Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

German Chocolate Coffee Cake Foolery-Hardywod Park Craft Brewery

The Family Tree is local.

Credit-trader from wbmcards88 from one of his Family Tree quarterly boxes; thanks!!!
Style-BBA pastry stout; none of that cheap ass, moronic toaster prepared shit
Format-corked and caged 750 ml bottle divided over two nights
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-Texas crude; 1 mm mocha head
Nose-bourbon and dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-see Lewdle
Tastes-dark chocolate, cocoa, bourbon, charred pecan syrup, wood, moderately strong espresso, more bourbon and fudge
Adjuncts-pecans are the only additive listed but there’s gotta be some form of chocolate
Barrels-A. Smith Bowman x 12 months
IBU-60 (for the original Foolery)
ABV-13.2%
Overall impression-might be one of Hardywood’s top 3 beers ever along with the Triple Barrel GBS and maybe one/two of their “blends”
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; amazing flavors start to finish, cold to room temp; honored to have received a large format of this one; sorry not to share with anyone

[devildeac]

Neon God TDH Simcoe-New Anthem Beer Project

Local indeed.

Credit-a decent memory and availability at Bottle Rev by the 4 pack at 10% off
Style-NEIPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-photo is correct
Nose-fresh citrus salad/juice
Mouthfeel-same citrus salad, blenderized; smooooth
Tastes-tangerine grapefruit, peach and cantaloupe
Adjunct-lactose (see smooooth above)
Grains-pale malt, oats and wheat
Hops-Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic; “2 pound per barrel dry hop of 100% select Simcoe after everything else”
IBU-“no IBU” but my partially trained palate will WAG about 40
ABV-6.9%
Overall impression-meets/exceeds expectations
Ymm, Beer rating-another juicyful wonder that checks into mid cat 3; yea, it’s that good

[devildeac]

Maple Blueberry Sour-Funky Buddha Brewery

Local for the Sunshine State beer mule!

Credit-Teacher Tom and the USPS; thanks!!
Style-^^^^
Format-12 ounce bottle
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-clean and not quite as purple as the photo; scant, bubbly head
Nose-maple
Mouthfeel-slightly puckery
Tastes-maple syrup, hint of blueberry, drizzle of lemon juice
Adjuncts-"maple syrup, blueberry, natural flavors and caramel color
IBU-10
ABV-4.4%
Overall impression-very pleasant pairing with a chicken sammich and some sweet and sour sauce
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; nicely constructed; would consider with a morning waffle or a stack of flapjacks

[devildeac]

Take Up Space-Casita Brewing Company

40ish miles away is local

Credit-available and 10% off the 4 pack
Style-flavored imperial milk stout
Format-pint can
Canned on-L2 11/29/21 12:41:24
Stemware-large snifter
Appearance-very, very dark brown and almost gooey; generous, medium beige topping
Nose-roasted peanuts
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-tons of roasted peanuts, campfired marshmallows, dark chocolate milk, bit of char
Adjuncts-fresh roasted NC peanuts from Southern Traditions; marshmallows; lactose
Grains-“variety”
IBU-probably 50
ABV-12% tasted more like 9% until my second trip upstairs
Overall impression-a few too many peanuts but it still tastes like a chocolate fudge Nutter Butter
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 for the peanut excess; would be a good beer to share with a couple chocolate chip cookies

[devildeac]

Imperial Maple Bacon Coffee Porter-Funky Buddha Brewery

“Let your funk flag fly”

Local for the purchasing/shipping mule.

Credit-Teacher Tom and the USPS; thanks!!
Style-ummm…
Format-12 ounce bottle; part of a mixed 12 pack, IIRC
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-not quite as dark as above but close
Nose-a breakfast delight
Mouthfeel-seductive
Tastes-coffee, maple, dark chocolate, more maple and coffee, hints of smoke and salt
Adjuncts-“maple syrup, coffee beans, natural flavors and caramel color”
IBU-40
ABV-8%
Overall impression-FB took the beeradvocate #2 American porter, which I think August West brought to a tailgate 3-4 years ago, and imperialized it; not sure how they could improve on a World Class score of 99 but they did; great beer
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3 and staring longingly at upper cat 3; maybe make it 9-10% and barrel age it for 6-12 months but that’s picking a nit or two; truly outstanding

[devildeac]

Plague of Ends (draft)-Burial Beer Company

Local. Sorta.

