Koningshoeven - Quadrupel

The strongest of the special beers. Its flavor is full, mild and pleasantly bitter. Quadrupel is presently available in the autumn, is bottled by the year and is perfect company for those long winter evenings.  Koningshoeven is also know as La Trappe in the states.

A unique Trappist beer that is even put to rest sorted by year in the cellars of the abbey for further fermentation. The strongest beer of La Trappe with a beautiful amber color. The warm taste is full and well-balanced. A little bit sweet and pleasantly bitter. La Trappe Quadruple is also fermented in oak barrels.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Quadrupel (Quad)
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 a cloudy orange color with good head that settles. Good lacing.
Aroma - Fruits wow! Banana, citrus and some spice.
Taste - Malty, candy, fruity and citus. 
Mouth Feel - Well carbonation, a little harsh but in a good way. 
Drinkable - Lots of alcohol, lookout!  Only have one per sitting. What a pleasure to have a real Belgium big brew.  Lot better than the US attempts at the style.

This beer pairs well with cheese and smoked meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating = 99

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Allagash - Dubbel Reserve

Allagash Dubbel Reserve boasts a dark malty taste. The finish is dry with subtle hints of chocolate and nuts. With time, Allagash Dubbel Reserve will mature in the bottle and acquire distinctive port and sherry characteristics.

The ABV is 7.0 and the IBU rating is ??.  
Style - Dubbel 
Glass to use - Goblet.

Delivery 755ml bottle.

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

The Pour - Pours a cloudy brown color and a cream head that last. Good lacing.
Aroma - Yeasty, some hops, malty and fruits.
Taste - Sweet malts with a slight caramel flavor. Overall kind of light on the taste side.
Mouth Feel - Slightly high carbonation with a dry finish.
Drinkable - Not bad but there are better dubbels out there to be had.  With that said, try it for yourself.

This beer pairs very well with cheese and beef.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B-.

BeerAdvocate Rating =B+

Ratebeer Rating = 94

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Victory - Old Horizontal

Luxuriously rich in character, this warming winter ale delivers over 10% alcohol in an oh-so-seductive manner. Deliciously fruity flavors lie under a bracing hop nose.

The ABV is 10.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Barleywine
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark ruby color with a small head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Caramel, malty and fruity.
Taste -   Dark fruit including raisins and brown sugar. 
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation, smooth with a sticky finish.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, I love barleywines.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

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

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Ommegang - Three Philosophers

Three Philosophers is a remarkable limited edition strong ale brewed by Brewery Ommegang in response to a home brewer’s description of his dream beer. Realbeer.com, hosted a contest called “Create a Great Beer.” Brewery Ommegang was chosen by Realbeer.com to brew the Belgian-style ale for the winning essayist. Noel Blake, a home brewer from Portland wrote the winning description for what his “dream beer” would be like.

The ABV is 9.8 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgian Quadrupel
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a cooper color with a cream head that hangs around. Some lacing.
Aroma - Cherries, caramel and malts.
Taste -   Sour, cherries and other dark fruit, a bit hoppy. 
Mouth Feel - Medium body, alcohol and a tad too much carbonation.
Drinkable - Drinkable, love the subtle cherry taste.

This beer pairs well with cheese and meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating = 99

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Bell's - Consecrator Doppelbock

Consecrator is a traditional doppelbock-style fermented with a Bohemian lager yeast. Reddish brown in color, with a mild hop profile, Consecrator is a well balanced, full bodied beer with hints of caramel and molasses in its smooth, malty finish. Brewed for a Fat Tuesday release.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Doppelbock
Glass to use- Pint glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a copper color with a cream head that vanishes. Some lacing.
Aroma - Not much going on, I do get a hint of molasses.
Taste -   Raisins and some other  fruitiness, malty and caramel. 
Mouth Feel - Crisp and good carbonation.
Drinkable - Just like other dark bocks not as good as Sam Adams Imperial Doppelbock.

This beer pairs well with cheese and German food.

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

Ommegang - Rare Vos

Rare Vos is flemmish for "Sly Fox," and the name of one of Brussels’ great cafes. It has a sweetly fruity malt character and yeasty spiciness. A fine dose of yeast permits the beer to mature and mellow in the bottle.

The ABV is 6.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgian Amber Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a amber color with a white head that hangs around. No lacing.
Aroma - Spices just like a good Belgian should, liken to Duvel or Chimay.  I believe they use Duvel yeast.
Taste -   Spicy and some fruitiness. 
Mouth Feel - Crisp, clean and good carbonation.
Drinkable - Nothing outstanding just a good Belgian with the exception that it's made in the USA (in baseball town).

