Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Late night with devildeac:

Bourbon County Brand Fourteen Stout-Goose Island Beer Company

Local for the buying agent and adult beverage mule.

Credit-a 2021 Christmas gift from younger son in law; thanks!!
Style-flavored BBA imperial stout
Format-500 ml bottle, shared 3 ways
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-North Sea crude; very thin tan head
Nose-bourbon and cinnamon
Mouthfeel-silky
Tastes-bourbon, cinnamon, dark chocolate, wood, molasses, hint of coconut
Adjuncts-cassia bark (an evergreen tree, aka fancyass cinnamon), Panela (aka unrefined whole cane sugar), cacao nibs (aka chocolate “crack” ) and coconut water (aka coconut water )
IBU-60
ABV-13.2%, a step down from the 13.5% Reunion Ale statmetrix
Overall impression-stunning concoction
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; I agree with the beeradvocate 96 (world class) and Untappd 4.44 (don’t get many 4.5s on Untappd); TBH, at probably $20+ for the bottle, I’d still take a Hardywood $15 warehouse special and/or a 4 pack of high ABV stubbies from RVA, too.

[devildeac]

From last pm:

Nautical Nonsense-Mythic Brewing

The Mount is nearby.

Credit-trader from younger son in law but not shared with him but with his wife
Style-pineapple blonde ale
Format-pint can, shared with younger daughter
Bottom of can info-07/14/2022 ARRR YA READY KIDS
Stemware-Gouden Carolus chalices
Appearance-hazy and blondie; modest, creamy head
Nose-pineapple juice light
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-pineapple juice cocktail, flowers, hint of lemon
Adjunct-some form of pineapple
IBU-maybe mid 20s
ABV-5.7%
Overall impression-pleasant summer evening sipper with some leftover grilled salmon, sauteed spinach and fresh NC white corn
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; family sharing/pairing and right time of year goodness

[devildeac]

Coastline-Salty Turtle Beer Company (brewed and canned by ABW Virginian Beach LLC in Virginia Beach, VA)

Local when bought but not so sure after looking at label and (stuff) above

Credit-younger son in law; thanks!!
Style-kolsch style ale
Format-loaded pint can, shared 3 ways
Recency bias-CANNED ON:07/07/22 THANKS JOHN!
Stemware-5 ounce sampler glasses
Appearance-clear/clean pale yellow; modest head
Nose-pears, apples and flowers
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-matched the nose with a drop or two of corn syrup
Grains-??
Hops-??
IBU-??
ABV-6%
Overall impression-pleasant pairing with BLTs (those are sandwiches, BTW) last evening
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2 and better than the Koi Pond version last week; mattman’s is as good, maybe better than the one last PM

[devildeac]

Nightcap yesterday:

There’s Always Room for Chocolate Cake-Hardywood park Craft Brewery

RVA=close to my heart

Credit-beer for from wbmcards88 from his Family Tree warehouse sale earlier this year; thanks!!!
Style-mega blend of BBA goodies pastry imperial stout (again, no cheapass toaster pastry or other worthless shit and verbiage to accompany it)
Format-corked and caged 750 ml bottle, shared 3 ways
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-very dark brown; extremely thin, tan head
Nose-bourbon and dark chocolate triple fudge cake
Mouthfeel-viscous and salacious
Tastes-dark chocolate fudge cake batter generously drizzled with bourbon, dark caramel and wood
Hops-??
Grains-??
Barrels-??
Adjuncts-??
IBU-11 (from Untappd)
ABV-11.6% (on label); dangerous
Overall impression-are you freaking kidding me? A liquid dark chocolate cake with fudge sauce and semisweet chocolate morsels blended with a healthy dose of bourbon; decadent
Ymm, Beer rating-upper shelf cat 3; if you’d told me it was a Bourbon County Stout Brand variant, I’d believe it but this was $15/750 ml and something like this from the BCS line would be $25/500 ml, maybe more; a second round of humble thanks for this one is shouted from the rooftop for wmbcards88

[devildeac]

I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed this; if I did, I never archived it on crazietalk.

