Sixpoint Bolshoi (2006) RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 10.2% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Dusty Vanilla, Latte, Wet Soil, Red Cherry, Heavily Malted Chocolate Shake, Oak, Almond Butter // THE TASTE: Chocolate Ganache, Black Treacle, Prune Juice, Blackcurrant, Redcurrant, Mulberry, Cocoa Powder, Black Walnut // THE BOTTOMLINE: If you are lucky enough to see a bottle of this in the wild you should jump on it like a starving Lion would a peppy Gazelle! Cellared for 4 years, this very limited 2006 bottle release by Sixpoint is unbelievably chocolatey, dairy like and decadently desserty on the nose - it’s a shockingly good aroma. Malted chocolate shake and ripe black fruit flavors ooze across the palate with balance, length and surprising drinkability - this is not a weighty or viscous stout. On the backend things get really dark, with muscular notes of pitch black cocoa and tart red berry providing the perfect counterpoint to the rich sweetness present upfront. There’s a rare complexity at play in this beer, the sort of complexity present in a crafted Mexican mole sauce. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Malted Barley, Glen Eagles Premium Maris Ottee, Carapils, Black Patent, Roasted Barley and Crystal Malts, Columbus, Centennial and Glacier Hops, Distiller's Yeast, 100% NYC Tap Water // PRICE POINT: $60 | 1x 22oz bottle 83 13 2010-03-08T23:41:59-05:00 Brew Review #123 126 image/jpeg Sixpoint_Bolshoi_2006.jpg 137707 2010-03-08T23:52:56-05:00 94 2010-03-09T00:02:59-05:00 Ballast Point Tongue Buckler Imperial Red Ale RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 10.0% | IBU’s. 107 // THE NOSE: Caramel, Blood Orange, Eucalyptus, Sage, Demerara Sugar, Maple, Epoxy Glue // THE TASTE: Orange Juice, Pink Grapefruit, Golden Syrup, Orange Marmalade, Marzipan, Lemongrass // THE BOTTOMLINE: As Imperial Red ales go, this one dwarves even the heady hopititude of Troeg’s ‘Nugget Nectar,’ it literally cluster bombs every single taste bud in the mouth as soon as it hits the palate, leaving the mouth a ravaged hop fueled bush fire. For those not properly hop acclimatized this beer is a scary and beastly proposition. For those constantly on the prowl for that next shark toothed hopsperience though, this is borderline nirvana. I love this beer, it's just a real shame it is so hard to get. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $? | 1x 22ox bottle // 76 36 2010-03-08T23:17:25-05:00 Brew Review #122 125 image/jpeg Ballast_Point_Tongue_Buckler.jpg 186288 2010-03-08T23:51:01-05:00 95 2010-03-08T23:56:00-05:00 Half Acre Big Hugs Imperial Stout RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 10.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Black Cherry Jam, Tia Maria, Chocolate Covered Banana, White Chocolate, Vanilla Shake // THE TASTE: Bittersweet Chocolate, Black Sesame, Blackberry, Cream Cheese, Mocha, Butterscotch, Chocolate Syrup // THE BOTTOMLINE: Mouthwatering notes of artisanal dark chocolate hit the nose and palate at every turn in this big coffee infused American stout. A cooling dairy texture runs the length of the beer, bolstering and drawing together the eclectic chocolate box of rich cocoa, sweet black fruit, espresso and creamy butter flavors. The finish is long, dark and dry, providing the perfect counterpoint to all sweetness found up front and leaving the mouth watering for more. // THE BACKBONE: Dark Matter Coffee // PRICE POINT: $11 | 1x 22oz bottle // 65 7 2010-03-03T00:50:13-05:00 Brew Review #121 124 image/jpeg Half_Acre_Big_Hugs_Imperial_Stout.jpg 154494 2010-03-03T00:50:12-05:00 93 2010-03-03T01:02:52-05:00 Tröegs Nugget Nectar RELEASE: February // THE ABV. 7.5% | IBU’s. 93 // THE NOSE: Tangerine, Leather, Dried Pine Needle, Osage-orange, Grape Nuts, Witch-hazel, Pomegranate // THE TASTE: Yellow Grapefruit Juice, Marmalade, Goldenberry, Lemongrass, Lemon Curd, Brown Sugar // THE BOTTOMLINE: Existing in a hoppy netherworld somewhere between American Amber and resiny West Coast Double IPA’s, ‘Nugget Nectar’ is an intoxicating and uniquely American beast. Despite its loud aroma and hulking flavors, it's not overly complex and actually makes for a surprisingly sessionable beer - albeit a 7.5% abv. one - so easy does it, because pints of this evaporate. Possessing just about all the elements that give the best golden American IPA’s their pizzazz and the highly palatable soft malty foundation of an English Mild, it comes as little surprise that this knockout brew has become quite the cult late winter release for hopheads in the know. // THE BACKBONE: Nugget, Warrior, Tomahawk, Simcoe and Palisade Hops, Pilsner, Vienna and Munich Malts, Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle // 39 36 2010-03-02T01:53:38-05:00 Brew Review #120 123 image/jpeg Tr_egs_Nugget_Nectar.jpg 160335 2010-03-02T01:53:37-05:00 95 2010-03-02T02:10:13-05:00 Deschutes Hop Henge Experimental IPA RELEASE: January // THE ABV. 8.75% | IBU’s. 95 // THE NOSE: Tarragon, Sweaty Sock, Grapefruit Rind, Wasabi // THE TASTE: Licorice, Peppermint, Goldenberry, White Pepper, Star Anise, Sour Cherry, Greengauge // THE BOTTOMLINE: Released as part of Deschutes hoppy ‘Bond Street Series,’ this herbaceous and peppery monster tempers a viscous and extracted bitter hop resin base with a kiss of burnt sweetness and a long, warm leathery finish. Imagine a fifty-fifty blend of new world west coast IPA and its darker, more traditional seafaring British cousin and you’ll have a solid approximation of what this tastes like. A bold, respectable, tasty and clearly well produced Double India Pale. // THE BACKBONE: Centennial & Cascade Hops, Crystal, Pale and Carastan Malts // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle // 87 6 2010-02-19T01:22:54-05:00 Brew Review #119 122 image/jpeg Deschutes_Hop_Henge_Experimental_IPA.jpg 186677 2010-02-19T01:22:54-05:00 89 2010-02-19T01:22:54-05:00 Smuttynose Big A IPA RELEASE: April // THE ABV. 9.6% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Wet Pine Forest, BabyBel Cheese, Anise, Seaweed, Lemon Peel, Capers, Black Pepper // THE TASTE: Ricola, Juniper, Grapefruit, Raw Egg Yolk, Lemon Juice, Fresh Ginger // THE BOTTOMLINE: Transporting its drinker to hop Valhalla, this hoppy siren is prickly enough and pretty enough to induce genuine chills of appreciation and anticipation. Sporting a jaw-droppingly attractive aroma of sticky pine sap, soft milled pepper and freshly squeezed lemon juice, it’s unavoidably drinkable and what a drink it is. Kicking like a mule from sip to swallow, mouth is awash in a balmy oasis of super leafy methol, diamond sharp tree ripened yellow citus peel and an easy breezy saltiness. On the finish it dry’s cleanly, encouraging repeated swirling, sniffing and blissful savoring. Not as good as fresh ‘Pliny The Elder,' but not far off the mark. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 7 6 2010-02-17T01:05:40-05:00 Brew Review #118 121 image/jpeg Smuttynose_Big_A_IPA.jpg 153741 2010-02-17T01:07:33-05:00 96 2010-02-17T01:13:47-05:00 BrewDog Hardcore IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 9.0% | IBU’s. 150 // THE NOSE: Calvados, White Tea, Candy Apple, Damp Straw, Mango, Papaya, Stinky Sock // THE TASTE: Wildflower Honey, Marmalade, Basil, Cilantro, Lemongrass, Green Tea // THE BOTTOMLINE: Uncharacteristically rich and Brandy like, this imperial India Pale caught me totally off guard, my expectations being correctly amped for something entirely more fresh, golden and ‘American’ in tone. While rather tasty, balancing as it does extreme resiny bitterness with a fairground treat sugary sweetness, this unorthodox effort ultimately falls short because of its simplicity and distinct lack of breezy freshness so prevalent, upfront and appealing in its peers. // THE BACKBONE: Marris Otter Extra Pale Malt, Simcoe, Chinook, Amarillo and Warrior Hops // PRICE POINT: $8 | 1x 22oz bottle // 86 6 2010-02-17T00:47:10-05:00 Brew Review #117 120 image/jpeg BrewDog_Hardcore_IPA.jpg 144047 2010-02-17T00:49:49-05:00 84 2010-02-17T01:23:53-05:00 Heartland Indiana Pale Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Rose, Daffodil, Sea Salt, Boiled Cabbage // THE TASTE: Quinine, Yellow Grapefruit, Radish, Toasted Wheat Germ, Malt Vinegar // THE BOTTOMLINE: Supremely bitter and very much to the point, this tongue numbing unfiltered IPA simulates the sensation of having a bushel of barbed and bruised hop flowers dragged firmly across your taste buds and cheeks. I'm not entirely sure how the brewmaster responsible was able to do it, but this single India Pale has more buck, growl and bite than any number of Double IPA’s you care you mention. If you like razorblade sharp hoppy brews and you find yourself in NYC, you should stop by a Heartland and give this a try, heck buy a growler to take home. // THE BACKBONE: English Pale Ale and Caramel Malts, Unmalted Flake Barley, Chinook, Amarillo, Cascade and Simcoe Hops // PRICE POINT: $12 | 1x 64oz growler // 85 9 2010-02-09T01:05:44-05:00 Brew Review 116 119 image/jpeg Heartland_Indiana_Pale_Ale.jpg 150584 2010-02-09T01:05:44-05:00 92 2010-02-09T01:11:30-05:00 Sixpoint Bengali Tiger IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 7.0% | IBU’s. 80 // THE NOSE: Whole Wheat Bread, Golden Syrup, Dry Roasted Peanut, Brown Sugar, Polished Wood // THE TASTE: Preserved Lemon, Black Walnut, Bran Muffin, Leather // THE BOTTOMLINE: Maintaining bold and carefully balanced flavors throughout, this IPA evokes the traditional British India Pale style a lot more than its does its flowery and citrus juice laden American cousin. An underlying worn leathery and nutty earthiness softens the robust bitterness just enough to make this an absolute beauty to drink. If you like session IPA’s, but fancy taking a little vacation to a place closer to the styles historical origins, this Brooklynite could be just your ticket. // THE BACKBONE: Cascade, Centennial, Simcoe and Amarillo Hops, Dry-hopped with a rotating blend of Columbus, Sterling and Cascade Hops, American, Canadian and English Two-Row Malts, Sixpoints House Yeast Strain. // PRICE POINT: $10 | 1x 64oz growler // 83 9 2010-02-09T00:45:54-05:00 Brew Review #115 118 image/jpeg Sixpoint_Bengali_Tiger_IPA.jpg 153525 2010-02-09T00:45:54-05:00 91 2010-02-09T08:27:07-05:00 Chelsea Hop Angel IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 7.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Cedar, Lemon Curd, Barnyard, Sweaty Locker-room // THE TASTE: Rooibos Red Tea, Goldenberry, Oak, Red Pepper Flakes // THE BOTTOMLINE: This has an aroma more befitting a funky washed rind cheese than an IPA and it’s anything but typical on the palate either. Notes of roasted tea leaves and charred pine needles garner much of the palates attention sip through swallow, it's just so out of step with the fresh leafy hop character more commonly befitting an India Pale Ale. An intrusive, musty woody aftertaste does little to improve my opinion of this odd interpretation of an IPA. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $12 | 1x 64oz growler // 82 9 2010-02-09T00:22:18-05:00 Brew Review #114 117 image/jpeg Chelsea_Hop_Angel_IPA.jpg 142514 2010-02-09T00:22:18-05:00 83 2010-02-09T01:14:09-05:00 Magic Hat Odd Notion Big 100 IBU IPA RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. ? | IBU’s. 100 // THE NOSE: Papaya, Goji Berry, Cider Vinegar, Pineapple, Baked Apple // THE TASTE: Sunflower Seed, Bay Leaf, Pink Grapefruit, Lemongrass, White Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: This hop forward, golden nectar has a citrus blossom flavored spine the length and breadth of the Grand Canyon. Upon initial sip, everything is sweetness and light, the essence of pine needle, lemon grove and sticky plant resin power across the palate with electricity and grip. Fully bitter and increasingly hot on the mid palate, things are still good and as they should be. In the third act however this promising hop rocket sputters badly, virtually all flavor withers and things get watery really fast. This beer is a tease - next! // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $12 | 1x 64oz growler // 19 6 2010-02-08T23:58:12-05:00 Brew Review #113 116 image/jpeg Magic_Hat_Odd_Notion_Big_100_IBU_IPA.jpg 165282 2010-02-08T23:58:12-05:00 83 2010-02-09T20:01:48-05:00 Ithaca Flower Power India Pale Ale RELEASE: Occasional // THE ABV. 7.5% | IBU’s. 75 // THE NOSE: Dried Mango, Peach Ice Cream, Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum, Lime Preserve, Condensed Milk // THE TASTE: Papaya, Boiled & Buttered French Haricots Vert, Canned Pineapple, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Pepper, Hollandaise Sauce // THE BOTTOMLINE: Buttery honeysuckle aroma and pine syrup flavor abound in this extremely enticing and oft overlooked gift to hop addicts. There aren't too many IPA’s on the East Coast that vibe the pure spruce and sweet pollen characteristics of Russian River’s phenomenal India Pale Ales or the sweet honey bee boosted joy of fresh ‘Bell’s Hopslam,’ this though is an example that possesses both in equal measure while never straying from it's generously malted and robust British heritage. If you haven't already, you should seriously consider this next time you’re prowling for New World hop bombs. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row and Honey Malts, Columbus, Cascade, Ahtanum, Simcoe, Amarillo and Centennial Hops // PRICE POINT: $13 | 6x 12oz bottles // 57 9 2010-02-02T00:41:09-05:00 Brew Review #112 115 image/jpeg Ithaca_Flower_Power_India_Pale_Ale.jpg 182078 2010-02-02T00:46:35-05:00 94 2010-02-02T01:11:17-05:00 Cottrell Mystic Bridge IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. ? | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Copper Penny, Deli Roast Beef, Cat Pee, Horse Poop // THE TASTE: Quinine, Kellogg’s All-Bran Cereal, Goldenberry, Maple Syrup, White Grape // THE BOTTOMLINE: Significantly maltier and less hop forward than I like my IPA’s, this is nevertheless a rotund brew deserving of attention for what it does bring to the table. This being an IPA, hop character remains at the heart of this ale but it's of the unrelentingly bitter kind not the increasingly popular sunny over-the-top hop nectar variety. Fans of traditional English Bitters and English Pale Ales will likely find a lot more to appreciate in this beer than the average twenty-first century hophead . Try pairing this with overtly salty dishes. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 79 9 2010-02-02T00:29:42-05:00 Brew Review #111 114 image/jpeg Cottrell_Mystic_Bridge_IPA.jpg 176509 2010-02-02T00:29:41-05:00 85 2010-02-02T01:12:45-05:00 Phillips Amnesiac Double IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 8.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Basil, Lemon Juice, Wet Gravel, Eggnog // THE TASTE: Rose, Lychee, Wormwood, Elderflower, Pickled Ginger, Carrot Juice // THE BOTTOMLINE: Potent botanical flavors cut and compliment a weighty white pepper hop leaf burn in this pretty double IPA from British Columbia. More floral than citrusy on the nose than the bulk of its west coast American brethren, this gets extra points from my taste buds for standing a little askew of the crowd without veering off into odd and quizzical ‘extreme IPA’ territory. On the close it’s as bitter and piledrivingly bossy as you’d expect and desire from an honest to God DIPA. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1 x22oz bottle // 78 6 2010-01-27T00:25:26-05:00 Brew Review #110 113 image/jpeg Phillips_Amnesiac_Double_IPA.jpg 166339 2010-01-27T00:36:42-05:00 90 2010-01-27T00:36:42-05:00 Phillips Black Touque India Dark Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Chocolate Syrup, Cigarette Tobacco, Oreo Cookie, Liquid Smoke, Bacon, Oyster Shell // THE TASTE: Wild Rice, Cocoa Powder, Fennel, Chipotle, Rosemary, Chicory // THE BOTTOMLINE: Want to educate your palate in the differences between the common India Pale Ale and the emerging - some say alleged - new Black IPA style? If you do, then simply get your hands on a bottle of this archetypal Black IPA from British Columbia. With little pomp and circumstance this fairly off the radar Canadian effort demonstratively and in an appealing way, melds the floral scents and biting hop character of a serviceable session IPA with some of Black IPAs' most obvious and defining characteristics - an earthy rasp, smoked cocoa smoothness and an ashy finish. This is solid and interesting from every angle. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 22oz bottle // 78 18 2010-01-26T23:57:08-05:00 Brew Review #109 112 image/jpeg Phillips_Black_Touque_India_Dark_Ale.jpg 173078 2010-01-27T00:36:15-05:00 88 2010-01-27T00:39:51-05:00 Ballast Point Sculpin India Pale Ale RELEASE: December // THE ABV. 7.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Vanilla Fudge, Petrol, Sweaty Sock, Parmigianino Cheese, Lavender, Honeysuckle, Violet // THE TASTE: Biscuit, Coconut Water, Pickled Ginger, Oysters, Anise, Black Pepper, Sea Salt, Hay // THE BOTTOMLINE: Ever had a beer that smelled like a sweaty locker-room filled with meadowsweet flowers and ripe Italian cheese? That’s what this divine India Pale Ale smells like. Taste wise, flavors are an epiphany of sea water, breakfast pastry and unmistakable leafy hop and peppercorn burn. The delicious factor here is off the charts and ranks this with the best IPA’s money can buy. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 76 9 2010-01-25T01:39:25-05:00 Brew Review #108 111 image/jpeg Ballast_Point_Sculpin_India_Pale_Ale.jpg 185393 2010-01-25T01:39:25-05:00 95 2010-01-25T01:40:47-05:00 Three Floyds Dreadnaught RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 9.5% | IBU’s. 99 // THE NOSE: Pickled Onion, Celery, Melted Butter, Kalamata Olive, Pine Nut, Peanut Butter, Blueberry Jam // THE TASTE: Graham Cracker, Hibiscus, Rosehip, Tahini, Blood Orange, Horseradish // THE BOTTOMLINE: Malted and hopped to delight those seeking that 'really huge' India Pale experience, this ale is something akin to IPA 'gone to the gym.' There is absolutely nothing coy about this ripped Imperial monster. If you’re the sort of IPA swooner that openly invites a hop flavored wrestling match onto your tongue, then you’ve found your perfect battle in ‘Dreadnaught.’ This is an ale of niche and connoisseurial appeal to be sure, a professional IPA drinkers beer and as such the hop unenlightened will without question find this overly abrasive - you have been warned. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $12 | 1x 22oz bottle // 75 6 2010-01-25T01:17:16-05:00 Brew Review #107 110 image/jpeg Three_Floyds_Dreadnaught.jpg 176101 2010-01-25T01:17:16-05:00 94 2010-01-25T01:48:44-05:00 AleSmith IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 7.75%| IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Chalk Dust, Cardamom, Lime Margarita, Duck Pate, Orange Blossom Honey, Golden Sultanas, Damp Cardboard // THE TASTE: Red Bell Pepper, Ricola, Orange Marmalade, Yellow Grapefruit, Licorice Root, Green Olive // THE BOTTOMLINE: This is a little earthier and complex than a lot of its sub-Imperial strength peers, possessing an interesting and unexpected musty swagger from sip to finish. Those with a taste for IPA’s with obvious and dominant hop nectar like characteristics, will likely find this effort a little ill-defined. The broader of palate though should find plenty to savor and enjoy in this stand up hoppy offering. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 22oz bottle // 63 9 2010-01-25T00:56:31-05:00 Brew Review #106 109 image/jpeg AleSmith_IPA.jpg 130505 2010-01-25T00:58:22-05:00 88 2010-01-25T00:58:22-05:00 Moylan's Hopsickle Imperial India Pale Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 9.2% | IBU’s. 100+ // THE NOSE: Damp Forest, Spearmint, Red Licorice, Boiled Cauliflower // THE TASTE: Anise, Brussels Sprout, Charcoal, Soil // THE BOTTOMLINE: This monosyllabic, cinder bitter ultra hopped IPA is nothing short of obnoxious, it’s like trying to drink a cocktail of pureed coal slag and burnt herbs. This has no redeeming, noteworthy or pleasing attributes whatsoever and should be avoided at all costs by everyone, but especially those who truly appreciate the intricacies, subtleties and extreme complexities of real Imperial IPA’s. // THE BACKBONE: American Two-Row, Crystal 15L, Crystal 45L and Acidulated Malts, Yakima's Chinook, Cascade and Antanum Hops, White Labs #001 Chico Yeast // PRICE POINT: $12 | 1x 22oz bottle // 77 6 2010-01-24T23:48:42-05:00 Brew Review #105 108 image/jpeg Moylan_s_Hopsickle_Imperial_India_Pale_Ale.jpg 174430 2010-01-24T23:51:37-05:00 55 2010-01-25T00:59:34-05:00 Surly Furious RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.2% | IBU’s. 99 // THE NOSE: Wet Dog, Steak & Kidney Pie, Musk, Bonfire, Enamel Paint, Key Lime Pie, Pickled Onion // THE TASTE: Grape-Nuts, Crispy Bacon, Yoohoo, Spruce Tree, Roasted Parsnip // THE BOTTOMLINE: The word 'robust,' aptly describes every single characteristic of this liberally malted and generally ballsy IPA. The flavors of jet black treacle toffee and charred caramelized pork fat smolder on the tongue with a presence and weight not common for India Pale Ales. On the backend, a pitch perfect pine forward citrusy pucker continually works to prime the palate for that next inevitable and satisfying sip. This IPA is playing in a different league than most of its peers, a smoky league of its own leftfield making and unique flavorful plays. // THE BACKBONE: American Hops, Scottish Malt // PRICE POINT: $10 | 4x 16oz cans // 74 9 2010-01-20T00:45:55-05:00 Brew Review #104 107 image/jpeg Surly_Furious.jpg 163601 2010-01-20T01:02:54-05:00 95 2010-01-20T01:04:56-05:00 Ska Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.8% | IBU’s. 65 // THE NOSE: Cedar, Basil, Beer Gravy, Musty Attic, Boiled Cabbage // THE TASTE: Rye Bread, Sage, Savory, Lime Juice, Kale, Steamed Spinach // THE BOTTOMLINE: Bitter to its hopped-up heart, this exponentially herbaceous hop bomb strides confidently across the palate spreading some of the richest and most defined leafy green hop character this side of actually making a cauldron of fresh hop bud soup. The aroma is more than a match for the ale itself, oozing the kind of concentrated spruce and damp forest fauna notes that do for hopheads, what catnip does for felines. As straightforward India Pales go, this is anything but and commands attention ASAP if you're of the hoppy beer persuasion. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz cans // 72 9 2010-01-20T00:35:36-05:00 Brew Review #103 106 image/jpeg Ska_Modus_Hoperandi_India_Pale_Ale.jpg 171762 2010-01-20T01:03:18-05:00 94 2010-02-09T08:39:48-05:00 Central City Red Racer India Pale Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 5.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Piña Colada, Sea Shells, Kola Kubes, Mango Chewing Gum, Strawberry Jam, Norwegian Spruce, Raspberry Sherbet // THE TASTE: Spearmint, Cactus, Jícama, Egg Yolk, Grapefruit Preserve, Cilantro, Hearts of Palm // THE BOTTOMLINE: This IPA possesses an incredibly ‘tropical’ vibe - imagine adding a splash of freshly squeezed pineapple juice to your regular West Coast IPA and you’ll be spot on. Under its breezy beach-side cocktail aroma breathes a refreshing and medium bittered India Pale, one that succeeds not by going for the more typical hop overload, but by amping up the lighter, naturally sweet characteristics associated with the style instead. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $? | 6x 12oz cans // 73 9 2010-01-20T00:22:42-05:00 Beer Review #102 105 image/jpeg Central_City_Red_Racer_India_Pale_Ale.jpg 186681 2010-01-20T01:03:38-05:00 92 2010-01-20T01:14:47-05:00 Bell's Hopslam RELEASE: January // THE ABV. 10.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Beeswax, Pine, Peach Sorbet, Cream Cheese, Candy Apple, Golden Syrup, Strawberry Ice Cream, Pineapple // THE TASTE: Pink Grapefruit Juice, Cucumber, Starfruit, Hot Buttered Toast, Maraschino Cherry, Fresh Jalapeño, Black Licorice // THE BOTTOMLINE: Hoptea would also be an apt name for this ridiculously refined bottle conditioned IPA. Pouring a fresh bottle of Hopslam into a glass unleashes a literal mushroom cloud of distilled pine needle and citrus peel aromas the likes of which most noses have never experienced. Upon first sip the mouth is overtaken to the point of numbness by possibly the most domineering pure hop character this side of actually chewing a handful of freshly plucked hop flowers. It’s easy to see why this ale of utter excellence and limited availability, is considered a rite of passage for hopheads proclaiming their love of the hop juice. Rightly mythologized, revered and exulted, this to my palate comes but within a hair's-breadth of the truly blissful and equally heralded, Pliny The Elder by Russian River. // THE BACKBONE: Honey, Loads of Hops // PRICE POINT: $17 | 6x 12oz bottles // 71 6 2010-01-14T23:34:31-05:00 Brew Review #101 104 image/jpeg Bell_s_Hopslam.jpg 147058 2010-01-20T00:26:59-05:00 96 2010-01-24T00:45:03-05:00 Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.0% | IBU’s. 60 // THE NOSE: Cigar Smoke, Sweet Tarts, Asian Pear, Marshmallow Fluff, White Grape Juice // THE TASTE: Tobacco, Melted Butter, Gooseberry, Oak, Mint, Cilantro // THE BOTTOMLINE: This tart and woody session IPA from one of craft beers most beloved and idolized breweries, maintains a morish bitter hopped drinkability to the last drop without being the slightest bit boring. On the palate, white and green fruit flavors compliment hints of musty wood and fresh uncomplicated herbal notes. In the finish, an almost lagery texture, weight and feel alleviates the load on the taste buds and invites much further drinking. There is a lot to like about this IPA, if this were my breweries session India Pale I’d be quite the satisfied man. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz bottles // 3 9 2010-01-14T00:58:57-05:00 Brew Review #100 103 image/jpeg Dogfish_Head_60_Minute_IPA.jpg 166037 2010-01-14T01:08:19-05:00 91 2010-01-14T01:08:19-05:00 Butternuts Snapperhead IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.3% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Salty Coastal Air, Unflavored Kombucha, Clean Linen Scent, Pencil Carbon, Honey, Satsuma // THE TASTE: Ovaltine, Coriander, Baking Soda, Rubber, Granny Smith Apple, Prune Juice // THE BOTTOMLINE: This not so straightforward, not so simple IPA, bathes the palate in unique malted dairy and concentrated juicy red fruit flavors before bitterness swells, overwhelms and powers the ale to a big rubbery finish. Surprisingly complex and leftfield, this is not going to be everybody’s idea of a quaffable, multi pint IPA, those with a nose and eye for more off center beers though will find lots to appreciate inside one of these little yellow cans. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Barley and Cara Malts, Whole Leaf Hops // PRICE POINT: $8.50 | 6x 12oz cans // 70 9 2010-01-14T00:34:36-05:00 Brew Review #99 102 image/jpeg Butternuts_Snapperhead_IPA_.jpg 172811 2010-01-14T00:34:35-05:00 88 2010-01-14T00:36:51-05:00 Russian River Blind Pig IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.1% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Lemon Poppy Seed Muffin, Verbena, Tulip, Pollen, Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Brussels Sprouts, Stinky Sock // THE TASTE: Barley, Flint Smoke, Match Sulfur, Lemongrass, Nectarine, Apricot, Green Olive, Lemon Juice // THE BOTTOMLINE: This incredibly well defined IPA slams the nostrils and taste buds with a kinetic buzz of fresh floral hoppage and razor sharp spring and summer fruit notes. A refreshing coolness engulfs the mouth upon initial sip, followed by an encroaching scorched earth dryness that fingers its way to the very corners of the cheeks. The cumulative effect of these contrasting textures is a finish that perfectly preps the palate for the next mouthwatering and cooling hop seasoned sip. Quite different from its hoppier sibling ‘Pliny The Elder’ and only a hair less impressive within its milder single IPA category. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 17oz bottle // 69 9 2010-01-12T00:59:13-05:00 Brew Review #98 101 image/jpeg Russian_River_Blind_Pig_IPA.jpg 166527 2010-01-12T00:59:47-05:00 95 2010-01-12T01:10:05-05:00 Russian River Pliny The Elder RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. 100 // THE NOSE: Norwegian Spruce, Verbena, Lik-m-Aid/Pixy Stix Sugar, Lemon Peel, Lime Juice, Daffodil // THE TASTE: Pine, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Mustard Greens, Celery Salt // THE BOTTOMLINE: If I was to say this tasted like pure hop flower nectar, I wouldn’t even have begun describing how complex, beautiful, floral and borderline untouchable this west coast phenomenon is. This ale possesses a brutish hop bud fuelled purity, one powerful enough to acid wash almost any preexisting memories of past flavorful craft IPA’s you might be holding on to. On the palate the pitch perfect bite of extracted hop character, steaming hop tea flavors, clean pine needle and sour citrus notes rip across every taste bud in your mouth. It's not a stretch to say that drinking one bottle of properly fresh 'Pliny The Elder' might well ruin your enjoyment of most other IPA’s, indefinitely. **The bottle of 'Pliny The Elder' used for this review was bottled on 12.08.09 and reviewed on 01.10.10 // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 17oz bottle // 69 6 2010-01-11T01:42:15-05:00 Brew Review #97 100 image/jpeg Russian_River_Pliny_The_Elder.jpg 163219 2010-01-11T01:42:15-05:00 97 2010-01-11T11:39:05-05:00 Pisgah Vortex 1 RELEASE: Occasional // THE ABV. 10.8% | IBU’s. 133 // THE NOSE: Damp Straw, Worn Leather, Warm Malted Milk, Burnt Butter, Raspberry Milkshake, Papaya, Mango, Brazil Nut, Yeast Extract, Black Cherry Pie Filling // THE TASTE: Fried Banana, Blackberry, Oak, Anise, Licorice Root, Wintergreen, Roasted Red Pepper Pesto // THE BOTTOMLINE: If there were a hop flavored hard candy, it might taste like ‘Vortex I.’ With IBU’s pushed into off the scale theoretical computer model territory, this ales hop character has a unique melted butter oiliness and musty complexity about it, something more akin to a heavily hopped dark Belgian ale than a standard American IPA. Outré and boundary destroying this captivating ‘extreme beer’ doesn't command your attention, it hijacks it. If you’re remotely interested in hulking India Pale’s, your date with this friendly hop suffuse behemoth has been predetermined, enjoy! // THE BACKBONE: Chinook and Nugget Hops // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22 oz bottle // 67 38 2010-01-11T01:12:49-05:00 Brew Review #96 99 image/jpeg Pisgah_Vortex_1.jpg 149325 2010-01-11T01:22:17-05:00 93 2010-01-11T01:59:23-05:00 Mother Earth Sisters Of The Moon India Pale Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 7.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Preserved Lemon, Garlic Flower, Wet Gravel, Carnation Flower, Sulfur // THE TASTE: Honey, Dandelion, Yellow Grapefruit, White Pepper, Yellow Squash, Apple Cider Vinegar // THE BOTTOMLINE: The inviting scents of meadow fresh wildflowers and sharp citrus fruits welcome the drinker of this extremely sessionable India Pale. Following initial sip, the ales delicate honeycomb sugar and spritzy yellow fruit juice flavors fall back providing space for a well balanced and increasing muscular hop bite to build momentum towards a satisfyingly bitter conclusion. This is another perfect ‘steppingstone’ ale to tempt your macro brew hugging friends with. // THE BACKBONE: Briess Two-Row and Muntons Pale Malts, Chinook, Cascade, Amarillo, Centennial, California Yeast // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 68 9 2010-01-11T00:49:48-05:00 Brew Review #95 98 image/jpeg Mother_Earth_Sisters_Of_The_Moon_India_Pale_Ale.jpg 190547 2010-01-11T00:56:26-05:00 90 2010-01-11T00:57:36-05:00 Dogfish Head Squall IPA RELEASE: Occasional // THE ABV. 9.