Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

A couple days late:

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Local when bought

Credit-beer #1 from Christmas 4 pack from older daughter; thanks!!
Style-not telling
Format-pint can
Stemware-large wine glass
Appearance-pineapple cherry juice; creamy pink/yellow head
Nose-yep, it smelled like the cake
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-take a large chunk of the cake, add some cherry puree and a couple extra pineapple slices, a shot of vodka and put blender on high
Adjuncts-pineapple, cherry and vanilla; lactose free!!
IBU-maybe 7.35
ABV-6.5% (boozecake!!)
Overall impression-all doubts erased with first sip; delicious
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; again, it was that tasty

[devildeac]

Day Patrol: Peach-Forgotten Road Ales

Nearby

Credit-child transportation gift from older daughter; thanks!
Style-fruited sour
Format-half quart can, not shared
Stemware-pictured
Appearance-cloudy peach juice; no head after 15 seconds or less
Nose-sour peaches
Mouthfeel-moderate pucker
Tastes-liquid Warheads/Sour Patch Kids candy; lemon and lime squeezings
Adjunct-a million peaches
IBU-5.9
ABV-6.5%
Overall impressions-close to Destihl Flanders Red sour but not quite
Ymm, Beer rating-sneaking into low cat 3 because it was sour and peachy

[devildeac]

Punch Bowl Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Local when bought

Credit-part of a mixed Christmas 4 pack from older daughter; thanks!!
Style-fruited sour
Format-the usual
Stemware-ditto
Appearance-citrus based fruit punch; frothy, pale peachy head
Nose-pineapple OJ juice cocktail
Mouthfeel-citrusy and minimal pucker
Tastes-OJ, pineapple juice, lime
Adjuncts-lime, pineapple, pomegranate, orange and rum extract (gotta admit, I missed on the pomegranate and rum flavors)
IBU-not more than 8.3
ABV-only 6.5%; probably coulda used a shot of Bacardi, amirite @Tripping.William?
Overall impression-when it tastes as it’s named, it’s really enjoyable
Ymm, Beer rating-low/mid cat 3; coulda been a mess with all the adjuncts but masterfully crafted

[devildeac]

From Saturday, a couple tardy tastings:

Forecast: Carolina Dreamin’ (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Sitting in the damn taproom, of course it’s local

Credit-my card
Style-hazy IPA
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-quite hazy yellow/orange; small head
Nose-pineapple and guava
Mouthfeel-some sweet, some juice, some pith
Tastes-mildly unripe guava and papaya along with fresh pineapple
Hops-HBC 586 and Elani (who? what? where’s @mattman91?
IBU-maybe mid 30s
ABV-6.8%
Overall impression-slightly limited juiciness and flavors
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2 but a good pairing with some fancy pants nachos

[devildeac]

Dessert brew after nachos and the hazy IPA:

Pirate’s Porter (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Still sitting in the taproom

Credit-tab still open
Style-rum barrel aged imperial porter
Stemware-a different snifter
Appearance-dark brown; thin, tan head
Nose-milk chocolate and rummy
Mouthfeel-AARRGGHH! (kidding; it was creamy)
Tastes-milk chocolate, dark brown sugar; that is all
IBU-likely under 40
ABV-7.9%
Overall impression-I liked this a bit better than @richardjackson199 but a bit “thin”
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; some more rumminess and a higher ABV likely woulda made this a low cat 3 brew

[devildeac]

Raspberry Creamsicle Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Same answer

Credit-“beer” #3 from older daughter’s Christmas 4 pack; even more thanks!!
Style-fruited smoothie sour
Format-ditto
Stemware-ditto
Good looks-hell, yea (no parentheses @Phredd3 ); pinkish purple, thick and topped with a light pinky/purpley meringue
Nose-raspberry sorbet
Mouthfeel-thick
Tastes-copious amounts of raspberry cream and vanilla
Adjuncts-raspberry and vanilla
IBU-doesn’t matter
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-positively delightful
Ymm, Beer rating-mid/high cat 3 (see next post for comparison “beer”); slightly less potent than the Tefnut with a bit less berry flavors but pretty damned close

[devildeac]

Beach Beer-Hopfly Brewing Company

Within the borders

Credit-final beer in a Christmas 4 pack from older daughter; thanks!
Style-session hazy IPA
Format-pint can
Stemware-very large wine glass
Appearance-white grapefruit juice cocktail; moderate foam
Nose-diluted grapefruit juice
Mouthfeel-thin, about as expected
Tastes-a grapefruit/wine cooler with a splash of pineapple juice
Hops-Citra Lupomax (apparently a concentrated hop pellet) and Nelson Sauvin
IBU-maybe low 30s
ABV-5%
Overall impression-not a big fan of session IPAs but this was tasty and refreshing and likely one of the better ones I’ve sipped
Ymm, Beer rating-sneaks into low cat 3 with enough IPA flavors and low gravity that I’d sip again with a sandwich or on the porch in a bit warmer weather

