New Beer Sunday (week 600)

Good afternoon all! Awesome intro, great posts, and wow...600th NBS! I finished reading the novel thus far, and have enjoyed every minute. I'm stoked to be a part of this 600th celebration, even though I have rarely made myself noticeable on this thread. All the same glad to be here, and to have found my home on BA through NBS and WBAYDN.

I've been running around all weekend, and can't believe I have found even this small amount of time to post, as I have been chasing my soon to be Threenager around all morning. I still haven't even done the GotD!!! All well, we can't win them all. So anyway, I'll throw my NBS out there now.

Ballast Point Home Brew Mart: Homework Series Batch no. 6. Robust Porter
7.8% abv, IBU not noted. I'd say the SRM is right around 28



Apperance: Pours a very dark brown, but with auburn highlights when held to light. Pretty clear, but do notice a few floaties. Nice tiny bubbled khaki head that looks like it should be on a root beer float at first, and does keep a full surface coverage when it recedes.

Aroma: Mineral like, roasted malt, burnt toast. Not much more to say about it.

Taste: Very similar to the aroma, but sweeter at first when cold, and definitely more bitter as it warmed.

Feel: Very rich. "Robust" comes to mind for some reason . Pretty creamy, but finishes dry.

Overall: I like this beer, as I love porters, buuuuuuuut...I'm sorry. I would take Anchor Porter, Deschutes Black Butte, and Founders Porter any day over this.

Brief backstory: This beer was given to me as a "share gift" from @Curtdogg , but it has been sitting in my fridge for month's, and considering he now works at Ballast Point, I don't think he'll mind I took the liberty.

Cheers everyone, and I will see you all soon!

 

Hmm, maybe I'll get lucky, and the organizer will make you my sender. I'd like to give that shot. I'll send ya some Raspberry Lager that's pretty tasty.

 

Here's a beer I found as I was buying grains for my own brews, at My Local HomeBrew Store. I figure, I've tried just about all the Blackberry Farms beers I've come across, why not grab it along with a couple packs of hops and a big bag of grain.

This is the Brune, a Belgian Abbey Style Ale (listed on this site as a Belgian Dark Ale, I'm not sure if that fits, but I couldn't find another style that would). Bottle description: "Munich malt adds toasty, rich flavors and amber color to an herbal, mildly spicy brown ale brewed in the classic monastic style."


The beer pours a big of an ugly color/makeup - highly hazy light brown. Looks a little bit like muddy water. The blond head grows strong no matter how light you pour, it seems. It also fades within a couple minutes and provides no lacing.

The nose is light, and seems generically Belgian initially. Given time to open up, though, there's a note of Candi sugar, and an impression of a nice cinnamon raisin toast.

The flavors lightly lick the palate as they go over it. At times I get the hints of a darker abbey ale with the honey sweet fig and raisin bread. On some sips, it seems like someone threw a slice of banana on that bread. Then in some sips, I get very little at all but a generic slightly sweet earthiness.



Then there is the most dominant aspect of this beer - the carbonation. This beer is fairly light in body, and I have the idea it would be without the high level of soluble gas kept inside of it. But that gas's rush to escape its liquid bonds interferes with my being able to enjoy the flavors of this beer.

I don't get the spicy note the bottle mentions, but the carbonation provides a certain burn itself. I think I would like this beer as a lighter version of a dark Belgian beer, which it seems to be behind the curtain of small bubbles. But I just don't seem to be able to tell as well as I'd like. Oh, well.

 

New Pierside Sunday

I had to make a trip to the store to replace my iphone that succumbed to the river yesterday thanks to my wife not checking the headphone jack cover on the Lifeproof case, but I am back in the game now with another great Trillium brew.

Even though I think that the brewery's description is pretty spot on, my thoughts are below. The only noticeable difference for me is the distinct spiciness isn't noted, which was just a hair too much I think.

"Brewed with 30% wheat, this hoppy, golden American ale features Galaxy and Citra in the dry hop. Bright aromatics of overripe peach, orange rind, and green, herbal hops flood the nose while balanced flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and creamy wheat excite the palate. Refreshingly light bodied with a soft, fluffy mouthfeel, Pier finishes dry with a slightly mineral bitterness."

