Revolution Brewing (2019)

If the only choices are

(1) 2018-quality SJ but no VSOJ; or
(2) 2019-quality SJ plus 2018-quantity VSOJ

I'm choosing (1) because '18 SJ was truly excellent and widely available while VSOJ, although borderline transcendent, was sold out in a couple hours. The relative availability, not to mention affordability, of '18 SJ outweighs the relative quality of VSOJ.

 

Well 2017 had VSOJ in it (I think I remember ~30%) so that's going to be difficult to replicate. Also talking with some people at Rev they said the 2017 Ryeway was somewhat of an accident on how sweet it was and last year's version returned to the more typical drier version. FWIW I also thought the 2017 Ryeway was an all time beer and just had my last can a few weeks ago. I liked both versions but do wish they'd go to the sweeter version as well.

 

This discussion got me wondering so I just checked and last year's releases were announced around this time last year (Aug., 2018). Any word on timing of the announcement for this upcoming year? Maybe @Veliksta1 has some intel?

 

The funniest moment for me at the Midlife Crisis was when the head brewer was walking around carrying unlabeled cans. For some reason I thought it might be water and I reached for one...he told me it was Hazy Hero and I put it back. He looked stunned!

It was agua or nothing for me at that point.

 

Do you know which release was the one with 30% VSOJ? I thought it was the last release. I'd like to compare the cans next to each other.

 

'18 was the one with 30% VSOJ; this past one had either none or a lesser percentage.

 

I think these get a bit confused.

The recent cans WITHOUT 30% VSOJ were released in January 2019...but were announced with the 2018 Deep Woods batches.

The (amazing) cans with 30% VSOJ were released in January 2018...but were announced with the 2017 Deep Woods batches.

 

Is the November Deth release party now called the Midlife Crisis Party? If so, totally appropriate.

 

Yep, exactly.

 

Nope, this was the recent summer Barleywine party name.

 

At the first line I was narrowing my eyes, but your logic is pretty solid. I prefer VSOJ, but the SJ blend with VSOJ in it was fantastic (even if a step-down), and not having to murder an entire swath of neckbeards to get a bunch of that would be a nice change of pace (I got my cans of VSOJ, but I would imagine that next time I'll have to lineup 2 days ahead of time, and bring a stroller with a realistic-looking doll baby to have a chance).

 

Dude, when they next release VSOJ there will totally be knife fights breaking out amid the stroller parking.

 

Those who strongly prefer 2018 Straight Jacket and 2017 Ryeway are likely mistaking quality for their preference toward sweet. Both of those beers were significantly sweeter than the vintages you're comparing them too and there's an equal number of people who prefer them dry like they've always been, with the exception of these vintages. Similar to how we had dry barrels to spare this year, enabling the creation of Strawberry & Honey, the year of 2018 Straight Jacket, we had extra sweet barrels. There wasn't a logical destination for those on their own, so they were rolled into the following year's Straight Jacket blend, making the beer the sweetest it had ever been. While the extra year on that ~30% didn't hurt, I assure you that it's the sweetness of the liquid that's causing you to draw the comparison. The brewers are well aware of the growing interest in sweet and making some adjustments, but that doesn't mean they'll all be that way. This is why I'm so proud of the preview party concept that we've got going. I get it that not everyone can pull it off 2 days in a row, but at least it's a chance to sample the goods before you spend good time and money.

I have the intel, but I'm sad now

 

Where does the recent canned release of VSOJ fall on this spectrum? Was it especially sweet? Was it supposed to be sweet? Or is it possible that aging your base beer longer in barrels makes it taste better?

Truly not trying to be argumentative, and I really appreciate your input on here...just wondering.

 

So you’re saying in the days of pastry stouts and milkshake IPAs, that people prefer sweeter?

I’ve got zero complaints with this last batch of SJ.

 

I'm just going to jump in here with the most unpopular opinion of this whole thread. Here goes:

I flat out did not like VSOJ. It was way too overpoweringly sweet for me. Tasted like I was drinking liquid brown sugar and that is the ONLY note I got from it. I love barleywines, I let it warm up and took my time with it, it was just unimpressive to me. I do however agree with sweet Straightjacket being a hair better than this year's, but I will still take any regular Straightjacket over VSOJ. More for everyone else!

Go ahead and perma-ban/crucify me now, I accept this fate.

 

I'm conflicted, cause you're helping prove my point earlier about not everyone loving the super sweet beers. LarryDavid.gif

 

No, that's great, the more people say this the better, imo

I feel that a photo of Rachel McAdams is a perfect time to mention that I really appreciate that the mods don't instakill all non-beer pic posts anymore...