Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Beer Review: Big Eye IPA

Re-reviewing the Big Eye IPA from Ballast Point Brewing Company with a two week old bottle sent to me straight from the Ballast Point Brewery from Earl Kight. Thanks Earl!
Score: 87

Two week old bottle (no bottling date, but it was sent directly from the brewery) served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/29/12. The photo to the right is from my first encounter with this beer a few months back.

Appearance: Pours a finger and a half of off-white soapy head that quickly settles into a quarter finger of head. Transparent copper colored body, average lacing. 3.5/5

Smell: Earthy citrus hops aroma. Fresh lemon rind, pine and some malted barley. Simple, yet enticing! 4/5

Taste: Bitter barley and lemony pine dominate the palate. A little bit of orange flavor too. There is a sharp and bitter hop bite that starts on midpalate and lingers. Less earthy and more piney than anticipated. Bitter hops finish, but not a ton of citrus in the back half of the beer -- at least not at first. The level of citrus grows as the beer layers on the palate. A one dimensional bitter bomb for a single IPA, but this is one that is done right. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Oily mouthfeel, but light on the palate. Bitter finish. 3.5/5

Overall: Much better when enjoyed fresh. I still think that this one is a bit overrated (and overpriced at $15/6 pack). I would probably buy this again, however, if it was readily available and could be confirmed fresh easily.

Recommendation: Seek this one out fresh unless you hate bitter beers.

Pairings: Lemon-crusted chicken.

Cost: $5.99 for a 22 oz bottle.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Beer Review: Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout (2011 vintage)

Reviewing the Bourbon County Brand Coffee Stout from Goose Island Brewing Company.
Score: 97

"2011" vintage bottle (it was actually released in February 2012) served in god-knows-what-you-call-this glass (a footed pilsner glass? a water glass?) and enjoyed on 02/25/12 at Rock's in Lakeview.

Appearance: Black as night, vacuum of light. Totally opaque. Pours a pencil thin tan ring of head around the glass. A vigorous swirl creates a pattern of milk chocolate chocolate head that covers maybe 1/3 of the top of the beer and which quickly disappears after you stop swirling. Oily lacing with no retention. This is stout is heavy and imposing in appearance. 4/5

Smell: Rich dark chocolate, faint  coffee and dark fruit. Raisin, smooth vanilla, mellow bourbon, and sweet milk chocolate. There is a very faint black licorice/anise aroma in the nose too. Very rich and balanced aroma. 4.75/5

Taste: Super rich chocolate and sweet bourbon soaked raisins throughout. Not a whole lot of coffee upfront, but there is plenty of lingering, smooth and unacidic roasty coffee and creamy espresso toward the end and in the finish. Mellow bourbon, sweet molasses, and dark fruit on midpalate. Hints of oak and a little black licorice at points. As this beer layers and warms, a bourbon soaked raisin flavor grows in the otherwise smooth coffee finish. Very rich and complex. Tastes a lot like the regular Bourbon County Brand Stout, but with a delectable coffee twist. Yum! 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, virtually no carbonation. Sweet and slightly savory finish. Syrupy mouthfeel. 5/5

Overall: Just as tasty as the Bourbon County Brand Stout, but with a delectable coffee twist. The 2010 vintage was much more coffee forward, but the 2011 vintage is still an improvement over regular Bourbon County.

Recommendations: It is hard to find a bottle of this stuff outside of restaurants right now, but this is a brew absolutely worth seeking out. Just make sure to bring a friend to split the bottle with you, because at 13+% ABV and 400-500 calories per 12 oz, you won't want to drink the whole 22 oz by yourself!

Pairings: French vanilla ice cream.

Cost: $26 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle at the bar, $15.99 in stores.

Beer Review: Dubhe Imperial Black IPA

Reviewing the Dubhe Imperial Black IPA from Unita Brewing Company.
Score: 91

12 oz bottle served in a Delirium Tremens tulip glass on 02/25/12 at Square Bar & Grill in Chicago while waiting for a table at my favorite restaurant in the city -- Kuma's Corner. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: Totally opaque, pitch black color. No light from my iPhone set to 100% brightness and using the flashlight application cuts through this beer at all. Served with a half finger or so of creamy tan head that settles into a ring around glass and clump of bubbly tan head in the center. Oily lacing and above average retention. 4/5

Smell: Piney hops, lemon and chocolate malt. A little candied citrus, grapefruit and sticky pine sap. There is a sweet and sugary malt aroma in the background as well. The aroma is very DIPA-forward without much "black" ale characteristics save for the interesting chocolate malt twist. 4/5

Taste: The taste largely follows the nose, and is similarly DIPA-forward. Sharp lemon citrus, grapefruit and piney hops upfront. The hops have a fresh and moderately "mulchy"/earthy characteristic to them too. Subtle chocolate malt on the midpalate. Palate perking all spice and pepper on midpalate. There is a sugary "citrus candy" backbone to this brew. Lingering piney bitterness in the finish. This brew is pretty hop-forward. The 9.2% ABV is completely hidden. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus bodied, medium high carbonation. Oily and creamy mouthfeel. Bitter and slightly cotton-mouthy finish. 4/5

Overall: Easily my favorite black IPA to date. The bar tender who recommended I try this got an extra tip for making a super solid suggestion.

Recommendation: If you do not like IPA's you can skip this one, but hop heads should seek this brew out.

Cost: $6 for a 12 oz bottle at the bar.

Beer Review: Dark Intrigue

Reviewing the Dark Intrigue from Victory Brewing Company.
Score: 83

2011 vintage corked-and-caged bottle served in a Half Acre tulip glass and enjoyed on 02/26/12 after helping a friend move into a new apartment. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: Jet black color, totally opaque. This is a vacuum for light. Four fingers of super foamy mocha colored head at pour that gradually settles into a thin layer atop glass. Decent lacing, but poor retention. 3.5/5

Smell: Roasted chocolate, dark chocolate, black cherry, blackberry, and fruit esters. Some lemon zest too. A hint of "rubbing alcohol" appears as the beer warms. 4/5

Taste: Dark roasted chocolate flavor upfront, cut by a light berry/black cherry flavor and a decent amount of booziness. Charcoal and tobacco on midpalate and toward finish. Lingering finish of bittersweet dark chocolate. More chocolate and less berry flavor become apparent as the beer layers. As the beer warms, it develops an additional alcohol/boozy sting towards the finish. Not detecting much, if any, bourbon barrel aging flavor. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, low carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel. Dry and slightly sweet finish. 4/5

Overall: While not a bad brew, Dark Intrigue is a huge downgrade from the base beer (Storm King). At $15 for a 750 ml bottle, this brew is completely over priced. This beer utilizes too much boozy berry flavor to contrast the heavy stout chocolatiness and seemingly lacks any barrel characteristics. I like my bourbon barrel aged beers to have some degree of sweet oaky vanilla and raisin flavor, but this brew had none of that. Maybe some age can improve this beer, but I cannot imagine how Dark Intrigue will develop for the better over time (save for less booziness on the palate) given its flavor profile. From what I hear, Dark Intrigue will never be brewed again, so perhaps it is worth seeking out as curiosity -- just understand that it is not particularly worth the price tag.

Recommendation: Skip this one and just buy a six pack of Victory Storm King with your money.

Pairings: Chocolate cake.

