Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Halftime beer last PM:

All Day IPA-Founders Brewing Company

Local if you're in the midwest

Credit-leftover from houseguests; thanks!
Format-12 ounce can
Style-session IPA
Freshness stats-canned on: 08.21.192142524 ()
Appearance-slightly cloudy, pale yellow; modest, foamy head
Nose-Tropicana/Dole light pineapple/grapefruit/orange juice
Mouthfeel-very mild bitterness
Tastes-like the aromas instructed me; very light sweetness
IBU-42
ABV-4.7%
Overall impression-now, about that crowded field...
Ymm, Beer rating-this was actually still rather tasty given its canning date; mid-level cat 2; crushable; would sip again but not buy a litter of them

[devildeac]

Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub Day-an early entrant

Whitewall Wheat (draft)-Crank Arm Brewing

Really local

Credit-it was on the draft board!
Style-witbier
Serving vessel-half pint plastic cup
Appearance-slightly cloudy; pineapple yellow; small, creamy head
Nose-orange, pineapple, grapefruit; no adjuncts
Mouthfeel-tingly; fruity
Tastes-tropical and citrus juice blend on the light side
Grains-traditional wheat
Hops-American Citra
Yeast-Belgian
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-4.4%
Awards-GABF 2016 bronze; GABF 2018 gold; American-Belgo category; pretty lofty stuff
Overall impression-an excellent, light, easy sipping ale
Ymm, Beer rating-low to mid cat 3; would readily order again

[devildeac]

Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub-another early entrant

Mille Fleur (draft)-Haw River Farmhouse Ales

Credit-on the draft baord!
Style-saison (but, but, but, it's wheat ale day; read on, fellow beer denizens)
Drinking vessel-half pint plastic cup
Appearance-slightly cloudy amber yellow; small head
Nose-apples, pears, straw
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-tart apples, underripe pears, hint of black pepper, straw
Grains-malted barley and artisan spelt* (WTH is that? See below)
IBU-maybe 20
ABV-5.8%
Overall impression-another top quality brew from Haw River
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; nothing fancy, just more high quality craft from Saxapahaw, NC

*spelt-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelt ("Spelt (Triticum spelta; Triticum dicoccum), also known as dinkel wheat or hulled wheat, is a species of wheat cultivated since approximately 5000 BCE.")

See, it really is a wheat beer so it qualifies for the Virtual Pub today

[devildeac]

Forgot a taster from last PM:

Ovila Brandy Barrel Quad (draft)-Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Kinda local if NC brewed

Credit-"scoreboard"
Format-little plastic taster cup
Style-d'oh!
Appearance-medium/dark brown; small, tan head
Nose-dark, dried fruits
Mouthfeel-smooooth
Tastes-raisins, dates, figs, brown sugar, caramel, brandy, mild hoppy/earthy bitterness, wet wood
IBU-maybe 30something
ABV-10.4%; why do you think I only had a sample
Overall impression-might be the best of all the Ovila variants I've had over the last 8 to 10 years, likely based on the barrel aging
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3; if I didn't have so much inventory, a large format bottle or 4 pack of this would now be mine; worth seeking

[devildeac]

Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub

White-Allagash Brewing Company

Credit-Bottle Revolution beer steward immediately placed this in my 4 pack when I asked about wheat ale recommendations for Saturday's event
Style-Belgian style wheat beer
Format-their usual 12 ounce bottle
Appearance-light yellow straw; cloudy; generous foamy head
Nose-spices and orange peel
Mouthfeel-tingly
Tastes-orange peel, coriander, a pinch of black pepper; mild floral bitterness
Grains-Allagash 2-Row Malted Barley Blend, Local Pale Malt, Red Wheat Malt, Raw White Wheat, Oats, Carapils
Hops-Nugget, Crystal, Czech Saaz
Yeast-House
Spices/Other-Coriander, Curaçao Orange Peel
IBU-maybe 20
ABV-5.2%
Overall impression-same recipe since 1995 makes quite a statement; a fairly simple yet delightful beer to start my contributions to Virtual Pub
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; a classic

[devildeac]

