Weyerbacher - Slam Dunkel

Slam Dunkel was a small batch release in 2007. Weyerbacher had such an overwhelming response that they had to put it in the seasonal rotation. This 7% Double Dunkelweizen is unfiltered and made with over 50% wheat malt along with pale, munich, and a touch of chocolate to give it the traditional color and flavor. Bitterness is subdued to allow the Weihenstephen yeast to shine through with those traditional notes of banana and clove. Available in June in bottles and draft. Recipe by Chris Wilson, Head Brewer.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Dunkelweizen
Glass to use- Flute or Weizen Glass
Delivery - 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head and good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sweet, bready and a hint of spice maybe chocolate.
Taste - Sweet, malty, fruity - bananas and tangy.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - I like it, this is a good brew.  True to the style. 

This beer pairs well with grilled meats.

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

Amager Bryghus - Batch One

With this special brew, Batch One, AB dared to experiment with combining usual devotion to a solid malt profile with the addition of American aroma hops. Batch One is an American-inspired Ale characterized by its vast, full body and generous use of hops. In the glass, it has a reddish-brown color with a coppery glow, and a beige-colored head leaves a nice lacing behind. For this brew AB chose to only use the noble Simcoe hop, both for boiling and the following dry-hopping. The hops give the beer its fresh citrus-like character and impart a solid bitterness to balance the sweet caramel malt.


The ABV is 9.2 and the IBU rating is 80

Style - American Strong Ale

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery - Draft

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

The Pour - Pours a amber color with a big tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Very Hoppy and grassy. 
Taste -  Sweet, fruity and like a double IPA.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body..
Drinkable - Not as advertised, is an Imperial IPA or a Double IPA.  

This beer may pair well with desserts and grilled meat.

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

Nøgne Ø/Jolly Pumpkin/Stone - Special Holiday Ale

This is the second release of Special Holiday Ale, which was first brewed in San Diego in 2008. Each brew is following the same recipe, including Michigan chestnuts, white sage from southern California and Norwegian juniper berries, but differences in brewing and aging practices produce different beers. Cheers to being different! Skål!

The ABV is 8.5 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Winter Warmer

Glass to use- Pint Glass or Tumbler
Delivery - 500ml Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Woody oak, berries, green peppers and other spices. 
Taste -  Sweet, fruity, berries and chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Light carbonation, medium body.
Drinkable - Very surprising, complex, excellent holiday brew.  

This beer may pair well with desserts.

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

Het Anker - Gouden Carolus Classic

Het Anker Brewery still brews "The Emperor’s Beer" which is top-fermented and bottle conditioned following traditional methods. Its high gravity (O.G. 1080-85) combines the warmth of wine and the freshness of beer. Gouden Carolus is one of the strongest and most exciting beers in the world. After lengthy maturing and conditioning, it is bottled unfiltered, giving a beer which is rich in vitamins and 100% natural. Gouden Carolus has unlimited storage (it even improves with age) and will charm you with its warm coppery color and rich bouquet.

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

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

The Pour - Pours to a dark brown color with a big tan head that disappears after a while. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, caramel and fruity.
Taste - Sweet, malty and some candy.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body.
Drinkable - A typical Belgium dubbel but not quite as good as others.  But give it a go...

This beer pairs well with cheese and grilled meat.

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

Amager Bryghus - Xbeeriment Black Force One

The basic idea with this beer originated while making Xbeeriment Barack. AB decided to go for it and create an Imperial Stout made with 5 different kinds of malt including substantial amounts of peat smoked malt, roasted barley and 3 different hop varieties. Then added a 4th variety for dry hopping. Finally it was bottled unfiltered, bottle conditioned and left to mature in the bottle for 2 months before release. Serve at 53-57 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ABV is 10.4 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Imperial Stout

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - Draft

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Roasty malts, sweet and chocolate. 
Taste -  Deep roasty malts, dark chocolate, a slight hop after burn and boozy.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body.
Drinkable - A good example of the style.It's a slipper, only negative aspect is the harsh hop aftertaste which some folks like.

This beer may pair well with cheese and smoked meat.

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

Guinness - Foreign Extra

Higher in alcohol content than other Guinness products, this stout has a strong, oaky, complex flavor.


The ABV is 7.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery 355ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a black color with a tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, caramel, chocolate and sweet. 
Taste - Sweet, roasty malts, chocolate, smoky and peaty. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonated and body.
Drinkable - A bit boozy.  Much better than the Guinness you get at your local pub on draft.  Search it out and give it a go.