Blueberry Cocoa Stout-New Glarus Brewing Company

“Only in Wisconsin”

Credit-couldn’t resist when I saw cases and cases of this at Woodmans in April
Style-flavored milk stout
Format-12 ounce bottle
Stemware-Founders snifter
Appearance-burgundy, cloudy brown with a cream tan head
Nose-berries and milk chocolate
Mouthfeel-alluring
Tastes-cocoa covered blueberries, like those in the Harry and David Christmas fruit packages
Adjuncts-“indigo berry spheres,” milk chocolate (?), “happy Wisconsin cows contribute their natural milk lactose”
Grains-“fudge English barley malt”
Hops-German Ariana
IBU-“no IBU” but I’ll guess low 40s
ABV-5%
Overall impression-another NG masterpiece concoction/blend
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; what an amazing creation; so happy to have one left

[devildeac]

Whilst I ponder and sip my Spotted Cow Grand Cru, let me ramble a bit about Two Women:

Two Women-New Glarus Brewing Company

“Only in Wisconsin” (unless it’s delivered to NC)

Credit-a friend of @fuse traded/gifted to him and @fuse was kind enough to share/trade a couple of his Two Women ; thanks!!
Style-lager
Format-12 ounce can
Inkage-10420943
Stemware-DFH nonic pint
Appearance-clean/clear light gold; modest foaminess
Nose-flowers and corn syrup
Mouthfeel-gentle
Tastes-flowers, hint of bitter, light cornsyrup
Grains-“Weyermann’s floor malted Bohemian malt”
Hops-Hallertau Mittlefruh
IBU-maybe mid 20s
ABV-5% (from Untappd as NG pretty much divulges no stats)
Overall impression-good pairing with a Barbacoa street taco, black beans and refried pintos
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; feels funny not to give a cat 3 rating to an NG brew as it is indeed quality stuff but not top tier

[devildeac]

From last night:

26th Anniversary Imperial IPA (draft)-Stone Brewing

Draft list says Escondido but I’m gonna say RVA, thereby making it local.

Credit-yes, $4 off the mini growler for a $10 total; on the card
Style-^^^^
Format-freshly drafted
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-clean/clear, golden orange with a modest creamy head
Nose-pine, resin and orange pee;
Mouthfeel-oooh, this is quite bitter, like a westie DIPA should be
Tastes-pine, resin, orange peel, Cointreau and some caramel
Hops-“…massive amounts of Centennial hops…”
Grains-a metric crapton
IBU-“no IBU (Untappd),” but I am not as stupid as I look; Stone website states 80 and that sounds about right
ABV-9.7% and about halfway through my pint last pm, it felt like it
Overall impression-this was a stroll down memory lane for a high gravity, heavily hopped westie IIPA and a great memory it was; happy to have another 16 ounces in the growler for tonight
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; I prefer the DFH 90 Minute ever so slightly more (memory again) as I recall it being a smidge sweeter but very similar at 90 IBUs and 9% ABV; go buy yourself a bomber or 4 bagger of this, sip and remember…

[devildeac]

The IPA Formerly Known As Swoosh-Bonesaw Brewing Company

Not. Local.

Credit-dog sitting pilferage
Style-ummm
Format-pint can
Not so freshie stuff-CANNED ON 06/14/21 13:24 Catch the Wave (uh oh)
Glassware-large wine glass
Appearance-hazy, yellow orange; moderate foam
Nose-peaches and pineapples
Mouthfeel-some bitter, some sweet
Tastes-peaches, pineapple, mango and cantaloupe
IBU-53
ABV-7.1%
Overall impression-still above average even after 14 months in our older daughter’s fridge
Ymm,Beer rating-upper cat 2; if fresh, I could imagine this being a low cat 3 IPA as the flavors were still pretty decent and not “turned” or excessively foamy

[devildeac]

Dinner beer last pm with pizza:

The Shape of Things to Come-Wolf’s Ridge Brewing

Local from our host

Credit-son shared this; thanks!!
Style-18 moths oak aged fruited sour blend
Format-750 ml bottle
Packaged on-01/31/22
Stemware-Zaftig snifters
Appearance-cloudy, muddy raspberry soda; small head
Nose-berries and vinegar
Mouthfeel-whatta pucker
Tastes-raspberries, cherries, lemons and limes
Adjuncts-blackberries, cranberries and Montmorency cherries (oops, no raspberries )
IBU-17
ABV-8.4%
Overall impression-one of the better sours I’ve ever had
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; terrific pairing with pizza and a fantastic blending of sour threads and fruits

[devildeac]

