Arcadia Ales - Cereal Killer (2006)

Brewed in the traditional English style of Barleywines, Cereal Killer is an explosion of full-bodied, malty goodness. Huge syrupy flavors flow over caramel, toffee, molasses and toasty notes. All these rich malt flavors are balanced out nicely by just the right amount of citrus-like hoppy bitterness. A high alcohol content makes this a beer for the cellar. As this brew ages, it will continue to develop more sherry-like flavors and aromas similar to a cask-aged port.

This is for the 2006 release which I opened in 2011.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is 70
Style - English Barleywine
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 cloudy brown color with very little head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, some fruits and malty.
Taste -  Malty, a little musty (leathery), sweet, some hop bitterness but not much.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation, full body.
Drinkable - At 5 years of aging this bottle had just past it's prime.  May have been perfect about 6 months ago.  Still a great brew.  No hoppy taste like the 2010 I had earlier this year. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

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

Cigar City - Bolita

Bolita was a type of lottery popular with the working class citizens of the Ybor City district of Tampa. Bolita means, ’little ball’ but profits from the illegal (and often rigged) game were anything but little. In the 1920’s Tampa native Charlie Wall was the undisputed kingpin of the Bolita racket.

Cigar City's Bolita is a Double Northern English-style brown ale that has a complex malt forward character with notes of chocolate, toffee and hints of roasted nuts in the finish. Bolita pairs well with Baklava, Big Band Music, Cool Evenings and robust cigars.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - English Brown Ale
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter, Mug or Stein
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a brown head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Dark malts, toffee, some chocolate and a bit nutty.
Taste -  Sweet, malty, chocolate, toffee with a bitter after taste.  
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.  Smooth.
Drinkable - Not bad, an average brown ale.  Alcohol is well hidden.  There are better browns on the market, but give this one a try and judge for yourself. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and pork.

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

Sierra Nevada/Dogfish head - Life and Limb 2 (2011)

This beer was first brewed in the fall of 2009, Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada created Life and Limb to celebrate the two brewers extended brewing families. That beer was so popular that it sold out nationwide in less than two weeks and proved once-and-for-all, that the wild and wonderful world of craft beer was healthy and vibrant. Because of that wonderful response, they decided to brew the beer again… something like a Life and Limb redux. Using the same recipe, but a different package.  Life and Limb 2 was available nationwide in limited supply starting mid-August 2011.

LIFE - this living ale is alive with yeast-a blend of both breweries house strains and naturally carbonated to enhance complexity, refinement, and to encourage aging. LIMB - for the birch and maple trees, who’s syrup gives this unique ale its flavor and symbolizes the collaboration between Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head. Both breweries are proud to share Life and Limb with it’s thousands of other branches who collectively comprise the craft brewing family tree. Sip slowly with friends and loved ones; savor long - because one could do better than be a swigger of birches.

The ABV is 10.2 and the IBU rating is 50
Style - American Strong Ale
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter, Mug or Stein
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a big, thick, creamy tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Grains, some hops, after warming up a bit the maple starts to come through.
Taste -  A little sweet, malty, hint of hops and caramel.  
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, a session beer.  A great strong brown.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

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

Dogfish Head - Raison d'EXtra - 2006

This is a bulbous, brown ale brewed with a bunch of malt, brown sugar and raisins. Raison D'EXtra is an amped up, bigger, bolder version of the Raison D'Etre. It is brewed from a similar grist (raisins included) to a massive 42P, giving it 20.5% ABV (pre 2005), along with 20 IBU and a color of 20L.

18.5% ABV and 40 IBU in 11/2005 12 oz. and later releases.

This blog is for the September 2006 release. I opened a bottle in August 2011.


The ABV is 18.5 (20.0) and the IBU rating is 40
Style - Belgium Strong Dark 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 cloudy brown color with a nice tan head that vanishes after a few minutes. Some lacing.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit here, figs, cherries, raisins, then caramel.
Taste - Taste like it smells and compares to a nice sherry or port. 
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation, full body.  Smooth.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but a sipper.  Don't know the alcohol content due to aging, my guess is 20%.  The alcohol is hidden well, not so much for the 2007 release which I had earlier this year.

This beer pairs well with sharp and pungent cheese.  Is well suited as an after diner drin.

