New Beer Weekend #56

So we balance each other! From an overrater to an underrater, I lift my glass to you.

 

It could go either way, but I’d say usually in favor of the brewer. An example, I might give a new brewer a notch higher score in a category because I’m expecting less and my expectations are exceeded. It’s not always conscious, but I notice sometimes a local beer has the same or higher score than a beer I think is better. It’s also sort of the reverse effect of how people might be more critical of a hyped beer (something I’m not immune to, either, now that I think of it).

 

Blade & Branch pours a very attractive near pitch black, with a solid finger plus mocha head that settles really quick leaving little lace. 4

Aroma deep dark chocolate, toasted coconut, char, vanilla bean, molasses, and bourbon. 4.25

Taste follows dark chocolate, coconut, char, vanilla, molasses, and bourbon really balanced coconut might be most dominant. 4.25

Mouthfeel is above average, a tad dry, soft carbonation, and at 10.5% it drinks slightly bigger, but goes down rather easy because of how complex it is. 4.25

Overall this is a damn fine BA Stout, I wish it had a tad more body and retention on the pour, but I think this is pretty damn good stout. 4.25

 

HA! Then I can be a knucklehead too - I can understand the nuance of the variant from the dry hopping technique, but it isn't really a style. I tasted their conventional German pilsner and the alleged Italian pilsner side by side, half pours, so certainly enough to get a good read. They shared more than they differ. The main distinction was the hops in the Italian variant were significantly brighter, more lemony. The malt was slightly sweeter and a bit more rich, but far from malt heavy. I can see it as a variation on the theme, but not a distinct style. I guess they have to call it something, and at least it is an homage to what seems to be the parent beer.

 

And those are the two most important aspects in my opinion. If you enjoy this beer you should buy it again(s) and drink with gusto.

If perchance you are asking me about this beer's style it sure appears to be a German Pilsner with dry hopping to me but that is simply by reading about it. Nothing like actually drinking a beer to know with more certainty.

Cheers!

 

And that is were the brewery is 'adopting' some marketing.

How do you know when a marketing person is lying?

I am pretty sure you know the answer to that question.

Cheers!

 

Hello Late Night NBW.
Too much going on to give any updates. Thankfully, there is new beer.

Every Day Is Record Store Day by Henhouse IPA

Collab (of sorts) with The Last Record Store, Santa Rosa, CA.
Canned 06.10.21
Brewed with Mosaic, Cashmere & Idaho 7 hops.
Slightly hazy straw to muted gold in color. Fluffy white head with some solid layers of clumpy lacing.
Nose is melon, grapefruit, mango, mellow citrus, and a slightly herbal pine note.
Flavor follows the nose nicely. Slightly herbal, grassy, citrus, with notes of apricot, melon, lime, and a smooth malt base.
Mouthfeel is light to medium, good carbonation, and a smooth finish that allows the malt to shine a bit.
Overall, very nice. Not sure what the grain bill is, but it does nod in the direction of an NEIPA.

 

Beachwood BBQ Barrelogenesis this evening. Tasty Barleyine.
Cheers all!
2021 Vintage

Appearance: Medium-brown with a slight reddish hue, with a medium-sized beige head that quickly faded. Nothing wrong with the appearance.

Smell: Brown sugar aromas and bourbon aromas dominate the nose. The nose is true to form for an English style barleywine and there's definitely nothing wrong with that.

Taste: The taste profile features moderate bourbon notes, caramel/toffee notes, brown sugar and a touch of vanilla notes from the barrel. I also get some mild oak woodiness from the barrel aging. The beer has just a initial touch of sweetness that subside to a semi dry finish. The beer avoids being overly sweet like some English style barleywines.

Mouth-feel: On the light side of medium bodied with a medium level of carbonation. not bad for the style but could be a touch thicker.

Overall: A good English style barleywine that has a flavor profile that ticks all the right boxes. This one is up there with all the major players for the style. Beachwood represents my home town very well.

 

Kilt 'Em All Scottish Ale from Lager Heads Brewing Company is a good representation of this style

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/24680/97624/?ba=neenerzig#review

Eric