vanilla Porter-from the label: remarkable; original mountain recipe; seldom seen, never duplicated; partakable-Very distinctive brew. A fairly classic porter brewed with vanilla beans but not overpowering. Lots of dark, roasty flavors with a nice chocolate finish. Mild hop bitterness and tons of dark and chocolate malts. I'd guess the IBU to be 40-50 and the ABV about 5% so pleasant for dessert by itself or, ohioguy recently posted, with a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream as a beer float. Sip on one of these slightly chilled with some brownies or CCC. Very smooth.

[devildeac]

Pyramid Thunderhead IPA-Pretty standard offering with floral and grassy hops and moderate bitterness. I'd guess about 50-60 IBU and the ABV is 6.7%. Nice golden-yellow color and a single finger head. Nice beverage to have with mildly spicy, grilled fare or with a Duke MBB W over the 'holes last PM. Solid session brew, 1st half specifically . I liked my 2nd half brew a bit better .

[devildeac]

Lagunitas IPA-2nd half brew-I am not a big fan of Lagunitas and this didn't do too much to convince me otherwise, but I did enjoy it under the circumstances, a solid 2nd half effort by our guys to put away the 'holes late last PM. IBU a bit low at 45.something according to their web site. ABV not given but I'd guess a standard 6-7%. A bit more amber than the Pyramid with grassy and piney notes. Also would be fine with mildly spicy fare.

[devildeac]

SA Noble Pils-Quite a nice, pleasant offering in the middle of winter. This is a light, golden yellow lager which is clean and crisp. Soft floral aromas abound with some pear and apple notes, too. Apparently there are 5 types of Noble hops and this brew uses them all. Very slightly sweet, probably with caramel and crystal malts for a nice balance. Serve well-chilled with lighter grilled fare and dinner salads and the low IBU of about 20-30 and low ABV of about 5% will make a nice combo. I am cheating on CB&B and again as I received this as a trader last week.

[CameronBornAndBred]

SA Noble Pils-Quite a nice, pleasant offering in the middle of winter. This is a light, golden yellow lager which is clean and crisp. Soft floral aromas abound with some pear and apple notes, too. Apparently there are 5 types of Noble hops and this brew uses them all. Very slightly sweet, probably with caramel and crystal malts for a nice balance. Serve well-chilled with lighter grilled fare and dinner salads and the low IBU of about 20-30 and low ABV of about 5% will make a nice combo. I am cheating on CB&B and again as I received this as a trader last week.

Glad you got to try it...I think you liked it better than I did.

[rockymtn devil]

New Belgium Ranger IPA: This is a new offering (with a new NB label design that has been given to Ranger, Mothership Wit, Abbey, and Trippel, which collectively make up the new "Explore Series").

This beer is a nice, hoppy IPA, that is above average. The nose is full of juniper and grass. The flavor has a nice balance between bready malt notes, bitter citrus, and earthy mineral notes. IBUS are 70 and the beer might flirt with being too medicinal, but I generally like that. Recommended as a solid IPA option.

[devildeac]

New Belgium Ranger IPA: This is a new offering (with a new NB label design that has been given to Ranger, Mothership Wit, Abbey, and Trippel, which collectively make up the new "Explore Series").

This beer is a nice, hoppy IPA, that is above average. The nose is full of juniper and grass. The flavor has a nice balance between bready malt notes, bitter citrus, and earthy mineral notes. IBUS are 70 and the beer might flirt with being too medicinal, but I generally like that. Recommended as a solid IPA option.

Have them save some of that for our trip out to Colorado next month .

[devildeac]

Allagash Tripel-A marvelous brew. This is a "leftover" from the Lavabe Christmas visit and I sipped this over 2 nights as it was a 750 ml bottle that was caged and corked. It was also 9% ABV with an estimated IBU of 30-40. A bottle-conditioned Belgian style ale that pours a slightly cloudy golden color with lots of fizz and a well-retained, lacy head. Lots of esters as I would expect from this style that give this brew tastes and aromas of bananas, pears and cloves. This would blend well with mild to a bit spicy entrees or you could enjoy it chilled in a goblet for dessert by itself or with some mild cheeses, apples or pears. to Lavabe for his selection.

