Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Post NYE dance hydration:

Bourbon County Brand 30th Anniversary Stout-Goose Island Beer Company

Not local for the delivery guy

Credit-son; many thanks for saving me a “taster”
Style-multiple barrel aged original recipe
Format-500 ml bottle, shared 4 ways
Drink By-27JUL27 GI 17:36
Stemware-2018 Hardywood GBS tumbler
Appearance-liquid dark chocolate fudge
Nose-bourbon, dark chocolate, bourbon
Mouthfeel-sexy
Tastes-multiple layers of bourbon with dark chocolate, blackstrap molasses, char, and dark caramel
Barrels-Booker’s 36%, Knob Creek 33%, Basil Hayden 17% and Baker’s 14% (stats from the nice little necklace adorning the bottle )
IBU-likely the usual 60
ABV-14.4% ( )
Overall impression-I’m putting this on my Deeber Beer of the Year list for 2023 as I sipped my portion after our midnight champagne toast
Ymm, Beer rating-front and center high cat 3; yea, it was that good and I didn’t pay for it so I greatly appreciate our son, younger daughter and her husband saving me a few ounces and wouldn’t be surprised if it was $50 for the bottle. :face_with_spiral_eyes:

[devildeac]

Duvel-Duvel Moortgat

Unlocal

Credit-retirement gift from @fuse; thanks!!
Style-Belgian strong blond (strong pale ale on beeradvocate and strong golden ale on Untappd)
Format-11.2 fl oz bottle shared 3 ways, sorta
Best before end-08 2023 L12803 1158
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-slightly cloudy liquid straw; moderate Belgian lacing
Nose-flowers with hints of banana, cloves and bubble gum
Mouthfeel-tiny bubbles
Tastes-much like the aromas with some light Belgian candy sugar and a pinch of white pepper
Hops-“…aromatic Slovenian and Czech hops…”
IBU-33
ABV-8.5%
Overall impression-a beeradvocate 92 is outstanding but this is a world classic
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3 easy same as I’d have rated it 20ish years ago when I first tasted it, loooong before the almost famous @fuse rating scale

[devildeac]

Second player:

Abt 12- Brouwerij St.Bernardus

Still not local

Credit-@fuse delivers another fabulous retirement gift; more thanks!!
Style-quad
Format-11.2 fl oz bottle shared 3 ways
Best before end-10 01 26
Sipping vessels-mini snifters
Appearance-medium to dark brown and cloud with light tan Belgian lacing
Mouthfeel-sultry
Palate pleasing flavors-dates, figs, raisins, dark cherries, dark brown Belgian candy sugar
IBU-20
ABV-10%
Overall impression-another world classic (only Westvleteren 12 is rated above this on beeradvocate and that beer is damn near impossible to obtain)
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3 but a case could be easily mad for top shelf

[devildeac]

Blue/Bleu/Grand Reserve- Bières de Chimay

Still not local

Credit-@fuse with another round tripper for a retirement gift; many more thankis!!
Style-Belgian strong dark ale
Format-11.2 oz bottle, again shared 3 ways
Best by end-(buncha numbers that make no sense on the label)
Tasting glasses-mini snifters
Appearance-dark brown and pretty “clean” with light beige Belgian lacing
Nose-dark fruit juice
Mouthfeel-alluring
Tastes-figs, dates, plums, dark candi sugar/caramel, cherries and raisins
IBU-35
ABV-9%
Overall impression-another world class ale
Ymm, Beer rating-consensus mid cat 3 with honest consideration given to high cat 3

[devildeac]

Chimay Whitew/Cinq Cents- Bières de Chimay

Far from local

Credit-@fuse with another home run retirement gift; even more thanks!!
Style-tripel
Format-11.2 oz bottle, shared 3 ways
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-cloudy yellow/amber; nice lacing
Nose-banana, clove and sourdough bread
Mouthfeel-gentle
Tastes-banana, clove, bubblegum, white pepper, flowers
IBU-38
ABV-8%
Overall impression-not quite in the world class level like the prior 3 Belgians but still excellent
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3

[devildeac]

Rodenbach Alexander- Brouwerij Rodenbach

Local only to the prior 4.

