tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76882087651926710562024-02-20T12:25:14.647-05:00The Beer FanChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-64463019111743469032011-09-05T22:54:00.003-04:002011-09-05T22:54:43.202-04:00Movin' on upI've decided it's time to take this blog to the next step and I've bought my own site at <a href="http://thebeerfan.com/">thebeerfan.com</a> . I'm very excited about what this will mean for me in my beer/blog future, and I want to thank all of you for all the support over the past few years<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-63947109744689803702011-08-30T21:11:00.002-04:002011-08-30T21:28:29.286-04:00Hoppin' Frog Silk Porter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-677cOwp8cLY/Tl2OLuUqzoI/AAAAAAAAAac/Lx_19TPaMi8/s1600/hoppinfrogsilkporter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 171px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-677cOwp8cLY/Tl2OLuUqzoI/AAAAAAAAAac/Lx_19TPaMi8/s200/hoppinfrogsilkporter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646825839856897666" border="0" /></a>
<br />Perhaps best known for B.O.R.I.S. and D.O.R.I.S., don't overlook the other fine brews from Hoppin' Frog, like the <a href="http://www.hoppinfrog.com/beers/">Silk Porter</a>.
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<br />While it is an Ohio brewery, Hoppin' Frog can be hard to find in this part of the state. And it's kind of a shame, because I've been very impressed with everything of theirs I have had.
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<br />Silk Porter pours just like a porter should; inky black and just a trace of head. Full nose lets you know you need to get ready for an assault of flavor. Lots of roasted and toasted malt, some bittersweet chocolate. Even a bit past roasted into charred. A dry, chalky, woody finish. Is that chicory?
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<br />The name, I think, is a bit misleading. It's not as creamy and silky as other porters. In fact, it's more harsh than most. Mind you, that's not a bad thing. Very solid beer, here
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<br />Grade: B
<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-48109596553151750232011-08-29T23:33:00.002-04:002011-08-29T23:45:41.891-04:00Chimay Red<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fE5QS-9hy4I/TlxcrBNzQ6I/AAAAAAAAAZg/hH9EtI7_1RQ/s1600/chimayred.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fE5QS-9hy4I/TlxcrBNzQ6I/AAAAAAAAAZg/hH9EtI7_1RQ/s200/chimayred.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646489926946210722" border="0" /></a>
<br />Those Monks sure do know their beers! As my delightful trial of a beer from every Trappist brewery continues (I will have had 5 of the 7 by the end of the week), I'm trying <a href="http://www.chimay.com/en/chimay-rouge.html?IDC=287&IDD=129">Chimay Red</a>.
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<br />Hazy light brown color with a pillowy head that hangs around for a bit. The flavor features big, full malt, a hint of hops to cut through the sweetness, and some apricot in the finish. Starts creamy and ends dry. Very interesting sensation. As it warms, I'm getting butterscotch and some pepper.
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<br />Overall, a sensational beer. Big flavors, great texture, complex, and balanced.
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<br />Grade: A
<br /></span></span>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-75928904273545327512011-08-26T22:18:00.002-04:002011-08-26T22:44:34.595-04:00Unibroue Maudite<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgFxzJ4zXfY/TlhZ5j2jVmI/AAAAAAAAAZY/uFZ5_u9g764/s1600/unibrouemaudite.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgFxzJ4zXfY/TlhZ5j2jVmI/AAAAAAAAAZY/uFZ5_u9g764/s200/unibrouemaudite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645360978320381538" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/maudite/">Unibroue Maudite</a> is nothing if not gorgeous. Deep amber color and a big fluffy head that will not give up! Mostly yeast in the nose. Leads to some lightly toasted malt and a bit of a crisp hop kick. Some hints of clove, banana, and citrus in there, too.
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<br />Complex, and well balanced, but not very assertive. The flavors from the yeast are the most pronounced I'm getting.