Credit-an empty 32 ounce brown jug, a few extra beer bucks to spend and a thirst
Style-IPA but really a NEIPA
Format-$4 off a mini growler on FrIPAday at Bottle Rev today and every Friday
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-pretty close to the Untappd photo; maybe a hint of reddish orange
Nose-citrus and tropical juices
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-white grapefruit juice, a lotta pith, some rind, guava, papaya and a splash of peach
Hops-From Untappd: “…whirlpooled with Incognito. Double dry-hopped with known commodities Citra and Sabro, and dosed with a booster of experimental hops HRC 074, NZ9909, and Nectaron.” (paging mattman: WTH are Incognito and Nectaron?)
Grains-oats (obviously more but that’s proprietary)
IBU-42
ABV-7.2%
Overall impression-I’d have preferred a bit more sweetness/fruitiness and less pith but that’s a minor nit and personal preference
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; very well brewed and certainly worth a can or even a 4 pack if you see it to drink/share/trade

[devildeac]

Gates of S’Mordor-Westbrook Brewing Company

SC ain’t local.

Credit-needed dessert Thursday and Friday nights; found in “cellar”
Style-high quality imperial pastry stout, not some cheep ass toaster pastry
Format-bomber
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-very dark brown; modest latte head
Nose-cocoa and cinnamon
Mouthfeel-soft, not sticky (wait, would that qualify for Lewdle?)
Tastes-cocoa, some chocolate graham crackers, cinnamon, molasses
Adjuncts-marshmallows, graham crackers, cocoa nibs and cinnamon
IBU-another “no IBU” but I’d guess 50
ABV-11% (not gonna find that with the Boys/Girls Scouts Camps
Overall impression-liquid decadence
Ymm, Beer rating-mid level cat 3; so glad to finally buy one of these last year and sip this week; apparently, a BBA version has been brewed and can’t imagine how good that’d be

[devildeac]

I’ve been laying low since VP as I’m now on my 4th day of battling an unspecified, non-Covid upper body illness, taking 2 consecutive sick days from work for the first time in 25 years or more. No beer Sunday and I finally finished the last 6 ounces of my VP bomber last PM between coughing spasms.

Bourbon Barrel Dire Wolf Canis Mexicanus-Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Local for the purchasing agent.

Credit-our favorite son as a trader from part of his 7th Anniversary Wolf’s Ridge boxed set; thanks!!
Style-BBA spiced imperial stout
Format-bomber, ~3/4 on Saturday and ~1/4 last PM
Packaged on-OCT/16/2020
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-very dark brown, modest tan head
Nose-coffee, bourbon and chocolate
Mouthfeel-soft but warming from the chiles especially as it neared room temp
Tastes-bourbon, coffee, dark unsweetened chocolate, cinnamon and chiles
Adjuncts-coffee beans, cinnamon, cacao nibs, vanilla and a “blend of chiles,” all after the barrel aging
Barrels-Watershed Bourbobn
IBU-probably 50
ABV-10.8% (same as the base Dire Wolf; somewhat surprising)
Overall impression-a magnificent blend of spices, peppers and barrel aging
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3; more “heat” and it moves down to the next 1/3 of cat 3, but this was so well executed

[devildeac]

From tonight, the first night I’ve really felt like drinking a beer all week .

Hopslam (draft)-Bell’s Brewery

Not nearby but we visited once.

Credit-$4 off a mini growler (final cost was $8/32 ounces, a very good price, especially not needing to buy a 6er at about $19) at Bottle Rev last Friday; yes, it was not opened for 6 days
Style-honeyed west coast DIPA
Format-^^^^
Stemware-Founder’s (nearby) snifter
Appearance-very “clean” light bronze; one finger head
Nose-grapefruit, orange and honey
Mouthfeel-close to astringent, which I actually liked
Tastes-grapefruit juice and rind, Cointreau, pine, orange rind
Adjuncts-honey
Hops-“Starting with six different hop varietals added to the brew kettle & culminating with a massive dry-hop addition of Simcoe hops” (from beeradvocate)
IBU-65 (from Untappd; sounds about right though Bell’s doesn’t like quoting IBU)
ABV-10%
Overall impression-still an excellent beer that I’m not sure I’ve had on tap before
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; reminded me a lot of 90 Minute IIPA, still a classic that I like a lot; the honey mitigates the hop; “brutality” very nicely

