Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

420-SweetWater Brewing Company

Not local.

Credit-left in “beer fridge” at beach; anonymous thanks!
Style-extra pale ale
Format-12 ounce can
Ink on bottom of can-04/28/23 B1045
Glass-shapely DFH nonic pint
Appearance-light gold; modest head
Nose-a little grapefruit, a little caramel
Mouthfeel-a little bite
Tastes-as predicted by the aromas with a bit of resn, too
IBU-39
ABV-5.7%
Overall impression-fairly similar to Sierra Nevada pale ale, an American classic
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; hadn’t sipped one in 15 years most likely

Note: “1st brewed on April 20th 1997,” so clear your heads about any other references ( :face_with_peeking_eye:)

[devildeac]

Bound By Dust-Jackie O’s Brewery

Not local when bought or delivered.

Credit-trader from @richardjackson199; growlers of thanks!!
Style-BBA imperial stout
Format-12.7 oz bottle, aka 375 ml
Freshie stuff-I really don’t care
Stemware-2018 Hardywood GBS tumbler
Appearance-5W20; no head
Nose-dark chocolate fudge and bourbon
Mouthfeel-really smooooth
Tastes-bourbon, dark chocolate fudge, molasses and dark caramel
Aging-16 months, barrels not specified
IBU-“no IBU” and after about half the tumbler, I didn’t care
ABV-13.3%
Overall impression-simple recipe that was beyond delicious
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; might be on the list when @fuse starts his Best Beer of 2023 thread

[devildeac]

Ok, I felt adventurous last night after our 90 minute/3 mile walk through downtown Raleighwood to see the Illuminated Art Walk…

Sucker Punch Sour Prickly Pear Gose (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Don’t get more local than from behind the bar.

Credit-couldn’t resist a 3 sour flight at $3 for each 6 oz pour which I kinda/sorta shared with Mrs. dd
Style-no more hints
Format-from the spigot to the sample glass
Appearance-slightly cloudy yellow gold
Nose-a bit fruity and a bit sour
Mouthfeel-soft pucker
Tastes-prickly pear, I guess (never eaten one) with a splash of lemon and lime juices and a hint of salt
Adjuncts-salt and prickly pear
IBU-likely less than 10
ABV-5.5%
Overall impression-this was a smidge above decent; the other 2 were a tad better
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 2

[devildeac]

Beer #2 in the mini-flight:

Sucker Punch Sour Mango Peach Gose (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Same place

Credit-same price plus I got to share with Mrs. dd
Style-still no more hints!
Glassware-slightly nonic 12 ounce glass with 4 and 8 oz markers on it
Appearance-hazy yellow; small head
Nose-peach and mango
Mouthfeel-a bit more fruity and a pinch less sour than the prickly pear pour
Flavors-mildly sweet mango and peach with a lemon/lime spritz
Adjunct-you’re on your own here
IBU-less than 10
ABV-5.5%
Overall impression-more discernible flavors than the prickly pear and Mrs. dd sipped more of this one
Ymm, Beer rating-upper cat 3

[devildeac]

Beer #3 in the flight:

Mean Girl Sour (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Same address

Credit-same card
Style-fruited kettle sour
Format-same as the Sucker Punches
Glass-identical taster
Appearance-cloudy pink; small head
Nose-sour berries
Mouthfeel-balanced sweet and sour
Tastes-puckery cranberries and sweet raspberries with a lean to the sour with some lemon/lime flavors
IBU-had to be <10
ABV-5.5%
Overall impression-slotted between the 2 Sucker Punches; Mrs. dd said, “It’s not New Glarus”
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/high cat 2

[devildeac]

At half price growlers on Thursdays, I brought one home from Clouds for tonight and tomorrow and I think the 32 oz serving was $6 :

Rum Potato, Two Potato (draft/growler)-Clouds Brewing

Same brewery

Credit-same card
Style-“Raleigh Rum Aged Porter”
Format-different spigot
Stemware-from the growler to the snifter
Appearance-darker than a brwon ale and a bit lighter than a porter; 4 mm head after a vigorous pour
Nose-milk chocolate and brown sugar
Mouthfeel-gentle
Tastes-cocoa, milk chocolate, baked sweet potatoes, brown sugar, wood and rum
Adjuncts-sweet potatoes, but not verified if from NC
IBU-guessing 30
ABV-7.5%
Overall impression-the 2 oz taster of their BBA imperial stout was slightly better but I enjoyed this for being different
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; I’ll happily finish the growler tomorrow night; fun beer