Cost: $14.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

Beer Review: TV Party Rye IPA

Reviewing the TV Party Rye IPA from Revolution Brewing Company.
Score: 93

Tap pour served in a tulip glass and enjoyed on 02/24/12 at the Revolution Brewpub. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: Served with a finger of creamy white head. Bright orange/amber color (though it is hard to tell that given the lighting and color of the table behind the beer). Good lacing and retention for an IPA. 4/5

Smell: Fresh and fruity/floral citrus. Sappy pine. Rose, tropical fruit, grapefruit, tangerine/tangelo and pineapple. Really light hint of blueberry too. 4.5/5

Taste: Prominent flavors of fresh grapefruit, rye spice and piney hops flavors throughout. There is a sweet candied orange/tangerine citrus and hoppy tropical orange flavor on the palate too. Light caramel malt backbone. Very one dimensional, super tasty. There is a lasting orange rind and hoppiness flavor to the finish. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with medium high carbonation that perks the hoppy flavors on the palate. Creamy/oily mouthfeel. Bitter finish. 4.5/5

Overall: Almost as good as the Anti-Hero IPA. Quite refreshing. A great example of the style.

Pairings: Falafel.

Cost: $6 for a tulip glass.

Beer Review: Institutionalized

Reviewing the Institutionalized, a barleywine made by Revolution Brewing Company.
Score: 86

9 oz tap pour served in a snifter glass and enjoyed on 02/24/12 at the Revolution Brewpub. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: This brew is a translucent "deep garnet red" color that turns orangish-red when held up to light. Served with no head save for an off-white creamy ring of head around the glass. Decent oily and frothy lacing mix with average retention. 3.5/5

Smell: Sweet caramel malt, ginger and barley. Some hops. Not a very strong or complex aroma. 3.5/5

Taste: Moderate booziness blended with earthy hops and caramel up front. Barley, piney hops, caramelized brown sugar and spices. There is a very rich malty sweet backbone, a touch of fruitiness and a little black pepper. This is a bitterer barleywine, but not nearly as bitter as the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot. There is a distinctly "orange" or tangerine citrus rind in the background of the flavor profile as well. This barleywine is quasi DIPA-like. There is a really nice mix of hoppy and malty sweet goodness. This is a sipper. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bodied, light carbonation. Dry and rich mouthfeel. Malty and slightly bitter in the finish. 4.5/5

Overall: A super solid barleywine. I am finding myself enjoying this style more and more as time passes. I think the key for me enjoying my barleywines is that they need prominent IPA-like qualities to balance out the barley/caramel maltiness.

Recommendation: I realize that barleywines can be expensive to manufacture, but $7 for a 9 oz pour felt a bit hefty here -- especially with the Gravedigger Billy on tap for $1 more. Casual beer drinkers will probably not enjoy this one, but craft lovers should certainly give this one a whirl if you are looking to try something by Revolution that you have not had before.

Pairings: The cream cheese mashed potatoes at Revolution. Trust me on this one.

Cost: $7 for a 9 oz pour.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Beer Review: Eugene

Reviewing the Eugene from Revolution Brewing Company.
Score: 87

12 oz self pour from a 24 hour old growler from the Revolution Brewpub. Served in a pint glass and enjoyed on 02/24/12.

Appearance: Pours a coffee color with dark caramel colored highlights atop the glass with half a finger of tan creamy head that quickly settles into a thin ring around the glass. Below average, oily lacing with minimal retention. 3.5/5

Smell: Smooth roasted coffee, oak, caramel, roasted chocolate malt, a little nuttiness and an aroma I can only describe as "cream." Some marshmallow too. 4/5

Taste: Quite roasty. Rich and silky roasted chocolate malt and oak throughout. Toffee, pecan, and a little caramel. There are intermittent waves of raw coffee bean flavor. The flavors seem "soda like" and a little syrupy at points, though it's not a "thick" flavor profile. Very flavorful for a porter. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied with a light, but perky, amount of carbonation. Soda-like mouthfeel. Bittersweet finish. 3.5/5

Overall: As far as everyday porters go, this one is pretty roasty and fantastic. Alas, for all the flavors, this beer seems a little too thin on the palate and a touch too sugary at moments for my tastes. Take that criticism with a grain of salt, however, because I personally prefer fuller mouthfeels for my dark and roasty beers. Not everyone else does. Without a doubt, Eugene is one of the best porters that I have ever had. This is a brew worth seeking out, especially if you like the style, and it puts beers like Guinness to shame.

Recommendation: This is a mass-appeal beer with plenty of flavor. Grab a pint of this next time you are in Chicago.

Pairings: Tea poached pears soaked in homemade chocolate sauce (courtesy of Catie Sesler).

Cost: $18 for a 64 oz growler.

Beer Review: Gravedigger Billy

Reviewing the Gravedigger Billy from Revolution Brewing Company out of Chicago. I wonder if this brew is named after the Simpsons' character (no, I am not referring to Groundskeeper Willie). Revolution is quite possibly Chicago's best brewery, and they'll be canning some of their year-round beers for distribution very soon (likely within the next 2-3 months).
Score: 98

9 oz tap pour served in a snifter glass and enjoyed on 02/23/12.

Appearance: This beer is a very deep/dark and opaque brownish red color with caramel colored highlights, not unlike the Founders Backwoods Bastard. Served with a finger of creamy tan/off-white head that ultimately settles into a thin creamy layer around the glass. Solid lacing. 4/5

Smell: Caramelized brown sugar, sweet raisin and sweet dark fruit. A little bourbon, lots of vanilla/oak, "roasty" malt, a hint of chocolate, and a light amount of spice. Some molasses too. A very sweet smelling, complex barrel-forward aroma. 5/5

Taste: Whoa! The flavor follows the nose, but it's even more satisfying. Tons of flavorful barrel flavors throughout. Sweet and chewy bourbon soaked raisins upfront. Then vanilla, whiskey caramel, malty caramel, rye spice, plum, fig, and molasses soak the midpalate. A little wood and spice on the midpalate too, in addition to a hint of hops and a light cocoa flavor. No alcohol/boozy flavor present, but some warming effect does occur on the palate. A second wave of malty sweet caramel, vanilla and raisin hits towards the finish and reloads the barrel flavors for a long-lasting bourbon soaked raisin finish. The scotch ale characteristics do not really stand out by any means, but they blend in perfectly with the bourbon barrel flavors to create a truly magnificent beer. As it warms, a certain straight bourbon flavor comes out towards the finish for those who enjoy that sort of thing. 5/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, minimal carbonation. Sweet and moderately dry finish. The mouthfeel is damn near perfect. 5/5

Overall: Easily the best Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy that I have ever had. This brew blows Backwoods Bastard out of the water and should be sought after. Sadly, it's a brewery only tap, costs $8 for a 9 oz pour, is not sold in growlers and when it's gone, it'll be gone. In other words, head over the brew pub now -- before it's too late. Hopefully this beer will find its way into a special bottle release once Revolution gets its distribution underway. I would absolutely buy this one again.

Recommendation: Go to the brewery this weekend to have a snifter-full of this beer. You will absolutely regret missing this one. Even casual beer drinkers should love the balanced, sweet and flavorful taste.

Pairings: Beef jerky.

Cost: $8 for a 9 oz snifter pour.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Beer Review: Black Albert

Reviewing the Black Albert from De Struise Brouwers out of Belgium. Black Albert is probably De Struise's best known beer, and it was one of the four beers that was blended to make the Baller Stout that I reviewed a month or so ago. I have been looking forward to drinking this beer for a long time.
Score: 97

Bottle marked from Lot B-6-BB, which, according to this helpful website, means that this brew is from June of 2007. I received this as part of a trade with BeerAdvocate user readbaron back in early January 2011. Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/22/12.

