Let's talk about Nugget Nectar!

I had that triple mango at the brewery this past saturday. Really tasty stuff. They ran out of it shortly after I got there and had a draft, though. Any idea on whether they will bottle this one for purchase at the brewery? I picked up a sixpack of the scratch 57 (chocolate weizenbock) but it wasn't nearly as good as the mango.

 

Where have you seen/heard these mentions? Have not tried this batch yet...

 

its been all over the place since last wednesday.

also, it is delicious as usual. i have a case of 2/20 and its fantastic.

 

Would be cool if they did, but I have no clue. Sorry

 

I don't see that happening. They only make scratch beers once and #58 was made around two months ago.

It appears that the only scratch beers being bottled at the moment are the ones being brewed on the larger systems. Since the move to Hershey only three scratch's have been bottled, #52 and #55 were both brewed on the large system and #57 was brewed in the dreamweaver open top tanks. I have no doubt that they will begin to bottle them again, but it may take some time.

 

had a few bottles this year and a few drafts, all about 2 weeks ago...it's good, but i've never thought of nugget nectar as awesome...however, if available in a cask, to me it is one of the best beers i've had....i'm wondering if the move to Hershey threw things off a little bit this year...still enjoy NN, but there are other things out there i order before that

 

TongoRad, thank you for confirming what I was thinking!! I couldn't quite nail it down, but it must be diacetyl. I keep checking with time hoping it would get better, not so much. I drank other bottles not dated on 2/20 and did not get the diacetyl taste. The beer is drinkable, but not to me. I will wait until the next batch comes out and try again! Seriously, I thought I was crazy! Thanks so much!

 

My case of 2/14 is not fantastic. As stated in another thread, the EtOH is overpowering in this case. So much so that the extreme pleasure I'd like to derive from this beer is not there--but that is not saying it's a drain pour. Nowhere near it, as the remaining sixer can attest to. FWIW, time has not helped cure this ill. Nor has my sensitivity to alcohol increased over the past year for those of you who don't think it's possible to remember tastes and smells. Maybe I'll try a fresher batch.

 

Yeah I love the people that can't understand that beers can be different each year even though the recipe has not changed. It's almost laughable. Go ask a wine maker how his grapes grown from the exact same vines each year can vary drastically from year to year. I'm not saying hops are the same as grapes, but you can't deny that weather factors etc can change flavors/characteristics.

 

The 2/21 batch is drinking mighty fine if I do say so myself.

 

NJ bottles say made in Harrisbrurg PA NY bottles say Hershey PA NY bottle date 2-21-12 NJ 1-21-12 Is troegs still useing the Harrisburg Brewery ?

 

Bought a case in NJ last week - bottled 02-14-12 - bottle labels, sixpack baskets and case shell all say "Hershey, PA". The feds usually give a company permission to "use up" obsolete labels.

 

Yes, it's a very impressive facility. And the prices are very reasonable - only $11 for a Nugget Nectar growler fill (their regular beers are just $9-$10).

 

I think I'm a convert. Wish I'd bought more.

 

Still haven't found or tried it yet.. but what do people think of Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale in comparison? I've heard it's similar.. and I think it's excellent. Just picked up a few bottles.

 

Tongo - I 100% agree with you. I had a pint at the bar at Whole Foods Columbus Circle yesterday and it wasn't nearly what I remembered it. About halfway through the glass, after warming up slightly, I began to distinctly taste diacetyl. As you said, it wasn't overwhelming and the beer really wasn't bad, but it was definitely a flaw. Unfortunately I have no idea on the batch, but if you say you've been seeing rumor regarding the 2/20 batch, it wouldn't surprise me if this was the same. I'll be purchasing a 6 pack at some point over the next week or two (if I can find a non 2/20 batch) and will see if it's a different experience. I have confidence in Troegs, they almost never have QC problems and NN has been historically a great beer.

 

Whats confusing me is you say that with one bottle you get a harsh quality on the finish and then indicated that if you have three or more it becomes apparent that it is diacetyl. Now I've always been told that diacetyl produces a buttery taste and the beers I've had where I could confirm that there was a buttery taste did not have the harshness you describe.

Could you elaborate a bit more on how both the harshness and buttery taste are related to diacetyl? Thanks.

 

Sure- I used the word 'harsh' in more of a broad sense, sort of like ' something here doesn't belong' rather than strictly meaning abrasive. Maybe 'jarring' would be a better word? Either way, it does start to taste buttery after the palate becomes acclimated to the initial flavors and background ones start to take their place. The hops and malt do tend to dominate early on.

 

How much do you guys think the quality of the water will play a factor? i.e., a new facility, mayhaps treated water, etc.