Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

From Saturday PM:

Kentucky Bastard 2017-Nickel Brook Brewing Company

Ontario ain't local

Credit-younger son-in-law; thanks!!
Style-BBA imperial stout
Format-500 ml bottle, shared 3 ways
Stemware-we're close to wearing out our son's snifters
Appearance-dark chestnut brown, small, creamy mocha head
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-bourbon, dark chocolate (not added), molasses, char, burnt caramel, wood
Adjuncts-flaked wheat and Demarara sugar
IBU-80 (no way!)
ABV-11.9% (waaaaay dangerous)
Overall impression-quite the high quality/chance find
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; terrific blend of flavors, ingredients and aging; grab one if you ever see it!

[devildeac]

From Saturday PM:

Lil Nippert-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

local for the purchasing agent

Credit-son of devildeac; thanks!!
Style-flavored, BBA barleywine
Format-limited release, brewery only bomber; shared 3 ways
Bottled on-01/02/2020
Stemware-his snifters are getting mighty thin
Appearance-clear, almost porter brown; moderate, tan head
Nose-booze and java
Mouthfeel-a bit thin but a bit syrupy (sounds strange)
Tastes-oh, my word; coffee, bourbon, toffee, dark caramel, orange liqueur, pine, chocolate
Adjuncts-coffee
IBU-probably 60+ but doesn't feel it
ABV-11%; scary smooth
Overall impression-might be the best barleywine I've ever had (gonna search a bit); I guessed stout then porter when poured and got fooled completely by the style
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3; not brutally bitter like most barleywines; not cloying either as some get when they age a few years

[devildeac]

Last call from Saturday night:

Cellar Door #10-Brewery Bhavana

Yep, local

Credit-fuse from his 2018-19 Cellar Door membership extras purchases; thanks!!
Style-flavored BBA imperial stout
Format-750 ml, divided 3 ways
Stemware-last call for the snifters
Appearance-dark, dark mahogany; small, tan head
Mouthfeel-mildly viscous
Scents-espresso, dark chocolate, cinnamon and bourbon
Tastes-cinnamon starts, followed by coffee and cacao with a warming, bourbon finish; no flavor is overpowering
Adjuncts-cinnamon and coffee (no chocolate)
IBU-probably 50
ABV-11% warming but not "hot"
Overall impression-wonderful blend of all the grains and additives without really a dominant flavor; a cold chocolate boozeshake?
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; a wonderful finish to the evening with small slices of Mom's Classic cake from Delicious Bakery in Greensboro (triple layer yellow cake with gooey and thick, thick dark chocolate fudge icing on top and between layers)

[devildeac]

Until There Is No Longer-Burial Beer Company

Brewed in Asheville, bought in Winston-Salem so it qualifies

Credit-RJ199; excellent choice; I already had a 4 pack from last week and our son got 2 so now I have two remaining to sip or share ; thanks!!
Style-IPA
Serving size-16 ounces from a can
Stemware-back to boring pint glasses
Appearance-Dole fruit juice blend; moderate foam
Nose-a tropical fruit bouquet
Feelings-juicy
Tastes-a pineapple dominant smoothie with mango, orange and grapefruit in the supporting cast; pithy and rindy
Hops-Citra pellets and Citra cryo powder pellets
IBU-60ish
ABV-7.4%
Overall impression-oh, so good; really should be labeled a NEIPA
Ymm, Beer rating-easy 3 for me; might have to make regular trips to Burial downtown for their 4 packs on Thursdays when they're released

[devildeac]

From last PM for killerleft's Virtual Pub on Saturday

New Eyes-Wise Man Brewing

quite local

Credit-trader from RJ199; thanks!!
Style-(milkshake) fruited Berliner Weisse
Format-pint sized can
Stemware-large Ommegang tulip
Appearance-a gorgeous reddish purple with a skinny pin head
Aromas-berries and lemon juice
Mouthfeel-mild pucker
Tastes-berries, lemons, skim milk (might be a stretch there); not quite thick enough to be a smoothie
Adjuncts-boysenberries, black currants and lactose (Ha! there's the milkshake part)
IBU-7
ABV-5.1%
Overall impression-well executed blend; hey, milkshakes have fruit and lactose but the vanilla is missing here
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; so well done; nicely paired with a BBQ/fried chicken salad