Credit-many more thanks @fuse for another fabulous retirement gift
Style-fruited and blended oak foeder aged and blended old and new sours
Format-11.2 oz bottle, shared 4 ways
Production date-JD 1.254 14 14:24
Sipping vessels-mini snifters
Appearance-cherry cola; light pink and lacy head
Nose-cherry vinegar
Mouthfeel-sweet and sour
Tastes-lots and lots of sour cherries, lemon, lime, wet wood, some funk
Adjuncts-macerated sour cherries (6.5% juice from concentrate)
IBU-9
ABV-5.6%
Overall impression-amazing
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; might be a contender for 2023 Deeber beer of the year

[devildeac]

No closer than the last one.

Credit-@fuse goes 6/6 with the Belgians; many more thanks!
Style-quadruple
Format-11.2 oz bottle shared 3 ways
Best before end-L.20.04.2027 08:06:54
Vessels of sippage-mini snifters
Appearance-murky brown; modest tan foamage
Nose-dark fruit juice
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-raisins, dates, figs, plums, dark candi sugar, toasted whole grain bread and a splash of mocha
IBU-27
ABV-11.3
Overall impression-absolutely world class, second only to Westvleteren 12
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; I could drink these beyond fearless and handsome

[devildeac]

Thundertaker-Revolution Brewing

Back to local stuff

Credit-trader from younger son in law; huuuuge thanks!!
Style-BBA imperial rye stout
Format-12 ounce can shared 3 ways
Filled-07/07/2022
Stemware-cutie snifters
Appearance-5W20; no head
Nose-bourbon and fudge
Mouthfeel-are you kidding me?!?!
Tastes-dark chocolate fudge, lotsa bourbon, molasses, char, dark caramel, more fudge and bourbon and a hint of must
Grains-Canadian rye and European barley so sez Untappd
IBU-“no IBU” is comical so I’ll guess 50s
ABV-16.2% (this fact is “hidden” on the bottom of the can along with the “filled” date; no typo)
Overall impression-thick, gooey, boozey and chocolatey; what more is there?
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; @wbmcards88 would approve; on my list for 2023 Deeber Beer of the Year

[devildeac]

The farewell to our last holiday visitors was Tuesday night and we toasted the “Twin/Camel Cities.”

Sexual Chocolate 2017 (no typo)-Foothills Brewing

Most certainly local!!

Credit-not sure if this was procured by @richardjackson199 or @Tripping.William so I’ll assign dual kudos for this one; thanks!!
Style-cocoa infused imperial stout
Format-bomber; shared 2 ways as our younger daughter had “too” many things to do to partake
Label date-February, 2017
Stemware-Stella snifters
Appearance-dark chocolate cocoa with a moderate beige topping
Nose-cocoa
Mouthfeel-please refer to the name again
Tastes-cocoa, dark chocolate, dark toffee, espresso, really dark molasses and a ton of roastiness
Adjunct-cocoa
IBU-75
ABV-9.6%
Overall impression-cellared quite well for almost 6 years
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3 delivering all the expected flavors without spoilage

[devildeac]

W-S beer #2:

BBA Sexual Chocolate-Foothills Brewing

Staying in the city limits

Credit-first one from @richardjackson199 but @AugustWest traded another so double bonus credit here but we only drank one on Tuesday; thanks!!
Style-if ya don’t know by now
Format-12 ounce bottle, shared 3 ways
Bottle neck ink-111822 7543 0007994 1130
Sipping glasses-mini snifters
Appearance-almost onyx; small tan head
Nose-bourbon and cocoa
Mouthfeel-refer to beer name again, please
Tastes-lots of bourbon and dark cocoa with supporting flavors of molasses, dark toffee and a hint of coffee
Adjunct-cocoa
IBU-75, I think, as it’s been for many years
ABV-9.6%; a bit puzzling as barrel aging using imparts a higher ABV
Overall impression-a bit smoother/softer than the non barrel aged version
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3 from the barrel aging

[devildeac]

Third and final W-S rep from Tuesday:

Road to Ruin-Incendiary Brewing Company

In town!!

Credit-trader from @richardjackson199; many thanks!!
Style-double BBA imperial stout
Format-pint can, shared 3 ways
Canned on-11/21/22
Glasses-still lovin’ my gifted mini snifters from a couple years ago
Appearance-liquid dark chocolate fudge; three bubble head
Nose-bourbon and dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-“Are you sure this isn’t fudge?”
Tastes-strong bourbon which is extraordinarily matched by intense semisweet dark chocolate, black molasses, dark caramel and hints of espresso and char
Grains-Marris Otter, 2 Row, Crystal, Chocolate (not candy), Black malt
Adjunct-Belgian syrup
Barrels-Stagg Jr & Buffalo Trace
IBU-SWAG of 50 but no one cared
ABV-14.25% (No. Typo.)
Overall impression-stunning creation; @richardjackson199 is correct that this is better than the previous release and I’ll search for that review a bit later
Ymm, Beer rating-damn close to cat 4; an early nominee for Deeber 2023 Beer of the Year

[devildeac]

First Frost-Fullsteam Brewery

Yea, it’s local.

