Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Hiding:

Old Engine Oil-Harviestoun Brewery, Scotland

Not. Local.

Credit-it's from the U.K.
Style-porter
Format-11.2 ounce bottle; aka 330 ml
Glassware-snifter
Appearance-very dark brown
Nose-heavily roasted grains
Mouthfeel-smooooth
Tastes-roasty, roasty grains, coffee (not added), dark cherries, char, unsweetened chocolate
Adjuncts-oats
IBU-40
ABV-6%
Overall impression-very good and not at all like its name
Ymm, Beer rating-upper tier cat 2; worth a single to try a "foreign" porter

[devildeac]

Diver Dog-Wilmington Brewing Company

Close enough

Credit-Vacation Virtual Pub beer; my credit card
Style-DDH hazy DIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-nonic pint
Appearance-coulda been hazy and yellow and foamy
Nose-OJ and grapefruit
Mouthfeel-pithy
Tastes-pink grapefruit juice, OJ. peach, mango and a hint of sweet
Grains-pilsner, wheat and oats
Hops-Simcoe and Citra (whirlpool, dry hoppings #1 and #2)
IBU-"no IBU" but guessing says 40
ABV-8%
Overall impression-elevates WBC on my list of breweries, not New Anthem good but high quality stuff
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; would enthusiastically buy another

[devildeac]

Original-Innis & Gunn

Only local for VP

Credit-it was on the shelf and the theme is the U.K.
Style-BBA real Scotch ale
Format-330 ml bottle
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-medium amber; smallish head
Nose-toffee and bourbon
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-toffee, bourbon, dark caramel, hint of peat/smoke
Grains-Innis & Gunn Ale Malt, Crystal Malt & Raw Wheat
Hops-Super Styrian
IBU-18
ABV-6.6%
Overall impression-a BBA authentic Scotch Ale? I'll have a case, please
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3, only because it should be 8+% as a BBA Scotch ale; totally worth the ~$3 for the serving.

[devildeac]

Afterglow-Commonwealth Brewing

Not exactly local.

Credit-trader from RJ199 last week; thanks!!
Style-NEDIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-nonic pint
Appearance-pineapple juice, carbonated
Nose-OJ, mango, tangerine
Mouthfeel-more juice
Tastes-OJ, tangerine, rind, mango, hint of honey
Hops-Strata and Julius
IBU-40ish
ABV-8.8%
Overall impression-highly tasty
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; new hops=new tastes

[devildeac]

Imperial Stout-Samuel Smith Old Brewery

LOL at local

Credit-VP theme!!
Style-Russian imperial stout
Format-355 ml (amazingly, 12 ounces and not 11.2) bottle
Stemware-standard pint glass
Appearance-dark brown
Nose-heavily roasted grains
Mouthfeel-smooth, albeit a bit thin
Tastes-cocoa, coffee, burnt grain, unsweetened dark chocolate
IBU-35
ABV-7%
Overall impression-an old classic but not a world class beer as there are many, many better imperial stouts brewed now
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; not near cat 3 (see above); however, a great intro to the RIS world that has been around for decades; nothing fancy, just very good

[devildeac]

Double Chocolate Stout-Marston's PLC Eagle Brewery

Nope

Credit-VP UK themed beer
Style-see name
Format-widgetized 14.9 ounce can
Glassware-nonic pint; you'd better have a pint glass or more for this one
Appearance-dark brown and lotsa nitro/widgetized head
Nose-unsweetened chocolate
Mouthfeel-pillowy
Taste-dark, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa, hint of coffee and much heavily roasted grains
Adjuncts-"real chocolate and natural chocolate flavour"
IBU-25
ABV-5.2%
Overall impression-a bit thin and lacked a bit of chocolate flavour despite the "double" billing
Ymm, Beer rating-earned an extra point or two for the nitro and "double" chocolate but does not escape cat 2; a fun, relatively cheap beer at <$3/can.