[devildeac]

Gonna try and slip this one into the Virtual Pub on Saturday:

Cherry Ice Cream Smile-New Anthem Beer Project

A bit less local than New Eyes by a few miles

Credit-my Visa and a nice discount
Style-(milkshake) fruited Berliner Weisse, unfiltered
Format-$10 mini growler, divided over two nights
Stemware-small Golden Carolus chalice
Appearance-another lovely beer; raspberry colored; small pink head; mildly cloudy
Nose-sour cherries; ice cream (no, it really has nothing to do with the power of suggestion )
Mouthfeel-very mild pucker
Tastes-a cherry vanilla ice cream soda
Adjuncts-Montmorency cherries and vanilla
IBU-less than 10
ABV-6.3%; that's imperial Berliner Weisse territory
Overall impression- could have sipped the entire 32 ounces last PM but wanted to taste it again on day 2
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; might have liked this even better than New Eyes; not an IPA but a worthy entrant for Saturday with the cherry vanilla theme

[devildeac]

Gonna try and slip this one into the Virtual Pub on Saturday:

Cherry Ice Cream Smile-New Anthem Beer Project

A bit less local than New Eyes by a few miles

Credit-my Visa and a nice discount
Style-(milkshake) fruited Berliner Weisse, unfiltered
Format-$10 mini growler, divided over two nights
Stemware-small Golden Carolus chalice
Appearance-another lovely beer; raspberry colored; small pink head; mildly cloudy
Nose-sour cherries; ice cream (no, it really has nothing to do with the power of suggestion )
Mouthfeel-very mild pucker
Tastes-a cherry vanilla ice cream soda
Adjuncts-Montmorency cherries and vanilla
IBU-less than 10
ABV-6.3%; that's imperial Berliner Weisse territory
Overall impression- could have sipped the entire 32 ounces last PM but wanted to taste it again on day 2
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; might have liked this even better than New Eyes; not an IPA but a worthy entrant for Saturday with the cherry vanilla theme

Night #2 from a mini-growler:

Cherry Ice Cream Smile-New Anthem Beer Project

There was a bit less carbonation tonight in my two 8 ounce pours but the cherry-vanilla ice cream soda flavors were still prominent. Must have been pretty good as Mrs. dd asked for sips last PM and again tonight but still politely declined a larger aliquot tonight, too as it is a bit sour.

[devildeac]

From last PM, an early brew for killerleft's Virtual Pub on Saturday:

Iced Latte IPA-Casita Cerveceria and Siren Craft Brew collaboration

About halfway local, I think

Credit-RJ199 traded this session before last; many thanks!!
Style-sounds like a milkshake IPA to me
Format-pint can
Stemware-Stella snifter
Appearance-hazy amber orange; moderate tan head
Scents-coffee, vanilla, orange
Mouthfeel-pinch of bitter
Tastes-cognitive dissonance; coffee, pineapple, orange rind; who put that tropical fruit juice juice in my java?
Hops-Mosaic, Columbus and Cashmere
Grains-Marris Otter (UK, I think), malted oats, flaked oats
Adjuncts-lactose, vanilla and coffee
IBU-perhaps 40?
ABV-7%
Overall impression-an unusual combination of the above ingredients that is well executed and paired well with some triple chocolate cake
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; innovation, uniqueness, pairing; an orange pineapple coffee shake; might not be for everyone but I really enjoyed

[devildeac]

From 8/29/18:

Creeper (5/31/18 printed on bottom of can)-Columbus Brewing Company

Bought local. Delivered for consumption at a distance.

