Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

From last pm:

Shade with Nelson-New Anthem Beer Project

A mere 125ish miles east on I-40

Credit-gifted by a patient and her son (the NA sales manager) last week
Style-DDH NEIPA
Format-pint can
Recency bias-22 250; that’s the 250th day of 2022 for you Gregorians out there, aka September 7
Stemware-the omnipresent large wine glass
Appearance-^^^^
Nose-white grapefruit juice and wine
Mouthfeel-a bit thinner than Shade but still highly juiced
Tastes-fresh squeezed white grapefruit juice with a generous splash of white wine
Hops-Citra and Nelson in the DDH
IBU-“no IBU” (sometimes I wonder…) but palate says 30ish
ABV-6.9%
Overall impression-can’t beat NA, juicy and 3 weeks old
Ymm, Beer rating-I liked this a bit better than the old and new Shade, mainly due to the DDH with Nelson giving this product wine flavors and grapefruit; find some and buy it

#fanboi

[devildeac]

Yesterday’s pre-retirement beers:

Sucker Punch (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Damned local

Credit-my card, because…
Style-fruited gose
Format-spigotted
Cupware-Bottle Rev’s exclusive/designer half pint plastic
Appearance-slightly cloudy, lemon limey
Nose-fruity
Mouthfeel-pretty decent pucker
Tastes-lime and tangerine
Adjuncts-prickly pear, lime and tangerine
IBU-about 5
ABV-5.5%
Overall impression-puckery delight on the patio at Bottle Rev yesterday after work
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; would’ve paired nicely with a Guasaca salad

[devildeac]

Second after work beer yesterday:

Pareidolia (draft)-Funguys Brewing

5 miles away local

Credit-I was still thirsty and mellow
Style-hazy session IPA (batch 4)
Format-freshly drawn
Cupware-same exclusive plastic 8 ounce container
Appearance-hazy, yellowish and thin
Nose-grapefruit and guava
Mouthfeel-decent body
Tastes-grapefruit, guava and papaya light
Hops-Barbe Rogue, Rakau, Moutere and Motueka; a fascinating combo with limited tastings of 1, 2 and 4 and no experience with 3
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-5.5%
Overall impression-very flavorful for the style
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; makes me interested to try more Clouds and Funguys beers

[devildeac]

Blink-New Anthem Beer Project

Close enough

Credit-gift from patient and her son last week, the New Anthem sales manager; thanks!!
Style-NEIPA
Format-pint can
Numbers-22 236 for the Gregorians reading here; aka August 26, 2022
Stemware-large wine glass; holds the entire pint
Appearance-a bit more yellow/orange than the photo
Mouthfeel-soft and juicy
Tastes-yellow grapefruit, some pith, maybe some strawberry
Grains-wheat and oats, no relation to Hall and Oates
Hops-“hand selected Mosaic”
IBU-“no IBI” ( ); gotta be low 40s or less
ABV-6.2%
Overall impression-more high quality NEIPA stuff from NA
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; liked slightly less than Shade and Shade with Nelson but still worth finding

[Bob Green]

I’m currently enjoying a Double Nickel Vienna Lager courtesy Devildeac. Very tasty .

[devildeac]

I’m currently enjoying a Double Nickel Vienna Lager courtesy Devildeac. Very tasty .

You're most welcome. See, sometimes you are able to enjoy something good from NJ besides Springsteen.

[devildeac]

Friday nightcap:

The Vapors-New Anthem Beer Project

Still local
Credit-last of the gifted 4 pack from a patient and her son, the NA sales manager; thanks!!
Style-says IPA but itsa NEIPA
Format-pint can
Ink spots-22 245 for the Gregorians (aka September 2, 2022)
Stemware-large wine glass again
Appearance-pineappley; good foam
Nose-more pineapples
Mouthfeel-did this just come from the blender?
Taste-pineapple, grapefruit, zest, peach, cantaloupe
Hops-Citra, Simcoe and Galaxy
Grains-Pale Malt, wheat, oats (no haulin…)
Adjunct-lactose
IBU-(I give up)
ABV-6.9%
Overall impression-s little old school, a lotta new school might be a bit better than 2021
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; thoroughly enjoyed this one

[devildeac]

Pint from last PM from Saturday’s $4 off mini growler with the other pint warming in the snifter now:

Perigee (draft)-Olde Hickory Brewery

More local for some of us than others.

