Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Velvet Walrus-Väsen Brewing Company

Local for a couple folks on Ymm, Beer.

Credit-accfanfrom1970 who brought a mixed 6er to our Fullsteam gathering; thanks!!
Format-16 ounce can
Style-flavored (imperial) milk stout; "...Goo goo g'joob..."
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown with a foamy, tan head funneled to the top of the galssware
Aromas-milk chocolate; hints of mint and vanilla
Mouthfeel-a bit thin but silky
Tastes-first, milk chocolate; then heavily roasted/toasted grains; dark caramel; subtle vanilla and mint
Additives-lactose; vanilla; mint
IBU-16; a bit surprising for the style as I'd have guessed 40
ABV-8%; hence, my "imperial" designation
Overall impression-a well constructed beverage; I expected something closer to RBC's Thin Mint or Southern Tier's Thick Mint
Ymm, Beer rating-middle/upper cat 2; a bit stronger flavoring/s might have nudged it to cat 3; the BBA version might have also...

[Bob Green]

I picked up a six pack of Legend Brown Ale this afternoon. I like brown ale.

Did you bring that to one of the tailgates this year? Or was that last year?

That was last year.

Another local beer I enjoy is from O’Connor Brewing Company: Great Dismal Black IPA.

[devildeac]

Gingerbread Cookie Clear Sky-Wolf's Ridge Brewing Company

Local for some family member.

Credit-son of devildeac/Christmas present; thanks!
Format-bomber; half tonight, half tomorrow
Style-spiced/flavored cream ale
Glassware-snifter
Appearance-clear; cookie yellow-tan
Nose-Is that you in the kitchen, Grandma?
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-cookie spices including ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and maybe a few others
Adjuncts-they have a recipe on the label for gingerbread cookies with all the above plus butter, brown sugar, orange zest and molasses
IBU-I'll go with 20
ABV-5.4% (it's a cookie, not a beer, remember?
Overall impression-very pleasant novelty beer; happy to split over two nights; tastes like liquid cookies
Ymm, Beer rating-middle shelf cat 2; Santa would have enjoyed this last week

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Lucid Dreams-Casita Cerveceria

Darn near local!

Credit-4 pack Christmas gift from older daughter and her husband; thanks!!
Format-pint can
Style-Imperial Breakfast IPA (keep reading...)
Freshness data-(from bottom of can) L1 Canned on 11/21/2019 11:43:21 (still pretty fresh!!)
Stemware-snifter (two 8 ounce portions)
Appearance-beer shake or smoothie!! (yellow, hazy, thickish)
Nose-no, really, this is a tropical fruit blend alcoholic smoothie
Mouthfeel-almost pulpy
Tastes-mix equal parts Dole orange/pineapple and orange/mango/peach 100% juices and add some vodka/grain alcohol
Grains (listed)-pale malt, oats (breakfast stuff)
Adjuncts-lactose, orange zest (more breakfast stuff)
Hops-Columbus, Citra, Mosaic and Cashmere
IBU-40 something, maybe 50
ABV 8.5%
Overall impression-outstanding; as good as any Veil NEIPA I've tasted; would be interesting to compare to Tree House/Trillium IIPAs
Ymm, Beer rating-high class 3; worth finding for you NC residents

I've got 2 cans left for later this month and/or trading while still fresh

[devildeac]

COOLSHIP la mûre-Allagash Brewing Company

Far away from local.

Credit-fuse; huge thanks for including a bottle in this summer's delivery!!
Format-corked and caged 375 ml bottle (don't see many of these); shared with a neighbor tonight
Date bottled-April 3, 2019
Style-spontaneously fermented, fruited, wine barrel aged sour
Stemware-small Gouden Carolus chalices
Appearance-red raspberry soda; no head
Nose-red wine; berry cider vinegar
Mouthfeel- bubbly; tart
Tastes-berries, vinegar; lemon-lime juice; vinous; wet wood
Grains: Pilsner Malt, Raw Wheat
Hops: Aged Whole-Leaf Hops
Spices/Other: Blackberries
Yeast: Wild
IBU-probably 10
ABV-6.3%
Overall rating-superb; neighbor (after 2-3 sips), "This may be the best sour I've ever had." My response: gentle nod and huge grin.
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; a magnificent beverage

[devildeac]

Something So Sincere 2019-Casita Ceverceria

Might qualify as local.

