Beers to try before you die

Korbinian sounds good, added to a wishlist. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

I've still never had The Abyss, nor Thomas Hardy Ale.

 

I've had three beers on my wish list for years now, but two are now retired (BBA Carrot Cake from Short's Brewing and Kate the Great from Portsmouth Brewing).

I still have a chance to have Yellow Rose IPA if I drive to CA for my trip in April, then swing through Texas on the trip home. I don't really want to drive all the way south to Magnolia, TX, so I'm wondering how widespread the distro might be for this beer. Anyone know?

 

As weird as it sounds, I'd push everyone to try a pitcher of the Oud Gueuze from À La Mort Subite in Brussels. Order a small meal or some snacks and just relax for a few hours. I know that Cantillon is like 15 minutes from there, Drie Fonteinen is just across town, and the Delirium Cafe is mere blocks away, but I consider that to be THE experience beer lovers should savor in Brussels. Seriously, do it if you haven't.

I've had the vast majority of the major white whale BA big beers and such. They're often tasty but rarely anything you'll remember in a few years. Especially once they start falling out of favor for the next big rarity. You're better off seeking a beer that comes with an experience.

 

I have seen Heady Topper in the Monterey area (Total Wine in Sand City). They also had Focal Banger.

 

It’s at every store in VT, NH, NY, CT and I’m sure many other states too.

 

They are also opening a facility in Saratoga Springs in 2024. May be closest option depending on where in NJ they are.

 

Not missing anything with Abyss. Probably one of my most disappointing wants ever.

Enjoy

 

Adding NJ and eastern PA too.

 

It's funny how I felt the exact opposite. Didn't expect much from it and it's my absolute favorite stout now.

 

This was a want for a long time. Never was able to find a large bottle and then a few years ago 4 packs came around. I grabbed 2 packs. It’s by far not a bad beer but I get almost no barrel and I was expecting amazing beer. To me it’s worth trying but I doubt I will buy it again, although the coconut version keeps calling my name as I walk by.

Enjoy

 

Agreed that the barrel is not as prominent as most BA stouts. Perhaps that's why I like it. Or perhaps it's the licorice or the subtle wine note from whatever the wine barrel offers. Or just the dry and bitter finish. Never had the coconut version (haven't come across it) but I would be interested to try it.

 

I found that it's a love/hate thing - it flips all the right switches for some and just doesn't taste right for others. I'm in the second group - I still have a couple in the cellar and will gladly try it again, but it's not anything I'd hunt for.

 

Are you speaking to the port variation? Never had that one.

Enjoy

 

I am rather shocked to find myself having been blessed with many of the beers that people are mentioning as ultimate wants. Sure, there are some beers in the top 250 that I'd love to try still, but I no longer lust after them - I'm to the point of just appreciating good beer, regardless of where it is in the ratings.
And seriously, look up the NBW BIF (most any BIF really) - that is generally where most of my whales have come from and I do my best to ship out local whales in the rare opportunities they are not available nation wide. People just sending out great beer to each other, it's an absolutely amazing thing.
Cheers all!

 

The normal The Abyss spends some time in Pinot Noir barrels if you believe Deschutes. I do get some of those vinous notes, especially when my palate is non-fatigued (i.e. haven't had several IPAs esrlier).

 

Held the same thought for many years. After not having beer for a while I decided to start clearing out my cellar and it was much more enjoyable than the others I had. My recommendation is to hit it first thing after a Sober October, Dry January, etc. as your taste buds will be more sensitive to subtler flavors. Tough to compare the subtlety of Abyss to the hammer that is most modern ba stouts.

 

Off the top of my head, KBS Maple Mackinac Fudge would be one. If I could go back in time, the original CBS, Cigar City's Church on a Hill Cognac Barrel-aged, Original Dave by HotD.

But what I really wanna do is travel to some key spots...NewGlarus, Hill Farmstead, Trillium, Treehouse, Carton, Burial, Southern Grist, Bearded Iris, and many more.

 

Yeah we get sporadic bistro of Heady and Focal Banger.

 

Westvleteren 12