Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Remembering in Reverse-Casita Cerveceria

Credit-brewery reputation and 15% off my case last month
Style-label on can claiming "Experimental DIPA" did not fool me as this is clearly a milkshake IPA (are you reading, killerleft ?)
Format-pint can
Stemware-oversized wine glass (we're not at home where I'd have poured into a snifter)
Appearance-very hazy, orange yellow with a moderate, foamy head
Aromas-piña colada, anyone?
Mouthfeel-quite juicy
Tastes-coconut, lime, pineapple, cream and hints of citrus zest
Adjuncts-oats, lactose, coconut, lime, hibiscus (shrugs)
Hops-Citra (no surprise here)
IBU-40 something
ABV-8.3%
Overall impression-a delicious beer cocktail, err, tropical booze smoothie
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; a bit of beer hunting next week with intent to procure a 4 pack of this perhaps

[devildeac]

From an hour ago:

Nothing matters When We're Dancing-Casita Cerveceria

pretty close to local

Credit-a vague memory of this review, the brewery reputation and 15% my mixed case purchase last month
Style-agree with fuse
Stemware-standard pint glass (boring)
Appearance-light orange amber; a bit more foam than above
Nose-orangeade with a splash of pineapple
Mouthfeel-darn juicy
Tastes-orangeade first, then pineapple, then lemonade; mild to moderate bitterness
Adjuncts-wheat and oats
Hops-above; a wonderful combination
IBI-oh, probably high 40s
ABV-7.2%
Overall impression-agree with fuse again
Ymm, Beer rating-tough for an IPA to gain cat 3 entrance but this one enters easily; I'd buy this again and will continue to seek out CC products

[devildeac]

Hiding until Saturday's Virtual Pub:

Sun Hands-Haw River Farmhouse Ales

Local but still thousands of miles from Belgium

Credit-brewery reputation and 15% off
Style-Belgian style strong golden ale
Format-pint can
Brewing date-6 20 19 (stamped on neck of can; a bit older than I like but wasn't going to fondle the merchandise last month)
Stemware-Ommegang tulip
Appearance-light, yellow gold; moderate, fizzy and lacy head
Nose-sweet oranges
Mouthfeel-ticklish
Tastes-orange juice, honey, orange rind, floral, hints of banana and bubble gum
Adjuncts-wildflower honey
IBU-20ish
ABV-10%; sneaky
Overall impression-a wonderful local "copy" of a strong Belgian golden ale (think tripel here)
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; if fresh, this mighta been even better

[devildeac]

From 3/13/19:

Captain Boots (can't remember date and Mrs. dd recycled can today)-Casita Ceverceria

More nearby/local!

From Fountain, NC, population 425 (no typo ).

Easily one of the best brown ales I've ever had, including DFH Indian Brown Ale, Raison D'Etre, Raison D'Extra and Palo Santo Marron.

A vigorous pour from a very pretty 16 ounce can showed me a dark, dark brown elixir with a frothy, tan head. Enticing aromas of coffee (added), cinnamon (added) and milk chocolate (not added). Tastes more of the same with nutty and dark brown sugar overtones (Muscavado sugar added), herbal/earthy hops (unnamed) and a smooth, smooth mouthfeel (golden naked oats added). Can't find the IBU stats so I'll guess 30. ABV is 7.5% so it's technically an imperial brown ale. I think this was about $4 after my 15% mixed case discount last month. I'd certainly buy this again and if anyone in eastern/central NC sees it at their favorite specialty beer store, it should be purchased without hesitation.