[devildeac]

Kindred Spirits-Innis & Gunn

Not even close

Credit-United Kingdom VBP
Style-barrel staves aged Scottish stout
Format-330 ml bottle
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown, moderate tan head
Nose-roasted grains and whisky
Mouthfeel-a bit thin
Tastes-dark, roasted grains, hints of smoke/peat, unsweetened chocolate
IBU-40
ABV-6.1%
Overall impression-nice combination
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; worth a single at $2.79, IIRC, to try a barrel stave aged Scotch stout

[devildeac]

Ola Dubh-Harviestoun Brewery

Not from these shores

Credit-United Kingdom VP
Style-Highland Park 18 year old single malt Scotch whiskey barrel aged imperial porter
Format-bottle claims 11.2 ounces but I think it was 330 ml
Bottle No.-21793
Date-Sept, 2014
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown, moderate viscosity and tan head
Nose-peat, dark chocolate and coffee
Mouthfeel-viscous
Tastes-complex; coffee, peat/smoke, dark chocolate, dark/dried fruits, molasses, whisky and burnt grains
Hops-typical Euro stuff here with Galena, East Kent Goldings, Fuggles
IBU-40
ABV-8% (10.5% in the cask and keg )
Overall impression-amazing brew; best of show yesterday/last week
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; I got lucky stumbling on and selecting this for VP last week; worth a splurge of about $10 for the bottle

[devildeac]

Harvest Ale-J. W. Lees and Company

From across the Atlantic

Credit-VP theme
Style-barleywine aged in Calvados casks
Format-275 ml bottle
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-murky amber; no head
Nose-brandy, honey
Mouthfeel-cloying
Tastes-apple brandy, toffee, honey, wet leather
IBU-"no IBU" but I know better and I'll guess 50
ABV-11.5%; tasted every bit of it
Overall impression-the barrel aging certainly took the bite our of the barleywine but English barleywines are typically sweeter and less hop bombs than US ones
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; very enjoyable to sip over 45 minutes and let the flavors blend/meld/warm up; worth a splurge

[devildeac]

The Feels (draft)-New Anthem Beer Project

Local

Credit-somebody else's expense account
Style-NEIPA
Format-fresh draft
Cupware-8 ounce plastic holder
Appearance-foamy pineapple juice
Nose-citrus fruit punch
Mouthfeel-juicee
Tastes-pineapple, orange, peach, mango
Hops-Strata, Simcoe, Columbus
Grains-pale malt and oats
IBU-none claimed but I'll guess 40
ABV-7.3%
Overall impression-outstanding product
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 but pretty darn close to middle tier; highly recommended by can or bottle

[devildeac]

Blade & Sheath (draft)-Burial Beer Co.

Local

Credit-a device rep; thanks!
Style-farmhouse ale/saison
Format-fresh draft
Cupware-half pint plastic
Appearance-slightly cloudy, bronzy goldish; small head
Nose-pears and apples
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-pears, apples, pinch of black pepper, a bit of peach and some wet hay
Hops-Comet, Eldorado, Cashmere and Crystal
Grains-barley, wheat and rye
IBU-40
ABV-6%
Overall impression-not a sexy beer but high quality and flavorful; good pairing with a meat and veggie pizza
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; recommended highly, can or draft

[devildeac]

From last weekend. Woulda/shoulda had some snifter time during DinK's VP for wine barrel-aged beers:

Mocha Port Barrel Magellan Stout-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Local for a different family member

Credit-son of devildeac as a gift or trader, I can't recall correctly; thanks!!
Style-Tawny port cask aged and flavored imperial stout
Format-8 ounce bottle, yes, a half pint glass container
Stemware-small snifter as I divided this little bottle over two nights
Appearance-dark, dark brown with ruby edges and no head
Nose-red wine, coffee and cocoa
Mouthfeel-lubricious
Tastes-port, coffee, semisweet chocolate, vanilla, soaked wood, hint of maple
Adjuncts-Vermont maple syrup, Ugandan cacao, Madagascar vanilla, Mexican espresso
IBU-probably 50ish
ABV-13%; dangerous
Overall impression-superb product
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; Wolf's Ridge makes some amazing Dire Wolf and Magellan variants and they ain't cheep

[devildeac]

Hell Yes Mamacita-Raleigh Brewing Company

Can't get much more local.

Credit-couldn't resist
Style-flavored Belgian style strong/golden/tripel ale
Format-12 ounce can
Stemware-large Ommegang snifter
Appearance-slightly hazy golden; large, fizzy and lacy head
Nose-lime and orange
Mouthfeel-bubbly
Tastes-lime juice and zest, hints of orange and peel, candi sugar, a bit of agave and wet wood
Adjuncts-lime zest and tequila soaked oak
IBU-25ish
ABV-9.5%
Overall impression-a highly tasty variant of the original Hell Yes Ma'am
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; it's not Founders Mas Agave but this is still worth a single or several, especially at about $3 per serving

[devildeac]

Negative Flux Given (draft)-Newgrass Brewing Co.