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Lime Basil, Primrose, Sweet Pea Flower, Cookie Dough Ice Cream, Musty Old Book, Honey Cake // THE TASTE: Pink Grapefruit Juice, White Pepper, Halls Honey & Lemon Cough Drop, Crème Caramel, Funky Washed Rind Cheese // THE BOTTOMLINE: This unfiltered, bottle conditioned version of Dogfish Head’s hoppy stalwart 90 Minute IPA, smells like a springtime flower garden dusted in confectioner’s sugar. Beneath the colorful floral bouquet bubbles a surprisingly mellow and biscuity beer - not very IPA like at all. Washing across the palate with the presence of a morish malted mocha milkshake, it’s not until the dry cider like finish that any sense of significant hoppage comes through. Through most of the drink, this to my palate has more in common with a quaffable French or Belgium table ale than an IPA. This is decent, but for what it isn't. // THE BACKBONE: Palisade, Amarillo, Simcoe, Cascade, CTZ and Willamette Hops // PRICE POINT: $8 | 1x 26oz bottle // 3 6 2010-01-07T00:53:51-05:00 Brew Review #94 97 image/jpeg Dogfish_Head_Squall_IPA.jpg 164762 2010-01-07T00:53:51-05:00 87 2010-01-07T01:43:24-05:00 Lagunitas Hop Stoopid Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. 102 // THE NOSE: Cotton Candy, Canned Pineapple, Caramel Apple, Sour Cherry, White Grape Juice, Apple Pie Filling, Sage, Sliced Deli Chicken // THE TASTE: Fried Apple, Tequila, Peppermint, Lime Juice, White Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: Deliciously aromatic, it’s the sticky sweetness and ripping butter fried hop bite that immediately distinguish this lean, mean and clean double India Pale. The level of archetypal IPA citrus and pine character present here is hard to ignore and hard to resist. Don’t expect any apologies from this ale and you’ll be fine, this ale knows you’re a hophead and is unrepentantly bone dry bitter to the bottom of its last hop stuffed IBU - it has 102 of them. // THE BACKBONE: Malt, Hops, Yeast, Water // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 22oz bottle // 66 6 2010-01-04T23:47:33-05:00 Brew Review #93 96 image/jpeg Lagunitas_Hop_Stoopid_Ale.jpg 171485 2010-01-05T00:24:38-05:00 92 2010-01-05T00:24:38-05:00 Southern Tier Oak Aged Unearthly Imperial India Pale Ale RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 11.0% | IBU’s. 153+? // THE NOSE: Cinnamon Stick, Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur, Buttered Popcorn, Hot Apple Cider, Osage-Orange, Maple Syrup, Dried Mango, Sawdust // THE TASTE: Spearmint Gum, Birch Syrup, Matcha Green Tea, Halls Cherry Cough Drops, Chicory, Golden Delicious Apple, Sugared Yellow Grapefruit // THE BOTTOMLINE: A plush forest of leafy and kitchen rich aromas, bold and unique flavors, construct every ounce of this woodsy and insanely hopped'n'aged brew - the unoaked version of this triple strength IPA clocks in somewhere around a theoretical 150 IBU’s. At such levels, hop flavor becomes less about mouth burning bitter bite and more about oily aromatic hop essence. In this offering, extreme hoppage is a rich and beautiful thing, though light-years removed from your common IPA varietal. This rare elixir would be fantastic sipped and savored towards the end of an epic meal, as the accompaniment to a second-dessert course, an artisanal cheese plate or if you’re so inclined - an after dinner cigar. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Carapils Malt, Red Wheat, Chinook, Cascade, Styrian Golding and Centennial Hops // PRICE POINT: $9 | 1x 22oz bottle // 9 6 2010-01-04T00:48:38-05:00 Brew Review #92 95 image/jpeg Southern_Tier_Oak_Aged_Unearthly_Imperial_India_Pale_Ale.jpg 204354 2010-01-04T00:50:01-05:00 93 2010-01-04T01:02:32-05:00 Two Brothers Heavier Handed India Pale Ale RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 8.1% | IBU’s. 84.3 // THE NOSE: Sour Cream, Honeydew Melon, Asparagus Soup, Roasted Parsnip, Baby Spinach // THE TASTE: Blueberry Muffin, Lemon Marmalade, Rye Bread, Green Olive, Buttered Croissant // THE BOTTOMLINE: Strictly sour and vegetal in aroma, this turbo charged, oaked-up (in French Foudre oak tanks) version of Two Brothers seasonal IPA ‘Heavy Handed,’ blossoms on initial sip with a beautiful biscuity sweetness before a shower of hop pepperiness begins softly raining down on the taste buds. Warm and full, hop bite builds evenly until optimum and seasoned bitterness peaks with a most satisfying and surprisingly smooth finish. Lacking a lot of the prickly pear, Pine-Sol edge common in big IPA’s, this should please the tongues of hopheads and imperial strength India Pale Ale newbies alike. // THE BACKBONE: Willamette, Cascade and Super Galena Hops // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 55 6 2010-01-04T00:15:43-05:00 Brew Review #91 94 image/jpeg Two_Brothers_Heavier_Handed_IPA.jpg 180838 2010-01-04T01:17:29-05:00 90 2010-01-04T01:17:29-05:00 Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 5.2% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Lemon Drops, Sea Salt, Orange Marmalade, Egg Salad, Stinky Sock, Wet Straw // THE TASTE: Key Lime Yogurt, Tangerine Jam, White Wine Vinegar, Lemongrass // THE BOTTOMLINE: This stellar American Pale screams peak of freshness hop character from the heights of Everest. Rarely have I tasted a Pale that oozes such ‘cut from the vines’ balanced hop flavor sip through luscious pitch perfect swallow - seriously, I’ve had Wet Hop ales that don’t taste this fresh and citrusy. Chicago would be right to be loudly proud of this hometown beverage of the Gods - the rest of us can only hope that Half Acre begins shipping this further afield, promptly. This is a brilliant beer to tempt your macro beer sipping friends with, a ‘conversion’ or ‘steppingstone beer,’ as I like to think of them. // THE BACKBONE: Hops! // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 65 8 2009-12-31T20:58:04-05:00 Brew Review #90 93 image/jpeg Half_Acre_Daisy_Cutter_Pale_Ale.jpg 167739 2009-12-31T21:03:35-05:00 95 2010-01-01T00:50:41-05:00 Captain Lawrence Espresso Stout RELEASE: Occasional // THE ABV. 6.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Saffron, Bone Marrow, Pollen, Hot Chocolate, Marshmallow, Radish, Freshly Sliced Golden Delicious Apple, Redcurrant Jam // THE TASTE: Oxtail Soup, Cold Pressed Ice Coffee, Caramel, Cashew, Charcoal // THE BOTTOMLINE: Naturally flavorful and integrated, this feathery espresso stout harmoniously balances seemingly contradictory attributes, uncompromisingly dry roasted bitterness and the effervescence of a chilled coffee soda. The result is a coffee beer that is actually session worthy - far from a given with this style. If there's a caveat with this brew it's that your like or dislike of it ultimately boils down to how you 'take' your java stouts, if you prefer them on the sweeter side then this will likely be a little too triple espresso bitter for you. // THE BACKBONE: Black Cow Coffee Company Coffee Beans - Croton, New York // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 32ox growler // 27 26 2009-12-29T00:19:58-05:00 Brew Review #89 92 image/jpeg Captain_Lawrence_Espresso_Stout.jpg 131878 2009-12-29T00:19:58-05:00 88 2010-01-01T00:52:24-05:00 Rogue Ales Santa's Private Reserve Ale RELEASE: December // THE ABV. 6.0% | IBU’s. 44 // THE NOSE: Lemon Zest, Pencil Shavings, Cold Roast Beef, Baked Potato // THE TASTE: Pine, Tomato Juice, Pink Grapefruit, Coriander, Bay Laurel // THE BOTTOMLINE: Hopped up to an almost IPA degree, this winter-skewed American amber plows the palate with a comforting malty warmth and an unmistakably thorny hop gnash. A dry and cooling herbal freshness on the backend balances out the tangible hoppage and tethers the beer nicely. This ale doesn’t exactly jump up and down screaming ‘I’m wintery’ but it has quality genes and broad appeal tattooed all over it. It’s crisp, robust and hoppy - but not so hoppy that non IPA drinkers will feel sidelined, its balance and fullness make it a wonderful steppingstone beer - in other words, a brew to share with folks that don’t yet drink craft beer by default. // THE BACKBONE: Great Western Harrington, Klages, Munich & Hugh Baird Carastan 30-37, 13-17 and Crystal 70-80 Malts, Chinook, Centennial and Rogue Farm Willamette Hops, Rogue's Pacman Yeast // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22ox bottle // 64 12 2009-12-26T23:12:54-05:00 Brew Review #88 91 image/jpeg Rogue_Ales_Santa_s_Private_Reserve_Ale.jpg 173669 2009-12-26T23:12:54-05:00 89 2010-01-01T00:58:34-05:00 Southern Tier Krampus Imperial Helles Lager RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 9.0% | IBU’s. // THE NOSE: Strawberry Syrup, Peat, Damp Woodlands, Brown Sugar, Fried Mushroom, Carrot Juice // THE TASTE: Star Anise, Lemon Juice, Kumquat, Violet, Black Licorice, Cayenne Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: This is a roll up your sleeves and get involved kind of lager, wonderfully complex and extremely lively. Following a sweet and musty tickle of the nose, an incendiary device of bitter grassy herbaceousness and concentrated citrus fruit engulf the palate. Do not, I repeat, do not let the ‘lager’ name mislead you into sharing this beverage with amateur craft beer drinkers, this is one toned brute with a big set of strong teeth. The clean bitterness and background acidity make this big ass lager a wonderful match for tart seafood dishes, astringent pastas and sour salads. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Pale, Debittered Black, Munich and Caramel Malts, Chinook and Willamette Hops // PRICE POINT: $8 | 1x 22ox bottle // 9 37 2009-12-26T22:47:02-05:00 Brew Review #87 90 image/jpeg Southern_Tier_Krampus_Imperial_Helles_Lager.jpg 165962 2009-12-26T22:47:01-05:00 88 2010-01-01T00:59:53-05:00 AleSmith Yulesmith Holiday Ale Winter Seasonal RELEASE: December // THE ABV. 8.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Garlic, Papaya, Rose Petals, Freshly Cut Grass, Red Licorice, Raspberry // THE TASTE: Chocolate Peppermint Candy, Blue Cheese, Lemon Juice, Pine, Raw Red Bell Pepper, Toffee, Baked Apple, Coffee // THE BOTTOMLINE: This is one seriously hopped and complex American winter seasonal, the power of biting and bitter hops tears through its pounding west coast heart like a cluster of supersonic rockets. This is beer as hostile takeover - lean, confident and unashamedly dominating, a blisteringly fresh take on the the more traditional, cozy by the fire style more associated with winter ale releases. If you’re at all scared of the ‘The Hops,’ i.e. you dislike medium to strong IPA’s, then you will need to find your chilly weather beer fun elsewhere. If the idea of a winter beer with some fight in it piques your interest however, you'll want to dive on a bomber of this posthaste. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $8 | 1x 22oz bottle // 63 36 2009-12-25T19:51:49-05:00 Brew Review #86 89 image/jpeg AleSmith_Yulesmith_Holiday_Ale_Winter_Seasonal.jpg 168606 2009-12-25T19:55:05-05:00 95 2010-01-01T01:02:08-05:00 Het Anker Gouden Carolus Noël RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 10.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Suede, Cocoa Powder, Butter Icing, Brazil Nut, Marigold // THE TASTE: Black Licorice, Asparagus, Quince, Greengage, Damson, Summer Savory, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Blood Orange, Sage // THE BOTTOMLINE: Possessing a lot of what can only be described as ‘old fashioned’ charm, this Belgian Xmas release softly warms with an abundance of bitter herbal and forgotten European garden fruit flavors. Pair this with almost any rich game meats, accompanying chutneys and well cooked root vegetables for a rare old world experience. This excites my palate on just about every level, it's a brilliant example of a Christmas ale suitable for and worthy of year round enjoyment. // THE BACKBONE: Six Herbs and Spices, Three Belgian Hops Varietals // PRICE POINT: $3 | 1x 12oz bottle // 60 30 2009-12-25T19:39:50-05:00 Brew Review #85 88 image/jpeg Het_Anker_Gouden_Carolus_No_l.jpg 149670 2009-12-25T19:41:41-05:00 94 2010-01-01T01:03:35-05:00 Defiant Christmas Ale RELEASE: December // THE ABV. 7.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Epoxy Glue, Smoky Bacon, Cornbread, Coconut Water, Charcoal, Blackberries // THE TASTE: Chocolate Banana Bread, Ash, Sultanas, Walnut Liqueur, Prune Juice, Celery // THE BOTTOMLINE: This small batch production tastes like an intriguing amalgam of a Strong Belgian Ale and a Baltic Porter, an odd couple pairing that in this scenario is a happy one and immediately serves to set this Christmas offering apart. The aroma of charred bananas and flying pork on the nose opens up on the palate to a smooth weighty avalanche of sooty chocolate and pucker inducing sour dark fruit flavors. A jostle of tropical fruit, hinted at on the nose, comes through prominently on the finish and is one more reason you should find a bottle of this unique Xmas release. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $10 | 1x 25oz bottle // 62 30 2009-12-25T19:20:18-05:00 Brew Review #84 87 image/jpeg Defiant_Christmas_Ale.jpg 145036 2009-12-25T19:22:43-05:00 90 2010-01-01T01:05:55-05:00 Corsendonk Christmas Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 8.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Leather, Dusty Attic, Millet, Apple Juice, Brown Sugar // THE TASTE: Maple Syrup, Sour Cherry, Bran Muffin, Red Apple, Buttered Corn, White Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: Lying beneath the somewhat dusty and subdued nose of this festive Belgian emigrant is a fairly conservative dark Belgian ale. Like many of its well produced ilk it belies its not insignificant alcohol content with a caressing, but not cloying sweetness. This beer hits all of its expected marks dead on, balancing its weighty fruit notes and bitterness carefully from sip through swallow. Pair this with almost any straightforward hearty meat and potato meal with ease. This is decent by all accounts, but for my adventurous palate it colors far too neatly within the thick black lines of its established style. // THE BACKBONE: Coriander // PRICE POINT: $3 | 1x 12 oz bottle // 61 30 2009-12-25T18:38:29-05:00 Brew Review #83 86 image/jpeg Corsendonk_Christmas_Ale.jpg 167707 2009-12-25T18:38:28-05:00 86 2010-01-01T01:07:59-05:00 Sly Fox Christmas Ale 2009 RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 6.5% | IBU’s. 16 // THE NOSE: Dark Chocolate, Pledge Wood Polish, Quince Jam, Conifer Evergreen Tree, Fried Egg, Boiled Rice // THE TASTE: Single Cream, Milk Chocolate, Peppermint Toothpaste, Wintergreen, Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Pine // THE BOTTOMLINE: The first thing that grabs you about this festive Amber is its pretty earthy floral aroma. On the tongue this 2009 vintage is elegant and complex yet light and quaffable, attaining a captivating balance of sweet dairy smoothness and bittersweet boldness. A sneaky freshly brushed minty pop marks the finale, which for my palate just adds to this lithe winter ales charm. Seek this out and enjoy it fresh - despite the 2009 moniker, my review of a year old 2008 discovered that this beer doesn't age in a coherent fashion. // THE BACKBONE: Ginger, Clove, All Spice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 59 12 2009-12-22T00:38:24-05:00 Brew Review #82 85 image/jpeg Sly_Fox_Christmas_Ale_2009.jpg 149469 2009-12-22T00:54:58-05:00 89 2010-01-01T01:09:22-05:00 Sly Fox Christmas Ale 2008 RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 6.5% | IBU’s. 16 // THE NOSE: Brandy, Fresh Cherries, Salami, Pie Crust, Strawberry Sherbet, Maple Sugar // THE TASTE: Anise, Blackcurrant, Crème De Cassis, Ginger, Malted Milk Balls, Chili Pepper Flakes, Oak // THE BOTTOMLINE: A year in the bottle has changed the overall profile of this beer, tenfold. Tasted versus a fresh 2009 vintage, this 2008 is sour and astringent by comparison, possesses a rich underlying sweetness that gives it a dense baked dessert weight in the mouth. There is also a nice subtle cooked red fruit flavor not present in its younger 09 sibling. This matured bottle holds its own in the tastiness department with the 09 at almost every hurdle, almost... sadly it takes an unbecoming tumble down a jagged and bitter crevasse in the final furlong. This ale just wasn't built for aging. // THE BACKBONE: Ginger, Clove, All Spice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 59 12 2009-12-22T00:13:11-05:00 Brew Review #81 84 image/jpeg Sly_Fox_Christmas_Ale_2008.jpg 153615 2009-12-22T00:54:36-05:00 85 2010-01-01T01:10:25-05:00 Dogfish Head Theobroma RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 9.