May 2018 cellar reviews

Tequila barrel-aged variant of Sucre from The Bruery, bottled in March 2014--my last bottle of it, obtained from the taproom during the original release. Overall, I would say this is peaking or is just past its prime, depending on palate and bottle variation, with the oxidation starting to impose some negative notes compared to how it used to present to me. The tequila is still quite assertive, with loads of agave, oak, smoke, and scuppernong grape layered on top of the base beer. However, as the beer warms, it's just starting to show a little wet paper towel and orange gumdrop from the age.


I also had a 2015 Stickee Monkee from Firestone Walker last night, and I would say that it is just as cloyingly sweet as it will ever get. Little oxidation, but the barrel notes have smoothed out and left behind a sugar-bomb that's more that I personally care for.

 

100% BA Papiers





Its the Bruery’s 10th anniversary so getting into these seemed fitting.

Ive heard for a long time that these just arnt worth chasing after anymore because they are too far gone. If anyone still has some, hit me up cuz I loved every boozy ounce of them.

Each of them displayed varying levels of caramel, vanilla and molasses-like sweetness contrasted by tobacco, leather, oak and distinct roastiness tasting like chocolate. Booze all over the place with the bourbon version seemingly the most hot, brandy close behind and rye being the most tamed.

The bourbon version had distinct booziness that really leaped out the glass, brandy was right there with it but had more of a vinous character. Rye had the most barrel aspect even coming across like toasted coconut was added to it. There was noticeable leathery oxidation in these but it was way into the aftertaste and by no means even a leading characteristic. In fact, ive had brews half as old as these bottles taste older and more oxidized.

 

popped my last bottle of 2014 w00t. after going through about 8 bottles of this over the years, id say that time did it well. wonderful notes of caramel, fig/raisin, booze, dark chocolate, and what i can only describe as "dust" (in a good way). man, some stone beers, like IRS, really stand up well against time! wish i had a few more in the cellar.

 

2017 Avery Brewing Tequilacerbus

4.23/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Bought this a few months ago on a whim. Bottle dated 3/17/2017. With the weather turning warmer I thought this would be a good choice tonight.

Poured into a DFH tulip with a lacy white medium head over a dark old gold body. Smell is of a stringent wine-ish quality; maybe that's the tequila interacting with the malts. Anyway despite how that might sound it's not an unpleasant smell. Taste is very citrusy and tart with a nice tequila snap at the end. Carbonation is very active. Mouthfeel is fine.

Glad I snagged this good example of a wild ale and didn't sit on it any longer.

 

2010 Sam Adams Mile High Barley Wine
This was part of the Longshot series. Hits most of the marks but not in an exceptional way. Some oxidation flavors but not overly so. Still nicely carbonated and good smooth rich feel. Flavors are just kinda' dull. Rich and somewhat sweet. A little candy and some toffee. Bitterness is just enough to be balancing with some residual hop flavors.
Nothing really to complain about, just nothing to shout about either.