New Beer Sunday (Week 668)

Greetings all. Thanks to LotW for doing such a great job of describing why winter is awesome (if perhaps overlong). We had one of those perfectly sticky snows yesterday that lends itself to beautiful pictures of trees.



Oh right, beer! Two years ago I do not believe I had even heard the term "Zwickel Beer" let alone know what the hell one was. But there are handful of breweries in my area who make them now and again and they have quickly become one of my absolute favorites. People often bring up the question here of "which beers tastes like beer?" and if you really forced me to choose, Zwickel Beer might be the canonical example of what beer tastes like to me. Bready, crackery, and easy drinking while still thick with flavor and aroma.

I haven't had too many actual German versions though, so today I'm giving Zoller's Zwickel Beer a whirl which clocks in at 5.5% ABV. One hiccup though, I was careless in choosing my bottle and just noticed it has a best buy date of 5/30/17. Oh well, let's see how it holds up.



I'd say this pours more slightly cloudy than hazy with a big, light fluffly head that quickly dissipates but keeps coming back if you treat the beer a little roughly. It has a fantastic nose even in its old age: bread, dough, cracker and maybe a little lemon waft up out of the glass. It does have just a hint of a sulfury smell that I often associate with imports and is perhaps a sign of being a little over the hill. Taste follows with just a touch of bitterness on the back end to round things out but it otherwise finishes fairly clean. I do still get a touch of that sulfur note as well as a slight metallic taste that I'm going to chock up to age, but it is not remotely enough to stop this from being an enjoyable beer. Carbonation is mild and the mouthfeel is somewhat thick while still feeling clean.

Honestly I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the local versions I've had, but given that it's 6 months past its best buy date and has gone through who-knows-what on its way to my glass, it's still pretty impressive. I'd love to taste a fresh one.

Cheers all!

 

A buddy of mine gave me this can to try, and honestly, I can say I have no idea what I feel about it. It's an IPL with Tapioca, Coffee, and Lactose. The lactose gives it a creamier mouthfeel, the tapioca seems to give a little tang to it, and the coffee blends with the hops a little bit for some bitterness. I don't know that I'd ever want to drink it again, but it was worth a try.

 

Howdy NBSers! As I'm sure many of you are aware of by now, New England in general seems to have gotten a bit of snow yesterday. I'm cool with snow unless it gets in the way of me driving somewhere I need to be, honestly, but I definitely don't seem to like it quite as much as I did when I was younger. In my opinion, you really become an "adult" when snow seems more like a nuisance than an exciting event

Anyway, with snow coming and colder temps finally closing in, it's that time of year for big, strong dark beers, isn't it? I have one of those in my glass today, so join me in celebrating the fortified fermented festivities of Winter!



This is Cassiopeia, an imperial porter (10%) from Grimm Artisan Ales. I have long enjoyed the Grimm beers I can acquire, and I'm hoping this is no exception. They don't make too many dark beers (for example, they're certainly not as numerous as, say, the brewery's hoppy sours, goses and IPAs), but what I've had has generally been good to great. Double Negative is, of course, a classic, no-frills imp stout, so I'm kind of going into this one thinking it'll be somewhat in the same vein, but perhaps roastier and with a less "big" feel thanks to the candi sugar and porter denotation.

Pours out of the bottle as a deep mahogany colored liquid, building up into my glass with an impenetrable inky blackness as it all comes together. The head is a somewhat-lighter-than-expected khaki color with alright retention. It eventually settles down to a small ring of oblong, clustered bubbles and reveals the stately black surface of this brew. Lace seems pretty nice, actually, with some decent tiered structure and sudsy insistence. The unfiltered approach to this beer definitely helps give off the sense of pure darkness they're likely going for.

The nose is heavy on perfumey ethanol, bittersweet chocolate (perhaps something in the realm of 70% cacao dark chocolate), roasty notes and deep espresso-like coffee. Kind of one-dimensional, actually, but it certainly does seem like a big dark beer. I just looked this one up and it seems that this was first brewed in 2013 and, as far as I can tell, hasn't been re-released until now. The official description for this beer includes this (pretty damn pretentious) line: "Cool-fermented with a clean Scotch ale yeast that emphasizes malty richness and earthy, mossy aromatics-think of Cassiopeia as a Baltic Porter fermented like a Wee Heavy." I... guess I can see where they're coming from, but it really doesn't have much of that "earthy" note they claim. Perhaps the first batch did, but this just feels like a good, big' ol American porter.