Home Sweet Home (draft)-Casita Cerveceria

Very close to local

Credit-the draft list strikes again!
Style-imperial stout
Serving vessel-half pint plastic cup
Appearance-10W30; thin, tan head
Nose-dark chocolate fudge
Mouthfeel-smoother than a Joey Baker 3 ball
Tastes-liquid fudge; espresso; burnt caramel
IBU-maybe 50
ABV-10%; frightening stuff
Overall impression-outstanding concoction
Ymm, Beer rating-middle shelf, near the front of cat 3; I'd have bought a 4 pack but Bottle Rev sold out; will check Total Wine tomorrow

[devildeac]

Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub Wheat Ale Day

Original German Hefeweizen, Ale Tap 07-Schneider Weisse

Credit-beer club steward at Bottle Revolution
Style-ummmm
Format-500 ml bottle
Glassware-US Open handled mug
Appearance-amber yellow; quite cloudy; generous, frothy head
Nose-clove, bubblegum, orange, banana
Mouthfeel-bubbly
Tastes-wheat esters of clove, banana, bubblegum and orange; mild floral bitterness
Special notes-open fermentation plus bottle conditioned and unfiltered
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-5,4%
Overall impression-a classic German hefeweizen though the wheat disqualifies it from the Rheinheitsgebot Purity law of 1516ish
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 as it's such a tasty, authentic wheat ale but not my favorite style; worth the cost to try an old standard

[devildeac]

Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub Wheat Ale Day

White Thai-Westbrook Brewing Company

Credit-one of the beer guys again at Bottle Revolution
Style-might be a wheat ale
Format-12 ounce can
Glassware-tall Sam Adams White Ale glass
Appearance-cloudy lemon juice
Nose-hints of orange, ginger, lemongrass; more saison like
Mouthfeel-tingly
Tastes-faint ginger, lemongrass, apples, oranges, pears and floral hops
Adjuncts-fresh lemongrass, ginger root instead of the traditional coriander and orange peel
Hops-(dash of) Sorachi Ace
IBU-WAG of 20
ABV-5%
Overall impression-good/interesting effort but I prefer the traditional styles whether they be German, Belgian or American
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2; worth a couple bucks for the can to try; I've have other really, really good Westbrook ales

[devildeac]

Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub Wheat Ale day

Urweisse-Brauerei Aying

Don't even think local here

Credit-beer steward selection at Bottle Revolution last week
Style-dunkelweisse
Format-500 ml bottle
Stemware-US Open mug/stein with a handle
Appearance-cloudy amber yellow orange; voluminous, foamy head
Nose-bananas, clove, bubble gum, orange (those Germans have a really good idea how to brew beer )
Mouthfeel-bubbly
Tastes-aromas translate to the palate with fruity esters as above and very mild floral bitterness
Adjuncts-wheat technically as they "violate" the Reinheitsgebot Purity Law of 1516 only allowing water, barley and hops
Overall impression-classic for the style
Ymm, Beer rating-solid class 3; worth the $5ish for the bottle, especially if you've never had a true dunkelweisse before

[devildeac]

Rare Vos-Ommegang Brewery

Not local but we toured/ate there over 5 years ago.

Credit-fridge leftover by some guests
Style-spiced amber
Format-12 ounce bottle
Stemware-why, an oversized Ommegang tulip, of course
Appearance-slightly hazy; medium/dark amber
Scents-spices, orange peel, light caramel
Mouthfeel-bready/toasty
Tastes-caramel, herbal/earthy hops, orange peel, spices and a pinch of black pepper
Adjuncts-orange peel, grains of paradise, coriander
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-been a solid beer for probably 15 year, maybe more
Ymm, Beer rating-upper tier cat 2; another solid, well-brewed Ommegang beverage

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Grandfather's Breakfast Coffee Stout-Blowing Rock Brewing Company

Kinda local

Credit-beer #3 in January beer club 4 pack
Style-as above but imperialized
Freshness data-(shrugs)
Format-pint can
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark, dark brown; foamy, tah head
Nose-cuppa Joe
Mouthfeel-a bit thin but smooth
Tastes-burnt, stale coffee (not good); burnt caramel (not very good, either); dark chocolate (passable)
Adjuncts-coffee (d'oh!), toasted oats, cocoa powder, maple syrup (coulda fooled me)
IBU-maybe 50
ABV-9%
Overall impression-I had hopes for this one, not high ones, given the brewery, and they faded rather quickly
Ymm, Beer rating-cat 1, maybe midlevel, but not quite Ycch, Beer; it wasn't turble like tv teddy, but don't be tempted by the 16 oz and the 9% ABV

