Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Victory beer from last PM:

(no, not Victory Brewing)

Shade of Lies-Incendiary Brewing Company

Local for the beer mule.

Credit-RJ199; mucho, mucho thanks!!
Style-flavored imperial stout
Format-half a quart; aluminum
Stemware-why, a Stella snifter, of course
Appearance-darn close to onyx with a creamy, mocha head
Nose-java and maple syrup
Mouthfeel-chewy yet smooth and slippery
Tastes-espresso, maple syrup, semisweet chocolate, molasses, dark fruits and coconut
Adjuncts-maple, coffee and toasted coconut
Grains-2 Row, roasted barley, chocolate malt, Crystal 80l black malt and flaked oats
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-11.3% (darn near lethal)
Overall impression-a fantastic product
Ymm, Beer rating-mid shelf cat 3; there are a lot on the top shelf and this falls very slightly short; thrilled to have 3 more for sharing/trading

[devildeac]

Soft Serv-South Street Brewery

Local? Check with the poster who bought/traded it

Credit-Nrrrrvous; a delicious and refreshing thank you!!
Style-BBA ice cream/milkshake porter
Format-old fashioned 12 ounce bottle
Stemware-Hardywood 2018 GBS tumbler (alternatively, I coulda slurped this from an ice cream bowl )
Appearance-clean dark brown; small, tan head
Aromas-vanilla and baker's cocoa
Mouthfeel-cold, wet, sweet
Tastes-milk chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, dark caramel and vanilla
Lupulin species-Simcoe
Grains/Malts-Pilsner, mild ale, flaked oats, Cara 8, Carafa Spezial II
Adjuncts-lactose, Madagascar vanilla beans, Ghanian cacao nibs
Yeast-Scottish ale
Other-"Description Cred Six 3"
IBU-20
ABV-9.05% (tasted more like 9.1% to me )
Overall impression-chocolate/vanilla ice cream in beer form; quite tasty
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2, sniffing at low cat 3; based on creativity and execution

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Never Calm3 Xtreme-The Veil Brewing

Local for the mule/s.

Credit-I'm not sure on this one as it could be one of the RVA mules or even RJ199 who brought back a mixed 4 pack last weekend; thanks to whomever/all!!
Style-fruited gose, though Veil could put damn near anything on their label and it'd be excellent to world class
Format-pint can
Sipping vessel-Hardywood teku
Appearance-smoothie with a surprising no head that became an "oh, crap" moment when it foamed up from the bottom and overflowed a bit
Aromas-tropical fruit shake
Mouthfeel-freshly squeezed tropical fruit juice, maybe thicker
Tastes-boatloads of passion fruit with a hint of pineapple and maybe some mango and papaya (neither added)
Adjuncts-(triple) passion fruit and pineapple
IBU-NA; this is not beer
ABV-7%
Overall impression-outstanding
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; I like berries better but my word, this was deeee-licious

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Black Bugatti-The Veil Brewing

The delivery service called it local.

Credit-Nrrrrvous; thanks!!
Style-triple black IPA
Temporary holding facility-16 ounce can
Stemware-Hardywood teku (yep, boring but I only have one)
Appearance-darn near black; foamy/creamy tan head
Nose-burnt grains and citrus
Mouthfeel-a very roasty bitterness
Tastes-unusual, meaning grilled and slightly burnt, dark caramel and chocolate coffee dipped, jellied grapefruit and orange slices; hints of resin and anise
Adjuncts-{shrugs}
IBU-gotta be at least 60
ABV-11%
Overall impression-not gonna be my favorite Veil beer and it was challenging but ended up really enjoying it
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; if you handed me a glass of this, I might have thought baltic porter or dark Cascadian ale; would pair well with a venison tenderloin...

[devildeac]

As (almost) always, I'm a day (or more) late and several ABV short:

The Motive-The Veil Brewing

Local for the RVA gang.

Credit-accfan and/or RJ199 and/or Nrrrrvous for buying and/or delivering and the beergoddess for safe travels; thanks to all!!
Style-sour, fruited double milkshake IPA
Format-tall boy can
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-a pineapple/orange smoothie with a moderate, upside down head caught just in time before overflowing my glass
Nose-a tropical and citrus fruit salad delight
Mouthfeel-Dole or DelMonte
Tastes-pineapple, peach, orange, vanilla, lemon/lime, mango, papaya (did I miss any?)
Hops-Citra (yay!) and El Dorado
Adjunct grains-raw wheat, flaked oats
Other major players-pineapple, mango, peach, vanilla and lactose
IBU-doesn't matter; not a beer
ABV-8% (again, a booze/beer smoothie/shake)
Overall impression-when my wife asks for a second gulp, it's a fantastic beer ("it's not sour or bitter!")
Ymm, Beer rating-solid, mid level cat 3; sooooo happy to have a second can to share/trade with family this week or next

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Shibuya Sundae Tastee-The Veil Brewing

Someone will claim it's local.

