Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea 2018-Ballast Point Brewing Company (a division of Constellation Brands)

You're not local: clap, clap, clap/clap/clap.

Credit-older daughter's FIL who gifted us each a bottle today; thanks!!
Format-12 ounce glass container
Style-flavored imperial porter aged in bourbon and rye barrels
Appearance-dark mahogany; foamy, tan head
Nose-heavenly
Mouthfeel-viscosity of an imperial stout
Tastes-coffee, vanilla, bourbon, dark chocolate, dark fruits with a hint of licorice (not added)
Adjuncts-coffee and vanilla
IBU-40ish
ABV-12% (WTH? for a porter? )
Overall impression-glad I only ate small pieces of chocolate chess and chocolate chip peecan/pehcahn/peecahn pies a couple hours ago; terrific creation
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; I may try to escape with my daughter's bottle tomorrow when we head back to Raleigh

[devildeac]

Proliferous-Seventh Son Brewing

Bought locally (Columbus, OH) and delivered lovingly earlier this month from our son.

Pint can of this IIPA poured a light copper color with a moderate, fluffy head. Initial scents of grapefruit that quickly became resin-y and piney to match those tastes. The citrus/tropical flavors were mostly rind-y and not very juicy and overshadowed by the pine/resin sensations. There was some malty/grainy sweetness but this was a hop bomb of old with IBUs at 85 and ABV at 8.3% so I would have suspected a more balanced brew but it wasn't. I still think this was a well-brewed beverage but I've evolved toward preferring more fruity IPAs and IIPAs but also think this would pair well with hot/spicy cuisine.

I've changed my mind a bit.

Proliferous-Seventh Son Brewing Company

Credit-yes, with my Visa card
Format-12 ounce can
Freshness-canned on 10/24/2019
Style-DIPA
Appearance-light gold with a foamy head
Nose-grapefruit zest/rind and juice; piney
Mouthfeel-slightly bracing
Tastes-this time, juice>rind>pine; mild honey/caramel finish
Overall impression-I liked this a fair amount more this time than almost 1.5 years ago; this can may have been a fresher pour
Ymm, Beer rating-top part of cat 2 in a crowded field; very happy I bought the 6 pack to share; it'll be fuse's turn soon...

[devildeac]

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

[devildeac]

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

[devildeac]

#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

[devildeac]

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

[devildeac]

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

[devildeac]

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

[devildeac]

Forgot the nightcap from Saturday to celebrate the FB win:

KBS-Founders (Mahou San Miguel) Brewing Company

Far from local

Credit-I think I actually bought this one
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-BBA coffee infused and chocolatized imperial stout
Bottled on-02/22/17
Appearance-liquid coal
Aromas-as expected with dark chocolate, espresso and booze
Mouthfeel-silky
Tastes-dark chocolate coffee fudge drizzled generously with bourbon; molasses; dark fruits
IBU-probably 60
ABV-a miserly 11.8%
Overall impression-world class
Ymm, Beer rating-mid level cat 3; happy to have a couple of this year's issue along with another 2017 and an undated bottle

[devildeac]

Razz Wheat-Jackie O's Pub and Brewery

Local!

Credit-all mine!
Format-12 ounce can
Freshness- Canned on 10/02/19
Appearance-cloudy red raspberry soda
Nose-raspberries, maybe
Mouthfeel-tingly
Tastes-raspberry jelly, orange juice and rind, floral hops
IBU-20?
ABV-5.5%
Overall impression-very pleasant porch sipper
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2; hope the other folks who got the remainder of the 6er enjoy theirs

[devildeac]

Igor Black Forest Cake-Fullsteam Brewery

Really local!

Credit-mine, again!!
Format-12 ounce can
Style-one of their variations of a flavored imperial stout from their Igor series
Canned on-10/23/19 MPN 818
Appearance-dark, dark brown with ruby edges
Mouthfeel-mildly viscous
Tastes-baker's chocolate; sweet and sour cherries; dark fruits and caramel; coffee (not added)
Adjuncts-cherries and cocoa nibs
IBU-50ish
ABV-9%
Overall rating-very nice combination of flavors
Ymm, Beer rating-just over the cat 3 line; I guess I'd have liked a bit more cherry and chocolate sweetness

[devildeac]

Chill Vibes-Boulevard (Duvel Moortgat) Brewing Company

Not local.

Credit-November beer club 4 pack; last member
Format-12 ounce aluminum prison
Style-flavored Berliner Weisse sour ale
Appearance-light yellow/gold; minimal head
Nose-cucumber juice
Mouthfeel-mildly tart
Tastes-cucumber and lemon juice; hint of salt; ? spices
Overall impression-I'm torn about this; interesting and creative but more pickle-y than I might have though
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 2; worthy of a (half?) can but wouldn't buy a litter; not a drain pour like the Urban Artifact Pickle our son had this year

The story:

https://www.boulevard.com/2019/07/30...g-chill-vibes/

[devildeac]

The Truth-Flying Dog Brewing Company

More not local

Credit-beer #1 from tailgate trading with August West; thanks!
Style-IIPA
Format-12 ounce bottle
Best enjoyed by-02/17/20
Appearance-gold yellow; medium, frothy head
Nose-grapefruit, orange and pine
Mouthfeel-moderate bitterness
Tastes-grapefruit and orange juices; zest; pine
IBU-80
ABV-8.7%
Malts-MUNICH, MALTED WHEAT
Hops-WARRIOR, SUMMIT, COLUMBUS, CITRA, AMARILLO
Yeast-AMERICAN ALE
Overall impression-well balanced West Coast Style DIPA
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2; a mixed 12 pack would be nice to share and trade

