Leon is one of my top wants, but I've seen some comments about one batch being better than the other, and a comment about bottle infection. For those of you that have had this (or both batches even), can you share your experiences?
Great question. I have heard nor know anything about Leon B2 but the original Leon I had about a year ago was phenomenal, one of the best beers I had in 2013. I'll be very curious to hear others opinion on B2 (non FL opinion; no offense). Sorry I'm not much help but you asked to "share our experience". Again, different strokes for different folks. I think a lot (most) of hyped up beers aren't worth the price of admission but B1 Leon delivered. That's all I got. Looking forward to others thoughts.
I was lucky enough to get a Leon in the lottery, and it is on its way to me now. I'll give some feedback once I drink it. OP: where did you read about possible infection?
Awesome, congrats! There's a review on the beer on here where a guy says he got an infected bottle, and I want to say I've seen it mentioned elsewhere, but can't quite recall where. I do know that I had seen a discussion somewhere on here also where people were talking about a certain batch being better than the other, I just can't remember which batch.
That review was from September, so before b2 was even released. Further, and someone school me if I'm off on this, I'm not sure that "grape bubblegum" screams infection. Maybe more of a jacked up palate or a poor understanding of how barrel-aged barleywines might present themselves?
Yeah, I think you're right. Estery off-flavor maybe, but probably not an infection. Though, an unfamiliar palate definitely makes sense. Brandy is distilled wine after all.
Funny you mentioned the grape bubblegum thing. When I think about it, some aged English barleywines I've had sort of had that flavor, and I thought they were all pretty good
Cigar city tests all of their BA beers now, the last one that was 'possibly' infected was Amplitude, so they pasteurized it after bottling to 'kill' the infection and it still taste great. Leon B2 had no issues whatsoever. All of that said, CCB beers don't seem to age that well, nor are they intended to, so Leon B1 probably isn't as good as it once was unless kept refrigerated from purchase. I've had B2 and its tasting as good as B1 when B1 came out, but I'm from FL, so be suspicious…..very suspicious….srs….
I know this is a little older thread, but wanted to ask here instead of start a new thread....I want to trade for it but I know nothing of bottle count or price.. thanks
ah, wow...did not know it was catador lottery only..Dont think ill have the ammo to pull this, but I can always try... hanks @drummermattie02 and @jivex5k
I traded for both b1 and b2 Leon with Mexican Cake (2014 variety,) not saying it's 1:1, but it's always part of expanded trade with cake and Leon at the center.
Some buddies of mine had Batch 2 last week at a tasting and all said it was phenomenal. I was lucky enough to win one and plan to open it July 4, that is my favorite holiday.
Are you talking about regular Mexican Cake or one of the BA variants? If regular, congratulations, that would be a phenomenal victory.
Ha! If someone can get it done with regular Mexi Cake, then I'll hang up my trading mantle, because I just met the Master.