Credit-another 4 pack Christmas gift from older daughter and her husband; thanks!
Format-half quart can
Style-quadruple chocolate imperial milk stout
Stemware-snifter, of course
Freshness-canned on 10/29/2019 10:10 L4
Appearance-20W50; moderate, foamy, cocoa-like head
Nose-maybe chocolate?
Mouthfeel-bordering on gooey
Tastes-if there were any more chocolates in here, it'd be a Southern Tier beer () or a pan of Grandma's fudge
Grains-chocolate malts; flaked oats
Adjuncts-lactose, cocoa powder, 90% dark chocolate bars and cocoa nibs
IBU-maybe 40?
ABV-10.5%; IOW, alcoholic fudge
Overall impression-I'm really, really sorry I missed the 2018 version, their 3rd anniversary brewing
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; worth seeking out; decadent; beer dessert

[devildeac]

I'll recap one from last PM (no pun intended-really ).

Bladow!-Casita Cerveceria

Nearby.

Credit-single member of 4 pack gifted by older daughter and her husband at Christmas; thanks!
Format-pint can
Style-imperial breakfast (milk) stout
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark, dark brown; creamy and foamy tan head
Nose-espresso
Mouthfeel-silky
Tastes-strong coffee; dark chocolate (not added); molasses; burnt grains; dark caramel
IBU-(shrugs)-50?
ABV-11.5% (a strong after dinner/nightcap beverage)
Overall rating-another winner from this eastern NC brewery
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; two remain-available to trade this month or next or I'll drink in March

[devildeac]

IPA-Hamburg Brewing Company (Hamburg, NY)

Not local.

Credit-trader from neighbor from his December beer club 4 pack; thanks!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Glassware-pint glass
Appearance-straw yellow; modest head
Nose-weak grapefruit and pine
Mouthfeel-mild bitterness
Tastes-more of a session IPA feel with light citrus and pine; a bit of caramel
IBU-50?
ABV-6%
Overall impression-meh
Ymm Beer rating-barely sneaks out of cat 1; wouldn't buy/trade/seek out

[devildeac]

Road Side Prophet-New Anthem Beer Project

Chile and chocolate

Ok to call local

Credit-trader from son of devildeac around Christmas
Format-pint can
Style-flavored/spice imperial stout
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark chestnut; generous tan head
Nose-heavily roasted grains; dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-dark chocolate; molasses; dark caramel; peppery heat as it warmed
Grains-2 row, oats, dark malt, rye, roasted barley, crystal blend (all printed on can)
Hops-Nugget
IBU-maybe 50
ABV-11% (whoa!)
Overall impression- a bit too much heat for me as it warmed from 55-65 degrees while sipping over an hour or more
Ymm, Beer rating-middle cat 2; some cinnamon and/or nutmeg likely would have tamed the heat a bit

[devildeac]

Fruit Punch Out!!-Heist Brewery and Arkane Aleworks (Tampa) collaboration

Part local

Credit-me!
Format-half pint draft
Style-fruited Berlinerweisse
Appearance-Dole fruit juice blends
Nose-a tropical fruit punch
Mouthfeel-a bit puckery
Tastes-pick one/all; cherry, apricot, passion fruit and tangerine (all added); orange from the large amount of wheat for the style, but OJ/puree not added
IBU-single digits probably
ABV-6.8%, making it technically an imperial Berlinerweisse as the style typically has ABVs around 4%
Overall impression-a very well conceived brew
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; this was quite a good beverage and would recommend if you saw can or draft in your local package shop

[devildeac]

The Yard-Barrel Culture Brewing and Blending

Pretty damn local (Durham)

Credit-my Visa car
Format-eight ounce draft
Style-milkshake IPA
Appearance-a berry shake or smoothie; smallish head
Nose-berries
Mouthfeel-creamy
Tastes-strawberries, raspberries, orange, cream
Adjuncts-malted oats, raw wheat, milk sugar, strawberries, raspberries
Hops-Sabro (new one to me)
IBU-30ish
ABV-6%
Overall impression-a very tasty before dinner treat
Ymm Beer rating-high cat 2; certainly worth a draft or a pint can

[devildeac]

From last PM:

"Too soon" for thedukelamere's Virtual Pub next Saturday but there'll be others...

