Carton Brewing (November 2016)

School of Hops is not Epitome. I know it's pretty clear by now but wanted to reiterate. Malt bill is different. I enjoy this in a different way.

I like it, but the ABV, the can, and the description of Imperial black ale are definitely going to drudge up comparisons to Epitome. I like both, but I think I like Epitome more because I can compare it to a black IPA.

Definitely getting a 4 pack of SOH.

Now, what food to pair this with?

 

actually none of the hops are the same either... epitome goes for a pineapple kush kind of dank, soh is berry lip gloss. they are both hoppy black ales but within category they are very different

 

I'm enjoying a SOH now. It's nicely balanced with char and tart berry. Another fun Carton offering.

 

Loaded up today with four cases (!) including a bunch of School of Hops. Really great take on the black ale style. Usually not my favorite style but this one has a better finish than most black ales for me. Usually get a super dry, roasty finish on a black ale that I don't love but I'm not getting that here. Finishes clean. The taste is nicely balanced and the abv is not noticeable. But where this beer really shines is the nose. I don't know about the whole black leather, cheap berry lipstick, hairspray thing because that's just not a connection I would make but definitely get the berry on the nose, with a hop backbone-particularly as it warms. It actually reminds me if what cosmonaut did as it warmed. I'm no scientist but I'd bet there is a similarity in the malts and hops used in SOH and cosmo.

Now, let's see about that Julie Brewmar (probably tomorrow as my first beer. Want a clean palate for that one)

 

And another thing...I really like the staff at Carton. Super friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable.

Oh and first avenue pizza down the block was fantastic. Great pizza, and Italian specialties. Highly recommend (had a slice with prosciutto, artichokes and fresh mozzarella that was of the charts).

 

Lovin' the Black Friday hours (12-8). Hoping that Epitome is still on the docket but if not the lineup and available cans from this weekend are still strong.

 

Waltzed into my sister's place for the holiday week only to find a ton of old carton cans in the back of her fridge. If anyone is wondering how regular coffee and its variants, decoy, dune fruit, idipa and others are tasting, i'll be doing tests all week long. Suggestions where to start?

 

Cafe Dr Churro, Decoy then Dune Fruit

 

Drinking my first School of Hops. I swear I taste Aqua-net. Really loving this beer.

 

Hoping to swing by and get some School of Hops tomorrow if it's not already gone

 

have kegs of the one off type beers been making their way down to south jersey lately.. maybe i'm just not paying attention but i can't remember seeing too many of them.. i know the cans come in occasionally still.. once i month i think? just wasn't sure on the kegs to growler stations.. saw some ship wreck porter on tap however, that was nice

 

Most of their new releases have been available for weeks so I'm remaining optimistic.

 

I think there is a distinct difference between summer availability and fall/winter availability with Carton.

 

Saw the pumpkin cream ale on growler station a couple weeks after it dropped in can form. Went very quickly. Hoping the School of Hops makes it way onto the growler station soon. Shipwreck will sit awhile due to its price. Damn good beer though.

 

True, but I was referring to the most recent releases from this fall.

 

Just posted their Wednesday and Friday availability. No Epitome but Boat, 0077, 0077 Sorachi, and School of Hops.

 

Even if epitome is ready for today they will post it at 5pm or slightly after (with an edit to the post!)
Strategy to avoid the lineup at the door!

Please dont consider this as a rumor, I have no clue if Epitome is actually coming today Friday or ever but merely noting that is how they do it!

 

Saw this on a site before. Contract brewing at Two Roads??

 

MyBeerBuzz also said theres new labels for other beers like Id, hoppun, red rye, and unjunct that said they were being brewed at Two Roads now

 

If they're brewing at 2Roads I would assume that Carton would be able to send more cans into distro, which would be awesome.