Harpoon Leviathan - Barleywine Style Ale

Harpoon Leviathan Barleywine pays homage to the classic English-style barleywines. The massive amount of pale malt coupled with the long boil in the kettle yields a deep garnet color and a strong malt backbone. Complex aromas and flavors of dark fruit, pepper, vanilla, and caramel derived from caramel- ized sugars complement the unique combination of Chinook and Tettnang hops.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is 65
Style - Barleywine
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a cooper color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and a hint of dark fruit.
Taste -  Malty, sweet, caramel, spice and slight hop after taste.
Mouth Feel - Lite carbonation, medium body.
Drinkable - Smooth not much of an alcohol taste.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =82

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Southampton - Imperial Porter

This is Southampton brewmaster Phil Markowski’s authentic interpretation of what an Imperial Porter would have tasted like back in the 18th century. Southampton Imperial Porter uses a unique blend of seven malts to give it a deep brown, almost black color and a smooth, full-bodied flavor that bursts alive with a pleasing, warming effect and notes of chocolate, toffee and caramel in every sip. Southampton Imperial Porter is perfect with smoked foods, earthy cheeses, desserts or simply by itself..

The ABV is 7.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Imperial Porter
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours black color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and caramel.
Taste -  Caramel and hints of chocolate and coffee.
Mouth Feel - Just the right amount of carbonation, full body.
Drinkable - This is a good example of an imperial porter, not the best but good.  I will have it again.

This beer pairs well with cheese, smoked and grilled meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B-
Ratebeer Rating =97

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AleSmith - Old Numbskull

Bottle conditioned.  A West Coast style barleywine. A huge malt profile and a very aggressive dose of premium domestic hops give Old Numbskull a tantalizing complexity, from the aroma to the aftertaste.

Multiple awards, including Gold in its category at the Chicago Real Ales Festival, and Silver for Best-of-Show.

Old Numbskull is AleSmith’s first barley wine offering. You may find the name "Old Numbskull" curious. Barley wine has its origins in England and tradition is to begin the name with "Old": Old Nick, Old Sampson, Old Jock, etc. Tongue-in-cheek is often the spirit in naming a barley wine. After drinking a glass or two, you may agree that Old Numbskull feels like a fitting description. It also reminds us of the Three Stooges, one of the greatest comedy teams of all time, so it's meant to bring a smile even before the first taste. Exotic fruit aromas, along with clean ethanol, caramel, honey and toasty notes are present in the nose. At five months of age, the Numbskull flavor begins malty and the hops become more evident from the middle to the finish and linger nicely in the aftertaste. The aroma notes also show themselves in the flavor.

1999 - waxed cap

2000 - dated as such. Pictured at left

2002 - Silver foil with electric blue design and NO filling in the anvil spaces

2003 - Silver foil with electric blue design and blue filling in the anvil spaces

2004 - same as 2003 but with "AleSmith" below the logo in white lettering.

........

2010 - Silver foil with electric blue design and silver filling in the anvil spaces and "AleSmith" below the logo in electric blue lettering.

I first review this brew on 9/11/10, I have incorporated that review with my new thoughts....

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Barleywine
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a deep cooper color with a big tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty first thing out of the bottle followed by hops just like an American Barleywine should.
After 30 minutes warming up, the dark fruit aroma kicks in, like raisins. 
Taste - Sweet, malty, almost syrupy, some dark fruits at the end. Not quiet a raisin taste, but close. After warming up more dark fruits are coming through. 
Mouth Feel - Smooth, good carbonated with a boozy finish.  Full body.
Drinkable - A good example of an American Barleywine.  Drinkable but it will catch up with up at 11%.

This beer pair well with cheese and desserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =100

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AleSmith - YuleSmith (Summer 2010)

YuleSmith is brewed twice a year in two different, yet similar, styles: For wintertime, it’s an Imperial/Double Red Ale and summertime it's an Imperial/Double IPA. 

During the summer, YuleSmith is transformed into a big, hoppy, Double IPA. The enormous load of hops requires a substantial malt background to create just the right balance for a Double IPA. Lighter in color, summer YuleSmith is available around the 4th of July and is packaged in a red, white, and blue bottle.

Gold World Beer Championships 2003, 2004, 2005

I had purchased this bottle when I got back from Libya.  I was in a mood for an IPA and had just purchased the YuleSmith Winter, so I gave it a go.