Something So Sincere 2022-Casita Brewing Company

Local

Credit-couldn’t resist a 4 pack of this after a 2 oz taster at Bottle Rev on Tuesday after work
Style-multiple barrel aged fruitcake barleywine and imperial stout blend
Format-pint can, shared
Ink spots-none
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-dark but not inky black; smallish tan head
Nose-dark fruits and booze
Mouthfeel-slippery when wet
Tastes-whiskey and port drenched fruitcake
Barrels-bourbon, whiskey and port
Adjuncts-raisins, cherries, citrus peel and spices
IBU-“no IBU” but gotta be 40s or 50s
ABV-13% (stunning)
Overall impression-another round tripper from Casita; stunning blending and flavors
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 3; yea, it was Hardywood Brian’s blends quality good; ecstatic to have 3 left

[devildeac]

Post travel thirst quencher:

Lagertown Octoberfest-Half Acre Brewing

Pretty darn local

Credit-younger daughter; thanks!
Style-wrong answers only
Format-pint can, shared 3 ways
Glassware-cocktail glasses
Appearance-clear, light bronze; thin, off white head
Nose-lagery
Mouthfeel-gentle
Tastes-light caramel and flowers with hint of earth
IBU-maybe 20s
ABV-5.8%
Overall impression-solid offering
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2; unexciting but tasty

[devildeac]

From Thursday:

Oktoberfest-Pipeworks Brewing Company

Local

Credit-younger daughter bought a pint can of beeradvocate’s #66 Marzen from Trader Joe’s to share; thanks
Style-^^^^
Format-^^^^
Glassware-cocktail glasses
Appearance-light bronze and clear; thin, off white head
Nose-fresh lederhosen
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-light caramel, floral hops
IBU-maybe 20s
ABV-5.3%
Overall impression-quality stuff
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2

[devildeac]

Oktoberfest-Revolution Brewing

Even more local

Credit-same daughter bought a 6er if this one; somebody taught her right ; thanks
Style-yawn
Format-12 ounce can, shared 3 ways
Glassware-lotsa pours into those cocktail glasses
Appearance-a shade closer to amber than bronze
Nose-mildly hoppy lederhosen
Mouthfeel-tender
Tastes-the usual suspects with a touch of earthy hops
IBU-25 (so much for my tastebuds claiming this was more American than German :woozy_face:
ABV-5.7%
Overall impression-ever so slightly less appealing than the first two
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 2

[devildeac]

Doctor’s Orders-Casita Brewing Company

Local when bought and then transported across multiple state lines.

Credit-needed some trade/share beers for our travels (pats self on head :woozy_face:)
Style-spiced and fruited tiki milkshake ale
Format-pint can, shared 3 ways
Sipping vessels-cocktail glasses
Appearance-light/medium brown mud; minimal head
Nose-pineapple and nutmeg
Mouthfeel-mildly pulpy and juicy
Tastes-nutmeg, pineapple, tangerine and orange
Adjuncts-pineapple, passion fruit, nutmeg, Calamamsi, coconut and lactose
Grains-Pilsner malt, oats and wheat
IBU-“no IBU” but I’ll guess low 30s
ABV-8.7%
Overall impression-strange, nutmeg forward brew that vacillated between tasty and unusual
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2 for creativity and an interesting mélange of flavors that could’ve used a bit less nutmeg

[devildeac]

Never asked the patio barkeep the name but it was indeed a Sketchbook IPA.

Orange Door (draft)-Sketchbook Brewing Company

Skokie, IL is local, I think

Credit-treated to tis by younger son in law; thanks!
Style-DDH westie IPA
Format-from a spigot at a sidewalk bar
Cupware-designer plastic pint cup
Appearance-a bit more cloudy in the sipping vessel than in the photo
Nose-pine and resin
Mouthfeel-almost bracing
Tastes-pine, resin, orange and grapefruit rinds, hint of orange liqueur and some caramel
Hops-not revealed
Grains-secret
IBU-76 (!!)
ABV-7.2%
Overall impression-good offering for the style and reasonably well balanced
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2, perhaps enhanced a bit by sipping at a sidewalk table about 3 blocks from Ryan Field with most enjoyable atmospheric conditions yesterday with our younger son in law

[devildeac]

From last pm:

Vivian-Around the Bend Beer Company

Very local

Credit-younger son in law; thanks for sharing!
Style-pistachio cream ale with peaches (“I can almost taste the cream” )
Delivery container-pint can, shared 3 ways
Sipping vessels-cocktail glasses
Appearance-clear, peachy/orange; small head
Nose-peach juice
Mouthfeel-creamy
Tastes-peach jam, cream (no, really) and nutty (power of suggestion)
Hops-Tettnang
Malts-Maris Otter, 2 Row, Carapils, Caravienne (paging mattman; WTH is this?) and corn (huh?)
IBU-11.4
ABV-5%
Overall impression-what a refreshing summer ale, especially paired with a (not dead and) berried spinach salad
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2 for interesting flavors, seasonal presentation and pairing

[devildeac]

riple Grid-Hop Butcher for the World

Don’t think this brewery is more than 10 miles from our family.