[devildeac]

Great Lakes-Glockenspiel-A flavorful example of the weizenbock style. This is a wheat lager technically which pours a cloudy reddish-brown with a modest head. Think Aventinus here with banana, cloves and nuts in the flavors and a bit of dark fruit. This might be nice with a sweetish BBQ pork or chicken dish or sipped on after dinner. The IBU are 20 and the ABV is 8%. This was also part of the Lavabe delivery at Christmas time and I had buried the supply under some other purchases. I have 1-2 left if CB&B would like 1 in his next trader . Another fine selection from the Ky part of the family.

[rockymtn devil]

New Belgium Ranger IPA: This is a new offering (with a new NB label design that has been given to Ranger, Mothership Wit, Abbey, and Trippel, which collectively make up the new "Explore Series").

This beer is a nice, hoppy IPA, that is above average. The nose is full of juniper and grass. The flavor has a nice balance between bready malt notes, bitter citrus, and earthy mineral notes. IBUS are 70 and the beer might flirt with being too medicinal, but I generally like that. Recommended as a solid IPA option.

Have them save some of that for our trip out to Colorado next month .

I had a few (too many) Friday apres ski in Keystone after a day at Arapahoe Basin. That might explain why I didn't make first tracks on Saturday.

[Miles]

Tomorrow I may post about my experience with Ommegang.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Tomorrow I may post about my experience with Ommegang.

You should.

[devildeac]

Tomorrow I may post about my experience with Ommegang.

Or Hennepin.
Or Three Philosophers.
Or Rare Vos.
Or Chocolate Indulgence.

;)

[bluebeer]

Tomorrow I may post about my experience with Ommegang.

Or Hennepin.
Or Three Philosophers.
Or Rare Vos.
Or Chocolate Indulgence.

;)

Looks like a big year upcoming for Ommegang. Don't know how available these beers will be but they have a whole new lineup coming out..

Jan-Feb 2010: Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout. Very slightly revised for the 2010 edition. In release.

Mar-Apr: Ommegang BPA (Belgian-style Pale Ale). 5.8% abv. 5 malts, 2 hops, and dry-hopped. Citrus & tropical fruit aromatics.

May-Jun: Ommegang Tripel (name not yet confirmed). Around 9%, spiced, we’re in the test brew stages now.

Jul-Aug: Ommegang Sour Ale. Around 6% ABV. Oud Bruin style beer made in collaboration with Liefmans of Belgium. Name TBD.

Sep-Oct: Ommegang Scotch Ale. A new Belgo-Scotch mash up. ABV, name and even recipe still to be confirmed.

Nov-Dec: Ommegang Adoration. Still 10% ABV, still malty, still big and spicy. But may be tweaked a bit.

[devildeac]

Tomorrow I may post about my experience with Ommegang.

Or Hennepin.
Or Three Philosophers.
Or Rare Vos.
Or Chocolate Indulgence.

;)

Looks like a big year upcoming for Ommegang. Don't know how available these beers will be but they have a whole new lineup coming out..

Jan-Feb 2010: Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout. Very slightly revised for the 2010 edition. In release.

Mar-Apr: Ommegang BPA (Belgian-style Pale Ale). 5.8% abv. 5 malts, 2 hops, and dry-hopped. Citrus & tropical fruit aromatics.

May-Jun: Ommegang Tripel (name not yet confirmed). Around 9%, spiced, we’re in the test brew stages now.

Jul-Aug: Ommegang Sour Ale. Around 6% ABV. Oud Bruin style beer made in collaboration with Liefmans of Belgium. Name TBD.

Sep-Oct: Ommegang Scotch Ale. A new Belgo-Scotch mash up. ABV, name and even recipe still to be confirmed.

Nov-Dec: Ommegang Adoration. Still 10% ABV, still malty, still big and spicy. But may be tweaked a bit.

I have also seen the Ommegang Biere de Mars in a 750 ml bottle. About $16. I passed. I like their stuff. A lot. But not at ~$8/12.7 ounce serving.

Great list though. Thanks for sharing.

[bluebeer]

I have also seen the Ommegang Biere de Mars in a 750 ml bottle. About $16. I passed. I like their stuff. A lot. But not at ~$8/12.7 ounce serving.

Great list though. Thanks for sharing.

$16 for a 750 is out of my price range as well. I had their Adoration this year and it was about $10 for a 750..still steep but I'll try one or two on that list at that price...