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

Tröegs - Perpetual IPA

In Tröegs constant evolution as a brewery, they’ve developed on undying drive to meld the organic and the mechanical. Perpetual IPA utilizes hopback and dry-hopping to engineer a bold Imperial Pale Ale. Perpetual IPA is 7.5% ABV and 85 IBUs. It features Bravo, Chinook and Mt. Hood hops in the boil, Mt. Hood and Nugget hops in the hopback and Citra, Cascade and Nugget hops in dry-hopping.


The ABV is 7.5 and the IBU rating is 85
Style - Imperial IPA
Glass to use- Pint glass, Mug, Snifter, Tulip or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 22oz bottle.

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

The Pour - Pours a straw color with a big white head.  Great lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy! Citrus fruits.
Taste - Hoppy, grassy, spices, hint of citrus fruits. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. A nice creamy feel.
Drinkable - Aroma is much better than the taste.  But still a good brew.  The alcohol is well hidden, a well balanced brew.  

This beer pairs with beef, like a good steak and strong cheese.

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

Sam Adams - Triple Bock (1995)

Triple Bock is complex, elegant, and has the depth and complexity of a fine cognac, vintage port or an old sherry. Non-carbonated, ruby-black, and very special, Triple Bock should be sipped from a small snifter in a two-ounce serving. This is a beer to savor, and sip slowly. Triple Bock has a brandy-like warmth and a complex melange of fruity, woody, and toffee-like flavors. Let the aroma fill your mouth and nose with rich malt and fruit overtones. Savor and appreciate its enormous character. Serve Triple Bock as you would a fine sherry, at room temperature, in a small snifter. One bottle generously serves two or three. Re-cork and store standing up. Once poured into a small glass, the layers of aroma and flavor will continue to evolve as the deep ruby brew warms in the hand. Its warming malt character and fruit esters make it an ideal after dinner aperitif.

Though the little cobalt bottles still decorate the shelves today, this beer only had 3 vintage releases; 1994, 1995, and 1997. Brewed with two row malted barley, water, Noble hops and yeast, along with maple syrup, it was then aged several months in oak whiskey barrels before being bottled. At the time it was considered the world's strongest beer, and a precursor of today's Extreme Beers.

The ABV is 17.5 (20.0) and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Strong Ale
Glass to use - A small Snifter (I used my Utopias snifter)
Delivery - 8.45oz Bottle; 1oz sample

Was cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - The cork snapped in half as I was opening the bottle.  Pours a thick black color with no head. No lacing but a very thick clear coating on the glass. I used a Samuel Admas Utopias glass.
Aroma - Boozy, lots of dark fruit, molasses.  Like a very aged Port, Brandy or Cognac.
Taste - Tons of dark fruit, as it warms to room temperature it's like drinking a dark chocolate bar (lots of chocolate), lingering sweetness and an alcohol burn well after the swallow. Hints of leather.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation, full body, coats the mouth, a slight tangy bitterness on the sides of the tongue, almost sour.
Drinkable - A great surprise, some recent reviews of this vintage stated that beer had gone bad and tasted like soy sauce. Which is why the BeerAdvocate and Ratebeer ratings are so low. 
This bottle was aged properly.  A sipper indeed!  If you can find a bottle enjoy it with fellow beer enthusiast.  

Goes well with strong and sharp cheese.  Enjoy it as an after dinner drink.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =C (The Bros gave it an A-)
Ratebeer Rating =33

Gouden Carolus - Cuvee Van De Keizer Blauw (2010)

Every year on the 24th of February, we celebrate the birth of Charles Quint. Therefore we brew a special beer in limited edition called Cuvée of the Emperor. This exceptional beer is a special version of the Golden Carolus Classic, with an enriched taste pallet and mysterious aromas added. The caramelised malts and its 11% Alc. Vol. give the Cuvée of the Emperor the warm roundness of wine together with the refreshing taste of beer. It is imperially crowned with a special cork so it can be preserved for a long period of time with a constant cellar temperature of 12° C. An imperial beer to cherish and enjoy in moderation.

8% abv in 2000-2002

10% in 2003

11% in 2004-current

Enjoyed this brew with a friend at Monk's.



The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head that dissipated quickly. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, dark fruits like raisins, plums, molasses.
Taste -  Typical great Belgium brown flavors, dark fruit, spices, caramel, molasses and brown sugar.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, Medium body. A bit on the dry side, no alcohol burn.
Drinkable - A great Belgium double! One of my favorites.  Very awesome, I will search for a few bottles to stash in the cellar.

This beer pairs well with sharp and pungent cheese, and beef.

