New Beer Sunday (week 498)

Discussion in 'The Bar' started by utopiajane, Sep 7, 2014.

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  1. utopiajane

    utopiajane Grand Pooh-Bah (3,982) Jun 11, 2013 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Good morning all you gastronomes of geueze and fanciers of foreign extra stouts! Welcome to New Beer Sunday. Today is the day and this is the place for you to TRY a new beer and TELL us about it. Indulge us with your prose, your pontifications and your perspectives. Delight us with pictures and links to your review and any other world wide web wackiness that tells us why you are a unique and beautiful Beer Advocate, the very soul of passion concerning beer! There have been threads lately about what kind of music do you listen to with your beer so please feel free to post some of that here as well.

    Today I am having the last beer from a box that NBS's very own @beertunes graciously sent me recently. In another thread it was mentioned how generous people on beer advocate are. This is so true. Anyway thanks to Terry I had the opportunity to try Kulshan Brewing's Bastard Kat, Boundary Bay's Traverse Red IPA and today I am having Whatcom Wheat - a kirstalwizen also from Boundary Bay .

    SO sit back, relax, get yourself some proper glassware and your ticking sheets and enjoy the festivities today on New Beer Sunday !

     
    #1 utopiajane, Sep 7, 2014
    2beerdogs, Scrapss, Hopgoddess312 and 21 others like this.
  2. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Yeah, Maria! Now that's what I call timing!

    Good morning - and I do mean morning - fellow Wranglers of Rarities and Beer Drinkers of....Beer....(I ran out of steam).

    Today's first new beer is a baby I've had in the cellar for about 12 months. Bottled in April of 2013, before some litigious pricks forced them to change their name, I bring you Clown Shoes Vampire Slayer.

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    #ImproperGlassware #AppropriateMorningware

    I've never tasted Undead Party Crasher, the replacement label for the same beer, so this is my first go-round with this recipe. Clown Shoes stouts are always above average, and sometimes phenomenal, so where does this one clock in?

    Beautiful looking beer. You can't tell by my choice of ceramic-ware, but it's a deep black body, and topped with a dark brown head that, after settling, is fluffy and burnt-marshmallow-like. It smells like a standard imperial stout a la Old Rasputin: tons of roasted barley and a bit of dark, overripe fruit.

    The flavor follows, in the vein of Stone's IRS: waves and waves of roasted barley. A bit of cacao, a bit of fruit, and a tiny metallic hint. Very solid all around.

    The mouthfeel on this beer is nothing shy of gorgeous. Impressively thick - think Ten-FIDY - nearly chewy, and definitely silky. The only complaint is the alcohol heat; there's no hiding the 10% ABV in this beast. But that's very minor; overall, the mouthfeel ranks among that of the better stouts I've had.

    Review below:

    http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/22951/76896/?ba=Roguer
    4.03 / -1.9%

    Still using the old formula (until the Bros reinstate it, which they have announced is coming) via an Excel spreadsheet. It's a -rDev, true, but I still think this beer is outstanding overall. It is a bit one-note, and the alcohol presence is a minor ding, but overall, this should give you whatever stout fix you could possibly want. (Assuming the new label version does taste the same, of course.)

    Cheers, NBSers!
     
    #2 Roguer, Sep 7, 2014
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  3. reaganrvltn

    reaganrvltn Pundit (817) May 24, 2014 Georgia

    This Week's New Beer Sunday- Harviestoun Old Engine Oil Black Ale


    Alva, United Kingdom (Scotland)
    Style- English Strong Ale
    11.2 oz.
    6..0 abv
    $4.99 at Total Wine

    Good morning to all the BA's in cyber space. Week 2 in college football is behind us and Georgia got a bye. Who plays one week and has a bye and who comes up with these schedules? Traveling to Columbia, SC on Saturday for an always tough game against Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. This was the week the SEC power houses played the girl schools. Alabama (FAU), Auburn (SJSU), LSU (Sam Houston State), TA& M (Lamar)? Nice

    I looked on BA and every time I put in Old Engine Oil the Porter version came up. Did this beer go from a Porter to an English Strong Ale? Where are all the reviews for the Non Porter version? I poured the beer into my favorite Duval Glass and produced a beautiful light brown head of both tight and large bubbles. Nice foam edging remaining on the glass after each sip. No light is passing through this glass of jet black goodness. Beer is not bitter at all with great accents of roasted expresso coffee and a slight bitter after taste. This beer goes down as smooth as can be. Love it. Cheers

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    Sunflower's lazy Sunday

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    #3 reaganrvltn, Sep 7, 2014
    sharpski, 2beerdogs, Hopgoddess312 and 28 others like this.
  4. BMBCLT

    BMBCLT Grand Pooh-Bah (3,427) May 9, 2014 South Carolina
    Pooh-Bah

    The style is English Porter btw. Sometimes label reads "Porter", "Black Ale" or "Dark Beer". Same beer though. One of my favorite porters for sure. This is what you're drinking.http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/323/875/ You can even check out their web-site.
     
