Brooklyn - Black Chocolate Stout (2007)

This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, our award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style once made exclusively for Catherine the Great. We use three mashes to brew each batch of this beer, achieving a luscious deep dark chocolate flavor through a blend of specialty roasted malts. We brew it every year for the winter season. It is delicious when newly bottled, but also ages beautifully for years.  Available from October through March.

This review is for the 2007 vintage.  Click here to see my review from 2005 or 2010 of a fresh bottle.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Russian Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a solid thick black (like ink) color with no head at first then a nice 1/2" dark brown head appears. Great lacing.
Aroma - Strong chocolate, some dried fruits (raisin and plum).
Taste -  Malts, caramel and dark chocolate.  Slightly bitter in the finish.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body. A nice dry finish.
Drinkable - At nearly 5 years of aging, it lacks the typical aging tasting notes.  The alcohol is well hidden. I have two other vintages to try; a 2008 and 2009.  I think 5 1/2 years is perfect for this brew.  I'll wait for the other two to mature a bit before opening. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts (Anything chocolate!).

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

Iron Hill - Old Ale (2007)

Traditional English-style brown ale with a distinct malty sweetness and fruity aromas that deepen with age.

The ABV is 7.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
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 - Small 'Pop' from the cork, Pours a dark amber color with a tan head and some lacing.
Aroma - Filled the room with a light musty smell, malty, hints of dark fruit and some grassy notes.
Taste - Malty, earthy and dark fruit.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - This bottle aged a bit better than the other corked Iron Hill brews I've had in the past.  In my experience Iron Hill corked bottles do not age well after a year or two.  This bottle was a pleasant surprise.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

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

Stone - Old Guardian Belgo

Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine, in all its unadulterated glory. We make small adjustments to the recipe every year, just a little bit...as it provides an opportunity to try some different hops or malts.
When our illustrious brewing team spiked a few barrels of the Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine with our Belgian yeast strain last year, we absolutely loved it. So much, in fact, that we knew we needed an excuse to make more. So, in our unending quest to constantly challenge the status quo (even our own), we came up with Odd Beers for Odd Years, a program to release odd beers – e.g. Stone Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine – in odd years (2011, 2013, 2015…). It was met with a bit of resistance (to say the least) since we weren’t originally offering the traditional Old Guardian alongside it, but we’ve mended our ways and decided to make both. You’re welcome.

First Release Date:
February 1998

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is 85
Style - American Barleywine
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 22oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Copper in color and a tan head.  Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sweet, hoppy and some fruit. 
Taste - Malty and hoppy, sweet, caramel, some fruitiness and spices.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.  A hoppy aftertaste.
Drinkable - A good American Barleywine.  This is a sipper, enjoy it does not need to be rushed.  

This beer pairs very with pungent and sharp cheese and desserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B
BeerAdvocate Rating =82
Ratebeer Rating =96

Corsendonk - Christmas Ale (2011)

On the palate this silky smooth ale is predominantly malty, with smoky, spicy and citrusy notes, and a long, lingering finish that is lightly tart and malty. 

This is my second review for this brew.  The other was the 2010 vintage.  The difference was the 2010 was from a case with 330ml bottles and the 2011 was from a gift set containing 250ml bottles.

The ABV is 8.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 250ml

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

The Pour - Brown in color.  Very big tan head that lingers around. Great lacing.
Aroma - Malts, spices and hops.
Taste - Malty and sweet, some fruitiness and spices.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.  Smooth.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, the 250ml bottle went down quickly. At this size I could drink several in one sitting.  The 2011 is slightly better than the 2010.  Next I will pop open one of the 2010 after aging for a year.

Goes great with cheese and meat (grilled meat).

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

Avery - Samael's Oaked Aged Ale

Samael is the prince of demons, the angel of death, accuser and destroyer. Filled with enmity towards man, he planted the vine, the forbidden tree of paradise. Behold his venom and vengeance, both sweet and tempting, enticing you, his spellbound victim, within his wings.

Samael’s Ale is a super-caramelly, oak aged English-style strong ale. Perhaps the least hoppy (sacrilege here at Avery!!) beer we’ve brewed, to accentuate the malt. The oak is very apparent in this rich and high gravity ale, adding additional depth and complexity with a woody and cask-like nose and a pronounced vanilla flavor on the palate. Notes for 2007 - With the addition of an additional roasted malt, Samael's now delivers subtle bitterness to add balance to the natural sweetness.