Ten Fidy Barrel Aged-Oskar Blues Brewery

Might be somewhat local

Credit-my keen powers of observation
Format-12 ounce aluminum prisons @$20/4 pack, new for this year; used to be about $13-14 for a stovepipe
Style-BBA imperial stout
Glassware-snifter!!!!
Appearance-almost onyx; moderate tan, foamy head after an aggressive pour
Nose-dark chocolate and booze
Mouthfeel-10W50 (not that I've ever sipped motor oil before )
Tastes-semisweet chocolate morsels; bourbon; burnt caramel; vanilla (not added); oak; more bourbon
Overall impression-world class (beeradvocate score 99; #50 imperial stout; #197 of their top 250)
Ymm, Beer rating-cat 3.9; in a league with Bourbon County Stout Original; never had Firestone Walker Parabola

[devildeac]

Wildflower-Natty Greene's Brewing Company (brewed and bottled by 638 Brewing Company in Winston-Salem*)

Credit-member of a mixed 6er trader from a neighbor last week; thanks!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-witbier with additives
Glassware-Sam Adams White Ale glass
Appearance-light straw; smallish head
Scents-orange, coriander, flowers
Mouthfeel-a bit tingly
Tastes-orange, flowers, light caramel
Adjuncts-orange peel, coriander, chamomile
IBU-probably 20
ABV-4.5%
Overall rating-a decent porch pounder for an almost 70 degree winter night
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 2; wouldn't search out but a pleasant, palatable ale which was not expected given the brewery

Question for Tripping William and/or RJ199: Do either/both of you know much/anything about 638 Brewing?

[devildeac]

From 12/10/18:

Bourbon Barrel GBS (2016 or 2017; no bottle dating)-Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

I'm not sure of the source for this one as I had two of these but will thank duketaylor and accfanfrom1970 as I'm certain dt got a bottle of this for me that our daughter picked up for me a couple years ago and accfanfrom 1970 brought one to Bull City Burgers and Brews in January (?) this year for me. Thanks to you both!!

This was a 750 ml corked and caged bottle shared last PM with our son. Poured into snifters at fridge temps (too cold), we sipped for about 45 minutes and it became more magnificent as it warmed. Almost ink-colored with a moderate, latte-like tan head. This imperial milk stout even smells outrageous with aromas of dark chocolate (not added), dark, dried fruits (not added), cinnamon, ginger and vanilla (all added) and bourbon. Almost syrupy mouthfeel that was also amazingly smooth. All the aromas match the flavors with some black strap molasses (not added), honey (added) and a drop of espresso (not added). The finish is warm and boozy. IBUs on the bottle are 55, same as the regular GBS. ABV is 10.6%, a bit higher than the 9.2% (IIRC) on the original GBS. Complex and decadent. Liquid dessert, indeed.

I'll thank you guys again next year as I'll save my second bottle until next Christmas most likely.

From last PM:

Bourbon Barrel GBS (2018)-Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Local for a couple Ymm, Beer residents.

Credit-accfanfrom1970 for local beer muling and fuse's family pick-up and delivery service; thanks!!!!
Format-corked and caged 750 ml bottle; split over 2 nights
Style-BBA spice and flavored imperial milk stout
Stemware-cute little 2018 GBS Complete Set tumbler
Appearance-dark, dark brown; generous and foamy tan head at top of glass
Nose-ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, dark chocolate and bourbon
Mouthfeel-smooth and tingly
Tastes-dark chocolate (not added), ginger, vanilla, cinnamon, warm bourbon; dark fruits and caramel
Adjuncts-ginger, cinnamon, lactose, vanilla
IBU-55, same as the original
ABV-11.8%; higher than the original; oh, my!
Overall impression-as beeradvocate stated many years ago, "like freagin' Christmas in a bottle"
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; worth seeking out; liquid, decadent dessert in a glass

[devildeac]

West Coast Style IPA-Uinta Brewing

Far, far from local.

Credit-tar heel neighbor 2 doors down whose grandfather-in-law attended Duke games for >40 years; a mixed 6er trader from last week; thanks!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Freshness-Best By 03/13/20
Style-d'oh!
Glassware-boring pint glass
Appearance-light orange yellow; foamy head
Nose-pine and citrus rind
Mouthfeel-west coast IPA bitter
Tastes-pine, mixed citrus rinds, resin, mango and a bit of caramel
Grains-Munich, Oats, C-15
Hops-Denali, Mosaic, El Dorado, Chinook
IBU-69; about as expected
ABV-6.3%; a bit low for that many IBUs
Overall impression-kinda tired of the style a few years ago but this was good quality, classic type stuff
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2 in the crowded field to which we refer quite often; if you see it, say "thank you" and sip it

[devildeac]

From last PM (not being sipped at work now )

Southern Pecan-Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company (Mississippi's oldest!)