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

Dogfish Head - Black and Blue (2007)

Black & Blue is golden Belgian Ale made with over 300 lbs of fresh blackberries and blueberries. With a deep purple full body and a long-lasting lacy pink head, this ale is both attractive and delicious! It is tart and fruity, like our brewers! The subtle bitterness of Hallertau and Saaz hops shines through the fruit forward flavor and sets the palate aglow. (30 IBUs). This tasty brew has smooth but noticeable alcohol warmth. Belgian yeast gives this brew a characteristically dry spicy finish. The beautiful interplay of fruit, spice, and alcohol is complimented by a soft malt profile, and a high level of carbonation.


The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is 25
Style - Fruit Beer
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Tumbler or Mug
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a cloudy copper color with a big tan head that dissipated quickly. Good lacing.
Aroma - Citrus fruit, some berries notes.
Taste -  Strange at first, not sure what's happening here, sweet, a hint of fruit. (Where are the blackberries and blueberries??)
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, lite body. Creamy, nice feel, no alcohol burn.
Drinkable - A very pleasant drink, very refreshing and smooth.  Aging has mellowed out this brew.  Aging also affected the color of the beer and head.  Alcohol is well hidden.  The only negative thing is that the berry taste has nearly vanished from the aging process.

This beer pairs well with salads.

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

Samuel Adams - Triple Bock (1997)

Triple Bock is complex, elegant, and has the depth and complexity of a fine cognac, vintage port or an old sherry. Non-carbonated, ruby-black, and very special, Triple Bock should be sipped from a small snifter in a two-ounce serving. This is a beer to savor, and sip slowly. Triple Bock has a brandy-like warmth and a complex melange of fruity, woody, and toffee-like flavors. Let the aroma fill your mouth and nose with rich malt and fruit overtones. Savor and appreciate its enormous character. Serve Triple Bock as you would a fine sherry, at room temperature, in a small snifter. One bottle generously serves two or three. Re-cork and store standing up. Once poured into a small glass, the layers of aroma and flavor will continue to evolve as the deep ruby brew warms in the hand. Its warming malt character and fruit esters make it an ideal after dinner aperitif.

Though the little cobalt bottles still decorate the shelves today, this beer only had 3 vintage releases; 1994, 1995, and 1997. Brewed with two row malted barley, water, Noble hops and yeast, along with maple syrup, it was then aged several months in oak whiskey barrels before being bottled. At the time it was considered the world's strongest beer, and a precursor of today's Extreme Beers.

The ABV is 17.5 (20.0) and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Strong Ale
Glass to use - A small Snifter (I used my Utopias snifter)
Delivery - 8.45oz Bottle; 1oz sample

Was cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a very dark brown color (nearly black) with no head. No lacing but a very thick clear coating on the glass.
Aroma - Boozy, lots of dark fruit, leather or peat, molasses.  Very aged Port, Brandy or Cognac.
Taste - Tons of dark fruit, as it warms to room temperature it's like drinking a dark chocolate bar (lots of chocolate), lingering sweetness and an alcohol burn well after the swallow. 
Mouth Feel - No carbonation, full body, coats the mouth, a slight tangy bitterness on the sides of the tongue.
Drinkable - A great surprise, some recent reviews of this vintage stated that beer had gone bad and tasted like soy sauce. Which is why the BeerAdvocate and Ratebeer ratings are so low. 
This bottle was aged properly.  A sipper indeed!  If you can find a bottle enjoy it with fellow beer enthusiast.  I first had the 1994 vintage in that year not knowing anything about aging beer.  In 1997 I was able to get several bottles and was advised to save as many as I can, so I hidden the bottles and forgot about them.  I finally opened one up for this review after 14 years.  I still have 4 bottles left!

Goes well with strong and sharp cheese.  Enjoy it as an after dinner drink.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =C (The Bros gave it an A-)
Ratebeer Rating =33

Ayinger - Weizenbock

The weizenbock style is relatively uncommon, even in Bavaria: they are wheat ales (weissebeer or weizen beer) that are brewed to be as strong as a bock - with corresponding fuller body, and enhanced flavors. They can be pale ("helles") or dark ("dunkles"), but Ayinger Weizen Bock is pale in color.

Five stars, "2009 Beer of the Year" . . . classic hefe-weizen notes with a dense fruit and spice driven core, fresh baked bread, and accents of tropical fruit. The palate echoes the nose delivering richness with ideal balance, vibrancy, and length. Notes of citrus, clove, ginger, and toasted grain mingle seamlessly. Spectacular.