Appearance: Pours a super dark brown, almost pitch black-like, color with a finger of creamy brown/mocha colored head that quickly settles into a decently thick (maybe 1/5 finger) still-creamy layer that covers three quarters of the top of the beer. The head stays like this for a little while before ultimately settling into a ring around the glass. There is a very faint layer of dark brown highlight atop the body. Excellent lacing with solid retention. 4.5/5

Smell: Holy Moses. This one smells like a dense sweet chocolate dessert you'd have after a nice steak dinner. Tons of thick, rich and complex chocolate aromas and sweet dark fruit. There's a nice blend of fudge, bittersweet chocolate, dark chocolate and roasted chocolate. Raising/fig, plum, light hops and a really faint note of dark cherry and currant too. The dark cherry aroma grows in the nose as the beer warms. A light blackberry aroma seems to come out as well as the beer warms. Complementary aromas of coffee grounds and oak in the background. There's a hint of alcohol ester towards the back of the nose as well. I could smell this beer all day. 4.5/5

Taste: Oh wow. Complex, rich and satisfying. Very flavorful and balanced. The taste largely follows the nose, but with much more than a mere hint of currant/dark cherry on the palate. My first impression is roasted chocolate, dark cherry and a hint of blackberry. A sweet raisin/plum and thick, bitter chocolate contrast really balances out the acidity and light tartness of the blackberry/cherry flavors, rendering Black Albert really smooth and creamy. Fudge, bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder coat the midpalate, along with light amounts of coffee, oak and a little spice to balance out the sweeter chocolate and dark fruit flavors. There's a very mellow "alcohol" flavor present as well, but it strangely enough works really well with the flavors combinations of the beer. The chocolate and dark fruit is so rich that it is almost chewy. The more I drink this brew, the more I think the flavor comes in waves. The first wave is roasted chocolate, followed by some cherry/currant/blackberry, followed by dark fruit, coffee, oak and more chocolate. Finishes with flavors of roasted bitter chocolate, dry plum, some coffee, and light cherry. Roasted chocolate lingers on the back of the tongue. 5/5

Mouthfeel: Perfect stout mouthfeel. Medium-full bodied with light carbonation -- just enough to perk the berry/cherry flavors on the palate. Very chewy, thick and slightly sticky mouthfeel. Moderately sweet finish. 5/5

Overall: One of the best Russian Imperial Stouts that I have ever had the pleasure to try. That says a lot considering that Russian Imperial Stout are my favorite style of beer. I need to get another bottle of this stuff.

Recommendation: Seek this one out at all costs. The flavors here should have mass-appeal. Even to sours lovers. If you like The Abyss, you need to get your hands on a bottle of this stuff.

Pairings: I feel like this beer would work really well with a warm chocolate cake because the cherry/berry flavors would contrast the chocolate elements, as they do in the beer itself, while the chocolate/coffee flavors of Black Albert would complement the chocolate cake. I could also see this one with some caramelized onions and steak or as a digestif.

Cost: $9.99 for an 11.2 oz bottle.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Beer Review: Duet IPA

Reviewing the Duet IPA from Alpine Beer Company. Alpine and Kern are quickly emerging as Russian River's biggest threat to steal their crown as the top producer of west coast IPA's.
Score: 90

I received this beer as part of a trade in early January 2012 courtesy of BeerAdvocate user LieutenantSours (thanks for the hookup!). No freshness or bottling date, which is always a dangerous proposition for IPA's. Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/21/12.

Appearance: Pours a bright golden honey color that falls somewhere between translucent and transparent, but closer to translucent. There is some flaky sediment floating around, but not nearly as much as there was with the Alpine Nelson. Two fingers of off-white soapy head at pour settles into a thin foggy layer atop the glass. Excellent lacing (oily and frothy), excellent retention. 4.5/5

Smell: Tons of bright tropical citrus aromas here. This beer is quite odorous; I could smell it very clearly while pouring it. Fresh apricot, grapefruit, pineapple juice, and mango dominates the complex and slightly floral citrus element of the aroma. Behind the citrus is earthy "dark" pine tree smell and "sticky" pine sap resin. A little spice is mixed in there too. This one really gets my olfactory system running. 5/5

Taste: Very malty and oily hops flavor. Much maltier and more balanced than expected given the nose. Perhaps at nearly 50 days old, this one is past it's freshness prime. That would certainly explain the lack of hoppiness and bright citrus on the palate. Nonetheless, this beer is still tasty and refreshing (unlike some of the other, older IPA's that I have had). Malty orange juice, creamy pineapple, earthy pine, and mellow hoppy bitterness. Finishes and lingers with a moderately bitter "fresh pine" and flat orange citrus flavor that reminds me of a super mellow Heady Topper type flavor. The finish/linger is really interesting, but maybe I am over-thinking this one. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus bodied, medium-plus carbonation. Very smooth and super oily mouthfeel. Mellow bitter finish. 4/5

Overall: A very solid tasting and excellent smelling single IPA. I will have to try and get my hands on another bottle and drink it fresher once my cellar dwindles down. I really should have consumed this one a month ago when I had the Half Acre Daly Double IPA.

Recommendation: A much more balanced IPA than most, with a robust IIPA-like aroma. Unless you are completely averse to hops, seek this one out.

Pairings: Steak served with caramelized onions.

Cost: $11.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Beer Review: Curmudgeon's Better Half

Reviewing the Curmudgeon's Better Half from Founders Brewing Company. This is the third beer in the 750 ml bottle Backstage Series release, the other two being Blushing Monk and Canadian Breakfast Stout (CBS). This beer used to be know as "Kaiser Curmudgeon," but Founders recently re-branded it. I believe that Founders' Old Curmudgeon, an absolutely divine old ale, is the base beer for this one.
Score: 95

February 2012 vintage bottle served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/18/12 with a short stack of chocolate chip pancakes.

Appearance: Pours a hazy amber/mahogany color with a layer of yellow highlights atop the beer. A finger and a half of off-white/tan sea foam head at pour settles into a very thin ring around the glass. Excellent lacing, excellent retention. The lacing gradually changes from frothy to oily as it warms. 4.5/5

Smell: Brown sugar, vanilla, sweet raisin/fig, creamy malt, molasses and a little caramel-infused alcohol ester. There is a very light straight bourbon aroma. Hint of oak, hint of citrus and a little spice too. 4.5/5

Taste: Very smooth, balanced and complex. Tons of sweet maple and sweet vanilla upfront. Bourbon malt (caramel?), caramelized brown sugar, molasses/pancake syrup and chewy bourbon soaked raisins on the midpalate. Very faint oak on the midpalate too. A little alcohol warmth, but not nearly as much as you'd expect from a 12% ABV beer. This brew finishes and lingers with sweet maple/pancake syrup and caramel/bourbon malt. As it warms, a straight bourbon flavor comes out on the midpalate and towards the finish. Pairs excellently with the pancakes. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, minimal carbonation. Smooth/creamy mouthfeel with a little alcohol prickliness. Sweet and slightly sticky finish. 4/5

Overall: A superior barrel aged beer. Founders, the midwest's best brewery, makes a few better beers than this one, and it's not quite up to par with CBS, but Curmudgeon's Better Half is a beer that is absolutely worth seeking out. Sweet (though I have had sweeter), drinkable, and loaded with complex flavor. Is it worth the $18 price tag? Absolutely. However, you can get several equally good beers, such as Oak Aged Yeti, cheaper and easier. I cannot wait for Founders to package and sell the Cashew Mountain Brown.

Recommendation: Seek this brew out, but be forewarned -- this one is on the sweeter side.

Pairings: Chocolate chip pancakes.

Cost: $17.99 for a 750 ml bottle.

Beer Review: Velvet Merkin

Reviewing the Velvet Merlin from Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
Score: 87

Bottled 12/06/11. Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/17/12.