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Walnut, Scallion, Almond Joy, Tree Bark, Damp Forest, Interior Wall Paint, Hot Chocolate, Tulip, Buttery Croissant // THE TASTE: Chocolate Egg Cream, Buffalo Wing Hot Sauce, Ginger Beer, Kimchi, Dark Chocolate, Pickled Onion // THE BOTTOMLINE: Initially inspired by a Honduran beverage first drank somewhere around 1200BC this attention grabbing beer quakes the tongue with toasty eruptions of nutty, floral, chocolate and fresh red chili pepper flavors. Possessing less a beginning, middle and end and more of a rocket ship trajectory, this brews super exotic layers build one atop the other until full and unique flavor atmosphere is achieved. Brewed as part of Dogfish Head’s limited Ancient Ales series, this chili beer is not necessarily the easiest beer to get your hands on, but is definitely worth your going the extra mile to do so. // THE BACKBONE: Aztec Cocoa Powder, Askinosie Chocolate Cocoa Nibs, Honey, Ancho Chilies, Ground Annatto - Fragrant Tree Seeds // PRICE POINT: $12 | 1x 26oz bottle // 3 35 2009-12-19T15:57:58-05:00 Brew Review #80 83 image/jpeg Dogfish_Head_Theobroma.jpg 140836 2009-12-19T16:03:03-05:00 92 2010-01-01T01:11:38-05:00 Sierra Nevada & Dogfish Head Life & Limb RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 10.2% | IBU’s. 50 // THE NOSE: Licorice, Wet Leaves, Raisins, Maple Sugar, Lime Zest, Soil // THE TASTE: Sultanas, Pear, Jalapeño, Anise, Black Pepper, Kale, Baked Apple, Root Beer, Collard Greens // THE BOTTOMLINE: A sugar glazed pillar of leafy green vegetation, black soil and dried dark herbs stands tall at the center of this much heralded collaborative creation. Aromatically, it’s a little more challenged than I expected, citrus spritzed black licorice candy and black fruit escape the brew like slowly creeping ivy. On the palate the backbone profiles seem to dance to different beats, out of step bitter, sweet and savory flavors skate around awkwardly on a cloying slick of woodsy syrupy. Brewed with some epic decade style cellaring in mind, it should be kept in mind that given enough time Life & Limb could evolve significantly in the bottle. A month or two after bottling though it is too messy and lacking in cohesion for my palate. // THE BACKBONE: Birch Syrup, Maple Syrup, Bravo, Perle and Sterling Hops, Two-Row Pale, Chocolate and Carafa Malts // PRICE POINT: $11 | 1x 24oz bottle // 58 17 2009-12-19T15:31:45-05:00 Brew Review #79 82 image/jpeg Sierra_Nevada_Dogfish_Head_Life_Limb.jpg 169148 2009-12-19T15:31:44-05:00 85 2010-01-01T01:13:18-05:00 Brooklyn Backbreaker Brewmaster’s Reserve RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 7.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Pledge Wood Polish, Bran Muffin, Banana Milkshake, Cotton, Honey, Chamomile, Sheep Poop // THE TASTE: Mango, Kerosene, Cantaloupe Melon, White Pepper, Golden Raisins, Sultanas, Pineapple, Petrol // THE BOTTOMLINE: This beer reminds me a lot of the local beers I would drink in the UK before I had a clue what an IPA was or what exactly one was supposed to do with an Imperial Russian. It's as clean as a whistle and as tasty as a Christmas hamper stuffed with gourmet foods awaiting devourment. In the drink, a rush of freshly torn tropical fruit smacks you square in the mouth while a breeze of wild flowers and wood polish teases your nose. Balancing well, the mid and rear profiles are a pleasing craft cocktail of golden fruits, spent aviation fuel and powdery white pepper. I will be sad when the taps run dry of this old world pub beer, it’s yet another super solid effort by Brooklyn Brewery brewmaster Garrett Oliver. // THE BACKBONE: Brewmaster Garrett Oliver's own Floor-Malted Maris Otter Pale, Great Ryburgh, England and English Crystal Malts, English Fuggle Hops // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 32oz growler // 4 27 2009-12-16T00:04:24-05:00 Brew Review #78 81 image/jpeg Brooklyn_Backbreaker_Brewmaster_s_Reserve.jpg 150816 2009-12-16T00:04:24-05:00 90 2010-01-01T01:14:55-05:00 Ithaca Cold Front RELEASE: September // THE ABV. 7.2% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Copper Penny, Brown Sugar, New Carpet, Sour Cherry, Pear Skin, Raw Onion, Cardamom // THE TASTE: Banana Bread, Granny Smith Apple, Espresso, Chicory, White Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: Pucker up, sour and biting bittersweet fruit juice rule this tart and unusually shadowy winter style saison. A pleasant parcel of dryness marks the exit - for me one of the many enjoyable characteristics of this style of beer. This brew has a uniqueness about it, standing out among the noisy rabble of 12oz winter seasonal six packs. I am always interested and happy to support breweries that do their part to take new or forgotten styles to the masses. Definitely locate a few bottles of this to share with some folks that have never heard of a saison or farmhouse ale. // THE BACKBONE: French Wheat, French Munich and British Roasted Barley Malts, Noble Hops, Belgian ‘Farmhouse’ Yeast // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 57 16 2009-12-15T23:53:09-05:00 Brew Review #77 80 image/jpeg Ithaca_Cold_Front.jpg 136673 2009-12-15T23:53:08-05:00 89 2010-01-01T01:16:02-05:00 Firestone Walker Nectar Black Xantus Imperial Stout RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 11.0% | IBU’s. 50 // THE NOSE: Black Cherry Pie, Raw Sugar Cane, Freshly Baked Scone, Anise, Sage, Oak, Dark Rum // THE TASTE: Double Espresso, Strawberry Jam, Demerara Sugar, Cayenne Pepper, Hyssop, Juniper, Coconut, Spruce // THE BOTTOMLINE: Bold, viscous, fiery and thoroughly enveloping, this dense barrel aged West Coast beast blankets the entire palate in belonging and stylish fashion. Mashed dark red fruit, liquid Belgian chocolate and bittered mocha flavors caress the mouth in hypnotic fashion before this well groomed monster takes its leave with an herbaceous wave and bitter tip of its black hat. This is an extremely impressive and coherent Russian Imperial, no small feat in a category not exactly lacking in noble and worthy contenders. Do not make the regretful mistake of only buying one bottle of this limited top flight release. // THE BACKBONE: Organic Jobella Coffee, American Two-Row, Carafa, Chocolate, Munich, High Caramel, Low Caramel and Oat Malts, Fuggle Hops, Aged in Bourbon Barrels // PRICE POINT: $14 | 1x 22oz bottle // 56 13 2009-12-14T23:35:46-05:00 Brew Review #76 79 image/jpeg Firestone_Walker_Nectar_Black_Xantus_Imperial_Stout.jpg 167530 2009-12-14T23:37:38-05:00 94 2010-01-01T01:21:20-05:00 Great Divide Hibernation Ale RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 8.10% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Cocoa Powder, Cappuccino, Cigarette Smoke // THE TASTE: Chocolate Malt, Hops, Tree Bark, Pine, Toffee, Lemon Zest, Sage, Oak // THE BOTTOMLINE: Massive, is the first word that comes to mind when sipping this curious Colorado creation - and it is curiously eyebrow raising. I swear this literally tastes like a godly fusion of a bulky IPA and your favorite hot chocolate. Not sure I’d classify this as an Old Ale, it doesn’t taste like any brew of that ilk I’ve ever tasted before, it’s playing a different game, with a different ball, in a different park, but whatever crazy new sport it’s playing, I’m a flag waving convert.... a die hard one. Just drink it. That’s all I have to say. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 30 10 2009-12-13T11:12:47-05:00 Brew Review #75 78 image/jpeg Great_Divide_Hibernation_Ale.jpg 141104 2009-12-13T11:12:46-05:00 93 2010-01-01T01:22:58-05:00 Two Brothers Northwind Imperial Stout RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 8.50% | IBU’s. 45 // THE NOSE: Malt, Sheepskin, Corn Flakes, Sea Salt // THE TASTE: 99% Cocoa Dark Chocolate, Roasted Flax, Molasses, Anise, Dates, Toasted Cinnamon Raisin Bagel, Licorice // THE BOTTOMLINE: The aroma of salty malt on this beer is stronger than an ox on steroids. Taste wise this is foot to the floor darkness all the way to the finish flag, the bitterness of roasted malts dancing occasionally with the mealy texture and warming sweetness of jet black fruit and melting dark chocolate. This is a decent stepping stone Russian Imperial - a good beer for those beginning to dip their toe in expansive, crazy and brilliant world of dark beer. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 55 13 2009-12-13T10:48:04-05:00 Brew Review #74 77 image/jpeg Two_Brothers_Northwind_Imperial_Stout.jpg 141665 2009-12-13T10:48:04-05:00 88 2010-01-01T01:24:17-05:00 Southampton Publick House Imperial Porter RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 7.2% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Artichoke, Iced Coffee, Plum Jam, Dark Chocolate // THE TASTE: Black Grape, Ash, Plastic, Pickle Juice, Raisin, Prune // THE BOTTOMLINE: Thumb prints of ash and sticky black fruit are tangible all over the initial and mid flavors of this zipped up winter porter. The pucker inducing pickle juice bite that marks so many ales of this style is definitely present here but plays second fiddle to a gritty clawing bitterness that forges a direct path to the brews appropriately dark, and appropriately dank finish. Not a standout recommendation for those looking to try porters for the first time, but worth a pour if you already enjoy the style. // THE BACKBONE: Seven Different Malts // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz // 6 15 2009-12-13T10:28:57-05:00 Brew Review #73 76 image/jpeg Southampton_Publick_House_Imperial_Porter.jpg 149186 2009-12-13T10:50:50-05:00 87 2010-01-01T01:25:24-05:00 21st Amendment Brewery Monk's Blood RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 8.3% | IBU’s. 34 // THE NOSE: Leather, Pear Skin, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Freshly Fried Donut, White Grape Juice, Blackberry, Oak, White Chocolate // THE TASTE: Brazil Nut, Candied Mango, Black Pepper, Dried Cherry, Raisin, Ancho Chili, Honey // THE BOTTOMLINE: This handsome canned creation seductively slips its fingers under each and every one of your taste buds, effortlessly tiptoeing the tricky tightrope that delicately conjoins the sweet, sour, bitter and spicy receptors of your palate. Imagine biting very slowly through a freshly beer battered donut drizzled with warm honey, candied dried fruit, luscious fresh red, black and blue berries, all dusted with white chocolate flakes and chili powder and you will have close to an accurate portrait of how delicious this tastes. Monk’s Blood is the perfect curtain raiser to 21st Amendment’s new Insurrection Series of ‘once-in-a-while’ special ales. // THE BACKBONE: Dark Belgian Candi Sugar, Dried Black Mission Figs, Cinnamon, Vanilla Bean, Oak Chips, Belgian Pilsner, Two-Row Pale, Caramunich, Caravienne, Aromatic, Special B, Flaked Oats and Flaked Wheat Malts, Magnum, Centennial and Amarillo Hops, Abbey Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $11 | 4x 12oz cans // 12 30 2009-12-11T01:27:19-05:00 Brew Review #72 75 image/jpeg 21st_Amendment_Brewery_Monk_s_Blood.jpg 150117 2009-12-11T01:32:33-05:00 94 2010-01-01T01:38:30-05:00 Captain Lawrence Nor'Easter Winter Warmer Batch #4 RELEASE: December // THE ABV. 12.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Copper Penny, Sea Shell, Basil, Pork Sausage, Black Olive Brine, Cat Pee, Carrot Juice, Toffee, Coal // THE TASTE: Burdock, Perilla, Morello Cherry Preserve, Cork, Seaweed, Lemongrass, Cranberry, Marjoram, White Pepper, Almond Paste, Espresso, Peppermint, Cashew, Radish // THE BOTTOMLINE: Exploding at its pungent pitch black seams with savory bite and razor sharp sour flavors this bulky Belgian leaning winter cheater is hardy enough, meaty enough and satisfying enough to help you ward off even the most foreboding winter storm. An unusual pickle jar of complex woodsy, off kilter sour and lively fructose characteristics, this is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, the more adventurous among you however are well advised to tackle a bottle of this unusual triple fermented, bourbon barrel aged, 320 case vintage... if you can find it. // THE BACKBONE: Secret Elderberry Blend, Belgian Yeast Strain // PRICE POINT: $15 | 1x 26oz bottle // 27 30 2009-12-11T01:17:20-05:00 Brew Review #71 74 image/jpeg Captain_Lawrence_Nor_Easter_Winter_Warmer_Batch_4.jpg 168431 2009-12-11T01:32:14-05:00 94 2010-01-01T01:39:22-05:00 Weyerbacher Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.6% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Ice Coffee, Chicory, Diesel Exhaust, Chocolate Syrup, Wet Gravel, Cigar Smoke // THE TASTE: Molasses, Heavy Cream, Collard Greens, Kale, Vanilla Yogurt, Brazil But, Cola // THE BOTTOMLINE: This smooth winter warmer is actually more akin to a porter style beer with its light sour pucker and subdued creamy charcoal bitterness. Textures coat the palate seamlessly with nary a flint spark of heat. On the flipside, the ales complimentary ash and alkaline profiles annoyingly pull a Houdini and vanish in the third and final act, the result, a less than stellar watery taste on the finish. This ale is hardly flawless, it’s nowhere near as bombastic as I prefer, but I like it, it has upstanding merits and an uncommon wintery character. // THE BACKBONE: Chocolate Malt // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 54 29 2009-12-08T22:46:49-05:00 Brew Review #70 73 image/jpeg Weyerbacher_Winter_Ale.jpg 148063 2009-12-08T22:46:48-05:00 86 2010-01-02T05:25:02-05:00 Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 6.4% | IBU’s. 30 // THE NOSE: Banana Peel, Mezcal, Dog Poop, Granny Smith Apple // THE TASTE: Apricot, Cantaloupe Melon, Cashew Nut, Vanilla Wafer, Fried Plantain, Jalapeño, Raspberry Scone // THE BOTTOMLINE: Sitting comfortably behind this ales decidedly sooty chimney of a nose is a fountain of spritzy fruit juice flavor, a hessian sack of heavily roasted malty bitterness and some passable hoppage. Backstage however things go a little awry on the finish, hops and malts retreating in the intimidating and long shadow of naked and awkward alcohol burn. This beer is disappointing, more so given its initial promise. // THE BACKBONE: Millenium and U.S. Saaz Hops, 50/60L Crystal, Chocolate, Oat and Munich Malts // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 53 29 2009-12-08T22:10:04-05:00 Brew Review #69 72 image/jpeg Flying_Dog_K-9_Cruiser_Winter_Ale.jpg 169096 2009-12-12T16:00:36-05:00 83 2010-01-02T05:26:00-05:00 Goose Island Christmas Ale 2009 RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.7% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Warm Milk, Roast Potatoes, Soil, Pineapple, Valencia Orange, Vanilla Essence // THE TASTE: Buttered Corn, Aloe, Elderflower, Anise, Plum, Clove // THE BOTTOMLINE: Beefy, boisterous and biting, this snowy windy city sipper blends light floral, spiked dairy and unabashed cheek puckering hoppage with balanced intensity. Brewed with 5 years of aging in mind this 2009 vintage (the brewery changes the recipe every year) was bottled on October 30th and screams inflated and shouty newborn. This drinks beautifully now and should evolve confidently given its muscular legs making for an exciting pour in 2014. // THE BACKBONE: Secret Hop Blend, Pale, Extra Special Briess, Dark Malts // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle // 52 29 2009-12-07T21:34:37-05:00 Brew Review #68 71 image/jpeg Goose_Island_Christmas_Ale_2009.jpg 153293 2009-12-07T21:34:37-05:00 92 2010-01-02T05:27:18-05:00 Pike Auld Acquaintance Hoppy Holiday Ale RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 5.0% | IBU’s. 32 // THE NOSE: Tangerine Preserve, Beetroot, Sawdust, Tomato