Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Collaboration Without Representation Peach Brandy Barrel (draft)-Deep River Brewing Company

Qualifies as local!

Credit-paying close attention to my Bottle Revolution emails
Format-half pint draft
Style-peach brandy barrel aged flavored imperial milk stout (two days late for thedukelamere version of Virtual Pub)
Appearance-onyx; no head
Nose-cognitive dissonance (peach booze, coffee, dark chocolate; oh my!)
Tastes-semisweet chocolate; burnt caramel; espresso; peach brandy; molasses
Adjuncts-coffee and cocoa nibs
IBU-50 to 60
ABV-12.8%
Overall impression-quite an interesting and tasty variant to their usual coffee/cocoa/BBA annual release
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; looking forward to the original and 3 other variants I bought tonight, all of which say "aged in bourbon barrels"

[devildeac]

Collaboration Without Representation Cinnamon Whiskey (draft)-Deep River Brewing Company

Still repping local!

Credit-astute observation
Format-2 ounce taster
Style-spiced, barrel aged imperial milk stout
Appearance-ebony; thin, tan head
Nose-cinnamon, booze and coffee
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-a whiskey soaked cinnamon chocolate donut washed down with a cup of strong coffee
Adjuncts-cocoa nibs, coffee and an extra shake of cinnamon
IBU-50 to 60 something
ABV-12.8%
Overall impression-less sweet than the peach brandy barrel variant; an excellent change of pace
Ymm Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; I'd buy a can or three of this but it's draft only

[devildeac]

The Abyss Brandy Barrel Aged-Deschutes Brewery

Far removed from local; 2 days late for the dukelamere version of Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub as I ran out of hepatocytes

Credit-might have been a trader a year ago with the Falls Village Wine and Beer owner
Format-bomber (took me 3 nights to finish this one )
Bottled on-12/09/16
Style-flavored and barrel aged imperial stout
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-Pennzoil (don't think UP or PSU ); thin, tan head
Nose-dark chocolate, brandy, molasses
Mouthfeel-almost oily
Tastes-booze, molasses, multiple dried, dark fruits, licorice, vanilla
Adjuncts-black strap molasses, licorice, cherry bark, whole vanilla beans
IBU-maybe 60
ABV-13.3%; poorly disguised
Overall impression-if they toned down the licorice a bit, it'd be world class; barrel aging and cellaring has mellowed this nicely
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; see above

[devildeac]

Avatar-Elysian InBev Brewing Company

Local? Nope

Credit-a member of my mixed 6er Christmas trader with a neighbor; thanks!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-flowered west coast IPA
Glassware-standard pint container
Experience by-02/18/20
Appearance-hazy pineapple yellow; moderate, foamy head
Nose-jasmine flowers and citrus
Mouthfeel-mildly bitter
Tastes-mango, tangerine, flowers, rind, pine, hints of honey (not added)
Adjuncts-Jasmine flowers
IBU-probably 60
ABV-6.3%
Overall impression-surprisingly good as I was unimpressed with their "flagship" beer, Spacedust IPA last summer-ish
Ymm, Beer rating-middle tier cat 2; lots and lots of IPAs out there and this was a pleasant blend of fruity and bitter tastes

[devildeac]

SHUT UP-Center of the Universe Brewing Company

"Time to shed the in-laws and enjoy a nice tall glass of...SHUT UP!"

Credit: accfanfrom1970; thanks!!
Format: pint aluminum vessel
Style: BBA imperial stout (damn, another DNP-CD for thedukelamere's Virtual Pub this month)
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark, dark brown with a moderate beige head
Nose-dark chocolate and booze
Mouthfeel-a bit thin but pretty slippery
Tastes-round up the usual suspects including semisweet chocolate, molasses, dark caramel and a late, warm bourbon finish
IBU-probably 60
ABV-11% (took me over an pour to finish this one)
Overall impression-very good in another field that's getting rather full
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf and center cat 2; the "thinness" and somewhat subtle bourbon presence knocks it off the cat 3 shelf; I'd sip again

[devildeac]

Celebration-Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Might be local

Credit-another wayward member of the 6er trader I got after Christmas from a neighbor
Format-as always, since 1981, a 12 ounce bottle
Style-fresh hop IPA
Freshness stuff-PKGD on 10/25/19 1954
Stemware-pint glass
Appearance-clean, orange amber
Nose-pine and resin
Mouthfeel-almost bracingly bitter and oily/chewy
Tastes-pine, resin, hints of citrus rind and light caramel
Malts-Two row Pale, Caramelized malts
Hops-all C hops with Cascade, Centennial, Chinook (shocked, I say shocked )
IBU-65
ABV-6.8%
Overall impression-very good example of a classic west coast IPA
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2, even though I've been tired of the style for a few years; if you've never had one, it's worth a try

[devildeac]

Christmas Bomb-Prairie Artisan Ales (Brewed and Packaged by Krebs Brewing Co.)

