New Beer Weekend #171

Nice find up at the Stateline in the Show Me State; Boulevard Spiced Imperial Stout ( Aged in Apple Brandy Barrels ), 15.0% ABV ( legal in Georgia?? ). 4.38 overall

Pours a ruddy/effervescent mahogany with a pinky of fast falling head. Viscous, some head retention& lacing

S: Cinnamon, spiced apples, some plum notes once warm; brandy notes once closer to room temperature

T: Follows the nose, figs, barrel rawness with woody hops & a kiss of booze. Hints of caramel sneaking in with oaky dryness & Apple Brandy notes, a kiss of cinnamon & a little brown sugar as this beer warms up. Finishes dry,oaky with Apple Brandy notes & a little cinnamon

MF: Chewy, warming, low carbonation, but enough to push the flavors. Very warming

Another great BA offering from these guys, drinks fantastic, despite the considerable heft

 

4 Hands Tidal IIPA, 7.5% ABV; 4.04 overall

Pours a hazed gold with floaties, & 2 fingers of cream-colored head. Good head retention & lacing, floaties, not wild about...

S: Passion fruit, guava, & green melon& coconut once warm; then then pineapple. great nose

T: Dryness, passion fruit, a hint of grapefruit & lemon up & a hint of coconut up front. Limes, pomelo, green melon & a little pineapple once warm. Finishes with some pineapple, tangerine & lime

MF: Medium body, low key carbonation that seems almost flat as time marches on, plus a little grittyness, body thinned as well, acidity picked up as it warmed

Solid effort but was hoping for better. If it tasted like it smelled.... Not hard to drink though

 

Similar rating, slightly different take. Such is tasting. I have 3 Vikes on my FF team; another season in the shitter I suppose