This beer pair well with chocolate, desserts and meats.

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

Fegley's - Space Monkey

Formulated to rocket around your palate with a 21st century complexity in flavor and aroma: Hints of lemon and pepper orbit around a raspberry tartness to guarantee a successful flight.

The ABV is 7.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Raspberry Saison
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 an amber color with a white head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Fruity and hoppy.
Taste -  Tart, fruity and hoppy. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and light body, slightly dry.
Drinkable - A good summer beer, light fruit taste that is not over bearing.

This beer pairs well with cheese and meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =C+
Ratebeer Rating =77

Orval - Trappist Ale

In contrast to all the others, the Orval Trappist brewery makes only one beer for the general public. It has an intensely aromatic and dry character. Between the first and second fermentation there is also an additional dry-hopping process. Through this the beer acquires its pronounced hoppy aroma and extra dry taste.
Bottled at 5.2% abv - can go up as high as 7.2%

The ABV is 5.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Pale Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 375ml Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pour orange/straw color with a big white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Fruity like apples or pears and a little malty (bready).
Taste - Slightly bready with some spices and fruity. 
Mouth Feel - High carbonation with a light body. Very fuzzy and dry.
Drinkable - Really bland tasting, a good beer for a hot summer day.  The aroma is better than the taste.I know a lot of people who like the brew, to me it's like drinking carbonated water.

This beer pairs well with cheese and white meat.

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

Great Divide - Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout

Espresso Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout is a new addition to the Yeti clan. A generous infusion of Denver’s own Pablo’s espresso adds yet another layer of complexity to this beer, combining with the vanilla oak character, intense roasty maltiness and bold hop profile to create a whole new breed of mythical creature. It’s official, you can now have Yeti with breakfast.

Had this brew on a Saturday night with friends in their backyard sitting by an open pit fire.

The ABV is 9.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 22oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours to a black color with a big tan head that stays. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, coffee (espresso), chocolate and molasses.
Taste - Malty, vanilla, toffee and the finish is lingering espresso and chocolate flavors.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body.
Drinkable - Very nice imperial stout and the oaking effect is not over powering.  Just enough of an espresso hint, not over whelming.  Give it a go you should like it....

This beer pairs well with deserts like chocolate and cheese.

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

Harviestoun - Ola Dubh Special Reserve 30

Ola Dubh (or ‘Black Oil’) is a collaboration between Harviestoun Brewery and Highland Park, Distiller of the Year*. It is based on Harviestoun’s award-winning Old Engine Oil. With more than a stylistic nod to the classic Imperial Porters (and Stouts) of the nineteenth century, this deliciously rich, dark, 8% a.b.v. beer is the first ale to be aged in malt whiskey casks from a named distillery and, with traceable casks and numbered bottles, the rest with genuine provenance. Ola Dubh will initially be available in three different expressions; the initial release will be of small batches aged in casks formerly used to mature:
Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 16 Year Old

Highland Park 30 Year Old

Highland Park 40 Year Old

Ola Dubh is, in the words of beer aficionado Owen D.L. Barstow: “The most interesting new British beer I have tried in years.”

Had this a Eulogy in Old City Philly.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 375ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a black color with no head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Scotch, bourbon, peat, very earthy and boozy.
Taste -  Same as the noise, scotch, bourbon and earthy.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation, full body, stingy and boozy.
Drinkable - Like drinking water-downed scotch.  Next time I'll try the 12 or 16.  They also make a 40 but I don't think I would enjoy that one, maybe if someone else offered one up...

This beer may pair well with cheese and desserts.

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

Van Steenberge - Gulden Draak

Gulden Draak is a dark brown Triple Ale, which makes it an exception among the Belgian Triples. The second fermentation offers the nice creamy head, the full body and all the vitamins of the centuries old brewers yeast. It is a "thick" beer, that you can actually "eat" to adventure the complex taste. Gulden Draak balances a natural malt toffee-like sweetness with a mellow happiness and some hoppy accents. The aroma is round, sweet and reveals the 10.5 alcohol by volume.

Had this a Eulogy in Old City Philly.

The ABV is 10.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 375ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sweet, some fruitiness.
Taste -  Malty, sweet, with a tang.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body, fuzzy with a metallic after taste.
Drinkable - I would call this a typical Belgium beer. Not bad I will have it again.

