Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

The Clowns-New Anthem Beer Project

Local

Credit-final can from the 25% off spring cleaning sale in March
Style-BBA chocolate cake/pastry imperial stout
Format-the evil looking pint can above and shared not quite equally 3 ways
Freshness stampage-23048 (aka February 17, 2023)
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-Pennzoil; minimal tan head
Nose-fudge cake
Mouthfeel-seductive
Tastes-liquid triple fudge cake drenched with bourbon
Adjuncts-lactose with a second conditioning of vanilla beans and chocolate
Malts-“heavy chocolate grain bill”
Barrel aging-16 months
IBU-N/A but gotta be 50+
ABV-9.5% but punched in a higher weight class
Overall impression-beyond decadent; shoulda bought 12 of these
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; might make my top 20 to 30 beers for 2023

[devildeac]

120 Minute IPA (2017)-Dogfish Head Craft Ales

Delaware is not local.

Credit-bottle #14ish from my 2017 case
Style-IIPA that is really a TIPA that drinks like a barlywine
Format-12 ounce bottle, shared 2 ways
Neck inkage-10/smudge/17 smudge
Stemware-snifters
Appearance-medium amber mud; no head
Nose-wet leather
Mouthfeel-bracingly bitter
Tastes-wet tobacco, wet leather, alcohol, dark caramel and some dark, dried fruits
IBU-120 (no typo :face_with_spiral_eyes:)
ABV-18% (Untappd); 16-17.5% from DFH web site and that’s dialed back from earlier versions that weighed in at 20-21%
Overall impression-even after over 5 years of cellaring, this is still a lupulin booze bomb that even hard core beer knurds have difficulty sipping
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; this is still an old classic that really takes a lot of patience to sip

[devildeac]

Dragons with Matches-Incendiary Brewing Company

Bought at the brewery; hell, yea it’s local

Credit-a gathering of friends, Cugino Forno pizza, 4 sequential Incendiary snifters and an open tab on the card (without my wife’s prior approval )
Style-(from stick on label) blend of 26 month and 14 month aged dark Belgian strong ale
Format-500 ml bottle, shared 3 ways
Freshness data-BOTTLED ON 9/20/22 (hand written in gold Sharpie on the label)
Purchase date-on release date of October 7, IIRC
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-slightly cloudy, really dark brown; thin, tan foam
Nose-port and dark dried fruits
Mouthfeel-heavenly
Tastes-amazingly complex with the expected raisins, dates, figs, dark cherries along with port wine, dark caramel and wood
Grains-Pilsner, Caramunich I, Caramunich II, Chocolate, wheat and Special B
Yeast-LaChouffe
IBU-N/A, but, I. Don’t. Care. (but will guess low 30s)
ABV-12.7% (“starter” beer )
Overall impression-absolutely terrific, especially shared with family
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/upper cat 3; supremely executed; I think I’ve had the bourbon barrel aged variant in the past and prefer that ever so slightly more than the port version (but not that much)

[devildeac]

Bourbon County Brand Stout (2019)-Goose Island Beer Company

Can’t recall if bought in Chicago or Raleigh or gifted/traded via Columbus, OH

Credit-see above
Style-y’all know
Format-500 ml bottle, shared 3 ways, this time almost equally
Drink by-03SEP24 14:19
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-it was a dark and oily night…
Nose-bourbon and dark chocolate fudge
Mouthfeel-salacious
Tastes-liquid, dark chocolate fudge brownie batter, molasses, bourbon, slightly charred dark caramel
Barrels-(found this info on Untappd as it’s not on the bottle) Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey
IBU-60, as always
ABV-14.7% (a palate cleanser )
Overall impression-still fantastic after 4+ years of cellaring
Ymm, Beer rating-top cat 3; they don’t get brewed/aged much better than this and even better when shared with family

[devildeac]

Double Steez-New Anthem Beer Project

Can’t get any closer than “purchased at the brewery”