From last PM:

Admiral Boots-Casita Cerveceria

Yep, still local with significant promotions/upgrades (Captain to Admiral and 7.5% to 11.5% )

Credit-a respectable memory and a 15% discount
Format-16 delightful ounces in a metal cylinder
Style-flavored imperial brown ale
Stemware-Stella snifter
Appearance-dark chestnut; fluffy, tan head
Nose ticklers-coffee, vanilla and cinnamon (all added)
Mouthfeel-seductive
Palate pleasers-coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, earthy hops, molasses and dark chocolate (last 2 not added)
Adjuncts-above plus orange zest which I honestly didn't perceive
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-11.5%; moderately boozy
Overall impression-even better than I remember Captain Boots; a superb beverage
Ymm, Beer rating-doesn't reach world class but this is a damned good cat 3 brew

[devildeac]

Pink Velvet-Lost Province Brewing Company

Credit-fuse; thanks for sharing/trading!!
Format-pint can with a great label
Style-fruited wheat ale
Drinking vessel-pint glass
Appearance-slightly cloudy, pinkish/yellowish/orangeish; one finger fizzy head
Mouthfeel-tickly
Tastes-raspberry (no beret); hints of orange; a bit of tartness
Adjuncts-raspberries (d'oh )
IBU-10
ABV-4.8%
Overall impression- very tasty porch pounder enjoyed on a cool and stormy night
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2; a well done raspberry wheat beer

[devildeac]

From last PM; sequestered review before the Belgian Virtual Pub:

Thistle (mini-growler)-Brewery Bhavana

Local? Damn right, but, it's a sour so it's Belgian styled and inspired

Credit-brewery reputation, theme for the pub and $10 for a mini growler, so less than $3.50 for a tulip of really good beer
Format-32 ounce swing top container divided over three nights
Style-mezcal barrel aged sour
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-light goldish yellow; thin, fizzy head
Nose-lemon/limeade; hint of agave/mezcal
Mouthfeel-bubbly
Tastes-lemon, lime, moderate tartness with a hint of smoke and tequila
IBU-likely <10
ABV-4.8%
Overall impression-an excellent sour that was not overpowered by the barrel aging
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; another high quality product from BB

[devildeac]

From last PM; sequestered review before the Belgian Virtual Pub:

Thistle (mini-growler)-Brewery Bhavana

Local? Damn right, but, it's a sour so it's Belgian styled and inspired

Credit-brewery reputation, theme for the pub and $10 for a mini growler, so less than $3.50 for a tulip of really good beer
Format-32 ounce swing top container divided over three nights
Style-mezcal barrel aged sour
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-light goldish yellow; thin, fizzy head
Nose-lemon/limeade; hint of agave/mezcal
Mouthfeel-bubbly
Tastes-lemon, lime, moderate tartness with a hint of smoke and tequila
IBU-likely <10
ABV-4.8%
Overall impression-an excellent sour that was not overpowered by the barrel aging
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; another high quality product from BB

From tonight's 10 or 11 ounce portion:

I perceive little difference on night #2 except perhaps a smidgen more sourness and tequila flavoring as I let it warm a bit more tonight. Still good carbonation and no oxidation or hints of spoilage.

[devildeac]

From last PM; sequestered review before the Belgian Virtual Pub:

Thistle (mini-growler)-Brewery Bhavana

Local? Damn right, but, it's a sour so it's Belgian styled and inspired

Credit-brewery reputation, theme for the pub and $10 for a mini growler, so less than $3.50 for a tulip of really good beer
Format-32 ounce swing top container divided over three nights
Style-mezcal barrel aged sour
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-light goldish yellow; thin, fizzy head
Nose-lemon/limeade; hint of agave/mezcal
Mouthfeel-bubbly
Tastes-lemon, lime, moderate tartness with a hint of smoke and tequila
IBU-likely <10
ABV-4.8%
Overall impression-an excellent sour that was not overpowered by the barrel aging
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; another high quality product from BB

From tonight's 10 or 11 ounce portion:

I perceive little difference on night #2 except perhaps a smidgen more sourness and tequila flavoring as I let it warm a bit more tonight. Still good carbonation and no oxidation or hints of spoilage.

Tonight's third and final edition:

My swing top mini growlers have served me well the last several weeks, allowing me to divide 32 ounces of draft beer over 2-3 nights, depending on work schedules, timing of purchases and %ABV on these offerings.

