Three Taverns "Heavy Bells" BBA Quad

Discussion in 'South Atlantic' started by FATC1TY, Nov 1, 2014.

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  1. FATC1TY

    FATC1TY Pooh-Bah (2,564) Feb 12, 2012 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah


    Already doing that.. I have a feeling it may have been intentional, but then that means some have gotten over carbed bottles.. r
     
    #41 FATC1TY, Nov 13, 2014
  2. whimlock

    whimlock Initiate (0) Mar 2, 2014 Georgia

    Drinking this for Thanksgiving. Completely under carbonated. I'm beyond disappointed because this could have been a supremely excellent beer. The flavors are all top notch, the total lack of carbonation killed it.
     
    #42 whimlock, Nov 28, 2014
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  3. GameFreac

    GameFreac Initiate (0) Apr 8, 2011 Georgia

    Finally drank my bottle. First off let me say one of the things I hate is an overcarbed beer.

    That said, amazing beer but it was almost flat. Not completely flat (Blue Pants BBA Scotch Ale was though so I have that to compare) but really close. Wish it was carbed more but oh well.
     
    #43 GameFreac, Dec 14, 2014
  4. FATC1TY

    FATC1TY Pooh-Bah (2,564) Feb 12, 2012 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah


    Damn, I've wanted to send this out as an extra to trading partners, because it's such a great tasting beer.

    I had it on tap, I should have sprung for a growler fill of it, as it was SO DAMN GOOD. Smooth, subtle carbonation on tap. Actually tasted hotter, with more barrel to it. Liked it way better on draft.

    I have another bottle sitting around, I'm half tempted to yeast it a bit with some priming sugar, and recap it and carbonate it just a bit more. Been hoping time would help it carb up in the bottle, but... this doesn't seem like it will help.

    Hopefully Three Taverns gets the release next year straight, as it's a great tasting beer, just flat.
     
    #44 FATC1TY, Dec 14, 2014
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  5. weaverr

    weaverr Zealot (729) Jun 10, 2008 California

    Had it on tap last week and it was amazing. Glad I read these forums so that I knew to go draft instead of bottle.
     
    #45 weaverr, Dec 15, 2014
  6. DawgPhan

    DawgPhan Initiate (0) Mar 23, 2012 Georgia

    Do any other their other quads share the same problem?
     
    #46 DawgPhan, Dec 15, 2014
  7. RDMII

    RDMII Initiate (0) Apr 11, 2010 Georgia

    Quaismodo and Feest Noel are just right. I've had three Heavy Bells now, and all three were fine for me, lower carb, but not dead flat as others have complained. I still say a barrel aged quad shouldn't need any carb anyway, but mine have been on point for what I'd want/expect. Lower than usual, but not low.
     
    #47 RDMII, Dec 15, 2014
  8. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    Just enjoyed another Heavy Bells, and I generally stand by my initial review. I decanted and poured across three glasses, with the "clean" portion going into a tulip and goblet, and the "yeasted" end going into a Teku. In all cases, there was carbonation. Very light to be sure, but definitely carbonated and certainly not dead flat.

    On the whole, I'd describe Heavy Bells as an "oaked" version of Quaimodo. Meaning that I get more wood/vanilla notes than a bourbon-y beer. Base Quasimodo still shines through, and I rather prefer it that way. The only detriment is the thinning of the beer, which is admittedly watery. So, there certainly is a trade-off.

    Having enjoyed a Quas yesterday, I'd say Heavy Bells sits alongside Quas as a neat variant rather than above it as an elevated version of the base beer. Nice for sure, but I'd still opt for Quasimodo.
     
    #48 elektrikjester, Dec 21, 2014
  9. FATC1TY

    FATC1TY Pooh-Bah (2,564) Feb 12, 2012 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah


    I have had Heavy Bells before I had Quasi, and I think Heavy Bells blows it away, despite being flat. On tap, Heavy Bells is world class. The bourbon barrel is more pronounced than say.. backwoods bastard, or something similar. Tons of great vanilla and coconut bourbon notes.. I would say that Monday Night BA Drafty this year has more coconut and vanilla notes, than last years, just plain oak, with no bourbon.

    Good to hear you got a carbed bottle. I'm sitting on one, hope to see if it's carbed. If not, I might purge with co2 and re yeast it with a priming solution to a low carb level and try it out.
     
    #49 FATC1TY, Dec 22, 2014
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  10. elektrikjester

    elektrikjester Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2008 Georgia

    I'll definitely have to try Heavy Bells on tap. Haven't opened my 2014 BBA Drafty Kilt yet, but I look forward to doing so soon. To be honest, 2013 didn't make much of an impression on me, but I did cellar one, so I look forward to the comparison.

    Regarding the carbonation issue, using a Teku or some other etched glass might help add a little more effervescence. Of course, there has to be something to work with in the first place. But that is a more "low-tech" approach.
     
    #50 elektrikjester, Dec 22, 2014
  11. FATC1TY

    FATC1TY Pooh-Bah (2,564) Feb 12, 2012 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah


    Good point on a nucleation point in a glass- mine was too flat to even help.

    BA Drafty is better than last year, for sure. Beer does have a fruity start to it, even in the nose that is odd, but the finish of the beer this year is excellent. Malty backbone, and some great barrel notes.
     
    #51 FATC1TY, Dec 22, 2014
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  12. pgrenvicz

    pgrenvicz Initiate (0) Nov 15, 2013 Georgia

    Damn this beer could have been world class. I'm struggling with the lack of carbonation as well. I'll bet they've duly noted this problem, looking forward to pouring one next year.
     
    #52 pgrenvicz, Dec 23, 2014
  13. FATC1TY

    FATC1TY Pooh-Bah (2,564) Feb 12, 2012 Georgia
    Pooh-Bah

    World Class indeed.

    If carbed, this beer could end up being a beer people ISO for once out in the wild.
     
    #53 FATC1TY, Dec 24, 2014
  14. Immortale25

    Immortale25 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,775) May 13, 2011 North Carolina
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Cracked mine at a bottle share last week being aware of the possibility of flatness. The carbonation was minimal but it was there which made me happy as I can't stand a totally flat beer. Everyone at the tasting agreed that if there was just a smidge more carbonation it would be a world class beer
     
    #54 Immortale25, Dec 24, 2014
  15. karamchandani

    karamchandani Initiate (0) Aug 22, 2013 South Carolina

    Just popped my bottle. It's flat as could be. That said, the flavors are really on point. But I really just can't enjoy it without ANY carbonation. Will be looking for this on tap next time I'm in the Atlanta area.
     
    #55 karamchandani, Jan 9, 2015
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