Odd Side: The Nihilist

Finally hit Macomb county last week. Saw plenty at 3 different locations. $4.99 across the board at all three stops. Only grabbed one bottle at each stop. Will probably be gone by the end of this week

 

Amazing Beer~ Bought a 4-pack at the pub last weekend, and 2 more at the store here in Oakland county last Wednesday. Going to age one, hard to resist.

 

Reading reviews on Doom and now having one of these in my possession can somebody give a basic description of difference between the two besides "this one is better, yada yada", like for example which one sides more on IPA aspect and which on Bourbon Barrel aged aspect. This will be the beer that introduces me to the catagory and just wondering what to think of Doom for when or if it ever gets released again, as people keep talking about it like its a jesus beer

From what i've read Nihilists seems to play more of the barrel ages aspect, Doom sounds like a beer that uses the barrel aging process to give a excellent over-tone to the hops. Is this correct?



Its still around in Metro Detroit area if you go to any decent store. Places selling singles are 4.99, i however i found it in unlimited quantities (with about 20-30 left) at a wine place in Livonia which stocks up like crazy, however it was 5.99 there.

 

Doom is better

 

While I haven't had the opportunity to try The Nihilist yet (or Doom), I like the hell out of what you're saying. I'm going to assume you like the Odd Side Ales (i.e. being a mug club member). I've been in to Odd Side a few times, and have had quite a few of their offerings. Some do miss the mark, but I give them a lot of respect for trying stuff like this, when they're nowhere near the size of the larger Michigan breweries (Founders, Bells, etc..).

I've never really understood the purpose of aging an IPA given the big hop presence (aging seems to mute/kill some of this, see: Beautiful Disaster...Both very solid beers on their own, but combine them and throw them in wine barrels and it takes away from both singular beers - still a good beer IMO though). I also have a few 120 Minute IPA's in the cellar (I realize these don't go into barrels to age) to see what they do in a few years, but again, I'm curious as to why aging IIPA/IIIPA is so desirable to many? Very interested to hear some thoughts, specifically regarding The Nihilist.

 

Nihilist is an excellent BBADIPA. The bourbon qualities really compliment the dank, piney, resinous hops. It's just different than a DIPA.

Aging IPA's is up to the drinker. In my experience it's kind of an unknown of how it may turn out. I've aged a few DIPAs (Non-barrel variations) and have found that they start to take on Barley-wine qualities. The malt taste more carmel-like and sometimes the hops dissappear, sometimes they stay...It's just a science experiment with not a lot of documentation.

 

Originally to me, the idea of bourbon barrel aging an IPA was the sign of the bourbon barrel trend jumping the shark - this was a technique most common with darker beers for a reason. But all of that changed when I first tried a bourbon barrel aged IPA, and I instantly got it.

It's a mistake to assume that you're going to get the same degree of bitter hops you would from a traditional, fresh IPA. The hop bitterness does indeed become muted, but much of their flavor remains - sometimes piney, earthy, or citrusy depending on the hops used. Those flavors combined with the sweetness of the bourbon makes for a very unique taste. Some of the more successful examples of the style will boost the malts to give the beer substance and lasting power (which can affect mouthfeel and its overall sweetness), the result being almost reminiscent of a good barleywine. Nihilist is a good example of one closer to that style. Odd Side's Bourbon Barrel Aged Citra Pale Ale is also excellent, but with much less malt and a bit thinner - also an excellent beer, but very different. It's a great style - and one of my new favorites - as long as you aren't expecting a bourbon hop bomb.

 

yeah i get most like it better, but that isn't much a description in regards to how the two beers actually differ

 

Any idea what the base beer is? El Dankerino?

 

Yes. And I think BBA beers has jumped the shark. I hate that people think if it's BBA it's automatically amazing. It's so over done and hardly done properly it's made me hate most of them. Just my opinion

 

Did you hate Nihilist? Because I thought the flavor was great, and that's all I ever judge a beer by. Not hype/price/abv/BA/etc.

 

I also enjoyed Nihilist. A lot more than I expected to. Wish I had gotten more than 3 bottles (one of which I had to ship off to a good buddy of mine because it was so good).

 

We have a barrel of it and it sells really well. I just think it's more bourbon then anything, I don't get much hop flavor. Just not my style. I'm not saying it's a bad beer, I just don't care for most BBA beers because they aren't balanced enough for me

 

I like unbalanced brews.

 

That's what's great about beer, there's something for everyone. To each their own

 

Funny, I like when brews make ME unbalanced. To each their own.

 

The 2013 founders black party was the bomb and my first doom try.. I'd say more balanced the nihilist but give props to oddside for a raw awesome ba dipa..
when's the collaboration between the two?

 

Drinking one of these now. Flavors are much more integrated, lots of sweet caramel coming through with the barrel. Hops have certainly faded, but they're still there. I'm getting a nice piney bite and a pleasing bitterness on the finish. Really glad I kept a couple bottles in the cellar.

 

Heading to the re-release Chuck? And if you haven't had Hazel's I strongly recommend you try to make it.

 

Crazy as it sounds, this is still sitting on some shelves in West Michigan (Nihilist that is). I'm definitely starting to understand (and enjoy) the barrel aged IPA trend a little more after having this and Scallywagger. So you heading out to Odd Side for the release?

I know I'll be there to get some more Hazel's - one of the best tasting beers I've had in recent memory.