The ABV is 7.1 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Weizenbock
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 cloudy amber color with a white head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, bananas, some spices and grassy.
Taste -  Same as aroma, banana, clove and bready.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, medium body.
Drinkable - Very good true to the style.  Ayinger always delivers, one of my favorite German brewers.

This beer pairs well with German food, spicy Mexican or Indian dishes.

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

Bell's - Third Coast Old Ale

A barley wine with deep amber color, the brandy of ales. This beer has vintage character and will mature in the bottle at cellar temperature for years.

The ABV is 10.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale/ American Barley Wine
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a copper color with a tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, caramel, toffee and just a hint of dark fruit.
Taste -  Hoppy, toffee, some brown sugar and chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, medium body.
Drinkable - A good Old Ale or American Barleywine, I think its closer to an American Barleywine than an Old Ale.  It has a harsh hoppy after taste that lingers.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

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

Harpoon Leviathan - Imperial IPA

Harpoon Leviathan Imperial IPA will challenge your senses and your palate. As the vibrant aroma rushes out of your glass you will notice the blend of piney and tropical fruit notes.  At first sip, this big beer starts with a powerful hop bitterness up front and an aggressive hop flavor and character throughout. 

Leviathan Imperial IPA is brewed with tons of pale malt and just enough caramel malt to provide a sweet malt body to balance the hop intensity. Harpoon used copious amounts of a variety of hops including Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, and Amarillo at various points during the boil to create a complex hop flavor and clean lingering bitter finish. They then fermented the beer with Harpoon’s own versatile proprietary yeast.   Finally, dry hopped at a rate of over 1 lb a barrel to produce this beer’s massive aroma.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is 120
Style - Imperial IPA
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 an amber color with a nice white head. Excellent lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy, citrus fruit.
Taste -  Same as aroma, hoppy, citrus fruit..
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body, creamy finish.
Drinkable - I like it a well done IIPA.  Alcohol is well hidden.  Typical harsh hop after taste.  I have not had a bad brew from the Leviathan series.  Go out and a try a few.

This beer pairs well with cheese and grilled meat.

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

Sam Adams - Utopias 2011

Truly the epitome of brewing's two thousand year evolution, Samuel Adams Utopias® offers a flavor not just unlike any other beer but unlike any other beverage in the world. The 2011 release is a blend of batches, some having been aged up to 18 years in the barrel room of the Boston Brewery, in a variety of woods. SA aged a portion of the beer in hand-selected, single-use bourbon casks from the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery. The latest batch also spent time in Sherry cast from Spain, Madeira casks from the island of Madeira, and Port casks from Portugal.  This flavorful, slightly fruity brew has a sweet, malty flavor that is reminiscent of a deep, rich vintage port, fine cognac or aged sherry.

The history of Samuel Adams Utopias comes from the extreme beers of Triple Bock (see my review for the 1997) and Millenium that came before it. With those brews SA began the exploration of aging beer in barrels for a different flavor contribution. With Utopias, SA took that process to another level by introducing a variety of casks that the beer was aged in, each offering their own unique flavor. SA also experimented with blending different vintages of beer to create its final character. The idea of aging in casks and blending was inspired by the techniques of whiskey makers in how they were able to craft the taste of their liquid from several of these elements. SA expanded that notion to include casks of different origins. Applying these techniques to beer not only led to a completely unique beer, but also to a new taste experience.

The ABV is 27.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Very Strong Ale
Glass to use - A small Snifter or Tulip Glass
Delivery - 750ml Bottle; 1oz sample

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

The Pour - Pours a clear dark brown color with no head. No lacing but a thick clear coating on the glass.
Aroma - Boozy - Sherry and Bourbon, lots of figs and plums and caramel.  Burns the nose hairs.
Taste - Sweet, chocolate, strong fig taste up front that gives way to the alcohol that lingers to the end.. Liken to a sweet Cognac. 
Mouth Feel - No carbonation, full body, alcohol burn all the way through.
Drinkable - Nice, definitely needs to age!  Burning after taste last a while.  I plan to age my two bottles for 10-15 years.  This compares to a fine Sherry, Brandy, Cognac or aged Port.

Goes well with strong and sharp cheese.  Enjoy it as an after dinner drink.

