Bruery RS/HS Allocations (2020)

Sweet Liberty is pretty good. Not the huge pineapple taste like Spicy Island, but I don't think anything will ever top that. (except maybe more Spicy Island, hint-hint!)

You Asked for It is really, really good, IMO. A great balance of booziness and vanilla. I bought more.

Cracking open the Glenwort tonight to see if I want to get another bottle before it goes away. I love peated Scotch but sometimes that doesn't work in beer. Going to find out this evening.

 

Oh, and I forgot to mention: the 2019 Cherry Chocolate Rain is delicious! I love CCR anyhow but this release is fantastic! Maybe just a tiny bit hot but all the flavors coming through. So glad I maxed that one.

 

I really enjoyed the Soie Reserve. Have one more bottle put away for later. Should have maxed it...

 

Not sure if that worked, try this https://postimg.cc/yk0dZJWL

never posted a picture on here before ha

 

This pic showed up, thanks.

Hmmm... well, they're definitely not as nice as my Reserve Society glasses from a few years back. I'm guessing the glassware was meant to be secondary to those insulated bags that may not happen, due to Covid. Oh well, 2020 has really been something, hasn't it?!!

 

The glassware is definitely underwhelming. The previous description of looking like left overs from an event does hit the mark.

Having said that, The Bruery Only Hoarders option has boosted the value of my membership so much, that the glassware is really just a footnote for this year. I'm sure I use this year's tasting glasses from time to time.

But the real story this year was the included bottle options. Really great change.

 

CCR is always a tasty winner and almost as important for me the Bruery made it available in a small format (375 ml). The smaller format made it a max for me and if the Bruery would make more select high ABV beers in a small format I would definitely buy more. My cellar has too many high ABV monsters that I'm waiting to open, either to share with friends/family, or when I'm in a serious drinking mode with free time which happens less and less often.

 

Definitely in agreement with the glass from the Pic. But Good point. Why complain about the glass.
Main thrust is quality of beer and included bottles as you pointed out.

 

Is Humulus Lager back?

 

I'll second the apprieciation for the small format of big beers. I tend to buy both 750s and smaller formats of the same beer when available because both have their place. But its nice to have the choice.

 

Well, since we're talking beer again...
Not a huge anniversary fan, but finally opened Soie R and wow. The balance between the sweet toffee side of the original with the Mad. barrel really works. Should have bought a couple.
Drank my last CCR last night. Hoping that one is back soon as I don't like the feeling of not having any left. Delicious. Need to stock up when it comes back.
Bought a Bakery Oatmeal Cookie just for fun and finally opened it. I like it as much or more as the original--fortunately was still available to buy more.

The beer this year has been phenomenal. I could retire to a desert island with just Joyride and Sticky Chunk. No glassware needed. Bruery only Hoarders FTW!

 

Agree with some of the above comments. Sticky Chunk and Soie Reserve were phenomenal and my only regret was that I didn't buy more!

 

Aren't both years of CCR up in the archive sale now?

 

Joyride is outstanding.

 

Is the OC fulfillment center offering contact-less pickup of allocations? Or is it the usual routine of signing a dozen different sheets while someone yells out bottle names?

 

Me too. Wish I would have maxed both.

 

Yes, 2019 is in 750 mL and 2018 is in 375 mL bottles.

 

I take it you don't like the procedure of double checking the bottles? I understand, though because they do that they make less mistakes than other breweries I pickup.