Appearance: Pours a pitch black color. Totally opaque save for a layer of brown highlights atop the body. Poured a finger plus of creamy/foamy tan colored head that settled into a bubbly/creamy ring around the glass with a bubble tan clump in the middle. Excellent lacing. 4.5/5

Smell: Primarily roasted oats and, to a much lesser degree, bitter coffee. A little cocoa powder and roasted malt too. 4/5

Taste: Toasted oats, creamy roasted malts, bitter unsweetened chocolate and coffee. Lingering bitter oat and chocolate malt flavor. A light amount of citrus is present on the midpalate and towards the finish. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Light-medium bodied, moderate carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel. Bitter and acidic finish. 3/5

Overall: A solid "off the shelf" oatmeal stout. Not overly heavy on the palate or on ABV. A little bitter and coffee/oat-forward on the flavor, but quite drinkable thanks to a thinner body and creamy mouthfeel.

Recommendation: Unless you have some aversion to bitter beers or coffee flavors, seek this one out at your convenience.

Pairings: French toast and syrup.

Cost: $2 for a 12 oz bottle.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Beer Review: 2012 Behemoth Blonde Barleywine (Fresh)

Reviewing the Behemoth Blonde Barleywine from Three Floyds Brewing Company. This is the 2012 red wax vintage.
Score: 92

2012 vintage bottle (red wax) served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/17/12.

Appearance: Identical appearance to the 2011 vintage. Pours a translucent brown/orange/amber color with a finger and a half of creamy off-white head that settles into a ring around the glass with thin bubbly clumps of foam capping the top of the beer. Excellent lacing. The one year old 2011 vintage seemed to leave behind an oilier residue. The 2012 lacing is super frothy. 4/5

Smell: The aroma is much "stickier"/"sappier" and citrus-forward than the 2011 bottle that I had recently. Much more DIPA-like in the aroma than the one year old bottle. Pulpy orange, lemon rind, grapefruit, fresh grass and lots of pine sap. Fresh, this beer almost smells like it was hopped with citra hops. The sweet caramel malt is much mellower than it was in the one year old vintage, hiding in the background of a very hoppy, citrus-forward aroma. 4.5/5

Taste: Whereas the year old vintage started like an IPA and ended like a barleywine, my first impression is that this brew is "IPA-like" throughout. The fresh citrus flavors -- lemon, pineapple and grapefruit citrus primarily -- are much mellower on the palate than they were in the aroma. Caramel malt sweetness on the midpalate balances out the bitter citrus flavors. Some grainy spice on the midpalate and towards the finish too. Definite alcohol warmth from the 10.5% ABV as well, but it is not an overwhelming presence. Hoppy finish with a moderately piney linger. There is a growing bitter barley flavor in the finish as the beer warms and layers. Fresh, this beer is slightly less drinkable than the one year old vintage I had, but I am enjoying the greater presence of the IPA flavors. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Full-medium bodied with a seemingly higher, though still moderate, level of carbonation than the year old vintage. Creamy, slightly sticky mouthfeel with a moderate cotton-mouthing effect. Finishes slightly bittersweet and dry. 4.5/5

Overall: The primary differences that I noticed between this and the year old bottle was a little more carbonation, a lot more (and fresher) IPA qualities, and a noticeable alcohol warmth that slightly reduced the "drinkability." Overall, I enjoyed Behemoth fresher by a marginal amount. This is a beer certainly worth trying, but a $17 price tag limits how much if this beer I can realistically recommend buying. If you like this, I suggest buying a couple of six packs of Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, which is a lot like this only bitterer and grainier. I have one last bottle of this brew that I plan to sit in a the cellar for five years to see how it ages.

Recommendation: Fans of the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot and New Glarus Thumbprint Barleywine will probably enjoy this one. If you hate hoppy beers and bitter beers, this one is not for you.

Pairings: Hamburgers.

Cost: $16.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Beer Review: Alaskan Black IPA

Reviewing the Black IPA from Alaskan Brewing Company.
Score: 86

10 oz tap pour served in a Anderson Valley Boonville snifter glass (which looks a lot like the Surly Darkness snifter I ever so much love) at the Brickhouse BBQ in Madison.

Appearance: Pitch black color with a layer of brown highlights atop the glass and faint ruby highlights in the middle. Served with a finger of foamy tan head that settles entirely. Average oily lacing. 4/5

Smell: Citrus hops and sticky caramel blended with roasted coffee and cocoa. Hints of unsweetened dark fruit. 3.5/5

Taste: Earthy hops, nondescript citrus and bitter dark roast coffee. A little charcoal and mellow brown sugar. Dry roasted creamy cocoa/chocolate flavors, akin to what you would expect in a milk stout or an Irish dry stout, peeks its head out as the beer warms. There is a light roastiness to this brew. Finish is a bitter and citrusy coffee flavor with a moderate linger. Becomes more milk stout-like mixed, with citrus, as it warms. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium-minus carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel with a drying effect and slightly bitter finish. 4.5/5

Overall: A very solid tasting black IPA. I have not had very many beers within this relatively "new" style, but black ales are a hybrid style of beer that I am finding myself quite fond of given my love for stouts and IPA's.

Recommendation: If you like creamy Irish-style stouts and IPA's, or if you were a fan of the Black Sun Stout from Three Floyds, then this is a brew for you.

Pairings: Fudgy peanut butter brownies.

Cost: $6 for a 10 oz pour.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Beer Review: 2012 Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Barleywine (fresh)

Reviewing the 2012 vintage of the Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Barleywine from Central Waters Brewing Company. It is no secret that Central Waters is my favorite brewery in Wisconsin.
Score: 90

January 2012 vintage bottle served in an oversized brandy snifter glass and enjoyed on 02/15/12.

Appearance: Pours a deep and mostly opaque mahogany color with some highlights at the top of the beer when held to light. Pours a finger-plus of tan sea foam head that settles into a thin foggy layer atop the beer and ring around the glass. Above average, oil lacing. 4/5

Smell: Strong notes of vanilla and molasses. Sweet and malty vanilla extract, light and fluffy vanilla cake, and a little tiramissu. Sweet raisin, caramel malt and astringent alcohol too. 4/5

Taste: Very strong and malty-sweet vanilla extract flavor throughout. Molasses/brown sugar, sweet raisin and alcohol flavor/warmth on the midpalate. Lingering caramel malt and vanilla in the finish. There is a light barley flavor in the back half of the beer as well. As the beer layers and warms, increasing amounts of raisin and alcohol come out. This brew grows in sweetness as it warms and layers as well. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bodied, low carbonation. Super malty and sweet, but not sticky. 4/5

Overall: Bold, malty-sweet flavors render this one a sipper. The barrel aging here has vastly improved the quality of the base beer (the Kosmyk Charlie Y2K).

Recommendation: Especially for those who missed out on King Henry and/or do not have access to upcoming re-release of Abacus, this is a barrel aged barleywine worth seeking out. The bold flavors might turn off some casual beer drinkers, but I feel that the flavors if this brew are balanced and mass-appealing enough to likely intrigue the majority of casual beer drinkers.

Pairings: Pretzels.

Cost: $11.99 for a four pack.

Beer Review: 2012 Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Barleywine (fresh)

Reviewing the 2012 vintage of the Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Barleywine from Central Waters Brewing Company. It is no secret that Central Waters is my favorite brewery in Wisconsin.
Score: 90

January 2012 vintage bottle served in an oversized brandy snifter glass and enjoyed on 02/15/12.