Pretty far away from local

Credit-beer #1 from devildeac2's Christmas mixed 6er gift to the Old Curmudgeon; thanks!!
Format-12 ounce bottle; the entire delicious bottle
Style-flavored imperial stout
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-darn near black; thin, tan head
Nose-cinnamon and fudge
Mouthfeel-10W30 or 20W50; not sure
Tastes-dark chocolate fudge generously swirled with cinnamon; hints of ginger; molasses; dark, dried fruits
Adjuncts-cinnamon, ginger; maybe nutmeg
IBU-60?
ABV-13%; very, very dangerous
Overall impression-outstanding combination of flavors
Ymm, Beer rating-middle to top shelf cat 3; worth the splurge, thinking $10+ for the small bottle

[devildeac]

Edelstoff-Augustiner Bräu München

Ich bin nicht local

Credit-a member of my January beer club 4 pack
Format-11.2 ounce bottle
Style-helles/lager
Glassware-boring pint glass
Appearance-light straw color with a moderate, fizzy head
Nose-lots and lots of floral Euro hops
Mouthfeel-light; bubbly
Tastes-mild floral bitterness, light corn syrup (no, it's NOT a domestic light beer)
IBU-17
ABV-5.7%
Overall impression-in its simplicity and German purity, this is a fantastic beer
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3 and not many of this style get such a lofty rating; buy a bottle if you see one this month or next

[devildeac]

I *think* we're posting about the same beer here:

Vanilla Noir-Prairie Artisan Ales (brewed and bottled by Krebs Brewing Co.)

Still not local

Credit-beer #2 from son of devildeac's mixed 6er Christmas gift; thanks!!!!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-whiskey barrel aged imperial stout with vanilla beans
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-minimally bubbling crude oil
Nose-fuse is correct above
Mouthfeel-viscous; chewy
Tastes-dark chocolate fudge; strong vanilla; warm, warm whiskey
Adjuncts-above
IBU-who cares
ABV-13.7%; boozy, but still frighteningly sippable
Overall impression-even better than Christmas Bomb from last PM
Ymm, Beer rating-fighting for top shelf, front/center cat 3; world class stuff; give yourself an assortment of Prairie Artisan Ales for (not teddy) Valentine's Day

[devildeac]

Bomb!-Prairie Artisan Ales (brewed and bottled by Krebs Brewing Co.)

Fairly distant from local

Credit-son of devildeac keeps hitting them outta the park with his Christmas mixed 6er gift; thanks!!
Format-(likely expensive) 12 ounce bottle
Style-flavored imperial stout
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-inky; thin, tan head
Nose-dark chocolate, coffee, vanilla
Mouthfeel-smooooooth
Tastes-coffee first, then dark chocolate, followed by vanilla; minimal heat/chilies at the end as it warmed
Adjuncts-coffee, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, chili peppers (Scoville units not specified-see Ymm, Spicy Foods thread )
IBU-50s?
ABV-13.7% ; took me >60 minutes to finish
Overall impression-(beeradvocate #117 on their top 250); I'm guessing the original version; an outstanding concoction; I like the Vanilla Noir slightly better
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; will gladly accept another in my 2020 Christmas stocking

[devildeac]

Mountain Calling-Wise Man Brewing

Nearby

Credit-Shamelessly lifted from older daughter's fridge last week for dog-sitting fees
Format-mutliply dented pint can
Style-IPA
Canned on-04/10/19 092444 (uh-oh)
Appearance-hazy light orange/amber; moderate foamy head
Nose-pine; resin; rind; not fresh
Mouthfeel-bitter
Tastes-resin, pine, rind; a bit "off"
IBU-82
ABV-6.6%
Overall impression-disappointing; somewhat outdated (my fault-shoulda pilfered sooner ); not balanced; too "west coastie"
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 2 with the caveat, based on prior Tripping William and RJ199 reviews of Wise Man brews, I'd try again if fresh

[devildeac]

Bible Belt Even More-Prairie Artisan Ales collaboration with Evil Twin Brewing (one source says Krebs brewed it, another source quotes Westbrook )