Credit-accfan, I think; thanks!!
Style-smoothie style, fruited sour ale (aka another Veil creation)
Format-pint can (inverted but not rickrolled 30 minutes prepouring)
Stemware-Hardywood teku
Appearance-tropical smoothie
Nose-berries and stone fruit
Mouthfeel-pulpy
Tastes-the strawberry and peach were relatively easy; my wife tried gaslighting me guessing "grapefruit," really; I'd have never guessed persimmon and yuzu
Adjuncts-^^^^; toasted black sesame seeds and milk sugar
IBU-doesn't matter but probably <10
ABV-doesn't matter, either as "it's not beer" but the almost unreadable pink on pink tiny font claims 5.5%
Overall impression-another strange yet very delicious Veil concoction; paired quite nicely with grilled salmon, kale salad and sauteéd spinach
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 as the fruited, sour gose/NEDIPA/milkshake/"not beer" category is getting crowded

[devildeac]

Ho, ho, ho!

From last PM:

First Frost-Fullsteam Brewery

Still local!

Credit-I needed some Christmas /winter beers and remembered this and RJ's review so beep when the credit card
Style-fruited dark, strong Belgian style aole
Format-tall boy can; shared 2 ways
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalices
Apperance-dark brown; small, off white head
Nose-brown sugar syrup and dark fruits
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-tons of dark dried fruits, dark, brown sugar, toasted wheat bread and persimmons (whatever they taste like)
Adjuncts-persimmons
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-8.8%
Overall impression-not a great pairing with tacos but still a wonderful beer
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; got some left to share/trade

[devildeac]

Cellar Door #13-Brewery Bhavana

Local. Don't know if they're still in business.

Credit-RJ199/beergoddess; many, many thank yous!!
Style-double barrel aged imperial stout ("in rapid succession between port and bourbon barrels")
Format-750 ml bottle, shared 2 ways last PM
Stemware-Stella snifters
Appearance-deep, dark brown with some ruby edges; mighta been 5 or 6 bubbles in the tannish head
Nose-berries, dark chocolate and bourbon
Mouthfeel-soooo smoooooth
Tastes-dark berries, cherries, tannins, bourbon, dark chocolate, molasses
Adjuncts-none
IBU-does it matter?
ABV-12.5% (oh, my!)
Overall impression-an exquisite combination
Ymm, Beer rating-upper tier cat 3; a superb blending of style and 2 different barrel agings

Somehow, I was fortunate enough to receive two of these this summer and I'm saving the second one to share with our son when he arrives next week, also thinking our younger son-in-law will want another pour .

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Ten Fidy Barrel Aged-Oskar Blues Brewery

Local enough!

Credit-liquidating (yep) a wise purchase about a year ago
Style-if you don't know by now
Format-3/8 quart can
Stemware-small snifters
Appearance-oily; thin, tan head
Nose-dark chocolate and bourbon ()
Mouthfeel-lubricious
Tastes-dark chocolate fudge, bourbon, black strap molasses, burnt grains, more fudge and bourbon
Adjuncts-none
IBU-perhaps 50
ABV-12.5% (good golly!)
Overall impression-world class
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; still one of the best BBA imperial stouts in a burgeoning field; worth a 4 pack every year

[devildeac]

From last PM:

neveragain3 Xtreme-The Veil Brewing (and smoothie shop)

It was at one time regarded as local.

