Ymm, Beer!

[devildeac]

Review of Bitches' Brew

Outstanding. I would have probably never found that. Now, if you can find a couple 750 ml bottles of Bitches Brew, buy them. One for yourself and one for me. I'll get it from you some time. And, I'll share it with CB&B.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Duck Rabbit Schwarzbier.
A black lager from the dark beer specialists. This was a trader from DD, thanks much for both! DR really is the best brewery when it comes to any dark beer..this one is a lager but you would never guess in a blind taste test. Coffee flavors overflow, some nice caramel undertones, and the creamy body just carries it to perfection. If you gave me this lager versus most any well built porter or stout, I might lean back to this as my drink of preference. My major complaint with lagers (along with most others who nitpick) is flavor..this beer is full of it, beyone what I've tasted in many ales. The closest lager I can compare it to that is readily available is Saranac's Black Forest..but DR leaves that one behind. (Saranac does have another version of their Black Forest that is better crafted, but it's been a while to offer an honest comparison.) Lotta malt flavors here, the roasted coffee obviously out front. Great aftertaste..it just hangs out and teases you..asking to take another sip. Sort of like that long lasting gum that you know has to end sometime. Not sure what I would put the ABV at, but I would guess a healthy 7-7.5%. If it's less, then if you see it, pick up a sixer to keep you company on a night when the weather has some crispness to it, and share with friends. Thanks again to DD for sticking two in my trader pack..I had the first last week, and saved the second for tonight's enjoyment and revue.

[devildeac]

Duck Rabbit Schwarzbier.
A black lager from the dark beer specialists. This was a trader from DD, thanks much for both! DR really is the best brewery when it comes to any dark beer..this one is a lager but you would never guess in a blind taste test. Coffee flavors overflow, some nice caramel undertones, and the creamy body just carries it to perfection. If you gave me this lager versus most any well built porter or stout, I might lean back to this as my drink of preference. My major complaint with lagers (along with most others who nitpick) is flavor..this beer is full of it, beyone what I've tasted in many ales. The closest lager I can compare it to that is readily available is Saranac's Black Forest..but DR leaves that one behind. (Saranac does have another version of their Black Forest that is better crafted, but it's been a while to offer an honest comparison.) Lotta malt flavors here, the roasted coffee obviously out front. Great aftertaste..it just hangs out and teases you..asking to take another sip. Sort of like that long lasting gum that you know has to end sometime. Not sure what I would put the ABV at, but I would guess a healthy 7-7.5%. If it's less, then if you see it, pick up a sixer to keep you company on a night when the weather has some crispness to it, and share with friends. Thanks again to DD for sticking two in my trader pack..I had the first last week, and saved the second for tonight's enjoyment and revue.

You are most welcome. Bring a few extras this Saturday as dpslaw promised to bring a few extras and just might be in a trading mood.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Duck Rabbit Schwarzbier.
A black lager from the dark beer specialists. This was a trader from DD, thanks much for both! DR really is the best brewery when it comes to any dark beer..this one is a lager but you would never guess in a blind taste test. Coffee flavors overflow, some nice caramel undertones, and the creamy body just carries it to perfection. If you gave me this lager versus most any well built porter or stout, I might lean back to this as my drink of preference. My major complaint with lagers (along with most others who nitpick) is flavor..this beer is full of it, beyone what I've tasted in many ales. The closest lager I can compare it to that is readily available is Saranac's Black Forest..but DR leaves that one behind. (Saranac does have another version of their Black Forest that is better crafted, but it's been a while to offer an honest comparison.) Lotta malt flavors here, the roasted coffee obviously out front. Great aftertaste..it just hangs out and teases you..asking to take another sip. Sort of like that long lasting gum that you know has to end sometime. Not sure what I would put the ABV at, but I would guess a healthy 7-7.5%. If it's less, then if you see it, pick up a sixer to keep you company on a night when the weather has some crispness to it, and share with friends. Thanks again to DD for sticking two in my trader pack..I had the first last week, and saved the second for tonight's enjoyment and revue.

You are most welcome. Bring a few extras this Saturday as dpslaw promised to bring a few extras and just might be in a trading mood.

If all goes to plan we will stop by TW on our way into Wallace Wade. They open at 10, right about the time we'll be there.

[bluebeer]

Review of Bitches' Brew

Outstanding. I would have probably never found that. Now, if you can find a couple 750 ml bottles of Bitches Brew, buy them. One for yourself and one for me. I'll get it from you some time. And, I'll share it with CB&B.

Managed to get my hands on a bottle of this today..review hopefully by tomorrow..