[devildeac]

Jannemie-Russian River Brewing Company

Local when bought

Credit-Teacher Tom with the cross country pick up and delivery-thanks!!
Style-Bret farmhouse ale
Format-corked and caged 12.67 oz bottle, aka 375 ml
Bottled on-11/22/21 (no typo)
Stemware-large Ommegang tulip
Good looks-yep, straw color with generous Belgian lacing and foam
Nose-wet straw
Mouthfeel-typical Breet funk
Tastes-mildly sour apples and pears, wet hay, funk and a pinch of white pepper
Malts-“American and European”
Yeast-“distictive strain of farfmhouse”
Fermentation-open top with Brett and refermented in the kegs and bottles
IBU-“no IBU” is more fake news so I’ll claim mid 20s
ABV-6.2%
Overall impression-an outstanding Brettanomyces saison and certainly worth cross country trips
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; another outstanding Russian River brew

[devildeac]

Electronic Fog-Flying Machine Brewing Company

Same county type local

Credit-former neighbor who lives in New Hanover county now so we visited; thanks for sharing
Style-NEIPA
Format-pint can, shared
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-hazy yellow; smallish head
Nose-pineapple grapefruit juice
Mouthfeel-fruity
Tastes-pineapple grapefruit juice
Hops-Citra and Hallertau, a combo I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted
IBU-the usual “no IBU” but a good guesstimate might be 35
ABV-6.3%
Overall impression-very favorable for only my 3rd beer from this Wilmington brewery
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; considered a 4 pack when we ordered a flatbread later from a pizza/taproom

[devildeac]

Funky Foeder Cherry Beer-Russian River Brewing Company

Local for the cross country mule.

Credit-Teacher Tom for the high mileage delivery here; mucho thanks!!
Style-oak wine barrel aged cherry sour
Format-500 ml bottle with Mrs. dd taking 2 mouth puckering sips and making a bitter/sour beer face
Bottled on-07 11 22
Stemware-extra large wine glass
Appearance-light/medium cherry soda; 5 bubbles
Nose-cherry vinegar
Mouthfeel-sexy motherpucker
Tastes-sour cherries, lemon and lime juices, wood and apple cider vinegar
Adjuncts-might be some cherries
IBU-15 (finally, an admission of bitterness!!)
ABV-7%
Overall impression-if you don’t like sours, this ale is not for you, but, if they’re among your faves, you’d be highly impressed
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3 and that’s because the Rodenbach Alexander that I shared with family over Christmas that @fuse gifted me was an absolute world class beer and the sourness of this one slots it in just below the true Belgian product and there’s zero shame in that

[devildeac]

Robert-Russian River Brewing Company

Bought at the brewery.

Credit-Teacher Tom with another cross country winner selection; thanks!!
Style-saison/farmhouse ale
Format-12.66 oz, aka 375 ml; caged and corked, unusual packaging for this size bottle
Bottled on-040422 15.58
Stemware-very large wine glass
Appearance-slightly cloudy, light straw; more foam than anticipated
Nose-wet straw
Mouthfeel-softer than expected
Tastes-pear, apple, wet hay, flowers, hint of white pepper, dough and a small amount of funk
IBU-“no IBU” is another lie so I’ll guess 20
ABV-6.2%
Overall impression-a more traditional farmhouse ale than Jennemie with far less Brett funk
Ymm, Beer rating- low/mid cat 3; if you like Brettanomyces, you’ll like Jannemie better but if a classic farmhouse ale is what you seek, this should be your choice; both were excellent

[devildeac]

Day Patrol: PPT-Forgotten Road Ales

Recall says this is a veteran-owned brewery in Graham, NC, so, yea, local. Don’t think it’s female-owned.