Credit-trader from @richardjackson199; thanks!!
Style-foraged and fruited Belgian style dark strong (fearless and handsome, too) ale
Format-half a quart of ale in a can
Stemware-large Ommegang tulip
Appearance-medium to dark brown, clean/clear; modest offwhite head
Nose-juiced dark fruits
Mouthfeel-tantalizing
Tastes-many dark, dried fruits including figs, dates, cherries and raisins; I’ve still never eaten a persimmon so not sure how to describe that flavor
Adjuncts-locally foraged persimmons and Belgian candi sugar
Grains-“Riverbend Malt House Chesapeake Pilsner, Locally malted barley (Dark Crystal), Locally malted barley (Olfaction), Locally malted barley (Icarus), Brewer’s Malt, Locally malted barley (Ruby), Aromatic malt, Two-row brewer’s malt”
Hops-Mangum
Yeast-Omega Abbey
IBU-16 (Yay, Untappd finally quoted a number)
ABV-10%
Overall impression-such a solid ale and a wonderful winter warmer
Ymm, Beer rating-I liked this more than @richardjackson199 and think it’s certainly worthy of a low cat 3 easily, slotting it slightly below the other true Belgian quads and/or strong dark ales we had earlier this week; I was more than delighted to receive a can as a trader

[devildeac]

Baltic Porter-Incendiary Brewing

Local for the purchasing and delivery mule.

Credit-applause @richardjackson199 for this selection; thanks!!
Style-BBA Baltic porter
Format-pint o’ goodness
Canned on-11/07/22
Stemware-stemless Incendiary teku (another round of applause @richardjackson199)
Appearance-clean and very dark brown; moderate tannish topping
Nose-bourbon and milk chocolate
Mouthfeel-softer than expected
Tastes-bourbon, milk chocolate, dark toffee/caramel and surprisingly no anise/licorice or burnt toast
Barrels-Blanton’s bourbon
IBU-the usual Untappd “no IBU” but I’ll guess mid 30s
ABV-11.4%
Overall impression-I really enjoyed sipping this over almost 90 minutes and was thoroughly delighted to receive it
Ymm, Beer rating-I see no reason why I can’t give this a mid cat 3 as it had none of the usual “turn offs” for this style; different flavors than the Hardywood Maple Vanilla version @wbmcards88 shared with us but almost as tasty

[devildeac]

Local for the delivery mule.

Great Commander-Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

Credit-think @nrrrrvous and I “traded” beers for ; thanks!!
Style-RBA and flavored imperial stout
Format-12 oz can
Freshness data-absent
Stemware-cute little GBS tumbler
Appearance-rather dark brown; modest tan head
Nose-rum, bakers chocolate and spices
Mouthfeel-slightly thin
Tastes-rum, very dark brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla and anonymous peppers
Adjuncts-cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon and peppers (Scovill Heat Units not known)
IBU-probably moid 50s
ABV-13.5% and pretty well disguised
Overall impression-almost perfect blending of spices to mitigate the “heat”
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3, thinking I’ll almost always rate a BBA beer over a RBA product but I’d certainly have another of these or other Lickinghole goodies

[devildeac]

Heir Apparent-Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

Local for the RVA mule team.

Credit-many thanks @nrrrrvous for this trader!!
Style-"flavored extra strong beer " it really says that on the label
Format-pint can
Ink on bottom of can-indecipherable
Stemware-Hardywood teku because of RVA
Appearance-dark brown but not too dark; pretty generous tan topping
Nose-cocoa and vanilla
Mouthfeel-a bit thin but soft
Tastes-baker’s chocolate/cocoa, caramel, vanilla with a mild, warming peppery finish
Adjuncts-vanilla beans, cocoa nibs and whole/Mexican peppers (Scoville Heat Units not quoted)
IBU-60
ABV-11.7% (would have guessed 9%)
Overall impression-this sounds like the “base” beer for Great Commander which I liked slightly better based on the rum barrel aging
Ymm, Beer rating-sneaking this into low cat 3 based on flavors and mitigating the pepper heat nicely with the cocoa, vanilla and high gravity

[devildeac]

Nightcap yesterday/early this am:

Hula Hoop-Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Local for the family tree member.