[devildeac]

Review of Bitches' Brew

Outstanding. I would have probably never found that. Now, if you can find a couple 750 ml bottles of Bitches Brew, buy them. One for yourself and one for me. I'll get it from you some time. And, I'll share it with CB&B.

Managed to get my hands on a bottle of this today..review hopefully by tomorrow..

Lucky fellow.

[devildeac]

Snapperhead IPA-Butternuts Beer and Ale

I'm gonna guess this is their flagship beer. Solid IPA with a golden yellow color and lotsa piney/resinous hop aroma and flavor and little to no citrus presence. Nice bitterness, guessing IBU in the 60 or 70 range and the ABV is 6.3%. This would be fine with entrees with a bit of pepper or other spices and also with burgers off the grill, hold the mayo, please. A better product than their Porkslap I reviewed a day or two ago and worth a taste.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Evil 8-Blue Mountain Brewing

From their web page:

19.3° Plato, 50 IBUs and 7.7% alcohol by volume*
A truly spiritual ale, Evil 8° will blur the lines of what you think you know about American beer. Brewed in the Belgian Abbey style using caramelized Biscuit malt, Goldings hops and a unique strain of brewers' yeast.

I don't know about spiritual but true to the Belgian style of a dubbel, or brown ale. There is a bit of a twist as I think the IBU are a bit higher than normal from the Goldings hops. A bit light for an Abbey style brew but certainly toasty/bready and some hints of light brown sugar and dark fruits. Fine with hard cheeses or lightly smokey appetizers or slightly sweet or grilled pork or beef. Wouldn't be bad with some caramel or butterscotch cookies for dessert. Or, by itself, of course. I had heard of this brewery on our recent trip to Richmond, sampling their wheat ale, IIRC. Solid impression from my first two tastings. This was a trader from CB&B from his recent jaunt to Hokieland.

Not much to add...except that this is really, really, really good. Out of all of the finds from the Virginia trip, this one is easily my favorite (so far, still have a couple to try). As DD said, fruity..which is nice given the moderate ABV. If I were to try this blind tested, I would guess due to the heavy body and outstanding aroma/flavor that it was closer to 9%. It's like a barleywine light. (But there is nothing light about it, I'm guessing this packs on the calories.) I would pick up a 6 of this in 2 seconds and spread them out over a couple weeks. I bet it ages well, too.

[devildeac]

Evil 8-Blue Mountain Brewing

From their web page:

19.3° Plato, 50 IBUs and 7.7% alcohol by volume*
A truly spiritual ale, Evil 8° will blur the lines of what you think you know about American beer. Brewed in the Belgian Abbey style using caramelized Biscuit malt, Goldings hops and a unique strain of brewers' yeast.

I don't know about spiritual but true to the Belgian style of a dubbel, or brown ale. There is a bit of a twist as I think the IBU are a bit higher than normal from the Goldings hops. A bit light for an Abbey style brew but certainly toasty/bready and some hints of light brown sugar and dark fruits. Fine with hard cheeses or lightly smokey appetizers or slightly sweet or grilled pork or beef. Wouldn't be bad with some caramel or butterscotch cookies for dessert. Or, by itself, of course. I had heard of this brewery on our recent trip to Richmond, sampling their wheat ale, IIRC. Solid impression from my first two tastings. This was a trader from CB&B from his recent jaunt to Hokieland.

Not much to add...except that this is really, really, really good. Out of all of the finds from the Virginia trip, this one is easily my favorite (so far, still have a couple to try). As DD said, fruity..which is nice given the moderate ABV. If I were to try this blind tested, I would guess due to the heavy body and outstanding aroma/flavor that it was closer to 9%. It's like a barleywine light. (But there is nothing light about it, I'm guessing this packs on the calories.) I would pick up a 6 of this in 2 seconds and spread them out over a couple weeks. I bet it ages well, too.

I'd guess it's about 250 calories/12 ounces.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Think you've got some aged beer? You ain't got nothing...try 200 years.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/09 ... tml?hpt=T2

[devildeac]

Think you've got some aged beer? You ain't got nothing...try 200 years.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/09 ... tml?hpt=T2

Wait 'til Dogfish Head gets their brewers THAT recipe.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Think you've got some aged beer? You ain't got nothing...try 200 years.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/09 ... tml?hpt=T2

Wait 'til Dogfish Head gets their brewers THAT recipe.

I was thinking the same thing when I read it. I wonder if they've offered up cash yet? If not, it can't be long until they do.