4.18/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Canned 7/28 and poured into a Hefeweizen glass

It is a cloudy, pale orange, bordering on yellow. It produced a pretty siginficant bright white soapy head with a moderate pour. Better than average retention with some spotty lacing.

Smells very earthy foremost. Like minerals/ well water. There is also some definite spicy yeast, orange and apricot along side of grassy green hops.

The first thing I taste is some rind like zing, except with a real spicy bite. Then there is some candied orange and bitter green, herbal hops. As it warms I think the bitterness becomes stronger, especially on the back end. There is some nice wheat grain flavor toward the end, and definitely in the aftertaste.

Body is on the lighter side, but very fluffy.

From a comparrison standpoint, I would probably put this one ahead of Gumball Head, but not quite up there with Sumpin' Sumpin'.

 

What is likely my last new brew for the day (unless I walk back across the street to Gruff) is from a Bend brewery. Perhaps the definition of an "average" IPA: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/31004/233906/

 

Hey @cavedave. Nice work getting this thread rolling.

According to SanTan, the IBU's are 65 but they're not showing through, IMO. I've had 65 IBU beers noticeably more bitter. The hops used are Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin.

Sorry to disappoint, but piney is my least favorite characteristic in beer and thankfully there is none of it this brew. SN Torpedo is my standard bearer for pine. Although I'm a fanboy of everything Sierra Nevada, Torpedo is the one exception. Conversely, grapefruit is a flavor I'm into but I'd say there's also none to very little of it here.

SanTan markets this as "emitting an aroma of peach, apricot, and tropical fruit." My palette isn't sophisticated enough to tell if those are the tastes that follow - although it sounds reasonable. Piney and grapefruity, though, I'm pretty sure it is not.

That said, worth a try if you can find it.

 

Well here we are #600! Big number- and thank you @cavedave for the piece of practical poetry to remind us all of what its truly about here. Honestly without this thread I don't think I would have lasted the 2 plus years here on BA. I love the beers, the stories of everyday life and the lessons here on NBS. So as you all know by now its very hard for me to just say a couple of sentences and be done with it and just get to beer. So I truly appreciate all that have the gusto to read through my BS. I hope we can all get something out of everything said here - which I am completely convinced we can since the same names pop up on a regular basis. Then like a moth to a flame people are enticed and join in. What a family.
In response to Daves opening I have to go into a little of what beer means to me:
Its Art
Its Music
Its History
Its Originality
Its tied in with the creation of culinary delights.
As in music, for example there are thousands of songs with the three chords D-G-C yet many we never think of as sounding similar. Because every song has the lyrics and the melody the artist had in his heart at the moment of inspiration- and it touches or inspires us in a certain way. Many in 4/4 time but still - all different for each individual. Malt-Hops-Yeast- yeah beers taste similar. But do they all taste the same to every individual?
As in art every painting's beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And blue and yellow make green. So every brewers ingredients are blended in a different way. Do Mosaic and Simcoe taste the same in every beer? We all have our own perspective.....
Food- well this ones kind of off the beaten path a bit but isn't thinking of an idea and then seeking out the particular ingredients and putting them all together in harmony creating a single dish that is pleasing to the senses similar to the brewing process? And hey, someone might not care for your culinary creation- another loves it.
History- well just like the earth is still the orbiting the sun but everything on it is constantly changing- be it the accidental, discovery of wild yeasts and realization of fermentation its always been there- but constantly changing.
Originality- well that's the fun of this whole damn thing isn't it? No ones going to agree on everything and if they did lets face it, it would suck. So many interesting things in this constantly changing beer world....damn fun is what it is. So Yeah forget about FOMO-
who the hell needs it really. OK lets Share some friggin beer huh?

HIDDEN COVE BREWING SANGIO Barrel aged Belgian Style Red Fruit Ale.