Credit-keen eyesight and clever pilferage from our daughter as yet another reward for doggie day/weekend care
Style-fruited sour ale from their ongoing Day Patrol series
Storage unit-pint can
Stemware-extra large wine glass
Appearance-yellowish orange with a very thin head
Nose-pineapple and other tropical aromas
Mouthfeel-slight pucker
Tastes-pineapple and tangerine with generous lemon and lime additions
Adjuncts-pineapple, pink guava (I missed this) and tangerine
IBU-“no IBU” which is likely not far off but realistically is <10
ABV-5.7%
Overall impression-Mrs, dd said "not bad and had 2 sips; I enjoyed it without a meal or snackery
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; would be a pleasant warm spring/summer/fall day brew and pair nicely with almost any fruit salad or maybe a sweet and sour entree

[devildeac]

From last pm.

Belgian Twist-Founders Brewing Company

Decidedly not nearby

Credit-trader from August West last month; thanks!
Style-flavored Belgian style tripel
Format-12 ounce bottle
Calendar info-Bottled on : 02.10.22 07072
Stemware-sexy Ommegang tulip
Appearance-clear gold with generous Belgian lacing
Nose-orange liqueur and honey
Mouthfeel-sultry
Tastes-orange liqueur and zest, honey/agave, hints of banana and clove and a pinch of white pepper
Adjuncts-blue agave nectar
IBU-25
ABV-10%
Overall impression-very enjoyable “twist” on the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; always (?) worth grabbing a 4 pack of a Founders Bottle Shop or barrel aged series and savoring them over 6 to 12 months or trading one or two

[devildeac]

Blueberry Cheesecake Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Born in the Mount, brewed and canned in Charlotte so still local.

Credit-Christmas present from older daughter; thanks!!
Style-fruited sour milkshake ale
Format-pint can
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-purple smoothie; pale lavender head with lots of particles
Nose-heavy on the blueberries
Mouthfeel-smoothie consistency
Tastes-a heavy slathering of blueberry preserves over a NY cheesecake slice, graham crackers
Adjuncts-lactose and blueberries
IBU-“no IBU” bul likely <10
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-really, really close to Veil quality/consistency
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; for you NC residents, start looking for these from Hopfly; would buy a 4 pack of these

[devildeac]

Epiphenomenon-Olde Hickory Brewery

From a few miles west of the 336 so it’s local.

Credit-a whim and 10% off NC beers at the bottle shop fka Bottle Rev a few months ago
Style-BBA and flavored Scotch style ale is what the label claims but…
Format-12 ounce bottle
Freshness stuff-Bottled on 12/10/2021
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-slightly cloudy medium brown with next to no head
Nose-bourbon and dark, dried fruits
Mouthfeel-rather seductive
Tastes-a lot of bourbon, figs, dates, raisins, dark caramel and wet wood
Adjuncts-cocoa, toasted coconut and almonds and I’ll be damned if I can taste any of those flavors
IBU-N/A IBU but likely mid 20s
ABV-11.5% and tasted every digit of that
Overall impression-excellent beer but totally divergent scents and flavors than the advertised
Ymm, Beer rating-as a Scotch style ale, it gets a cat 1 as it missed the marks on all points, but, as an adult beverage overall, it was quite the fine product and I completely agree with @fuse that it really smelled, tasted and sipped like a BBA quad and a very good one at that and would be a low/mid cat 3 in that category

[devildeac]

Thursday night dessert:

Raspberry Creamsicle Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Somewhere in NC is still local

Credit-one of a mixed 4 pack from older daughter as a Christmas gift; thanks!!
Style-smoothie style sour pastry ale (IOW, not beer )
Format-pint can
Freshie stuff-no data
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-mixed raspberries sorbet; modest pinkish purple topping
Nose-buckets of berries
Mouthfeel-slightly sour and juicy
Tastes-many, many raspberries, cream and hints of lemon and lime
Adjuncts-lactose and raspberries
IBU-N/A but palate will claim 10 or less
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-even better than the Blueberry Cheesecake Blender reviewed yesterday; Mrs. dd even took 3 sips and said “not bad” followed by “pretty good.”
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3; gimme a side by side with a Veil smoothie beer and I’m not sure I could pick a winner; NC residents need to try some of Hopfly’s smoothie sour beers!

