The Alchemist (January 2017)

Again, I mention weather dependent in my post.

 

In looking at tap lists at Pro Pig and Blackback, I preferred Blackback. Not sure how good Blackback would be for dinner. A great spot for lunch...sandwhiches, etc! Love the cozy feel, low ceilings and owners are great! I didn't eat/drink at Pro Pig or other places. Pro Pig seemed great when we walked in and it is on my brothers top places to eat list. We just didn't want to wait and sat right down at Blackback, although they were close to packed as well.

 

Alright, back to some Alchemist talk ...

I'm excited. I've had HT, Crusher, FB, and Beezlebub. Has there been much rhyme or reason to releases? Even if there's no bad haul from the place, it'd be great to have something new. Or something dark, at least.

 

They posted on their FB a few hours ago an image of "mashing in with a chocolate malt middle for one of our next releases".
Maybe you're timing it! But who knows.
Seems like they have been going back to Crusher in between each of the special release beers.

 

Regarding food...4 of us went up in October for a couple of days.

1. None of us were a fan of Trapp. It's not that it was bad, but it wasn't anything special. We probably wouldn't go back.

2. Prohibition Pig was great. We all liked it. The dinner wait was brutal (about an hour), but the draft list made it tolerable ;-)

3. Lost Nation is small, but serves solid food. The time before this visit they had the smokers going and cooked just about EVERYTHING with them. So damn good. This time, smokers weren't used, but the food was fantastic.

 

Anyone walking to & from the bars and/or HOTW is hopefully using Stowe St., not the Rte. 100/I-89 overpass!

 

Of course. That's what my route was based off of.

 

Hey for those who bought focal in the past two weeks how are your cans? Mine seem a little clear and earthy with little nose. Comparing that to Early November's case which was quite hazy and almost chewy, with tons of nose and flavor. This is one of my favorite beers, have consumed cases of it, so I guess I'm really noticing a difference. I can't seem to find anyone rating or discussing anything beyond their first can, so it seems the hype washes out any "current" feedback. I miss my focal!!

And pardon me if these monthly threads are more for planning trips and release info. If that's the case, which forum do I talk about the beer? Untappd is a wash with beers like this.

 

Focal turns into a snow globe after about a month.

 

I am having a Russian Roulette situation with Focal cans bought on either 12/14 or 12/21. Last night's was definitely off, while tonight's was pretty good (same 4 pk), so I wandered over here and what do I see...

 

I made the trip up on the 28th and thought the same thing of my first few sips. Much more bitter and really couldn't pick up much of a scent when I opened the can. I have more so I'll try it again this weekend.

 

I bought cans on 12/30 and the 2-3 I've had were all fantastic. FYI...I had Focal only once before these 3 and it was 2 years ago. I have a few more, so if anything changes with future cans, I'll post here.

 

I got Focal cans on 12/26 and they are bloody glorious :-)

 

I purchased on 12/17...

 

12/30 Focal is on point. Big aroma and flavor....huge mosaic bomb for me.

I was wondering how I would feel about The Alchemist stuff since having so much Tree House and Trillium. I have to say that it's still just awesome. I love their flavor profile. So balanced between malt, resin, earthy & juicy. Love it! I will definitely make the trip again.

 

Fwiw the res has killer food. I learned the error of the ways a few years back after not going there for several years, instead choosing alchemist brewpub/pro pig and blackback

 

Yeah I've eaten there many times and it's solid pub fare. Draft list tends to be great as well. I never understood the appeal of Blackback

 

The long list of Hill Farmstead and the smaller setting at BB = less locals and snarky looks for beer tourists. I was a little bored when I was there to be honest(but the beer and nice people working offset that)

Some folks just don't like that environment, but they also somehow forget that it's a BAR. When I've been to Res it's locals at the bar, people playing pool and a bit louder so I can see why some people are put off.

 

The atmosphere is not my issue with the place. Maybe I just have bad luck at blackback but most of the times I've ordered a beer there something was wrong with it. Haven't really been there since it changed ownership.
According to their websites the Reservoir currently has more HF on than Blackback too. The amount makes no difference to me anyways. I'm not going to sit there and drink every one

 

A whole new game at Blackback after new owners figured out how to run it. Give it another try - things have very much improved.