This beer may pair well with cheese grilled meats.

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

Rodenbach - Grand Cru

A blend of 1/3 young beer and 2/3 of beer aged 2 years in large oak vats. The more important proportion of oak matured beer contributes to its fruity taste, complexity and intensity. The finish is worthy of a great wine.

Had this a Eulogy in Old City Philly.

The ABV is 6.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Flanders Red Ale
Glass to use- Flute, Snifter, Tulip
Delivery - Draft

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sour, fruits and sweet.
Taste -  Sour up front then some fruit, tart.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body, and a dry finish.
Drinkable - A good brew, I have a 750ml bottle aging in the cellar, can't wait to open it one day.  

This beer may pair well with cheese grilled meats.

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

J.W. Lees - Harvest Ale 2006

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 2006 release which I found at the Foodery.  In 2010 and 2011 I had the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2007 all on different dates of course.  Sadly I have no blogs for the 1997, 1998 or 2001 vintages.

The 2006 is still a young ale, needs to age for another 5 years.

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, under the proper conditions. Ah Men.

The Pour - Pours a cloudy brown color with no head. No lacing but a clear coat on the glass.
Aroma - Plums is the first thing noticed then a bit of chocolate and other dark fruit.
Taste -  Dark fruits like plums and raisins. Like a sherry or port.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation, very smooth no burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but still needs some time to age.  Given that it is a good brew, and a sipper.  

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

t' Smisje - Catherine The Great

t Smisje Catherine The Great Imperial Stout from Brouwerij De Regenboog is a top fermentation beer, re-fermented in the bottle with an alcohol content of 10,00%. Almost black color, unfiltered. Complex aroma and taste. Full-bodied with a long-lasting, bitter aftertaste.

Had this at Monk's.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Russian Imperial Stout (Belgium)
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery 350ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Funky.A bit boozy. 
Taste -  Sweet, sour, very strange.Hard to describe. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body, little fuzzy with a dry finish.
Drinkable - Okay folks this is not a Russian Imperial Stout, as you know one. Clearly the Belgium's have their own slant on what a Russian Imperial Stout should be like.  I'm not sure how to classify this, let's just say it's unique. You should search this out and try it yourself. 

This beer may pair well with desserts.

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

Struise Mikkeller Elliot Brew

Behold the second of RateBeer.com’s Worldwide Masters Series! This request edition ale is the crafted alchemy of a party of some of Europe’s finest brewers, Mikkel Bjergsø and Kristian Keller of Mikkeller (Copenhagen, Denmark) and Urbain Coutteau, Carlo Grootaert, Phil Driessens, and Peter Braem of De Struise Brouwers (Woesten-Vleteren, Belgium).



Struise-Mikkeller is "Best of two worlds". They delivered an IPA with 130 IBU (Batch I), 150 IBU (Batch II), 163 IBU (Batch III), but a bitterness hidden the Struise way, counter balanced by maltyness, alcohol and rest sugars. 

Had this at Monk's.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 150
Style - Imperial IPA
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery 350ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a amber color with a big white head. Great lacing.
Aroma - A strong raw hop aroma like just picked from the vine.  
Taste -  Hoppy and complex, a lot going on here, spices. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body, fuzzy with a tangy metallic after taste.
Drinkable - Very good brew, a bit different. Give it a go...

This beer may pair well with cheese and grilled meats.

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

Kasteel - Rouge

Castle Red is the fruit beer of the Castle range.  Its unique dark red colour is obtained by mixing Castle brown that has been left to mature for at least 6 months with sour cherries.  This beer has gastronomic qualities and can be drunk as an aperitif, with a BBQ, to accompany a dessert or simply as an outstanding real ale.

Had this at Monk's.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Fruit Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Mug
Delivery 350ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a reddish amber color with a tan head that goes away. Some lacing.
Aroma - Very sweet, cherries. 
Taste -  Sweet, sour, tart, cherries. 
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation and medium body.
Drinkable - Nothing like Lindemans. Not as sweet and easier to drink.

This beer may pair well with desserts and grilled meat.

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

Val Dieu - Brune

Highly fermented monastery beer, slightly filtered but undergoing a second fermenteation in the bottle.  If its aroma reminds you of coffee/mocha, the mocha taste disappears, leaving only a slight coffee flavor, with almost no bitterness. Piquant like the pale ale.

