Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Rare Vos-Brewery Ommegang (Duvel Moortgaat)

Decidedly unlocal

Credit-found in the back of the fridge at our undisclosed weekend location
Style-spiced amber ale
Format-12 ounce glass vessel
Freshness metrics-(shrugs)
Glassware-pint glass
Appearance-cloudy orange amber; big time, foamy head
Sniffy stuff-toasted grains and orange
Mouthfeel-mild
Tastes-toasted wheat bread with orange marmalade; mild spices
Adjuncts-orange peel, Grains of Paradise, coriander
IBU-30 something?
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-this one was somewhat past its prime but the adjuncts made it palatable
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 2; a very good beer when fresher

[devildeac]

Botanical Continuum-Mother Earth Brewing collaboration with Mother Earth Spirits (hmmm...)

About 80 miles removed from local

Credit-fuse; thanks!!
Style-double gin barrel aged saison
Format-500 ml bottle divided over 2 nights
Stemware-white wine glass
Recency bias-not given
Appearance-hazy, light gold amber; wispy head
Scents-Mrs. dd thought apricot and I really can't disagree (can I ever ?); tart apples, pears, wet straw, black pepper and juniper/gin
Mouthfeel-tiny bubbles
Tastes-Granny Smith apples, underripe pears, fresh apricots (she convinced me), gin, wet hay, juniper, gin
Fermentation-primary in London Dry gin barrels then nine more months in Mother Earth Gin barrels
Adjuncts-none listed
IBU-probably 10
ABV-6.8%
Overall impression-superb; wish I could have compared to Prim Looking Star Gazer, the Hardywood gem accfanfrom1970 traded a couple years ago
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; wonderful pairing last PM with boiled shrimp, mac 'n cheese and Oriental slaw and tonight with baked salmon, more mac 'n cheese and steamed broccoli; a brilliant beer, enough so for another shout out to fuse for his selection a few months ago

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Dead Man Suit and Thai-Southern Pines Brewing Company

Closer than Kinston, IIRC

Credit-Bottle Rev owner talked me into this several months ago
Style-flavored imperial stout
Format-1/8 gallon can
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-darker than chestnut brown; very thin mocha head
Nose-my nasal hairs are singed: dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-slippery and warm
Tastes-dark chocolate, heat, burnt caramel, more heat, pinch of cinnamon, tongue and back of throat smoldering now; need Triscuits
Adjuncts-Thai peppers (too many), coconut (overpowered by the peppers), cinnamon (not enough), cacao
IBU-60 something
Scoville units-50,000 to 100,000
ABV-12.1%, but the Bottle Rev owner may have said they measured it >15% but couldn't put that on the can (NC law)
Overall impression-two sips convinced me to put the remaining 12 ounces back in the fridge to keep cold or I'd never finish it if it warmed up
Ymm, Beer rating-after several pepper beers in the last 18 months, I thought I was indoctrinated but, this set me back 3 steps; too much heat, so cat 2 for me but I have a feeling Tripping William and RJ199 might put this in cat 3; I have a second can I bought at 15% off last month that's available...

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Hop Cakes-NoDa Brewing Company

kinda near I85 and I77, so I guess it qualifies

Credit-on the shelf, had before, 15% off
Style-flavored IIPA
Container-pint can
Freshness data-I forgot; can already recycled in an out of town location
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-cloudy yellow goldish; moderate foamy head
Nose-orange liqueur
Mouthfeel-mildly bitter
Tastes-OJ, grapefruit rind/juice, mildly sweet from the high gravity and the maple syrup
Adjunct-Vermont maple syrup but not generous/voluminous amounts as claimed on the can
IBU-probably 50s
ABV-10.2%
Overall impression-probably similar to can #1 last year; very good but not outstanding; more maple would work better
Ymm, Beer rating-moves (stays?) near the top of cat 2; definitely recommended but wouldn't get a 4 pack after tasting it twice in different years

[devildeac]

Session IPA-Edward Teach Beer Company

pretty local

Credit-back of the fridge find at an undisclosed location
Style-session IPA (really? )
Packaging-pint can
Glassware-pint glass
Appearance-clean/clear light yellow; moderate head
Nose-light pine
Mouthfeel-slight bitterness
Tastes-matched the aromas; minimal sweetness
Hops-Columbus and Centennial
IBU-probably <40
ABV-4.7%
Overall impression-decent for the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low to mid cat 2; I think I had one a couple months ago and no better/worse now; lotsa brews in this ballpark

[devildeac]

From late last PM:

Mocha Port Barrel Magellan-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Well, it was local for the original owner