This beer pairs well with cheese.  I had it with Boar's Head Canadian Sharp Cheddar and a turkey sandwich.

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

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Fegley's - Rude Elf's Reserve

Rude Elf’s Reserve is comes in at a whopping 10.5% ABV and is brewed with a special blend of spices and a unique selection of Belgian yeasts to create a warm and inviting holiday brew.

The ABV is 10.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark amber color with a cream head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
Taste -  Sweet, caramel and dark fruits. 
Mouth Feel - Medium body, and low carbonation.
Drinkable - Drinkable, not quit as good as Troegs but very good.

This beer pairs well with cheese and meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating = 89

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Tröegs - Mad Elf

Another one of my favorite seasonal beers.  I believe it is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale or a Strong Spice Ale.  I first discovered this beer at my local beer distributor.  It was December of 2006 I believe and I noticed the case display.  I read the description and decide to give it a go.  No regrets!  I've bought at least two cases every year since then.  Though I never managed to save any for aging.  I need to work on that because I think this beer will age very well.  The Mad Elf is made with Pennsylvania honey, sweet and sour cherries and Belgian spicy yeast, yum!
The Mad Elf, a cheerful creation to warm your heart and enlighten your tongue. The combination of Cherries, Honey, and Chocolate Malts delivers gentle fruits and subtle spices. Fermented and aged with a unique yeast, this ruby red beer has significant warming strength that underlies the pleasant character of this intriguing yet delicious Ale. The Mad Elf, a jolly and delicious beer for the Holidays.

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgian Strong Dark
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a ruby red color with a cream head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, cherries, other dark fruits, spices and honey.
Taste -  Sweet and cherries, . 
Mouth Feel - Medium body, alcohol and a tad too much carbonation.
Drinkable - Drinkable, love the subtle cherry taste.

This beer pairs well with cheese and meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 93

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Alternatief - Eerwaarde Pater

Het Alternatief Eerwaarde Pater translates to "Wood aged dark ale".  No brewery description for this one, the brewer's website is in Dutch only.  I had this rare brew at Monk's.  The bartender turned me on to it (see it pays to get to know your bartender, and tip well).  We must thank a distributor named 12 Percent for bring this into the USA.  They travel the world, looking for the greatest beers with fantastic stories behind them.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgian Strong Dark Ale
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 - Pours a deep brown color with a cream head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Caramel, spices and a bit of hops.
Taste -   Malty, burnt sugar, coffee, bitter chocolate, finished with a little bitter from the hops. 
Mouth Feel - Strong and good carbonation.
Drinkable - Like a Trappist Dubbel but unique.  May I have another.

This beer pairs well with cheese and meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 83

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Dogfish Head - Immort Ale

Vast in character, luscious & complex. Brewed with peat-smoked barley, this strong ale is brewed with organic juniper berries, vanilla & maple syrup. It’s aged on oak and fermented with a blend of English & Belgian yeasts. The sweet and earthy flavors meld magnificently in the Immort Ale. But, be warned the abv is 11%, so after 1 or 2 you may start feeling immortal.  Immort Ale is released each and every spring (after the sap starts flowing).

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is 50
Style - American Strong Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter or Chalice
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a nice amber color with a nice head. Some lacing.
Aroma - A little of everything due to the oak barrel aging; oak, some maple, vanilla, malts and a hint of smokiness.
Taste -  Like a combination of two brews; Raison D'Extra and 60 Minute.Taste like smells. 
Mouth Feel - Clean and just the right amount of carbonation.
Drinkable - Very good I could drink it all day but I would pass out after the third.  11%!  I need to a small quantity so I can age it for a while.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 99

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Heavy Seas - The Great Pumpkin (Mutiny Fleet)

The secret is in the 2.5 pounds of spice per barrel for this fall brew. They add the pumpkin during the mash at precisely the right time to create just the perfect balance of malt, hops, pumpkin and spice.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Imperial Pumpkin Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 22oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a nice orange color with a white head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Spicy, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Taste -  Spice up front; cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and caramel.
Mouth Feel - Clean and just the right amount of carbonation.
Drinkable - Very good pumpkin ale just like Weyerbacher and Dogfish Head.  See these reviews.

This beer pairs well with meats and Thanksgiving dinner.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 85

Fuller's - Vintage Ale 2008

Vintage Ale is a truly distinguished bottle-conditioned ale, crafted by Fuller’s Head Brewer, John Keeling. Each vintage is a blend of that year’s finest malt and hops, and of course our unique yeast, creating a unique limited edition brew.  Fuller's12th Vintage (2008) features two of of their favorite English hop varieties, Northdown and Challenger. These, combined with floor malted Maris Otter malt, produce a rich fruit aroma laced with dark orange hop notes. A full luxurious mouthfeel is finished off with a satisfying alcohol warmth.  There were just 145,000 bottles produced.   The 2007 edition marked 10 years of brewing this extraordinary ale. There were just 150,000 bottles produced.  I sampled #107047 for the review and I have #106740 in the cellar.