I had this at Monk's Cafe.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Dubbel

Glass to use- Goblet or Chalice
Delivery - 355ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sweet and some fruit.
Taste -  Sweet, malty, fruit and some spice.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and a full body.  fuzzy.
Drinkable - Very good beer.  Reminds me of the St. Bernardus Abt 12.   

This beer may pair well with cheese, chocolate and Beef.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating = 91

Verhaeghe - Duchesse De Bourgogne

Duchesee de Bourgogne is the traditional top fermented reddish-brown ale from the West-Flanders region of Belgium. This refined ale also known as "The Burgundies of Belgium" is a blend of 8 and 18 months old ales following careful maturation in oak casks. 100% natural and unpasteurized.

I've been saving a 755ml bottle that I picked up in 2010.  I found a smaller version at the Foodery in Philly.

The ABV is 6.2 and the IBU rating is ??.
Style – Flanders Red Ale
Glass to use - Flute, Snifter or Tulip
Delivery 330ml bottle.

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

The Pour - Pours a dark ruby color and a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sour or tart fruit (in a good and different way). Hints of oak and vanilla from the oaking.  Actually, there's not much of a noise on this brew. 
Taste - Sweet and tart, very fruity like cherries. Gets better as it warms up. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. 
Drinkable -Very surprising brew.  I like it.  Will let the big bottle age for a year or so.  This is like a tart cherry soda.  An easy drinker and refreshing. 

This beer pairs with pungent cheese and grilled meats.

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

North Coast - Old Stock Ale - Cellar Reserve 2009

Old Stock Cellar Reserve is a one-time, small batch, limited release that has been aged in oak whiskey barrels. The aging process gives this world-class beer an added layer of complexity. A memorable drink that should be enjoyed as a completely unique offering.

2007 Vintage 14.6% ABV
2009 Vintage 13.2% ABV

The ABV is 13.16 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 500ml Bottle

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

Pour - Dark brown in color with a tan head dissipates quickly.  Some lacing.
Aroma - Oak tannins, vanilla and sweet.
Taste - Oaky, vanilla from the barrel and sweet.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body a bit fuzzy.
Drinkable - For a two year aged beer I was a bit disappointed.  I love the regular Old Stock Ale (non-oaked) so my expectations were high.  I have one more bottle that I will sit on for a year or so...

Goes great with cheeses and desserts.

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

Kulmbacher - Eisbock

The ice bock, also known as "Bayrisch Gefrorns", owes its discovery to a coincidence. According to the chronicles of the Kulmbacher brewery, some time around 1900 an apprentice forgot on a cold winter day to carry two barrels of bock beer into the brewery cellar. The barrels stayed outside, were covered by ice and snow and weren’t discovered until the following spring. The barrels had burst and the apprentice was reprimanded. But the carelessness was a stroke of luck because under the thick ice coat, a bock beer extract remained, strong tasting and high in alcoholic content.  Even if the dark, tasty is not produced in this spectacular way anymore, the chance that gave birth to this beer became a tradition. Today this beer rarity is brewed in a modern brewing and freezing process, but the incomparable taste is still the same and can always be enjoyed in winter months.

The ABV is 9.2 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Eisbock

Glass to use- Flute, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head that disappears. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, spicy, sweet and a bit of toffee.
Taste -  Malty, chocolate and somewhat sweet.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - I like this brew a bit better than the Aventinus.

This beer may pair well with German food, cheese and desserts.

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

Schneider Aventinus - Weizen Eisbock

Aventinus, the Wheat Doppelbock of Bavaria, has always been known to be the most intense and complex wheat beer in the world. This was the case for the past sixty years, but not anymore...
Up until the 1940's, Aventinus was shipped all over Bavaria in containers lacking temperature control. Consequently, the precious drink partially froze during transportation. Unaware that the brew was concentrated by the separation of water from the liquid. People were baffled by this unique version of Aventinus. By chance, the first Aventinus Eisbock was created. Well aware of this story, Hans Peter Drexler, brewmaster of the Schneider brewery, decided to recreate this classic "mistake" in a modern controlled facility. Thus, the Aventinus Eisbock is reborn sixty years later ... Prost!

The ABV is 12.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Eisbock

Glass to use- Flute, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head that disappears. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, wheaty and sweet.
Taste -  Strong-boozy, wheat taste and malty.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body.
Drinkable - Not bad at all. Though to be honest I was looking for something like a doppelbock.  I have never had an eisbock (pronounced "ice-bock").  I nice style, I will order again. 