Pours a dark reddish brown with a massive foamy head that settles after a couple. A nice cap remains with world map lacing left as it recedes. Very similar looking to a Flanders Red in appearance, which I guess its closely related to. No foaming here either.
Aroma is very vinous and there is loads of the berries on the nose. Luscious blackberry and black cherries with plums/spicy as in Sangiovese grapes. Nice oakiness from the barrels and that lovely Brett weaves its way into the mix.
Taste is again very wine like with sweet dark fruits. And this is just tart enough, with tannins from oak to balance out the sweetness. The Brett is a perfect player here. This a rustic brew and I like that. It is reminiscent of a summer berry tart.
The beer finishes dry and slightly tart with very fine medium carbonation. Lots of lingering flavors with a touch of balsamic vinegar.
Truth be told I'm a sucker for wine barrel aged beers so I really couldnt go wrong. In my past life as a Chef I drank my share of wine so maybe that has to do with it. Beer has long taken over as my drink so this is a nice combo. Ive been hit or miss on Hidden Cove B/A beers. This was quite enjoyable- recommended highly if youre into these types.
Anyhow Ive taken enough of your time- get back to what youre having and as always Thanks for listening.

 

• CaveDave!!! My first post on NBS and BA...enjoying a Trillium Secret Stairs Boston Stout while enjoying the view from my front porch....DELICIOUS! My writing isn't as eloquent as others and I struggle to be as detailed in my descriptions as many of the respondents here. Bottom Line...a deep, dark and heavily coffeed brew that's surprisingly smooth. I'm not a coffee drinker but I do so love the aroma of it and the nose of this one is wonderful! If I could figure out how to post a picture of the brew and view I certainly would but at this point it's not looking very likely.

 

I'm not proud of it, but I got through that crowler of like 11% Hazel's Nuts....

Moving along, I have Diabolical IPA from North Peak Brewing. I'd like to note that the fact that they list the IBUs as 66.6 and ABV as 6.66 is pretty cool.



Looks very hazy orange with a thin little head once receded. Lacing really isn't there either.

Full bodied floral and citrusy nose with a decent dose of well balancing malts.

Taste is exactly the same. Sweet and citrusy with a smooth malt finish.

Body travels between light and medium bodied with a particularly dry finish.

 

Thanks for a great review. Please keep on posting!

 

Hello all! I'm getting off to a bit of a late start, but it's #600 after all, so I may as well come in with guns a'blazing.

My brother was on vacation in the PNW last week, so when we hooked up yerterday to take our kids to a ball game he dropped off some nice mementos that he picked up for me-


So I knew I was going to tear into one of these tonight. But I didn't know that I'd be picking up some new glasses today due to a great find at the Goodwill store. I've always wanted one of these tall Allagash type tulips, so I guess I was destined to use it tonight


Black Butte 28th Birthday Reserve

First of all, let me say that I'm finding the glass incredibly comfortable in the hand, especially when it comes to sticking my honker down in there. The aroma I'm getting is pretty lush and smooth, lots of dark cocoa/mocha, a good amount of vanilla, definite peaty scotch qualities, just enough citrus to keep it lively, and rich toffee. It's all so cohesive and well woven, though- hardly anything stands out that much on its own. The first few sips are more about the toffee and barrel, finished off with a slight but definite alcohol burn. Body is medium, pretty lean and noticeably bitter, and not all that lush. It all starts to come together more after 4-5 oz. At this point I'm getting very much a caramel mocha latte flavor followed by a long woody/smoky finish. A few more sips and the peat is coming to the fore. Now it's my kinda beverage!

There's no doubt that these flavors are working together, and it's a well thought-out beer. The cohesiveness of the aroma just isn't coming out on the palate for me as much as I had hoped. Still, this will be an enjoyable wave to ride for the rest of the night. Borderline A/A- (4.3).

Cheers, all!

 

New beer number two Tree House Sap. First beer I've tried from Tree House, tastes like an IPA Tired Hands would brew so no complaints here!

4.36/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

16 oz can, dated 7/28/16, poured into a tulip

A- A fairly hazy copper with a three finger white head.

S- Piney and earthy with some nice tropical/citrusy fruits, touch of sweetness.

T- Piney, some resin, slightly floral, some spruce, citrus/grapefruit, hint of tropical fruits, hints of malt sweetness. Bitter and balanced.