The ABV is 9.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Double IPA
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a cooper color with a very large white head. The head rised above the rim of the glass by 1/4" without falling over.  Good lacing.
Aroma - The first thing that hits you is a banana aroma and hops. Then citrus.
Taste - Sweeter than I though, citrus with no harsh bitter aftertaste. 
Mouth Feel - Crisp and clean not over carbonated.  Medium body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, could not tell it is a double.  Letting it age for6 months did this brew well.

This beer pair well with cheese and meats (grilled food - BBQ).

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =100

Castle - Samichlaus (2009)

The once strongest beer in the world is back ! Brewed only once a year on December 6. Samichlaus is aged for 10 months before bottling. This beer is perhaps the rarest in the world. Samichlaus may be aged for many years to come. Older vintages become more complex with a creamy warming finish. Serve with hardy robust dishes and desserts, particularly with chocolates, or as an after dinner drink by itself. Brewed under the exclusive license of Feldschlösschen-Hürlimann-Holding, Switzerland.

Had this brew at the Iron Abbey.

The ABV is 14.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Dobbelbock
Glass to use- Pilsener Glass or Mug
Delivery: Draft

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a copper color with a tan head. Nice lacing.
Aroma - Brown sugar, maple, raisins and plums. Reminds me of the Sam Adams Imperial Dobbelbock.
Taste -  Sweet! Syrupy and tacky.
Mouth Feel - Sticky and smooth, full body.
Drinkable - A bit too sweet but very good!.  

This beer may pair well with cheese, chocolate and most meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 94

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Kasteel - Cuvée Du Chateau

The Cuvée du Château truly crowns 20 years of craftsmanship. Both the aroma and the taste of the Cuvée du Château are those of a matured Castle Dark that has been allowed to evolve in all tranquility in Kasteel's cellars for ten years. The elegant velvet maturity of the dark brown ale, with hints of roasted and caramelized malt, followed by a subtle bitter undertone of English hops in the aftertaste, turns this prestigious ale into a complete gastronomic beer.   

I had this rare brew at the Monk's Cafe in December 2010.

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery Draft

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Dark brown in color.  Nice tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and fruity.
Taste - Sweet, malty, brown sugar, caramel, molasses, and dried fruit.
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation, smooth and full bodied.
Drinkable - I was very lucky to find this brew, very drinkable as an after dinner drink.  Only have one.

Goes great with cheese and grilled meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =94

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Delirium - Noël

In Belgium’s small town of Ghent, the Huyghe Brewery has been seeing pink elephants for many years now. On December 26th 1989, the famous “Delirium Tremens” was born. The particular character and the unique taste of “Delirium Tremens” result from the use of three different kinds of yeast. Its very original packing, which resembles cologne ceramics, and the colourful label contribute to its success. The label depicts the different phases of the production of “Delirium Tremens” the “Pink Elephant” was up and ready to conquer the world. But then they released the Christmas version of their beer, Delirium Noel.

When the seasons’ spectrums have changed from a vivid rainbow of flora, fauna and fair weather to a monochrome blanket of snow, slush and frigid temperatures, so must one’s beer. A spicy, crimson brew that completes the Delirium Trilogy (including Tremens and Nocturnum), Delirium Noel will bring color and zest back to the cold winter months and to your cheeks.

With its combination of an invigoratingly sharp and peppery character, stirring bitterness and that rare, crisp winter freshness of flavor, your inevitable fondness for the subtle, yet familiar nuances of piquant Delirium Noel will last through the seasons! Be sure to make plans to stay in when you pour out this memorable holiday beer, as its stout 10% alcohol content should keep you from going out in the cold more so than any blizzard ever could!

There are several different labels of Delirium Noel, and all of them feature the famous pink elephant and most also with Santa Claus.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgian Strong Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a very clear ruby color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - The first thing that hits you is sour apples then malts and spices.
Taste - Same as the nose with an addition of toffee. 
Mouth Feel - Correct carbonated and smooth.  Medium body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, could drink many in one session but call a cab if you are not at home. A great winter brew!

This beer pair well with cheese and meats (grilled meats).

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =97

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Sam Adams - Black Lager

When one sees a beer with a darker complexion these days, more often than not it’s a porter or a stout. But looks can be deceiving. There exists a style older than both and generally less well known; the schwarzbier, which literally translates to “Black Beer.” Unlike its dark cousins which are ales hailing from Britain, schwarzbier comes from Germany and uses a bottom fermenting lager yeast.  Samuel Adams Black Lager is brewed in the tradition of the latter. A medium bodied beer brewed using several different roasts of malt to create a smooth body and depth of malt character that has to be tasted to be believed..