Appearance: Pours a deep and mostly opaque mahogany color with some highlights at the top of the beer when held to light. Pours a finger-plus of tan sea foam head that settles into a thin foggy layer atop the beer and ring around the glass. Above average, oil lacing. 4/5

Smell: Strong notes of vanilla and molasses. Sweet and malty vanilla extract, light and fluffy vanilla cake, and a little tiramissu. Sweet raisin, caramel malt and astringent alcohol too. 4/5

Taste: Very strong and malty-sweet vanilla extract flavor throughout. Molasses/brown sugar, sweet raisin and alcohol flavor/warmth on the midpalate. Lingering caramel malt and vanilla in the finish. There is a light barley flavor in the back half of the beer as well. As the beer layers and warms, increasing amounts of raisin and alcohol come out. This brew grows in sweetness as it warms and layers as well. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-full bodied, low carbonation. Super malty and sweet, but not sticky. 4/5

Overall: Bold, malty-sweet flavors render this one a sipper. The barrel aging here has vastly improved the quality of the base beer (the Kosmyk Charlie Y2K).

Recommendation: Especially for those who missed out on King Henry and/or do not have access to upcoming re-release of Abacus, this is a barrel aged barleywine worth seeking out. The bold flavors might turn off some casual beer drinkers, but I feel that the flavors if this brew are balanced and mass-appealing enough to likely intrigue the majority of casual beer drinkers.

Pairings: Pretzels.

Cost: $11.99 for a four pack.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Beer Review: 2012 Bigfoot (fresh)

Reviewing the Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
Score: 92

2012 vintage bottle. Bottling code is "1364212:37." Served in a Great Lakes snifter and enjoyed on 02/15/12.

Appearance: Pours a dark, translucent mahogany color with a finger of "dirty" tan sea foam head that settles into ring around the glass and thin splotchy coating atop 80% of the glass. Excellent lacing at first, but that quality seems to dissipate some as the beer warms. 4/5

Smell: First pull is a sweet and sappy "piney hops" aroma mixed with fresh and "sticky" citrus. Smooth caramel, creamy malt, and complementary alcohol esters are also present in the nose. The aroma is much more reminisce of a IIPA/DIPA than a barleywine. A very modest amount of "stout-like" dark fruit and toasted maltiness comes out in the aroma as the beer warms. 4.5/5

Taste: The first sips leaves me with the distinct impression of malty grapefruit and hops -- though not in the sense a stale IPA. A mellow piney and citrus IPA-like bitter hops flavor is counterbalanced by a creamy caramel maltiness and moderate alcohol flavor/alcohol warming effect. Toasted grains and a little sugary-sweet dark malt on the midpalate. Not detecting any of the "dark fruit" I detected in the aroma on the palate. A sweet barley maltiness grows in the finish as the beer layers, overshadowing the citrus. The bitterness never dissipates, however. The level of alcohol flavor present in the back end of the flavor also grows as it warms. At first, this beer tastes a lot like a mellowed out and slightly boozy single IPA -- much more so than the typical barleywine. As the beer warms and layers, however, it becomes more barleywine-like with malty sweetness. Bigfoot reminds me a lot of the recently released New Glarus Thumbprint Barleywine. The finish is bitter, slightly grainy and malty-sweet. Flavors of caramel, barley and bitter citrus linger. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus bodied, moderate carbonation. Mouthfeel is sticky, malty and creamy. Finish is bitter and malty, mixed with some alcohol. 4.5/5

Overall: An excellent example of what a non-barrel aged barleywine can be, though I suppose this is more a "barleywine styled ale" than a real barleywine. As someone who does not like most barleywines (e.g., the Y2K I recently reviewed), I always enjoy stumbling across the DIPA-like barleywines such as Behemoth. I cannot wait to see how this one ages.

Recommendation: I would highly recommend this beer to hops fans and fans of bitterer beers. Casual beer drinks will probably not enjoy the stark bitterness of this one.

Pairings: French vanilla ice cream.

Cost: $10.99 for a six pack.

Beer Review: 2012 Bigfoot (fresh)

Reviewing the Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company.
Score: 92

2012 vintage bottle. Bottling code is "1364212:37." Served in a Great Lakes snifter and enjoyed on 02/15/12.

Appearance: Pours a dark, translucent mahogany color with a finger of "dirty" tan sea foam head that settles into ring around the glass and thin splotchy coating atop 80% of the glass. Excellent lacing at first, but that quality seems to dissipate some as the beer warms. 4/5

Smell: First pull is a sweet and sappy "piney hops" aroma mixed with fresh and "sticky" citrus. Smooth caramel, creamy malt, and complementary alcohol esters are also present in the nose. The aroma is much more reminisce of a IIPA/DIPA than a barleywine. A very modest amount of "stout-like" dark fruit and toasted maltiness comes out in the aroma as the beer warms. 4.5/5

Taste: The first sips leaves me with the distinct impression of malty grapefruit and hops -- though not in the sense a stale IPA. A mellow piney and citrus IPA-like bitter hops flavor is counterbalanced by a creamy caramel maltiness and moderate alcohol flavor/alcohol warming effect. Toasted grains and a little sugary-sweet dark malt on the midpalate. Not detecting any of the "dark fruit" I detected in the aroma on the palate. A sweet barley maltiness grows in the finish as the beer layers, overshadowing the citrus. The bitterness never dissipates, however. The level of alcohol flavor present in the back end of the flavor also grows as it warms. At first, this beer tastes a lot like a mellowed out and slightly boozy single IPA -- much more so than the typical barleywine. As the beer warms and layers, however, it becomes more barleywine-like with malty sweetness. Bigfoot reminds me a lot of the recently released New Glarus Thumbprint Barleywine. The finish is bitter, slightly grainy and malty-sweet. Flavors of caramel, barley and bitter citrus linger. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus bodied, moderate carbonation. Mouthfeel is sticky, malty and creamy. Finish is bitter and malty, mixed with some alcohol. 4.5/5

Overall: An excellent example of what a non-barrel aged barleywine can be, though I suppose this is more a "barleywine styled ale" than a real barleywine. As someone who does not like most barleywines (e.g., the Y2K I recently reviewed), I always enjoy stumbling across the DIPA-like barleywines such as Behemoth. I cannot wait to see how this one ages.

Recommendation: I would highly recommend this beer to hops fans and fans of bitterer beers. Casual beer drinks will probably not enjoy the stark bitterness of this one.

Pairings: French vanilla ice cream.

Cost: $10.99 for a six pack.

Beer Review: OMB Dunkel Lager

Reviewing the Dunkel Lager from The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB).
Score: 78

20 oz pour served in weizen glass at the Carolina Beer Company bar in Terminal D at the Charlotte airport during a two hour layover on 02/11/12. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: The beer is a transparent, chestnut brown or caramel syrup color. Average lacing. Served with a thin layer of off-white frothy head. 3.5/5

Smell: Caramel, dark licorice, roasted barley and toasty grain. 3.5/5

Taste: Toasted grain malt and non-sweet caramel. A little roastiness is counterbalanced by a super mellow hop character. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Light-plus bodied, medium-plus carbonation. Malty finish. 3/5

Overall: For an airport beer, this one is pretty good. Full and fair disclosure -- I do not like lagers. This one was certainly in a class above most lagers that I have had the opportunity to sample, but overall this one did not do it for me.

Recommendation: If you like lagers, this one is certainly a beer worth trying. Casual beer drinkers will probably enjoy this brew as a major step up from the American adjunct lager.

Pairings: Rye or pumpernickle crackers.

Cost: $5.99 for a 14 oz pint or $7.49 for a 20 oz pour in a weizen glass (airport prices). If you buy the 20 oz pour at the Carolina Beer Company bar in Terminal D, you get the option of purchasing a shot of any liquor for $3.