Credit-his Mama raised him good
Style-flavored and Portuguese tawny Port barrel aged imperial stout
Format-one cup bottle; no really, it was an eight ounce bottle
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-ruby edged Pennzoil; small, tan head
Seductive scents-dark chocolate, espresso, red wine
Mouthfeel-luscious
Tastes-sooo complex; dark chocolate and cocoa start, followed by strong espresso, red wine, dark berries, burnt caramel, molasses and vanilla
Adjuncts-Vermont maple syrup (budwom was not affected by its harvesting), Ugandan cacao, Madagascar vanilla and Mexican espresso
IBU-maybe 50 or 60
ABV-13%; a looooong sipper
Overall impression-world class creation
Ymm, Beer rating-easily high cat 3; I think I have two more (what to do, what to do...)

[devildeac]

Massacre of the Innocents-Burial Beer Company

Asheville brewed, Raleigh bought

Credit-luck and knowledge and a 15% discount
Style-milkshake IPA
Format-two cup can
Glassware-usual pint glass
Appearance-very cloudy, dirty yellow pineapple; one finger topping of froth
Nose-orange pineapple juice
Mouthfeel-juicy and pithy
Palate pleasers-orange and pineapple chunks with a bit of rind and core; mild sweetness; hint of resin at the end
Adjuncts-lactose
Hops-Citra and Galaxy (yay!); interesting, an Untapped review says Amarillo, Citra, Ekuanot and Vic's Secret varieties
IBU-50
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-another Burial gem
Ymm, Beer rating-pretty easy to place this in the lower tier of cat 3 as it's an excellent IPA in a large stadium

[devildeac]

Their most recent (as best I'm able to tell):

Inside Out-Ancillary* Fermentation (brewed and packaged at Fortnight Brewing)

quite local

Credit-on the shelf, familiar with the "brewery" and 15% off
Style-juicy IPA (label almost as difficult to read as some of Veil's)
Vessel-aluminum pint
Izitfresh-Canned on 12/20/19
Glassware-standard pint
Appearance-abundance of foam (uh-oh); did Dole or DelMonte package this?
Something in the air-it's pineapple grapefruit juice!
Mouthfeel-almost pulpy
Tastes-grapefruit, pineapple, orange zest, tangerine, peaches, guava and a hint of resin
Hops-Simcoe (grapefruity), Mosaic (pineapple, tangerine, guava) and Chinook (pine/resin)
IBU-WAG of 55
ABV-7%
Overall impression-surprisingly still tasty/juicy despite 4 months in the slammer
Ymm, Beer rating-teetering on the cat 2/3 border; if bought fresh, I'd bet cat 3 easily; not quite Veil/Burial level but very well done

[devildeac]

Glam Metal (draft/mini growler)-Wilmington Brewing Company

close enough to call it local

Credit-brewery of the day at Bottle Rev and $10 mini growlers
Style-imperial milkshake NEIPA
Format-couple eight ounce pours tonight and the same tomorrow
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-hazy pineapple juice with a drop of ruby; thin head
Mouthfeel-juicy
Tastes-a pineapple screwdriver with a splash of cherry liqueur; mango and papaya
Adjuncts-tart cherries and lactose
Hops-El Dorado
IBU-maybe 40
ABV-9.5%; this was boozy
Overall impression-I'd drink this with some bacon, eggs and a stack of pancakes but, I'd have to omit the breakfast stout
Ymm, Beer rating-interesting variation/addition to the NE/milkshake/imperial IPA field; enters cat 3 territory

[Bob Green]

I did yard work today...dug holes so Flora could plant rose bushes we bought at Lowe’s and I planted some Blue Lake Pole Bean seeds in the ground in front of one of my three trellis. I prepped the soil with all purpose granular fertilizer and a good dusting of bone meal.

So why am I posting this in the beer thread? Because I just finished a nice shower and popped the top on a cold one!

[devildeac]

Monochromatic (draft/mini growler)-Deciduous Brewing Company

Never heard of 'em? Cuz they ain't local

Credit-a whim, $8 (was $4 off on Saturday)and an empty mini growler
Style-double fruited, double milkshake sour (from their Monochromatic series)
Format-^^^^ (I'll divide this over 3 nights)
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-a red raspberry shake; minimal head
Nose-a lemon berry smoothie?
Mouthfeel-mild pucker
Tastes-some tart raspberry syrup, a splash of strawberry puree and some lemon limeade
Adjuncts-raspberries, strawberries, cherries, lactose
Hops-Azacca
IBU-maybe 10
ABV-7.8%; a booze smoothie?
Overall impression-eye candy for the palate; very well done/blended/concocted
Ymm, Beer rating-lower tier cat 3; a really, really fine creation; I'd visit this brewery on a tour of the northeast, even if it's in New Hamster

