I had Velvet Merkin for the first time last year at a release party for Parabola. I was blown away by the intensity of flavor coupled with the low ABV and immense drinkability (especially for the 16oz pours they were providing). This year I went to a tapping of the Merkin, and as soon as the first sip settled on the tongue I new something was amiss. Not the same beer or even close IMO. Much thinner with more overt barrel astringency and far less of the creamy vanilla that first stole my heart. I chalked it up to a sub-par keg and acquired a bottle regardless. Opened the bottle last night and the first whiff told me all was well. Not only was it as good as the first time, it was far better than I remembered. One of the best BA stouts period, especially if you like guzzling bottles by yourself(my wife's slight sipping doesn't count, lol). Have to say I'm a little miffed at the inconsistency, but I sincerely hope my beer brethren who were at the tapping weren't deterred from buying bottles.
I had my first taste of it last night as I opened one of my bottles. I too was a little taken back by how thin it tasted, but it was undoubtedly delicious, and I look forward to drinking it again multiple times. I completely agree with your drinkability statement...it's almost dangerously drinkable.
the beer is freaking delicious. had it out of a keg, and then bought 2 bottles. cracked one on saturday after the Ducks took care of the huskies. Maybe in a perfect world it would come it at 10.5% and be a little thicker, but the taste and balance of this beer is a work of art in my opinion. shared a bottle with a few friends who like good beer, but are by no means beer enthusiasts, and they were blown away by how good it was. well done Firestone!
I found it to be thin compared to Parabola. I hope I like it more on a fresh palate as I was several beers deep that day.
I first had Velvet Merkin several years ago, before it was a production beer. I don't recall if it was barrel-aged or not, but I thought it was crazy good. When FW started selling Velvet Merlin, I was disappointed that it wasn't how I remembered the rare keg I had tried. Still a fine beer, though. Finally got Merkin again. The bottle I had wasn't a mind-blower, but it was nice. I wonder if my memory is getting rosier, creating a long-lost whale in my mind that doesn't exist (and possibly never did).
Maybe you had pappy merkin on draft. I had pappy merkin a few years ago and it blew me away. I like the new bottles but they don't hold a candle to that guy I had on draft, one of the best beers I've had to date
I'm not 100% sure, but I think I had the mysterious proto-Merkin late in 2008 at Blue Palms in Hollywood. Here's a review from that tapping: errantnight California 4.2/5 rDev +4% look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5 On tap at the Blue Palms in LA (originally as part of Xmas v. Hanukkah... not sure what this has to do with either, but hey!) A creamy dense pitch black brew with a little bit of head with tenacity. Love the color. Aroma is a gentle roastedness with a bit of biscuity malt. Subtle, simple, a little sweet. Really nice. Tastes creamy smooth, nice medium full velvety texture carrying exactly what the aroma promises... a nice textured sweetness along a backbone of easy roastiness. Really couldn't have a better structure, which makes this incredibly drinkable... but the flavor didn't blow me away. Pound for pound I'd still go Sammy Smith. That said... the incredible bourbon barrel aged version had a few weeks ago was a different beast entirely. Perfect subtle vanilla and bourbon notes and the extra tannins all worked together for a phenomenal brew that didn't sacrifice the easy drinking experience but added nuances of flavor. Certainly a tasty brew and fans of Firestone Walker will of course love to seek this out... and the should. Serving type: on-tap