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

Hair of the Dog - Fred - Batch 78 (2010)

Fred was created to honor beer writer and historian Fred Eckhardt. Fred is a big inspiration for many brewers. Fred's work in all-grain brewing and beer styles has helped helped many brewers. Fred the beer is a deep golden color. It is made with aromatic and rye malts and includes 10 different hop varieties in an effort to incorporate the whole world into this beer. It has 10% alcohol by volume and 65 IBUs.

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

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

The Pour - Pours an amber color with a nice tan head that sticks around awhile. Good lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy, spicy, citrus fruits.
Taste - Sweet, apples, caramel, brown sugar, more complex fruit notes come through as it warms up to room temperature. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body, smooth and creamy.
Drinkable - A nice surprise, some call this a barleywine though the label list it as a Spiced Ale.  It is a bit hoppy but does not have the nasty hop after taste that most American Barleywine have....  I'll sit on the second bottle that I purchased for a few years to see how it ages.  I think it's a little better than the Adam.

Goes well with strong and sharp cheese or chocolate.

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

Hair of the Dog - Adam - Batch 81 (2011)

Adam is a recreation of a historic beer-style. Originally made in Dortmunder, Germany, it was the first beer they produced when opened the brewery.  Made with Northwest hops, organic pilsner malt, and a variety of specialty grains. The beer is rich and smokey, with notes of chocolate and dark fruit. Rich in flavor, Adam is best served as a dessert beer. It is great with chocolate or cigars, or just a warm fire and good company.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is 50
Style - Old 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 brown color (almost black) with a big tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Malty, lots of dark chocolate (almost like a chocolate stout) and toffee.
Taste - Chocolate, leather, boozy and a liquorice after taste. 
Mouth Feel - Medium/full carbonation, full body and smooth.
Drinkable - Very nice, a bit too young at this point.  Needs to age a few years and could be saved for up to 10 years.

Goes well with strong and sharp cheese or chocolate.

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

Orkney - Skull Splitter

Skull Splitter is Orkney's strongest ale: which is named after Thorfinn Einarsson who was the 7th Viking Earl of Orkney.  Sophisticated, satiny smooth with a deceptively light character, it is a tribute to a  colorful forbear.  On the nose, this strong beer has a fruity malt character, with hints of dark fruit, spicy hop, dates and figs.  On the palate, rich and complex with sweet toasted malt, molasses, fresh and dried fruit and hints of warming spices.

The ABV is 8.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Scotch Ale/ Wee Heavy
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Copper in color, a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, malty and fruity (dark fruits).
Taste - Malty, molasses and a hint of fruit.  The taste is a bit off.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body, a slight light burn.
Drinkable - Strange taste, hard to categorize.  This bottle might have been light-struck or just past its shelf life.  For now I'm grading this brew a C+, I will search out another bottle and update the review.

This beer pairs with strong cheese, pate' or red meats.

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

Duck-Rabbit - Barleywine Ale

Duck-Rabbit is a small packaging microbrewery located in Farmville, North Carolina since 2004. Specializing in beautiful, delicious, full flavored dark beers.

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - English Barleywine
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Copper in color, a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy and sweet.
Taste - Malty, caramel, toffee, hoppy after taste but not over powering.
Mouth Feel - Medium/high carbonation, full body, smooth.
Drinkable - A nice barleywine, I would call it an American Barleywine due to the hoppy notes. The hop kick is very subtle but you know its there.  One of the better Barleywines I have had....

This beer pairs very with cheese.

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

Weyerbacher - Riserva 2010

Over a year in the making, this American Wild Ale is fermented with Brettanomyces yeast and aged with red-raspberry puree in Oak barrels for over 1 year, then bottle conditioned in champagne bottles.

Though it's in the nature of a Wild Ale to be different each year, this year's vintage (2010) is exceptionally different, and may not occur again.  Riserva 2010 is a very sour ale!  Tarter than ever, the beer's acidity has inhibited carbonation which is very low.  The taste is fantastic!  Notes of cider vinegar mingle with an assertive berry palate.

The ABV is 11.4 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Wild/Sour Ale
Glass to use- Flute, Tulip or Wine Glass
Delivery - 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a pink/reddish color with a very thin white head and good lacing.
Aroma - The smell of tart raspberry's fill the room, cider vinegar.
Taste - Very tart and sour - acidic.  Pucker material.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation and medium body.  Smooth.
Drinkable - Not sure about this one, a cross between a Flemish and a very sour Berliner. An astringent taste indeed.  I hope aging will mellow the sourness.

This beer pairs well with cheese and salads.

