Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

First half:

Monk's Hood-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Local for the buying guy from a place we like to travel/vacation, keeping with OPK's theme and staying on topic

Credit-son; thanks!!
Style-flavored imperial milk stout
Format-bomber, divided over 2 nights
Packaged on-Feb/14/2020 (the beer of love)
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown; small, tan head
Mouthfeel-glorious
Tastes-dark chocolate and coffee, burn grains, dark caramel
Adjuncts-lactose, Mexican espresso and Ugandan cacao
IBU-probably 50
ABV-13.2%, hence the 11 ounce portions each night to celebrate the cheats 13 point loss to Marquette
Overall impression-delectable
Ymm, Beer rating-mid level cat 3; wonderful balance of roasty, sweet, coffee and chocolate; another round tripper from this brewery, even without BBA

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Lightning Strikes Thrice-Wilmington Brewing Company

Local for the weekend

Credit-vacation theme
Style-West Coast Style TIPA; not many of these on the market
Format-pint can
Stamped on can-02.10.21; another freshie!
Glassware-large wine glass
Appearance-slightly cloudy, orange bronze; moderate head
Nose-orange rind, pine, citrus
Mouthfeel-almost bracingly bitter
Tastes-orange rind, grapefruit and rind, pine/resin, light caramel
Hops-no info available
IBU-gotta be 80s
ABV-11% (whoa!)
Overall impression-made me think what a Dogfish Head 90 Minute IIPA might be like with larger grain and hop additions
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; a really good beer; can't recall if I've had their Lightning Strikes Twice

[devildeac]

Coastal vacation beer:

The Amen Break-New Anthem Beer Project

Pretty nearby

Credit-themed beer
Style-label says IPA; palate says IIPA
Format-16 ounce can
Stemware-another large wine glass
Appearance-hazy pineapple yellow; 2" head
Nose-pineapple
Mouthfeel-juice
Taste-pineapple, mango, papaya, hint of grapefruit
Hops-Citra, Mosaic, El Dorado
IBU-50 something
ABV-8%
Overall impression-fanboys and girls agree, this is an excellent beer
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid level cat 3; not cheap at about $5/can but worth a single or a litter to hoard for yourself or share/trade

[devildeac]

Guinness Extra Stout-Guinness and Company

St. James Gate is far from local

Credit-leftover in guest fridge
Style-^^^^
Format-11.2 ounce bottle
Glass-shaker pint
Appearance-dark brown; tan, voluminous head
Nose-heavily roasted grains
Mouthfeel-roasty
Tastes-burnt caramel and grains, coffee, dark fruits
IBU-probably 50
ABV-5.6%
Overall impression-45 years ago, I hated this; in the last couple decades, I've learned this is an absolute world classic for the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3 for the history/style; OPK should chime in and tell us it's even better on nitro/from the cask in the pub and he'd be 110% correct

[lawgrad91]

Guinness Extra Stout-Guinness and Company

St. James Gate is far from local

Credit-leftover in guest fridge
Style-^^^^
Format-11.2 ounce bottle
Glass-shaker pint
Appearance-dark brown; tan, voluminous head
Nose-heavily roasted grains
Mouthfeel-roasty
Tastes-burnt caramel and grains, coffee, dark fruits
IBU-probably 50
ABV-5.6%
Overall impression-45 years ago, I hated this; in the last couple decades, I've learned this is an absolute world classic for the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3 for the history/style; OPK should chime in and tell us it's even better on nitro/from the cask in the pub and he'd be 110% correct

There's a really good steakhouse called FX Buckley's across the street from the Guinness factory in Dublin.

[devildeac]

Guinness Extra Stout-Guinness and Company

St. James Gate is far from local

Credit-leftover in guest fridge
Style-^^^^
Format-11.2 ounce bottle
Glass-shaker pint
Appearance-dark brown; tan, voluminous head
Nose-heavily roasted grains
Mouthfeel-roasty
Tastes-burnt caramel and grains, coffee, dark fruits
IBU-probably 50
ABV-5.6%
Overall impression-45 years ago, I hated this; in the last couple decades, I've learned this is an absolute world classic for the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3 for the history/style; OPK should chime in and tell us it's even better on nitro/from the cask in the pub and he'd be 110% correct

There's a really good steakhouse called FX Buckley's across the street from the Guinness factory in Dublin.

That will go on the bucket list; well *both* will be placed on the list.

[devildeac]

Cognac Envoutée-Trois Dames

LOL at local.