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<br />Grade: B
<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-36465941275935670502011-08-24T21:23:00.002-04:002011-08-24T21:39:25.296-04:00Heavy Seas Peg Leg Imperial Stout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SndM0tZmxY8/TlWnvcWIHjI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/37LsdmDBJ3M/s1600/heavyseaspegleg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SndM0tZmxY8/TlWnvcWIHjI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/37LsdmDBJ3M/s200/heavyseaspegleg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644602141483474482" border="0" /></a>
<br />When I want something big, brash, and bold, I usually reach for Imperial Stouts. Will <a href="http://www.hsbeer.com/peg-leg-imperial-stout">Heavy Seas Peg Leg Imperial Stout</a> plunder my wont for a huge, tasty beer?
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<br />The color is right on, but the head doesn't compare to most others of the style. Very smooth. Might be the lightest bodied imperial stout I've had. There's a hint of coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and some dark fruit. Late bitterness from the hops.
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<br />It's not bad, but it's just not doing anything for me. Very tame and I wanted something more audacious.
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<br />Grade: C
<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-58343767517150067802011-08-23T21:00:00.003-04:002011-08-23T21:28:30.215-04:00North Coast Old Stock Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-459JDMQOIQc/TlRTFYQNpRI/AAAAAAAAAZI/emJxnfKZTuw/s1600/northcoastoldstock.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-459JDMQOIQc/TlRTFYQNpRI/AAAAAAAAAZI/emJxnfKZTuw/s200/northcoastoldstock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644227584876979474" border="0" /></a>
<br />Barley Wine is a style that's been growing on me. If I had the patience to age, these would be the style to age. However, I am not blessed with that virtue when it comes to beer!
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<br />This is <a href="http://www.northcoastbrewing.com/beer-OldStockAle.htm">North Coast's Old Stock Ale</a>, 2010 version. Deep mahogany color with loads of roasted butterscotch and some wood in the nose. That butterscotch flavor absolutely coats the mouth with a bit of sour tang in the finish. Hops add a welcome kick and some bitterness, but don't get in the way of anything. Picking up some grapes and late chocolate as it warms. It's a heavy hitter at more than 11% ABV, but the alcohol is just a pleasant warmth.
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<br />Outstanding! My impatience has been rewarded
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<br />Grade: A
<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-16286878676787849032011-08-22T23:10:00.003-04:002011-08-22T23:21:04.167-04:00Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj5N-dlSM-I/TlMcFFEw8VI/AAAAAAAAAZA/boH5HEdUu9g/s1600/darkhorsesapienttripale.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj5N-dlSM-I/TlMcFFEw8VI/AAAAAAAAAZA/boH5HEdUu9g/s200/darkhorsesapienttripale.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643885631612449106" border="0" /></a>
<br />After a run of authentic Trappist ales recently, I'm interested in an American taken on the version with <a href="http://www.darkhorsebrewery.com/content.asp?PageName=OurBrew">Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale. </a>
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<br />The color is lighter than I expected for a Belgian Trippel. The fluffy white heads deflates rather quickly, but it is sticking around with tenacity. Lots of banana and sour malt in the nose. Similar flavors with more of the slightly sour malt and some clove and spice in the finish. Very smooth and crisp. Not even a hint of the powerful 8.5% ABV. Very little hop presence.
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<br />It tastes good, it's easy to drink, but I think I'd rather have a Rochefort 10 or La Trappe Quad anytime.
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<br />Grade: B
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<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-63850307784568048962011-08-16T21:12:00.002-04:002011-08-16T21:46:09.058-04:00Life and Limb - Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada collaboration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjBSqL30qcU/TksdK8ScEeI/AAAAAAAAAYI/y3Fu47E_s8w/s1600/lifeandlimb.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjBSqL30qcU/TksdK8ScEeI/AAAAAAAAAYI/y3Fu47E_s8w/s200/lifeandlimb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641635032031039970" border="0" /></a>
<br />Clearly, every craft brewery wants to sell tons of beer and make huge profits, but there is a sense of camaraderie amongst craft brewers in a love of great beer. That love is displayed here with the Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada collaboration brew, <a href="http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/collaborations/life-limb.htm">Life and Limb</a>. Heck, it even is its own <a href="http://www.life-limb.com/">website</a>!