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

Dogfish Head - Old School (2008)

Inspired by a tale of a cask doctor who brought sluggish ales back to life by suspending a fig in them. Brewed from 100% Maris Otter pale ale malt, a blend of fine hops and conditioned on dates and figs. User Instructions: open bottle, pour contents into two snifters. Enjoy. ALTERNATIVELY: Walk hand-in-neck with bottle into the middle of the woods. Use shovel to dig 2x2 hole three feet deep. Seal bottle in plastic bag. Place in hole and pack with dirt. Memorize location and leave. Return exactly one year later. Dig up bottle, open and enjoy.

Purchased this vintage brew at Capones. 
The ABV is 15.0 and the IBU rating is 85
Style - English Barleywine
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Snifter
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Dark amber (copper) in color, a tan head that sticks around awhile. Good lacing.
Aroma - Boozy, malty, dark fruits and figs and dates.
Taste - Sweet, malty, dark fruits, and has a strong boozy after taste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body, smooth and creamy with an after burn from the alcohol which mellows after it warms up.
Drinkable - At three years old, it's just a tad better than a fresh OSBW.  Needs to age for another fives years to reach it's full potential.

This beer pairs very with cheese.

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

Dogfish Head - World Wide Stout (2008)

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 - Yellowish-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.

I purchased this bottle at Capones in Norristown.

This post is for the Nov 2008 vintage.  Look in this blog for the 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2009 vintage.

The ABV is 20.0 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 - Dark brown in color and a small dark tan head.  Good lacing.
Aroma - Molasses, plum and raisins, toffee and chocolate. 
Taste - Sweet, coffee, chocolate, boozy, just a hint of dark fruits after it warms up to room temperature, some vanilla.
Mouth Feel - Light/medium carbonation, full body. Smooth finish.
Drinkable - Another great aged WWS. At just three years of aging, still young but taste great.

This beer pairs very with cheese and desserts.  But enjoy it as an after dinner drink if you can find an old bottle.

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

Iron Hill - Wee Heavy

Strong Scotch ale, distinct malty sweet and fruity aroma and flavor complemented by a background slight smokey flavor from the use of peated malt.

2008 GABF Gold Medal
1998, 2001 GABF Bronze Medals
2004 World Beer Cup Gold Medal

Had this as an after dinner drink at a friends house.

The ABV is 8.3 and the IBU rating is 35
Style - Wee Heavy
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Tumbler, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head and some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sweet and some spices.
Taste - Malty, earthy - peaty and caramel.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body. 
Drinkable - Very nice, not a true wee heavy in my opinion.  It's like a earthy winter warmer.  But I still enjoyed it.

This beer pairs well with cheese and smoked meats.

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

Dogfish Head - Pangaea 2009

Brewed with ingredients from each and every continent, this is slightly spicy ale, with a mouthful of rich flavors. Pangaea is a great food beer.

List of worldly ingredients includes:

• Crystallized ginger from Australia
• Water from Antarctica
• Basmati rice from Asia
• Muscavado sugar from Africa
• South American quinoa
• European yeast
• North American maize.

Pangaea is released annually in the fall and is bottled in 750ml bottles. I purchased two bottles of this 2009 vintage at the Rehoboth Beach brewpub.  Shared it with a couple friends on a very hot summer night just before dinner.

The ABV is 7.0 and the IBU rating is 28
Style - Belgium Strong Pale Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a orange/amber color with a tan head and good lacing.
Aroma - White grapes, coriander, pepper and lots of ginger.
Taste - Malty, ginger and sweet.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body with a dry finish.
Drinkable - Nice brew, aging two years had helped bring out the spices just a bit.  I will hold on to the second bottle a few more years.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

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

Breckenridge - Vanilla Porter

Who would have thought deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea and Madagascar grew the perfect ingredient to build an extraordinary Porter in Colorado? An ale that has all the chocolate and roasted nut flavor of a classic Porter, with an enigmatic surprise thrown in for good measure, real vanilla bean. Breckenridge Brewery’s Vanilla Porter. A vanilla kiss in a rich, dark sea..

The ABV is 4.7 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Porter
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Mug or Stein
Delivery- 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head and some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, vanilla, other spices and fruit.
Taste - Sweet, tangy, vanilla, coffee, and some chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Creamy and coats the mouth.
Drinkable - Different. A strange combination, not sure if I would have another.  But try it yourself.