A super-caramelly, oak-aged strong English-style ale, brewed with Columbus, Fuggels hops and two-row barley, caramel 150L malt.

2007: 14.50% (Batch #3)
2008: 15.53% (Batch #4)
2009: 16.45% (Batch #5)
2010: 15.82% (Batch #6)
2011: 15.31% (Batch #7) 

The ABV is 14.5 and the IBU rating is 41
Style - Oak Aged English Strong Ale
Glass to use- Flute, Tulip or Oversized Wine 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. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, oaky tannins, sour dark fruit - cherries.
Taste -  Malty, nice tart taste taste, some spices. 
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body, dry finish.
Drinkable - This bottle had aged for two years and it shows in a good way.  Seek it out though it may be very hard to find since the last batch was in 2009.  Had this in Florida during the holidays.

This beer pairs well with crème brulee, sticky bread pudding or any dessert dish featuring the flavors of burnt or caramelized sugar.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B-
BeerAdvocate Rating =87
Ratebeer Rating =96

Flying Fish - Grand Cru Winter Reserve

This Belgian-style strong golden ale showcases a variety of the ingredients and brewing methods that help differentiate Flying Fish beers. The Grand Cru is fermented at a higher temperature than our other beers adding an undercurrent of fruitiness and clove (although there is no fruit or spice in the beer). Very lightly filtered, the Grand Cru exhibits complex mouth-feel, strong malt flavors, a spicy hop presence and a soothing alcohol warmth, followed by a clean, dry finish. It is excellent with food as well as served by itself.

Available October through February

The ABV is 7.2 and the IBU rating is 10.4
Style - Belgium Grand Cru
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a cloudy straw color with a white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Orange and other citrus notes like lemon, bready, sweet and spicy.
Taste -  Sweet, citrus fruits and spices
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. A bit of a dry finish.
Drinkable - A nice brew with a good finish.  A pleasant Belgium winter brew.  Can drink several in a session.  I had this in Florida over the Thanksgiving Holidays

This beer pairs well with most meats, cheese and hearty soups.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+
BeerAdvocate Rating =84
Ratebeer Rating =81

St. Sebastiaan - Dark

Dark top-fermented Abby ale brewed according to the purity law of 1516.  Sweet and bitter on the tongue with a sweat perfume of caramel malt.

The ABV is 6.9 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Dubbel
Glass to use- Goblet, Chalice, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 500ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a big tan head and some lacing.
Aroma - Lite aroma consisting of malts, caramel and hints of dark fruit.
Taste - Same as the smell mostly malty and caramel.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - An average Belgium brown.  Worth a try but that's 'bout it.  It does get the winner of the most unusual bottle.

This beer pairs well with cheese, chocolate and beef.

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

Caracole - Nostradamus (2010)

A very complex artisanal Wallonian brown ale, rich, warming, little piquant in the mouth with liquorice, mocha flavors, pear and toasted bread background notes, perfect after-dinner drink or night cap.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use - Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversize Wine Glass

Delivery 12oz bottle.

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

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a small tan head that disappears. Some lacing.
Aroma - Spices and dark fruit.
Taste -  Sweet, malty, dark fruit, molasses and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body. A slight warm burn.
Drinkable - I like this brew.  One year of aging helped this brew.  A very good beer for the cooler months.  Well balanced between the sweetness and spices.

This beer pairs very well with cheeses and beef.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.

BeerAdvocate Rating =A-

Ratebeer Rating = 97

Otter Creek - 20th Anniversary Ale

Otter Creek's Twentieth Anniversary Ale is a homage to their long-running flagship... Copper Ale. With four times the malts and hops, the traditional flavor is a bigger, bolder and more complex ale that can be savored for years to come. It features a blend of six malts with German & American hops and is a celebration of Otter Creek's 20 years of craft brewed ales in Middlebury, Vermont

The ABV is 12.0 and the IBU rating is 55
Style - Quadruple Alt / American Barleywine
Glass to use - Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Oversize Wine Glass

Delivery 12oz bottle.