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<br />The expectations are high here and the beer starts off big with a huge off white head and deep mahogany color. Lots of spice and dark fruit in the smell. Tons of sweet malt, maple syrup, some smokiness, anise, followed by a long, dry finish. The hops eventually give a bit of a kick along with some cherries.
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<br />Big, complex, well balanced. There's some boozy warmth, but I wouldn't guess it is 10%. Delicious and a great of example of a beer brewed with passion, knowledge, and love. Get it
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<br />Grade: A+
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<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-42440325064817026242011-08-10T21:53:00.003-04:002011-08-10T22:08:52.565-04:00Founders Porter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnMfE_nSocc/TkM5dFYibbI/AAAAAAAAAYA/8j0BQJlVf8U/s1600/foundersporter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FnMfE_nSocc/TkM5dFYibbI/AAAAAAAAAYA/8j0BQJlVf8U/s200/foundersporter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639414330222079410" border="0" /></a>
<br />This is one I've been trying to get my hands on for a while, because whenever I tell people porter is my favorite style, the next question is if I have had <a href="http://www.foundersbrewing.com/the-lineup/porter">Founders Porter</a>. So I must admit, even before the first sip, the bar is set very high.
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<br />Pour is just what I like; inky black and there's not even color around the edges. It's solid black with a thin head that doesn't last long. Inviting roasty smell. The roast carries on into the flavor, but it doesn't over power the smooth chocolate. The chocolate notes here are not as bitter as other porters. More of a milk chocolate. Mouthfeel is creamy and smooth. Hops and toasted bread come out more as it warms. Long finish that's dry with just a hint of bitterness.
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<br />Nothing not to like about this one!
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<br />Grade: A
<br />Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-30703029833869495492011-08-07T19:35:00.004-04:002011-08-07T19:48:10.769-04:00Southern Tier Creme Brulee Stout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKqVJI8JgiQ/Tj8jh178ZRI/AAAAAAAAAXI/T-gwdxq8M2o/s1600/southerntiercremebrulee.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKqVJI8JgiQ/Tj8jh178ZRI/AAAAAAAAAXI/T-gwdxq8M2o/s200/southerntiercremebrulee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638264322812306706" border="0" /></a><br />The intoxicating and inviting aromas of <a href="http://www.southerntierbrewing.com/beers.html">South Tier Creme Brulee</a><a href="http://www.southerntierbrewing.com/beers.html"> Stout</a> draw you in the second you pop the top. Tons of toffee, butterscotch, and milk in the nose and a gorgeous dark tan head floating on a sea of black.<br /><br />Sweet sugar with a little bit of char to go along with the butterscotch and warm milk and a very creamy texture. There's also a hop bite at the back end to remind you it's a beer. Never having had creme brulee (I know, how bourgeois of me) I can't say how close it is to Creme Brulee in a bottle, but gosh is it tasty. Might be too sweet for some, but I think it's delicious. The burnt flavor lingers more than anything, but it goes very well with the sweetness. Not even a hint of the whopping 9.6% ABV<br /><br />Excellent brew!<br /><br />Grade: AChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-54452963079287244252011-08-05T21:40:00.002-04:002011-08-05T21:52:24.714-04:00Bard's Beer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVbj8Y5wwnE/TjyeMLaD0HI/AAAAAAAAAXA/AukWuJ_EFgc/s1600/bards.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVbj8Y5wwnE/TjyeMLaD0HI/AAAAAAAAAXA/AukWuJ_EFgc/s200/bards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637554765618729074" border="0" /></a><br />I'm rather intrigued by <a href="http://www.bardsbeer.com/">Bard's Beer</a>, as this is will be my first gluten free beer. I certainly feel for those who have celiac disease and can't eat or drink anything with wheat or barley (so I assume they can have Bud Light), as I suffer from a similar disorder.