[devildeac]

Because sometimes it is easier/better to ask forgiveness than permission; from last PM:

2017 BA Milk & Cookies-Wicked Weed

grudgingly, somewhat local

Credit-for $12 for a mini growler filled with a rare beer, I couldn't resist
Style-BBA imperial milk "pastry" stout
Format-swing topped/capped 32 ounce glass jug sipped over 3 nights (including tomorrow in advance)
Stemware-snifter
Looks-dark, dark brown; thin head
Nose ticklers-Granmama, what's coming out of the oven and what the hell have you been sipping?
Mouthfeel-smooth and mildly viscous
Palate ticklers-liquid dark chocolate, coconut chocolate chip oatmeal raisin cookies with a Woodford Reserve chaser
Adjuncts-lactose, golden raisins, vanilla, cinnamon
IBU-perhaps 50
ABV-11.3%; frighteningly smooth
Overall impression-I'm glad I didn't have this at Christmas to set out for the old, fat dude in the red suit as he'd have had to sleep it off in the guest room
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3; what's not to like except the parent company; happy to have 10-11 ounces for tonight and Wednesday night

[devildeac]

From that somewhat new brewery in Rocky Mount, NC:

Night Screamer-Hopfly Brewing Company

pretty close to local

Credit-a bit of adventure, a local attraction and 15% off from last month
Style-IPA on label; NEIPA in can
Format-pint can
Birthdate (on bottom of can)-Drink Hopfly 03/20/2020
Stemware-a quaint pint glass
Appearance-hazy, orange yellow; modest foamy head
Nose-peaches and cataloupes
Mouthfeel-light rind; juicy
Tastes-peaches, cantaloupes, nectarines, oranges, zest and mango; a bit sweet
Hops-double dry hopped with Citra and Strata
IBU-under 50
ABV-7.5%
Overall impression-I'd buy this again and/or try other brews from Hopfly
Ymm, Beer rating-upper echelon cat 2; tough to get to cat 3 with this style but highly drinkable

[devildeac]

There is no free lunch, but, I learned about Free Rent last PM:

Free Rent (draft)-New Anthem Beer Project

Credit-featured brewery at Bottle Rev on Wednesday with a mini growler for $10; purchased but not sipped on the way home from work
Style-NEIPA
Stemware-snifter (carefully estimated 10 or 11 ounce serving)
Appearance-hazy and pineapple yellow
Sniffing sensations-papaya, grapefruit, tangerine
Mouthfeel-a bit juicy
Tastes-tropical fruit juice blend with a splash of citrus and some rindy-ness
Grains-pale malt, wheat, oats
Hops-Ekuanot, Mosaic
Overall impression-quality example for the style; nice combo of hops, a bit of grain sweetness and smooth from the oats
Ymm, Beer rating-Cat 3 sings, "I hear you knocking, but you can't come in;" gets fairly close however
[redacted] them and the horses they rode in on.

[devildeac]

Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien (draft)-Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes (BFM)

Local? lol

Credit-Nrrrrrvous, with a huge assist here, my keen eyes recognizing this from the Bottle Rev tap list and connecting it with his post
Style-oak/wine barrel aged Biere de Garde/sour
Format-mini growler ($20 and that was with $4 off) that I'm hoping to divide over 4 nights (see ABV below)
Stemware-small Allagash tulip
Appearance-light ruby amber; thin head
Nose-red wine, wet wood, cherry/apple vinegar
Mouthfeel-this tickled a bit
Tastes-sour cherry/apple vinegar, berries, zinfandel, oak, tannins
Adjuncts-none
IBU-probably <10
ABV-11.3% (I'm reeaally glad I looked at the tap list closely); more than dangerous
Overall impression-two words: world class; if Bottle Rev has a small (or large) bottle of this, I'm buying it and reviewing again for OPK's Virtual Pub
Ymm, Beer rating-front, top and center cat 3; in the same league as any Rodenbach I've ever had

Additional discussion: We had a sour-themed Virtual Pub here in October (posts #22116-22162 if anyone wants a fairly quick "review") and the "best of show" that day were Ad Idem (Lost Abbey and Wicked Weed-2016), Err on the Side of Awesome (New Belgium 2018 or 2019) and Cellar Door #1 (Brewery Bhavana's "base" sour from 2018, IIRC). The sour/Biere de Garde reviewed above is as good as any of them, perhaps a shade better.

Thanks again to Nrrrrrvous for the recommendation!!