The ABV is 4.9 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Schwarzbier
Glass to use- Flute, Pilsener Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Poors to a black color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Smokiness, chocolate and a hint of coffee.
Taste - Smoky, some hop bitterness, sweet and toffee.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right. Medium body.
Drinkable - Nice brew with a different taste. 

This beer pairs well with German food.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 97

Corsendonk - Christmas Ale

On the palate this silky smooth ale is predominantly malty, with smoky, spicy and citrusy notes, and a long, lingering finish that is lightly tart and malty. I first had had this brew on tap at Monk's Cafe in December '10.  It was so good I had to venture out to find a case, which I succeeded in accomplishing.

The ABV is 8.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Brown in color.  Very big tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malts, spices and hops.
Taste - Malty, some fruitiness and spices.
Mouth Feel - Tad too much carbonation, slightly tart finish. Medium body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable,  I could drink several in one sitting.

Goes great with cheese and meat (grilled meat).

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =98

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Russian River - Blind Pig

Blind Pig IPA: Blind Pig IPA was originally brewed by Vinnie at Blind Pig Brewing Co. in Temecula CA. Inspired by the original Blind Pig IPA, this beer is loaded with hop character but only has 6.0% ABV.

Had this at the Monk's Cafe in December 2010.

The ABV is 6.0 and the IBU rating is 72
Style - IPA
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery Draft

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Copper in color.  Nice white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Citrus and hoppy.
Taste - Hoppy again, and a fruity citrus taste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, smooth with a hoppy finish.
Drinkable - Goes down very nice,  I could drink a couple in one sitting. 

Goes great with cheese and white meat and fish.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A
Ratebeer Rating =100

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Koningshoeven - Tripel

Beer Brewery de Koningshoeven, the only Trappist brewery in The Netherlands!  Koningshoeven is also know as La Trappe in the states.  Worldwide, only seven Trappist beers remain. Six of these come from Belgium, one comes from The Netherlands, and that is La Trappe. The beer can only be called a ‘Trappist beer’ if it is brewed at a Trappist monastery under the supervision and responsibility of the monks.

A special and powerful Trappist. Including the use of coriander owes it its spicy character. Golden in color with a fruity, bittersweet taste.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Tripel
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pour brown color with a cream head that hangs around. No lacing.
Aroma - Candy (sweet) maybe honey, some malts.
Taste - Some as aroma with some hops. 
Mouth Feel - Well carbonation, medium body. smooth and a bit sticky. 
Drinkable - Pretty good but there are better Belgium tripels on the market.

This beer pairs well with Mediterranean food, cheese and meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 95

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The Book Club - December 2010

Our inaugural edition of the book club (six pack club).  Five coworkers and I bring in one six pack, we divide them up then get back together with our tasting notes which will be posted every month on this site.
 
First up; Winter/Seasonal/Dark beer.  

Anchor - Special Ale 2010 (Christmas Ale)

Géants Brewery - Noël Des Géants

Boulder - Never Summer Ale

Blue Kitchen - Redz Royale (Home Brew)

Unibroue - Trois Pistoles

Weyerbacher - Fireside Ale

Reviews will be posted by the first week of January.

Cheers!!

North Coast - Old Rasputin

The North Coast Brewing Co.’s  Produced in the tradition of 18th Century English brewers who supplied the court of Russia's Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. It's a rich, intense brew with big complex flavors and a warming finish.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 75
Style - Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Snifter or Pint Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper condition.

The Pour - Black color with a cream head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Chocolate and coffee.
Taste - Malty and some hops with a bitter chocolate finish.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is good, full bodied beer, and smooth.
Drinkable - A pretty good imperial stout. Add this to your Russian Imperial Stout entourage.

Goes great with cheeses.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A
Ratebeer Rating = 100

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Sierra Nevada - Tumbler

Sierra Nevada uses malt within days of roasting at the peak of its flavor to give Tumbler a gracefully smooth malt character. Two-row pale, crystal 40, chocolate and smoked malts give it a malty complexity. Challenger hops in the boil add balancing bitterness, while more Challengers and some Goldings give just enough hop flavor in the finish to balance all that malt.

The ABV is 5.5 and the IBU rating is 37
Style -American Brown Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.
The Pour - Pours a clear brown color.  Has a nice cream head with great retention. Good lacing.
Aroma - Hints of hops, some breadiness and a touch of caramel.
Taste -  Same as the noise, some hops and some breadiness.
Mouth Feel - Well carbonation, clean and crisp.
Drinkable - Definitely a light brown session ale.  Easy to drink but nothing extraordinary.

