Jackie O's (2018)

He is pumped

 

I bought 2 cans. First one I opened was spicy as hell... but I liked it. Haven't opened the second.

Agreed - 2016 BB Oro was a top 5 beer for me. The 2017 is still good, but I thought it clearly had less pepper heat, less cinnamon, and less chocolate - fair to say it's more balanced, but I loved the 2016 the way it was.

 

Too bad you can't imbed a poll into any existing tread, I'd be curious to see the break down on BA Oro preference. I might be in the minority but I preferred the 2017. 2016, while still good, had more spice and cinnamon than what I would prefer.

 

I was under the impression that the majority opinion was more similar to yours and that's why they dialed back on the spice this year... but I can't recall where I heard/read that.

 

I just attributed it to the pepper variation based on sourcing or batch brad talked about before but if it was intentional then I approve!

 

I'm on the 16 BB Oro bandwagon. Loved the spice level and cinnamon. Probably my favorite JO's beer ever. I really enjoy the 17 but it's a little too balanced for my preference. Both great, but 16 was perfection to me.

 

I'm curious for those that have had Mexican Cake (especially multiple years) how '16 and 17 BB oro compare to the heat of MC (again, especially if you have had multiple years). This year's MC is not supposed to be as hot as others, but it's still a bit hot (for me) when I had it on tap awhile back.

 

MC has always been the hottest, well-made Mexican stout, for me. Anything hotter and it's unpalatable--even still, I can't finish an MC by myself.

'16 BB Oro was very close to Mexican Cake, but, was still more subdued and balanced by comparison, in all regards, but especially the heat. Frankly I liked '16 BB Oro better than any Mexican Cake vintages I've had. That said, I've not had any of the barrel-aged versions, but the heat of bourbon tends to kick up the heat of pepper spice in my experience, which isn't always a good thing.

 

I've had 16 BA oro (haven't had 17 yet) and I've had 15,16 and 17 Mexican Cake, and I would take 16 BA pro over all three years. 15 and 16 mexican cake were very close to it, but 17 was super muted cinnamon and heat wise. That being said, I'm a sucker for super cinnamon forward beers so thats why I loved 16 BA Oro

 

One more vote for 16 BA ORO, I remember the second batch hit disto and we had it for Labor Day as the first beer so we'd remember it, and it was awesome.

 

Another vote for '16. It was great fresh, but with 9 months on the bottle, the heat ratcheted down a notch and it was delicious.

I'm planning on holding some '17 bottles until that timepoint to compare.

 

I hate telling people what they like , but if the heat in Oro isn't your thing, then maybe Oil of Aphrodite might be your jam?

 

Both are great. BA Oro is better. The heat adds complexity I can't get with Oil. I loved seeing this beer change with time and finding the sweet spot for my palate.

 

Question about the release tomorrow: is there usually a long line by opening? I know it won't sell out, but I'd rather show up an hour early and get checked out quickly than show up at 11 and wait an hour if there are long lines. I just didn't know if I could show up at 11 and quickly check out.

 

The only weekday release I ever recall having any sort of substantial line was Appervation. I would put the odds very low of you waiting in a line for more than 10 minutes if you showed up at 11, especially since Champion Ground will see distro around Ohio, it's not like there's going to be much flocking to Athens for it.

 

Anyone figure out if the colored dots on the bottom of the jungle cans relate to which ones are spicy? The pink one I tried today wasn't spicy but that seems to be one of the most common colors.

 

Now that's interesting. Hadn't even noticed. I'll report back if I find about more! Still on the hunt for a spicy can and 7 cans in haha.

 

The ink dot on the bottom of cans indicates which coating line it's produced on. I highly doubt they sorted the cans to indicate which one's are hot.

 

How did they do the 25% math then?

 

They brewed 3 times as much not hot as hot and know implicitly?

I agree that the dot would make sense, but I have no idea. Just offering a logical answer to your question.