Credit-a trader from RJ199; thanks!!
Style-double barrel aged saison
Format-33 cl bottle
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-clean, dark brown with a thin rim for a head
Nose-sherry and cognac
Mouthfeel-seductive
Tastes-sherry, cognac, raisins, dates, figs, dark brown sugar, wet wood, Brett funk/wet hay
Aging-stainless steel, sherry and cognac barrels
IBU-SWAG of 20
ABV-6.6%; this drank more like a 9%+ ABV beer
Overall impression-fantastic blending, sequential aging and final product
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3, very complex/explosion of flavors; an amazing sipper

[devildeac]

Tessellate-Commonwealth Brewing Company

Not local

Credit-from RJ199 in a recent trader package; thanks!!
Style-can says IPA, palate says NEIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-nonic pint
Appearance-citrus juice cocktail; modest head
Nose-tropical fruit salad/juice
Mouthfeel-pithy bitter and fruity sweet
Tastes-pineapple, grapefruit, honeydew, peach and mango
Hops-Mosaic, Ekuanot and Hallertau Blanc
IBU-40s?
ABV-6.9%
Overall impression-nice pairing with a spicy grilled chicken southwest salad
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; yes, this Commonwealth IPA is that good but not *that* good

[devildeac]

Over Soul-Resident Culture Brewing Company

Sorta local

Credit-trader from RJ199 recently; thanks!!
Style-NEIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-pineapple/white grapefruit cocktail, moderate foam
Nose-tropical and citrus juicy
Mouthfeel-pithy and fruity
Tastes-pineapple, grapefruit, mango, peach, lemon candy
Hops-DDH Strata and Citra
IBU-"no IBU" on Untapped but I say about 40
ABV-7%
Overall impression-I understand why our older son in law searches out Resident Culture beers
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 because there's a lotta competition; I think there's another RC brew in the queue

[devildeac]

B*ston Mole Party-Mad Mole Brewing

Finally, a review.

Local enough; a Vacation Virtual Pub DNP-CD from OPK's hosting.

Credit-^^^^
Style-NEIPA
Format-pint can
Glass-standard pint glass
Appearance-mildly cloudy yellowish with a moderate frothy/almost overflowing head
Nose-diluted tropical fruit juice
Mouthfeel-somewhat thin
Tastes-pineapple/grapefruit juice lite
Hops-Mosaic, El Dorado, Citra (rather thin on content)
Adjuncts-nothing apparent to support high quality here
Overall impression-pretty average stuff
Ymm, Beer rating-rather middling cat #2 product; lot of other quality products on the market

[devildeac]

From Friday night:

Zero to Kimono-Casita Brewing Company

Local

Credit-a trader from RJ199; thanks
Style-flavored imperial stout
Storage unit-pint can
Receiving unit-small snifter, filled twice
Appearance-dark, dark brown; ruby edges; minimal head
Nose-seductive dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-delightful
Tastes-semisweet chocolate, vanilla, strawberries with hints of coffee, dark caramel and molasses
Adjuncts-cocoa nibs, strawberries and vanilla
IBU-guessing 50
ABV-11.5% (waaaaay too easy sipping but still took me an hour)
Overall impression-haven't been impressed with many "strawberry" beers but this was decadent
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; ’Rrari Crochet from FFF is better but not *that* much better and was $40+ for 750 ml:eek:; I'd buy 8 of these for the same price

[devildeac]

From last PM; interwebz search yielded nada:

Cupid's Arrow-Fullsteam Brewery

Local? Damn right!!

Credit-leftover in guest fridge
Style-coffee porter
Format-pint can
Glass-standard pint
Appearance-dark brown and foamy
Nose-milk chocolate and coffee
Mouthfeel-smooth with a bit of coffee bitter roastiness
Tastes-cocoa and java; some dark fruits and caramel
Adjunct-only coffee, I think
IBU-40s
ABV-6%
Overall impression-won't bowl you over but a very well brewed beverage
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; it's be a nice side-by side with Coffee Is for Closers (cue up Glengarry, Glen Ross clip)

[devildeac]

Bitter Valentine-Alewerks Brewing Company

Some might claim local.

Credit-a trader from RJ199 last month; thanks!
Style-DIPA
Format-an aluminum tree wasting can
Glass-large wine glass
Appearance-hazy, tannish orange bronzish; moderate foaminess
Nose-grapefruit and pine
Mouthfeel-pithy and rindy
Tastes-pine, resin grapefruit juice and rind; hint of caramel
IBU-65 (I'd have guessed 80 or more)
ABV-8.3%
Hops-Pacific Northwest; not surprising
Overall impression-if you like a throwback west coast style DIPA, this'll be in your lane
Ymm, Beer rating-I didn't that much ^^^^ and give it a #2; not bad but wouldn't revisit; I've had better beers from Alewerks

[devildeac]

From last PM as I try to stay current:

Cranbic 2020-New Glarus Brewing Company

"Only in Wisconsin"

Credit-the midwest devildeac family beer muleing service; thanks!!
Style-oak aged, spontaneously fermented wild fruited lambic style ale
Format-12 ounce bottle
Stemware-large Ommegang tulip
Appearance-clean/clear berry juice; small, fizzy head
Nose-a bit of sour, a lot of berry
Mouthfeel-tantalizing
Tastes-cranberry cider vinegar, leaning toward the slightly sweet side; some lemon-lime and some funk
Adjuncts-Wisconsin wild cranberries
IBU-not stated but I'll guess 10
ABV-6% (from Untappd)
Overall impression-another vintage, another wonderful NG fruit beer
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3, though it's close to top shelf

[devildeac]

Black Oak-Red Oak Brewing

Darn right Whitsett, NC is local!

