Sunday, April 29, 2012

Duvel - Tripel Hop Special Edition (2010)

Unique one-off, made with three kinds of hops: Styrian Goldings, Saaz and Amarillo. Dry hopped with more Styrian, and an extra dose of malts to hold up.

Brewed May 2010

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

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a golden color with a big white head that sticks around. Great lacing.
Aroma - Citrus fruits, yeast and hops.
Taste -  Sweet, citrus, a little bit of a hoppy after taste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, medium body, crisp dry finish.
Drinkable - I aged this bottle for two years.  Bottle indicates that it is good until 2013.  Taste better as it warms up, which is typical of any well made brew.  A very nice summer brew, refreshing.  I think it's a tad better than a regular Duvel.  Try it for yourself. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and salad.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B
BeerAdvocate Rating = 94
Ratebeer Rating = 99

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Leinenkugels - Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale

Big Eddy Wee Heavy Scotch Ale is a tip of the cap to the brewers of Scotland. A blend of eight robust malts give Wee Heavy its complex flavor which is balanced by notes of dark chocolate, toffee and caramel.  Limited release, majestic brew with layer upon layer of malt complexity.

The ABV is 9.5 and the IBU rating is 18
Style - Wee Heavy Scotch Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, 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 tan head.  Good thick lacing.
Aroma - Dark fruit, molasses and sweet. 
Taste - Leathery - peat and malty, rich.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.  Pretty smooth.
Drinkable - Smells more like an English Barley Wine.  The aroma is nothing like the taste.  Not sure I would call it a Wee Heavy thou it is nice.  Will have another bottle or two please.......

This beer pairs very with meats and chocolate.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B
BeerAdvocate Rating = 83
Ratebeer Rating =94