The last 10-11 ounces of Thistle was no exception with all characteristics/flavors still shining brightly, including lemon/lime, sour and some smoke and booze from the mezcal barrel-aging.

[devildeac]

Late entry-shoulda posted this yesterday:

Rodenbach Classic-Brewery Rodenbach (Palm NV-SA), Roeslare, Belgium

Don't even think local

Credit-Few extra bucks left on my credit limit and it was Belgian day in Virtual Pub
Style-Flanders Red Sour Ale; oak aged
Format-500 ml can (WTH? Did I actually buy a freaking *can* of Belgian beer?); $3 (no typo)
Stemware-large, red wine glass (sorry, I don't own any Rodenbach vessels )
Appearance-cloudy, ruby amber; frothy, yet lacy pinkish, off white head
Aromas-perfect scents for a sour, meaning mildly acidic, berries, vinegar
Mouthfeel-tart and puckery
Tastes-berries, cherries, oak, cider vinegar, tannins
Adjuncts-none
IBU-<10 (sour, not bitter)
ABV-5.2%
Overall impression-two words: world class
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; if you've never had this or any sour, go out this week, drop your $3 and get a can and sample a true Belgian creation

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Rodenbach Caractère Rouge-Brouwerij Rodenbach (Palm NV-SA), Roeselare, Belgium

Local? Kidding, amirite?

Credit-a Belgian theme and a whim
Style-fruited, oak foeder aged Flanders Red Ale (do I have your attention yet?)
Format-375 ml corked and caged foil wrapped entry in a plastic ensheathed bottle; shared 3 ways, but not equally divided
Stemware-small wine glasses
Appearance-carbonated cranraspberry juice; gorgeous, but small pink head (how about now?)
Nose-a berry salad, no lettuce, with a berry, vinaigrette dressing
Mouthfeel-seductive
Tastes-red berries and cherries, some more red berries and cherries, lemon/lime juice, cider vinegar, tannins, vinous
Adjuncts-(on the label) "fresh red fruits" (12%): cherries (5%), raspberries (3.5%) and cranberries (3.5%); (if I don't have your attention now...)
IBU-who cares?
ABV-7%
Overall impression-two words again: world class ("crowned the World's Best Fruit Beer at the 2016 World Beer Awards")
Ymm, Beer rating-cat 3.99; Mrs. dd and younger daughter each got about 1.5 oz to taste; Mrs. dd demanded more (and she hates beer except the 3 world class New Glarus fruited lambics) and said, "This is even better than Serendipity." Whoa!! Take the $7 change you get from your Hamilton after buying a pint can of Rodenbach Classic and treat yourself and your spouse or a dear friend to a bottle of this.

[devildeac]

I Love It When You Call Me Big Guava-Lost Province

Kinda local

Credit-fuse! thanks!!
Style-NEIPA
Format-half a quart can
Glassware-milkshake pint glass
Pour-somewhat thick; moderate, creamy head
Nose-guava and pineapple
Mouthfeel-juicy and pulpy
Tastes-big guava, indeed; pineapple, grapefruit; mild rind
Adjuncts-likely some big guavas
Hops-(from memory as the can was recycled yesterday); El Dorado, Citra, Centennial
IBU-24 (even low for a NEIPA)
ABV-6.9%
Overall impression-high quality; second guava milkshake IPA for me, IIRC; I *think* I prefer a berry shake instead but this was refreshing
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 2; looking forward to June's milkshake IPA Virtual Pub with killerleft hosting

[devildeac]

From last PM, a DNP-CD from Saturday's Belgian Virtual Pub:

Duchesse De Bourgogne-Brouwerij Verhaeghe

decidedly unlocal

Credit-a whim, a theme and a credit card
Style-Flanders Red Ale ("...a blend of 8 and 18 months old beers following the careful maturation in oak casks"
Format-330 ml bottle (about 300 ml for me and 30 ml for younger daughter, her choice)
Stemware-Allagash tulip
Looks-dark red/amber; smallish, lacy head
Scents-berry, cider vinegar
Mouthfeel-very, very pleasing
Tastes-sour cherries and raspberries (neither added), red wine, oak, tannins, hint of caramel)
Adjuncts-none
IBU-Pfffft
ABV-6%
Overall rating-if given a choice, I *might* choose this over the Rodenbach classic if it wasn't $4 more for the serving of this
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3 (beeradvocate #9 Flanders Red Ale; 94 points); it'd be worth a side-by-side with the Rodenbach

[devildeac]

Another DNP-CD from Saturday that I shared (sort of) with Mrs. dd and younger daughter last PM for dessert:

Duchesse Chocolate Cherry-Brouwerij Verhaeghe

still not local

Credit-same whim, same theme, same credit card
Style-oak aged, flavored Flanders Red Ale
Format-330 ml bottle (~270 ml for me and 30 ml each for my wife and our younger daughter)
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-a bit more ruby and less brown; small, lacy head
Nose-cherries, chocolate, berry/cider vinegar
Mouthfeel-a bit smoother/syrupy than the base version
Tastes-a fine chocolatier's milk chocolate covered cherry; a bit of vinegar
Adjuncts-"Traditional Duchesse de Bourgogne with Belgian cherries and chocolate essence added during the maturation process in oak casks (foeders). 20 kg of whole Belgian cherries are used in the production of each 100 liters of Chocolate Duchesse Cherry."
IBU-irrelevant
ABV-6.8%
Overall impression-ever so slightly "off" tastes, likely due to the chocolate (beeradvocate #25 Flanders Red Ale; 90 overall)
Ymm, Beer rating-still cat 3; a wonderful liquid dessert to share

[devildeac]

Hipster Juice-Lost Province Brewing Company

qualifies as local

Credit-fuse; thanks!!
Style-NEIPA
Serving cannister-1/2 quart
Cool stemware-Stella snifter (shout out to RJ199)
Good looks-pineapple juice; good head on its shoulders
Mouthfeel-cool; pulpy
Tastes-pineapple juice and core, mango, splash of OJ
Adjuncts-no beard, no long hair, no knit cap
Hops-Citra, El Dorado, Mosaic; double dry hopped
IBU-20; one of the lowest IBUs I've sipped, even with a NEIPA
ABV-6.6%
Overall impression-this was very juicy/tasty; true to the (relatively) new style
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; very happy fuse shared/traded a single

[devildeac]

From this evening:

Cherry Key Lime Sorcery (draft)-Bond Brothers Beer Company

Local? Damn right!

Credit-RJ199 treated me to this one; humble thanks!
Style-fruited sour
Serving size-10 ounce snifter
Appearance-"Pretty in Pink"
Nose-sour cherry limeade
Mouthfeel-mildly puckery
Tastes-would be fascinating to savor this combo in a pie (did someone say pie, Richard?); mild sour cherries and limes with a hint of sweetness
Adjuncts-SWAG here that this has cherries and limes of some sort in the mix
IBU-2; dos; zwei (really)
ABV-4.8%
Overall impression-another fine variant in this series
Ymm, Beer rating-I'm getting rather curmudgeonly about sours but I'm comfortable with a low level cat 3 here

[devildeac]

Look At This Graff!!! (draft)-Bond Brothers Brewing Company

Local. Again.

Credit-RJ199 was very generous this evening; many thanks again!!
Style-it's listed as an American Wild Ale () so why call it a graf/graff
Stemware-10 ounce snifter
Appearance-a hazy, session IPA yellow; small, fizzy head
Scents-fruity hops and apple juice
Mouthfeel-cidery and mildly bitter; a bit thin
Tastes-fresh pressed apple juice, pineapple
Adjuncts-well, if it's a cider, there's beer added, or, if it's a pale ale, there's cider added
IBU-25
ABV-7%
Overall impression-quite an interesting blend/hybrid beverage
Ymm, Beer rating-this earns a high cat 2 based on solid tastes of the 2 beverages "brewed" together and creativity; really glad to try something new/different