Obviously, not local

Credit-beer #4 from son of devildeac from my mixed 6er Christmas gift; thanks!!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-flavored imperial stout
Stemware-small snifter; had 6 ounces Sunday and finished the other 6 ounces last PM
Apearance-deep, dark brown; small tan head
Nose-dark chocolate and coffee
Mouthfeel-velvety
Tastes-dark chocolate, burnt caramel, vanilla and very slight peppery warmth/heat and less than I anticipated
Adjuncts-cacao nibs, vanilla, coffee and chilies
IBU-probably 60 based on the style
ABV-6.5% each night for a total of 13%; ; dangerously drinkable
Overall impression-"combination" of Prairie's Bible Belt and Evil Twin's Even More Jesus; this was outstanding
Ymm, Beer rating-middle tier cat 3; worth seeking out, even for a tenderfoot/tongue beer sipper like me when it comes to the "heat"

[devildeac]

From 1/1/12:

Hop Notch IPA-Uinta Brewing

This brewery's offerings are growing on me. There are not many breweries in Utah (AFAIK) and for years, this really has been the only one with which I have been acquainted and unimpressed. Since "beer laws" appear to have changed there, these folks have assembled quite an assortment of session and specialty ales and lagers. The first thought/taste/aroma here is grapefruit juice, fresh and pungent. After all, an IBU of 82 will quickly grab your palate's attention. Somewhat higher than I would have guessed but not too bitter or unpleasant as the toffee-ish, malty balance is well done. The ABV is 7.3% and the overall character of the brew would make it a fine IPA to enjoy and pair with spicy Asian dishes. Definitely worth a trader and a taste. Part of my traded 6er from the week before Christmas.

From tonight:

Hop Nosh-Uinta Brewing Comapny

A name change! Still ain't local!

Credit-last member of a 6er trader from a neighbor last month
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-Rocky Mountain style IPA
Glassware-pint container
Freshness metrics-best by 03/20/20
Appearance-golden amber with a generous, foamy head
Nose-pine and citrus rind
Mouthfeel-moderately bitter
Tastes-pine, citrus rinds, pineapple, grapefruit, resin
IBU-maybe 60
ABV-7.3%
Overall impression-solid, balanced IPA
Ymm, Beer rating-mid level cat 2; solid participant in a very, very crowded field; Tripping William likely a better judge of Utah/Uinta brews than me

[devildeac]

From 4/16/11:

Tripel Karmeliet-Brouwerij Bosteels

We returned to the blonde color but not the blonde style here but I'm not sure I can really explain it well. There are 3 grains in this light golden colored ale: oats, barley and wheat. The oats impart a bit of smoothness, the barley the color and typical light, bready tastes and the wheat chips in with a bit of citrus flavor. The Styrian hops are listed. I suspect there's Belgian candi sugar here because of the very mild sweetness. And, of course there's always the (suspected) triple fermentation, including final bottle conditioning with the fine layer of yeast adding to the exquisite, delicate and bubbly Belgian lace carbonation. There are tastes of vanilla, lemon and ripe pears and apples with floral scents emanating from the tulip glass from which we sampled. I'll guess 20 EBUs and the ABV is 8,4%. I almost wish one of us had brought a 330 ml bottle of Duvel with which we could compare this because now, in my mind, Duvel has a serious competitor for "world's best" tripel.

From minutes ago:

Tripel Karmeliet-Brouwerij Bosteels

Far, far from local

Credit-an amazing find in January's beer club 4 pack!!
Format-11.2 ounce bottle
Style-Belgian tripel
Stemware-Ommegang tulip
Appearance-clear straw; amazing fizzy head that lingered for 30 minutes of Belgian lacing as I sipped
Nose-orange, coriander, simple syrup, Euro hops, apples, pears
Mouthfeel-I haven't felt this tingly since...
Tastes-vanilla, lemon, apples, pears, orange and a pinch of black pepper
Adjuncts-oats
IBU-maybe 20
ABV-8.4%
Overall impression-superb authentic Belgian tripel
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; world class; if you've never had one, this is worth a bit of searching and having a Duvel and Chimay in a tasting session

[devildeac]