Credit-buying singles for a couple other beerknurds and this was “leftover” by the Olde Hickory rep from Friday evening; BYOB for $4 off on Saturdays helped, too
Style-BBA fruited RIS
Format-growler fill
Stemware-large snifter
Appearance-exceptionally dark brown; <10 bubbles
Nose-dark chocolate, whiskey and pineapples
Mouthfeel-sweet and tender
Tastes-pineapple slices soaked in maple syrup and whiskey and then dipped in dark chocolate
Adjuncts-honey, maple syrup crystals, pineapples and vanilla
IBU-"no IBU’ but I’m not that dummm so I’ll clain mid 40s
ABV-11.4%
Overall impression-not sure I’ve ever had a “pineapple” stout and it coulda been a mess but ended up wonderful
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; can’t wait to sip tonight’s portion

[devildeac]

Swingbridge Stout (draft)-Salty Turtle Beer Company

From one of the kegs behind the windows in the taproom.

Credit-it was 5 o’clock and my wife sent me for a walk whilst she chatted on the phone
Style-flavored stout
Format-fresh from the spigot
Glassware-nonic pint
Appearance-very dark brown; one finger tan head
Aromas-dark roast coffee
Mouthfeel-stout!
Tastes-dark roast coffee, unsweetened chocolate, drop of vanilla and a hint of char
Adjuncts-coffee and vanilla
IBU-Untapped claims “no IBU” but my sensors estimate about 50
ABV-6.8%
Overall impression-nice assortment of flavors; even better sitting on their front porch/patio watching cars go by and gazing at the cloudy sky
Ymm, Beer rating-easy upper cat 2; delighted to revisit after not sipping for a couple years

[devildeac]

Double Candy-Sycamore Brewing

Sorta local

Credit-single member of a mixed case of NC brews gifted by a friend and financial advisor for my retirement; huuuuge thanks!
Style-DIPA
Format-pint can-
Bottom of can-Canned 06/10/22 969 09:24:43 On this episode of how its really made
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-light copper; two fingered foamy topping
Nose-orange rind and pine
Mouthfeel-sweet and bitter
Tastes-lots of orange zest, moderate pine/resin, ton of caramel, Cointreau
IBU-“no IBU” but c’mon, it’s a westie DIPA so ya gotta put some number out there (maybe 60s?)
ABV-9%
Overall impression-really good showing for the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; would be a fascinating side by side with DFH 90 Minute, one of my all time favorite best of the westies

[devildeac]

From last pm:

Shucky Dang Darn!-Hopfly Brewing Company collaboration with Newgrass Brewing Company

Both kinda local

Credit-gifted by our friend and financial advisor for a certain person’s last day of work last week; thanks!
Style-English Style Pale Ale
Format-pint can
Freshness data-
Stemware-Goose Island nonic pint
Appearance-slightly orange amber; modest foam
Nose-earthy
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-earthy hop bitterness, light caramel, hints of resin and rind
IBU-maybe low 30s
ABV-4.8%
Overall impression-solid beer; haven’t had this style in ages
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 2; would be good with some grilled fair or deli sammiches

[devildeac]

How About a Nice Berliner Punch-Four Saints Brewing

Near the zoo? Yep, it’s local

Credit-gifted single from a full case by long time friends and financial advisor; thanks!!
Style-fruited Berliner Weisse
Format-pint can
Stemware-5 ounce sampler glasses; three for me and a couple sips for Mrs. dd (she didn’t like it; what else is new )
Appearance-cloudy orange reddish yellow; minimal bubbles
Nose-fruit juicy…
Mouthfeel-mild/moderate pucker
Tastes-lemons, limes, apricots, pineapple and raspberry
Adjuncts-(might not contain 10% fruit juices…) apricot, pink guava, cara cara orange, raspberry, passion fruit and pineapple
IBU-10ish?
ABV-5.2%
Overall impression-fun late pm dessert beer; would also make a nice pairing with a mixed greens salad and berries and/or a fruit plate
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 2 based on good flavors, fun factor and good product

[devildeac]

From last pm:

Kölsch-White Street Brewing Company

Brewed in Youngsville, a suburb of Wake Forest. Ya gotta live in the Triangle area to understand that one. It’s local.