[devildeac]

Conceited Genius 2.0-Wise Man Brewing

Local for a couple Ymm, Beer regulars and close enough for me

Credit-RJ199, another Wise Man; many thanks!!
Style-NEIPA
Temporary residence-16 ounce alloy
Canned on-05/21/2020 16:03:26; I think I've had one fresher canned beer in all my years; fresherer is betterer
Stemware-Stella snifter, of course
Appearance-hazy Dole or DelMonte juices; foamy head
Aromas-was this stuff just squeezed?
Mouthfeel-somewhat thick and juicy
Tastes-pineapple, mango, tangerine, lemon and orange rind/juice/pulp
Hops-Citra and Motueka (dry hopped)
IBU-80 (somewhat surprising); a bit high for the style
ABV-6.1% (also a bit surprising); a bit low for the style
Overall impression-I've already picked my small nits with the IBU and ABV, otherwise, this is a fine example of the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; I've had juicier/thicker NEIPAs but this was a very, very pleasant nightcap and would readily buy again

[devildeac]

InterGalactic-Commonwealth Brewery

Not quite local but I get Nrrrrvous thinking about it

Credit-RJ199; thanks!!
Style-DIPA but can't decide more NE or west coast style; I'm leaning more NEDIPA
Stemware-Stella snifter
Appearance-slightly hazy; modest, foamy head; yellow orange
Mouthfeel-fruity; pithy
Aromas-grapefruit, pineapple, peach and mango
Tastes-see aromas; rindy/zesty bitterness
Hops-Galaxy, Comet, Hallertau Blanc (this probably imparts the white wine/grape notes RJ199 mentioned
IBU-might be 60
ABV-8.7%; doesn't feel like it, yet
Overall impression- I could drink 4 of these
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3, easy; doesn't quite reach the Veil or Burial plateau but this is an excellent IIPA; will look for more Commonwealth brews

[devildeac]

Sour to the People-Lost Province Brewing Company

Local when the above peep bought it

Credit-fuse; thanks!!
Style-sour NEIPA
Temporary residence-16 ounce can
Stemware-boring pint glass
Appearance-diluted pineapple juice; modest, foamy head
Mouthfeel-beer smoothie lite
Tastes-pineapple/orange juice cocktail (not quite 100% juicy); very mild pucker; some pineapple core and guava; not that sweet
IBU-12; I'm not sure I've ever had an IPA with IBUs that low unless it was a Veil IIPA claiming 0 IBU and, on that, I'll quickly call shenanigans
ABV-6.6%
Overall impression-perhaps a bit less enthusiastically received than fuse but still a very good beverage
Ymm, Beer rating-upper tier cat 2; crowded field; yada, yada; I'd have another and happily accept another delivery of some more Lost Province offerings

[devildeac]

Ok, anyone ever tasted/reviewed a beer from Estonia before?

Well, thanks to RJ199, here's my first:

Öö-Põhjala Brewing (I guess)

Local? Name: 24.gif
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Credit-RJ199 and his gal Stella, who he "shares" with Tripping William ()
Style-Baltic porter; a favorite of fuse
Format-11.2 ounces
Stemware-Stella snifter (there's *that* gal again)
Pour-"as dark as the Estonian winter nights" with a thin, tan head
Nostril ticklers-molasses, licorice, black walnuts
Mouthfeel-pretty smooth
Tastes-wet, black walnuts; licorice; charred, wet wood; molasses; black gravy?
Contents-barley (no, it really says that on their website)
IBU-(shrugs); maybe 40
ABV-10.5%; punches more like 13-14%
Overall impression-unusual beer, as expected; rather enjoyable in a strange, different tasty way
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; strangely enough, I liked this a fair amount and would buy other beers by this brewery who has some "strange brews"

https://shop.pohjalabeer.com/en/c/specials

C'mon, look at some of those names, with some ABV at 14-17%