<br /><br />The color is nice, there isn't much head, but the smell isn't giving me a lot of promise. The flavor is...not especially pleasant. I can't even figure out how to describe it. I knew not to expect anything like other light amber ales, but all I am getting is what I assume is the sorghum. No other kind of hops or nuances.<br /><br />I really wanted to like this beer, but I just don't. I think making an IPA out of this and masking the flavor the malt would be a good direction. I don't think it's badly brewed, I just think I don't dig on sorghum. Unfortunate.<br /><br />Grade: DChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-10563388960645447092011-08-04T22:17:00.003-04:002011-08-04T22:40:35.222-04:00Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DAi8xDED4c/TjtX3QmcdjI/AAAAAAAAAWU/dPY8HSaXzbI/s1600/flyingdogragingbitch.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DAi8xDED4c/TjtX3QmcdjI/AAAAAAAAAWU/dPY8HSaXzbI/s200/flyingdogragingbitch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637195965444945458" border="0" /></a><br />With my final IPA for the day, it's <a href="http://flyingdogales.com/beers/">Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA</a>.<br /><br />I'm curious what will make this Belgian, but the look is similar to the other two from earlier in the evening, though the color is a bit more light orange and the head is both bigger and sticking around longer.<br /><br />The smell is both hoppy and yeasty. Lots of orange and coriander before the hops come in. Not a ton of malt here. But a very bitter finish. Outstanding lacing. I'm getting more Belgian than IPA, but I like this. I believe I'm a fan of these kind of hybrids in general.<br /><br />Overall, a pretty tasty brew, and it's nice to see some innovation in the style.<br /><br />Grade: B<br /><br />P.S. I have only been listening to songs with Bitch in the title while writing this. Let's dig on some Stones together, shall we?<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HoQqAI2Zgdk" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" width="640"></iframe>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-67779168183483963412011-08-04T20:36:00.003-04:002011-08-04T21:09:51.085-04:00Great Divide Hercules Double IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kw3GqpsP0r0/TjtC0I-o8pI/AAAAAAAAAWM/YkxI5lx6GoA/s1600/greatdividehercules.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kw3GqpsP0r0/TjtC0I-o8pI/AAAAAAAAAWM/YkxI5lx6GoA/s200/greatdividehercules.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637172822115152530" border="0" /></a><br />The IPA Day celebration continues with <a href="http://www.greatdivide.com/thebeers/hercules.htm">Great Divide's Hercules Double IPA</a>.<br /><br />A nice start with a hazy bronze color and big fluffy white head. Smells like piney hops and a bit of wood. Big round malt flavor followed by a hit of hops. Extremely well balanced. Long and intensely bitter finish. Very creamy texture and a lot of the hop hit comes in the finish rather than while you first drink it. Noticing quite a bit of orange in this brew.<br /><br />I like it. Good balance not only between malt and hops, but among the different hops, too. Fantastic mouthfeel, as well.<br /><br />Grade: AChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-17030109804410989232011-08-04T19:49:00.003-04:002011-08-04T20:06:57.268-04:00Dogfishead 90 Minute IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YLYp1mE9cmo/Tjsz-PT2E4I/AAAAAAAAAWE/0BrZuLs5ZPo/s1600/dogfishhead90.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YLYp1mE9cmo/Tjsz-PT2E4I/AAAAAAAAAWE/0BrZuLs5ZPo/s200/dogfishhead90.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637156502938981250" border="0" /></a><br />Happy IPA Day! Going to start today's celebration with the ubiquitous <a href="http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/year-round-brews/90-minute-ipa.htm">Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA</a>.<br /><br />I really like the light brown color with an inviting haze. Lots of citrusy hops in the nose. Starts off with a lot of sweet caramel followed by a big hop punch. The hops are there, don't worry about that, but they aren't blowing out everything else like I expected.<br /><br />This is my kind of IPA. Huge hop notes, big bitter finish, but it's got some malt to go along with it. It's not like you're drinking hop juice (which I haven't been able to get my hands on yet.) The 9% ABV warms on the way down, but doesn't have much presence other than that.<br /><br />Big fan of this one!