    #4 BMBCLT, Sep 7, 2014
    Hopgoddess312, Shroud0fdoom, Smakawhat and 3 others like this.
  5. DIM

    DIM Grand Pooh-Bah (4,788) Sep 28, 2006 Pennsylvania
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    NEW BELGIAN BARLEYWINE SUNDAY

    Happy NBS everyone! The humidity broke here in south central PA so as soon as the little guy wakes up its time for a bike ride and ice cream. Should be a great day.

    Anyway, I opened this up shortly before midnight.

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    Over the years I have learned to tame my inner ticker. I no longer feel the need to try ALL the beers. I still have a difficult time passing up new to me b-wines, but I have been able to do it. Sometimes. I walked past this one several times in the store, debating.

    Inner Ticker: Hey a Belgian barleywine!

    Me: $22 for 500ml?!? Pass.

    I.T.: C'mon we never had a BELGIAN barleywine!

    Me: It might not even be any good.

    I.T. Oooooo its fermented with beer AND wineyeast! Plus there's wax on the neck tag!

    Me: That's just too much damn money.

    I.T.: Jes isn't here, pay cash and she'll never know! (here I imagine him tenting his fingers malevolently)

    Me: weeeeellllllllll... ok. This had better be good.

    Not sorry I did, this was damn good!

    http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/16790/104758/?ba=DIM

    Cheers all, enjoy your sunday!
     
    #5 DIM, Sep 7, 2014
    sharpski, 2beerdogs, MLaVioletteJr and 26 others like this.
  6. utopiajane

    utopiajane Grand Pooh-Bah (3,982) Jun 11, 2013 New York
    Pooh-Bah


    I tired my first Harviestoun last week after @Shroud0fdoom reviewed the Ola Dubh 16 reserve. OMYSTARZ! What a mouthfeel. Old Engine Oil is next on my list and after your review I am gonna get it pretty soon. =)




    I love that internal monologue! :grinning:
     
    #6 utopiajane, Sep 7, 2014
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  7. Smakawhat

    Smakawhat Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,191) Mar 18, 2008 Maryland
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Hey what's going on?!?

    Holy carp.. what an insane week. Summer over? I don't think so, this has been the hottest week ever like it's normally in July or August. Ugh.. and after a 5 day Labor Day weekend with the in laws up in Maine and back at work.. whooweee.. that's a wake up call.. But like all things, we're back in the groove, and we just got the fridge restocked with food. HOORAY happy fridge!! Nothing says pain like coming home from a flight at 1 AM to an empty fridge... GRr.

    I was all set then I realized... holy CARP!! I don't have any NEW BEER THIS WEEKEND!!! I was cleaning out the goodies!!

    So a quick stop off in Virginia on the way to a friends house for dinner solved that problem!!

    What's new for our hero today?!?!?!

    XV (√225 Saison) - BFM (Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes)

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    BFM (Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes) - XV (√225 Saison)     by imbibehour, on Flickr

    Review here, or just read below! http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2958/87869/?ba=smakawhat

    --------------------------------------------------

    Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass. Very little pop or hiss when opening. Gonna love this little bottle for home brewing though.

    Deep orange apricot body, a bit of fizz sound off the pour with some fluffy carbonation and matching head. Settles three fingers tall, with small retention. Collapses into a real nice bowled puck though and thick soapy bone white collar. Some yeast sediment, from topping up, and scattered lacing.

    Real interesting bouquet. Pollen, slight garden apple sweetness with some pear skin and real nice funky acidic quality. Hints of good sourdough bread on the malt bill, with a big punch. Very impressive. Lemon tropics as well, with a real diverse nose.

    Palate fills with a big wine like body, with complimenting sour fruit. Hints of tropical mango, and a big earthy brett and pepper finish. Lemon really finishes to pick up the brett and a big oily zesty rind as well. Not as juiced as anticipated, more of a light white wine body but still easily holding the flavors nicely.