This beer may pair well with German food, cheese and desserts.

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

Samuel Smith's - Winter Welcome Ale

The Old Brewery at Tadcaster was founded in 1758 and bears the name of famous local brewer Samuel Smith. It is both the oldest brewery in Yorkshire and the only surviving independent brewery in Tadcaster.  
This seasonal beer is a limited edition brewed for the short days and long nights of winter. The full body resulting from fermentation in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ and the luxurious malt character, which will appeal to a broad range of drinkers, is balanced against whole-dried Fuggle and Golding hops with nuances and complexities that should be contemplated before an open fire.

The ABV is 6.0 and the IBU rating is ??.
Style – Winter Warmer (English Ale)
Glass to use - Pint Glass or Tumbler
Delivery 355ml bottle.

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a Amber color and a tan head that vanishes. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, hoppy, some fruits like banana and some spices.
Taste - Sweet, hints of chocolate and spices.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable better than the first time I had this.  Aging for 6 months has helped though I will not age it past a year.

This beer pairs with white meats.

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

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George Gale's - Old Prize Ale (2005)

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.

The ABV is 9.0 (10) 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 muddy brown color with no head and no lacing.
Aroma - Raisins and plums, caramel, molasses.
Taste - Sour, some raisins and cherries.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation with a dry finish.
Drinkable - I think this ale aged a bit too long.  Disappointing. 

This beer pairs well with cheese.

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

Lindemans - Framboise

Long before hops were common in most beers, various fruits and vegetables were used to season beers. The acidity of Lambic beers blends perfectly with raspberries. Magnificent aroma, delicate palate of raspberries with undertones of fruity acidity; elegant, sparkling clean taste. Style—Raspberry Lambic. Color—Rose.

The ABV is 2.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Lambic - Fruit
Glass to use- Flute, Snifter or Tulip
Delivery 755ml bottle.

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

The Pour - Rose red in color and a big pink head. Excellent lacing.
Aroma - Tart raspberries.
Taste - Very sweet, tart raspberries and sour.
Mouth Feel - Very smooth just the right amount of carbonation. Sparkling clean taste.
Drinkable - Very drinkable as an after dinner drink. I can drink this anytime of day.  And with an alcohol content of 2.5 you could drink it all day.  The cool-aid of beers.  This is a great cross over beer for the wine drinkers in the crowd that prefer sweeter wines.  Ladies you know who you are....

This beer pairs very with chocolate, ice cream with a raspberry and most desserts.

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

Cazeau - Tournay de Noël

Tournay de Noël" is a dark red beer brewed with 5 malts and 3 hops that give a range of complex aromas. Its alcohol rate reaches 8,2%: your best friend for the winter.

I had this at Monk's.  

The ABV is 8.2 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium Dark

Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head that disappears. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sour and some spices.
Taste -  Same plus a tad bit of fruit and chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.  A bit of a dry after taste. 
Drinkable - A very nice brew for the holidays.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

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

Mikkeller - Big Worse (2009)

Big Worse is the long awaited big brother of the small test brew Big Bad Barley Wine. The idea behind Big Worse is still to make a simple yet heavy barley wine - just like it’s smaller brother. But this time both the alcohol and bitterness has been pumped up! Big Worse is both thick and sweet and is the perfect beer for desserts. Enjoy it now or keep it for many years. Best stored dark and at cellar temperature.

First it was Big Bad Barley Wine
Second it was Big Worse Barley Wine 
Next was Big Worst Barley Wine -- 17.6% ABV
Now a new Big Worst Barley Wine -- a whopping 18.5% ABV







I had this at Monk's. We could not figure out the vintage, though the label had some age to it, thinking its a 2008 bottle. 

The ABV is 12.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - English Barleywine

Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 375ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with no head. Little lacing that sticks to the glass.
Aroma - Some dark fruits, malty, caramel and some toffee.
Taste -  Malty, sweet, some cotton candy and dark fruits. A bit hoppy.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation, full body and sticky.  A dry after taste. 
Drinkable - A three year old barleywine, nice!  I think it was a 2009 bottle according to the bartender.  I like this a lot. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

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

Ellezelloise - Hercules Stout

The brewer on the bottle is listed as La Biere Des Collines, very confusing.  The only self-proclaimed ‘Belgian stout’ – 9% by volume – named after famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirrot and considered a World Classic. Made in small batches, then lagered for ten days in German oak casks. "The Hercule is considered by many to be a classic – very malty, but dry, with a hint of sweetness in the finish, and perfectly hopped. It has a very distinctive and intoxicating spicy aroma of fresh spruce that suddenly, irresistibly, fills the room when the swing-top is released. This unique house character probably derives from the strains of yeast used by the brewery – and possibly from the fermentation in oak – because the beers are made entirely of malt and hops, without any spices or sugar."