<br /><br />Grade: AChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-8661904556299107802011-08-02T22:09:00.003-04:002011-08-02T22:22:22.824-04:00Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ocz4iMtvs/TjiwpUsK7qI/AAAAAAAAAV8/PXKRpncQ8cs/s1600/Aecht%2BSchlenkerla%2BEiche.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ocz4iMtvs/TjiwpUsK7qI/AAAAAAAAAV8/PXKRpncQ8cs/s200/Aecht%2BSchlenkerla%2BEiche.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636449157629275810" border="0" /></a><br />That's not a typo. It's German! Now, I don't sprechen sie deutsch, but I did notice, in English, doppelbock and oak smoke. I'm in.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.schlenkerla.de/rauchbier/sorten/sortene.html">Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche</a> pours lighter than I expected, but it's a nice amber with a big head, though that may be a function of the bottle neck. The smell is smoke, and a ton of it, with some meat. The smoke is by far the dominating and overpowering flavor, but I do get some pork and there is a bit of sweet malt, too. It's like liquid bacon. Goes down quite easily, and there is no hint of the 8% ABV.<br /><br />This is unlike any doppelbock I've had. So if you think you'll be getting something like Celebrator or Salvator, you're not. It is firmly a <span class="st">Rauchbier.<br /><br />Overall, it's pretty tasty, but the smoke really is a lot to handle. Be ready!<br /><br />Grade: B<br /></span>Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-43886892519209731702011-07-31T22:14:00.001-04:002011-07-31T22:31:55.327-04:00La Trappe Quadrupel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThsNs3opGHw/TjYQB2cFtNI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Xw1u5sgh6kA/s1600/latrappequad.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 127px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThsNs3opGHw/TjYQB2cFtNI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Xw1u5sgh6kA/s200/latrappequad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635709607679997138" border="0" /></a><br />I have a new contender for best beer I've ever had: <a href="http://www.latrappe.nl/content.asp?m=M7&s=P19&l=EN">La Trappe Quadrupel</a>. Pours an exquisite and hazy deep amber. Not much head, but a good amount of lacing. Smells of grapes, oak, and caramel. Then, there's the taste. Sweet malt, a nudge of bitter hops, then a familiar unctuous feel and flavor that reveals the oak aging. Full, creamy, round mouthfeel without being heavy. The 10% ABV warms on the way down, but doesn't overpower any of the magnificent flavors. Unsurprisingly, it becomes more complex and the flavors bolder as it warms.<br /><br />This isn't hyperbole, it really is one of the finest beers I have ever had.<br /><br />Grade: A+Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-21718352979015245232011-07-29T19:18:00.002-04:002011-07-29T19:37:18.159-04:00Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Lbjei2qmY/TjNEIJIs1QI/AAAAAAAAAVM/ygQ-nABlLdg/s1600/tallgrassbuffalosweat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 165px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y7Lbjei2qmY/TjNEIJIs1QI/AAAAAAAAAVM/ygQ-nABlLdg/s200/tallgrassbuffalosweat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634922465452676354" border="0" /></a><br />Here's another case of high expectations simply based on the name. With <a href="http://www.tallgrassbeer.com/beers.html">Tallgrass's Buffalo Sweat</a>, I want something big, bold, and kinda nasty.<br /><br />They've got the color right for sure with a black pour and some deep brown on the edges. Lots of roasted and smokey oatmeal in the nose. Surprisingly creamy with some delightful chocolate and strong coffee flavors. The coffee really lingers. Mouthfeel is a bit light for as dark as this is, but it's really tasty and goes down rather easily.<br /><br />Overall, I think it's great. Smooth, not too big, bold and well balanced flavors. I'm a fan!<br /><br />Grade: AChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-80865785109138419842011-07-28T20:55:00.003-04:002011-07-28T21:19:35.518-04:00Great Divide Rumble IPA<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mguuH6mrD_8/TjIKFJ-BCCI/AAAAAAAAATo/Q-_ofPdSqsY/s1600/greatdividerumble.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mguuH6mrD_8/TjIKFJ-BCCI/AAAAAAAAATo/Q-_ofPdSqsY/s200/greatdividerumble.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634577167485569058" border="0" /></a><br />Oak? IPA? Great Divide? Yes, please! Lots of promise with <a href="http://www.greatdivide.com/">Great Divide's Rumble Oak Aged IPA</a>.