Ymm, Beer!

[mattman91]

Radar Brewing - Cipher

Norwegian Farmhouse Ale (what the fuck?)

5.9%

Having on tap at the brewery. Pretty hazy, not much on the nose. Typical farmhouse ale aroma, very slight funkiness. Unripened pineapple. A little earthy and finishes pretty dry. A very enjoyable beer, highest of Cat 2, knocking on the door of Cat 3.

Radar is trying really hard to be the 2nd best brewery in Camel City. If anything, they are a 2 minute walk to #1

This beer is for Richardjackson199

[fuse]

Currently riding Satan’s Pony.

Yee Hah!

[devildeac]

From last PM, National Stout Day

Port Barrel Dire Wolf-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Local for the delivery son.

Credit-trader or Christmas gift from our son; thanks!!
Style-imperial stout with a long tawny porto nap
Format-bomber (half yesterday, half tonight)
Dating-packaged on Jan/24/2019 (whoa!)
Stemware-large snifter
Appearance-dark brown/ruby; moderate light tan, pinkish head
Nose-dark chocolate and port
Mouthfeel-slippery
Tastes-dark chocolate, port, cherry jam, hint of espresso (not added), wet wood, tannins
Adjuncts-none listed
IBU-probably 50
ABV-10.4% (port lite? )
Overall impression-amazing beverage
Ymm, Beer rating-near the head of the class cat 3; looking forward to several other Dire Wolf variants from early 2020 (pre-COVID) this fall/winter

[devildeac]

Radar Brewing - Cipher

Norwegian Farmhouse Ale (what the fuck?)

5.9%

Having on tap at the brewery. Pretty hazy, not much on the nose. Typical farmhouse ale aroma, very slight funkiness. Unripened pineapple. A little earthy and finishes pretty dry. A very enjoyable beer, highest of Cat 2, knocking on the door of Cat 3.

Radar is trying really hard to be the 2nd best brewery in Camel City. If anything, they are a 2 minute walk to #1

This beer is for Richardjackson199

A Finnish farmhouse ale (from OY on 3/22/20)

Shaggy Blue Rug-Haw River Farmhouse Ales and a fun little collaboration with our buds at Wise Man Brewing

Two locals=double credit!!

Credit-Tripping William; wonderful selection; many, many thanks
Style-"Finnish style 'c*rolina' sahti; Nordic farmhouse ale (see yesterday's link to read about what a sahti is)
Format-half quart alloy container
Appearance-murky iced tea; moderate and thick off white head
Nose-sweet tea and a Belgian dubbel
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-oh, my; half sweet/unsweet tea, raisins, dates, figs, brown sugar, gin/juniper; wood (not barrel aged), earth/dirt (a strange compliment)
Adjuncts-juniper x3: smoked malt, water, berries and branches
IBU-18
ABV-7.8%
Overall impression-very intriguing and highly successful endeavor; quite flavorful, perhaps a "cocktail" of a Belgian dubbel, southern tea and a splash of gin
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3; I'm very open to beer adventures/challenges and this one was quite a gem

[Nrrrrvous]

Mrs Nrrrrvous and the kids have had their s’mores and gone inside. It’s just me, the campfire, a million stars and a St. Bernardus abt 12. Mmmm.

[OPK]

Mrs Nrrrrvous and the kids have had their s’mores and gone inside. It’s just me, the campfire, a million stars and a St. Bernardus abt 12. Mmmm.

Enjoy the wonderful evening, my friend. Sounds wonderful.

[devildeac]

Mrs Nrrrrvous and the kids have had their s’mores and gone inside. It’s just me, the campfire, a million stars and a St. Bernardus abt 12. Mmmm.

When you mentioned s'mores, I was going to mention some "s'mores" beers, but you covered adult dessert with your Abt 12.

[devildeac]

From last PM:

This Is A Movement Not A Moment-Trophy Brewing Company

Coming to you from Raleigh...

Credit-three went to RVA, one stayed home with me
Style-hazy IPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-plain pint glass
Appearance-pale straw, moderate foam; coulda used more haze
Nose-light grapefruit and orange
Mouthfeel-pleasant citrus
Tastes-mild grapefruit, orange, some melon and hints of zestiness
IBU-40?
ABV-6.2%
Overall impression-above average; good pairing with some mild/non-spicy Chinese leftovers
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 2; no distinguishing tastes/flavors/features but still very sippable

[devildeac]

Tropical Shirts-Wise Man Brewing

Because it was about 75 degrees today and this "attire" was comfortable.

In the 336? Close enough for me!