Beer Review: Hoppyum

Reviewing Hoppyum from Foothills Brewing Company out of North Carolina. Foothills is probably best known for their once-a-year Russian Imperial Stout release known as Sexual Chocolate.
Score: 87

14 oz pour served in pint glass at the Carolina Beer Company bar in Terminal D at the Charlotte airport during a two hour layover on 02/11/12. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: The beer is a straw yellow color with light orange tint. Has an effervescent, bubbly appearance. Served with 3/4 fingers of white frothy head that settles into a paper thin layer. Average lacing for a single IPA. 3.5/5

Smell: Mellow orange citrus, lemon citrus and hops. Pine and fresh grass mixed with sweet sugary malt. 3.5/5

Taste: Fresh and bitter orange, grapefruit and lemon citrus. Lots of bitter and slightly sticky hops -- piney, grassy and resinous. Lingering bitterness. Not at all complex or innovative, but very tasty and refreshing. Pitch perfect example of what a straightforward single IPA should taste like. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, high medium carbonation really makes the hoppy flavors of the beer pop on the palate. Oily mouthfeel. Bitter and slightly malty finish. 4.5/5

Overall: A really solid IPA offering and a surprise find at an airport bar. I would absolutely drink this one again -- especially if stuck in Terminal D for another two hours.

Recommendation: Check this one out while in North Carolina. Especially if you are stuck in the airport.

Pairings: Hamburgers.

Cost: $5.99 for a 14 oz pint or $7.49 for a 20 oz pour in a weizen glass (airport prices). If you buy the 20 oz pour at the Carolina Beer Company bar in Terminal D, you get the option of purchasing a shot of any liquor for $3.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Beer Review: Sculpin IPA

Re-reviewing the Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point Brewing Company out of California now that I got ahold of a fresh bottle. How do I know this bottle is fresh? It came straight from the brewery! After two negative experiences with out-of-date bottles, I got in touch with Earl Kight )the director sales and marketing at Ballast Point) and he was nice enough to not only send me fresh replacement bottles of Sculpin and Big Eye IPA, but also an unexpected bottle of their Victory At Sea Coffee Vanilla Imperial Porter -- a beer I have been dying to try for quite some time! Thanks Earl. This review is for you.
Score: 93

Bottle code "SC1210612." This bottle was shipped directly from the brewery and it arrived at my door 02/14/12. Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed 02/14/12.

Appearance: Pours a "bright" orange-yellow color that is slightly closer to translucent than transparent with a finger and a half of soapy white head that settles into a thin film atop the glass and ring around the glass. Above average amounts of lacing cling to the sides of the glass. 4.5/5

Smell: Strong doses of fresh piney hops and "bright" citrus aromas. Lemons, grapefruit and pineapple. Sweet orange juice/pineapple juice backbone. Subtle amounts of dank resin mixed with a like amount of "fresh grass clippings" aroma. Quite the pleasant contrast to the hopless orange malt aroma of the stale Sculpin I had. 4/5

Taste: Strongly bitter and piney hops upfront, mellowed out by smooth, slightly sweet citrus on the back end. Midpalate is loaded with citrus flavors -- tangerine, lemon, grapefruit and come to mind here. A sweet and juicy citrus malt backbone really balances out the bitterness. Detecting a subtle hint of hefeweizen-like yeastiness on the midpalate too. Finishes with a smooth bitterness. Surprisingly bold flavors and a good amount of hoppiness for a single IPA. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Slightly oily mouthfeel. Incredibly drinkable and refreshing. Smooth, slightly bitter finish with a mild drying effect. 4/5

Overall: Now that I have had this one fresh, I can see what all the hype is about. The flavors are pretty bold for a single IPA. Quite refreshing and drinkable. This would certainly be a go to beer for me if it was readily available in Wisconsin or Illinois. Thank you again Earl for giving me the opportunity to have this one as fresh as possible.

Recommendation: For a single IPA this one is a bit hoppy, so hop haters and casual beer drinkers should consider themselves forewarned. Everyone else needs to seek out a fresh bottle of this stuff.

Pairings: Hamburgers.

Cost: $8.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Beer Review: Stoudts American Pale Ale

Reviewing the Stoudts American Pale Ale from Stoudts Brewing Company out of Pennsylvania.
Score: 50

No bottling date. Enjoyed 02/10/12 at The Cowbell in New Orleans. This restaurant is not exactly located in the best part of town -- it was bad enough that three different cab companies refused to send a cab driver to pick us up for whatever reason (thankfully the chef drove us back to the hotel) -- but the burgers are absolutely seeking out if you can get there and back in the middle of the day. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: Pours two fingers of fluffy white frothy head. Semi transparent golden/honey orange color. Settles into a half foamy layer that then slowly recedes into thin layer. Below average soapy lacing. 3/5

Smell: Old earth, bitter hops, maltiness, stale citrus. 2/5

Taste: Stainless steel and hops. A little orange citrus and dirt/earthy hops upfront, but a strong metallic taste on the midpalate that kinda lingers in the finish overwhelms any of the other flavors in the beer, effectively wiping them away. Lingers with a bitter, slightly acidic metal flavor. Metal mellows out as the beer layers per time, turn to old, dirty oranges. No wait, I spoke to soon. As Jack Black famously remarked, "no one can destroy the metal." 1.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Oily mouthfeel. Bitter, stainless steel finish. 2/5

Overall: While the restaurant's burgers were absolutely amazing, this beer was bad enough to potentially ruin your food if you were to consume them simultaneously. Why do I get the feeling this beer was out of date? You can only blame the brewery for this since they refuse to date their bottles.

Recommendation: Avoid this one like the plague, but certainly eat at the Cowbell.

Pairings: The sink drain.

Cost: $6 for a 12 oz beer at the restaurant.

Beer Review: Denver Chop House Dark Munich Lager

Reviewing the Dark Munich Lager from the Denver Chop House & Brewery out of Colorado. I had the opportunity to sample this brew during a layover on my trip from Madison to New Orleans.
Score: 76

22 oz tap pour at Denver Chop House in the Denver International Airport served in a weizen glass and enjoyed on 02/09/12. Review is from iPhone notes.

Appearance: Dark brown maple syrup color served with a thin layer of fizzy tan head. Despite darker body color, the beer is transparent. Above average lacing. 3/5

Smell: Toasted chocolate malt, caramel, barley grains. Sweet and sugary creamy soda aroma too. 3.5/5

Taste: Flavor is a lot more subtle than expected given the color. Likely due to the thin body of the beer. Caramel, sweet grain malt and toasted grains. Light amounts of roasted chocolate on the midpalate. Lots of grain flavor upfront with more toasted malt flavor towards finish. Very drinkable. Lingers with a malty, slightly bitter grainy malt flavor. As it layers, some chocolate malt residual makes an appearance in the linger. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Light bodied, medium-high carbonation. Malty finish. Gets sweeter, almost too sweet at points, as it layers. 2.5/5

Overall: Good for the style, but this is not a style I particularly enjoy. A little too much carbonation in this brew accentuated the grain flavors of the beer and subdued the chocolate malt. Certainly refreshing and I do not regret buying/drinking this beer, but it is not one that I would particularly seek out again. One of the reviews from BeerAdvocate summed up my feelings perfectly in his review: "This beer has all the right elements, but just not in amounts sufficient to make it anything but barely mediocre."

Recommendation: A decent beer for the airport, but I heard DIA has some of Fat Tire's better offerings on tap at some of the bars/restaurants around the terminals if you do some searching.

Food pairings: Venison.

Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz glass.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Beer Review: 2011 Behemoth Blonde Barleywine (1 year old)

Reviewing the Behemoth Blonde Barleywine from Three Floyds Brewing Company. This is the 2011 white wax vintage.
Score: 91

2011 vintage bottle (white wax) served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/05/12 (the official halftime drink of the Superbowl).