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

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a very small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, caramel, molasses and dark fruit.
Taste -  Sweet, malty, boozy and hoppy.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body. Boozy finish with a nice warm burn.
Drinkable - Very nice, I had this on draft at Capones in Norristown a month ago and was able to find the special four pack.  I've never heard of a Quadruple Alt style so this is a first for me. I think the style is closer to an American Barleywine in my judgement.  Beer Advocate calls it an American Strong Ale.  I like the nice 12% warm alcohol burn nice during the cool months.  I will try another after aging for few more years.

This beer pairs very well with cheeses and smoked meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.

BeerAdvocate Rating =B-

Ratebeer Rating =n/r

Weyerbacher - Blithering Idiot

Weyerbacher says, we prefer to brew things true to European style guidelines, so this Barleywine is definitely on the malty side, without being overly sweet. Notes of date or perhaps fig on the palate follow a pleasurably malty aroma to your taste buds. The finish is warm and fruity, and begs for the next sip.

I first had this brew with an old friend in Jacksonville, FL.  We sampled several big beers this evening all of which are on the blog site.

The second time was at dinner with friends on one of my trips back home from Libya, Sept 7th, 2009.

Update in 2011 with a 2010 vintage.

The ABV is 11.1 and the IBU rating is ??.  
Style - English Barley Wine.  
Glass to use - Snifter or Oversize Wine Glass

Delivery 12oz bottle.

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

The Pour - Pours a brown color with small tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, malty and some dark fruit.
Taste -  Malty, sweet, caramel, dark fruit with a hoppy after taste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body. Boozy finish with a nice warm burn.
Drinkable - Okay, this is listed as an English Barleywine, however it is way too hoppy to be an English BW.  Closer to an American Barleywine in my judgement.  Given that, it's still a very good brew.  I like the nice 11% warm alcohol burn.  My last one was aged for one year.  I will try another aged for few more years.

This beer pairs very well with cheeses and desserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.

BeerAdvocate Rating =B

Ratebeer Rating = 97

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Great Divide - Hibernation Ale

English-style Old Ale. Hibernation Ale is Colorado’s original strong ale -- it has been Great Divide’s winter seasonal each year since 1995. Hibernation’s massive flavors are so intense that it requires over three months of aging each year. This lengthy aging process gives Hibernation its revered malty richness, complex hop profile and hearty warming character, which is perfect right out of the bottle or cellared for longer periods of time.

8.1% ABV through 2008
8.7% ABV in 2009

The ABV is 8.7 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler, Snifter or 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 small tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy, spices and dark fruit.
Taste -  Malty, tobacco, toffee maybe some brown sugar and hops.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation and full body. Smooth.
Drinkable - Taste more like an American Barleywine with the hop kick.  It is dry hopped which is why I get the hoppiness.  It is well balanced between the malts and hops.  Not sure why they call it an English-style Old Ale.

This beer pairs well with aged cheese and grilled meats.

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

Great Lakes - Christmas Ale

It has a cinnamon and ginger spice flavor, a rich copper color, and a medium body that will fit with any holiday meal.  Available November and December every year.

Gold Medal, 2009 World Beer Championships

Gold Medal, 2007 World Beer Championships

Gold Medal, 2006 World Beer Championships

Gold Medal, 2005 World Beer Championships

Silver Medal, 1999 World Beer Championships

The ABV is 7.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Winter Warmer
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker or Tumbler
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours an amber color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Not much at first then the spices start coming through as it warms up.
Taste -  Sweet, honey, orange peel, nutmeg and all spice.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - Pretty good, a well balanced Xmas beer.  Not too sweet and just the right amount of spice.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

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

Brooklyn - Black Chocolate Stout (2005)

This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, our award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style once made exclusively for Catherine the Great. We use three mashes to brew each batch of this beer, achieving a luscious deep dark chocolate flavor through a blend of specialty roasted malts. We brew it every year for the winter season. It is delicious when newly bottled, but also ages beautifully for years.  Available from October through March.

This review is for the 2005 vintage.  Click here to see my review from 2010 of a fresh bottle.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Russian Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a solid thick black color with no head. Clear coat lacing.
Aroma - Strong licorice, dried fruits (raisin and plum).
Taste -  Same as the aroma with the addition of some malts and caramel. Notes of dark chocolate with a tart finish.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body. Dry.
Drinkable - My first aged Imperial Chocolate Stout. At 6 years of aging it taste like other aged brews with chocolate added to the mix.  I have three other vintages; a 2007, 2008 and 2009.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts (Anything chocolate!).