Ketchup, Red Licorice // THE TASTE: Iced Tea, Quince, Kumquat, Thyme, Sage, Spinach, Green Bell Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: This mild winter warmer is tart, leafy, herbaceous and bubbling with spicy effervescence. It’s the bulky green vegetable flavors on the mid palate that capture the most attention though, the bold, crisp and savory crunch sitting proudly and in complimentary fashion against the backdrop of recognizable and concentrated dessert spices that cluster on the finish. // THE BACKBONE: Orange Peel, Coriander, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Magnum, Willamette, East Kent Goldings Hops, Pale, Munich, Crystal, Wheat Hops, English Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 22oz bottle // 14 29 2009-12-07T21:21:33-05:00 Brew Review #67 70 image/jpeg Pike_Acquaintance_Hoppy_Holiday_Ale.jpg 171815 2009-12-07T21:21:32-05:00 88 2010-01-02T05:28:10-05:00 Brasserie Fantôme Saison D'Erezée Hiver (Winter) RELEASE: December // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Damp Straw, Suede, Musty Old Book, Burnt Sugar, Sour Cherry // THE TASTE: Top Soil, Leather, Black Olives, Walnut, Lime Juice, White Tea, Water Chestnut, Celery // THE BOTTOMLINE: A plethora of deeply aromatic and flavorful tart and sour goodies adorn the clean bitter structure of this Belgian winter skewed Saison. Complex and nicely integrated piquant and peppery flavors please the mouth front to back and work to cut through the considerably pungent - but welcome - old barn and leathery animal skin mustiness of the initial taste and nose. Gift this to any beer lover you know with unwavering confidence, at the very least they’ll give you kudos for unusualness. // THE BACKBONE: Secret Spices, Hops, Malt, Sugar // PRICE POINT: $21 | 1x 26oz bottle // 51 16 2009-12-05T19:41:20-05:00 Brew Review #66 69 image/jpeg Brasserie_Fant_me_Saison_D_Erez_e_Hiver.jpg 137723 2009-12-05T20:05:04-05:00 93 2010-01-02T05:29:05-05:00 Brasserie Lefèbvre Barbãr Winter Bok RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Tulip, Rose Petal, Rosehip Jam, Petrol, Candied Walnut, Dried Dates, Raw Carrot, Black Tea // THE TASTE: Strawberry Jam, Licorice, Habanero, Cinnamon Raisin Bread, White Pepper, Fig Spread // THE BOTTOMLINE: This fiery and full bodied little Belgian winter brew packs a heap of concentrated sweet fruit, coal charred pepper and nutty protein textures and flavors in its noisy effort to delight. Beneath the ambrosia aroma of freshly broken honeycomb lays a strata of warming, gritty, tickling and smoky profiles that keep buds and overall palate buzzing and interested from sip to swallow. // THE BACKBONE: Honey, Coriander, Orange Peel // PRICE POINT: $4 | 1x 11oz bottle // 50 30 2009-12-05T19:23:22-05:00 Brew Review #65 68 image/jpeg Brasserie_Lef_bvre_Barb_r_Winterbok.jpg 160474 2009-12-05T19:23:22-05:00 89 2010-01-02T05:30:08-05:00 Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel Solstice D'hiver (Winter Solstice) RELEASE: December // THE ABV. 9.8% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Celery Salt, Earl Grey Tea, Malt Vinegar, Cat Pee, Sherry, Sweat // THE TASTE: Sugared Pink Grapefruit, Honey, Cherry Juice, Sage, Lemon Balm, Almond Butter, Chamomile, Lemon Marmalade // THE BOTTOMLINE: Tart, sugary and a smidgen ammonia like in bouquet, this ale is intensely citric and clawing upon first sip. Treacle toffee bitterness and a raw capsaicin heat provide solid structure on the mid palate before the ale waves a surprisingly soothing elixir smooth goodbye. This will hold most appeal for those with a palate preconditioned or tempered by more approachable barley wines. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 11.5oz bottle // 49 34 2009-12-03T00:20:16-05:00 Brew Review #64 67 image/jpeg Brasserie_Dieu_Du_Ciel_Solstice_D_hiver.jpg 164880 2009-12-03T00:28:50-05:00 88 2010-01-02T05:30:54-05:00 Elysian Bifröst Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 7.5% | IBU’s. 42 // THE NOSE: Mocha, Cheddar Cheese, Caramel, Beef Stock, Lemon Zest // THE TASTE: Roasted Red Pepper, Satsuma, Candy Apple, Lemongrass, Kiwi Fruit // THE BOTTOMLINE: This chilly season brew is sedate and tight on the nose, warming, flavorful and bitter to the core through its complete flavor arc. A firebrand of peppery heat ultimately inspires the most taste bud popping curiosity, agitating and elevating the taste experience through to the beers intentionally pithy and bitter crescendo. Like logs for your winter fire, this is seasonal and solid. // THE BACKBONE: Pale, Munich and Crystal Malts, Target, Amarillo and Styrian Goldings Hops // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle // 8 29 2009-12-01T23:15:14-05:00 Brew Review #63 66 image/jpeg Elysian_Bifr_st_Winter_Ale.jpg 134856 2009-12-01T23:15:14-05:00 87 2010-01-02T05:31:47-05:00 Clipper City Heavy Seas Winter Storm Category 5 Ale RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 7.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Rose, Patchouli, Sweet Basil, Clean Linen, Musk, Fried Egg, Roasted Chestnut // THE TASTE: Macadamia Nut, Lemon Zest, Lime Juice, Toasted Wheat Germ, Anise, Whole Grains // THE BOTTOMLINE: This beer is damn frisky, like a cat that should annoy the heck out of you but wins you over with its utter persistence and general adorableness - sweet and ballsy, but only when it needs to be. Beneath the attractive floral nose lives a thriving riot of heated hops, gravely malts and samurai sword sharp bursts of acidic tartness. This is a very pretty, well balanced, warming and yes, 'wintery' beer - an easy buy for folks of all palates. // THE BACKBONE: Magnum, Fuggles, Cascade, Centennial and Chinook Hops, Pale, Crystal, Carapils and Munich Malts // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 48 33 2009-11-30T23:34:09-05:00 Brew Review #62 65 image/jpeg Clipper_City_Heavy_Seas_Winter_Storm_Category_5_Ale.jpg 177879 2009-11-30T23:34:09-05:00 91 2010-01-02T05:32:37-05:00 Ommegang Adoration Special Winter Ale RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 10.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Heinz Hog Dog Relish, Pomegranate, Cinnamon, Redcurrant Jam, Orange Marmalade, Banana Pudding // THE TASTE: Marzipan, Radish, Coconut, Scallion, Green Bell Pepper, Pineapple, White Pepper, Mango // THE BOTTOMLINE: An enticing wave of sugary meat relish and sticky fruit preserve aromas mark the nose of this Belgian leaning winter special. On the palate big sweet tropical fruit, crispy salad and refreshing light pepper flavors all have their say and work to complement each other nicely. If you’re not a fan of sweeter Belgian beers, this may be a little much for you. Everyone else, pop the cork with confidence. // THE BACKBONE: Coriander, Cumin, Mace, Cardamom, Grains of Paradise, Sweet Orange Peel, Pils, Pale, Aroma and Caramel Malts, Styrian Golding Hops // PRICE POINT: $13 | 1x 26oz bottle // 47 30 2009-11-30T22:15:58-05:00 Brew Review #61 64 image/jpeg Ommegang_Adoration_Special_Winter_Ale.jpg 157586 2009-11-30T22:18:19-05:00 90 2010-01-02T05:33:32-05:00 Mikkeller From To RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Blueberry, Black Raspberry, Tar, Baked Sweet Potato, Daffodil // THE TASTE: Dill, Peppermint, Bay Leaf, Papaya, Mango, Black Licorice, Ash // THE BOTTOMLINE: Smooth and extremely herbaceous, this is an expansive and unique take on the traditional Baltic Porter. Behind the dark fruit and pollen laden nose sits an apothecary of flavors - proud, savory and sweet green shrubbery and the sprigs from a thousand complimentary roots and herbs. This is brewing as orchestrated alchemy and it has to be said is approaching perfection for my particularly earthy and herbal leaning palate. // THE BACKBONE: Star Anise, Clove, Cinnamon, Coriander Seeds, Pale, Smoked, Cara-Crystal, Brown and Chocolate Malts, Roasted Barley, Dark Cassonade Sugar, Amarillo, Saaz and Cascade Hops, Yeast // PRICE POINT: $20 | 1x 26oz bottle // 46 15 2009-11-28T16:02:27-05:00 Brew Review #60 63 image/jpeg Mikkeller_From_To.jpg 116413 2009-11-28T16:02:26-05:00 95 2010-01-02T05:34:19-05:00 Mikkeller Santa’s Little Helper 2008 RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 11.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Fresh Cat Litter, Maraschino Cherry Liqueur, Engine Grease, Barnyard, Musk, Wet Gravel // THE TASTE: Anise, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Raisin, Savory, Dill, Cynar Apéritif Liqueur // THE BOTTOMLINE: Hulking, rambunctious and brooding, this ale is something of a lovable gentle giant. The immediately intimidating aroma packs everything from the scent of syrupy cocktail spirits to animal leavings and gearbox lubricant. On the palate the intense nose quickly gives way to a stew of morish flavors, the essence of biting spices, freshly cut salad herbs and creamy cocoa dusted chocolate truffles all jostle for the attention of your tastebuds. A lingering chili pepper bite closes out this rich and above par cold weather table ale. // THE BACKBONE: Sweet Orange Peel, Coriander seeds, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Flaked Wheat, Dark Candy Syrup, Dark Cassonade Sugar, Pale, Special-B and Chocolate Malts, Flaked Wheat, Dark Candy Syrup, Dark Cassonade Sugar, Northern Brewer, Hallertauer, Styrian Goldings and Simcoe Hops, Yeast // PRICE POINT: $20 | 1x 26oz bottle // 46 30 2009-11-28T15:46:29-05:00 Brew Review #59 62 image/jpeg Mikkeller_Santa_s_Little_Helper_2008.jpg 149671 2009-11-28T15:46:28-05:00 91 2010-01-02T05:35:05-05:00 The Bruery 2 Turtle Doves RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 12.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Cappuccino, Chocolate Syrup, Chicory, Roasted Almond, Oak Barrel, Port Wine // THE TASTE: Dates, Black Cherry Jam, Dried Apricot, Marzipan, Walnut, Dry Roasted Peanut // THE BOTTOMLINE: This colossal, yet eloquent winter special is luxurious, shadowy and muscular. The Bruery claims this ale is suitable for cellaring for up to a decade - one sip and you will believe them. The flavors of concentrated coal black coffee, pure cocoa, juicy dark red fruit and chocolate ganache mingle, fuse and dance on the palate, while the oily texture and earthy nature of a thick peanut butter hangs politely in the background. Imbibing this superior beer at anything other than a snail’s pace and in measured amounts is criminal, as might be drinking it before it’s had a chance to mature for a few years. // THE BACKBONE: Cocoa Nibs, Toasted Pecans // PRICE POINT: $13 | 1x 26oz bottle // 45 30 2009-11-27T19:38:00-05:00 Brew Review #58 61 image/jpeg The_Bruery_2_Turtle_Doves.jpg 139055 2009-11-27T19:42:19-05:00 92 2010-01-02T05:35:59-05:00 Brasserie Thiriez Bière de Noël RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 6.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Pine Nut, Whole Wheat Bread, Marshmallow, Cardamom, Soil // THE TASTE: Sunflower Seed, Flax Seed, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Honeydew Melon, Poppy Seed // THE BOTTOMLINE: This French winter seasonal opens with a subtle earthy nose reminiscent of root vegetables just yanked from the soil combined with the aroma of freshly baked whole grain bread. On the palate malty flavors roll back and forth with the lapping consistency of waves in an oceanside tidal pool. Balancing out the ales roasted malty bitterness is a spiced fruit salad of tart acidic pops. Table this with hearty meat and potato meals for full satisfaction. // THE BACKBONE: Bitter Orange Peel, Allspice // PRICE POINT: $11 | 1x 26oz bottle // 44 29 2009-11-27T19:06:38-05:00 Brew Review #57 60 image/jpeg Brasserie_Thiriez_Bi_re_de_No_l.jpg 148650 2009-11-27T19:09:47-05:00 88 2010-01-02T05:36:44-05:00 Nøgne Ø God Jul Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 8.5% | IBU’s. 30 // THE NOSE: Espresso Coffee Beans, 99% Cocoa Bittersweet Chocolate, Raspberry Jello, White Chocolate, Charcoal, Beef Consommé // THE TASTE: Maraschino Cherry, Pink Grapefruit, Black Pepper, Molasses, Cynar Apéritif Liqueur, Beluga Caviar // THE BOTTOMLINE: This bold Norwegian Christmas beer is a very classy affair indeed. Decadent, delicious and extremely crafted tasting, its dark and intoxicating flavors caress and seduce your palate from the moment it touches your lips. A zooming comet of warmth purrs its way through the ales backend and cements this brews place in the upper echelon of global winter beers. This Scandinavian cold weather warrior is a solid recommendation for everyone, not just dark beer junkies. // THE BACKBONE: Lager, Munich, Caramel, Black and Chocolate Malts, Chinook, Columbus, and Centennial Hops, English Ale Yeast, and Local Grimstad Water // PRICE POINT: $9 | 1x 17oz bottle // 43 32 2009-11-25T01:18:19-05:00 Brew Review #56 59 image/jpeg N_gne_God_Jul_Winter_Ale.jpg 130378 2009-11-26T15:35:28-05:00 93 2010-01-02T05:37:45-05:00 Anchor Our Special Christmas Ale 2009 RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Black Cherry Liquor, Lavender, Prunes, Dates, Allspice, Dried Cranberry, Fresh Blueberry, Raisins // THE TASTE: Chicory, Mulled Wine, Candied Ginger, Peppermint, Dark Chocolate, Coffee Soda // THE BOTTOMLINE: The nose this ale brings to the winter ale table is super delicious. Imagine the many sweet aromas you could inhale stood in the middle of a Victorian kitchen while a thousand winter desserts baked quietly in the ovens around you - that's what this beer smells like. On the palate this 2009 vintage (Anchor changes the recipe of this ale every year) is a mouthwatering avalanche of morish bitter and cozy ‘holiday’ flavors. The finish is dark, firm, direct, but as smooth as a freshly frozen lake. I cannot recommend this 2009 incarnation highly enough. This is to be tried by everyone. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz bottles // 42 29 2009-11-24T00:23:05-05:00 Brew Review #55 58 image/jpeg Anchor_Our_Special_Christmas_Ale_2009.jpg 153541 2009-11-24T00:23:05-05:00 93 2010-01-02T05:38:59-05:00 Abita Christmas Ale 2009 RELEASE: November // THE ABV. ? | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Apple Sauce, Mushroom Soup, Chicken Gravy, Brown Sugar // THE TASTE: Maple, Pine, Green Tea, Toffee, Caramel, Leather, Black Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: This Xmas tongue teaser has a very processed soupy, condiment like nose. Tastewise, evergreen, worn leather and light candy sugar flavors fill out the gerth of its body, on the backend a slender straight razor of freshly cracked pepper and black olive juice tartness slices across the tongue - not a bad thing. Unfortunately, while not bad at all, this 2009 vintage (Abita changes the recipe of this brew every year) is just too flat and stationary for my palate. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 41 12 2009-11-24T00:18:26-05:00 Brew Review #54 57 image/jpeg Abita_Christmas_Ale_2009.jpg 139984 2009-11-24T00:41:27-05:00 85 2010-01-02T05:39:44-05:00 Smuttynose Winter Ale RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 4.8% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Chalk Dust, Powdered Sugar, Butterscotch, Wet Cardboard, Fig, Oak Barrel, Red Pepper Flakes, Puppy Pee // THE TASTE: Caramel, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Baked Potato, Cola, Maple, Collard Green, Kale // THE BOTTOMLINE: The inviting aroma of high-end sugary desserts postmarks the nose of this little New England snowflake ale. A perfect tangle of complimentary root vegetable, dark green leaf flavors and a dusting of luxurious sweetness dance just below the ales bubbles. This is above par and deserving of a careful pour into your favorite glass this or any other winter season you happen across it. // THE BACKBONE: Crystal Hops, Trappist Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 7 25 2009-11-22T15:13:36-05:00 Brew Review #53 56 image/jpeg Smuttynose_Winter_Ale.jpg 144183 2009-11-22T15:18:01-05:00 91 2010-01-02T05:40:28-05:00 Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale 2009-2010 RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 6.0% | IBU’s. 32 // THE NOSE: Honey Smacks Cereal, Roasted Potatoes, Frying Pork Chop, Sauerkraut // THE TASTE: Bread Pudding, Pie Crust, Dark Berries, Trail Mix, Dry Cider, Nutmeg, Dry Cola // THE BOTTOMLINE: Beloved by many, this belly warming chilly weather ‘classic’ pops with chewy walnut, dark fruit and lovely winter seasonal tartness, a subtle underlying sweetness and balanced lingering dryness bind the satisfying flavor parcel together. Now in its twentieth vintage of availability in the U.S. this might not rewrite the winter ale cookbook, but it doesn’t need to, it’s structurally sound in all of the ways a winter beer should be. // THE BACKBONE: Fuggle and Golding Hops // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 18.7oz bottle // 40 29 2009-11-22T14:27:42-05:00 Brew Review #52 55 image/jpeg Samuel_Smith_Winter_Welcome_Ale_2009_-_2010.jpg 178125 2009-11-22T14:32:36-05:00 90 2010-01-02T05:41:16-05:00 Tröegs Mad Elf Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 11.0% | IBU’s. 15 // THE NOSE: Cherry 7Up, Pear Juice, Ginger, Strawberry Licorice, Vanilla Ice Cream, Rosemary // THE TASTE: Redcurrant Jam, Kiwi Fruit, White Grape Juice, Granny Smith Apple, Quince, Rosehip // THE BOTTOMLINE: This boozy winter scallywag is explosively fruity to the point of being sticky on the lips - a good thing. Now while tasty fruit is one thing, schizophrenia is another and this beer is schizophrenic. You see, drool-inducing fruit salad flavors are awesome, but the taste of cheap Halloween candy doused in moonshine is definitely not and this ale also tastes of that. Beer should never be confusing or for that matter confused, this is both. // THE BACKBONE: Sweet and Sour Cherries, Pennsylvania Honey, Saaz and Hallertau Hops, Pilsner, Munich and Chocolate Malts, Belgian Spicy Yeast // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz bottles // 39 30 2009-11-22T14:00:32-05:00 Brew Review #51 54 image/jpeg Tr_egs_Mad_Elf_Ale.jpg 155400 2009-11-22T14:00:32-05:00 74 2010-01-02T15:27:12-05:00 Samuel Adams Old Fezziwig Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.9% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Bread Pudding, Interior Wall Paint, Honey, Golden Syrup, Candy Corn // THE TASTE: Molasses Cookie, Root Beer, Treacle Tart, Cloves, Orange Juice, Dark Rum // THE BOTTOMLINE: This malty, slightly off kilter icicle-melter has the bold taste and texture of a honey and rum drenched fruit cake. Bittersweet and mouth filling it curiously pleases right up until its distinctive flavors annoyingly unravel in a heap on the backend. The end result is a muddled and decidedly bland finish. This beer just pisses me off, it teases and promises and then fails to deliver! // THE BACKBONE: Cinnamon, Ginger, Orange Peel, Tettnang-Tettnanger and Hallertau-Mittlefruh Noble Hops, Two-Row Pale, Caramel 60°, Munich-10 and Chocolate Malts, Top-Fermenting Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $15 | 2x 12oz bottles(found in Samuel Adams 'Winter Classics' 12 pack) // 32 29 2009-11-21T15:38:29-05:00 Brew Review #50 53 image/jpeg Samuel_Adams_Old_Fezziwig_Ale.jpg 168968 2009-11-21T15:38:29-05:00 76 2010-01-02T15:28:04-05:00 Brooklyn Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 6.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Chai Tea, Cherry Fudge, Brussels Sprouts, White Chocolate, Spruce // THE TASTE: Black Pepper, Chocolate Malt, Cranberry Sauce, Marzipan, Burnt Toast, Blackberry // FOOD PAIRINGS: Brisket, Lamp Chops, Roast Chicken, Potato Au Gratin, Plum Clafoutis, Plum Crumble/Cobbler // THE BOTTOMLINE: This malty brew has a beating heart studded with cloves of dark chocolate and a rainbow of peppercorns. A sweet spot winter ale, it’s just spicy enough, just warming enough and just smoky enough. Rounded out with a smidgen of Demerara cane sweetness and some pops of hearty harvest fruit flavor, this is an upstanding chilly seasonal worthy of your attention, lips and hard earned. // THE BACKBONE: Scottish Floor-Malted, Maris Otter, English Crystal, Belgian Aromatic, American Roasted and American Oat Malts, Wilamette Hops // PRICE POINT: $11 | 6x 12oz bottles // 4 31 2009-11-21T13:58:53-05:00 Brew Review #49 52 image/jpeg Brooklyn_Winter_Ale.jpg 138685 2009-11-21T13:58:53-05:00 90 2010-02-11T21:00:33-05:00 Huyghe Delirium Noël RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 10.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Rose, Hibiscus, Musk, Lemon Sorbet, Blackcurrant Juice, Watermelon Nerds Candy, Meringue // THE TASTE: Licorice, Lime Juice, Wormwood, Juniper Berry, White Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: This snowy season version of Belgium’s infamous year round Elephant stomper Delirium Tremens, has a pretty floral nose, is tart and tight on the palate and packs a quick thermal blast of flamethrower heat as it waves goodbye. The kink in the chain of this otherwise enjoyable experience is that everything happens at lightspeed, you get a blitz of yummy flavors, warmth, then nothing except the buzz of flatlining alcohol burn. Fun, but only while it lasts. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 11.2oz bottle // 38 30 2009-11-21T12:04:17-05:00 Brew Review #48 51 image/jpeg Huyghe_Delirium_No_l.jpg 144280 2009-11-21T12:04:16-05:00 84 2010-01-02T15:29:36-05:00 Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale 2009 RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 6.8% | IBU’s. 6.2 // THE NOSE: Peppermint Candy Cane, Walnut, Pine, Marshmallow Fluff, Fresh Strawberry // THE TASTE: Toasted Chestnut, Licorice Root, Cranberry, Key Lime Pie // THE BOTTOMLINE: A soft sweetness blossoms on the nose and the initial sip of this Californian winter seasonal. Sweetness dissipating, the ale quickly opens up to reveal its dark malty and burnt leaf laden biceps, the warming and bitter intensity building like the exciting trundle to top of a tall roller coaster. The brews last word is stolen by its fresh and satisfyingly hoppy tiger tail. This beer is an ‘absolute’ in the realm of modern winter ales and this 2009 vintage is no exception. // THE BACKBONE: Chinook, Cascade and Centennial Hops, Two-row Pale and English Caramel Malts, Top-Fermenting Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 37 9 2009-11-18T00:17:52-05:00 Brew Review #47 50 image/jpeg Sierra_Nevada_Celebration_Ale_2009.jpg 166951 2009-11-18T00:17:52-05:00 92 2010-01-02T15:30:24-05:00 Harpoon Winter Warmer RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.9% | IBU’s. 22 // THE NOSE: Banana Milkshake, Rubber, Brown Sugar, Banoffee Pie, Tangerine, Clove // THE TASTE: Cucumber, Rubber, Radish, Plain Yogurt, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Caramel // THE BOTTOMLINE: Sweet and desert like on the nose, this is a sour and astringent little devil on the tongue. Rubber dominates the palate initially before tart and fresh salad vegetable notes sprout mushroom like and takeover. On the backend, the warmth and peppermill bite definitely place this brew in the ‘winter ale’ category, but this is just too askew and nose crinklingly odd to be anything more than a try once curiosity. // THE BACKBONE: Pale and Caramel Malts, Bittering Hops, Cinnamon, Nutmeg // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 15 29 2009-11-18T00:05:27-05:00 Brew Review #46 49 image/jpeg Harpoon_Winter_Warmer.jpg 156806 2009-11-18T00:26:24-05:00 78 2010-01-02T15:31:06-05:00 River Horse Belgian Freeze Belgian Style Winter Ale RELEASE: September // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Ginger, Rose, Liquid Smoke, Raspberry, Rosemary, Banana // THE TASTE: Granny Smith Apple, Fig Newton, Green Tea, Baked Pear, Gooseberry // THE BOTTOMLINE: This flavorful dark winter ale from New Jersey packs enough harvest fruit and powdery warm spicy essence to bake a dozen delicious pies. A tart pop in the ales fruity tail is the perfect finish to this comforting chilly season satisfier. // THE BACKBONE: Roasted Caramel Malt // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 36 28 2009-11-17T00:28:33-05:00 Brew Review #45 48 image/jpeg River_Horse_Belgian_Freeze_Belgian_Style_Winter_Ale.jpg 171062 2009-11-17T00:29:01-05:00 91 2010-01-02T15:32:01-05:00 Ridgeway Insanely Bad Elf Imperial Red Ale RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 11.2% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Strawberry Juice, Apple Juice, Cat Pee, Chicken Stock // THE TASTE: Sherry, Paint Thinner, Pomegranate Jelly, Lemon Curd // THE BOTTOMLINE: This tastes like someone poured a pound of sugar and a measure of Sherry into a glass of lighter fluid. Not much more to say really...pretty wretched // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $4 | 1x 12oz bottle // 35 27 2009-11-17T00:15:05-05:00 Brew Review #44 47 image/jpeg Ridgeway_Insanely_Bad_Elf_Imperial_Red_Ale.jpg 170965 2009-11-17T00:15:05-05:00 60 2010-01-02T15:32:52-05:00 Dogfish Head Chicory Stout RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.2% | IBU’s. 21 // THE NOSE: Freshly Brewed Coffee, Sauerkraut, Black Chai Tea, Cigar Smoke // THE TASTE: Toffee Yogurt, Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans //THE BOTTOMLINE: Announcing its presence with the smoke of a roaring log fire, this earthy, herbal and yes, deliciously Chicory infused stout is a seductive, Egyptian cotton smooth thing of brewing witchcraft beauty. Gloriously balanced sour and creamy textures tingle and mingle sip through swallow. This winter seasonal is a drink now and must stash for later sorta’ purchase. Get it, enjoy it and wave your Dogfish Head flag in the general direction of Delaware. // THE BACKBONE: Roasted Chicory, Organic Mexican Coffee, St. John's Wort, Licorice Root, Whole-Leaf Cascade and Fuggles Hops, Pale, Roasted and Oatmeal Malts. // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz bottles // 3 26 2009-11-16T01:42:09-05:00 Brew Review #43 46 image/jpeg Dogfish_Head_Chicory_Stout.jpg 153896 2009-11-16T01:48:46-05:00 92 2010-01-02T15:33:37-05:00 Magic Hat Howl RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 4.6% | IBU’s. 32 // THE NOSE: Volcanic Ash, Musty Old Church, Devil’s Food Cake, Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia Ice Cream, Charcoal // THE TASTE: Smoked Bacon, Really High Cocoa Dark Chocolate, Starbucks Double Espresso, Fried Onion // THE BOTTOMLINE: Anchoring this bold bevy are the taste and aroma of charred coffee beans, pitch black dark chocolate and the smell of musty books of the kind you might find in an old creaky mansion house library. A robust ‘aged’ smoky bacon flavored backbone work to give this aggressively dark seasonal lager, very long attractive legs and in turn my respect and attention. I tip my hat to Magic’s for this better than decent contribution. // THE BACKBONE: Pale, Crystal and Cafafa Malts, Columbus and Hallertau Hops, Lager Yeast // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 19 4 2009-11-16T01:17:20-05:00 Brew Review #42 45 image/jpeg Magic_Hat_Howl.jpg 139246 2009-11-16T01:17:19-05:00 90 2010-01-02T15:34:15-05:00 Molson-Coors Blue Moon Full Moon Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.6% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Wet Autumn Leaves, Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart, Leather, Chamomile // THE TASTE: Baked Potato, Apple Fritter, Black Pepper, Canned Pineapple // THE BOTTOMLINE: Packing only a touch of bitterness and sweet in a pithy white and yellow fruit sort of way, this brew is hardly offensive, but lacking any spice, warmth or fullness it isn’t going to win any Winter Ale props either. This beer is (a) too polite and (b) about as wintery as July in Phoenix. // THE BACKBONE: Dark Belgian Sugar, Three Slow Roasted Varieties of Malts, Hops // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 34 25 2009-11-16T00:56:29-05:00 Brew Review #41 44 image/jpeg Molson-Coors_Blue_Moon_Full_Moon_Winter_Ale.jpg 167548 2009-11-16T00:56:29-05:00 81 2010-01-02T15:35:07-05:00 Blue Point Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 5.3% | IBU’s. 30 // THE NOSE: Sage, Basil, Petrol, Almond, Cantaloupe Melon, Coffee Ice Cream, Bourbon, Puppy Pee // THE TASTE: Juicy Sirloin, Blood Orange, Guava, Papaya, Black Cherry, Cinnamon Stick // THE BOTTOMLINE: This enjoyable Long Island cold weather seasonal arrives with just a pinch of dried spice jar heat and lots of juicy dark red and splashy tropical fruit flavors. A rolling bittersweet 'fructosey' fueled dryness in the rear powers this fairly bombastic little winter drink to a happy close. // THE BACKBONE: Pale, Vienna, Crystal and Chocolate Malts // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 33 12 2009-11-16T00:41:18-05:00 Brew Review #40 43 image/jpeg Blue_Point_Winter_Ale.jpg 153042 2009-11-16T00:41:18-05:00 89 2010-01-02T15:36:20-05:00 Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale RELEASE: November // THE ABV. 7.2% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Blackberry Jam, Mocha, Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Brewed Coffee // THE TASTE: Christmas Tree Spruce, Pink Grapefruit, Walnut & Date Bread, Orange Peel // THE BOTTOMLINE: This November seasonal has the vibe of a citrus and spruce infused Starbucks Iced Coffee - if ever there was such a brilliant offering. A sweet spicy breadyness on the backend rounds out the overall flavor and softens the heat of that 7.2% abv. just a hair. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 9 10 2009-11-16T00:19:32-05:00 Brew Review #39 42 image/jpeg Southern_Tier_Old_Man_Winter_Ale.jpg 146250 2009-11-16T00:19:55-05:00 88 2010-01-02T15:38:40-05:00 Great Divide Samurai Rice Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 5.1% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Tuna Salad Sandwich, Rabbit Poop, Wet Leaves, Celery, Lemongrass, Shallot // THE TASTE: Japanese Sticky Rice, Raw White Onion, Radish, Avocado, White Grape Juice // THE BOTTOMLINE: Funky, fishy and unfiltered, this ale is a pungent pickle jar of tart unfolding crunchy vegetable and unusual warm cooked rice flavors. Distinctive and yes, odd, odd enough to make it a must taste for those of a hardcore experimental tongue - you know who you are! Everyone else, well you should try it too. // THE BACKBONE: Rice // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz bottles // 30 24 2009-11-13T23:23:19-05:00 Brew Review #38 41 image/jpeg Great_Divide_Samurai_Rice_Ale.jpg 142347 2009-11-13T23:23:18-05:00 89 2010-01-02T15:40:10-05:00 Cucapá Chupacabras Pale Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 5.8% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Treacle Toffee, Toasted Pine Nut, Orange Blossom, Sawdust // THE TASTE: Flaxseed, Bitter Lemon Soda, Roasted Red Pepper, Paprika, Chili Powder // THE BOTTOMLINE: Bold, bitter and fiery, this brew from Baja is anchored by and remains memorable for its explosion of Bunsen burner heat and lightning strike of astringent citrus fruits in its mid section, bumpy unrefined bitterness bookends these dominant characteristics in the ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’ // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz cans // 31 23 2009-11-13T22:50:36-05:00 Brew Review #37 40 image/jpeg Cucap_Chupacabras_Pale_Ale.jpg 154229 2009-11-13T22:50:36-05:00 86 2010-01-02T15:40:58-05:00 Samuel Adams Imperial Series Imperial Stout RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 9.2% | IBU’s. 50 // THE NOSE: Campfire Ash, Rose, Chipotle, Funnel Cake/Fried Donut, Motor Oil, Enamel Paint // THE TASTE: Cranberries, Beef Gravy, Sherry, Burnt Toast, Menthol // THE BOTTOMLINE: This seriously syrupy elixir packs a thunderous wallop, its complex cobweb of sweet, desiccated and bonfirey profiles ride your tongue like an uncontained, unbroken mare. On my palate this is another thumbs up creation by Sam Adams for their Imperial line. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Harrington, Metcalfe, Caramel 60°, Munich, Special B, Smoked Malted Barley, Roasted Unmalted Barley and Malted Wheat Malts, East Kent Goldings, Top-Fermenting Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $12 | 4x 12oz bottles // 32 13 2009-11-13T22:08:15-05:00 Brew Review #36 39 image/jpeg Samuel_Adams_Imperial_Series_Imperial_Stout.jpg 164097 2009-11-13T22:11:13-05:00 91 2010-01-02T15:41:38-05:00 Samuel Adams Imperial Series Double Bock RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 9.5% | IBU’s. 25 // THE NOSE: Marzipan, Chartreuse, Condensed Milk, Maraschino Cherry, Buttered Corn on the Cob // THE TASTE: McDonalds Chocolate Shake, Cashews, Cocoa, Maple Syrup, Cherry Coke // THE BOTTOMLINE: This brew sings with blissful and brewphoric flavor harmony. Sip and prepare to have your mouth packed to the creamy rafters with splashes of chocolate, vanilla, mocha, cherry, macadamia nut, maple and a thousand decadent essential herbal oils. This is a ripplingly noble brew for noble thinkers and noble drinkers. THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Harrington, Metcalfe and Caramel 60° Malts, Hallertau Mittelfrueh and Tettnang-Tettnanger Noble Hops, Bottom-Fermenting Lager Yeast // PRICE POINT: $12 | 4x 12oz bottles // 32 22 2009-11-13T21:14:57-05:00 Brew Review #35 38 image/jpeg Samuel_Adams_Imperial_Series_Double_Bock.jpg 171973 2009-11-13T21:16:01-05:00 92 2010-01-02T15:42:19-05:00 Hair of the Dog Adam Hearty Old World Ale Batch #73 RELEASE: Occasional // THE ABV. 10.0% | IBU’s. 50 // THE NOSE: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Demerara Sugar, Fig, Orange Marmalade, Farmyard, Fudge // THE TASTE: Charcoal, Apricot Jam, Molasses, Espresso, Artichoke, Caramel // FOOD PAIRINGS: Sweet Berries, Chocolate Truffles, Pungent Creamy Cheese // THE BOTTOMLINE: This is a truly spectacular and muscular beer, warming like a duly spicy dark spirit and as decadently sweet and smooth as liquid vanilla ice cream. You can savor this now or bury to age like a fine wine - folks are still aging the first batch of ‘Adam’ brewed in 1994. // THE BACKBONE: Northwest Hops, Organic Pilsner Malt and select specialty grains // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 12oz bottle // 29 10 2009-11-12T01:29:31-05:00 Brew Review #34 37 image/jpeg Hair_of_the_Dog_Adam_Hearty_Old_World_Ale_Batch_73.jpg 159699 2009-11-12T01:29:31-05:00 94 2010-01-26T00:57:10-05:00 Pausa Cafè Taquamari RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 5.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Cotton Candy, Pine, Quince, Orange Peel // THE TASTE: Celery, Handful of Sour Patch Kids, Water Chestnut, Marjoram, Rosemary, Lime Sherbet // THE BOTTOMLINE: Spiced, sour and clean, this left of leftfield Italian brew is packed with a kitchen of off kilter ingredients. The unusual palate of flavors build to create a symphonic and classy drinking experience that is anything but the awkwardness you might expect. The beating heart of this ale though is its acidic center and the way that it lends the beer to being paired with a plethora of spicy Asian dishes, robust red meat plates and carb heavy sweets. // THE BACKBONE: Tapioca, Quinoa, Amaranth, Basmati Rice, Barley Malt, Hops, Yeast // PRICE POINT: $15 | 1x 17oz bottle // 28 21 2009-11-12T01:02:17-05:00 Brew Review #33 36 image/jpeg Pausa_Caf_Taquamari.jpg 133002 2009-11-12T01:02:16-05:00 91 2010-01-02T15:44:35-05:00 Captain Lawrence Captain’s Reserve Imperial IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 9.0% | IBU’s. 80 // THE NOSE: Burnt Sugar, Butter Croissant, Honey Roasted Peanuts, Salami, Crème Brûlée // THE TASTE: White Pepper, Blackcurrant, Pine, Dried Apricot, Whole Grain Mustard // THE BOTTOMLINE: A hefty brew by most standards, packing some seriously steroid induced hopage. On the palate this brew is bitter... and then bitter some more with a peppery, razor sharp bite and a mischievously sweet and enticing nose. Needless to say, this is not a beer for IPA virgins. // THE BACKBONE: Columbus, Chinook and Cascade Hops, Domestic Pale, English Pale and English Crystal Malts // PRICE POINT: $5 | 1x 17oz bottle // 27 6 2009-11-10T23:48:18-05:00 Brew Review #32 35 image/jpeg Captain_Lawrence_Captain_s_Reserve_Imperial_IPA.jpg 167548 2009-11-10T23:48:18-05:00 89 2010-01-02T15:45:22-05:00 21st Amendment Brew Free Or Die IPA RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 7.0% | IBU’s. 70 // THE NOSE: Golden Syrup, Tangerine, American Cheese // THE TASTE: Pine, Peppermint, Lime, Lemon, Grapefruit // THE BOTTOMLINE: A truly, truly beautiful IPA, fresh and hoppy with an Olympian perfect balance of magnetic pine essence, citrus spray and light woodsy aftertastes. Simply put, this is canned American IPA perfection. This beer has the power to make an IPA lover of the most Hop resistant person you know. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Pale and Imported Munich Malts, Warrior, Columbus, Cascade, Amarillo, Antanum and Simcoe Hops, Top-Fermenting Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz cans // 12 9 2009-11-10T23:02:05-05:00 Brew Review #31 34 image/jpeg 21st_Amendment_Brewery_Brew_Free_Or_Die_IPA.jpg 154578 2009-11-10T23:02:05-05:00 95 2010-01-02T15:46:51-05:00 Peak Organic Nut Brown Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. ? % | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Root Beer, Black Pepper, Beef Stock, Strawberry Ice Cream // THE TASTE: Orange Marmalade, Lemon Juice, Milk Chocolate, Roasted Sunflower Seeds // THE BOTTOMLINE: This ale opens with the pop of bitter citrus fruit before quickly and unexpectedly falling away to reveal a much softer and creamy dairy textured and tasting center. The finish is sweet and buttery and a little nutty. The unexpected dairy and sweet components of this brew make it a very strong candidate for pairing with earthy desserts and nutty sweet treats. One a side note, the Peak Organic label designs are horrible and need a massive artwork and design overhaul, emphasis upon ‘artwork.’ // THE BACKBONE: Munich and Chocolate Malts, New Zealand Hallartau // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 26 20 2009-11-10T00:35:59-05:00 Brew Review #30 33 image/jpeg Peak_Organic_Nut_Brown_Ale.jpg 139810 2009-11-10T00:35:59-05:00 86 2010-01-02T15:47:54-05:00 Wolaver’s Brown Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 5.7% | IBU’s. 21 // THE NOSE: Brown Sugar, Papaya, Date & Walnut Bread // THE TASTE: Malt Vinegar, Marshmallow, Hazelnut, Peppermint Tea // THE BOTTOMLINE: A robust Brown Ale possessing a slightly jagged, uneven bitterness. Thankfully the rough around the edges bite is rounded out by some welcome bready vanilla cake like flavors in the mid section. Finishing on a strong note, sweet caramel malt and yeasty flavors blossom on the back end. This middling brew is unlikely to blow your socks off or even cause a raised eyebrow, but a six pack would evaporate without nary a grumble under most circumstances. // THE BACKBONE: Caramel, Munich and Chocolate Malts, Tettnang, Hallertauer and Liberty Hops // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 25 20 2009-11-10T00:21:40-05:00 Brew Review #29 32 image/jpeg Otter_Creek_Wolaver_s_Brown_Ale.jpg 149863 2009-11-10T00:21:40-05:00 83 2010-01-02T15:49:05-05:00 Nøgne Ø & Dugges Sahti RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 11.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Honeysuckle, Acacia, Honey, Cotton, Maple Syrup, Heather // THE TASTE: Carrot Juice, Halls Honey & Lemon Cough Drop, Redcurrant Jam // THE BOTTOMLINE: This curious Norwegian-Swedish collaborative brew, a variation of a traditional Finnish Sahti style ale, literally erupts with the blissful aromas of freshly punctured honeycomb and an overstuffed florist shop. The floral theme is carried over to the Sahti’s body too. One sip and your palate will be awash with the bouquet of a hundred sugary wildflower petals, pollens and warm honeys. A pleasant and unique drink to say the least, my only complaint is that it pulls a bit of a Houdini act in the last quarter and disappears. Pair this with authentic Richter scale hot Thai, Indian and African dishes. // THE BACKBONE: Juniper Twigs, Sea Wormwood, Heather Flower Honey, Rye, Wheat, Belgian, German and British Yeasts // PRICE POINT: $10 | 1x 17oz bottle // 24 19 2009-11-09T01:08:21-05:00 Brew Review #28 31 image/jpeg N_gne_Dugges_Sahti.jpg 129084 2009-11-09T01:22:38-05:00 88 2010-01-02T15:50:43-05:00 Southern Tier Cherry Saison Imperial Oak Aged Cherry Ale RELEASE: May // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Pear, Apple Sauce, Rubber, Chlorine, Cider Vinegar, Strawberry Yogurt // THE TASTE: Sour Grape, Quince, White Pepper, Cumin, Lemon Sorbet // THE BOTTOMLINE: Tart and laced up corset tight, this acidic Saison packs a host of laser focused sour fruit and clean spice rack flavors. Fascinating in its overall ‘differentness,’ it demands repeated, puckered savoring. If you have a palete that is sour inclined you’ll want to get your lips on this early summer seasonal as soon as it is next available. // THE BACKBONE: Two-Row Pale Ale Malt, Malted White Wheat, Belgian Candied Sugar, Cherries, Magnum Hops // PRICE POINT: $8 | 1x 22oz bottle // 9 16 2009-11-08T12:26:11-05:00 Brew Review #27 30 image/jpeg Southern_Tier_Cherry_Saison_Imperial_Oak_Aged_Cherry_Ale.jpg 173830 2009-11-08T12:26:11-05:00 90 2010-01-02T15:51:27-05:00 BrewDog & Stone Black Belgian Double IPA RELEASE: One-off Special Production // THE ABV. 8.6% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Wet Ash, Lilac, Lavender, Chocolate Croissant, Black Cherry, Diesel Exhaust, Walnut Oil // THE TASTE: Dark Treacle, Chicory Root, Anise, Charred White Meat, Redcurrant, Black Pepper // THE BOTTOMLINE: This barely categorizable molasses brown transatlantic collaborative brew is a mischievous devil indeed. Oozing with unusual dark ashy aromas, what you actually get on the palate is an explosion of distinctive floral, cocoa and earthy herbal flavors. To my taste buds this has the vibe of a noble Italian amaro liqueur - in other words, it's unique in a good way. // THE BACKBONE: Hercules, Magnum, Warrior, Centennial and Amarillo Hops // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 12oz bottle // 23 18 2009-11-08T12:07:43-05:00 Brew Review #26 29 image/jpeg BrewDog_Stone_Black_Belgian_Style_Double_IPA.jpg 146214 2009-11-08T12:07:43-05:00 91 2010-01-02T05:03:25-05:00 Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 7.2% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Damp Cave, Musty Old Barn, Conifer Tree, Caraway, Wet Soil // THE TASTE: Cranberry, Espresso Bean, Pomegranate, Pine // THE BOTTOMLINE: This impressive beast of a beer has a very bitter oak aged heart, a heart pierced with shards of tart red fruit and splinters of damp wood. The brews wonderful musty aroma only amplifies its decidedly dark and earthy vibe. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 22 17 2009-11-08T04:36:59-05:00 Brew Review #25 27 image/jpeg Stone_Oaked_Arrogant_Bastard_Ale.jpg 162631 2009-11-08T04:36:59-05:00 90 2010-01-02T05:00:34-05:00 Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project Jack D'Or Batch #9 October 2009 RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 6.5% | IBU’s. 45 // THE NOSE: Cedar, Amber, Lavender, Lemongrass, Lime Juice, Cold Deli Roast Beef, Touch of Cat Pee // THE TASTE: Capers, Kumquat, White Pepper, Pineapple, White Sugar, Mustard // BOTTOMLINE: This bold and beautiful New England craft Saison has a boatload of adorable and well balanced characteristics. Lively is the word with sour, dry, fruity and smooth profiles and a perfect snap of sweetness in the rear. Being well crafted and being the kind of ale you find on the table of many country eateries in France and Belgium, this beer will happily pair with an almost infinite Smörgåsbord of sweet and salty foods -- spicy not so much. The Bottomline Hoptopian’s, you need to taste this - it’s a proud beverage. // THE BACKBONE: North American Pils, Vienna and Malted Oat Malts, First Gold, Nugget and Whole Leaf Cascade Hops, Yeast, Sugar // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 21 16 2009-11-07T01:36:10-05:00 Brew Review #24 26 image/jpeg Pretty_Things_Beer_Ale_Project_Jack_D_Or_Batch_9_October_2009.jpg 186572 2009-11-07T01:36:54-05:00 95 2010-01-02T03:51:47-05:00 Magic Hat Odd Notion Fall 2009 Belgian Chocolate Stout RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 6.2% | IBU’s. 50 // THE NOSE: Leather, Copper Penny, Jägermeister, Diesel Exhaust // THE TASTE: Cumin, Black Beans, Blue Cheese, Almond, Ginger Cookie // THE BOTTOMLINE: A featherweight double stout with a leathery, slightly medicinal nose and lots of prominent copper, tin and ash flavors. This brew doesn't stand up to the available competition at all, especially taking into account its cost prohibitive means of acquisition - this beer is only available in Magic Hat’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’ Winter 2009 variety box. // THE BACKBONE: Pale, Crystal, Dark Crystal and Roasted Barley Malts, Columbus Hops, Belgian Ale Yeast // PRICE POINT: $20 | 4x 12oz bottles // 19 7 2009-11-07T00:27:15-05:00 Brew Review #23 25 image/jpeg Magic_Hat_Odd_Notion_Fall_2009_Belgian_Chocolate_Stout.jpg 174527 2009-11-07T00:27:14-05:00 77 2010-01-02T03:49:04-05:00 Zyweic Porter RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 9.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Fresh Crusty White Bread, Wet Soil, Malt, Espresso Brownie, Moist Pipe Tobacco, Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum // THE TASTE: Black Tea, Licorice, Beetroot, Rye Bread, Cheddar Cheese // THE BOTTOMLINE: Few large scale production brews deliver such an array of bold and tasty flavors as this Polish standard - especially considering the rock bottom price point. Buy it, enjoy it. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $1.50 | 1x 17oz bottle // 20 15 2009-11-06T22:54:29-05:00 Brew Review #22 24 image/jpeg Zywiec_Porter.jpg 139246 2009-11-06T22:56:50-05:00 89 2010-01-02T03:47:24-05:00 Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 10.1% | IBU’s. 70 // THE NOSE: Campfire Ash, Cognac, Coffee Ice Cream, Cranberry, Chocolate Mousse, Musty Old Oak // THE TASTE: Blood Orange, Really High Cocoa Dark Chocolate, Ancho Chili, Lemon Zest, Caramelized Onion, Porcini Mushroom // THE BOTTOMLINE: This stout greets you with a nose that smells like a combination of a German chocolate factory and a mysterious musty attic. In the mouth its rich dark chocolate, juicy dark fruit and delicious spicy chili pepper flavors beautifully compliment a caressing dairy like texture. This is a must grab winter seasonal, especially if you’ve yet to sample its magic. // THE BACKBONE: American Two-Row Malts, Wilamette and American Fuggle Hops // PRICE POINT: $12 | 4x 12oz bottles // 4 13 2009-11-06T00:07:07-05:00 Brew Review #21 23 image/pjpeg Brooklyn_Black_Chocolate_Stout.jpg 141123 2009-11-06T00:07:06-05:00 92 2010-01-01T13:01:14-05:00 Brooklyn Manhattan Project Brewmaster’s Reserve RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 8.