Mildly far from local

Credit-provided by part time office nurse along with a cheese dip, Tostitos and a bottle of wine for Mrs. dd; thanks!!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Freshness-August, 2019 notched on label but not sure if brewed on or best by
Glassware-usual pint glass
Appearance-clear amber brown; smallish head
Nose-nutty caramels
Mouthfeel-clean
Tastes-nuts, toasted wheat bread, herbal/earthy hops, light brown sugar
Grains-Maris Otter, Caramel malt, wheat, roasted pecans
Hops-Nugget, Willamette
IBU-18
ABV-4.39%
Overall impression-solid flavored brown ale that paired well with meat loaf, roasted potatoes and mixed veggies
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 2; might be betterer if fresherer

[devildeac]

Barrel Aged Honey Ginger-Ardent Craft Ales

Credit-not sure if this is an accfanfrom1970 delivery or a older daughter special; ah, who cares, thanks to both!!!!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Appearance-dark amber; modest, fizzy head
Stemware-oversized Ommegang tulip
Nose-bourbon and ginger ale
Mouthfeel-tingly; bubbly
Tastes-as posted before, tastes like a mixed drink, or a half and half Fullsteam Cackalackey and a (retired ) Mother Earth Tripel Overhead
Barrel type-bourbon (d'oh!)
Adjuncts-might be some honey and ginger in this
IBU-18
ABV-11.8%; very dangerous
Overall impression-a marvelous concoction
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3; worth seeking out/ordering from a friendly beer mule

[devildeac]

For August West, a preview for tomorrow:

Rodenbach Grand Cru-Brewery Rodenbach

Nowhere near local

Credit-a whim for Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub
Format-11.2 ounce bottle
Cost-$4 and worth every cent
Style-Flanders sour red ale
Production date-02/12/19 (not sure if this is the Euro dating system with the date first/month second or the US way with date first, then month)
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-ruby brown; slightly cloudy; fizzy, short-lived head
Nose-cherry/apple cider vinegar
Mouthfeel-acetic; tingly
Tastes-amazingly complex with sour cherries, tart apples, berries, wet wood, red wine, black pepper, vanilla and vinegar
Barrel type-oak foeders
IBU-maybe 10
ABV-6%
Overall impression-a world classic; even smoother than the original Rodenbach
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; an absolute must find/try

[devildeac]

Tequila Barrel Aged Tropical Prickly Gose (draft)-Southern Pines Brewing Company

Pretty darned local

Credit-my astute powers of observation of the draft list at Bottle Revolution Raleigh and $3.50
Format-half pint draft
Style-fruited imperial gose
Appearance-pinkish orange raspberry soda; wispy head
Nose-berries; lemons; limes
Mouthfeel-sweet and salty; tingly
Tastes-berries, tropical fruits; hints of tequila; salt; lemon-limeade
Adjuncts-blackberries, black currant, mango, pink guava, prickly pear and pink Himalayan sea salt
IBU-5, maybe 10
ABV-7.5%; whoa,imperial indeed
Overall impression-a well done gose despite all the flavors being tough to discern
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; another high gravity, somewhat unusual offering from SPBC; would have another

[devildeac]

Thicket-Brewery Bhavana and Ponysaurus Brewing collaboration

Really, really local

Credit-it was on the shelf yesterday and today is barrel aged day in the Virtual Pub, so what the hey!
Format-half quart aluminum vessel; $5
Style-bourbon barrel aged doppelbock; don't see many of these
Appearance-dark brown; small tan head
Stemware-pint glass cuz it's technically a lager; a snifter would be fine, too
Nose-darkly toasted wheat bread; table syrup
Mouthfeel-liquid bread
Tastes-dark brown sugar, dark toast, raisins, dates, figs, dried cherries; hints of bourbon at the end
Adjuncts-none
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-9%
Overall impression-these breweries should collaborate more often; an excellent doppelbock
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; loses a point or two as I expected the BBA to be a bit more prominent; might go buy another