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

Bosteels - Pauwel Kwak

Pauwel Kwak is from the the Bosteels Brewery which also makes DeuS and Tripel Karmeliet.

Full-bodied Belgian Specialty Ale. Amber in color with beautiful foam and slightly sweet, seductive malt character. Rich, satisfying Belgian experience.  Discover a very mellow, fruity attack, a nougat-like solidity, and a slightly spicy character with hints of liquorice passing into a warm finish that reminds you of caramelised banana. The bitterness always remains in the background but in the end emerges delicately.   

I've been saving this for a year, the date on the bottle is March 2010.  I remember first having this at Nodding Head's Brewpub circa 1996.  The second time was with an old friend in Jacksonville, FL.  We sampled several big beers that evening all of which are on the blog site.

Updated in November 2011

The ABV is 8.4 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium Strong Pale Ale

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

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

The Pour - Pours a dark amber color with a big white head. Great lacing. Poured into a great special Kwak glass (see photo).
Aroma - Grassy, hops, some spices and fruits.
Taste -  Sweet like candy, with some spices and hints of fruit.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and lite/medium body. Crisp and a little dry.
Drinkable - This was one of the first Belgium beers I ever had, about 15 years ago.  It still taste great to me, I love the fancy glass from their gift set.  The alcohol is hidden well.

This beer may pair well with white meats.

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

Rouge - Double Chocolate Stout

Double Chocolate Stout is an evolution of Rogue Chocolate Stout, which is flavored with imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate. In 2010, Double Chocolate Stour received a Gold Medal at the World Beer Championships.

Made with 10 Ingredients:
Malts: C120, Chocolate and Rogue Micro Barley Farm Risk™
Hops: Cascade and Rogue Micro Hopyard Revolution.
Yeast & Water: Rogue’s Pacman Yeast and Free Range Coastal Water.

Comes in a bright red painted 750ml bottle, I purchased a case.

The ABV is 8.7 and the IBU rating is 50
Style - Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a black color with a big tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Dark chocolate fills the air as you pop the cap, malts, molasses and coffee.
Taste -  Like drinking a dark chocolate bar with other notes of malts and coffee.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and big body. Very creamy.
Drinkable - Delicious!  Will obviously cellar many bottles to see how it ages. One of the best DCS I have ever had, maybe even better than the Brooklyn DCS. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts (Anything chocolate!).

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

Samuel Smith's - Oatmeal Stout (2010)

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground); fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create an almost opaque, wonderfully silky and smooth textured ale with a complex medium dry palate and bittersweet finish.

The ABV is 5.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style – Oatmeal Stout
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Mug or Stein
Delivery 550ml bottle.

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a black color and a big tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Oat grains, malty, sweet, caramel and molasses.
Taste - Dark malts, dark chocolate and sweet.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. A little tangy.
Drinkable - One of the best oatmeal stouts on the market. 


This beer pairs with cheese, smoked meats and shell fish.

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

Samuel Smith's - India Ale (2010)

Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground); best malted barley and a generous amount of choicest aroma hops; fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create an exceptionally full-flavored complex ale with an abundance of maltiness and fruity hop character.

The ABV is 5.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style – English IPA
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Mug or Stein
Delivery 550ml bottle.

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a copper color and a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Hops, spices and bready.
Taste - Grains, spices, .
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - No harsh after taste.  A nice refreshing brew.  This was aged for a year, I will try a fresh one soon.


This beer pairs with cheese, Indian food, shell fish.

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

Flying Dog - Dogtoberfest (2010)

Dogtoberfest is a unique beer containing five premium malts. This lager draws its influence from the Vienna Marzen or Oktoberfest style. It is rich and malty with a sweet aroma and deep mahogany color.  

The ABV is 5.3 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Oktoberfest

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Mug or Stein
Delivery - 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a amber color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, sweet, hint of dark fruit (fig).
Taste -  Malty, sweet and dark fruit.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - A surprise with the dark fruit.  Must be from the aging.  this brew should be enjoyed fresh.  However, though it's only 5% in aged well for a year.  I would not push it longer.

This beer may pair well with German food.