[devildeac]

Hoptober-New Belgium-Great name. Fine ale. A trader with CB&B. I refused to buy a 12 pack of this at Harris Teeter last week so I'm real glad I traded for this one. Five hops: Centennial, Cascade, Sterling, Willamette and Glacier. These make a nice blend of very mild grapefruit zest and floral aromas and tastes. Four malts: Pale, wheat, rye and oats. The pale is for the light golden color and slight breadiness, the wheat for a slight tang (but not cloudy), the rye and the oats (somewhat surprising) for smoothness. This is a wonderful session ale and reminds me a bit of a Belgian golden ale without the high ABV (6%). The IBU are 40. I'll have another this Saturday, if you read this CB&B, and would trade happily for it. ;)

Hoptober-2010 edition
Not much different than last year. Just as pleasant and enjoyable. Try one if you find a 6er.

[devildeac]

Duck Rabbit Schwarzbier.
A black lager from the dark beer specialists. This was a trader from DD, thanks much for both! DR really is the best brewery when it comes to any dark beer..this one is a lager but you would never guess in a blind taste test. Coffee flavors overflow, some nice caramel undertones, and the creamy body just carries it to perfection. If you gave me this lager versus most any well built porter or stout, I might lean back to this as my drink of preference. My major complaint with lagers (along with most others who nitpick) is flavor..this beer is full of it, beyone what I've tasted in many ales. The closest lager I can compare it to that is readily available is Saranac's Black Forest..but DR leaves that one behind. (Saranac does have another version of their Black Forest that is better crafted, but it's been a while to offer an honest comparison.) Lotta malt flavors here, the roasted coffee obviously out front. Great aftertaste..it just hangs out and teases you..asking to take another sip. Sort of like that long lasting gum that you know has to end sometime. Not sure what I would put the ABV at, but I would guess a healthy 7-7.5%. If it's less, then if you see it, pick up a sixer to keep you company on a night when the weather has some crispness to it, and share with friends. Thanks again to DD for sticking two in my trader pack..I had the first last week, and saved the second for tonight's enjoyment and revue.

What he said. I guess I had my 2nd tasting of this last PM and realized I hadn't reviewed the 1st one . Don't need to now as CB&B did already . One minor quibble is that it's a lager and the ABV is probably only about 5-6%. This didn't taste like it had a higher level and, if it did, they might have to label it as an imperial schwartzbier. This brew is very well done and almost reminds me of a lighter porter. If I have 1 left, I'll trade with dpslaw tonight.

[devildeac]

Moo Thunder-Butternutsbeerandale

Their stout offering. "Not to skinny, not too fat." Oh, wait a minute, that's Devil with a Blue Dress . But that really describes this stout with a dark brown and not black color and less viscosity than your usual stout. I'd guess the IBU about 40-50 and the ABV is 4.9%, also a bit thin for the class. It is a milk stout made with lactose sugars so there is a hint of sweetness to the darkly roasted coffee overtones present. This would be fine with ribs and chili (or in chili) on a cool fall/winter night. I actually thought winter had arrived in Raleigh last PM as the temperature was approaching 60 so I reached into the "winter" beer supply and plucked this one , along with Black Hawk Stout which I'll chat about a bit later today.

[devildeac]

Now in stores (and cellars ) near you:

http://www.sierra30.com/#/jack-and-ken-s-ale

I have two of them, as a matter of fact.

[captmojo]

The 2010 edition of Samuel Adams Octoberfest is now on the store shelves, my fridge, my gastro-intestinal tract.
Crisp, dry, refreshing, malty, 5.8% ABV. MMmmmm

[bluebeer]

The 2010 edition of Samuel Adams Octoberfest is now on the store shelves, my fridge, my gastro-intestinal tract.
Crisp, dry, refreshing, malty, 5.8% ABV. MMmmmm

One of my favorite fall sights in the beer store..I grabbed a six pack of it last week though was intentionally waiting until after labor day to crack into..

[bluebeer]

Now in stores (and cellars ) near you:

http://www.sierra30.com/#/jack-and-ken-s-ale

I have two of them, as a matter of fact.

nice move grabbing 2 of them..I split a 750ml with a friend a week back or so and it was definitely my favorite of the 3 released to date..a very dark pouring barleywine and firmly in the hoppy west coast style but with a very unique malt profile..looking forward to your review..

[bluebeer]

Dogfish Head Bitches Brew--An imperial stout brewed with honey and gesho root. Pours black from capped 750ml bottle..A thick creamy head that took a while to dissipate. Lots of chocolate and coffee with some more roasted notes. Any bitterness is offset by a fairly strong and sweet honey taste. A bit of sourness in the finish. Overall, this is a very smooth and easy drinking imperial stout. A very complex blend of flavors that come together nicely. I really like the addition of the honey. Very little booziness for 9% ABV..