[devildeac]

Silent Night 2015-Mother Earth Brewing

Getting closer to home

Credit-my nickles and dimes and a few quarters and half dollars, too; thanks! :woozy_face:
Style-BBA coffeed imperial stout
Format-corked and caged 750 ml bottle, divided over 2 evenings
Stemware-funny looking snifter
Appearance-10W30; no head
Nose-iced espresso
Mouthfeel-a bit thin
Tastes-espresso, dark chocolate, bourbon, soy
IBU-60ish
ABV-9%
Overall impression-past its prime but still sexy
Ymm, Beer rating-still a low cat 3 but these have always been mid cat 3 to me

Gonna hafta sip a 2016 bottle later this week or next for a comparison…

[devildeac]

My Fair Hades (draft)-Hugger Mugger Brewing Company

Neighboring county to home base

Credit-a treat from @fuse; many humble thanks!!
Style-Belgian style blonde ale; I like Belgian blondes
Format-freshly drawn
Glassware-shaker pint
Appearance-pale gold with a slight chill haze; voluminous head that calmed nicely leaving pretty Belgian lacing
Nose-corn syrup and spices
Mouthfeel-soft
Tastes-floral hops, light syrup and a dash of white pepper
IBU-20ish
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-a pleasant pour made tastier with friends
Ymm, Beer rating-solid high cat 2 effort from a small Sanford brewery

[devildeac]

Mushrooms on a Pizza-Heist Brewing

Still within NC borders

Credit-forgot to bring beer from home and this looked interesting
Style-NETIPA
Format-half quart can
Base of can humor-#NICKWASNTHERE
Stemware-really large wine glass
Appearance-pineapple juice with a head
Nose-pineapples
Mouthfeel-juice
Tastes-pineapple, guava and tangerine
IBU-maybe high 30s
ABV-9.5%
Overall impression-a tad disappointing
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2

[devildeac]

Rested Reserve-Boulevard Brewing Company

All hail the Chiefs but they ain’t local

Credit-back seat, parking lot beer purchase from @richardjackson199 in November; thanks!!
Style-double barrel aged wheated imperial stout
Format-12 ounce bottle; not shared
Stemware-Stella snifter
Good looks-really dark and handsome but not fearless
Mouthfeel-silky and almost gooey
Tastes-smooooth bourbon, dark chocolate, molasses and wood
IBU-maybe mid 40s
ABV-12%; lethally deceptive
Overall impression-terrific
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; I shoulda bought more

[devildeac]

American Single Malt Gingerbread Stout-Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Adopted local

Credit-Brian’s best bosom beer buddy ; thanks!!
Style-see above
Format-3/4 pint stubbie
Stemware-2019 Hardwood GBS Complete Set teku
Appearance-quite dark with a modest tan head
Nose-bourbon and spice and everything nice
Mouthfeel-soft and tingles
Tastes-bourbon, ginger, vanilla, dark chocolate and dark caramel
Adjuncts-ginger, vanilla, honey all apparently added after brewing but before resting in Virginia Distillery barrels
IBU-55, I think is the GBS standard
ABV-12.5%, aka good night Irene
Overall impression-half a notch better than the prior BBS GBS siblings
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; yea, that good

[devildeac]

Stunningly understated.

Hillbilly Prophet (draft)-New Anthem Beer Project

Local? You bet?

Credit-my credit card and my wife’s decision to drive home
Style-BBA imperial stout
Format-12 oz from the spigot
Appearance-dark brown; no head
Nose-bourbon and dark chocolate
Mouthfeel-decadent
Tastes-bourbon, dark chocolate, caramel char, wood
Adjuncts-none needed
Barrels-Buffalo Trace (might be the key here)
IBU-didn’t care
ABV-11% and frighteningly smooth
Overall impression-fantastic
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 3; even without any “fancy” stuff added, this is one of the best “plain” BBA imperial stouts I’ve ever had

I probably should’ve had the 16 oz pour (astounded it was even available) but no regrets either.