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

Delirium - Nocturnum (2009)

Delirium Nocturnum is brewed in Belgian Family Brewery in Brouwerij Huyghe which is just outside Ghent, Belgium. The brewery is over 400 years old. It began in 1654 and is still at its original location and is still family owned. It’s known by many beer fans as the brewer of the well-reputed and amusingly named “Delirium Tremens”.

When Delirium Nocturnum (and Tremens) began being imported into the United States and Canada, it was quickly banned and taken off the shelves because of its name and the law that forbids the sale of an alcohol product that promotes "excessive drinking". It was refused to be allowed to be licensed for consumption, fearing the beers' names would encourage alcohol abuse. The dictionary defines the word 'delirium' as: ‘an acute mental disturbance characterized by confused thinking and disrupted attention usually accompanied by disordered speech and hallucinations’, and, ‘frenzied excitement’. It was also found offensive to people who have had the "DT's" which indicates a violent sickness induced by withdrawal after alcohol abuse. To avoid not being imported, Delirium was imported under the name ‘Mateen Triple’ for a while until the ban was lifted in the United States and Canada.

Because of the living yeast added for refermentation in the bottle (bottle conditioning), the taste of Delirium will change (and often improve) with age due to both metabolism by the yeast and the effects of oxidation in the bottle.

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

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

The Pour - Pours a dark ruby/brown color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet (cotton candy), malty and dark fruits (cherry).
Taste - Candy sweet, dark fruit, hint of tartness like an apple. 
Mouth Feel - High carbonated and medium body.  Too fizzy.
Drinkable - A great Belgium double.  Two years of aging have done this beer well.  I like it.

This beer pair well with cheese and meats (grilled meats).

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

Ithaca - Excelsior! Eleven Anniversary (2008)

Anniversary ale, ELEVEN is brewed with British, German and French malts, American hops and milk sugar.  It’s aged for weeks on locally roasted Sumatra Coffee Beans.Enjoy the deep mocha color, sumptuous roasted aroma, rich flavor and smooth creamy finish.

Batch E!016

The ABV is 7.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Sweet Stout
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Mug or Steins
Delivery - 750ml Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a black color with a thin tan head and good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, coffee and toasted grains.
Taste - Sweet, malty, coffee and chocolate.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. 
Drinkable - I like it, heavy coffee aroma and taste.  But it's well balanced. If you are lucky enough to find a bottle, give it a try.  Three years of aging mellowed this already smooth beer to perfection.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts (chocolate).

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

Boon - Kriek Mariage Parfait (2008)

Boon Kriek is a spontaneously fermented beer, made from old and young Lambic matured in oak barrels of Lembeek. The quality is guaranteed by the exclusive use of real cherries (25%), was originally made by a barrel Lambic of 6 months of age or older cherries to add, this creates a new fermentation in the barrels. After another six months the result is a fresh, sweet-acid, non-foaming beer and red, with the taste of cherries.

Kriek was not necessarily made in the brewery. Many inns that had Lambic barrels are manufactured their own cherry. Like cherry lambic was initially tapped the barrel of the typical stone jars. Afterwards was passed to bottling.

Original cherry-lambic was made by adding Schaerbeek cherries. As this variety has become rare, are now different breeds, especially North Cherries. Of real cherry, no added sweeteners.

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

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

The Pour - Pours a ruby red color with some reddish head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sour cherries and tannins.
Taste -  Sweet, sour cherries.
Mouth Feel - High carbonation and medium body. A pucker finish.
Drinkable - Very sour, light on the fruit, the sourness is overwhelming. 

This beer pairs well with chocolate and salad.

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

Sly Fox - Christmas Ale 2009

A malty, full-bodied red ale made with traditional mulling spices: Ginger, Clove, All Spice, Cinnamon & Nutmeg. If this one doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit, you truly are a Scrooge. Released each year on Thanksgiving Eve.

The ABV is 6.5 and the IBU rating is 16
Style - Winter Warmer
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 ruby color with a big tan head.  Good lacing.
Aroma - Spicy (ginger, cloves, cinnamon) and bready.
Taste - Bland at first then the flavors kicked in after it warmed up - spices like clove and ginger.
Mouth Feel - High carbonation, medium body. Too much fizz.
Drinkable - Not bad, maybe better when its fresh.  This bottle was two years old.  A nice smooth beer for the cooler months.

