Old Irving Brewing (2022)

&%(*!&$*OZNR!!!!!

 

Better late than never... They're moving into the old Finch brewery.

 

Where do they do their production brewing currently? I can see this making sense if they move that operation there, but otherwise the current trend seems to be focus on less brewpubs and more production reach.

 

At the brewpub on Montrose, they also contract out Beezer at Great Central. They're keeping the original location, and scaling production for distribution at the new space.

 

I tried to go easy on hoarding this year and just went with a 2-pack of Koko, PB and Buff; Koko is one of my fave BA coconut stouts and I was really happy with PB last year; Champurrado is always great but I've gotten kinda sick of all the cinnamon stouts.

Either way, always excited for Krampus to come around! OIB is a fave of mine but I rarely drive there, so it's great to have an excuse.

 

Where is there new space going to be?

 

West Town.

 

Show me on the bear where OZNR touched you.

 

Having my last can now--what were people's thoughts on Summer Krampus?

 

Well, what are your thoughts on it?

I liked it, but it was not reaching into world class echelon of beer by any means. Kind of reminded me of Catch Hell but not as well crafted and a whole tier lower. Catch Hell was a 5, Summer Krampus was a 4. Certainly didn't regret my purchase and didn't have issue drinking my second can. Coffee, coconut, and cinnamon. Hit the notes and all present.

 

It tasted like a Somoa cookie dipped in suntan lotion. Cloying, with borderline toxic levels of coconut.

 

I haven’t had Summer Krampus but this my experience with koko krampus as well. Whatever method OIB uses to add the coconut comes off tasting rather artificial.

 

Funny, because I actually love Koko because of all the coconut. My first can of Summer seemed...I dunno, less intense than the 2nd. I preferred the 2nd basically because of the "suntan oil" thing it has going on, but I absolutely get why it's too much for a lot of people.

 

This year's Koko seems like it has a better balance between the coffee and coconut; I really liked it a lot (as did my wife), but we also always love that variant, so...

I was surprised how sweet the non-adjunct version of Krampus was, it was a little more than I expected/hoped. Good beer, though, and I'm glad they're finally releasing one without anything added to it.