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!!