The ABV is 8.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 500ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a brown/orange color with a big cream head and some lacing.
Aroma - Malts, caramel, some orange, other fruits and a bit of hops.
Taste - Same as the smell strong malt and caramel with a candy finish and a hint of raisins. Delicious! Taste just like an aged English Barleywine.  After letting it warm up to room temperature hints of honey, apples and more raisins come out.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right. Very smooth.
Drinkable - A very nice after dinner drink. Wish I had more.

This beer pairs well with cheese, chocolate and other deserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating = A-
Ratebeer Rating = 96

Samuel Adams - Double Bock (Imperial Series)

Just as the British pushed their style further with Imperial beers, the Germans also experimented with higher level specialty beers. The original Doppelbock (or Double Bock) was also brewed to be a stronger version of its original bock beer style. Monks first brewed Double Bock to help them through their Lenten fast. One cannot help but appreciate Samuel Adams Double Bock's huge malt character.  They use an enormous amount of malt, half a pound per bottle, to brew this intensely rich lager.  Its deep brown-ruby color is all made in the kettle, no black malt is used, resulting in a rich sweetness that is free of the rough taste of burnt malt.  All that remains is the velvet smooth flavor and mouth feel of the two-row malt. Samuel Adams Double Bock's intense malt character is balanced with a subtle piney, citrus hop note from the Noble hops.

The ABV is 9.5 and the IBU rating is 10
Style - Imperial Doppelbock
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Dimpled Mug, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark ruby color with a big cream head and good lacing.
Aroma - As soon as I popped the cap, Wham! The malts hit the air followed by lots of raisins then some spice, very intense.
Taste - Same as the smell strong malt and caramel followed immediately with the raisins. Taste just like an aged English Barleywine (J.W. Lees comes in mind).
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right. Velvety smooth.
Drinkable - I only chilled for an hour and sampled it at around 55F. Very drinkable, I cannot wait to taste this after it has aged for a year or five.  I think SA should reclassify this brew.  Then again I have never had an Imperial Dobblebock.

This beer pairs well with pork, cheese, chocolate and other deserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 86

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Weyerbacher - Fireside Ale

This fantastic brew began its life as "Charlie", the third installment of the Brewer's Select Series.  It is now part of Weyerbacher's seasonal lineup and will be released in the month of January.   It is an intricate dark ale with a touch of smokiness.  The rich malt flavor, crisp bitterness and smoke reach perfect equilibrium in this brew.   At 7.5% abv, Fireside Ale will warm you up as the temperature drops.

The ABV is 7.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Smoked Beer
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a deep dark brown color with a cream head that last. Some lacing.
Aroma - Spicy, malty with some smoke.
Taste - Sweet with a light hint of roasted malts and some bitterness with a smoky finish. Reminds me of a German Rauchbier beer.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body with a dry finish.
Drinkable - Not bad, need to age it a bit maybe a few months in the middle of Winter I'll give it another go.  My buddy Joe always lights a fire in his backyard chimneya, I will try on next time I'm over there.

This beer pairs well with spicy cheese and meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 87

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Dogfish Head - Chateau Jiahu

Since the 7/17/2010 story on National Public Radio's 'All Things Considered,' DFH has had lots of interest in Chateau Jiahu and all of their Ancient Ales. Missed the story? Here is is!
More on Jiahu....
Let's travel back in time again (Midas Touch was DFH first foray and Theobroma their most recent), this time 9000 years! Preserved pottery jars found in the Neolithic villiage of Jiahu, in Henan province,Northern China, has revealed that a mixed fermented beverage of rice, honey and fruit was being produced that long ago - right around the same time that barley beer and grape wine were beginning to be made in the Middle East!
Fast forward to 2005.... Molecular Archeologist Dr. Patrick McGovern of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology calls on Dogfish Head to re-create their second ancient beverage and Chateau Jiahu is born.
In keeping with historic evidence, Dogfish brewers used pre-gelatinized rice flakes, Wildflower honey, Muscat grapes, barley malt, hawthorn fruit, and Chrysanthemum flowers. The rice and barley malt were added together to make the mash for starch conversion an Chrysanthemum flowers were then added. The entire mixture was boiled for 45 minutes, then cooled. The resulting sweet liquid was pitched with a fresh culture of Sake yeast and allowed to ferment a month before the transfer into a chilled secondary tank

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is 10
Style - Herbed or Spice Beer
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a nice orange color with a white head and some lacing.
Aroma - Spices, oranges, honey and some malts.  Unique.
Taste - Sweet, spicy and fruity.  The honey is there almost like a mead. 
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation. Like drinking white wine.  Very smooth.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, will make a good choice to go with desert like a fruit wine.

