The Bruery (2024)

After the final sale went up, I decided to get two Cire Blenders choice, was tempted by SHIT cans at so cheap, but just spent a bunch on Revolutions latest release

 

That BT barrel box they put up today is a fantastic deal. I was so tempted but I already have two on hand

 

Ho ho ho. Pulled this year's batch of Christmas beers out of the cellar and set out as the first seasonal "decorations". Took a pic but couldn't get imgur to work here

Opened a BA 12 Drummers tonight and am enjoying a lot. It's mellowed a ton to the point where it's almost too subtle? Nothing stale or off, just perhaps losing its pop.

To come, in no particular order: new Partridge, new Doves, new French Hens, new Calling Birds, BA 5 Rings, BA 6 Geese, 10 Lords, 11 Pipers, 12 Drummers.

 

I’ve got a ba 11 pipers that I’m nervous about opening, not the best reviews

 

Godspeed.

 

You can't open them they need to be aged.

 

Last Bruery order from 11/12/24 showed up a little early (was originally scheduled for 12/2, it got here yesterday, 11/30), so despite loading up on local beers on Black Friday, I immediately popped:

Trainquil Moonlight - Awesome, tons of oak, boozy whiskey, rich caramel, dark chocolate, hints of roast and char, just a touch of concentrated fruit, essentially a Black Tuesday Reserve with the second barrel being unusual (Westward American Whiskey). Great stuff, glad I snagged some extras.

Also recently opened a few older bottles: Adios Martes... which did not hold up. I don't think it's infected or anything, but the vinous Sherry character is taking over in an unpleasant way. It's not terrible, but the balance I remembered from the fresh version is no longer there. Disappointing!

Double Double Mash was better than remembered, but still not like the Mashes of old and still a little disappointing. Cire Blenders Choice is still phenomenal.

Still have to get to a few other included bottles in the next couple weeks...

 

I've opened two Adios Martes recently and both were infected. This beer was released less than a year ago, I don't think anything bottle matures that quickly in terms of intended flavors mellowing. Bummed for sure.

 

Hmm. December beers (which look good) added to Untappd, but I don't see anyone checking them in. Is there a release this week?

 

They usually seem to be added by the first of every month, regardless of when they release, my guess is next week

 

I hope $33 is a misprint for Acer Quercus given it's non-BA.

Based on the "Almost 12 Days" box, sounds like we're not getting solo bottles of 5 Rings after all

Other than that, really looking forward to these releases!

 

That's awesome! I'm pretty excited for this month's allocations as well.

• Acer Quercus: I can't believe they brought back Acer Quercus of all the beers. I'm surprised anyone remembers this one. I really enjoyed this back in the day.
• Luminos: I am also glad to see them put a little effort in the golden milk stout direction. The Dear Great Pumpkin was fantastic and I hope they bring that back annually. I imagine Luminos to taste similar, but w/o the coffee. Personally, I think they could have canned it.
• Midnight Frost: HS release. I am a little skeptical of this one since I'm not as into mulled wines in large quantities.
• Spicy Island: This was not as big of a thing for me when it came out in the HS box. So no comment from me.
• Good Company: I've lost count as to how many S'mores stouts they've made. Most of them were pretty good. Hoping to eventually have one that is great that they can stick with and make it an annual release.

 

I was a huge fan of Spicy Island back in the days. Let me know if you’re looking to unload your bottles. I’m going to be visiting the OG tasting room tomorrow so hopefully I can talk my way into a pour of some of these!

 

I am super curious to try the base on Luminos. I skipped Great Pumpkin because of the coffee.

A long time ago I heard "golden stout" was a joke style (maybe created by Stone?) and the premise was by adding coffee to a light malt base, the bitter roast of the coffee would simulate the character you'd expect from a stout.

This blend of stout plus White Oak Sap sounds more like a gourmet black & tan? Whether it works or not, it's the kind of creativity I'm here for.

It's weird though that the label looks like it uses the design motif for Monster stout based beers. Maybe the stout is unaged Monster?

 

Yeah I was super skeptical when it first came out, and even when I first tried it... but it's like a worm that gets into your brain. I think I even bought one or two more when they broke apart those box sets. Eager to see how this batch turned out.

 

Status report: BT Rum is still very fucking excellent.

 

Went to clear my cellar (12 bottles) of the 2024 beers from Reserve Society and I am being charged $2.40 in tax. If I add my glass it is $2.88, if I add my second glass it is $3.24. If I just add my 2 glasses (no beer), there is no tax added. Any reason why?