Credit-accfan, RJ199 and/or Nrrrrvous because I can't remember who bought/traded but I'm sure RJ was the mule at least; thanks!!
Style-triple fruited gose (you don't have to believe me but it is on the can's label that way)
Format-half quart aluminum prison, divided *almost* 4 ways for pre-dessert
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalices because they have a conveniently placed 8 ounce serving line on the glass
Appearance-pureed raspberries; thin pink head; lots of fine, residual sediment on the glass
Nose-raspberry jam
Mouthfeel-fruity, almost pulpy; no seeds
Tastes-raspberry pie filling mixed with berry Warhead candy; mild pucker; sweet and sour; hint of salt
Adjuncts-I'd be 110% confident a #$%@ton of raspberries were used brewing this beer
IBU-5 to 10 range (remember, it's not beer)
ABV-7% (one could get pretty tipsy on this fruit juice/puree/jam)
Overall impression-when my wife and younger daughter want extra sips, nod their heads and smile, it's an amazing beer
Ymm, Beer rating-sniffing around upper tier cat 3; this is pretty darn close in taste appeal to Raspberry Tart but in a different way/style

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Bourbon Barrel St. Francis-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Temporarily local

Credit-son; Christmas gift (or beer exchange); thanks
Style-75% Belgian style quad, 25% imperial stout; lone bourbon barrel
Format-bomber, shared 2 ways; exclusive to the 7th Anniversary Wolf's Ridge boxed set
Packaged on-OCT/14/2020
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-blackish/brownish; slightly cloudy; skinny, tan head
Nose-dark chocolate covered, boozed up dark, dried fruits
Mouthfeel-as expected for the blend, not stout "thick"
Tastes-raisins, dates, figs, bourbon, slightly burnt dark brown sugar glaze, bourbon, dark chocolate
Adjuncts-none to be located
IBU-probably 30 something
ABV-12% (frightening)
Overall impression-decadent blend and aging
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 3; this territory is getting pretty crowded and this is a superb entrant

[devildeac]

From last PM:

Circumstances of Collision (blackberry/apricot version)-Wise Man Brewing

336 local

Credit-needed Christmas sharing/trading beers and this was available
Style-fruited sour IPA
Cannister-16 ounces, shared ~2.5 ways
Stemware-small chalices
Appearance-cloudy, pinkish, orangish; thin head
Nose-grapefruit
Mouthfeel-mildly sour and bitter
Tastes-grapefruit juice and rind, berries, Sour Patch candy, not much apricot
Adjuncts-above; a prior version contained lactose
IBU-65
ABV-6%
Overall impression-nice pairing with leftover beef tenderloin, green beans and twice baked/stuffed/loaded potatoes
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; points deducted for unnamed hop choice which dominated the fruits; happy to keep one and trade the last 2

[devildeac]

Dessert wine, err, beer last PM:

Nectar Ale-New Glarus Brewing Company

"Only in Wisconsin"

Note-last bottle from summer, 2020 beer mule-ing by younger son-in-law and Ohio meet-up

Credit-above; thanks
Style-fruited, oaked, blended wild ale/lambic
Format-12 ounce bottle shared kinda/sorta 4 ways
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-golden orange cider; skinny head
Nose-winey, apricot candy
Mouthfeel-sweet and a bit tart
Tastes-daughter said muscatel, beer mule said candied apricots, wife said lemon candy, I thought Riesling/Gewurtztraminer
Adjuncts-Geisenheim grapes; raw wheat
IBU-maybe 10
ABV-(secret); my guess is 5%
Overall impression-another amazing New Glarus creation; beer/wine!!
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; wonderful tastes, blending of styles/ingredients; porch sipper or dessert wine; likely never to be seen again

[devildeac]

And finally, the long-awaited:

For Goodness Shakes-Shortfuse Brewing Company

Local for the Midwest beer mule.

Credit-Christmas present/trader from younger son-in-law; thanks!!
Style-milkshake IPA (settle down, killerleft, you'll not find this anywhere in NC)
Format-pint can
Stemware-small chalices
Appearance-pink, orange, cloudy and very, very chunky
Nose-peach citrus
Mouthfeel-a bit tart, a bit sweeet; not chewy
Tastes-peach jam, grapefruit and hint of coconut
Adjuncts-peach puree, toasted coconut flakes and lactose
IBU-30
ABV-7.5%
Overall impression-not a pretty beer and not quite as flavorful as expected but a good nice dessert preview
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 2; happy to have tried it and happy to share can#2 or trade

[devildeac]

CBS (2017 release)-Founders Brewing Company

Not local.