    Overall, great solid saison and beer as expected from these guys.

    Final Rating 83

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    I really like these guys from Switzerland, but as often their brews are very expensive in the US. I need to just pony up for a Bon Chien again cause I loved it so much... one of these days...
     
    #7 Smakawhat, Sep 7, 2014
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  8. HoppySeb

    HoppySeb Initiate (0) Jan 21, 2014 Washington

    Greetings fellow NBS'ers!

    I've got a few new brews lined up for today in celebration of many things. Starting the morning with some coffee while patiently (not really) awaiting NFL kick-off. Weather's been good to us in the NW and we're still enjoying plenty of sun with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Call me crazy, but I actually miss the rain a bit :wink:

    To get my NBS started:
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    Cigar City Cubano-Style Espresso Ale

    Poured at 45 degrees into a pint glass after being stored overnight in the fridge. Color is light brown and it immediately forms a hazelnut colored foamy head. Aromas of medium roast espresso beans, cacao/dark chocolate, vanilla and a faint metallic taste are present, the taste is quite similar to the nose sans the metallic taste. Its surprisingly crisp and refreshing distant relative to Surly's Coffee Bender. Carbonation is spot on. Overall I really enjoyed it, its a great variant to an English Brown that was beautifully crafted.

    Rating: 4.1
    A: 4.5 S: 4 T: 4 M: 4 O: 4

    Cheers!
     
    #8 HoppySeb, Sep 7, 2014
    sharpski, 2beerdogs, Hopgoddess312 and 22 others like this.
  9. Highbrow

    Highbrow Pooh-Bah (1,770) Jan 7, 2011 California
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Engelszell Gregorius

    http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/30035/86464/

    a first try for me, "Brewed in year" date indicates: 2013 / 03, described as a "Belgian Strong Ale" by way of Austria. in a nutshell, thus far it's a bonanza of darker fruits with a slight herb or spice that i believe is its yeast talking to me. its 9.7% abv lends it a steady kick although i don't find it at all alcohol forward in actual taste.

    this is another "like" for me. i do feel the flavors it offers could be slightly better integrated but overall it's been very pleasant thus far.



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    #9 Highbrow, Sep 7, 2014
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  10. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    You win the thread today, DIM. That was awesome!
     
    #10 Roguer, Sep 7, 2014
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  11. utopiajane

    utopiajane Grand Pooh-Bah (3,982) Jun 11, 2013 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    Holy hens in a hand basket! This beer is Whatcom Wheat a collaboration by Boundary Bay ! I think this is the only domestic kristalwiezen I have ever had and it is world class. I looked for flaws - I did. There was a slight bit of haze and that was it. The pils malt in this is one of the highlights of the drink. Fruity, round, a touch sweet and if not completely dry then it's only a fraction of sweetness in the finish. Balanced. It drinks so easily. It starts with crisp and seductive wheat and then by the time the beer warms the pils malt has come forward to meet the light bit of spice on the back end and GLORIOUS! No real dominance in any of the flavors just a splash of all the stuff you want. Thanks @beertunes :grinning: I would drink 5 more of these and then buy it again.

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    http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/701/135174/?ba=utopiajane

    Happy New American Kristalwiezen Sunday!
     
    #11 utopiajane, Sep 7, 2014
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  12. puboflyons

    puboflyons Grand Pooh-Bah (4,299) Jul 26, 2008 New Hampshire
    Pooh-Bah

    From the Prodigal Brewery of New Hampshire comes their Cho-co-ru-a Kolsch/golden ale. 4.8% ABV. Lake Chocorua is a popular fall foliage destination in New Hampshire. But about the beer. It is a milky pale yellow color with grainy, German malts on the nose and a zingy, zesty bite to it. Chewy body. Prodigal bottled beers are only available at three stores in the State of New Hampshire.

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    #12 puboflyons, Sep 7, 2014
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  13. OldeSchool

    OldeSchool Initiate (0) Sep 8, 2013 Florida

    A - Pours a slightly hazy, light golden yellow, with a modest head that dissipates rather quickly.

    S - A fair amount of wheat present, along with some malt.

    T - Smooth, easy to drink, with a small amount of bitterness at the finish. The bitterness becomes more pronounced as the beer warms.

    M - Light and crisp, it goes down easily but doesn't leave much to remember it by.