Flavor is rich and chocolate-y, with a pretty velvety feel and a solid, if plain, roast profile. Very well-hidden ethanol here, kind of hiding toward the finish where it comes out as a satisfying warmth and not a heavy burn. Light herbal hop toward the finish as well, with some veeeery light notes of star anise and nutmeg/cinnamon-like spice. Not as clean as a "Baltic porter" but it also doesn't have any slickness to it. It's also not dry, though, and it feels pretty well-attenuated. Perhaps that was the point of the candi sugar addition. I'm not positive on whether the original had that denotation, though, so we can only speculate. Carbonation is on the lighter end and the body is heavier than many porters due to the remaining yeast in the bottle.

I haven't had Double Negative in a while, but this feels quite different overall. DN is far more bitter and punishing; this feels like a walk in the park by comparison, though I'm sure it'll catch up with me soon. Good stuff, and enjoyable to drink, especially considering the snow on the ground and my inevitable freak-out as I slowly come to the realization that I'm really, really behind on gift purchasing.



This album has a really gross title, but it's really good. I only recently got into Ruins of Beverast with his release from this year, Exuvia (an absolutely amazing album by the way), but this is making me want to take another look at his discography and back catalogue which I have been only marginally following for years, mostly through friends of mine who are much bigger fans.

 

B2 -
Finishing up my Fresh Hop Pack-

I would say SN is my favorite brewery, but I really couldn't get into this today. Maybe its on the edge of shelf life. CT got screwed with the distribution on the Fresh Hop Pack.
3.69/5 rDev -5.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Poured from a 10/19/17 can to tulip.
L-dark red/brown w/ medium head. Fades to lace and thin head rather quickly
S- Mild hop, medium malt. Aroma is mild on this one.
T- Backwards- Malt in the front alcohol in the middle, hops at the back. Maybe I am biased by the color.
F- Appropriate ( I know a cop out).
Overall, not super for the ABV budget I spent on this, I mean I have other beers to drink this afternoon

 

Happy NBS, new beer samplers and commentators. Well, last week I enviously read many reviews of CBS while impatiently waiting for the bottles to hit New Jersey, which they did on Tuesday. I'm told that this the first time in six years that NJ has received bottles, which may or many not be true but I had never seen one before. As with many of you, CBS was a whale for me and I was anxious to try it given years of hype. My overall comments are (1) it really improves as the glass warms (at first it was too sweet for my taste), and (2) while it's very good, it's not nearly the best stout I've had. Give me a good RIS any day. Still, I'm enjoying it and hope we get bottles again next year. Here's my review (one of my longest):

4.54/5 rDev -3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

2017 Release. Poured into Founders pint glass. It poured nearly ink black with deep mahogany hues when held to the light, and almost two full fingers of lovely, fluffy, mocha-colored head and lacing that dissipated very slowly leaving thick, elegant lacing. The nose featured dark roasted malt, both burnt and freshly-brewed coffee, chocolate, and just a whiff of maple. Surprisingly, I didn't smell the bourbon. I could certainly taste the maple syrup, however. When first sipped it was extremely sweet - but the taste quickly changed to burnt coffee, char, and dark chocolate. Only at the finish did I finally notice the bourbon taste. Initially, it was almost like sipping two distinct beers. As the glass warmed, however, the sweetness became less pronounced and the bourbon more distinct. This stout has a rich, creamy mouth feel with moderate carbonation, and I could really feel the 11.7% ABV. For me, as for many others, CBS has been a whale for years and I was pleased that New Jersey finally received bottles this year. While initially I was a little put off by the sweetness, as the glass warmed the flavors blended really nicely and I now understood why CBS is so highly regarded. It's not the best stout I've ever had (I'd pick Parabola any time) but it's awfully good!