As fuse and I have discussed before, this is one of the breweries one wonders how they're still in business

[devildeac]

Black Beard-Edward Teach Brewing

Local if you're at the NC coast

Credit-leftover in fridge from visitors last month
Format-half quart aluminum prison
Style-session IPA
Freshness info-no clue
Stemware-pint glass
Appearance-light yellow with a bit of haze and smallish head
Nose-grapefruit juice light
Mouthfeel-mild citrus bitterness
Taste-Tropicana light grapefruit juice with a bit of zest and a very small splash of caramel
IBU-40 or less
ABV-4.7%
Overall impression-would give All Day IPA a good runh
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2; would try another brew or three for this somewhat new brewery in Wilmington, NC

[devildeac]

Nitro Creme Brulee-Southern Tier Brewing Company

Nope, not nearby

Credit-final installment of Christmas appetizers and adult beverages from our part-time nurse (N-'77 )
Format-9.6 ounces (printed on the can) of beer in what I swear is a 12 ounce can
Style-imperial milk stout; no nitro widget
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown with a creamy, foamy beige head
Nose-dark chocolate and vanilla
Mouthfeel-silky
Tastes-strong vanilla, followed by cocoa, dark chocolate, dark caramel and booze; not as sweet as the usual Creme Brulee they brew(ed?)
IBU-perhaps 50
ABV-10%
Overall impression-very tasty with a chocolate chunk cookie; easy to drink the whole can whether it was 9.6 or 12 ounces
Ymm, Beer rating-snooping around cat 3 but not quite; I'd recommend trying this but not sure I'd buy a 6er

[devildeac]

Social Hour-Santa Fe Brewing Company

Once again, not local

Credit-leftover from some house guests
Format-12 ounce can
Style-flavored witbier
Glassware-standard pint glass
Appearance-hazy; light yellow; modest, fizzy head
Nose-tropical fruit salad
Mouthfeel-tingly
Tastes-tropical fruit salad, with WAG of mango, papaya, passion fruit and guava being added; light orange; mild floral bitterness
Adjuncts-see above
IBU-15
ABV-7%, a bit high for the style
Overall impression-would make a nice porch sipper
Ymm, Beer-cat 2; would try another Santa Fe product if offered

[devildeac]

Cabernet Sauvignon Edinbrüe (2018? 2019?)-Brüeprint Brewing Company

Pretty local, amirite, fuse?

Credit-keen eyes, other Brüetopian Series tastings, a good price and a good credit card limit
Format-500 ml bottle (divided over 2 nights)
Style-wine barrel aged (19 months ), Brettanomyces conditioned Scotch style ale
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-a cloudy red amber with a thin head
Nose-red wine funk
Mouthfeel-acetic
Tastes-red wine, wet straw, berries, oak, caramel and a hint of smoke at the end
IBU-19
ABV-9.5%
Overall impression-another cognitive dissonance brew with a combination I've never had before of the cab aging, Brett funk and Scotch ale
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; despite the dissonance, this was another really fine product from western Wake County; will gladly share my other bottle

[devildeac]

Arthur (draft)-Hill Farmstead Brewery

Local if you're budwom

Credit-keen powers of observation and a nearby craft beer store
Style-farmhouse ale/saison
Stemware-tulip
Appearance-pineapple yellow and very hazy; modest, foamy head
Nose-apples, pears, tropical fruits
Mouthfeel-a bit juicy, a bit sour, a bit funky
Tastes-slightly sour apple/pear sauce mixed with mangos, papayas and pineapple
IBU-maybe 20
ABV-6%
Overall impression-almost a hybrid NEIPA/saison beverage; quite the amazing find in the south as I'd bet very few Hill Farmstead brews are distributed outside VT
Ymm, Beer rating-middle/top tier cat 3; likely to never have again though Casita Cerveceria is distributing a small amount of Hill Farmstead brews somehow...