Credit-recommendation by @richardjackson199 to @TeacherTom to visit the brewery and @TeacherTom to offer a 4 pack of traders during a “drive by”
Style-can says IPA, stats say DIPA, final answer is NEDIPA
Format- pint can
Bottom of can numbers-23 090 (translation: March 31,2023 )
Stemware-supersized wine glass
Appearance-blenderized tropical fruit salad
Nose-multiple tropical and citrus fruits
Mouthfeel-juuiicy
Tastes-pineapple, grapefruit, white wine, orange and mango
Hops-“everything Steez but extra bougie. Mosaic, Citra and Simcoe everywhere, with Cryo and liquid additions both hot and cold.”
Grains-gotta be oats and wheat in this one
IBU-N/A but most know shenanigans so I’ll guess 40
ABV-8.7%
Overall impression-another gem from NA.
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3, a tough rating to earn but well deserved

[devildeac]

Oak Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout-Dogfish Head Craft Brewery

Not local

Credit-most likely a trader from our son or younger son in law several years ago; thanks!!
Style-no booze aged, flavored imperial stout
Format-12 ounce bottle, shared pretty equally 3 ways
Neck stampage-BOTTLED ON 07/(buncha smudges); I’ll circle back in a day or two and see if a bottle at home has legible into
Stemware-mini snifters
Appearance-Texas crude, oil, that is; no head
Nose-dark chocolate and vanilla
Mouthfeel-lubricious
Tastes-dark chocolate, vanilla, fudge, wood, molasses and booze
Adjunct-vanilla beans
IBU-70
ABV-17.5% (Untappd); 16 to 17.5% DFH website
Overall impression-stunning
Ymm, Beer rating-top shelf cat 3; absolutely world class product

[devildeac]

From the last couple days:

Bavarian Amber Lager-Red Oak Brewery

Yep, local

Credit-remaining 5 members of a 6er of cans left in our fridge by family this week; who could resist?
Style-yep
Format-12 ounce cans
Freshie stuff-BEST BY 09/10/23 45672
Stemware-old fashioned pint glass
Appearance-clean and medium amber (d’oh!) with a moderate topping
Nose-toasted bread and light caramel
Mouthfeel-gentle
Tastes-light caramel, Euro floral, toasted wheat bread
Adjuncts-Rheinheitsgebot (sp?)
IBU-probably upper 20s
ABV-about 5%
Overall impression-unexciting but delicious
Ymm, Beer rating-easy low cat 3 porch pounder or pairing with grilled fare or sandwiches, even those of the variety

[devildeac]

Imperial Razzle Dazzle (draft)-Strangeways Brewing

In the Fredericksburg taproom!!

Credit-a whim
Style-fruited imperial Berliner Weisse
Format-draft
Stemware-snifter and shared darn near equally with Mrs. dd
Appearance-purple/red; pretty clear
Nose-raspberry soda
Mouthfeel-sour and fruity
Tastes-unsweetened raspberry jam
Adjunct-I’m 150% certain a metric crapton of raspberries were sacrificed to make this
IBU-the usual N/A but surely <10
ABV-8.3%
Overall impression-outstanding
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; one of the better imperial Berliner Weisses I’ve ever sipped

[devildeac]

Imperial Lücky Charms (draft)-Strangeways Brewing

Yep, still in the Fredericksburg taproom

Credit-I couldn’t resist asking for a taste of this given the name and mental/physical/gustatory images it provoked
Style-a “cerealized” imperial Berliner Weisse
Format-two or three ounce taster
Stemware-mini snifter
Appearance-clear neon lime green (if you order a full pour, they’ll top your beverage with a “pour” of Lucky Charms cereal; really!)
Nose-“barkeep, could I have some milk with this please”
Mouthfeel-sweet and sour
Tastes-Lucky Charms/marshmallow cereal, no really, I’m totally serious
Adjunct-a German Radler syrup (from Untappd)
IBU-N/A (yawn), but I’d bet 5ish
ABV-8.3%
Overall impression-surprisingly tasty
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; if the next beer hadn’t caught my eye, I’d’ve ordered a full pour of this!

[devildeac]

Imperial Sour Cherry Cobbler (draft)-Strangeways Brewing

Haven’t left the taproom; yet.

Credit-another temptation
Style-fruited imperial Berliner Weisse
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark cherry soda
Nose-sour cherries
Mouthfeel-sweet and sour
Tastes-unsweetened cherry juice; not sure about the “cobbler” part
Adjunct-I’d bet some sour/pie cherries were squeezed/juiced for this one
IBU-N/A but again, likely <10
ABV-8.3% (time to stop and hand the key to Mrs. dd )
Overall impression-really well done; could imagine myself in Bavaria sipping an authentic Berliner Weisse to which a serious dollop of cherry syrup was added
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; slightly better than the Lucky Charm version but not quite to the Razzle Dazzle level

[devildeac]

From Thursday:

Friendz Helping Friendz-The Veil Brewing collaboration with Trilium Brewing Company (yes, please!!)