[devildeac]

Coffee Lil’ Nippert-Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Local for the purchasing agent

Credit-our son, from his 7th Anniversary Wolf’s Ridge boxed set; thanks!!!
Style-BBA and java’d English style barleywine
Format-bomber, half last pm with plans to finish tonight
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-about halfway between a brown ale and a porter with a slightly creamy, tan head
Aromas-bourbon and java
Mouthfeel-soft, smooooth and seductive
Tastes-most everything you’d expect from a barleywine and more, including bourbon, espresso, wet leather and uncured tobacco, rich toffee and dried fruits
Adjunct-local One Line coffee (Ethiopian Hambela Dari, a light roast, which’ll mean much more to @fuse than me)
Barrels-Watershed bourbon for 12 months
IBU-"no IBU’ for any of the Lil’ Nippert variants I located on Untappd; I’ll guess 50ish
ABV-12.4% ( )
Overall impression-Last month, I called Hardywood’s Burley Barleywine a mid cat 3; this is better; fantastic execution
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; I still like the BBA stouts/variants a bit better but not much; really, really looking forward to snifter #2 tonight, one I truly regret not being able to share with anyone

[devildeac]

Griddle Imperial Espresso Stout-Burial Beer Company

Close enough.

Credit-Needed another single to add to Teacher Tom’s trading package and Bottle Revnow has 10% off non-mixed 4 packs
Style-if ya can’t figure that out…
Format-12 ounce can
Sipping vessel-snifter
Appearance-if it was much darker, you’d have to refine it
Nose-espresso
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-espresso, char, burnt molasses, high concentration of 85% cacao
Adjuncts-lactose and roasted local coffee beans
IBU-60
ABV-10%
Overall impression-for a non barrel aged beer, this is excellent
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3 for flavors and balance; quite a sipper for about an hour

[devildeac]

Proprietor’s Bourbon County Stout 2021-Goose Island Beer Company

Regional.

Credit-son shared this from his Christmas splurge; thanks!!
Style-y’all know by now
Format-500 ml bottle
Drink by-08OCT23 GI15:08
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-onyx with hints of ruby; thin, tan head
Nose-bourbon and berries
Mouthfeel-lascivious
Tastes-tastes like a coconut fudge dipped strawberry shortcake ice cream bar with a bourbon chaser
Adjuncts-strawberries (first time in a BCS beer), cacao nibs, coconut
IBU-WAG of about 50
ABV-“only” 12.8%
Overall impression-another BCS brand gem
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper tier cat 3; a terrific liquid dessert

[devildeac]

Beer #3 from last pm:

Bourbon Barrel Aged Big Barleywine 2020-Zaftig Brewing Company

About a s local as you can get (5 miles from our son’s house).

Credit-son; many thanks!!
Style-^^^^
Format-12 ounce bottle, shared
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-a very dark brown ale; thin, beige head
Nose-bourbon and dark caramel
Mouthfeel-amazingly soft
Tastes-bourbon, wet leather, dark caramel, dried cherries, tobacco and more bourbon
Barrels-WL Weller Special Reserve barrel for 22 months
IBU-50 something?
ABV-14%; not quite Ol’ Rugger territory but close
Overall impression-another round tripper BBA English style barleywine
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; these mid and upper cat 3 shelves are miiiighty crowded

[devildeac]

Our night cap last PM:

Utopias 2021-Boston Beer Company

Not local.

This one will be difficult folks. Real difficult.

Credit-son; many, many thanks for sharing
Style-blend of multiple batches from multiple barrels of various threads/Utopias
Format-ceramic, capped 750 ml decanter
Stemware-brandy snifters
Appearance-ruby brown; no carbonation
Nose-brandy, cognac and dark dried fruits
Mouthfeel-warming, boozy
Tastes-brandy, cognac, dark cherries, port, bourbon, dark caramel
Barrels-Carcavelos, Madeira, Ruby Port, Scotch. Sauternes and Sherry Oloroso
Adjuncts-Balaton cherries
IBU-I. Don’t. Care.
ABV-28.9% (no typo)
Overall impression-not sure if it’s fair to the Ymm, Beer thread but it’s amazing
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3 and undeniably so

One of the more difficult reviews I’ve ever composed as it’s really, really difficult to categorize this as 'beer."