I hope you're all enjoying your new beers today. Cheers!

 

Duclaw dirty little freak color was clear brown,similar to flat cola soda. Body was also similar to flat soda,had a small fizz feel on the finish. Aroma was roasted and raw coconut as well as milk chocolate. Taste was same but with a touch of vanilla. I hate to give a bad review but this was just a bit too flat on the body and the taste wasn't artifical but it also wasn't that enjoyable.I gave it an overall of 3.49 but for me that was generous

 

My third beer is Tweak by Avery Brewing.

4.49/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours black with a very rich tan head and creamy lacing that remain.
S: Bourbon, coffee, chocolate, sugary malt, and smoke.
T: This is a nice beer, loaded with coffee, chocolate, sugary malt, little char, barrel, and almost no bite being 16% ABV.
M: Full but super easy to consume and a great warming effect for a cool afternoon.
O: I think this is one fine beer, everything works. Would be a great one to age.

 

happy birthday smaka! =)

 

That's a lovely beer and a great review. I'm checking Beer Menus now!

 

Greetings from middle TN! We missed the snow this weekend and actually enjoyed a beautiful day today - sunny with highs around 50 and blue skies. A great day to be outside before the Titans kickoff.
Today's (first) new beer is courtesy of @Wasatch and is my first from a brewery with a stellar reputation - Port Brewing Co, San Marcos, CA:



Apologies from the lousy picture but I was in a rush to get at this one. I liked the look which was classic West Coast IPA - moderately hazy and golden-amber with a foamy two-finger white head that lingered. This one had a bright citrus aroma, tangerine and grapefruit, right out of the can on the pour. Some earthy pine was also there. The taste featured earthy notes up front with lots of pine and some resin. The tangerine was there as well but stayed in the background. There was a deep old-school California bitterness that I appreciated. Dry and clean on the finish. Really enjoyed this one. Cheers, BAs!

 

What type of bird is that in your photo?

 

Big wet heavy snow falling this morning in Zürich, cold and rainy tonight in Basel. A winter sipper is in order - Thomas Hardy The Historical Ale (2016). Label says that the Ale was aged for 6 months in Cognac Oak Barrels. I’ve been looking forward to trying some Thomas Hardy Ale for some time based on multiple positive postings:

Poured at 56 degrees (yes, I remembered to bring my thermapen this trip) a ruby brown with almost no off white head; no cap retention, ring, or lace; good clarity; fast, but all coating legs upon swirl. 4.5



Aromas of caramel malt, prune, fig and earthy hops; soft boozy Port notes; molasses as liquid warms. 4.5



Caramel, toffee, candy caramel apple, plum, sugared raisins, subtle barrel/Port undertones with caramel, light brown sugar and caramel malt finish. 4.75

Body is full smooth rich and thick; light carbonation; chewy warm tongue coating. 4.75

Overall, this is world class; drinks like a lightly carbonated liqueur; layers of malt, and fruit; earthy hop bitterness under the semi sweet malt/barrel/cognac flavors. 4.75

Not disappointed! This English Barley Wine is perhaps the best barleywine style I’ve had, ever. Only regret is that it came in a 25cl bottle - I want more! Cheers Sunday BAs!

 

I had Jersey Squirrel yesterday at the brewery and enjoyed it. Interestingly, on draught the head was almost non-existent, which was surprising. Really nice, roasty, nutty taste!

 

Good afternoon NBSers! Today the weather is cold and we are trying to have a quiet afternoon relaxing at home.

First up the brown note from against the grain. My review
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26850/80692/

Then we cracked open a special beer the Breury so Happens it's Tuesday

https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/16866/121692/?ba=PittBeerGirl#review

In summary a decent brown ale and another beer from the Breury I find slightly overrated

 

I made my beer selection for today without regard to what I randomly turned on when I got home. I turned on "The Empire Strikes Back" while preparing to review Juicy Double from Goose Island. The labored relationship here is the "Evil Empire" of ABInBev..... Empire Strikes..... nevermind...

So here is Juicy Double from Goose Island.