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Russian Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Poors a dark brown color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Coffee, chocolate, molasses and a some hops.
Taste - Malty, some fruit and brown sugar.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Smooth.
Drinkable - Easy drinking, but watch out for the booze.  

This beer pairs well with chocolates and desserts.

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

Courage - Russian Imperial Stout - 1993

This was also sold under the brewer's name of Well's and Young.  Bottle conditioned. Appeared in the cask at GBBF in 2003 after being brewed in a secret location in Scotland. Last known brewery for the bottled product is John Smith's Tadcaster brewery.  Ingredients: Pale, Amber, Black and Pilsner malts; 16% sugar; caramel; Target hops - 25lb per barrel.    


This is for the 1993 version which I had in April of 2011 (18 year old brew).  Sadly this beer had seen better days.  The price one pays for gambling with vintage beers.  I will not say were I had this brew.  But a note to proprietors; you should sample your inventory for time to time, and pull ill brews off of the shelf! 

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Imperial Stout

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery 170ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a very dark brown color with no head. Slight clear coating on the glass.
Aroma - Very strong dark fruits, alcohol.
Taste -  Sour, very bad and unexpected from a stout.
Mouth Feel - Very flat, no carbonation, sour tang after taste. 
Drinkable - This is the lowest rating I have ever given a beer.  After searching through the Internet I found others who have had this vintage with excellent reviews.  So my conclusion is that I had a bad bottle from a bad batch. There were small chucks of something black in the bottle. I stress again, proprietors should sample your inventory for time to time, and pull ill brews off of the shelf!

This beer may pair well with desserts.

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

Sam Adams - Boston Lager

Samuel Adams Boston Lager® is the best example of the fundamental characteristics of a great beer, offering a full, rich flavor that is both balanced and complex. It is brewed using a decoction mash, a time consuming, traditional four vessel brewing process discarded by many contemporary brewers. This process brings forth a rich sweetness from the malt that makes it well worth the effort. Samuel Adams Boston Lager® also uses only the finest of ingredients including two row barley, as well as German Noble aroma hops. The exclusive use of two row barley not only imparts a full, smooth body but also gives the beer a wide spectrum of malt flavor ranging from slightly sweet to caramel to slightly roasted. The Noble hops varieties, Hallertau Mittelfruh and Tettnang Tettnanger, add a wide range of floral, piney and citrus notes, which are present from the aroma, through the flavor, to the lingering smooth finish. They use Noble hops used in their beers. They are hand selected by Jim Koch and other brewers from the world’s oldest hops growing area. Among the world’s most expensive, they cost twenty times as much as other hops.

The ABV is 4.9 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Vienna lager
Glass to use- Flute, Pilsener Glass, Mug or Stein
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Poors an amber color with a tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, malts and some hops.
Taste - Malty, fruity with a nice hop after taste, typical of Sam Adams beers.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Crisp and clean.
Drinkable - Easy drinking, session beer.  This use to be one of my everyday beers until I moved onto heavier bigger beers like Belgium styles.  

This beer pairs well with German food and white meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =72

Sam Adams - Irish Red

This is part of Sam Adams Brewmaster Collection Series.  This rich and malty ale originated in Ireland in 1710. It has a deep red color and distinctive caramel flavor from its Pale and Caramel malts. The malt sweetness is balanced by the earthy notes of East Kent Goldings hops. Cheers!

The ABV is 5.8 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Irish Red Ale
Glass to use- Pilsener Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Poors an amber color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malts and some spices.
Taste - Sweet and malty with a slight hop bite.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation. Smooth.
Drinkable - Easy drinking, session beer.  Great for a hot day. 