Appearance: Pours a translucent brown/orange/amber color with a finger-plus of creamy off-white/tan-colored head that settles into a ring around the glass. Excellent lacing -- oily residue is left behind with some frothy head that clings to the glass. 4/5

Smell: Fresh, tropical IPA-like citrus-and-pine aroma. Grapefruit/mango/lemon, caramel malt, and a little piney resin. Reminds me a lot of the New Glarus Thumbprint Barleywine in the nose. 4/5

Taste: Wow. Starts like an IPA and finishes like a malty barleywine. Some IPA-like citrus (grapefruit/mango/tangerine/pineapple) upfront with a sweet caramel malt finish. Citrus, a little residual "spice" and a hint of brown sugar in the linger. Malty caramel sweetness grows in the finish as the beer warms and layers. ABV is essentially hidden. Very drinkable. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Full-medium bodied, light carbonation. Smooth, slightly creamy mouthfeel that gets a little "syrupy" as it warms and layers. Slight cotton-mouthing effect on the palate. Finishes slightly sweet and kinda dry. 4.5/5

Overall: Not your average barleywine, courtesy of Three Floyds' signature citrus hoppiness, but this one drinks great. This one is not very cheap, at $15-20 per bottle, but it is certainly a barleywine worth seeking out. I will absolutely buy this one again. Drinks more like an IPA when fresher.

Recommendation: If you like IPA's and hoppy beers, seek this one out. I imagine that this turns into more of a traditional barleywine over time as the hops begin to fade.

Pairings: Hamburgers.

Cost: $16.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Beer Review: 2011 Behemoth Blonde Barleywine (1 year old)

Reviewing the Behemoth Blonde Barleywine from Three Floyds Brewing Company. This is the 2011 white wax vintage.
Score: 91

2011 vintage bottle (white wax) served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/05/12 (the official halftime drink of the Superbowl).

Appearance: Pours a translucent brown/orange/amber color with a finger-plus of creamy off-white/tan-colored head that settles into a ring around the glass. Excellent lacing -- oily residue is left behind with some frothy head that clings to the glass. 4/5

Smell: Fresh, tropical IPA-like citrus-and-pine aroma. Grapefruit/mango/lemon, caramel malt, and a little piney resin. Reminds me a lot of the New Glarus Thumbprint Barleywine in the nose. 4/5

Taste: Wow. Starts like an IPA and finishes like a malty barleywine. Some IPA-like citrus (grapefruit/mango/tangerine/pineapple) upfront with a sweet caramel malt finish. Citrus, a little residual "spice" and a hint of brown sugar in the linger. Malty caramel sweetness grows in the finish as the beer warms and layers. ABV is essentially hidden. Very drinkable. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Full-medium bodied, light carbonation. Smooth, slightly creamy mouthfeel that gets a little "syrupy" as it warms and layers. Slight cotton-mouthing effect on the palate. Finishes slightly sweet and kinda dry. 4.5/5

Overall: Not your average barleywine, courtesy of Three Floyds' signature citrus hoppiness, but this one drinks great. This one is not very cheap, at $15-20 per bottle, but it is certainly a barleywine worth seeking out. I will absolutely buy this one again. Drinks more like an IPA when fresher.

Recommendation: If you like IPA's and hoppy beers, seek this one out. I imagine that this turns into more of a traditional barleywine over time as the hops begin to fade.

Pairings: Hamburgers.

Cost: $16.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Beer Review: 4 Elf

Reviewing the 4 Elf from Dark Horse Brewing Company.
Score: 83

Unknown bottling date from the 2011 release, served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/05/12. Thank you BeerAdvocate user minterro for hooking me up with this one!

Appearance: Pours a jet black color that is totally opaque save for a super faint, thin brown highlight atop the beer when held up to light. Pours a finger of creamy off-white/tan head that settles into a ring around the glass and thin foggy film of head atop the beer. Above average lacing. 4/5

Smell: Cinnamon, caramel, peppermint candy cane and winter spices. A little roasted chocolate malt and light cherry. Smells a lot like what you'd expect a "Christmas flavored" incense stick to smell like. 4/5

Taste: Creamy caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg and a little ginger upfront with a peppermint twist towards the finish. A little watery chocolate and cherry on the midpalate. Alcohol is totally hidden. You would never guess this is 11.5% ABV. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Pretty light bodied, which is surprising given the appearance. Low carbonation. A watered down, creamy mouthfeel. Has a slight bitter/malty, spiced finish. 3/5

Overall: I usually do not like winter warmers, but this one is pretty tasty. It's unlikely that I would buy more than a single bottle of this at a time, especially because the style is not my thing, but this is certainly a beer that I would drink again if given the opportunity. Quite the drinkable beer.

Recommendation: A good beer for casual beer drinkers. Above average winter warmer.

Pairings: Sugar cookies (that are shaped like Christmas trees).

Cost: $12 for a four pack.

Beer Review: AleSmith IPA

Reviewing the AleSmith IPA from AleSmith Brewing Company.
Score: 87

Unknown vintage bottle served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/05/12. This bottle was received as part of a trade in early January 2011 (thanks LieutenantSours!).

Appearance: Pours a murky/translucent golden-amber color with two-plus fingers of cream-colored seafoam head that slowly settles into a ring around the glass with small amounts 4/5

Smell: Fresh citrus rind, sharp lemon, grapefruit and sweet orange. Grassy hops and a little fresh "dirt" too. A really solid IPA aroma. 4/5

Taste: Bitter orange/tangerine citrus with a slightly sweet caramel malt backbone and residual spiciness. A decent amount of earthy hops in the flavor, but this is far from a hop bomb. Not very complex, but tasty and refreshing. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Oily mouthfeel. Bitter finish.

Overall: A perfect example of the style.

Recommendation: Unless you hate hoppy beers, this is a super solid off-the-shelf IPA.

Pairings: Chris' spicy beef chili.

Cost: $5.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Beer Review: The Czar

REVIEW #150!

Reviewing the The Czar from Avery Brewing Company out of Colorado.
Score: 87

Fall 2011 vintage bottle served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 01/19/12.

Appearance: Pours a jet black color with brown/soda-colored highlights at the top of the glass. Totally opaque otherwise. One finger of creamy/bubbly tan colored head at pour settles into a bubbly ring around the glass and clump of bubbly head in the center. Splotches of bubbly tan lacing and oil residue stick to the side of the glass. 4/5

Smell: Roasted chocolate, burnt (brown) sugar, a little black licorice, sweet milk chocolate and dark fruit. Light booze backbone. 4/5

Taste: Raw chocolate, dry dark fruit and a little booze. Some roasted malts and hops on the midpalate and towards the finish. There might also be hints of coffee present at points too, but that just might be because I had a cup o' joe about fifteen minutes before drinking this. Finish is boozy roasted/milk chocolate. The ABV is pretty high (11%), and it's noticeable in the flavor, but the booze is not overly present to a distracting or detracting degree. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, light carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel. Finishes bitter and with some acidic booziness. 4/5

Overall: A perfect example of the Russian Imperial Stout style with a little extra booziness. Not stand out or particularly special by any means, but a very solid and tasty beer that is not overly expensive. I'd certainly come back to this one again.

Recommendation: Although I cannot recommend going out of your way to get ahold of this one, I can recommend purchasing it if you see it on the shelf (or have easy access to it).

Pairings: Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Beer Review: Nightstalker

Reviewing the Nightstalker from Goose Island Brewing Company. This is a slight modification on the base beer for their Bourbon County Stout.
Score: 82

02/06/11 vintage bottle served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/03/12.