Credit-three were traded and the 4th was mine!
Style-fruited Berliner Weisse
Format-half quart can
Stemware-boring pint glass
Appearance-reddish purple; rapidly disappearing, fizzy head
Nose-berries
Mouthfeel-a bit sweet and a bit tart; hmm, time for more candy talk?
Tastes-raspberry, blackberry and lemon; a mixed berry SweeTart?
Adjuncts-blackberry and raspberry
IBU-7
ABV-4.2%
Overall impression-high quality product here; paired nicely with a strange dinner combo of stuffed salmon, leftover stir fry veggies and roasted potatoes
Ymm, Beer rating-easy cat 3, lower tier; Mrs. dd even took a couple sips and didn't make bitter/sour beer face

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Rum Barrel Pumpkin (2019?)-Hardywood Park Craft Ales

It was local when bought.

Credit-accfanfrom1970; thanks!!
Style-flavored, barrel aged farmhouse ale
Format-corked and caged 750 ml bottle divided over two nights
Stemware-Hardywood teku
Appearance-cloudy amber; two finger off white head
Nose-brown sugar
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-rum, pumpkin, a buncha spices, more rum, brown sugar, caramel apples and pears
Adjuncts-"spices" and pumpkin
IBU-21
ABV-12.3% (dangerous)
Overall impression-another top notch Hardywood selection
Ymm, Beer rating-low to mid cat 3; I'd drink this every fall

[LegoBatman]

Underground Mountain Brown
Founders
Imperial Brown Ale Brewed with Coffee and Aged in Bourbon Barrels
ABV: 11.9%
IBUs: 30

"Underground Mountain Brown is the harmonious drinking experience only achieved when our imperial brown ale, earthy Sumatra coffee and a year aging in caves below Grand Rapids come together. A team of malts complement the bold Sumatra coffee perfectly, while time spent immersed in oak creates layers of depth and complexity. A celebration of the barrel, the bean and everything in between."

This is the #1 American Brown Ale on BeerAdvocate. I haven't had too many others to compare with, but this was very good. Aroma of coffee and bourbon. Tastes of coffee with a bourbon finish. I knew it was high ABV going in, so made sure to spread it out over an hour. Cat 3. Definitely worth picking up if you come across it.

[fuse]

Underground Mountain Brown
Founders
Imperial Brown Ale Brewed with Coffee and Aged in Bourbon Barrels
ABV: 11.9%
IBUs: 30

"Underground Mountain Brown is the harmonious drinking experience only achieved when our imperial brown ale, earthy Sumatra coffee and a year aging in caves below Grand Rapids come together. A team of malts complement the bold Sumatra coffee perfectly, while time spent immersed in oak creates layers of depth and complexity. A celebration of the barrel, the bean and everything in between."

This is the #1 American Brown Ale on BeerAdvocate. I haven't had too many others to compare with, but this was very good. Aroma of coffee and bourbon. Tastes of coffee with a bourbon finish. I knew it was high ABV going in, so made sure to spread it out over an hour. Cat 3. Definitely worth picking up if you come across it.

Founders does brew good beer, this one reads like I need to go find some.

[devildeac]

Friendly Advice (draft)-Casita Brewing Company (fka Casita Cerveceria)

Even closer to local now.

Credit-a treat from a device rep; always appreciated!!
Style-DIPA
Cupware-half pint plastic beer holder
Appearance-not quite as hazy as Shade but still a pretty, juicy pineapple yellow with a smallish head
Nose-tropical fruit salad
Mouthfeel-juicy, pithy
Tastes-pineapple, grapefruit, mango and some rind and mustiness
Grains-Maris Otter and flaked rye
Hops-Simcoe and Mosaic ("over and over")
IBU-probably 60
ABV-7.8%
Overall impression-solid pairing with that same New Yorker pizza
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; nothing stands out but very well conceived

[devildeac]

From 1/6/20:

Something So Sincere 2019-Casita Ceverceria

Might qualify as local.

Credit-another 4 pack Christmas gift from older daughter and her husband; thanks!
Format-half quart can
Style-quadruple chocolate imperial milk stout
Stemware-snifter, of course
Freshness-canned on 10/29/2019 10:10 L4
Appearance-20W50; moderate, foamy, cocoa-like head
Nose-maybe chocolate?
Mouthfeel-bordering on gooey
Tastes-if there were any more chocolates in here, it'd be a Southern Tier beer () or a pan of Grandma's fudge
Grains-chocolate malts; flaked oats
Adjuncts-lactose, cocoa powder, 90% dark chocolate bars and cocoa nibs
IBU-maybe 40?
ABV-10.5%; IOW, alcoholic fudge
Overall impression-I'm really, really sorry I missed the 2018 version, their 3rd anniversary brewing
Ymm, Beer rating-solid cat 3; worth seeking out; decadent; beer dessert

From last PM:

Something So Sincere 2020 (draft)-Casita Brewing Company (5th anniversary creation, I think)

Even more local than 2019 (they relocated from Farmville, NC to Wilson, NC about 2 months ago).