I’ll let y’all decide as I have a 750 ml bottle of this that I will divide; half for the Ymm, Beer denizens and half for family over the next year or three. Let’s plan a timje/place/date.

[Bob Green]

My Super Bowl beer of choice is Tavern Brown Ale by Alewerks Brewing Company.

https://www.alewerks.com/beers

I’ve had this beer multiple times and always enjoy it.

[devildeac]

My Super Bowl beer of choice is Tavern Brown Ale by Alewerks Brewing Company.

https://www.alewerks.com/beers

I’ve had this beer multiple times and always enjoy it.

I think I had that several years ago at one of the pubs/restaurants in Williamsburg when we were at a meeting. Tasty memories.

[devildeac]

Dulce Muerte-Incendiary Brewing Company

Local for the trading partner.

Credit-RJ as a trader; thanks!!
Style-flavored imperial stout
Format-pint can, shared on Saturday night
Canned on-11/21/21
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-very, very dark with a modest, foamy latte head
Nose-Mexican hot chocolate
Mouthfeel-chocolately and warming
Tastes-cocoa, cinnamon, (Habanero) peppers; maybe a hint of vanilla
Adjuncts-cocoa nibs, Madagascar vanilla, habanero and cinnamobn
IBU-“no IBU” but again, not as dumm as I look, guessing 50s
ABV-11.4%
Overall impression-toes the line with the peppery heat which is reasonably well tempered by the other adjuncts
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; a bit less heat makes it mid cat 3 and double barrel aging makes it, well, you’ll have to read the next post…

[devildeac]

Dulce Muerte Barrel Blend-Incendiary Brewing Company

Another nearby brew.

Credit-trader from RJ; thanks!!
Style-double barrel aged flavored imperial stout
Format-500 ml bottle, shared Saturday pm
Stemware-snifters
Looks-deep, dark brown; a bit less head than the “regular”
Nose-a boozy cold Mexican “hot” chocolate
On the palate-warm and boozy
Flavors-lots of apple brandy, cocoa, cinnamon, habaneros, drop of vanilla and splash of bourbon
Adjuncts-cocoa nibs, Madagascar vanilla, habaneros and cinnamon
Barrels-apple brandy for 3 years ( ) and Weller bourbon for a year
IBU-the usual “no IBU” but probably 50s
ABV-13.9%
Overall impression-the sweetness of the apple brandy played well with the bourbon and mitigated the heat quite nicely
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 3; a bit less heat and it’s easily upper shelf; what a fun pairing with these two beers

[devildeac]

From last pm:

Black OPS-Brooklyn Brewery

Utica ain’t local

Credit-a whim along with recent and distant memories; thanks to me!!
Style-BBA imperial stout
Format-pint can ($14 for the 4 pack; not as good as August West’s mis-charged purchase for tailgate at $4.99 for his 4 pack or two )
Best by-there are a buncha numbers and letters on the bottom of the can but no way am I able to figure this one out
Stemware-large snifter
Appearance-inky; smallish tan head
Nose-bourbon and dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-slightly thin
Tastes-bourbon forward, then dark chocolate and char, some molasses and a lot more bourbon
Barrels-Four Roses small batch
IBU-70
ABV-12.4%
Overall impression-the bourbon nose and tastes are a bit rough/harsh but somewhat softer as it warmed over an hour
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; this is a bit below most of the BBA RIS I’ve had in the last few years but still very tasty and not quite as good as I’m remembering the one AW shared at a tailgate last fall but sadly, I never reviewed :face_with_open_eyes_and_hand_over_mouth:)

[devildeac]

Backwoods Bastard-Founders Brewing Company

yea, right

Credit-from my garage, err, cellar
Style-BBA Scotch style ale
Format-12 ounce bottle, divided over 2 nights
Bottled on-10.28.20 1350 6
Glassware-mini snifter
Appearance-dark amber, slightly cloudy, smallish tan head
Scents-one bourbon, one Scotch, one beer
Mouthfeel-wonderful
Tastes-bourbon, dark caramel, hint of smoke, dried cherries and Scotch
IBU-50
ABV-11%
Overall impression-still outstanding
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 3; an all time fave