This beer pairs well with cheese and smoked meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B-
Ratebeer Rating =74

Dogfish Head - Black and Red

Black & Red is a velvety smooth dry-minted stout with a serious fruit problem! The huge portion of heavily roasted grains brings a dry, chocolaty character which contrasts its sweet fruity full body. As you tilt your glass, you'll notice that the black color you are perceiving is actually a very deep reddish hue and the rich creamy foam has a tinge of pink to it. Black & Red starts off roasted and warming with a robust mintiness from 100lbs of organic mint (Washington’s Green Grocer) added to the secondary fermentation and finishes out sweet and smooth.

This is only available on draft at the Rehoboth Beach brewpub and was tapped in April 2011.

Update; had this at the Iron Abbey in August of 2011.  They had it listed as Red and Brown, but it was the Black and Red.  This batch was way sweeter which made it harder to drink.  

The ABV is 10.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Double / Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery Draft

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

The Pour - Pours a dark ruby color with a dark tan head and good lacing.
Aroma - Mint, sweet and malty.
Taste - Dark cherry, dark chocolate, malty, sweet and sour.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. 
Drinkable - Phenomenal, very different.  This is an experimental brew and probable will not be recreated.  I had this at the DFH brewpub in Rehoboth Beach, DE where they test out new brews.  Folks at the bar speculated that this might be part of the 120 Minute batches that went bad last year.  I agree.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating =53

Ithaca - Nut Brown Ale

The rich mahogany hue of the Nut Brown is the first thing you will notice about this complex, malty brew. A delicate blend of chocolate malt, caramel malt, and four other malts brings to this beer a chocolatey sweetness, and hints of coffee. The malt character is subtly balanced with Northdown and Fuggles hops.

The ABV is 5.4 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - English Brown Ale
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Mug or Steins
Delivery - 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a tan head and little lacing.
Aroma - Malty, some coffee and chocolate.
Taste - Tangy almost sour like, sweet fruity-tart, some coffee and chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. 
Drinkable - Interesting taste, not sure if the tartness is normal.  Maybe it was from aging the beer for a year.

This beer pairs well with cheese and grilled meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of C+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating =67

J.W. Lees - Harvest Ale 2007

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

The 2007 is still a young ale and needs to age at least 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.

The Pour - Pours a cloudy brown color with a small tan head. Little lacing and a clear coat on the glass.
Aroma - Malty, dark fruit, some dark chocolate.
Taste -  Dark fruits like plums and raisins. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body, very smooth some burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Drinkable but needs to age, it's very young.  Given that it is a good brew, and a sipper.  

This beer pairs 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

Dogfish Head - World Wide Stout (2002)

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.

I purchased this bottle for a fund raiser at the Monk's Cafe.

This post is for the Oct 2002 vintage.  Look in this blog for the 2001, 2004 and 2009 vintage.

The ABV is 23.0 (26.0) 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 no head (maybe a bit).  Clear coat lacing (a good sign).
Aroma - WOW! Dark cherries, apples, plums, very sweet and some vanilla. 
Taste - Explosion of flavor, sweet, tart cherries, molasses,toffee and vanilla.
Mouth Feel - Light to no carbonation, full body. sticky with a nice warm alcohol burn.
Drinkable - What can I say, this is the best aged beer I have ever had, maybe not quite as good as the 1994 Thomas Hardy's Ale.  Different fruit notes indeed.  This is a big time sipper, at an estimate 26% alcohol.  I purchased two bottles of this 2002 vintage, I'm contemplating how long to hold onto the second bottle.

This beer pairs very with cheese and desserts.  But enjoy it as an after dinner drink if you can find bottle at this age.

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

Dogfish Head - World Wide Stout (2001)

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.

I purchased this bottle at a fund raiser at the Monk's Cafe.

This post is for the Nov 2001 vintage.  Look in this blog for the 2002, 2004 and 2009 vintage.

The ABV is 18.0 (21.0) 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 small dark tan head which vanishes after a few minutes.  Great lacing.
Aroma - Strong dark fruity mostly plum and raisins, molasses and toffee with a lingering hint of apples. 
Taste - Lushness, lost of chocolate influence, dark fruit, molasses some vanilla.
Mouth Feel - Very very smooth, light carbonation, medium body. A little chalky.
Drinkable - Very drinkable. I cannot sense the alcohol but it's in there! Reminds me of an aged Port.  I purchased two bottles of this 2001 vintage, not sure when I will open the second bottle.

This beer pairs very with cheese and desserts.  But enjoy it as an after dinner drink if you can find an old bottle.