Credit-device rep's credit card and still present on the Bottle Rev tap list
Format-^^^^
Style-flavored imperial stout
Beer holder-half pint plastic cup
Appearance-a dark and not quite stormy night; thin beige head
Aromas-dark chocolate, molasses and spices
Mouthfeel-smooth, almost fudgy
Tastes-dark, dark chocolate, black strap molasses, cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla
Adjuncts-cocoa nibs, cinnamon, vanilla and sea salt (I missed this on the palate); gotta be some oats in the grain bill
IBU-maybe 50
ABV-11% (I could get real silly drinking a couple of these)
Overall impression-simply outstanding
Ymm, Beer rating-middle shelf cat 3; I'll buy a 4 pack of these if I see one this month or in December

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Mulling Spices Port Barrel Magellan-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Local for the purchasing agent.

Credit-our son traded this very limited, brewery only release pre-COVID; thanks!!
Style-very fancy imperial stout
Format-8 ounce bottle (no, really, it's a half pint glass container); wasn't cheap at about $9/bottle
Packaged on-01/31/20
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark, dark brown with hints of burgundy; small, tan head
Mouthfeel-velvety
Tastes-sooooo complex with port to start then, dark caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, dark chocolate (not added) and vanilla
Adjuncts-maple syrup, Vietnamese cinnamon, Madagascar vanilla, (hint of), allspice, orange peel (didn't taste this) and nutmeg
IBU-probably 50
ABV-13% (oughtta be illegal )
Overall impression-an amazingly complex beer without an overpowering element; almost a different taste every sip over the 60 minute consumption time
Ymm, Beer rating-upper tier cat 3; my second bottle *might* make it to a 2021 tailgate but might be shared with family before then

[Nrrrrvous]

It's been a rough week. Haven't been able to get to Tripping Wine or Total William or anywhere else. Hopeful for today/tomorrow.

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Bourbon Barrel Coffee Vanilla Dire Wolf-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Local when our son bought and traded it early this year.

Credit-same son; thanks!!
Style-^^^^
Format-bomber, divided over two nights
Packaged on-Jan/30/2020
Stemware-my cute (not that little) Hardywood 2018 GBS tumbler
Appearance-darker than brown; small, mocha head
Nose-booze, chocolate and coffee
Mouthfeel-lubricious (the second definition )
Tastes-semisweet chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, oak, heavily toasted coconut, dark caramel, lotsa coffee and more bourbon
Adjuncts-vanilla and coffee
Bourbon brand-Watershed
IBU-probably 50
ABV-10.8% but punches a higher floor
Overall impression-an amazing blend of flavors
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; another field with many competitors; would order again (and again and...)

[fuse]

I am feeling pretty Ardent about enjoying a Honey Ginger right now.

I’m running out of VA beers (and beer in general).

Excited about December reinforcements from Hardywood!

[devildeac]

Ol' Rugger (2019)-Zaftig Brewing Company

Local for the purchasing agent late last year.

Credit-son; thanks!!
Style-BBA imperial stout
Format-12 ounce bottle divided over 2 nights (see below)
Stemware-mini snifter
Appearance-thick and almost gooey
Nose-dark chocolate fudge swirled with bourbon
Mouthfeel-20W50
Tastes-dark chocolate fudge, bourbon, burnt caramel, more fudge and bourbon, black strap molasses
IBU-50 sounds about right
ABV-16% (hence, the two nights/two servings)
Overall impression-a stunning (and numbing ) creation; not cheap either
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; I've got another coming (might be a variant) next weekend so will "hide" and report back in late 2021

[fuse]

Isley Brewing Company
Choosy Mother Peanut Butter Porter

Gosh, do I enjoy a reeses peanut butter cup.
Sweet Baby Jesus by DuClaw is the benchmark.

Super peanut butter nose.

A thin layer of fudge gives way to a bit of sour(?) peanut butter.

Intriguing. Grabbed a couple pita chips to insure palate fatigue not a factor.

Almost like a chocolate peanut butter and jelly- there is some sour cherry interwoven somehow.

Would make an interesting competitor to SBJ in a side by side comparison.

Skol!