Vermont Sticky Maple-The Bruery

On the other coast local

Credit-beer #2 in our Christmas appetizer gift evenings from our part-time office nurse; thanks!!
Format-half quart can
Style-BBA flavored imperial stout
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-inky with a generous, mocha head
Nose-maple, dark chocolate fudge
Mouthfeel-lubricious (the second definition )
Tastes-dark chocolate fudge, maple syrup, burnt caramel, warm booze at the end
Adjuncts-maple syrup (coulda been from budwom's property) and "natural flavors"
IBU-maybe 50
ABV-11.3%; frightening drinkable (but over 90 minutes)
Overall impression-an amazing beverage; fuse has tasted far more products from The Bruery than me and I think he'd greatly enjoy this one
Ymm, Beer rating-near the top shelf of cat 3; worth the $10-11 splurge for this gem if you find one (it was a gift but the price was not quite removed)

[devildeac]

Prairie Noir-Prairie Artisan Ales (brewed by Krebs Brewing Company)

No closer to local than Vanilla Noir

Credit-final Prairie brew from son of devildeac at Christmas time; thanks!!
Format-(expensive) 12 ounce bottle
Style-whiskey barrel aged oatmeal imperial stout
Glassware-why, a Stella Brew snifter
Appearance-almost gooey; medium tan head
Nose-whiskey and dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-slippery
Tastes-dark caramel, burnt grains, dark chocolate, whiskey and a hint of coffee (not added)
IBU-50s?
ABV-13.7%; truly a big beer
Overall impression-another round tripper from Prairie
Ymm, Beer rating-sitting in the middle of a cat 3 zip code; worth a splurge

[devildeac]

A thirst-provoking evening and drive. Hoisting a pint glass for the Ashevillians and Derm-ites right now:

Kinda local

Hazy&Juicy&Hoppy&Fresh-HiWire Brewing (beer brewed and canned by the Three Ring Brewing Company; looking for someone to 'splain this)

Credit-my dollar two eighty nine based on a tip/link from fuse last year sometime
Format-1/8 of a gallon aluminum vessel
Packaged-11/21/19 (still pretty fresh)
Style-DDH NEIPA
Appearance-pineapple grapefruit juice; unfiltered; moderate foamy head
Nose-tropical fruit salad
Mouthfeel-darn near pulpy
Tastes-pineapple, peach, melon, grapefruit, mango and a bit rind-y
Hops-Simcoe and Sabro (relatively new to me)
IBU-40 to 50 range; minimal bitterness
ABV-7.5%; sitting on the IIPA border
Overall impression-excellent example of the style; not quite sure why it's the #7 (?) IPA in the article fuse linked but it's a high quality NEIPA
Ymm, Beer rating-low end of cat 3; crowded field and all that stuff but kinda embarrassing I haven't tasted until this AM; worth a can or three

[devildeac]

Tri Citra-Morgan Ridge Railwalk Brewery and Eatery

Local for some

Credit-fridge leftover at beach house
Format-pint can
Freshness stats-none
Style-unfiltered IPA
Appearance-cloudy, orange amber; massive foamy head (bad sign)
Nose-stale citrus rinds (even worse sign )
Mouthfeel-soapy
Tastes-orange PineSol
IBU-75
ABV-7%
Overall impression-I had reasonable hopes but...
Ymm, Beer rating-cat 1, mostly cuz I think it had passed its prime; close to a drain pour; sad, as I remember a couple other Railwalk brews favorably

[devildeac]

Pay Check-Fullsteam Brewery

Now we're talkin' local again

Credit-leftover in fridge
Style-pilsner
Format-12 ounce can
Freshness metric-07/22/19
Appearance-straw yellow; modest, fizzy head
Nose-Euro hops; flowers
Mouthfeel-slight floral bitterness
Tastes-fresh flowers, light caramel, corn syrup
IBU-35 which is upper normal for the style
ABV-4.5%
Overall impression-solid member of the pilsner family; likely would be even better if fresh
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2; worth a draft next time at the brewery

[devildeac]

BBA Nuts for You-Zaftig Brewing Company

Local for one family member

Credit-son of devildeac but not sure when; thanks!!
Format-12 ounce bottle
Style-flavored imperial stout
Freshness stuff-bottled 2019 (no date/month); batch 263
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown; no head
Nose-extra boozy Peter Pan creamy
Mouthfeel- smooth but a bit thin
Tastes-am I drinking a peanut butter, chocolate and bourbon sammich on slightly burned toast?
Adjuncts-"...hot nuts, you buy 'em from the peanut man..."
IBU-perhaps 50
ABV-9%; yep, my peanut butter sammich last PM was booze-soaked
Overall impression-somewhat unusual combination that I quite enjoyed
Ymm, Beer rating-with a backdoor cut, it snuck into cat 3