Credit-couldn’t resist my first Hop Butcher brew, especially with the brewing date below
Style-NETIPA
Format-pint can of deliciousness; shared 3 ways unequally
Bottom of can ink-PKG 9/06/22 11:49:40 Now with More Traffic
Purchase date-9/10/22; likely the second freshest ale I’ve ever had next to Hubris that I bought 1 day after packaging
Stemware-cocktail glasses again
Appearance-fresh squeezed white grapefruit juice
Nose-can’t possibly be beer
Mouthfeel-mildly thick and highly juiced
Tastes-Tropicana grapefruit juice, several squeezes of rind oil, couple shavings of pith, OJ, pineapple juice with a drop of resin
Hops-Citra and Mosaic
IBU-typical “no IBU” disclaimer but my SWAG is under 40
ABV-10.5%
Overall impression-rivals the best from Tree House, Trillium, Veil and Burial; yea, it’s that damn good
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3 (Untapped composite is 4.47; not sure I’ve had many, if any in this range); thrilled to have 3 left

[devildeac]

Second to the plate, err, palate:

Trail Buddies-Old Irving Brewing collaboration with Maplewood Brewing

Darn local again

Credit-couldn’t resist the ABV, style and ingredients
Style-flavored imperial stout
Format-pint can, shared almost equally 3 ways
Glasses-yep, cocktail
Appearance-really dark brown; thin tan head
Nose-trail mix
Mouthfeel-soft and sultry
Tastes-dark chocolate, vanilla, nuts (I thought peanuts, label claims almonds), dark caramel
Adjuncts-almond, chocolate, vanilla, and granola (Untapped changes the chocolate to cacao nibs and says the almonds are toasted and also claims peanut butter in the adjunct list so my palate was not wrecked)
IBU-9 (I’ll call on that number for an imperial stout and say mid 40s)
ABV-12.5% (frightening)
Overall impression-tastes matched the name quite nicely; well constructed
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; sweetness detracts ever so slightly from being middle shelf cat 3

[devildeac]

And, for the win:

7 Layer Stout Brewer’s Reserve-Central Waters Brewing Company

Went with an out of stater here

Credit-younger son in law; thanks!!
Style-BBA double pastry imperial stout; once again, no cheapass toaster pastry
Format-12 ounce bottle, shared less than equally 3 ways
Glasses-Willett distillery tasters
Appearance-deep, dark brown; thin beige topping
Nose-“it’s Midwestern pot luck dessert time!”
Mouthfeel-enticing
Tastes-liquid 7 layer bars with dark chocolate and bourbon starting strong followed by butterscotch and coconut and graham crackers with a sweet, creamy finish
Adjuncts-cocoa nibs, toasted coconut, lactose, graham crackers and natural flavoring (thinking butterscotch extract)
IBU-“no IBU” ( ); gotta be 40something
ABV-12% (pastry booze!!)
Overall impression-another product that coulda been a mess but ends up great on the palate and closely resembling the dessert for which it’s named
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 with a slight downgrade for being a bit too sweet but a great beer to share; likely to trade a new FFF for one of these to return to NC

[devildeac]

Black Currant 22-New Glarus Brewing Company

“Only in Wisconsin”

Credit-adventure, Mrs. dd’s debit card, an hour drive and a few tolls
Style-Untappd claims it’s a gose, NG says “ale” but my palate says Lambic
Format-12 ounce bottle, shared 2 ways
Glassware-champagne flute ( ; whaaaa, no cocktail glasses?)
Appearance-Untappd photo above is pretty darn close
Nose-I’d me Mr. MOTO but it really smelled like dark berries and black grapes
Mouthfeel-if it was any thicker, it’d have to be labeled jam
Tastes-currant jelly with copious amounts of black grapes and many, many dark berries
Adjuncts-black currants
IBU-“no IBU” but I’d venture about 10
ABV-“no ABV” but tradition, level of consciousness and palate says about 5%
Overall impression-it’s a bit cloying but other wise this is another fabulous NF fruit juice, err, beer product
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3 and sniffing around the top tier; at the risk of overhyping it, I’ll promise the recipients that they’ll be amazed at this creation