Credit-applause @wbmcards88 for trading this last month; thanks!!
Style-one of Hardywood’s Cocktail Brews, 'splained below
Format-12 ounce can
Bottom of can ink-HULA HOOP 10/12/22 15:52
Sipping container-cocktail glass, what else?
Appearance-pinkish amber orangey yellow; small, offwhite head
Nose-pineapple rose wine
Mouthfeel-sweetie sour
Tastes-red wine, pineapple, berries and a squeeze of lemon juice
Blended ales-Norwegian blonde ale (I like Norwegian blondes ) and imperial golden ale (I didn’t know Hardywood brewed either of these )
Barrels-wine and rum
Adjuncts-pineapple, raspberry and lemon zest
IBU-10
ABV-11.3%
Overall impression-the above sounded like a mess on the label but the final product turned out highly palatable as I should’ve expected from Brian at Hardywood
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; no shame with that as I’ve sipped slightly better beer/barrel blends and “cocktail” from them but I’d sample something like this again or anything traded from their Family Tree exclusive series

[devildeac]

Dinner beer tonight:

Call Sign: Citra Sunshine-Forgotten Road Ales

Pretty close to local

Credit-thanks to older daughter for leaving in her beer fridge to pilfer after more dog sitting
Style-NEIPA
Format-pint can
Recency bias-none available
Stemware-very large wine glass
Appearance-quite cloudy with a high probability of yellow with amber edges and a lot of foam
Nose-tropical fruit salad
Mouthfeel-jooooce!!
Tastes-pretty much all the usual sweet subjects like pineapple, mango with a splash of orange
Hops-El Dorado, Mosaic and double Citra
IBU-“no IBU” but I’ll guess <40
ABV-6.7%
Overall impression-quality stuff from this Graham, NC veteran owned brewery
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; half a notch below Burial and NA but no shame in that; would drink again/try others from this joint in addition to a couple/three sours I’ve absconded with last year

[devildeac]

French Toast Bastard-Founders Brewing Company

Not local but widely available last fall

Credit-trader from August West last month; thanks!!
Style-flavored BBA Scotch ale
Format-12 ounce bottle
Bottled on-09.20.22 1002 6
Glassware-small snifter
Appearance-dark amber; small, tan head
Nose-“breakfast is ready!”
Mouthfeel-almost syrupy
Tastes-vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, lots of bourbon and whiffs of smoke and peat
Adjuncts-vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup
IBU-50; surprising as this is a boozey malt bomb
ABV-11.1%
Overall impression-I think @Tripping.William and @Dr.Rosenrosen have posted prior reviews so I couldn’t resist accepting this as a trader from AW and delighted he offered; another high quality product from the Founders annual barrel aged series
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; yea, it’s that good with the only complaint being a bit cloying; would readily sip/share one at a fall tailgate, pour over pancakes or cereal or wash down a bagel with one of these

[devildeac]

Jade (draft)-Foothills Brewing

Several counties west of local

Credit-beach house partners treated this one; thanks!!
Style-westie IPA
Format-freshly drawn into a Foothills Hazyum pint glass
Appearance-goldish amber; modest foam
Nose-pine and grapefruit
Mouthfeel-a bit short of bracing
Tastes-grapefruit juice and zest, pine, hint of caramel
Hops-Pacific Jade, Chinook, Citra
IBU-86
ABV-7.4%
Overall impression-restaurant was out of Foothills Festival and this made a fine alternative
Ymm, Beer rating-slightly imbalanced but high quality stuff for the style earns a low cat 3; happy to have had again after likely 2 or three years without sampling

[devildeac]

FrabJous-Olde Hickory Brewery

Close enough

Credit-my plastic with a 10% discount for NC beer on Fridays at Bottle Rev last fall
Style-BBA flavored Scotch style ale
Format-12 ounce bottle
Bottled on-01/05/2022
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-looked like a Scotch style ale : smallish tan head
Scents-bourbon, caramel and dark fruits
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-dark caramel, bourbon, raisins, dates and hints of peat/smoke
Adjuncts-raisins, dates and rose hips ( )
IBU-“no IBU” but Untappd is lying and I’ll guess 25
ABV-9.7%
Overall impression-not sure what the rose hips added but this was still a fine rep of the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; Catawba’s 13% ABV BBA Hooligan is my standard