2017 FOBAB

1. A little disappointed More lived up to the hype. I'll admit I just wanted to see the FIBs be wrong. Oh well, props to Shaun.

2. Besides Chickow Brandy I don't think I tried a single gold medal. Several from breweries I haven't heard of. I guess that's a good sign for beer.

3. Did Shoreline get their shit together? Because I had that exact beer on tap at the brewery maybe 4 years ago and it was atrocious.

4. What's with Central Waters bringing shelfies?

5. I actually liked Raspberry Vlad more than Clare's this year? Perhaps my taste buds were shot at that point.

 

2. I was actually really let down by the Chickow Brandy, average beer IMO

4. I did see Cassian Sunset

5. Nah, I thought Clare's was kinda weak too

 

How long did More even last Friday? I think I went for it as my third beer and it was long gone

 

I tried both BA Chickows and thought both were seriously undercarbed and flat.

 

Yeah Brandy Chickow was very sweet. I didn't want more than the sample.

Cassian Sunset has been released and seen distro. I was really hoping for Black Gold, which they have brought in the past.

Maybe 15 minutes tops after non-IMBIBE members were let in. I think they were down to half a pitcher left.

 

I poured next to it Friday, and it made it past the IMBIBE session. There was a steady line from the get go, but nothing crazy. Maybe 10 people at all times.

Lasted maybe an hour and a half or so? If you wanted it Friday, there was opportunity.

 

No way that lasted until 7:30. I went to Mexican Medianoche and then some in same aisle and More was gone after that. I was lined up at 5:05 so was in the door before 6 (when they started letting us in at 5:50)

 

I had the same thought. Yet they posted to Twitter that they hadn't won any awards. Love ya, CW, but you didn't deserve one - bring your A game next time.

 

Did they bring out more later? Me and a buddy walked to More for our first drink and they told us they were out and put up the sticker.

 

Yeah, you mentioned "shelfies" though and I've never seen Cassian sit on shelves. When it hits distro is usually sells out day of.

 

Cassian Sunset is quite literally one of the best beers CW has in their barrel portfolio.. lol.

What you meant to say, I think, was "bring me a brewery only release", which is a different conversation entirely.

 

I think this year was an anomaly for Cassian due to the small run, but last year it was available for most of a week at LP Binny's. Maybe Texas sold out sooner?

 

I think the distinction is "beer that hit liquor store shelves for wide distribution" vs. "brewery only and very limited release".

 

I personally don't like Cassian but I know a lot of people do. I did have Black Gold when they brought it two years ago and loved it. Their BBA Scotch ale is also stupendous.

 

Oh gosh. I must not know my beer!

Yes, that is basically what I meant. If you wanted an award, bring something special.

Avery has pulled this at Northern Lights Rare Beer Fest here. So has Dark Horse. It's not impressive and does not merit an award. Sorry/not sorry.

 

sounds like this years is right up my alley. The blend of vanilla and rum was truly something. One of the more impactful beers ive had in recent memory. Im typically skiddish towards beers with cinnamon, but it was as if this beer was made specifically for me. Not sure you could call a beer with all these adjuncts "balanced", but the adjuncts themselves were perfectly blended

 

maybe they don't want an award, maybe they just want to bring a high quality beer and have a good time. Central Waters certainly doesn't need the medals, people know how good their stuff is already

 

To be clear - I'm not disagreeing. I drive in to Wisconsin frequently with the sole intent of replenishing my supply of Central waters bottles. But Cassian Sunset is not on a par with Black Gold or Nineteen - if you think that Cassian is their A game, I'm surprised. You're certainly entitled to your opinion.

I obviously have no stake in whether they win an award. They make great beer, I hope they do well... but I don't pay attention to awards anyway, and couldn't care less about whether they did take any awards home.

 

I had a great time again this year. I’m probably in the minority in that I didn’t think More BA Karma deserved best in show. My favorites of the night were Cerebral Here Be Monsters w/Vanilla and Arclight Black Raspberry. Karma was good but not great imo but I’m no judge. Just my opinion.

Also surprised that there was no line for Rusty Nail. Absolutely delicious!