We’re at the brewery; you figure this one out

Credit-thirst
Style-NEDIPA
Format-from one of their thousand spigots
Glassware-nonic 3/4 pint
Appearance-yellow, hazy
Nose-fresh tropical fruit salad
Mouthfeel-peaceful, easy feeling
Tastes-pineapple, mango, orange and peach
Grains-raw and flaked wheat, some oats
Hops-Citra
IBU-maybe mid 30s
ABV-8%
Overall impression-who could resist a draft collab between Veil and Trilium
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3, a tough category but this didn’t disappoint; woulda bought a 4 pack if available

[devildeac]

More Veil from Thursday:

J.O.Y. J.O.Y. (draft)-The Veil Brewing

Still at the damned brewery; quit asking

Credit-I fully expected this on my open tab when @nrrrrvous asked if I wanted another beer but much to my surprise, it was not, so thank you very much/kindly!!
Style-westie DIPA
Format-different spigot
Glassware-nonic 3/4 pint
Appearance-bronzy, coppery, clean
Nose-orange rind
Mouthfeel-pleasantly bitter
Tastes-orange rind and liqueur, caramel and hints of white wine and resin/pine
Hops-DDH with Citra, Mosaic and Nelson
IBU-56
ABV-8%
Overall impression-another “Veil rarely disappoints” beer with a somewhat unusual combination of hops for this style and a classic twist on the style
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; came away with two 4 packs of this, one for our son and the other to sequester/trade/collect payment for from @fuse and @richardjackson199

[devildeac]

From yesterday afternoon, Down By the River, but not in a trailer:

2002 Snow Hands Barrel Aged Dark Strong (draft)-Haw River Farmhouse Ales

At yet another brewery.

Credit-low will power
Style-easy one here
Format-from one of many tap lines
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-dark brown; thin, tan head
Nose-maple syrup, bourbon and dark, dried fruits
Mouthfeel-smooooth
Tastes-mirrored the aromas almost perfectly; maybe some milk chocolate and caramel, too
Barrels-maple syrup and bourbon
IBU-maybe 30
ABV-10% and well hidden
Overall impression-an outstanding beverage that @Tripping.William may have reviewed months ago
Ymm, Beer rating-easy mid cat 3; shoulda bought a 2 pack of this and/or the cognac barrel variant but I have soooo much NG, Hardywood and other high gravity stuff already

[devildeac]

Welcome to Harga-Fat Orange Cat Brew Company

Not nearby (North Haven, CT)

Credit-another pilfered beverage
Style-NEDIPA
Format pint can
Bottom of can info-09/16/22 12:20
Stemware-large wine glass not worn out yet
Appearance-hazy jooce
Nose-tropical fruit salad
Mouthfeel-a bit shy of smoothie thick
Tastes-pineapples, pith, some citrus rind, orange
Hops-Nelson and Motueka
IBU-info not revealed but likely mid 30s
ABV-8.5%
Overall impression-surprisingly tasty despite the lack of freshness
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2 but I’d bet this would easily be a low/mid cat 3 if consumed fresh

[devildeac]

pinkferrari3-The Veil Brewing

Bought at the brewery; yea, it’s fresh-check the recency bias stats below

Credit-needed traders and a small personal supply
Style-TDH NEDIPA
Format-pint can
Recency bias-PKGD ON 05/22/2023 (bought 3 days after canning and poured 7 days after canning date
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-tropical fruit smoothie; modest head
Nose-lotsa tropical fruits
Mouthfeel-moderate viscosity but not Veil/Omnipollo smoothie thick
Tastes-agree @fuse WRT the pineapple and orange along with moderate pithiness, some citrus rind and a hint of wine
Hops-Galaxy and Nelson
IBU-(cone of silence) but likely low/mid 30s
ABV-8%
Overall impression-a slightly “twisted” NEDIPA given the hop combo and not quite as “sweet” as anticipated but absolutely enjoyable
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; Citra and Mosaic are still my faves and the pithiness detracts ever so slightly but nonetheless, a wonderful and fresh NEDIPA

[devildeac]

Damn near gone from my glass now:

The Bug Man-The Veil Brewing Company

Bought at the brewery’s new location.