Credit-my dime
Style-BBA flavored imperial stout
Format-750 ml bottle, shared 2 ways
Stemware-large snifters
Appearance-dark brown; small, tan head
Nose-espresso, dark chocolate and bourbon
Mouthfeel-smooth and delectable
Tastes-tons of dark chocolate, coffee, a bit less bourbon with maple appearing back of the palate as it warmed
Adjuncts-chocolate and coffee
Barrels-maple syrup and bourbon barrels
IBU-maybe 50
ABV-11.7% (seductive)
Overall impression-world class (100 on beeradvocate)
Ymm, Beer rating-front, center, top shelf cat 3; a desert island beer for dessert

[devildeac]

From recently:

Port Barrel Magellan-Wolf's Ridge Brewing

Credit-son from a limited release at the brewery in February this year; thanks
Style-port barrel aged, flavored imperial stout
Format-8 ounce bottle, shared 2 ways
Stemware-small snifters
Appearance-dark ruby/brown; no head
Nose-vinous and chocolatey
Mouthfeel-lubricious
Tastes-red wine, berries, semisweet chocolate, hint of maple sweetness
Casks-ancient tawny port comprised ot 3 different types of wood: South American oak, European oak and chestnut
Adjuncts-Vermont maple syrup (none of that Canadian stuff of recent sippings)
IBU-probably 50
ABV-13% and waaaaay too easy to sip
Overall impression-delectable; a wonderful nightcap
Ymm, Beer rating-middle cat 3; getting really close quarters in the barrel aged imperial stout auditorium

[devildeac]

Quadruple contest from last PM. First contestant:

Blueberry Coffee Three Philosophers-Brewery Ommegang

Not even nearby.

Credit-needed gift/exchange beers; bought a four pack
Style-flavored/blended quad and kriek
Format-pint can shared 3 ways
Stemware-cute little snifters
Appearance-ruby brown and clean except the last half ounce, about as expected; moderate light tan head
Aromas-chocolatized cherries
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-lots of coffee and cherry and other dark fruits; blueberry fairly lost in this tasting
Adjuncts-see name
IBU-probably <30
ABV-9.7%
Overall impression-very good but all of us like the original elixir better than this one; too much going on but not overpowering
Ymm, Beer rating-upper strata cat 2; thinking the original would be low cat 3; got 3 left to send back with the malcontents, our son and our younger son-in-law

[devildeac]

Second hitter:

(big characters)12th/(smaller characters)Twelfth Night-Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

Local for one of the RVA beer mules

Credit-^^^^; thanks!!
Style-flavored/spiced quad
Format-half quart can
Sampling glasses-same cute snifters but cleaned, of course
Appearance-dark and mildly cloudy amber with a 1 mm head
Nose-Christmas candle
Mouthfeel-gentle
Tastes-cinnamon, clove, orange and dried, dark fruits
Adjuncts-nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, whole cloves, cardamom, star anise and orange peel
IBU-30ish
ABV-11.2% (no way !)
Overall impression-very nice combination of spices without overwhelming and really no anise presence
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 for a well executed Belgian style quad; would order again

[devildeac]

Batting 3rd:

Dragons with Matches-Incendiary Brewing Company

Pretty local. "Toasting a Stellar Brew"

Credit-RJ199, the beergoddess and his gal Stella ; thanks!!
Style-BBA Belgian style quad
Format-waxed and capped 500 ml bottle that was not too hard to open; shared 3 ways
Sipping containers-even more clean small snifters
Appearance-dark brown, mildly foamy
Nose-a bowl of dark, bourbon soaked fruits
Mouthfeel-almost sinful
Tastes-raisins, dates, figs, plums, dark caramel and warming bourbon
Grains-Pilsner, CaraMunich I, CaraMunich II, chocolate, wheat and Special B
Yeast-LaChouffe
IBU-<30
ABV-12.8% (noooooooo!!!!!)
Overall impression-outstanding creation
Ymm, Beer rating-top tier cat 3; I could drink cases of this $$$$ stuff; I think all the other reviews have been outstanding, too

[devildeac]

From Tuesday PM:

Christmas Ale-Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV

Local is not ~4000 miles away.

Credit-needed another beer for Christmas Virtual Pub earlier this month but this got a DNP-CD and entered the transfer portal to after Christmas.
Style-spiced quadruple Belgian style ale
Format-corked and caged 750 ml bottle, shared 3 ways
Stemware-chalices
Appearance-dark bronze with an offwhite foamy/fizzy head
Nose-dark fruits and spices
Mouthfeel-smooth and fizzy
Tastes-raisins, dates, figs, plums, black pepper, dark caramel and a hint of cloves (I think)
Adjuncts-{shrugs}
IBU-perhaps 30
ABV-10%
Overall impression-a classic and a nice variant of their Abt 12 (I think)
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3 because the Dragons with Matches was a bit better and this was a step better than Twelfth Night; a must try if you've never tasted