[devildeac]

Sauvageonne-Brasserie Trois Dames (Rue de France 1, 1450 Sainte-Croix, Switzerland)

Really? A Swiss sour? Local? (lol)

Credit-either a trader or gift/leftover from RJ199 during Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub Sour Day in October; thanks!!
Format-caged and corked 750 ml bottle (375 ml tonight)
Freshness info-it's been in various barrels for 3 years; who cares?
Style-Lambic-inspired ale; blend of sour beers aged 3 years in our solera system in barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-cloudy; amber red; no head
Nose-apple cherry cider vinegar
Mouthfeel-puckery; very puckery
Tastes-represented the nose well; vinous; moderately sour; acetic; vinegar fruited with berries, cherries and sour apples; wet wood; funk
Adjuncts-don't think any
IBU-10 (sour, not bitter)
ABV-6%
Overall impression-if you don't like sours, you won't like this; if you do, it's an outstanding beverage
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; I intended to share with family but they're tiring of my sour selections

[devildeac]

Salted Dire Wolf Canis Mexicanus-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Local for one member of the family

Credit-trader or gifter from son of devildeac sometime last year
Style-flavored RIS
Format-750 ml bomber; divided over 2 nights
Stemware-mini snifter
Freshness stuff-packaged on May/16/2019
Appearance-Paint It Black; wispy, tan head
Nose-dark chocolate, vanilla, spices
Mouthfeel-10W50
Tastes-semisweet chocolate, cocoa, espresso, vanilla, cinnamon, mild to medium heat at the end and as it warmed
Adjuncts-oats, chilis, cinnamon, cacao nibs, One Line coffee, vanilla beans, Fleur De Del sea salt
IBU-guessing 50s based on the style
ABV-10.8%; pretty obvious after a couple small snifters each night
Overall impression-another excellent variant from the original gold medal winning Dire Wolf
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; I'd have made it mid level but the peppery heat was very slightly over the line for m

[devildeac]

Sauvageonne-Brasserie Trois Dames (Rue de France 1, 1450 Sainte-Croix, Switzerland)

Really? A Swiss sour? Local? (lol)

Credit-either a trader or gift/leftover from RJ199 during Ymm, Beer Virtual Pub Sour Day in October; thanks!!
Format-caged and corked 750 ml bottle (375 ml tonight)
Freshness info-it's been in various barrels for 3 years; who cares?
Style-Lambic-inspired ale; blend of sour beers aged 3 years in our solera system in barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-cloudy; amber red; no head
Nose-apple cherry cider vinegar
Mouthfeel-puckery; very puckery
Tastes-represented the nose well; vinous; moderately sour; acetic; vinegar fruited with berries, cherries and sour apples; wet wood; funk
Adjuncts-don't think any
IBU-10 (sour, not bitter)
ABV-6%
Overall impression-if you don't like sours, you won't like this; if you do, it's an outstanding beverage
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; I intended to share with family but they're tiring of my sour selections

Sauvageonne Dark Blend-Brasserie Trois Dames

I'm not sure there's that much difference between the above review/ale and tonight's 375 ml serving of the Dark Blend. Perhaps a bit more clear, no ruby edges, closer to medium amber and maybe some dark, dried fruits on the palate.

Many thanks again to RJ199 for this ale!!

[devildeac]

Wolf Claw-Wolf's Ridge and DuClaw Brewing collaboration

Local for Buckeyes

Credit-gift or trader from our son; thanks!!
Format-bomber; half Sunday and half Monday; not ruined by yesterday's debacle
Style-flavored imperial milk stout
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown; small, tan head
Scents-cocoa powder, vanilla, nuts
Mouthfeel-slippery
Tastes-double chocolate Rocky Road ice cream, milk and dark; almonds, toasted marshmallows
Adjuncts-lactose, cocoa powder, marshmallow creme, toasted almonds, cacao nibs, vanilla beans
IBU-probably 50
ABV-10%; ice cream/milkshake booze!!
Overall impression-a very tasty and interesting creation
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; have another bottle that we'll side-by side with Hardywood GBS Fluffy next month, unless thedukelamere joins us with Marshmallow Handjee