This beer pairs with meat and desserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating = 84

Houblon La Chouffe - Dobbelen IPA Tripel

The Houblon Chouffe was brewed for the first time in 2006. It is an ‘Indian Pale Ale’ type of beer, with a harmonious balance between a marked bitterness (three types of hops are used to make it) and a pleasant fruitiness. The Houblon Chouffe is unfiltered, and re-fermented in the bottle as well as in the keg.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium IPA
Glass to use- Tulip, Goblet, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a straw color with a big white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Spicy, hops, citrus fruit and bready.
Taste - Sweet and spice, some breadiness and hints of banana.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and light body. Slight bitter after taste.
Drinkable - A very nice Belgium.  It's not a West-coast IPA so hop head stay away.  For the rest of us, enjoy!

This beer pairs well with cheese and salads.

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

Iron Hill - Old Ale (2008)

Traditional English-style brown ale with a distinct malty sweetness and fruity aromas that deepen with age.

The ABV is 7.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
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 brown color with a tan head and good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, musty (peat), spices and some dark fruit.
Taste - Malty, earthy and dark fruit.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Smooth.
Drinkable - A little past it's prime.  In my experience Iron Hill corked bottles do not age well after a year or two.  Given that, it's still a good beer.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

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

Mendocino - Imperial Barley Wine Style Ale

This Imperial Barley Wine Style Ale has a rich amber color with a full, robust body. This Barley Wine Style Ale has a traditional warming malt flavor with a delightful hop finish, While exceptionally drinkable now, it will continue to improve with age - taking on subtle flavors of dark fruit, sherry and anise. Hop flavors and aromas will become more rounded and luscious caramel malt notes will become more intense. Brewed with an astonishing original gravity of 24 Plato and finishing at 11.0% alcohol by volume, this Imperial Barley Wine Ale is not for the faint of heart, though it will reward the adventurous drinker with an unparalleled taste experience.
Had this in Buffalo.

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Barley Wine
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler, Snifter or 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 small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, molasses (maybe rum) and spicy.
Taste - Toffee, brown sugar, some chocolate, hops but not as hoppy as a typical ABW
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body. Slight hop after taste.
Drinkable - Not bad at all, a mix between an American Barley Wine and an English style Barley Wine. A new style - Imperial Barley Wine!

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B
Ratebeer Rating =78

Ayinger - Celebrator (2010)

Celebrator has a creamy head of tight bubbles contrasting beautifully with its profound dark robe. It is full-bodied and velvety from half a year's aging. Although it is strong, it is not overpowering. There is a wonderful and complex balance between the various malts, the alcohol and the subtle hops. A complex fruitiness of roasted malt and whole hop flowers make Celebrator great as a party drink with friends and family at celebrations. Despite its richness, it has a faintly smoky dryness in the finish.


The ABV is 6.7 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Doppelbock
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 dark brown color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Dark roasted malts, sweet, caramel and brown sugar.
Taste -  Malty, chocolate, caramel and some fruits.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, medium body.
Drinkable - One of my favorite doppelbocks!  It aged very well for one year.  Still, you should drink it fresh.

This beer pairs well with German food, cheese, chocolate and meats.

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

Redhook - Treblehook (Limited Release) 2009

Treblehook is vigorously hopped and patiently aged with aromatic malt and spicy hop notes. Smooth and complex, this beer is carefully brewed by hand with subtle caramel, toffee and chocolate notes.

The ABV is 10.1 and the IBU rating is 52
Style - American Barley Wine
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler or Snifter
Delivery 22oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a copper color with some head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Dark fruit, molasses and peat.
Taste -  Caramel, molasses, some dark fruit.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and medium body. Smooth.
Drinkable - Some American Barley Wines are just too hoppy.  Two years of aging had done this one well.  The harsh hop aftertaste is almost non-existent.  A pleasant surprise. 

This beer pairs well with sharp cheese and desserts.

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

Tröegs - Scratch 46 (Naked Elf)

The Scratch Beer series has developed into an experimental beer series where we can tinker with new techniques and brew with non-traditional ingredients. Each batch is extremely small and cases and growler fills are only available in our tasting room. Make sure to stop in for a taste and let us know what you think.