This beer pair well with most foods including cheese and meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =92

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Brooklyn Brewery - Chocolate Stout

This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, the award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style once made exclusively for Catherine the Great. Brooklyn uses three mashes to brew each batch of this beer, achieving a luscious deep dark chocolate flavor through a blend of specialty roasted malts. They brew it every year for the winter season. It is delicious when newly bottled, but also ages beautifully for years.
I had this with friends on a Saturday night, we all participated in the review.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Russian Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Black in color.  The large cream head.  Some lacing.
Aroma - Chocolate and coffee.
Taste - Same as the nose plus sweet hints and a bitter chocolate finish.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right, full body with a dry finish.
Drinkable - Nice brew.  Wish I had it with cheese, maybe next time.  Give it a go.

Goes good with strong cheese, chocolate or other deserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =100

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Dogfish Head - World Wide Stout 2009

Dark, rich, roasty and complex, World Wide Stout has more in common with a fine port than a can of cheap, mass-marketed beer. Brewed with a ridiculous amount of barley. Have one with (or as!) dessert tonight.

2001 - (18%) displays the unaltered words "Vim and Vigor" on the label and with gold cap.

2002 - (23%) "Vim and Vigor" is crossed out with gold cap.

2003 - (18.8%). No "Vim and Vigor" present, gold cap.

2004 - (20%) Bright yellow cap, no date stamp.

2005 - Bright yellow cap, date stamp

2006 - Dark green cap, date stamp

2007 - Dark green cap, date stamp

2008 - Yellowish-green cap, date stamp

2009 - (18%) Yellowish-green cap, date stamp
2010 - (18%) Yellowish-green cap, date stamp

World Wide Stout is one of the world’s strongest dark beers. It is brewed using six different yeast strains over seven months and then aged for half a year. World Wide Stout  is released in early winter with very limited availability.
This post is for the Nov 2009 vintage (one year old to the month).  Look in this blog for the 2004 I had on draft at Monk's in November of 2010.
.
The ABV is 18.0 and the IBU rating is 70
Style - Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Black pure dark in color and a thick cream head which vanishes.  No lacing.
Aroma - Strong dark fruity mostly raisins. 
Taste - Lushness, dark fruit, molasses some vanilla. A dark rum or brandy comes to mind.
Mouth Feel - Very smooth light carbonation, sticky. Full body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable.  But only have one per session.  You must get a bottle and age it as long as possible. 

This beer pairs very with cheese and meats (smoked meats).

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =100

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Samuel Adams - Imperial Stout

This is the third of the Imperial Series from Sam Adams that I've had.  Samuel Adams Imperial Stout is SA take on the traditional Russian imperial stouts from the 18th century.  While this style originated in England, American craft brewers have embraced the style and taken it to whole new level of flavor and complexity.    Samuel Adams Imperial Stout is a massive beer filled with big, dark flavors.  It has been a SA's favorite in recent year.

The ABV is 9.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Russian Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass or  Snifter
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Wow!! Chocolate as soon as I popped the bottle. Poors to a black color with a big cream head that stays. Excellent lacing.
Aroma - Chocolate but not as intense as when I opened the bottle.
Taste - Malty with a hoppy finish, bitter ended like bitter dark chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right. Full body.
Drinkable - Smooth. 

This beer pairs well with deserts like chocolate and cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 95

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Samuel Adams - Imperial White

This is second of the Imperial Series from Sam Adams that I've had.  Samuel Adams® Imperial White represents a new perspective on the classic witbier style.  Witbiers are normally light and refreshing with a fruity finish.  This is not just a more intense version of Samuel Adams® White Ale.  Samuel Adams Imperial White is a new recipe that stands on its own.  In fact, it is more of a wine substitute than just another refreshing witbier.  This is a beer that should be sipped and savored and you’ll be amazed at the flavors you’ll discover as the beer warms and opens up

The ABV is 10.3 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Imperial Witbier
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Pilsener Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring, but I will give it a good because of the high alcohol.

The Pour - Wow!! Bananas as soon as I popped the bottle. Poors an orange color with a big white head that stays. Some lacing.
Aroma - Fruity but not as intense as when I opened the bottle.
Taste - Sweet candy like, fruity with some toffee notes.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right. Crisp and clean.
Drinkable - Very drinkable.  At first I had no desire to try this brew but a friend from work said i should give it a good.  Glad I did, I like this beer a lot. 