<br /><br />The color from the wood aging shows through and the nose is full of hops. A hint of sweet malt followed by very pungent hops and some lingering vanilla and caramel. This is no timid beer. The hops are more prevalent than the oak for sure, but this is great for hop heads looking for a bit of a change. Quite bitter, and a nice 7.1% ABV.<br /><br />Grade: BChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-7629644996041971992011-07-24T21:23:00.003-04:002011-07-24T21:34:09.337-04:00Orval<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTGaPmCYkfY/TizHwUWUvbI/AAAAAAAAATg/PqTA0gMi0Ho/s1600/orval.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTGaPmCYkfY/TizHwUWUvbI/AAAAAAAAATg/PqTA0gMi0Ho/s200/orval.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633096866843639218" border="0" /></a><br />One of the 6 Belgian Trappist breweries, <a href="http://www.orval.be/an/FS_an.html">Orval</a> pours a hazy orange with a magnificent head that'll take some taming. Lots of sweet orange, spice, and lemon zest in the smell.<br /><br />The taste is very unique. Lots of champagne qualities. Quite sour and a big bitter hop bite at the back end. There's quite a bit of lemon and pepper in here, too. Most of the flavor is coming from the hops and yeast, as I'm not getting much malt here. You won't find many beers with this much carbonation, either.<br /><br />Exceptionally complex and interesting. I've never had anything quite like Orval.<br /><br />Grade: AChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-26691246162043255412011-07-18T20:09:00.004-04:002011-07-18T20:18:31.988-04:00New Holland Dragon's Milk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAEjcVD33pU/TiTNMszOCGI/AAAAAAAAARU/9ksb-grMR1c/s1600/newhollanddragonsmilk.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAEjcVD33pU/TiTNMszOCGI/AAAAAAAAARU/9ksb-grMR1c/s200/newhollanddragonsmilk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630851052188076130" border="0" /></a><br />There are few, if any, brews like <a href="http://newhollandbrew.com/beer/high-gravity-series/dragons-milk-ale-aged-in-oak-barrels/">New Holland Dragon's Milk</a>. Inky black, with the smell of vanilla, oak, bourbon, and an alcohol burn. Creamy, bitey, bitter. Of all the barrel aged stouts I have had, this one brings the most powerful bourbon punch. Lots of roasted malt and bitter chocolate. The finish is like dry cedar.<br /><br />Tons of complex, full flavors, and at 10% ABV, tons of alcohol.<br /><br />An absolute gem!<br /><br />Grade: A+Chadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-86055914327676129092011-07-17T20:47:00.002-04:002011-07-17T20:58:54.980-04:00Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-De0B_dLta4Y/TiOFL61VR-I/AAAAAAAAAQk/ob16up-VARE/s1600/andersonvalleybarneyflatsoatmealstout.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-De0B_dLta4Y/TiOFL61VR-I/AAAAAAAAAQk/ob16up-VARE/s200/andersonvalleybarneyflatsoatmealstout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630490398961256418" border="0" /></a><br />Fantastic blend of a surprisingly light mouthfeel and tons of flavor for <a href="http://www.avbc.com/main/our-beers/barney-flats-oatmeal-stout/">Anderson Valley Brewing Company's Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout</a>. The name is heavier than the beer! Great roasted oatmeal and dark chocolate flavor, good color, but unexpectedly light. There's a hint of spicy hops and a long, dry, roasted finish.<br /><br />Very good example of the style. You won't be overwhelmed with oats, but they're certainly there. Delightful round, balanced flavor.<br /><br />Grade: BChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-74475754914498414152011-07-07T21:00:00.002-04:002011-07-07T21:23:15.007-04:00Victory Hop Wallop<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63HuAPFHrHA/ThZb1GWrL5I/AAAAAAAAAP8/AKOYK7CdVaE/s1600/victoryhopwallop.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-63HuAPFHrHA/ThZb1GWrL5I/AAAAAAAAAP8/AKOYK7CdVaE/s200/victoryhopwallop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626785752242925458" border="0" /></a><br />An IPA called <a href="http://victorybeer.com/beers/hop-wallop/">Hop Wallop</a> better bring it. Victory's IPA offers a gorgeous hazy gold color and sticky white head. Lots of citrus in the smell. Tons of fresh citrusy hops complemented by lots of piney hops. And so bitter don't be surprised if you pucker! Not much of a malt flavor here at all, but wow does that dry hop bite linger. Very subtle buttered toast, too. Interesting.