Credit-another “left in the fridge beer so it’s now mine”
Style-ummmmm
Format-12 ounce can
Numbers-1513-01915 06/22/22
Glass-standard pint container
Appearance-light yellowish straw; mild fizz
Mouthfeel-it tickled
Tastes-pears, apples, flowers and a drizzle of corn syurup
IBU-maybe 20
ABV-5.2%
Overall impression-I think this won a medal at the GABF a decade ago or so; damn close to what the Germans produce
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; it’s not exciting but it’s done really well; it’s better than mattman’s but not by much (see next review, too)

[devildeac]

Also from last pm:

Four Left Turns-Twenty Six Acre Brewing Company

Slightly removed from local.

Credit-another retirement gift beer from a good friend and financial advisor; thanks!
Style-Kölsch style ale (if it ain’t from Cologne, it ain’t “legit”)
Format-pint can
Inkage-26 MPH 05/30/22
Glassware-standard pint glass
Appearance-slightly cloudy, light yellow straw; modest fizz
Nose-apples, pears, flowers
Mouthfeel-it tingled
Tastes-apples, pears, flowers and a drop or two of corn syru[
IBU-maybe 20
ABV-5.2%
Overall impression-a notch below the White Street Kölsch above; this was also a notch below mattman’s
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 2; worth a single for a side by side

Amusements from the label:

“It’s fun to draft with friends”
“Finishing beer is important but beer is more important”
“…Best enjoyed in the victory lane”
“Recycling cans is good. Gum, not so much”

[devildeac]

Lead-off sipper this afternoon at the brewery:

Phantom of the Hopera (draft)-Incendiary Brewing Company

Credit-RJ; mucho thanks!!
Style-NEIPA (mostly)
Format-from the tap to my pint snifter
Appearance-slightly hazy, golden yellow; small head
Nose-pineapple, orange and pine
Mouthfeel-lotta juice, hint of bitter
Tastes-juices of oranges and grapefruits with a splash of pineapple, a twist of rind and a hint of pine
Hops-Phantasm powwder; Citra, Vic Secret, Cascade, El Dorado, Saaz
IBU-mid 40s ?
ABV-7.2%
Overall impression-almost a hybrid westie/NEIPA; well done
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; worth another pint or a 4 pack

[devildeac]

From Saturday’s memories:

Dragons with Matches (draft)-Incendiary Brewing Company

We were at the damn brewery, folks, of course it’s local!!

Credit-RJ’s treat; can’t thank you enough!!
Style-Belgian style quad
Format-spigotted
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-very dark brown; light tan foam
Nose-dark, dried fruits
Mouthfeel-sorry, but I’m happily married
Tastes-raisins, dates, figs, dark brown sugar, dark caramel and milk chocolate
Yeast-LaChouffe
Grains-Pilsner, CaraMunich I and II, Chocolate, wheat and Special B
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-10.3%
Overall impression-helluva follow up to Phantom of the Hopera
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; a wonderful “base” beer for what followed

[devildeac]

The next 2 posts are subject to further review by other attendees:

BBA Dragons with Matches 2022-Incendiary Brewing

We’re still at the &*#$ brewery; of course it’s local

Credit-RJ’s continued generosity; many humble thanks!!
Style-BBA Belgian style quad variant
Format-freshly drawn
Stemware-10 oz snifter
Appearance-very dark brown; thin, tan head
Nose-bourbon and dark, dried fruits
Mouthfeel-yes, I’m still married
Tastes-bourbon soaked raisins, dates, figs drizzled with dark brown sugar syrup and caramel
Barrels-Weller?
Grains-same as base beer
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-12.7% (I’m almost fearless after this one)
Overall impression-a stunning upgrade of an already wonderful quad
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3 with the BBA