This beer pairs well with white meats like pork and cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating = 76

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Dogfish Head - Chicory Stout

This is my second blog on this beer.  The first was in June of 2009.
Chicory Stout is a rich, dark beer made with a touch of roasted chicory, organic Mexican coffee, St. John's Wort, and licorice root. It is brewed with roast barley, crystal malt and oats and hopped just right with Glacier hops. DFH uses fair trade Organic Mexican Coatepec beans roasted to our specifications by Notting Hill Coffee Roastery in Lewes, DE..

The ABV is 5.2 and the IBU rating is 21
Style - American Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Dark brown/black in color and a large thick cream head which vanishes after a while.  Almost no lacing.
Aroma - Coffee and chocolate. 
Taste - Coffee and sweet and bitter chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Light high on the carbonation. Medium body with a dry finish
Drinkable - Not my favorite stout but you should give it a go and see for yourself. 

This beer pairs very with cheese and smoked or grilled meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =95

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St Bernardus - Pater 6

This name became a reference. This beer is mostly pointed out with its product name: “a Paterke”. This “Paterke” is a chestnut colored dark beer with a high fermentation (6.7 alcohol content) and a full taste.
 
The ABV is 6.7 and the IBU rating is ??.  
Style - Dubbel
Glass to use - Goblet or Chalice

Delivery 11.2oz bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a cloudy brown color with a cream head that last. Good lacing.
Aroma - Not much a light aroma, hints of bread, maybe some yeast and slight hint of fruit.
Taste - Fruity, hints of malts, finishes with a hoppy and alcoholic flavor.
Mouth Feel - High carbonation on this one, medium to full body.
Drinkable - I like this beer, not bad.  I could have one or two in a session thanks to the low alcohol.

This beer pairs very well with cheese and beef.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.

BeerAdvocate Rating =A-

Ratebeer Rating = 96

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Wychwood - Hobgoblin

Bottle and can: Pasteurized. Ingredients: Pale, chocolate and crystal malts; English Fuggles and Styrian Goldings hops. Hobgoblin is a powerful full-bodied copper red, well-balanced brew. Strong in roasted malt with a moderate hoppy bitterness and slight fruity character that lasts through to the end. Michael Jackson 500 Classic Brews.
 
The ABV is 5.2 and the IBU rating is ??.  
Style - English Brown
Glass to use - Pint Glass or Mug.

Delivery 11.2oz bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a ruby color a white head. No lacing.
Aroma - Bready not much else going on here.
Taste - Some hops and watered down.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation medium body.
Drinkable - Not at all was I expecting, I was hoping for something more.  Disappointed and let down.  A very boring brew.

This beer pairs with cheese and meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of C+.

BeerAdvocate Rating =B

Ratebeer Rating = 66

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Craft Beer Express #3 Fall Edition

The CBX was on November 13th starting at 11am to 9pm which had a series of buses running loops between the following bars (Kraftworks, Johnny Brenda's, Standard Tap, The Institute, Bishop's Collar, Kite & Key, Jose Pistolas, Sidecar, P.O.P.E, Devils Den & Brauhaus Schmitz).

Scheduled Events

Kraftwork: 20 Beers from B.United
Johnny Brenda's: The Wet Hop Rodeo (A round up of local & national wet hoped beers)
Standard Tap: Imperial Pageant
The Institute: The Power of the Darks Side (Stout & Porter event)
Bishop's Collar: Southern Tier Invades the North East
Kite & Key: A.A.A (Almighty, Afternoon of Alagash)
Jose Pistolas: Big Bold Barleywine
Sidecar: Featuring Bell's Jazz series brews
P.O.P.E: Dogfish Head Dominates the P.O.P.E featuring the Randell 3.0
Devils Den: Stockertown Beverage Supplies SUDDS special tapping of Founders Nemesis
Brauhaus Schmitz: Starkierfest

I started at Jose Pistolas for the Barleywines then to Sidecar and had the Bell's 25th Anniversary brew. Next was my favorite stop, P.O.P.E. I ran into some old friends, Curt and Bear from Nodding Heads. On to the beer, they had 12+ DFH taps including: the 2009 -120 Minute IPA; the 2008 - World Wide Stout on the “Randall the Enamel Animal” hop infuser with cherries; and this years Fort!

* The 120 Minute blew me away – one of best beers I have ever had. So complex and very good.
* The World Wide Stout through the infuser was phenomenal –Wow! not quite as good as the 2004 I had yesterday at Monk's but through the Randall with the cherries, ridiculous! (look at my review from Monk's)
* The Fort was nothing like what I had anticipated –Fruity, tart (and boozy at 18%) unlike any other beer I have every had.  

