Atwater vanilla Java porter question ...

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by Knapp85, Sep 30, 2014.

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  1. Knapp85

    Knapp85 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,712) Dec 25, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Recently opened a few bottles of this to split with a friend and we both agreed that something was way off with this beer. The label says it was bottled in June of 14 so it's not really that old... It pretty much tasted like chemicals, chlorine specifically. Anyone else have this issue at all? I know the beer doesn't rate all that well to begin with but this one was undrinkable.
     
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  2. TheBrewo

    TheBrewo Initiate (0) Nov 11, 2010 New York

    The first time we ever had this beer it was HORRENDOUS. It tasted like jalapenos sitting in electrified battery acid. From what I understand they have occasional off-batches, so perhaps just wait it out until another batch to give it another go.
     
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  3. WeaponTheyFear

    WeaponTheyFear Initiate (0) Mar 9, 2008 Connecticut

    The only 6 pack I've had tasted like Diet Coke. Who would have thought that was the good batch.
     
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  4. ivorycannon

    ivorycannon Initiate (0) Feb 21, 2013 Indiana

    DAMN!!!
     
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  5. babaracas

    babaracas Initiate (0) Jan 30, 2008 Florida

    I remember Atwater from at least 8 years ago solely for infection issues. Congrats to them for still being in business.
     
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  6. superspak

    superspak Grand High Pooh-Bah (10,927) May 5, 2010 North Carolina
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I've talked with some of their reps recently. All of their "clean" ale styles are all brewed with a Kolsch strain, so estery notes are present in nearly all of the beer. No idea why they do this, but that's how it is. All of the lagers use a standard German strain and tend to be generally in line with the styles from what I've seen, but not optimal. I think the water profile is the main culprit in how the beer tastes. I doubt they do any adjustments. My local water is piss poor for brewing without salt adjustment or dilution.
     
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  7. Buschyfor3

    Buschyfor3 Savant (1,083) Jan 4, 2009 Kentucky

    Only had an Atwater once, haven't gone back. How can I be diplomatic here... well, it *would* have been a drain pour had it not been for the fact that most restaurants frown upon customers pouring out their beverages on the floor.
     
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  8. JasonR1975

    JasonR1975 Initiate (0) Jun 11, 2013 Michigan
    Trader

    What was way off with that beer is it was brewed by Atwater - it is one of the miracles of the craft industry they are still in business and the fact they were able to expand to Texas is equally mind blowing.
     
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  9. ncstateplaya

    ncstateplaya Maven (1,269) Nov 8, 2008 North Carolina

    I've had this beer once and did not care for it. It was highly carbonated and thin with very little flavor...Much like what WeaponTheyFear said, reminiscent of a diet coke.
     
  10. halo3one

    halo3one Initiate (0) Jun 6, 2014 Georgia

    I don't think is was a bad batch.
     
  11. BoneyardBrewer

    BoneyardBrewer Initiate (0) Apr 24, 2005 Michigan

    My wholesaler recently pulled all bottles of Vanilla Java bottled in June at the request of the brewery.
     
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  12. 4ingredients

    4ingredients Initiate (0) May 22, 2009 Massachusetts

    Had had this a few times, both recently and distant past. Have not cared for it in either case.
     
  13. Knapp85

    Knapp85 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,712) Dec 25, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Thanks guys for the feedback... I've had other Atwater beers before and never had an issue like this one. It definitely does shock me that they're still in business if this is a such a known issue.
     
  14. Chaz

    Chaz Grand Pooh-Bah (3,668) Feb 3, 2002 Minnesota
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    The idea of a Jalapeno Porter sound kind of good, but I like 'Cave Creek Chili Beer', too. :wink:

    To the OP: The first time that I sampled a beer from Atwater Block was their Vanilla Java Porter, about eight years ago, and it was less than what I'd hoped it would be, but not a complete drain-pour. On the other hand, the Dirty Blonde which I sampled from the tanks at City Brewing (in Lacrosse) a few years back seemed pretty good. I'll try their beer again before long, I'm sure, seeing as they just made it back to town through a local wholesaler.
     
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  15. misternebbie

    misternebbie Initiate (0) Aug 24, 2014 Pennsylvania

    Never had a single Atwater product that make me desire another one!
     
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