[devildeac]

Berry Swirl Cheesecake Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Born in the Mount

Credit-part of a mixed Christmas 4 bagger from older daughter; thanks!!
Style-pastry sour
Format-half quart can
Stemware-the usual
Appearance-purple and foamy
Nose-mixed berries jam
Mouthfeel-smoothie
Tastes-lots of berries and graham crackers
Adjuncts-strawberry, blackberry, cheesecake and graham cracker flavors
IBU-likely under 10
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-cheesecake in a glass
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; delightful

[devildeac]

Yellow Submarine-Blackbird Brewery

Less than 10 miles from home

Credit-second selection from that Christmas gift; thanks!!
Style-DDH hazy IPA
Delivery vessel-pint sized aluminum cylinder
Stemware-one guess
Appearance-cloudy with a chance of yellow and generous suds
Nose-pineapple and mango
Mouthfeel-velvety
Tastes-pineapple, mango, OJ and cream
Hop-Citra
Guest grain-malted oats
IBU-likely under 30
ABV-7.6%, darn near DIPA zone
Overall impression-high quality first tasting from a new brewery
Ymm, Beer rating-low cat 3; quite pleasant

[devildeac]

Key Lime Pie Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Now brewed in Charlotte

Credit-third gem from the Christmas gift pack; thanks, older daughter!!
Style-pastry sour, no cheap ass poptart offal
Packaging-pint aluminum cylinder
Stemware-recurring theme
Appearance-liquid key lime pie
Nose-key lime pie from the icebox
Mouthfeel-smooooth
Tastes-mighta resembled a slice of pie with lime, vanilla and graham crackers
Adjuncts-key lime, vanilla and graham cracker flavor
IBU-10ish
ABV-6.5%
Overall impression-terrific dessert beer
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3

[devildeac]

Didn’t realize I’ve never had this before but it sounded very familiar and guessing it’s new for the 2023 GBS Complete Set:

Kentucky Christmas Breakfast-Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Local if/when it’s delivered

Credit-part of a wager payoff from @richardjackson199; thanks!!
Style-BBA GBS with maple syrup
Format-stubbie!!
Stemware-Hardywood teku
Appearance-North Sea crude
Nose-bourbon and spice and everything nice
Mouthfeel-smooooth
Tastes-bourbon, maple syrup, ginger, coffee, vanilla and dark chocolate (not added) with the coffee beans and maple syrup added after the barrel aging
Adjuncts-ginger, honey, vanilla, coffee and lactose
Barrels-Heaven Hill, Elijah Craig and 10 year Henry McKenna
IBU-55
ABV-12.2%
Overall impression-fantastic as expected
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; another thanks @richardjackson199 for including with his selections but truth be told, Ida been equally happy if Duke had beat the cheats at the dump on the hump and I was providing hin with the goodies

[devildeac]

From Saturday, a couple tardy tastings:

Forecast: Carolina Dreamin’ (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Sitting in the damn taproom, of course it’s local

Credit-my card
Style-hazy IPA
Stemware-snifter
Appearance-quite hazy yellow/orange; small head
Nose-pineapple and guava
Mouthfeel-some sweet, some juice, some pith
Tastes-mildly unripe guava and papaya along with fresh pineapple
Hops-HBC 586 and Elani (who? what? where’s @mattman91?
IBU-maybe mid 30s
ABV-6.8%
Overall impression-slightly limited juiciness and flavors
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2 but a good pairing with some fancy pants nachos

[devildeac]

Dessert brew after nachos and the hazy IPA:

Pirate’s Porter (draft)-Clouds Brewing

Still sitting in the taproom

Credit-tab still open
Style-rum barrel aged imperial porter
Stemware-a different snifter
Appearance-dark brown; thin, tan head
Nose-milk chocolate and rummy
Mouthfeel-AARRGGHH! (kidding; it was creamy)
Tastes-milk chocolate, dark brown sugar; that is all
IBU-likely under 40
ABV-7.9%
Overall impression-I liked this a bit better than @richardjackson199 but a bit “thin”
Ymm, Beer rating-high cat 2; some more rumminess and a higher ABV likely woulda made this a low cat 3 brew

[devildeac]

Cherry Cheesecake Blender-Hopfly Brewing Company

Born in the Mount. Brewed in Charlotte.

Credit-last of mixed 4 pack Christmas gift from older daughter; thanks!
Style-pastry sour
Format-1/8 gallon aluminum prison
Stemware-the usual
Appearance-purpley pink; generous foam
Nose-gobs of cherries on a hunk of cheesecake
Mouthfeel-kinda thick
Tastes-top shelf cherry pie filling and graham crackers
Adjuncts-cherries, cheesecake and graham cracker flavors
IBU-irrelevant
ABV 6.5%
Overall impression-as good as this style gets
Ymm, Beer rating-mid cat 3; if you live in NC, find some of this and, if you can’t, it’s fine to “settle” for one of their other blender concoctions, especially if it’s berry related