I only made two more stops before calling it a day.  By far the DFH was the best beer.

Monk's Cafe'

Monk's had a 2004 World Wide Stout and a 2009 World Wide Stout on draft in the back bar and the Old School Barleywine on tap in the front bar. 

The 2004 World Wide Stout was one of the best beers I have ever had.  It was rated at 20%.  Six years of aging did this brew well.  And to be able to sample it with the 2009 was a treat in itself. 

The Old School was nothing impressive being on draft, it taste the same as the bottle version.  But on draft is very cool!

I'll swing by again this weekend to see if any of these three are still on tap.

Dogfish Head - World Wide Stout - 2004

Dark, rich, roasty and complex, World Wide Stout has more in common with a fine port than a can of cheap, mass-marketed beer. Brewed with a ridiculous amount of barley. Have one with (or as!) dessert tonight.
World Wide Stout is one of the world’s strongest dark beers. It is brewed using six different yeast strains over seven months and then aged for half a year. World Wide Stout is released in early winter with very limited availability 

2001 - (18%) displays the unaltered words "Vim and Vigor" on the label and with gold cap.

2002 - (23%) "Vim and Vigor" is crossed out with gold cap.

2003 - (18.8%). No "Vim and Vigor" present, gold cap.

2004 - (20%) Bright yellow cap, no date stamp.

2005 - Bright yellow cap, date stamp

2006 - Dark green cap, date stamp

2007 - Dark green cap, date stamp

2008 - Yellowish-green cap, date stamp

2009 - (18%) Yellowish-green cap, date stamp
2010 - (18%) Yellowish-green cap, date stamp

 This post is for the 2004 vintage on draft I had on draft at Monk's in November of 2010.  

The ABV is 20.0 and the IBU rating is 70
Style - Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - Draft

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Dark in color and a small cream head which vanishes.  Some lacing.
Aroma - Strong dark fruity, malty, sweet and you can tell it's 20%. 
Taste - Wow! Malty, dark fruit, sweet molasses and dark chocolate. Like a triple bock or brandy.
Mouth Feel - Very very smooth and light carbonation, sticky. Full body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable too easy at 20%, it will sneak up on you. 

This beer pairs very with cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A++
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating =100

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Lagunitas - Maximus

This is my second blog on this brew.  The first was in June of 2009.
At the height of the heat in the heart of the summer, we felt that the only cure was a raging mouthful of fresh hops and malt. Caution: May remove enamel from teeth. This is Lagunitas IPA pumped up by about 30%!

The ABV is 7.5 and the IBU rating is 72
Style - Imperial IPA
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Lite cooper color with a white head.  Good lacing..
Aroma - Hoppy, bananas and spices.
Taste - Hoppy, loads of hops and sweet.  No bad after taste.
Mouth Feel - Excellent carbonation. Full body. Great finish.
Drinkable - I have not had a good IPA in a long time. This taste very good. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and grilled meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 98

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Flying Dog - Dogtoberfest

Dogtoberfest is a unique beer containing five premium malts. This lager draws its influence from the Vienna Marzen or Oktoberfest style. It is rich and malty with a sweet aroma and deep mahogany color.

The ABV is 5.3 and the IBU rating is 30
Style - Marzen / Oktoberfest
Glass to use- Pint glass or a mug
Delivery 12 oz bottle.

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a dark ambercolor with a white colored head.  Some lacing.
Aroma - I get some fruits, caramel, malts and molasses.
Taste - Malty, some toffee, very good.
Mouth Feel - Well carbonated, crisp.
Drinkable - A very good example for this style. Go out and get one.

This beer pairs with German food or a good sausage dog.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating = B
Ratebeer Rating = 63

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St Bernardus - Tripel

This beer, with high fermentation, has a pale amber color and a flowery, fruity taste with a harmonious balance between sweet and sour (8% alcohol content).  This beer has a thick and vivid froth and strikes by its balanced taste with a delicate bitterness.
 
The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??.  
Style - Tripel
Glass to use - Snifter, Tulip or Goblet.

Delivery 11.2oz bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a straw color and a little cloudy with a white head that last.Some lacing.
Aroma - A mix of light fruits.
Taste - Sweet, fruity and spicy .
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation on this one, very smooth and full body.
Drinkable - Not bad but I like the Abt 12 better.

This beer pairs very well with cheese and pork or poultry.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.

BeerAdvocate Rating =A-

Ratebeer Rating = 99