This beer pairs well with any meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating =62

Sam Adams - Dunkel Weizen

This is part of Sam Adams Brewmaster Collection Series.  Dunkelweizen translates into "dark wheat" and the beer is a darker version of the Bavarian wheat beers of the 15th century. Dark amber brown in color, this unfiltered ale is brewed with traditional Bavarian yeast, which imparts a wide spectrum of flavors and aromas from spicy clove and nutmeg to tropical fruit and banana. The result is a beer that is complex and flavorful, medium-bodied with a crisp finish.

The ABV is 5.1 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Dunkelweizen
Glass to use- Weizen Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Poors a cloudy orange color with a white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, wheaty and a little grassy.
Taste - Sweet, caramel and some citrus fruit.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation. Nice and light.
Drinkable - Easy drinking, good everyday brew. 

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

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating =77

Sam Adams - Infinium 2010

Over 1000 years of brewery experience together with American innovation, two years of development and the four ingredients malt, hops, water, and yeast resulted in a new dimension of the art of brewing and in an innovative, ground-breaking beer: Infinium. The sparkling beer is complex, unique in taste and produced strictly according to the German purity law. This sparkling beer is dry and strong in taste despite the more the 10 percent by volume alcohol and unsettles preconceived opinion about the limits of the German purity law. The strong, deep golden beer will enter the market in noble, corked, 0.75 liter bottles. The joint venture of Weihenstephan and Samuel Adams unites a new way of thinking about the world of the American extreme.

I had is brew at the Memphis Taproom, I spit it with another fellow beer enthusiast. 

The ABV is 10.3 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Biere de Champagne/Biere Brut
Glass to use- Flute, Tulip or Chalice
Delivery 755ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Poors an straw color with a white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malts and some fruit and spice from the hops.
Taste - A little malty with slight spices and hints of citrus fruit.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, fuzzy from the champagne yeast. Dry finish.
Drinkable - The alcohol is hidden well. A well made beer, however not a brew I will purchase again, maybe at a much lower price. 

This beer pairs well with white meat.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B-
Ratebeer Rating =88

Firestone - 14th Anniversary 2010

Proprietors Reserve Series 14 is a combination of six separate lots produced over several months and years, then carefully blended into this truly unique and complex brew.  As a finished beer, 14 is a brimming with amazing flavors and textures.  DDBA leads the blend lending American toasted oak, English caramel toffee and light leather nuances.  Newcomer, Sticky Monkey, folds in the taste of brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger and ripe figs.  Parabola brings the familiar flavors of bitter dark chocolate and cherry pit. Velvet Merkin carries silky bourbon soaked chocolate cake goodness to the party while a touch of Black Xantus teases coffee and tobacco. Last, but not least, Good Foot brings the hops… hints of citrus zest and tangerine, which adds a pop to the aroma and nice finish to this big, sexy brew. 14 is best enjoyed in a half filled brandy snifter or wine glass.  Allow it to warm to 55F to fully enjoy the pleasing and complex aromas.  If left in a cool dark place, I suspect this beer will age well.

Following are descriptions of key components with their original code names:

Double Double Barrel Ale (10.9% ABV) - (31%) of final blend

Aged 100% in retired Firestone Union Barrels                                                           
-Double strength English Pale Ale
OG= 24.0P FG=5.8P IBU=30 Color = 16 / A Double version of our flagship created by Ali Razi

Sticky Monkey (12% ABV) - (29%) of final blend

Aged in Bourbon and Brandy Barrels                                                                                     
-English Barley Wine
OG = 24P  FG = 4.5P  IBU = 45  Color = 28 / Brewed with Mexican Turbinado (Brown) suger

Parabola (13% ABV) - (27%) of final blend

Aged in Bourbon Barrels                                                                                                                
-Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout                                                                                         
OG=30P FG=7.5P  IBU=80  Color=Black / Hopped with Simcoe, Bravo, Styrian Golding and East Kent Golding

Velvet Merkin (6% ABV) – (7%) of final blend

100% Aged in Bourbon barrels                                                                                                                   
-Traditional Oatmeal Stout
OG= 15P FG=5.5 IBU=32.5 Color= Black / 15% Oats / Hopped with 100% US grown Fuggles

Good Foot (13% ABV) - (3%) of final blend

Aged in Bourbon Barrels                                                                                                                            
-American Barley Wine
OG = 23P FG = 5.5P IBU = 80  Color = 26 / Brewed with copious amounts of American grown hops

Black Xantus(11% ABV) - (3%) of final blend

-Aged in Bourbon Barrels                                                                                                       
-Coffee Infused Imperial Stout
OG= 27P FG = 6.8P  IBU = 55 Color Black / Rich Stout made with Mexican Coffee roasted locally by Joebella Coffee Company

I had this at the Memphis Taproom. The Firestone Walker Brewery owners and reps were in town for their introduction into the Pennsylvania market. 