Appearance: Pours a pitch black color. Totally opaque; absolutely no light cuts through this beer. Pours one-plus fingers of foamy mocha colored head that "melts" into a creamy layer of head that ultimately settles into a ring around the glass. Excellent lacing -- a wall of sticky head clings to all sides of the glass. 4.5/5

Smell: Dark fruit, milk chocolate, bitter hops, bitter "baleywine-like" barley-and-caramel malts, and alcohol esters. 3.5/5

Taste: Creamy dates and chocolate mixed with a light hops flavor and noticable booziness. Kind of sweet. Definite barley-and-caramel backbone. "Barleywine-like" flavors increasingly come out of the woodwork towards the finish as the beer approaches room temperature. Lingering bitter caramel and cocoa flavor. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, low carbonation. Thick and viscous mouthfeel with a drying, almost cotton-mouthing effect on the palate. Bitter and sweet finish. 4/5

Overall: A solid imperial stout recipe with potential, as evidenced by the Bourbon County Stout, but the Nightstalker as brewed is too rough around the edges and "hopped barleywine-like." This is not a retired beer I will miss.

Recommendation: Worth trying, but not worth going out of your way to seeking out.

Pairings: A Reuben sandwich?

Cost: $8.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Beer Review: Fleur

BEER REVIEW #150!

Reviewing the Fleur from Goose Island Brewing Company. Since Goose Island decided to retire this one, and I've never had it before, I felt it essential to review.
Score: 80

04/08/11 vintage bottle served in a Goose Island 312 glass and enjoyed during the wee hours of 02/03/12.

Appearance: Pours a translucent amber yellow color with two-plus fingers of Styrofoamy white colored head that slowly recedes into a half-finger layer of creamy white head. Slightly below average lacing for the style. 3.5/5

Smell: Effervescent granny smith apples and white grape aroma. A little "earthy funk." Lightly "malted" strawberries and raspberries in the nose too. Hints of "tart" fruit mixed throughout. A not overly complex, but a very pleasant nose. 4/5

Taste: The flavor is much more tart than the aroma. Wild berries and funky apples. Imagine how dandelion smells, convert that into a flavor and sour it slightly. Hints of "Brett" throughout. There's some of that present too. There's a slight metal-like funk in the finish/linger too, and it's really bothering me. This is essentially a tart Belgian-style beer. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied, high-medium carbonation. Slight drying effect, a little tart. 4/5

Overall: An interesting twist on the Belgian style, but I am not a fan of sour beers. This is less a Belgian pale ale than a Belgian-style sour. Maybe this beer is just "not my thing," but I was not impressed. This is not a Goose Island beer I will miss. Their Oatmeal Stout and original Imperial IPA beers, though, are an entirely different story.

Recommendation: If you like Belgians and sours, seek this one out. Otherwise, don't fret it.

Pairings: Something sweet, floury and tangy -- maybe a strawberry frosted pound cake?

Cost: $7.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Beer Review: Huma-Lupa-Licious IPA

Reviewing the Huma-Lupa-Licious IPA from Short's Brewing Company
Score: 73

01/09 vintage bottle served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 01/19/12. Thank you to minterro for hooking me up with this one

Appearance: Pours a translucent orange-yellow color with a half finger of foamy off-white head that settles into a bubble ring around the glass. Solid lacing for a headless IPA. 3.5/5

Smell: Sharp honey and a "quick" lemon scent (it's quickly there and gone) mixed with a "floral" aroma. A little cocoa nib and milky malt. The nose is not very bitter, but it is a little "earthy." 3.5/5

Taste: Not much flavor here. There is a malty hops and light citrus flavor upfront, but it quickly mellows into an acidic and bitter, otherwise flavorless, creamy mouthfeel. A little stainless steel sweetness towards the "finish." At least it's drinkable. 2.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium-minus carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel. Bitter finish. 4/5

Overall: The mouthfeel is solid, but the rest of the beer falls far below expectations. This is the second disappointing beer that I have had from Short's in the past 10 days. Hopefully the Uber Goober Oatmeal Stout that I have in the fridge drinks better. I am glad I tried it, however.

Recommendation: This is an OK, but skip-able IPA.

Pairings: Greek-style french fries.

Cost: $8.99 for a six pack.

Beer Review: Galactic Double Daisy Cutter

Reviewing the Galactic Double Daisy Cutter from Half Acre Brewing Company in Chicago.
Score: 90

This bottle is a leftover from the late August/early September 2011 release that I recently traded for. I loved this beer when I had it back in September, but did not review it. Time has treated this one surprisingly well.

Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 02/02/12.

Appearance: Pours a super murky and opaque orange/yellow color with a finger-plus of off-white sea-foam head that settles into a ring around the glass. Shelves of super sticky, frothy lacing cling to the side of the glass for what seem like forever. 4.5/5

Smell: Wow! Strong piney citrus hops here. I am shocked the hop aromas have held up so well! The nose is grapefruit, pineapple, mango, wet grass and sweet orange juice in front of a smooth malt background. Not very "fresh" smelling, but still a little zesty. Most IIPA's smell a little musty when they get old, but this one is not musty at all. 4/5

Taste: Surprisingly hoppy and less malty than expected given the age! Sweet orange, grapefruit, pineapple juice and bitter pine all upfront. Juicy malt backbone. Towards the finish, the beer's flavor approaches what is best described as hoppy tropical fruit juice from concentrate (though there is a slight drying effect in the linger). Lingers with bitter orange. Not very fresh tasting, but still pretty tasty. I am honestly shocked by how good this five month old IIPA tastes! 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, medium-plus carbonation. Very "juicy" mouthfeel. Finish is bitter, a little sweet and acidic. 4/5

Overall: I remember this being one of my favorite IIPA's when I had it fresh. Five months later, and I am shocked that this held up so well given it's heavily hopped character. It was clearly better fresh, but it is still a very solid tasting IIPA with some age on it -- something you can't say about most IIPA's. Half Acre is giving Three Floyds a good run for their money when it comes to midwest APA's, IPA's and IIPA's.

Recommendation: Unless you hate hoppy beers, seek this one out if and when Half Acre re-releases it next fall. This is one I will have to re-review fresh!

Pairings: Hamburgers.

Cost: $9.99 for a 22 oz (bomber) bottle or $21 for a growler fill.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Beer Review: Weegene London Porter

Reviewing the Weegene London Porter from Revolution Brewing Company. This review is from notes taken at the brewpub. The menu indicates that this is "a 'not so small' beer brewed using the 2nd runnings of wort after collecting the super concentrated liquid to brew the Hugene Imperial Porter."
Score: 78

Tap pour served in a 4 oz taster glass as part of a beer flight on New Years Day (01/01/12). Weegene is the second beer from the right. Review is from notes.

Appearance: Color is dark brown/black with ruby highlights around the edges. Served with no head save for a thin tan colored ring of around the glass. Looks light a slightly "lighter" in color version of Hugene. I can not really divine much lacing from a taster glass, but I think there is some splotchy lacing. I could be wrong. 3.5/5

Smell: Roasted malts, creamy malts, a little chocolate and smokiness. Also detecting light hops hints of toffee. 3.5/5

Taste: Roasted, slightly creamy chocolate and lightly spiced hops. A thin, watery mouthfeel washes away most of the flavor before I can nuance it. 3/5

Mouthfeel: Light bodied with mild carbonation. Overly thin, watery body seemingly negates the creamy aspects of the beer. 2.5/5

Overall: A ho-hum porter in my view, though, upon reflection, perhaps I simply do not like English style porters -- which, at least to me, tend to be thinner on the mouthfeel and lighter on the "flavor." I am glad I did not order a full glass of this, as was my original intention.

Recommendation: You can skip this beer. Revolution makes much better beers, including the Hugene and always available, super roasty Eugene porter.

Pairings: Lighter chocolate cake.

Cost: $2 for a taster, $5 for a pint.