[devildeac]

Party Dinosaur-Oozlefinch Beers and Blending

Not local

Credit-can #3 from gifted Christmas 4 pack from older daughter; thanks!!
Style-fruited sour smoothie ale
Format-pint can
Freshness data-not available even after scanning code with phone
Stemware-that large wine glass keeps appearing
Appearance-orange amber smoothie with a never disappearing, voluminous peachy head
Nose-coconut and pineapple
Mouthfeel-Not. Beer.
Tastes-coconut (label does not include this), pineapple, papaya, mango (none here) and vanilla
Adjuncts-purees of papaya, raspberry, pineapple with oats and vanilla; no lactose listed
IBU-N/A but common sense estimates 10
ABV-6.34% (yea, that’s really on the label)
Overall impression-not sure I’ve ever had an Oozlefinch brew but have read about them from @nrrrrvous and/or @fuse and this meets and exceeds expectations
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3 because “why the hell not” as this was fantastic and as good, maybe better than the Tefnuts I’ve been fortunate enough to taste from @wbmcards88 AND @nrrrrvous

[devildeac]

MiHi Mai Ra-Heist Brewery

(You’re welcome, that’s what Mihi Mai Ra means)

Charlotte=local

Credit-another bonus after some dog sitting duties
Style-hazy IPA with New Zealand hops
Format-pint can
Calendar stuff-YOU’RE WELCOME 10/27/22
Glass-standard pint vessel
Appearance-hazy and yellow and moderately foamy
Nose-pineapple and other tropical fruits
Mouthfeel-creamy and juicy
Tastes-pineapple, guava, mango with a squeeze of lime
Hops-(from Untappd) “…triple dry hopped this hazy IPA with a ludicrous amount of New Zealand hop varieties: Motuere, Wai-Iti, Wakatu, Waimea, and Motueka…”
IBU-N/A (lolol) but will guess mid 30s
ABV-6.3%
Overall impression-pretty surprised for a 3 month old hazy to taste this good; really good stuff
Ymm, Beer rating-easy low cat 3, a shade below Burial and NA and Veil but not much quite well done

[devildeac]

Face Taker-Bhramari (brewed and packaged by Hivemind Brewing Company)

Kinda local

Credit-last of the mixed 4 pack gift set from younger daughter at Christmas; thanks
Style-fruited and adjuncted Berliner Weisse
Format-pint can
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-cloudy, neon, blueish green with some particulates; modest foam
Nose-sour
Mouthfeel-sour yet fruity
Tastes-peach and lime jam
Adjuncts-(I ain’t making this up) peach rings, gummi worms, cotton candy and salt water taffy
IBU-N/A IBU but likely single digits
ABV-5.85
Overall impression-one of the more interesting colors and conglomeration of flavors I’ve ever sipped
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; interesting novelty creation that coulda been a disaster but ended up rather flavorful though I’d have never guessed those adjuncts :face_with_peeking_eye:

[devildeac]

From Thursday night:

Backwoods Bastard-Founders Brewing Company

Not nearby.

Credit-my plastic card
Style-Scotch style al aged in bourbon barrels
Format-12 ounce botte
Bottled On-10.28.20 1350 6
Stemware-Founders snifter
Appearance-cloudy, amber/brown without much head
Nose-brown sugar and bourbon
Mouthfeel-rather soft
Tastes-dark caramel, bourbon, dark dried fruits, wood with a whiff of smoke
IBU-guessing 30ish
ABV-11%
Overall impression-still mighty tasty after 15 months in the bottle
Ymm, Beer rating-low.mid cat 3; might have been a shade better ~6 months ago

[devildeac]

Back Seat Driver (draft)-Mason Jar Brewing

In the house!!

Credit-on the menu and thirst
Style-hazy/NEIPA
Format-freshly drawn
Glassware-what else but a mason jar
Appearance-hazy yellow, modest head
Nose-pineapple and oranges
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-pineapple, orange, ripe papaya
IBU-estimated mid 30s
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-solid effort and good pairing with a wedge salad
Ymm, Beer rating-by itself, mid cat 2 but because it was paired well with dinner with Mrs. dd, @fuse and @Loveninja, it gets upgraded to high cat 2