[devildeac]

Zeitghost-Casita Cerveceria/New Anthem Beer Project collaboration

somewhat east of local

Credit-I needed a couple more cans to complete my mixed case last month and get 15% off; breweries ain't too shabby either
Style-West Coast IPA (uh-oh)
How old izzit-32420 stamped just below top rim
Format-1/8 gallon aluminum cell
Glassware-standard pint glass
Appearance-yellow gold with a slight haze; billowy head
Up your nose-dank; pine and resin; grapefruit
On the tongue-about as bitter as anticipated
Down the esophagus-orange and grapefruit rind; piney/resiny/danky
Grains-2 Row, Carapils, Crystal 20
Hops-Simcoe, Amarillo and the 3 Cs: Centennial, Chinook and Columbus
How bitter-probably 60+ IBUs
How potent-7.6% ABV
Overall impression-I had my reservations but couldn't resist a collaboration brew from these two breweries; really well done
Ymm, Beer rating-knocking on the door for cat 3; I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed/appreciated this as I tired of West Coast IPAs a couple years ago

[devildeac]

Unicorns and Lollipops-Southern Range Brewing

Credit-sounded tasty, especially with 15% off
Style-milkshake IPA
Format-16 ounce aluminum vessel
Freshness-(shrugs)
Glasswar-boring pint glass
Appearance-unfiltered guava juice
Nose-tropical
Mouthfeel-mildly bitter
Tastes-guava, vanilla, hints of pineapple and papaya
Adjuncts-(shrugs again, pulls muscles in neck and shoulders)
IBU-I'll guess 50 but won't shrug (see above)
ABV-7.4%
Overall impression-decent/average stuff; wouldn't send killerleft out to get a pint of this for Mrs. killer
Ymm, Beer rating-low level cat 2; worth the $3.50ish to try/taste

[devildeac]

We're Out of Peanut Butter, Karen-Divine Barrel Brewing

From a brewery our older daughter and her husband think might be the best in Charlotte, so, it's kinda local

Credit-Tripping William's enticing review and a $10 mini crowler from Bottle Rev, which, BTW, is also local
Style-above
Format-above (I'm dividing the 32 ounces over three nights because...I'm not fuse )
Glassware-mini Ditkas, err, snifters
What it looks like-above
Nose-above
Mouthfeel-above
Tastes-more of the above; a dark chocolate gourmet peanut butter cup?
Adjuncts-above
IBU-probably 40
ABV-yep, above
Overall impression-above; this was a fun dessert beer
Ymm, Beer rating-above

I'm a bit embarrassed to submit this review but WTH, it's another Ymm, Beer post and I thoroughly agree w/Tripping William's assessment as in, above

[devildeac]

Another DNP-CD from Gooch's Virtual Pub in April; consumed last PM:

Low and Slow-Westbrook Brewing Company

Not quite local; this was the only member of last month's 15% off case that was not from a NC brewery

Credit-I like the style and see above
Style-Doppelbock lager; aged in neutral oak barrels
Format-2 cups of lager in a can
Stemware-a Dogfish Head shaped pint glass, slightly more sexy than a standard, boring pint glass
Appearance-darker than a brown ale with a thick, mocha head
Scents-dark caramel and cherries, wet wood
Mouthfeel-smoooooth
Tastes-dark, toasted wheat bread, dark caramel, milk chocolate, cherries, minimal earthy hops, more wet wood
Hops-CTZ, Hallertau, Mittlefruh (IOW, pretty typical Euro hops
Yeast-German lager
Malts-Black, Caramunich, Munich, Pils
IBU-probably 20 or less
ABV-8.2%
Overall impression-an outstanding American rendition of an old German classic and one of my favorite styles
Ymm, beer rating-easy cat 3; so well done; wish I had bought a 4 pack of this one; highly recommended

[devildeac]

Been There Done That-Casita Cerveceria

local? yep, close enough!

Credit-multiple prior purchases, plus, 15% helped sway me
Style-DIPA; it could have been labeled a NEIPA and been correct, too
Storage unit-16 ounce aluminum cylinder
Freshness data-not available
Stemware-Stella snifter
What it looked like-extra hazy pineapple juice; modest, foamy head
What it smelled like-fresh pineapple grapefruit juice
What it felt like-juicy but not pulpy
What it tasted like-a tropical fruit salad with lotsa fresh pineapple, cubed mangoes, grapefruit wedges and papaya chunks, bathed in fresh OJ
Adjuncts-wheat, oats, dextrose (https://beerandbrewing.com/dictionary/QOZzUMNrSo/)
Hops-Simcoe, Citra and Mosaic (a great combination)
IBU-max of 50
ABV-8%
Overall impression-another excellent Casita product
Ymm, Beer rating-uninhibited entrance into cat 3; thoroughly sippable, almost crushable; worth seeking out and buying a 4 pack