3.89/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Big haziness in this yellowish orange beer that lacked much head activity, save for about an inch of off white foam. Lacing is spotty at best as it pulled back to a thin layer. Nose starts out big barley before an over ripe fruit thing settles in. Nothing overly bitter in the nose, but that's where the taste begins; in the bitter. Wave of English style IPA bitterness gives way to olive, then maybe either a hint of super bitter OJ, or maybe it's a little imagined due to the oddly quenching body that tried to impress upon me something refreshing, like juice.... Super drinkable feel is probably the best selling point, as the after taste is mealy and a touch sour. Overall, I'm just bleh.

 

ISO Berger Cookies!

 

Ok people...

I have noticed that since my posting... that there have been no beers showing up on my doorstep, nor have there been any BEER MAILS... or crazy gifts...

tap... tap .... tap..

tick tick...

...

fine I'll be in my trailer... punishing myself...

If you don't give me good beer... I will continue drinking this....

Ladies and Gentlemen... this is all on you...

Earthquake High Gravity Lager ( 10% ) | City Brewing Company, LLC


City Brewing Company, LLC - Earthquake High Gravity Lager (10%) by imbibehour, on Flickr

Poured from the can into a nonic pint glass. Jeezus… This can looks huge.

A big solid pour releases a real impressive beast. Screaming bright and crystal clear body, but with a classic brass straw yellow body. Topping thick eggshell white head, three fingers and big retention, faint line lacing, take that all you NEIPA suckers! And a creamy top. This is one aggessive and good looking brew so far. Never would have suspected this on a malt liquor.

Keeping in mind with a rigueur de jour of the malt liqour vein here, the aroma is sort of unexpected. Faint candy apple, but with not much sweetness and a chemical weirdness that strikes as a sort of off kilter imbalance. Faint corn sweetness but also very subtle, with a dominant aroma that is hard to place, but seems like it should just… not really be there. Very… very odd. Sticky and pasty sensing.

Flavor is shocking for all the wrong reasons I was thinking. First sip is a typical adjunct feeling, but it's shocking how the palate is completely neutral and actually non existent. This is one of the few beers I have had in my life that has confused me. The mid palate doesn't even have a sweet corn or adjunct flavor, and it's advertised 10% abv doesn't even have much of an alcohol or fusel like sweetness. It's complete just a dry grain and not even a burn. The finish though is just borderline putrid. A large lingering burnt fusel flavor and worse off it LINGERS… long. Strangely follow up sips numb it, but creates a giant stomach pit of booze bomb straight to the head buzz. It doesn't even taste strangely boozy which makes it even more dangerous. Bitter corn, and almost plasticly sensing flavors to get through. Strangely not hard to drink, if you're not a lightweight, but even most malt liquors have a quality that defines them and this just doesn't. It comes across as some malternative beverage strangely and not even beer.

This is nothing more than the same vein of glorified bum wine, only reason to drink this is to get messed up. This doesn't even taste like malt liquor let alone carrying much beer like qualities. It's a straight up alcohol cheap fix buzz.

look: 4.25 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.5 | BA Generated Score: 2.06

=====================================

Give me some good beer... and nobody gets hurt!

 

Greeting NBSers,
I never mind the snow as long as I don't have to go anywhere. I'm enjoying Night Shift's Morph 56 11/13/17 with my dinner. Pours a hazy golden straw with a thick white rocky head that settles slowly and leaves strata of lacing down the length of the glass. Aroma of pine resin with a trace of citrus. Taste follows nose - although I think some of the bitterness may have been blunted by my spicy dinner. Crisp and clean feel. Overall very tasty.

 

Sam Adams Oatmeal stout

Not sure how I haven't had this one yet.
Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a teku glass.
L: Dark brown black in color with a bit of light brown head. Minimal lacing left on the glass. 4/5
S: Chocolate malt, oats, hints of caramel. 3.5/5
T: Mostly sweet chocolate with a bit of bitterness. Not much oatmeal coming through. 3.25/5
F: Medium body with light carbonation. 3.75/5
O: A decent stout, but it was surprisingly bitter. I'd like more oatmeal flavor. 3.75/5