Atwater vanilla Java porter question ...

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.

 

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

 

DAMN!!!

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I don't think is was a bad batch.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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.

 

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