Another trader from devildeac2 earlier this month, this one a 12 ounce can.

Pour was a hazy, peachy-yellow with a modest creamy head. Fairly balanced bouquet wafting from my standard pint glass that evoked thoughts of a tropical, citrusy juice with some oily resin. Tastes also fairly matched with grapefruit, peach, pine and zest with an almost oily, chewy mouthfeel, even though it was not as fresh as I would have liked, guessing our son bought this shortly after its release in June at my request and "cellared" it until delivery about 3 weeks ago. I'd have never guessed IBUs at 100 from "an evolving blend of American hops" () but the bitterness was prominent. I'd have also not wagered the ABV at 10% until about 30 minutes after sipping this IIPA (that some folks call a triple IPA). I think this would have been an outstanding DIPA if consumed 30-60 days earlier (consumer error) but I still think was quite good. Good enough to garner this award:

"Gold Medal, Imperial India Pale Ale, Great American Beer Festival® 2014"

I have 3 remaining for sharing/trading.

From last PM:

Creeper-Columbus Brewing Company

Local for him who purchased it

Credit-our wise beyond his years son, taking after his mother, of course; a trader from last weekend; thanks!!
Format-12 ounce bottle (WTH? back in bottles again)
Bottling date-040820 1254 (fresher than my 2018 tasting)
Style-DIPA (some references to it being a TIPA)
Stemware-large snifter
Good looks-peachy; foamy
Nose ticklers-peach, cantaloupe, tangerine, resin, dank
How'd it feel-rather bitter, but not unpleasant (see below)
How'd it taste-tangerine, peach, melons, pine, honey (not added) and lots of rind
Hops-"...an ever evolving blend of American hops..."
IBU-100 (no typo); bordered on bracingly bitter
ABV-10%; countered the IBU quite nicely; still dangerous
Overall impression-a well balanced west coast style IIPA; strong, bitter, citrusy
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; would like to side by side this (shared with another person, of course ) with DFH 90 Minute at 90 IBU/9% ABV and still a favorite of mine

[devildeac]

Blood Orange Milkshake IPA-Gizmo Brew Works

Local? Yep!

Shelter
In
Place
Series

Credit-a keen eye, blind luck availability and today's Virtual Pub featured beverage
Style-really?
Format-pint can
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-hazy amber orange; modest off white head
Aromas-a Creamsicle?
Mouthfeel-yep, it's juicy and a bit milky
Tastes-a beer-mosa smoothie maybe; some pineapple OJ and rind
Grains-Pale Malt, Marris Otter Malt, wheat, Crystal 20, flaked oats
Hops-Citra and Azzacca; a wonderful combo
Adjuncts-Lactose and blood orange
IBU-65; a bit surprising as I'd have guessed around 40
ABV-8%; technically, a milkshake DIPA
Overall impression-a delightful beverage to sip during Virtual Pub and before dinner
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; well concocted and flavorful without excess sweetness

[devildeac]

Peanut Butter Shake-Westbrook Brewing Company

Not local unless you're mattman prowling around upstate SC

Credit-killerleft's theme and my keen powers of observation
Style-(d'oh!)
Format-pint can
Stemware-snifter of what was left after my beer float
Appearance-tan pineapple juice ; modest head (less head when there's no ice cream in one's glass )
Aromas-peanut butter and pineapple (no, I haven't lost my sense of smell or taste)
Mouthfeel-juicy; didn't stick to the roof of my mouth; no chunks!
Tastes-hmm, Peter Pan or Skippy; mild citrusy bitterness
Adjuncts-lactose, vanilla and, to no one's astonishment, peanut butter
IBU-WAG of 50
ABV-7%
Overall impression-truly an interesting creation; I can only imagine the mess it is trying to integrate peanuts/peanut butter in the brewing process
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; worth a can, not a 4 pack; a fun, novelty beer, kinda like Catawba's Peanut Butter Jelly Time

[devildeac]

A couple from last PM because tonight is "dry."