Credit-Tdub; thanks and more thanks!!
Style-doppelbock
Format-pint can
Stemware-standard pint glass
Appearance-almost porter color with hints of ruby; moderate, light tan head
Nose-caramelized brown sugar
Mouthfeel-wonderful
Tastes-toffee, slightly over toasted dark wheat bread, dark caramel, hints of char and cherries
Adjuncts-bite your tongue! brewed by the standards of the German purity law of 1516
IBU-probably 20
ABV-8.5%; deceptive
Overall impression-wonderful selection
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3, only because the Germans brew better doppelbocks but not by much

[devildeac]

Double Universe-Resident Culture Brewing Co.

Kinda local

Credit-trader from RJ199 several weeks ago; thanks!!
Style-NEDIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-nonic pint
Appearance-sunshine with a foamy topping
Nose-juicy
Mouthfeel-jucier
Tastes-pineapple, mango, oranges and honey (not added)
Adjuncts-nothing padded here
Hops-100% Citra (2019 and 2020)
IBU-none claimed but I'll guess 30
ABV-8.2%
Overall impression-excellent product; will look for more from this brewery
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; it's that good

[devildeac]

From last PM:

What I Really Wanted To Say-Casita Brewing Company

40 miles away is local

Credit-a trader from RJ199; thanks!!
Style-NEDIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-nonic pint
Appearance-hazee juicee; moderate foamy head
Nose-pineapples and oranges
Mouthfeel-Juicy Fruit
Tastes-pineapple, orange, peach, cantaloupe, a bit of rind, honey (not added)
Malts-Pilsner
Other grains-oats, wheat
Adjuncts-lactose
Hops-Galaxy, Idaho 7 and Mosaic
IBU-"no IBU" on Untappd but I'll guess 40
Overall impression-another well brewed beverage from Casita
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; would buy a 4 pack of this to drink myself or share/trade the wealth

[devildeac]

Raspberry Crush-Southern Pines Brewing Company

Local

Credit-trader from TW via RJ199; thanks to both!!
Style-fruited imperial Berliner Weisse
Format-pint can (shared somewhere between 4 to 6 ways)
Stemware-pint glasses
Appearance-very hazy raspberry juice; minimal head
Nose-sour, fruity
Mouthfeel-a bit less sour than the aromas
Tastes-raspberry lemon/limeade; mildly tart and sour
Adjuncts-raspberry puree
IBU-probably 10
ABV-9.3% (whoa, that is a strong Berliner Weisse!!)
Overall impression-another wonderful high gravity SoPines brew
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; happy RJ199 shared two of his as I still have my full 4 bagger downstairs

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Fulcrum-Equilibrium Brewery

Not. Local.

Credit-a discounted mini growler from Bottle Rev, 1.5 blocks from my office
Style-NEDIPA
Format-^^^^
Stemware-nonic pint
Appearance-pineapple juice; modest, creamy head
Nose-pineapples, mangoes and oranges
Tastes-even more of ^^^^, some rind/pith and white wine
Adjuncts-white wheat and oats
Hops-Citra, Idaho 7, Nelson Sauvin, Strata and more Citra
IBU-"no IBU" but I'll guesstimate 40
ABV-8%
Overall impression-deeeelicious; juicy, minimal bitterness
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; delighted to have just poured the remainder of the mini growler into a teku minutes ago

[devildeac]

Fog Cutter-Commonwealth Brewing Company

Not quite local for me.

Credit-trader from RJ199 this weekend; thanks!!
Style-almost imperial level gose with lotsa additives
Format-pint can
Glassware-large wine glass
Appearance-orange red with a moderate, fizzy head
Nose-orange, mango and vanilla
Mouthfeel-lightly salted and fruity
Tastes-orange, mango, tangerine, citrus zest, vanilla and a pinch of salt
Adjuncts-tangerine, blood orange, Cara Cara orange, mango, almond, Madagascar vanilla beans, lemon zest
IBU-probably 10
ABV-7%
Overall impression-this coulda been a mess with the list above but ended up being well brewed and quite tasty
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; Commonwealth with another very good product