Credit-needed another trader.
Style-NEDIPA
Format-pint can
Recency bias-PKGD ON 05/22/2023
Stemware-washed and rinsed and dried large wine glass (soooo boring )
Appearance-freshly squeezed OJ and ruby red grapefruit blend; modest foam
Nose-orange, grapedfruit, peach and cantaloupe
Mouthfeel-juice and more juice
Tastes-OJ, grapefruit juice, cantaloupe, peach and a drop of pine
Hops-El Dorado and and Simcoe (wait, those are old school, westie IPA varieties)
IBU-who cares
ABV-8.5%
Overall impression-had my doubts with the hop bill but this was teriffic
Ymm, Beer rating-first couple sips were low cat 3 but it easily finished mid cat 3, agreeing @richardjackson199; can’t wait for the @fuse tasting impressions (hoping his palate has been cleansed from that imperial Baltic porter earlier this evening )

[devildeac]

Weekend update:

Key Lime Pie Sour (draft/crowler)-Appalachian Mountain Brewing

No longer an InBev brewery .

Bought at the brewery

Credit-shared by older daughter; thanks!!
Style-fruited imperial sour
Format-crowler, shared equally, unlike most of my pours
Crowlered on-04/06/23 (“still tastes like it did at the brewery”)
Format-Resident Culture pilsner glasses :woozy_face:
Appearance-hazy yellow green (not gross looking); smallish, fizzy head
Nose-“may I have another slice of pie, please?”
Mouthfeel-limey
Tastes-lime juice, simple syrup, squeeze of lemon, graham crackers
Adjuncts-limes and lots of them
IBU-gotta be <10
ABV-8% (a sour? are you kidding me?)
Overall impression-wonderful sipper before dinner, poolside on a warm late spring afternoon
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; if it tastes like a liquid pie, who can argue?

[devildeac]

Apri Guav Tastee-The Veil Brewing

Bought at the Brewery

Credit-needed traders
Style-fruited sour smoothie “ale”
Format-pint can
Ink on bottom of can-(smudge) ON (smudge)/2023
Stemware-extra large wine glass
Appearance-photo is accurate
Nose-apricots and guavas
Mouthfeel-puckery smoothie
Tastes-apricot preserves, lemon, guava which really tasted like pear to me
Adjuncts-lactose, apricots and guavas (whoa, really? )
IBU-6.31
ABV-5.5%
Overall impression-another true to form Veil “non-beer”
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3 because I like their berry blends better but this was intriguing

[devildeac]

If It’s the Beaches-Altered State Brewing Company

Less than 4 miles from our abode.

Credit-more pilferage for doggie custodial chores
Style-session IPA
Format-pint can
Appearance-pineapple grapefruit juice cocktail; modest head
Nose-citrus salad
Mouthfeel-juicy; a bit thin, as expected
Tastes-pineapple, grapefruit, peach, cantaloupe
Hops-“… in the kettle and the unitank on multiple occasions with Citra, El Dorado and Simcoe…”
IBU-N/A but probably low/mid 30s
ABV-4.8%
Overall impression-fresh and fruity and as good as any session IPA I’m able to recall but admitting I haven’t had an abundance of them
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; yea, if you can put this much juiciness and flavor into a low ABV beer, you’ve made a really good product; great pairing with some grilled salmon, roasted yellow potatoes and a fresh garden/mixed green salad

[devildeac]

Last Snow-Funky Buddha Brewery

Local? No comment

Credit-secret
Style-flavored porter
Format-12 ounce can
Bottom can ink-BB MAR 2023 KU42A10025 16:20
Stemware-Funky Buddha tulip
Appearance-dark brown; generous tan head
Nose-coffee and baker’s chocolate
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-cocoa, coffee and coconut
Adjuncts-coffee and “natural coconut flavors” with the chocolate coming from the beer type, not added
IBU-35 (wow, someone actually revealed the number here )
ABV-6.4%
Overall impression-wonderful pairing with some gifted, homemade, deep dish apple crumb pie and ice cream
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; really enjoyable concoction