M- Smooth, medium body.

O- A tasty, well done IPA, easy to drink. Bitterness is pretty big but not a pallet killer, really enjoy the balance of this beer.

★ 485 characters


Cheers!

 

Back now after dinner with a second new one. This time with Rogue Cold Brew IPA.

I was pretty excited to try this given how much I enjoyed Stone's Mocha IPA.

Something is just not working here for me. Not as much coffee aroma as you would think, and the flavors seem to fight with each other. Not a drain pour, but one I will probably not revisit.



https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/132/167372/?ba=richj1970#review

 

Hello NBS people,

Today is New Sour Beer Sunday for me. Although I started my drinking day by drinking hoppy beer at Czig Meister, I came home and opened two very different sour beers. First is The Bruery Terreux Sourrento. Pours very light and clear. Very tasty beer. Sour but balanced with lemon zest and vanilla beans. Oak aged wood mellows the sour out a bit. This one is a smoother sour, not very puckering. Tasty and drinkable.



The second sour is a pleasant surprise. A local beer, prominence, by Demented. This one is dark, almost black where the first beer was light. Aroma is of vinegar and sweetness. Taste is more puckering sourness than the first one. Very flavorful. Kind of like a Cabernet/beer hybrid, with the sour rounding things off. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the local beer more than the national one. Cheers!

 

Umbrella IPA from Pelican brewing ......Just ok......also 20 th anniversary sour IPA from Sockeye Brewing......again just ok...... HUGE fan of Sockeye Brewing.... But this one just doesn't smack you in the face like I think a sour should...

 

I remember Sam Adams Stock Ale - I think sometimes called Boston Ale- that we drank like crazy. Late 90s? This was a very good beer.

 

Happy, hoppy, honey weekend to me!



4.04/5 rDev n/a
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Fairly vigorous pour yields a 3/4 inch head which dissipates in a few minutes to a ring with virtually no lacing.

Honey, honey, and more honey on the nose at first, almost overpoweringly so, but then settles down to mix with a bitter hop aroma.

Taste follows nose rather closely now with bittering hops at the forefront.

Feel is just a tiny bit lacking.

Overall I'm glad to finally try this, although I wish I had tried this sooner as our distributor lost our case in their warehouse a month ago and just delivered it this past Friday.

Sorry BBCo, I was hoping to rate this a little higher.

 

Good evening NBS, a best to all the powers to be (us) for another 600 weeks. To @cavedave much thanks for the kick off today and the thoughtful comments. This is the forum that makes me think and reach out for new beer experiences, to all who participate many are already on today, Thank You. As for the future of advocacy, personal action matters. This is a social lubricant here, one worth the effort to explore, enjoy and share. The sharing of descriptions, impressions, and the occasional face to face is a reason for continued support.
Today's offering is from Suarez Family Brewing in Livingston NY, Small Talk (appropriate for today's theme) is a slightly cloudy, well constructed offering from Dan and Tay Suarez. With a start like, only wonderful things are in the cards.
Cheers all you advocates!


Small Talk

Suarez Family Brewery
Kellerbier / Zwickelbier / 5.30% ABV

4.09/5 rDev -0.5% | Avg: 4.11
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a fresh growler into a modified Pils glass.
A - Clouded straw colored, commuter trains of steady carbonation feed upward. The cap is snow white, and sustained, lacing clings in ring after ring as proof.
S - Spring harvest, young fresh, sweet grain bill, honeycomb and green melon flesh. Botanical' s in the orchard blossom vein ride the entire experience. A gentle nod to fresh cut grass dashes in.
T - Water is a bit hard, a touch of minerals in the best way, a delightful graininess, sweet and gentle. The hop component is deftly applied and shows with blended bitterness and excellent aromatics.
M - Light in body with wonderful complexity across the palate. The tongue lights up like a screen and a variety of inputs all fire at the same time. Sweetness, a bit of bitter, and across all that a bit of tart Muses its way as a tease.
O - A very well executed blend of styles here, All Small Talk for sure. The offering is exceedingly approachable, quite the easy drinker. a treat to be had.
Cheers