'13 Parabola

I had several draft pours this weekend and thought it was a lot hotter, even "harsh" compared to recent 2012 pours I've had. It didn't stop me from enjoying it, but I'm planning on waiting at least 6 months before cracking open one of my bottles. I enjoy the sweet, oak, vanilla, molasses flavors and any kind of burn detracts from the experience IMO.

Also had 2011 vs. 2012 side-by-side (on draft) a few months ago and really preferred the intense sweet flavors of the 2011. Don't believe I've had the pleasure of trying a 2010.

 

Yes this batch is less balanced if you wanna call it and more abrissive or over top in intensity but it has the most going on in flavor IMO. Less balanced than previous years but I like my beer to be aggressive personally.

 

I can't wait to try Parabola...in about 10 years when Mississppi finally catches up to the rest of the world. FML.

 

The beer has been aging in barrels for a while wich means the beer is soaking up what ever liquor is left over as well as some of the oak character. Depending on how (wet) the barrels were places a big role in the amount of liqour characteristics the beer picks up. Once bottled the beer is no longer sitting in the liqour barrels and is no longer soaking up the flavours of the barrel. As the beer sits in the bottle it tends to mellow out over time and the flavours round out a bit more leaving a smoother more well balanced barrel aged beer (in my opinion) wich is why a lot of people cellar big imperial stouts and most barrel aged beers. Some people really enjoy the up front booze and heat of a beer fresh out of the barrels and some prefer to let it mellow out a bit. If possible I like to get a couple bottles and try one right away and then try one 6 months down the line and so on, I think it helps in understanding how beer ages and changes over time. Cheers. Time for Cognac aged imperial sweet stout from Cigar City

 

Am I imagining this or do the Parabola boxes say KEEP REFRIGERATED on them? And if so is that just code for "don't store in a hot place"?

 

I will have to look but I think it just says store at 40 degrees.

 

Yeah it says 45 on the bottle/box

 

I saw that. Got mine chilling at 54. I'm sure it'll be fine.

 

Oh yeah. Haha I got mine "chilling" at 69 right now.

 

So reliable sources told today me that Long Island only got 6 cases to be distributed. Every place I have called from Glen Cove to Greenport is sold out. Looks like we missed it guys and gals :-/

 

I know lets pour had it but I'm not sure if its still there

 

I went back to my place today hoping to score another to either trade or sit on for a few months. All gone. Asked the guys and they said that was it, no more. Kicking myself for not at least picking up two when I had the chance.

 

It's quite possible that this year's is hotter fresh, although I caution you that the last Parabola most people have drank was probably in the bottle/keg for several months. This may very well lead to inaccurate memories regarding how hot the beer was last year, as my experience with Parabola is that a little age goes a long way in softening its boozy edges and allowing more of the base beer to come through.

 

Is it me, or are the hops fading on this already?

 

Can this be found in the San Diego area? I'm only wondering because I know some people that live in that area. If anybody knows, a response is appreciated!

 

Is the consensus that this one needs some time in the cellar vs drinking fresh? I just had a buddy ship me some from CA and looking forward to trying it for first time

 

I had it in tap last week, and I did think the bourbon was much more noticible. Still a great beer though.

 

I actually thought it was way more mellow then batch 002 and 003. not a bad thing. I just don't think it will age as well.

 

I was able to purchase 2 cases at $15.99 per bottle. I plan to cellar at least 18 of them, but I find myself resisting the pull already. 2013 will end up being a great year for this release.

 

LOL... Parabola hoarder!!!!! good on ya.