Let's Discuss Thirsty Dog's Wulver

I think Wulver is wayyyyyy better than backwoods. It's got more complex flavor and balance and is nowhere near as boozy as backwoods. Love it. Glad I have a couple 4 packs in the basement. It's also much easier for me to get than backwoods.

 

I've never had it and would love to try it. I love Backwoods Bastard. But if it's anything like BA Siberian Night, then it won't be in the same league as BB. BA Siberian night is simply one dimensional barrel domination. Not what I like in a barrel-aged beer. It's supposed to compliment the base beer, not be the focal point of the beer.

 

Trade/hype is driven first and foremost by rarity. No other factor comes close. Wulver is not that rare in many locations. Now, I don't think that is the entire explanation for the lack of "hype", but I do think that is the by far the biggest factor.

 

I don't think the comparison to Backwoods Bastard is .... the best comparison for judging these beers. I find them to be pretty different, despite having a lot of the same basic characteristics. I payed very close attention to both of these since they came out late last year. After having a couple of each (the second time side by side), I bought 40 more Backwoods Bastard to drink over time and age, but was not interested enough to buy more Wulver. It's a matter of personal preference. Personally I think the 2015 bastard is pretty special, but Wulver did not strike me as such. However, I should point out... I really enjoy "boozy" beers just as much as non-boozy beers. I agree with what others said, Backwoods is definitely boozy this time around.

 

Scottish flavors? Care to elaborate?

 

I live maybe 30 min from Akron & this has somehow flown under my radar?!? What has become of me? :/

 

Not too long ago I did a blind tasting featuring Wulver, Backwoods Bastard and Central Waters (as well as a 'wildcard'):
http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...drinking-now-1141.361894/page-10#post-4305766

The long and short of it was I had them in this order at the end *-
#1- Backwoods Bastard
" Nose is primarily fruity (dates, dried apricots) supported by caramel, malt and nuts. Bourbon barrel effect is very subtle with a tiny amount of vanilla underneath. Flavor is much more luxurious than I was expecting- bourbon, vanilla and cococnut come to the fore, with ample toasty and caramelly malt underneath. Nice hit of bitterness at the end, as well as a lingering woodiness. Slight alcohol burn."

#2- Central Waters BBA Scotch Ale
"Rich aroma with lots of depth: bourbon, raisin cookies, vanilla, some alcohol. Moderately full palate, malty flavor first, then bourbon, vanilla and wood play supporting roles. Finishes sweet, but too much lingering alcohol ultimately spoils the effect."

#3- Thirsty Dog Wulver
"Aroma is initially full of caramel, and cola-like. Some floral elements creep up. Vanilla, bourbon and nuts are deep down and require searching. Palate is very smooth, rich and sweet- mostly caramel and wood. Sort of flabby- could use more hops. Nutty finish with bourbon coming on very late. Easy to drink, but unremarkable."

(*- actually, the wildcard won, but that's neither here nor there for this post)

Something about that caramel/cola quality never really clicked with me.

 

Wait... the wild card? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

I gave you a link .

It was actually a blend of all 3 beers- designed as another level of keeping me honest during blind tastings, and trying to guess which is which before the reveal. I believe this was the only time the wildcard 'won', although it always keeps me on my toes.

 

Equal portions? 1/3, 1/3, 1/3?

 

Oh, yeah, that's the only way I figure it'll do its job. Maybe that's why it rarely wins- I'm not actually trying for the best possible blend. It just happened to work very well in this case.

 

I fall into the Wulver preference camp.

 

The first time that I had Backwoods Bastard, I was absolutely blown away. I think it's safe to say that BBA Scotch Ale became my favorite style after trying that beer. I've had Backwoods a couple of times since then, and it never disappoints. The first time I had Wulver, I had nearly the same reaction. It was super similar to Backwoods, and I was blown away all over again.

 

I love Wulver, and I love Backwoods too. Wulver sits on the shelf around me for months and months, while Backwoods typically flies off the shelves. I personally prefer Wulver, but I think it all comes down to price point. A four pack of Backwoods by me is usually about $15-$18 while Wulver is typically $32 per four pack.

 

I think Backwoods is a better beer than Wulver, but I have bought a 4-pack of Wulver two years running due to its availability. I think Alesmith BA Wee Heavy beats them both, but the price on that makes Wulver seem like a bargain.

 

Agreed, I would not say it's cost effective. It's rather expensive

 

First off, I had no idea Wulver got so much distribution. Second, I have done 2-3 side by side comparisons of Wulver and Backwoods Bastard, and Wulver won hands down every time. It's just a lot smoother, well balanced, and has a nice vanilla presence.

But everyone else has pretty much nailed why it isn't as sought after. It's well distributed/widely available, expensive, and it isn't a cloudy as fuck IPA from New England.

 

You know, tastes like Scotland.