    O - A decent beer, but absolutely not in the same class as Dortmunder Gold. This is a good option on a hot summer day if you're looking for something refreshing without a lot of bitterness, but I wouldn't go out of my way to buy it again.

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    #13 OldeSchool, Sep 7, 2014
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  14. Donkster46

    Donkster46 Initiate (0) Jul 31, 2014 Washington

    Tried this wonderful stout on the opening NFL Sunday.
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    A big thanks to @67couple for this!

    This was a damn good beer. Probably my favorite of the style. Wish Lazy Magnolia was distro'd here.
     
    #14 Donkster46, Sep 7, 2014
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  15. Donkster46

    Donkster46 Initiate (0) Jul 31, 2014 Washington

    ISO both glass and beer!
     
    #15 Donkster46, Sep 7, 2014
  16. TongoRad

    TongoRad Grand Pooh-Bah (3,884) Jun 3, 2004 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Happy New Oktoberfest Sunday!
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    Not a bad little beer, here. It's lighter in color and intensity than the more popular Munich brewers' versions, but it still has the goods. Nice toasty melanoidins and lime peel on the nose, moderate body, and a sweet light caramel finish. Easy drinking, for sure. It almost comes across as a much better version of Dos XX Amber, way down at the Vienna end of the spectrum. The end of this half-liter is getting a bit cloying on the palate, but in the presence of food that may not be an issue.

    For the price, I like this beer and could see getting it for a party. It's missing that beguiling richness that Ayinger has for such a pale beer, but then again it's half the price.

    Let's give it a 3.75 overall, somewhere in the low B+ range.
     
    #16 TongoRad, Sep 7, 2014
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  17. ONUMello

    ONUMello Pooh-Bah (2,520) Feb 24, 2009 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    New Pumpkin Sunday
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    It's cooling down in Cleveland so I decided to open a new local pumpkin beer. This has got everything that's great in pumpkin pie - good pumpkin flavors, pie spice, even a little vanilla a la mode. My only issue is it's sweeter than pie itself, and apparently even its 9% couldn't ferment off very much of that sugar. That leads to a tasty yet boozy and sweet beverage. I'd recommend trying one since it's tastes great, but with that word of warning. That being said, it's certainly lessening the pain of the Browns trailing 24-3 at the half
    Cheers!
     
    #17 ONUMello, Sep 7, 2014
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  18. dennis3951

    dennis3951 Initiate (0) Mar 6, 2008 New Jersey

    Sierra Nevada Vienna-Style Lager. Sierra Nevada knocked this out of the park and across the street. A perfect combo of malt and hops, this is one of the very beat Amber/Vienna lagers I have ever drank. I'm already hoping this becomes a year round beer.
     
    #18 dennis3951, Sep 7, 2014
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  19. GoBearsWalter34

    GoBearsWalter34 Pooh-Bah (2,770) Aug 1, 2014 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Just gave Green Flash Le Freak at try. You either have to love or hate this one. I love it! My micro adventures were started by European Weiss beers. After discovering hoppy IPAs and ales, I was hooked. The combination of these two really does it for me. Green Flash keeps growing on me as one of my favorites. Thinking about retiring somewhere on the west coast due to the wonderful hoppy goodness of breweries up and down coast. Just buying time as a high school principal until I can find dream job as brewery hand:slight_smile:! I discovered Green Flash a few months ago when a Road Warrior draft was suggested to me by BT. Is anyone else combining these two favorites like Green Flash?
     
    #19 GoBearsWalter34, Sep 7, 2014
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  20. HoppySeb

    HoppySeb Initiate (0) Jan 21, 2014 Washington

    Round 2, fellow NBS'ers.

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    Surly "West Coast" style IPA - "Overrated!"
    Pours hazy golden forming a white thick head. Smells of citrus, hops and sweet tropical fruit (mango, pineapple). The taste has a hoppy bitter start followed by a sweet malty and fruity backbone that leads to a citrusy and hoppy finish. Carbonation is a bit lower than i would expect/like but its still well rounded and allows you to experience all its flavors. Quite good, glad I got to try this!

    Rating: 4.25 (ish)
    A: 4.25 S: 4.25 T: 4.25 M: 4 O: 4.25

    I hope you are all enjoying a fun-filled and beer-filled Sunday and may you have a great week ahead!
    Cheers!
     
    #20 HoppySeb, Sep 7, 2014
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