This beer pairs well with cheese and deserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 87

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J.W. Lees - Harvest Ale1999

Available filtered and pasteurized in 275ml dark glass bottles. Has appeared occasionally in cask.
This fully fermented strong ale has been brewed by J.W. Lees as a celebration of the brewers art since 1985. Harvest Ale can be enjoyed now or laid down like a vintage wine for enjoyment in years to come.

This blog is for the 1999 release which I enjoyed at the Memphis Taproom in the fall of 2010.  In 2010 and 2011 I had the 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006 and 2007 all on different dates of course.  Sadly I have no blog for the 1997, 1998 or 2001 vintages.

The ABV is 11.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - English Barleywine
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 275ml Bottle

Should be cellared for long periods as this one was, under the proper conditions. Ah Men.

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head that dissipates. Some lacing and a clear coat on the glass.
Aroma - Plums, figs and raisins are dominate at first then molasses maybe brown sugar.
Taste -  Dark fruits, toffee, caramel. Liken to a nice port. After taste is all raisins.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation and full body, very smooth no burn from the alcohol.  Very well balanced.
Drinkable - A most excellent brew!  Try to find a bottle at least 8 years old, preferably one from the 1990's.

This beer may pair well with cheese and desserts but just enjoy it without food.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A
Ratebeer Rating = 99

George Gale's - Prize Old Ale (2003)

Bottle Conditioned.

Ingredients: Maris Otter and minute amounts of black malt; Fuggles, Goldings and Challenger.
It is reddish in color with hops and apple fruit on the nose, spicy and malty in the mouth, and a dry, even tart fruity finish with hints of raisins and apple.  The slow work of the yeast in the bottle may increase the alcohol content to 12% or even more. After several years of aging Prize Old Ale gains a more complex palate with Calvados like character. It is said that Prize Old Ale is at its best after 20 years of maturing.
Bottled as Milestones Pale Ale to celebrate the opening of the Milestones Museum.

Surprisingly, I stumble across George Gale - Prize Old Ale 2003 at Monk's cafe today.

The ABV is 9.0 (12) and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 550ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a deep dark copper color with no head and no lacing.
Aroma - A lot different than the 2007, lots of raisins and molasses.
Taste - Sour, raisins and cherries.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation with a dry finish.
Drinkable - I think this ale aged a bit too long.  I think it's prime might have been last year or the year before. 

This beer pairs well with cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating = 86

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George Gale's - Prize Old Ale (2007)

I stumble across George Gale - Prize Old Ale 2007 and thought it would make an excellent beer.  I bought this in the summer of 2010 in my craft beer store. Fuller's acquired George Gale & Co. in 2005 and they do not make beer under the name George Gale.  No information was available about the 2007 Old Ale.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 550ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a deep dark copper color with a nice cream head that last. No lacing.
Aroma - As soon as I opened the bottle the room filled with since of molasses and cherries. I also got oaky hints and candy.
Taste - Sweet, cherries, winey, and some sour notes.
Mouth Feel - Unexpectedly light, low carbonation.
Drinkable - Smells better than it taste but still drinkable.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating = 86

Rock Art - Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout

It’s a big stout brewed in the colonial fashion with large amounts of pumpkins and spruce tips added to the kettle for flavor and bittering qualities. The pumpkins complement the malt flavors and are used to add sugars to the mash. Whatever you do, do not think this is going to taste like pumpkin pie. For a SLOW experience, pair with BBQ venison loin, extra sharp cheddar cheese, vegetarian chili, fresh warm soft pretzel dipped in a honey mustard or grass fed beef stew.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is 50
Style - Imperial Spruce
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 22oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark mahogany-ruby color with a LARGE cream head that last. Great lacing all the way down the glass.
Aroma - Toasty richness, no hint of pumpkin or spurce.
Taste - Rich coffee, bitter chocolate with a hoppy finish.
Mouth Feel - Nice balanced carbonation, very smooth and full body.
Drinkable - Watch out for the alcohol, this very creamy.  I think the name should have have just been Imperial Stout.  The pumpkin and spruce are very misleading. (false advertising) Maybe it just needs to be aged for a year or two for the other flavors to come through.

This beer pairs well with cheese and BBQ.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 79

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