<br /><br />I'm actually surprised how quickly I got through this, especially at 8.5% ABV and with this much punch! It's certainly aptly named. Hop heads, enjoy! If you want a beer to slap you with hops, you've found it.<br /><br />Grade: BChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-23741631900946126492011-07-06T20:40:00.003-04:002011-07-06T20:58:09.633-04:00Bell's Porter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXfovrOz7x4/ThUEbGMW1EI/AAAAAAAAAMo/M6P9NGM_cPI/s1600/bellsporter.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xXfovrOz7x4/ThUEbGMW1EI/AAAAAAAAAMo/M6P9NGM_cPI/s200/bellsporter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626408173034722370" border="0" /></a><br />Bell's is consistently ranked as one of the best breweries in the country, so I am expecting them to do something unique with my favorite style, so here is <a href="http://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/4-Porter">Bell's Porter</a>.<br /><br />The start is promising with a rocky tan head, black body, and some ruby edges. Coffee and toffee in the nose. Lots of familiar porter flavors here with coffee, chocolate, dry wood. A lot more toffee than most porters. The dry bite really lingers. Body is maybe a little watery and there seems to be a ton of carbonation.<br /><br />It's very good, but by no means the best porter I've had. I think I'm just getting too much roasted malt and I'd like some deeper flavors.<br /><br />Grade: BChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-52929288806895130542011-07-03T21:10:00.002-04:002011-07-03T21:29:01.221-04:00Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Wk2R8T2lA/ThEXFtVGkQI/AAAAAAAAAMg/1suvxDsotuo/s1600/stonebelgoaniseirs.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Wk2R8T2lA/ThEXFtVGkQI/AAAAAAAAAMg/1suvxDsotuo/s200/stonebelgoaniseirs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625302796397351170" border="0" /></a><br />When you get something from Stone, you know it's never going to be common or tame. <a href="http://www.stonebrew.com/irs/">The Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout</a> lives up to that expectation.<br /><br />Big, bold, black, and very aggressive. You'll need a few pours to fit all this in one glass. The smell is nearly all anise, with some wood. It's quite creamy with a lot of that black licorice flavor, dry wood, roasted malt, spicy hops. Outstanding lacing lures you in to try to find more flavors, the ones more common in a Russian Imperial Stout. If you hunt, you will pick up some of the currants, chocolate, coffee, but the anise is the real star here. I could see where some say it's overpowering, but I love the flavor, so it's working for me. The 10.5% ABV warms through the finish, along with a fun bitter bite.<br /><br />There are some people who say you shouldn't drink stouts, and especially Russian Imperial Stouts, in summer. I like to call those people "wrong".<br /><br />Another unique, tasty brew from Stone. But you have to love anise to love this. If you don't, you will hate it.<br /><br />Grade: AChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7688208765192671056.post-36412446519536848792011-07-01T18:47:00.002-04:002011-07-01T19:00:18.212-04:00Duvel Belgian Golden Ale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUFjM6_EQWs/Tg5RTIJafJI/AAAAAAAAAMM/hsGklUETfF0/s1600/duvel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUFjM6_EQWs/Tg5RTIJafJI/AAAAAAAAAMM/hsGklUETfF0/s200/duvel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624522373678660754" border="0" /></a><br />The Belgians are certainly known for unique beers, a great brewing history, and <a href="http://www.duvel.com/#/us/en/the_beer">Duvel</a> is high on that list. Crisp and golden white a very aggressive white head, don't let the appearance fool you into expecting something light and watery. The first thing I notice in the smell is apple and some hops bite. It's full and dry on the tongue, with sour fruit at the back end. Very well balanced between malt and spicy hops, and there is a lot of both. I'm also getting a late alcohol warmth, and at 8.5% ABV, that is expected, but you'd never guess it's that high.<br /><br />Here is proof that a light colored, fizzy beer can have tons of flavor. This is one to seek out<br /><br />Grade: AChadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00954921007125808182noreply@blogger.com0