[devildeac]

The Original Gingerbread Stout 2018-Hardywood Park Craft Brerwery

Local for somebody

Credit-accfanfrom1970 brewery pick up; fuse family beer courier service; my Visa; thanks to all!
Format-500 ml bottle
Stemware-cute little Gingerbread Stout tumbler
Style-d'oh!
Appearance-dark brown, modest tan head
Nose-ginger, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-no crumbs or oily residue
Tastes-match the nose but a bit muted until it warmed for 15+ minutes
IBU-55
ABV-9.5%
Adjuncts-honey, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger
Overall impression-this is either better fresh as the bottle recommends and/or the smaller format make this a bit less flavorful than I recall
Ymm, Beer rating-still cat 3 but I'm moving this down to the lower tier; worth seeking

[devildeac]

Bloodline-Flying Dog Brewery

Credit-August West from his mixed litter of 12; thanks!
Style-American ale
Format-12 ounce bottle
Appearance-light orange amber; modest off white head
Nose-orange juice and pine
Mouthfeel-a bit sweet and a tad bitter
Tastes-OJ, rind, resin, light caramel
Malts-RYE, CARAMEL
Hops-NORTHERN BREWER, CITRA, GALAXY
Yeast-AMERICAN ALE
Adjuncts-blood orange peel and puree
IBU-40
ABV-7%
Overall impression-surprisingly good ale; balanced
Ymm, Beer rating-middle tier cat 2; worth splitting a 12 pack to trade/share

[devildeac]

Snake Dog-Flying Dog Brewing Company

Still not local.

Credit-next to last pup from the mixed 12 pack from August West; thanks!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-IPA
Appearance-yellowish gold; medium head
Nose-mixed citrus and resin
Mouthfeel-mild piney bite
Tastes-more orange and grapefruit than piney; light caramel
Malts-CARAMEL
Hops-WARRIOR, COLUMBUS, CITRA, SIMCOE, MOSAIC, GALAXY
Yeast-AMERICAN ALE
IBU-60
ABV-7.1%
Overall impression-palatable; tough crowd to hang with; didn't stand out
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 2; I liked the Bloodline and The Truth better so far from the litter

[devildeac]

Batch Number 036 Black Peach Gose-Nowhere in Particular (brewed and packaged by Figleaf Brewing Company)

Now I'm confused. I swear NiP has had a brick and mortar brewery since this summer-even drove by it in July or September visiting in Columbus

Credit-trader from son of devildeac; thanks!
Format-12 ounce can
Appearance-WTH? This stuff looks like a clean but dark brown ale; Tripping William is correct a bout thinking and seeing; Whoa!
Nose-I got a fair amount of peach jam at first, then hints of salt
Mouthfeel-very mild pucker
Tastes-peach jam first, then the salt taste buds took over and told me light brine; hints of lemon (not added)
Overall impression-an unexpected pleasure; not brilliant but quite a creation/combination
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 2; I hope fuse like his; I'll keep having our son select stuff from this brewery; thinking this is their 3rd brew I've sipped-all good

[devildeac]

Raging Bitch-Flying Dog Brewing Company

Credit-August West; thank you for the 4th and final member from your 12 pack sampler!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-Belgian IPA
Best enjoyed by-2/20/20
Appearance-yellow gold; frothy head
Nose-grapefruit, banana, pine
Mouthfeel-mild/moderate bitterness
Tastes-a bit sweet so maybe candied pineapple, grapefruit and orange; Belgian yeast spicy (black pepper); clove?
Malts-CARAMEL
Hops-WARRIOR, COLUMBUS, AMARILLO
Yeast-BELGIAN (EL DIABLO)
IBU-60
ABV-8.3%, making it a DIPA
Overall impression-Well done conclusion to the samplers; I had my doubts but would recommend this 12 pack to share/gift over the holidays
Ymm, Beer rating-middle tier cat 2; the only other Belgian IPA I recall is Stone's Cali-Belgique and that was a long time ago; any others of this style y'all know?
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.

[devildeac]

Calfé-Rheingeist Brewery

Credit-trader from son of devildeac; thanks!
Format-12 ounce aluminum vessel
Style-coffee milk stout
Freshness stuff-Canned on 10/02/19 19:06; Batch 201758; Breakfast Beer
Appearance-dark brown with a creamy tan head
Nose-coffee and milk chocolate
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-coffee; milk chocolate; toasted/burnt grains and caramel
Hops: Bravo, Cascade
Malts: Marris Otter, Crystal Dark, Chocolate, Flaked Barley, Flaked Oats, Roasted Barley, Carafa III, Lactose
IBU-25
ABV-6%
Overall impression-high quality
Ymm. Beer rating-entrenched on middle shelf of cat 2; would be a nice after dinner/nightcap/dessert beverage; anxiously awaiting replies from other recipients

[devildeac]

Cache Flow Apricot-Taxman Brewing Company

The Reserve Series Limited Release

Credit-all mine!!
Format-500 ml bottle
Bottled on-04/04/19
Style-fruited golden blonde sour
Appearance-apricot bronze with a pretty fizzy, quickly disappearing head
Nose-apricot vinegar
Mouthfeel-moderate pucker
Tastes-if there was such a thing as apricot vinegar, this would be it; sweet and sour sensors on the palate working full time; peppery tang; funk
IBU-6
ABV-6%
Overall impression-happy to have waited another 7 months since fuse's review; high quality sour
Ymm, Beer rating-front of the top shelf, cat 2; worth a visit to (from?) the Taxman if you're in central/southern Indiana.