[devildeac]

BBA Dragons with Matches 2020 and 2021-Incendiary Brewing

Hadn’t left the premises yet; still local

Credit-RJ’s unending generosity; many more thanks!!
Style-2 year BBA blend of the “base” beer
Stemware-yet another 10 oz snifter
Appearance-dark, dark brown; thin, tan head
Nose-even more bourbon and dark, dried fruits
Mouthfeel-Take Me Home Tonight
Tastes-perhaps even smoother bourbon, more assorted dried fruits, dark caramel and milk chocolate
Grains-likely the same
IBU-30s
ABV-12.7% (I’m fearless at this point but not quite handsome)
Overall impression-didn’t think the 2022 version could get better but his one was
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 3; more fabulous sipping

[devildeac]

From Sunday night:

Daze-Barrel Culture Brewing & Blending

Neighboring county is local

Credit-gifted by long time friend and financial advisor; thanks!!
Style-hazy NEDIPA but we’ll get to that…
Format-pint can
Bottom of can info-SHOTGUN RESPONSIBLY 08/25/22
Stemware-wearing out our large wine glasses
Appearance-light bronze and not too hazy to me; modest foamage
Nose-orange, grapefruit and pine
Mouthfeel-juicy and bitter
Tastes-orange liqueur, grapefruit juice and rind, pine, caramel
Hops-Cashmere, Mosaic and El Dorado
IBU-“no IBU” but likely close to 50
ABV-8.5%
Overall impression-more of a hybrid than a true NEDIPA with a lean toward the westie side
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; subtracted a couple points for labeling/marketing/styling as it reminded me more of DFH 90 Minute than any Burial, Veil, Trillium or Treehouse brews but it was still excellent and nice to discover a newish brewery; would certainly recommend a single and you wouldn’t go wrong with a 4 pack

[devildeac]

From the “way back when” machine; found on crazietalk on 9/2/15:

"Freak of Nature-Wicked Weed Brewing

I must admit, I had to have two 500 ml bottles of this over the last couple weeks (each divided over two nights), before I could decide where I’d rank this in my favorite IIPA list. I’d have to say top 5, maybe top 3, but there are still at least a couple I’d prefer over this outstanding DIPA. Why outstanding? Because of its complexity. Poured a slightly cloudy yellow-golden with a small head, the aromas were citrus and pine and the tastes were pineapple, mango, tangerine, resin and grapefruit. A highly hop-forward IIPA with IBUs probably 90-100 and a bit unbalanced but still with a bit of bready, caramely sweetness and an ABV of 8.5%. Sipped from my Alewerks snifter each time. I’d still rank Heady Topper, Hopslam and probably Pliney the Elder above this because they are smoother, more drinkable and a bit less costly but this is reasonably priced at $5.50 for the 16.9 ounce bottle fresh off the WW deliver truck in mid-August. Food pairings? To hell with that idea. Savor this by itself if you can find it on draft or poured into your special glass from the bottle."

Fast forward to Monday night:

Freak of Nature-Wicked Weed Brewing

“Sold” but still local

Credit- another retirement gift from the case from our long time friend and financial advisor
Style-westie DIPA
Format-pint can
Freshness data-can’t remember/recall as the can is 150 miles away but it was <2 months old
Stemware-nonic pint
Appearance-bronzy copper, clean; moderate foam
Nose-pine and orange liqueur
Mouthfeel-almost bracing
Tastes-orange rind and liqueur, caramel, resin, grapefruit and maybe a hint of cantaloupe
IBU-100 (Untappd); :face_with_spiral_eyes:
ABV-8.5%
Overall impression-certainly not a top 5 DIPA any longer but this was still an excellent ale
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; very comparable to the DFH 90 Minute; if you’ve never had one, a single would be fine, or buy the entire 4 pack and trade/share/side by side with another one of your faves