Bloodline-Flying Dog Brewery

Not. Local.

Credit-our part time nurse in her birthday package for me last week (to be clear, she's a classmate of my wife's and my wife gets a few more gifts than me); thanks!
Style-flavored ale (probably an IPA)
Format-12 ounce bottle
Enjoy by: 03.25.20 (uh-oh)
Drinking vessel-pint glass
Appearance-clear orange amber; moderate head
Nose-orange PineSol?
Mouthfeel-moderate bitterness
Tastes-orange soap; pine and resin
Adjuncts-"blood orange puree and natural flavorings"
IBU-probably 60
ABV-7%
Overall impression-not "turned" but not fresh either; wouldn't bring one home unless fresh
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 1; not *quite* a drain pour; funny/sadly, I've liked some of the traders August West gave me in 2018 or 2019

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Two Hearted Ale-Bell's Brewery

Far from local

Credit-our part time nurse again; thanks!
Style-American IPA
Format-pint can (new for this brew)
Freshness-29031 PKGD 14:00 04/16/20 087602
Shelf life-6 months
Glassware-another boring pint glass
Appearance-yellow bronze; moderate, foamy head
Nose-pine, resin, citrus
Mouthfeel-moderate bitterness
Tastes-orange rind, pine, resin, grapefruit
Hops-Centennial (I've never seen that revealed before by Bell's)
IBU-go with 60 again
ABV-7%
Overall impression-sometime between 2017 and last year, I must have "soured" on American IPAs; still good and still a national "standard" but less so for me now
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 2; still recommended and wouldn't turn one down (obviously )

[devildeac]

A few reviews behind; let's start with one from Tuesday night:

Old Fashioned-Anderson Valley Brewing Company

California ain't local here

Credit-beer #4 from my mixed 6er last week, courtesy of our part time office nurse; thanks!!
Style-BBA and flavored brown ale
Format-3/4 pint aluminum holder
Stemware-why, an old fashioned glass, of course
Good looks-yep; cloudy and dark brown with a tan head
Mouthfeel-smooth
Tastes-orange slice and rind; cherry; dark, dried fruits, brown sugar; mild warming bourbon at the end
Hops-Hersbrucker, Chinook
Malts: Pale Two-Row, Crystal (80L), Oats, Midnight Wheat, Munich, Rice Hulls (WTH?)
Adjuncts: Orange Peel, Cherry Puree, Aromatic Bitters
IBU-45
ABV-8.3%; this makes it an imperial brown ale
Overall impression-well conceived and executed; I still must take our younger son-in-law up on his "I can make a better Old Fashioned" offer
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; would buy for myself and/or recommend to folks who like the combination of flavors above

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Ella-Brewery Bhavana

Very local!

Credit-keen eyes on Bottle Rev's tap list yesterday as a featured brewery with a $10 mini growler
Style-farmhouse ale, aka a saison
Format-32 ounce growler divided over 2 nights
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalice
Appearance-pear nectar; modest, off white head
Nose-mildly tart/sour apples and not quite ripe pears
Mouthfeel-fruity with a slight bite
Tastes-apples and pears as above with a small splash of OJ and hints of peach with a black peppery/Belgian yeasty finish
IBU-maybe 20
ABV-4.7%
Overall impression-their rep has likely taken a hit but their beers remain excellent
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; paired nicely with a grilled chicken club sammich last PM and a small kale salad

[devildeac]

Covert Reality-Jackie O's Brewery

Local when bought and traded.