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

Unibroue - La Fin Du Monde (2010)

Bottle conditioned.
La Fin Du Monde - The end of the world. The excellence of triple fermentation through a blend of special yeasts gives this malt beverage an exquisitely robust flavor of exceptional refinement.

Updated Feb 2013

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 19
Style - Triple
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for 3 to 5 years, under the proper condition.  Best at three years.

The Pour - A cloudy straw color with creamy white head.  Good lacing.
Aroma - A very distinct smell including fruit like apples and banana, and hints spice.
Taste - Sweet, malty, some spices and fruity.
Mouth Feel - High carbonation and full body, smooth but fuzzy with a dry finish.
Overall - Like the other brews from Unibroue this has a distinctive and complex taste due to it's unique yeast. Has a nice warm finish, I need to age a few for a few years.  This bottle was a year old.

Update - Opened my last bottle in 2013 (aged 3 years).  The carbination has dropped, no fuzzy mouth-feel.  Very pleasant and smooth.  Still has the apple aroma and taste with the hint of spices.  I really like how this brew aged!  I have two more from the sample case; Trois Pistoles (Strong Dark) and Don-De-Dieu Tripel Wheat which I will review very soon.   Cheers!

Goes good with seafood dishes and blue cheese.  I had it with a home made salad with sharp cheese and dried fruit.

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

Sly Fox - Saison VOS

A Belgian style Saison (or Farmhouse Ale) brewed with German Pils malt and hopped with East Kent Goldings. Fermented with a special proprietary yeast which imparts its dry, spicy character. Golden orange in color.
This review was done the summer of 2011 after I purchased a mixed case of Sly Fox's 750ml beers (Incubus, Ichor, Saison VOS and Raspberry Reserve)

The ABV is 6.9 and the IBU rating is 32
Style - Saison / Farmhouse Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Tulip or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml bottle.

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

The Pour - Pours a straw/orange color with a big white head.  Good lacing.
Aroma - Fruity - banana & lemon, hoppy, spices and bready.
Taste - Hoppy, grassy, some spices - coriander and fruits.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, lite/medium body. Crisp with a dry finish.
Drinkable - A refreshing brew, good on a hot day.  Could be a session beer, should be enjoyed with food.

This beer pairs with white meat, Asian cuisine and cheeses.

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

Ommegang - Abbey Ale

Ommegang Abbey Ale was inspired by the centuries-old brewing practices of the Belgian Trappist monks. This burgundian brew gives off a variety of aromas, including plum and cinnamon, and packs in flavors such as caramel, toffee, and licorice. At 8.5% abv, it is known to cause spontaneous meditation.

The ABV is 8.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Dubbel
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 dark brown color with a tan head that hangs around. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, caramel, dark fruits, spices.
Taste - Sweet, malty, caramel, spices like clove, licorice and slightly hoppy. 
Mouth Feel - Full body, high carbonation.
Drinkable - Not the best dubbel I've had but still a good one.  Too much carbonation for my taste.  I purchased this in Fall of 2010.  Aging another year or two will help in that department.

Try this with savory dishes, meats, slow-cooked French dishes made with pork, lamb, rabbit, beef, carbonnades, hotchpot, marinated roasts, barbeque, rich cheeses, almost every dessert.

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

21st Amendment - Monk's Blood

Monk’s Blood pays homage to the monks of Belgium’s monasteries who have been brewing some of the world’s great beer for centuries. During times of fasting, the monks subsist solely on beer, which they refer to as “liquid bread”. Beer, quite literally, is in their blood. The most sublime of the monk’s premium brews is dark like blood, rich and nourishing. 21st Amendment founders Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan traveled to Belgium to develop the recipe for this special beer, visiting small, traditional breweries in the hop fields of west Flanders, not far from the famous Trappist abbey of Westvleteren. Monk’s Blood is designed to pair beautifully with rich winter stews, creamy cheeses, unctuous desserts or just by itself, in a Belgian tulip glass, with a good book by the fire.

Had this at the Grey Lodge in Northeast Philly.

The ABV is 8.3 and the IBU rating is 34
Style - Belgium Strong Dark
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Can

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, caramel, sweet, molasses and dark fruit.
Taste - Tangy, malty, dark fruit - (plum and raisin) and caramel. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - A great brew, my first Belgium in a can!  I was not disappointed.

Try this with your favorite BBQ or any grilled meat and goes well with pungent or sharp cheeses.

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