The ABV is 12.5 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - American Strong Ale

Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery -22oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Boozy noise, malty, raisins, vanilla and oak tannins. A lot going on here.
Taste -  Malty, raisins, vanilla, caramel, oaky, boozy and very complex.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation, full body.  Very similar to the Abacus but smoother. 
Drinkable - A definite sipper, complex and a joy to drink.  I am stashing a bottle in the cellar to age for a few years.

This beer pairs well with pungent cheese and chocolates.

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

Firestone - Abacus 2011

Proprietors Reserve Series Abacus is a barrel aged Barley Wine. Four barrels in total were selected for the blend. The base of this year’s offering was aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels for 3 years! The resulting beer is strong yet extremely elegant and smooth.  Big boozy bourbon and American oak aromas combined with soft chocolate malty undertones. Complex malt flavors framed in oak, with hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, coconut and just a touch of dark cherry. This is definitely a sipping beer, best served in a brandy snifter. This ale pairs well with dark chocolate and sturdy cheeses.

I had this at the Memphis Taproom. The Firestone Walker Brewery owners and reps were in town for their introduction into the Pennsylvania market. 

The ABV is 13.0 and the IBU rating is 42

Style - Barrel Aged Barleywine

Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - Draft

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, malty, dark fruits, licorice, caramel and oak tannins. A lot going on here.
Taste -  Malty, raisins, vanilla, toffee, caramel, oaky, boozy and very complex.
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation, full body and sticky.  A bit spicy which is surprising. 
Drinkable - A definite sipper, complex and a joy to drink.  I am stashing a bottle in the cellar to age for a few years.

This beer pairs well with pungent cheese and chocolates.

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

Sam Adams - Havest Pumpkin Ale

This is part of Sam Adams Brewmaster Collection Series.  A perennial favorite at the SA Brewery Halloween party, this reddish amber ale is perfect for fall. Real pumpkin adds a full body and sweetness, while deep roasted malts lend a toasty finish to this subtly spiced brew.

The ABV is 5.7 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Pumpkin Ale

Glass to use- Pint Glass or Tumbler
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Poors a reddish/brown color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Spices, pumpkin, malts, nutmeg and cinnamon.
Taste - Similar to the noise but not as strong.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Dry finish.
Drinkable - Easy drinking, good brew for the holidays. 

This beer pairs well with meat or part of your Thanksgiving meal.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =88

Lost Abbey - 10 Commandments (2010)

A stronger version of the Lost and Found Abbey Ale brewed to a more contemplative alcohol content. Massive in every stretch of the brewing way possible this is the sort of beer that will remind a beer drinker who considers themselves a saint that even saints stray as sinners from time to time. 

Lost Abbey’s once a year Anniversary beer. A new generation of Dark Farmhouse Belgian-Style Beer that had Brettanomyces (a special Belgian brewer’s yeast) added at bottling. (from newsletter) (from bottle: Ale Brewed with Raisins)  
10 commandments:

1. The most imaginative beers are our crusade. 
2. We believe we are all in this together. 
3. We strive for honesty and integrity in our lives like you. 
4. Fresh beer is great, aged beer is better. 
5. Now that you have found us, help us spread the message. 
6. There is good and evil in the world, our beers are good. 
7. Passion isn't something you can buy at the corner store. 
8. We believe an inspired life is worth living. 
9. Life is about choices. The Lost Abbey is a great choice. 
10. We are not perfect but no one is..

I had this at the Iron Abbey, I've been eyeballing this for a few months and pulled the trigger on a Saturday afternoon in April.  They had this on draft for awhile but I was holding out for the bottle.
The picture is from the latest beer session in 2013 at home.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale

Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 755ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a big tan head. Great lacing. (The cork broke off in the bottle for the 2013 session but did not affect the taste).
Aroma - Dark fruits, brandy, caramel and cotton candy.. 
Taste -  Very rich dark fruits, raisins, hints of chocolate, very complex.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body.  Excites the sweet taste buds.
Drinkable - A very nice brew, complex and a joy to drink.  The alcohol is hidden well.

This beer may pair well with cheese and meat.

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