Credit-son of devildeac; thanks!!
Style-hazy DIPA/NEIIPA
Format-12 ounce can
Freshness stuff-Canned X 06-02-20 08:41 (fresh, indeed!)
Drinking vessel-snifter
Appearance-hazy tropical juice blend
Scents-exactly as fuse posted
Mouthfeel-juicy
Tastes-maybe a splash of peach and melon in addition to what fuse thought
Hops-Azacca, Citra and Simcoe (wonderful hops individually, even better in this combo)
IBU-gotta be 60+
ABV-8.5% (wait, is this a tropical fruit juice, beer or a grain alcohol smoothie?)
Overall impression-not only does Jackie O's release great barrel aged high ABV stuff, I'm quickly impressed by this offering
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; maybe not in the Veil/Burial league but pretty damned close; happy to have one left which I'll savor; great pick up by our son

[devildeac]

The Brightly Lit Trail of the Dead-Burial Beer Company

About 9 miles from really, really local

Credit-reputation, availability, needed some traders and not yet at credit limit
Style-DIPA (NEDIPA?)
Format-pint can
Freshness stuff-buncha smudges
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-pineapple guava opaque is an understatement; modest, creamy head
Nose-guava and pineapple
Mouthfeel-on the fruity and bitter side
Tastes-guava, pineapple juice and core (just a bit), melon, peach and maybe a squeeze of grapefruit
Hops-double dry-hopped with Citra, Galaxy, Vic Secret, Nelson Sauvin, and Simcoe Cryo (from Untapped)
IBU-SWAG of about 60
ABV-8.5% (beer smoothie!! )
Overall impression-another "touch 'em all" from Burial; in the Veil league
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; I took off a point or two as I "expected" a bit sweeter; still, highly recommended

[devildeac]

Until There Is No Longer-Burial Beer Company

Asheville brewed, Raleigh bought. I'll take local for $200 here.

Credit-RJ199 sneaks one into a 4 pack carrier; thanks!!
Style-IPA
Format-pint can
Freshness metrics-no data
Stemware-Hardywood GBS Teku glass
Good looks-yep, pineapple yellow and hazy as a Sahara dust cloud; moderate foam
Nose-C'mon, y'all canned pineapple grapefruit juice, didn't you?
Mouthfeel-pithy and rindy
Tastes-finely blended/pureed grapefruit juice/rind/pith; splashes of pineapple sunshine and OJ
Hops-Citra pellets and Citra Cryo powder pellets (I really have little to no idea WTH that means )
IBU-probably 60
ABV-7.4%
Overall impression-RJ's can was better than mine (); this was a seriously good IPA, as expected
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; delighted I have one more can; will keep looking at Burial's releases every Thursday and buy others when my shelves are a bit clearer

[devildeac]

Parabola (2019)-Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Paso Robles is not local

Credit-our son; Mama done a good job raising him; thanks!!
Style-BBA imperial stout
Format-12 ounce bottle, shared
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-20W50; no head
Nose-dark chocolate and bourbon
Mouthfeel-viscous
Tastes-Oh. My. dark chocolate, molasses, dark fruits, vanilla, wood, char and bourbon, lovely, lovely bourbon
Yeast-British ale
SRM-150 (the Standard Reference Method scale goes to 40)
IBU-60
ABV-13% and drinks/feels every bit of it; boozy but not overpowering
Overall impression-outstanding creation that was even more flavorful as the last molecules were licked from our glasses
Ymm, Beer rating-cat 3.99; world class BBA RIS; buy one, buy several!!

[devildeac]

High Clouds and Haze-Wise Man Brewing

Local bought, semi-local delivered; "Get Wise"

Credit-RJ199; thanks!!
Style-NEIPA
What it's in-16 ounce can
Consumed from-snifter
What it looks like-pineapple OJ; moderate head
And the aromas-OJ, pineapple, melon, tangerine
What it feels like-juicy
And the tastes-tangerine, cantaloupe, pineapple and orange with a hint of rindiness
Name those hops-Loral, Citra and Sabro
IBU-62; I'd have guessed 40-50
ABV-6.3%
Overall impression-another RJ199/Stella/Wise Man winner
Ymm, Beer rating-just shy of cat 3; getting more crowded in that NEIPA postal zone; would be happy to sip again