Naked Elf takes a hard look at the less-is-more theory. Ever since we developed The Mad Elf, we’ve speculated what it would taste like without the cherries and honey. So what lies beneath the fruit? Naked Elf is unfiltered, so the spicy yeast taste is more prominent in this strong, hazy orange ale. The combination of the Pilsner, and Vienna malts give a lot of body and minimal sweetness, but Naked Elf has a dry finish. Finally, the heat of the alcohol makes its presence known in the finish. The Naked Elf’s finest quality is the delicate balancing act between a lively yeast kick and a slight alcohol note that lingers in the back of the mouth—constantly reminding us not to overindulge in this complex, warming elixir.

Click here for a list of Troegs' Scratch beers

The ABV is 7.8 and the IBU rating is 50
Style - Belgium Strong Pale Ale
Glass to use- Tulip, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a clear copper color with a little head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, light spices and fruits.
Taste -  Taste like it smells, some fruit and spice notes.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body.
Drinkable - Similar to the Mad Elf without the cherries and the alcohol. Less of a cherry bomb which emphasizes the spices. Glad I found this unique bottle.  I also have the Scratch 42 - Belgium Brown.

This beer pairs well with cheese and meats.

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

Avery - The Kaiser (2007)

The Kaiser once said, "Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world." If the Kaiser and his significant other had tipped this bottle, we’d all be "sprechenden Deutsch!" We took all that is good in a traditional Oktoberfest - gorgeous, deep copper sheen, massive malty backbone and spicy, floral, pungent noble hops - then intensified each into this, an Imperial Oktoberfest.

2004 = 9.3% ABV
2005 = 8.9% ABV
2006 = 9.1% ABV
2007 = 9.3% ABV
2008 = 10.03% ABV
2011 = 10.01% ABV 

The ABV is 9.3 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Imperial Oktoberfest
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Becker, Tumbler or Stein
Delivery 22oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a cloudy amber color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty, bananas and spices.
Taste -  Sweet, caramel, some fruits and spices.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Smooth.
Drinkable - Aged nicely. Who knew a larger would age well. 

This beer pairs well with German style cuisine, wurst!

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

Weyerbacher - Quad (2009)

Massively big and delicious, QUAD is an elegant and dark ale. Rich with complexity and flavor, try savoring it after a long day or during a fine dinner. You also might enjoy it as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to a dessert, but QUAD stands alone quite well. We recommend enjoying QUAD in a brandy snifter or wineglass so you can drink in the aroma of this fine elixir.

The ABV is 11.8 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Quadrupel
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 amber with a little head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Sweet like candy, some dark fruit, caramel and toffee.
Taste - Malty, tangy, boozy, some dark fruit and spices.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and full body.
Overall - A nice brew, three years aging have done it well.  I have case which I purchased last year and plan to age several for many years.

This beer pairs well with cheese and beef.

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

Dogfish Head - 120 Minute (2003)

Too extreme to be called beer? Brewed to a colossal 45°P, boiled for a full 2 hours while being continually hopped with high alpha American hops, dry-hopped every day in a fermenter for a month, and aged for a month on whole leaf hops, 120 Minute IPA is by far the strongest IPA ever brewed. And at 18% ABV and 120 IBU’s, you can see why they call this the Holy Grail for Hopheads.

This post is for the 2003 vintage.

The ABV is 18.0 (21.0) and the IBU rating is 120
Style - Imperial IPA
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 dark brown color with no head. Clear coat lacing.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit, peat, caramel and toffee.
Taste -  Malty, dark fruits like plums and raisins, chocolate, molasses, toffee and its really sweet. 
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation which is expected for an aged beer.  Syrupy.  Full bodied and smooth with a lingering slow burn as a finish.
Drinkable - Excellent!  8 years of aging did this brew well.  One of the best aged beers I have ever had.  Don't know the alcohol content due to aging, my guess is 21%.

This beer pairs well with bread and cheese.

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

Straffe Hendrik - Quadrupel

Straffe Hendrik Quadruple is a rich and intense dark Belgian ale. It is brewed with a subtle blend of specialty malts, which give the ale an extremely dark color and a chewy, malty complex character. The quadruple combines a clean dryness with a warm full bodied mouth feel and essences of fruit. Secondary fermentation in the bottle creates a living ale that can be aged and will have an evolution of taste profiles over time.