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Sherry, Orange Peel, Maraschino Cherry, Tarragon, Almond // THE TASTE: Blackberry, Stewed Rhubarb, Lime Cordial, Whole Wheat Bread, Basil // THE BOTTOMLINE: Lovingly crafted to emulate the classic Manhattan cocktail in beer form, this brew is simply gorgeous. Sweet and cider-like with concentrated fruit and deep herbal flavors, it’s a brew with an overall luxuriousness that just demands your attention and leisurely enjoyment. // THE BACKBONE: Malted Rye, Crystal Rye, Canadian Two Row Pilsner and British Maris Otter Malts, German Perle Hops, Caramel Syrup, Brewer’s Sugar, Organic Cherry Juice, Bitter Orange Peel, Sweet Orange Peel, Lemon Peel, Gentian Root, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Coriander, Clove - partially aged in Rittenhouse 100-proof Bonded Rye barrels from the Heaven Hill distillery. // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 32oz growler // 4 14 2009-11-06T00:02:29-05:00 Brew Review #20 22 image/pjpeg Brooklyn_Manhattan_Project_Brewmaster_s_Reserve.jpg 141137 2009-11-06T00:02:28-05:00 92 2010-01-01T05:47:30-05:00 Magic Hat Roxy Rolles RELEASE: August // THE ABV. 5.1% | IBU’s. 40 // THE NOSE: Sage, Conifer Tree, Wet Gravel, Rosemary, Golden Syrup, Dates // THE TASTE: Black Tea, Pine, Brazil Nut, Fig Newton // THE BOTTOMLINE: This autumn seasonal has warmth, weight, a morish and balanced bitterness and some surprising black pepper and pine needle palate tingling flavors on the finish. This is a rock solid chilly weather 6 pack pick up and a noteworthy addition to Magic Hat’s catalog of brews. // THE BACKBONE: English Ale Yeast, Brewer's Gold, Simcoe Hops, Pale, Crystal and Caramunich Malts // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 19 12 2009-11-05T23:31:31-05:00 Brew Review #19 21 image/pjpeg Magic_Hat_Roxy_Rolles.jpg 161132 2009-11-05T23:31:31-05:00 89 2010-01-01T05:46:39-05:00 Avery & Russian River Collaboration Not Litigation Ale Batch #3 RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 8.97% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Candied Peanuts, Peat, Fresh Peas, Mango, Toffee, Freshly Baked Baguette // THE TASTE: Pecan, Lavender, Grapefruit, Marzipan, Buttered Pancake, Raisin, Freshly Baked Philly Pretzel, Oatmeal with Brown Sugar // THE BOTTOMLINE: An operatic blending of two different craft breweries ales that happened to share the exact same name! - the result is a heavenly whirlpool of sweet, tart, biting and bitter flavors that mingle, swirl and conjoin to create a brew that tastes quite unlike any you have likely tried before. // THE BACKBONE: Styrian Goldings Hops, Two-row Barley Malts, Classic Belgian Yeast // PRICE POINT $12 | 1x 22oz bottle // 18 11 2009-11-04T21:56:13-05:00 Brew Review #18 20 image/jpeg Avery_Russian_River_Collaboration_Not_Litigation_Ale_Batch_3.jpg 165549 2009-11-04T21:56:12-05:00 91 2010-01-01T05:43:47-05:00 North Coast Old Stock Ale 2009 RELEASE: Occasional // THE ABV. 11.5% | IBU’s. 36 // THE NOSE: Buttered Toast, Maraschino Cherry, Candied Orange Peel, Dark Rum // THE TASTE: Burnt Sugar, Port Wine, Strawberry Jam, Blackberry Jam, Dates, Almond // THE BOTTOMLINE: Brewed with the nobility of a fine Port wine, this Old style ale is velvety, sweet and properly decadent. Enjoy this 2009 vintage now or bury for a few years and allow it to evolve a little, either way, ‘delicious’ is the word. In addition to food pairing, try pouring some over your favorite Vanilla Ice Cream! // THE BACKBONE: English Maris Otter Malt, Fuggles and East Kent Goldings Hops // PRICE POINT: $4 | 1x 12oz bottle // 17 10 2009-11-04T21:24:51-05:00 Brew Review #17 19 image/jpeg North_Coast_Old_Stock_Ale_2009.jpg 149084 2009-11-04T21:25:26-05:00 92 2010-01-01T05:26:29-05:00 Left Hand Warrior IPA RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 6.6% | IBU’s. 60 // THE NOSE: Hot Buttered Toast, Sugared Orange Jelly Candies, Beef Stock, Stinky Socks // THE TASTE: Juniper Berry, Fresh Mint, Yellow Grapefruit, Sprite/7-Up Soda // THE BOTTOMLINE: An extremely fresh and ‘dry-PA,’ with a clean but ever so slightly creamy body, some surprising pops of sour and minty herbaceousness and an arid finish two miles long. A welcome late harvest seasonal that will more than appeal to the majority of IPA sippers. // THE BACKBONE: Pale Two-Row and Crystal Malts, Magnum, Centennial, Cascade and Fresh Wet Warrior Hops // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle // 16 9 2009-11-04T00:06:47-05:00 Brew Review #16 18 image/jpeg Left_Hand_Warrior_IPA.jpg 133408 2009-11-04T00:06:46-05:00 91 2010-01-01T05:22:22-05:00 Harpoon Glacier Harvest '09 Wet Hop Ale 100 Barrel Series #28 RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 6.7% | IBU’s. 38 // THE NOSE: Raw Sugarcane, Pledge Wood Polish, Lime, Sawdust, Leather // THE TASTE: Black Tea, Cola, Lemon, Barley, Raspberry, Violet Chewing Gum // THE BOTTOMLINE: Beneath the perfumey woodys exterior lies a not unpleasant medium bodied - slightly fruity APA, sadly though all flavor and with it my interest, disappear Houdini style on the back end. Not a terrible ale, but seriously unbalanced. // THE BACKBONE: Glacier Wet and Dry Hops // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle // 15 8 2009-11-03T23:54:31-05:00 Brew Review #15 17 image/jpeg Harpoon_Glacier_Harvest_09_Wet_Hop_100_Barrel_Series_28.jpg 159314 2009-11-03T23:54:31-05:00 84 2010-01-01T05:20:18-05:00 Dogfish Head World Wide Stout RELEASE: Occasional // THE ABV. 18.0% | IBU’s. 70 // THE NOSE: Port Wine, Plum Jam, Thousand Year Old Cathedral, Black Cherry, Blueberry, Campfire Fire, Dark Fruit Cake, Molasses Cookie // THE TASTE: Brandy, Toffee, Red Licorice, Pomegranate Juice // THE BOTTOMLINE: Luxurious, warm, sweet and absolutely delicious. This is an after dinner elixir to be savored in good time, a stout initially infamous because of its not insignificant alcohol content, but now better known for its pure and luscious flavor. To be tried once by everyone. // THE BACKBONE: Six yeast strains and lots of Barley // PRICE POINT: $9 | 1x 12oz bottle // 3 7 2009-11-02T01:03:34-05:00 Brew Review #14 16 image/pjpeg Dogfish_Head_World_Wide_Stout.jpg 146708 2009-11-02T01:08:11-05:00 94 2010-01-01T05:19:02-05:00 Pike Entire Wood-Aged Stout 2009 RELEASE: Special One-off Production // THE ABV. 9.5% | IBU’s. 65 // THE NOSE: Black Olive Brine, Burning Wood, Dried Prunes, Sour Dill Pickle // THE TASTE: Oak, Kale, Espresso Beans, Kalamata Olive, Lox // THE BOTTOMLINE: Burnt wood for days (seriously, picture a forest fire) and briney acidity dominate the nose and flavor of this special barrel aged ale. Rich, charcoal bitter, a tad sour and packing some heat, there is little, if any sweetness... yet - some sweetness may come with aging. This brew comes wax sealed and really does have the muscle to last for many years. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle or two, stash one away for at least five or six years and see what happens. // THE BACKBONE: A blend of Pike XXXXX Extra Stout and Pike Imperial Stout aged for 7 months in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels, Pale, Crystal and Roasted Malts, Chinook, Willamette, East Kent Goldings Hops // PRICE POINT: $12 | 1x 22oz bottle // 14 7 2009-11-02T00:37:54-05:00 Brew Review #13 15 image/pjpeg Pike_Entire_Wood-Aged_Stout_2009.jpg 151257 2009-11-02T00:37:54-05:00 91 2010-01-01T05:18:15-05:00 Anheuser-Busch Wild Blue Blueberry Lager RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 8.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Sweet Red Wine, Blueberry Jelly Belly, Blueberry Pop Tart // THE TASTE: Blackcurrant flavored Cough Syrup, Fresca Soda // THE BOTTOMLINE: This is one of most atrocious brews I have ever tasted, a sea of artificial berry flavors absolutely obliterate any evidence that a lager once existed underneath, then there’s the sugar substitute like aftertaste that coats the mouth on the finish. This drink is a train wreck pure and simple, avoid like the plague. // THE BACKBONE: Blueberry Juice, American and German Hops, Two-row and Six-row Barley Malt, Cereal Grains // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 5 5 2009-11-02T00:11:04-05:00 Brew Review #12 14 image/pjpeg Anheuser-Busch_Wild_Blue_Blueberry_Lager.jpg 153316 2009-11-02T00:11:04-05:00 45 2010-01-01T05:17:15-05:00 Oskar Blues Gordon Ale RELEASE: Occasional // ABV. 8.7% | IBU’s. 85 // THE NOSE: Seaweed, Farmyard, Baby Powder, Set Honey, Tarragon, Caraway, Epoxy Glue // THE TASTE: Licorice, Anise, Kale, Cappuccino, Menthol, Eucalyptus // THE BOTTOMLINE: A seriously intense brew with an atomic flavor profile and gorgeous, caressing mouth feel - definitely not a beer for the faint of tongue. IPA lovers are urged to seek out this spectacular canned creation. // THE BACKBONE: Six different malts - including Chocolate malt and three types of hops - including Amarillo hops. // PRICE POINT: $3 | 1x 12oz can // 13 6 2009-11-01T23:12:03-05:00 Brew Review #11 13 image/jpeg Oskar_Blues_Gordon_Beer.jpg 131322 2009-12-13T21:34:27-05:00 94 2010-01-08T09:31:49-05:00 21st Amendment Hell Or High Watermelon Wheat Beer RELEASE: Year Round // THE ABV. 4.9% | IBU’s. 17 // THE NOSE: Apple Cider, Carnation Flowers, Wet Woodlands, Cedar // THE TASTE: Marzipan, Yeast, Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice // THE BOTTOMLINE: Light and drinkable with a velvety smooth texture from sip to swallow. A really unique release that will drink as well in the chilly months as it does in the juicy Watermelon ones. // THE BACKBONE: Magnum Hops, Two-Row Pale and American Wheat, 100% Fresh Watermelon Puree, Top-Fermenting Yeast // PRICE POINT: $12 | 6x 12oz cans // 12 5 2009-11-01T23:00:20-05:00 Brew Review #10 12 image/pjpeg 21st_Amendment_Hell_Or_High_Watermelon_Wheat_Beer.jpg 167280 2009-11-01T23:00:20-05:00 91 2010-01-01T05:11:17-05:00 Kelso Chocolate Lager RELEASE: October // THE ABV. 6.75% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Hersey’s Chocolate Syrup, Lightly Roasted Coffee Bean, Prune Juice, Sandalwood, Wood Chips // THE TASTE: Black Pepper, Blue Corn Tortilla Chip, Ash, Artichoke, Soil, Birch Beer, Raw Licorice Root, Dust // THE BOTTOMLINE: An intriguing ‘Chocolate’ lager that erupts with biting peppery and hot chocolate flavors before exiting with a yummy, lingering high cocoa count chocolate aftertaste. This beer will have you smacking your lips eager to scrutinize the next unique, light and chocolatey sip. // THE BACKBONE: ? // PRICE POINT: $4 | 1x 32oz growler // 85 4 2009-11-01T22:10:45-05:00 Brew Review #9 11 image/pjpeg Kelso_Chocolate_Lager.jpg 112504 2009-11-01T22:16:48-05:00 91 2010-02-08T19:37:41-05:00 Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Pugsley's Signature Series RELEASE: Special One-off Production THE ABV. 9.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Mead, Enamel Paint, Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum, Wood Polish, Aloe // THE TASTE: Banana Ice Cream, Hot Cross Bun, Peach, Cherry Juice, Coconut Juice // THE BOTTOMLINE: This fruity Pumpkin Ale packs a sniff worthy flower bouquet of a nose, a biting peppery taste and a silky smooth finish. This special one-off 2009 brew has the legs to easily survive and thrive until Halloween 2010, so stash a bottle away for a year and see how it evolves. // THE BACKBONE: Pumpkin, Willamette and Hallertau Hops, Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts // PRICE POINT: $10 | 1x 22oz bottle // 10 3 2009-10-31T15:24:21-04:00 Brew Review #8 10 image/pjpeg Shipyard_Smashed_Pumpkin_Pugsley_s_Signature_Series.jpg 147795 2009-10-31T15:24:21-04:00 92 2010-01-01T04:52:05-05:00 Southern Tier Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale RELEASE: August // THE ABV. 9.0% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Freshly Baked Pie Crust, Pumpkin Bread, Dry Roasted Peanut, Nutmeg, Honey, Vanilla // THE TASTE: Cinnamon, Eggnog, Baked Apple, Pear Muffin, Molasses, Sweet Potato, Blackcurrant // THE BOTTOMLINE: With an aroma to die for, a morish sweetness and a perfect spicy bite, this beer is autumn ambrosia in a bottle - without a doubt the best Pumpkin Ale I tasted in 2009, period. // THE BACKBONE: Caramel Malt, Pureed Pumpkin, Two-row Pal Malt, Magnum and Sterling Hops // PRICE POINT: $7 | 1x 22oz bottle // 9 3 2009-10-31T14:59:47-04:00 Brew Review #7 9 image/jpeg Southern_Tier_Imperial_Pumking_Ale.jpg 182117 2009-11-08T04:03:01-05:00 93 2010-01-01T04:52:55-05:00 Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale RELEASE: September // THE ABV. 5.9% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Orange, A1 Steak Sauce, HP Fruity Sauce, Baked Sweet Potato, Ginger Cookie, Brown Sugar Pop Tart, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal // THE TASTE: Buttery Acorn Squash, Marshmallow, Mashed Potato, Green Vegetables // THE BOTTOMLINE: Not as Pumpkiny and spicy tasting as some of its more thunderous and muscular peers. The slightly more subdued Pumpkin flavor of this brew makes it an amicable partner to a broader variety of foods than a lot of Pumpkin beers. // THE BACKBONE: Pumpkin, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Nutmeg, Clove, Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice, Pale, Munich and Crystal Malts, Horizon Hops // PRICE POINT: $6 | 1x 22oz bottle // 8 3 2009-10-31T14:31:00-04:00 Brew Review #6 8 image/pjpeg Elysian_Night_Owl_Pumpkin_Ale.jpg 149536 2009-10-31T14:31:00-04:00 88 2010-01-01T04:43:51-05:00 Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale RELEASE: August // THE ABV. 5.1% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Green Vegetables, Raw Cauliflower, Roasted Parsnip, Styrofoam, Marigold // THE TASTE: Licorice, Bitter Lemon Soda, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Raw Carrot // THE BOTTOMLINE: Packs the nose of a harvest vegetable garden, a clean texture, a meaty Pumpkin middle and an herbaceous bitter backend - autumnal, quaffable and dependable. // THE BACKBONE: Pumpkin // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 7 3 2009-10-31T14:12:32-04:00 Brew Review #5 7 image/pjpeg Smuttynose_Pumpkin_Ale.jpg 139326 2009-10-31T14:12:32-04:00 89 2010-01-01T04:51:15-05:00 Southampton Pumpkin Ale RELEASE: September // THE ABV. 5.5% | IBU’s. ? // THE NOSE: Lime Juice, Pumpkin Pie, Orange Oil, Dark Rum // THE TASTE: Jalapeño, Heavy Cream, Yellow Corn Tortilla Chip, Ginger // THE BOTTOMLINE: This distinctive Pumpkin seasonal possesses an easy lagery mouth feel, obvious hints of nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom and allspice and has a tart citrusy nose. The overall 'freshness' of this brew is what ultimately lifts it above some of the competition. // THE BACKBONE: Pumpkin, "Pumpkin Pie" Spices, Vanilla Extract // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 6 3 2009-10-31T13:27:20-04:00 Brew Review #4 6 image/pjpeg Southampton_Publick_House_Pumpkin_Ale.jpg 181297 2009-10-31T13:27:20-04:00 90 2010-01-01T04:33:28-05:00 Michelob Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale RELEASE: September // THE ABV. 5.5% | IBU’s. 15 // THE NOSE: Ginger, Mint, Banana Bread, Butternut Squash // THE TASTE: Pie Crust, Greek Honey Cake, Golden Raisins, Anise // THE BOTTOMLINE: This is a surprisingly focused and on point autumn seasonal by the global beverage behemoth and will pair especially well with sweet treats of a sugary vanilla and/or cocoa nature. // THE BACKBONE: Pumpkin, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove, Carapils and Caramel Malts, Hallertau and Saaz Hops // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 5 3 2009-10-31T13:05:26-04:00 Brew Review #3 5 image/pjpeg Anheuser-Busch_Michelob_Jack_s_Pumpkin_Spice_Ale.jpg 150195 2009-10-31T13:05:53-04:00 86 2010-01-01T04:32:31-05:00 Post Road Pumpkin Ale RELEASE: September // THE ABV. 5.0% | IBU’s 24 // THE NOSE: Banana Milkshake, Musk, Earl Grey Tea, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Petrol // THE TASTE: Allspice, Pine Nut, Wintergreen, Oak, Buttered Acorn Squash // THE BOTTOMLINE: Not overly Pumpkiny, a tad dry and well balanced. This is a medium bodied Pumpkin Ale that you can drink as casually as your year round ‘go to’ beer. This brew will also appeal to those that normally shun Pumpkin Ales. // THE BACKBONE: Belgian Biscuit, Aromatic, American Two-Row, British Crystal, Willamette and American Fuggle Hops, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Pumpkin // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 4 3 2009-10-31T11:29:56-04:00 Brew Review #2 4 image/pjpeg Brooklyn_Post_Road_Pumpkin_Ale.jpg 144760 2009-10-31T11:29:55-04:00 86 2010-01-01T04:31:45-05:00 Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale RELEASE: September // THE ABV. 7.0% | IBU’s. 28 // THE NOSE: Cardamom, Canned Pumpkin, Ginger Snap Cookie, Whisky // THE TASTE: Natural Peanut Butter, Blackberry Jam, Baked Apple, Brown Sugar, Tahini, Boiled Carrot, Mashed Sweet Potato // THE BOTTOMLINE: One of nicest drinking and more unique Pumpkin ales on the market, possessing an intriguing Russian Doll like layering of flavors that reveal themselves through sip, taste and swallow. // THE BACKBONE: Pumpkin, Brown Sugar, Allspice, Cinnamon, Nutmeg // PRICE POINT: $10 | 6x 12oz bottles // 3 3 2009-10-31T10:58:48-04:00 Brew Review #1 3 image/pjpeg Dogfish_Head_Punkin_Ale.jpg 148796 2009-10-31T10:58:47-04:00 91 2010-01-01T00:46:46-05:00