New Beer Weekend #264

It was indeed my visit to see my brother in Costa Mesa, California, that influenced this weekend's decision-making process. I told him and @RaulMondesi that I wanted some In-N-Out Burger, but they said I needed to try Raising Cane's. There was a line that was so long.

 

You'll never guess what I had for lunch

 

Please continue the voyage. We will follow. And please do head up to visit @RaulMondesi in Orange County. He is the one.

 

I'm not ashamed of getting suckered in by the labeling "Imperial Red."

Stereo Brewing - Robot! Imperial Red

16oz can served in a hotel tumbler. Bought it at Hi-Lo Liquor about an hour ago. Don't see a date on the can. Label seems to be suggesting Kraftwerk - Man Machine as an audio track accompaniment, so let me queue that up as I start to review this...

Pours dark reddish-amber with a small head, doesn't look very active, but a thick ring sustains itself pretty well and there's a cute, demure dusting across the surface. Smell made me smile and go "Mmmmm" -- seems to have the characteristics I want in a IRA. Caramel, toffee, nuts, pine, grapefruit, maybe a bit of berry.

Taste is lovely. I did that thing where I lean back, raise both my arms, and moan "ohhhhh" appreciatively. [Man Machine begins playing]. Berry might be slightly stronger, toffee is much stronger. Grapefruit and pine bitterness, caramel and toffee sweetness. I'm so pleased with this beer I'm having trouble thinking of words.

Mouthfeel is big and thick, dry texture. This is an excellent beer. I wish I had bought more than one. Wow.

 

He declined an invitation to California Winter Beer Fest. He may be the One, but clearly I'm not of sufficient interest to the One.

 

Than it is true. @Resistance88 has been chosen.

 

I actually didn't get along too well with @snaotheus or @2beerdogs

 

Here at stately Vurt Manor, Sunday nights are for imperial stout.

Actually, all nights are for imperial stout, but I love winding down the weekend with a big, burly imperial.

Like this one:



This, friends, is a beast. The body is black with smoky topaz highlights. The foam is cocoa brown and it doesn't last long, but the beer displays more legs than Safeway's weekly "Cheep Chicken" deal. The nose is dark chocolate frosting, oak, scorched marshmallow, black licorice, smoke, and molasses. There's plenty of booze wafting up from the surface, with peated whisky taking first place ahead of bourbon. Flavor follows faithfully, with dark chocolate above an undertow of peated whisky. Almost enough smoke to qualify for a mention in the "Smoked Beer Appreciation Thread." Beyond that, there's a layer of plums and figs with a few dark cherries in the mix. Sweetness peaks in the middle, with more dark chocolate, a spoonful of molasses, and a swirl of caramel. Bourbon makes a bid for attention. The long-lasting finish is hot and boozy, and laden with bittersweet chocolate. Full-bodied with a luxurious velvety texture.

I opened this last night and sampled a few ounces. Tonight I'm taking this beast out to the patio and we're gonna hang out. This is how you see out a Sunday.

 

Wren House - Big Spill Pils

16oz can served in a hotel tumbler. Packaged 05/02/25. Bought at Windsor Costa Mesa earlier today.

Pours crystal clear dark yellow with a small head, pretty strong lacing. Smell is hoppy AF, lots of greenery and pine resin. Have to work for it, but the grain is in there somewhere.

Taste is also very limey. Lime zest, lime rind. Moderate honey and floral sweetness. Dominated by bitter.

Mouthfeel is light, clean, crisp. Overall, good.

 

Yes, amazingly... we survived! Great company, great beers, slow morning.

 

Derek's actually just waking up right now

 

Greetings, fellow NBWers,
On Friday I went to a beer festival called Grainmaker, a festival where all the beers were collaborations between various local.and regional breweries that spotlighted the malts. Your ticket bought a glass and unlimited 5oz pours. I'm here to.report that numerous pours were awfully big for 5oz pours if you get.my drift.

Consequently, I didn't drink another beer til this afternoon.

While studying for my boiler test I had an oatmeal stout brewed with lactose, vanilla and coffee that was meant to resemble a vanilla latte:

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/22610/539396/?ba=woemad#lists
While it did resemble a vanilla latte, it was oddly characterless while doing so. Too thin and watery a mouthfeel for an oatmeal stout as well. Not really my jam.
Oh, well. Can't all be resounding successes, I guess.