Sorta local

Credit-someone else's expense account; thanks!
Style-fruited imperial Berliner weisse
Format-a real freshie
Cupware-half pint plastic
Appearance-a purple/reddish berry smoothie
Nose-a bit sour, a ton fruity
Mouthfeel-almost viscous; moderate "reverse" head"
Tastes-a berry explosion, some sour
Adjuncts- Kiwi, Strawberry, Raspberry, Coconut Cream, and Tropical Punch
IBU-none stated but I'll claim 10
ABV-8%
Overall impression-as good as almost any Veil beer smoothie I've had
Ymm, Beer rating-strong mid cat 3; worth finding

[devildeac]

Deviation-Equilibrium Brewery

NY=not local

Credit-needed a trader
Style-TIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-teku
Appearance-pineapple OJ; frothy
Nose-same
Mouthfeel-more juicy than Dole
Tastes-orange juice, orange liqueur, orange zest, tangerine, pineapple, mango, hints of pine
Hops-massive Citra
IBU-none quoted but I'll estimate 50
ABV-10.5%
Overall impression-terrific; made me imagine what DFH 90 Minute would be like if the hop/grain bills were enhanced, but not to the 120 Minute degree
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3; not sure my last can will make it on our trip next week

[devildeac]

The Road to Nowhere-Fullsteam Brewery

Local!

Credit-trader from fuse; thanks!
Style-Pacific Northwest style IPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-standard pint glass
Appearance-hazy papaya yellow; moderate foam
Nose-pine and citrus
Mouthfeel-moderate bite
Tastes-pine/resin, orange, caramel, rind
Grains-golden Pils Vienna, two row barley, Riverbend Heritage malt, Chit Malt (good Chit, too!), roasted barley
Hops-Simcoe, Eureka! and Citra
IBU-maybe 50
ABV-6.6%
Overall impression-not my favorite style anymore but Fullsteam nails it
Ymm, Beer rating-upper level cat 2; if you want a pretty typical west coast IPA, this one will suit you well

[devildeac]

Dale's Pale Ale-Oskar Blues Brewery

Local enough

Credit-upcoming VP theme
Style-a pale ale that looks/sounds/drinks like an IPA
Format-12 ounce can
Canned on 05/05/20 (uh oh)
Glass-standard pint glass
Appearance-excessively foamy light bronze
Nose-pine and wet cardboard
Mouthfeel-pine and a bit astringent
Tastes-pine, orange and wet paper
Overall impression-disappointing, but it's on me as I failed to check the "canned on" date
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 2, barely, but fresh, it's a high cat 2 and easily worth a single to buy for this Saturday's VP is you can find a "freshie"

[devildeac]

Two Hearted Ale-Bell's Brewery (fka Kalamazoo Brewing in 1993)

Not nearby

Credit-themed beer
Style-American/west coast IPA
Format-pint can, a splurge () at <$3 for the single instead of the 12 ounce bottle at $2.29
Canned on 11/20/20 (coulda been fresher but it was better than the bottle which was older "vintage"
Glassware-standard pint glass
Appearance-clean, light bronze, moderate foam
Nose-pine and rind
Mouthfeel-moderate bitterness
Tastes-pine/resin, grapefruit juice and zest; hints of orange and caramel
Hops-100% Centennial (old school)
IBU-55 (Bell's does not print on can but does on their website and Untappd quotes the same
ABV-7%
Overall impression-one of the standard bearers for the style; happy to sip again but there are better products/variants on the market now
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2

[devildeac]

Finally, a review (well, it was only last PM that I sipped this one):

Raspberry Stout-Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Local for the buying guy.

Credit-accfan; mucho thanks!!
Style-umm...
Format-half quart can
Stemware-cute little Hardywood tumbler, 2018
Appearance-dark brown with ruby edges and frothy
Nose-raspberry truffles
Mouthfeel-oh, my goodness
Tastes-raspberry fudge/truffle, dark caramel, hints of coffee and vanilla (neither added)
Adjuncts-cacao nibs and late season red VA raspberries
IBU-55
ABV-9.3%
Overall impression-decadent
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; I could drink 4 of these ; available in NC so worth seeking

[devildeac]

Dead Guy Ale-Rogue Ales

3000 miles from local

Credit-classic craft theme
Style-Maibock
Holding vessel-pint can cuz it was only 50 cents more than the 12 ounce can
Drinking vessel-DFH nonic pint
Appearance-slightly hazy light amber with a moderate frothy topping
Nose-toasted wheat bread
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-light caramel, toasted cereal, slight earthy and hoppy bitterness, hint of chocolate and cherry
IBU-40, a bit high for a bock but still in the lager range
ABV-6.8%
Overall impression-very good for the style and better than I remember but I'd guess it's been 20 years since I had one
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; certainly worth the <$3/can if you've never tried it