It is brewed by the last active brewery in the historical city of Bruges. The town archives first mention the brewery in 1546. Since 1856, the famous brewing family Maes-Vanneste has owned the brewery.

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Quadrupel
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip or Chalice
Delivery 330ml 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.
Aroma - Malty, toffee and caramel.
Taste -  Sweet, some caramel and a bit nutty (spicy)
Mouth Feel - High carbonation and medium body. On this fizzy side.
Drinkable - A good quad, way too fizzy like most Belgium.  Alcohol is well hidden. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and smoked meats.

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

Chouffe - Houblon Dobbelen IPA - 2010

A unique marriage between the English tradition of IPAs, the new American revolution of Imperial IPAs and the classic Belgian way of brewing. Houblon Chouffe, although very much hopped as it is, showcases the unique balance between a very strong IPA and a very special Belgian Tripel exclusively created for this ale (Big malty body, distinct dryness, expressive estery fruitiness).

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 59
Style - Belgium IPA
Glass to use- Snifter, Goblet, Tulip, Chalice or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a straw color with a white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, citrus fruits and hoppy
Taste -  The hops are not overpowering, sweet, candy sugar, and tropical fruit.
Mouth Feel - High carbonation and medium body. Very dry.
Drinkable - Not bad, I've had a few hoppy Belgium brews. This is way too fizzy like most Belgium.  Alcohol is well hidden. A lite refreshing IPA.

This beer pairs well with sharp cheese and salads.

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

J.W. Lees - Harvest Ale [Calvados Cask] 2006

Matured in wooden Etienne Dupont Calvados casks from the end of October until mid March.
This fully fermented ale has been brewed by JW Lees as a celebration of the brewers' art. Harvest Ale can be enjoyed now or laid down like a fine wine for enjoyment to come.
This blog is for the 2006 Calvados Cask release.  In 2010 and 2011 I had the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2006 and 2007 all on different dates of course.  Sadly I have no blogs for the 1997, 1998 or 2001 vintages.

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

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

The Pour - Pours a copper color with no head. No lacing.
Aroma - Dark fruits (figs and cherries), a bit of peat and oak tannins.
Taste -  Sweet, dark fruits like plums and raisins. No peat funk or tannins that appeared in the nose.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation, medium body, very smooth no burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Surprised, not sure what to expect from this brew.  Does not compare to the regular 2006 vintage.  The casking had smoothed out this brew.  On the negative side it's really sweet, too sweet. It is 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 = 98

Lost Abbey - Judgement Day

A massive beer in every sense of the word. A stronger and more contemplative version of the Lost and Found Ale. Judgment Day is the base beer for the Cuvee de Tomme. Many of the Trappist Breweries produce a version of beer which ages incredibly well for many years to come. And, since none of us knows when the end of the world is coming, you should stock up with lots of Lost Abbey beers so that when the end of the world magically appears from no where, you’ll have a beer or two on hand for even the stingiest of angels. Available in 750ml bottles and on draft at select inspired locations.

The ABV is 10.5 and the IBU rating is 112
Style - Quadrupel
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 dark brown color with a big thick tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, dark fruits and caramel.
Taste -  Malty, dark dried fruits, some his of hops (not much).
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. 
Drinkable - My first impression is that its very similar to the Lost Abbey's Ten Commandments but not quite as good.  It does get a bit better as it warms to room temperature.  I will seek out another bottle to age a few years.  This rates as a very good American Quad but just an average Belgium Quad. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and smoked meats.

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

Founders - Devil Dancer

Founders most complex, most innovative, most feared and yet most revered ale produced. Massive in complexity the huge malt character balances the insane amount of alpha’s used to create this monster. More IBU’s than any brewery has documented (except DFH), more than you would believe and dry-hopped for twenty-six days straight with a combination of 10 hop varieties. Dangerously drinkable and deliciously evil. We dare you to dance with the Devil. 112 IBUs.

The ABV is 12.0 and the IBU rating is 112
Style - Imperial IPA
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip 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. Good lacing.
Aroma - Strong hops in the room after popping the cap, grassy and spicy.
Taste -  Sweet, citrus fruits, some malts and spices.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full body.  Slight hoppy after taste, creamy and smooth.
Drinkable - My first triple IPA (I think).  I like it, a hop heads delight.  Some heat from the alcohol. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and white meats.

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

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