Thomas Hardy's Ale - 2007

Scarce, subtle and complex, Thomas Hardy’s Ale is the beer enthusiast’s equivalent of rare cognac. Bottle-conditioned to mature in the bottle like fine wine, this old ale/barley wine will improve with age for at least 26 years (and we’re still counting!). Not for the faint of palate, especially when young and brash, maturity brings an elegance of flavors unmatched by any other beer—if you have the patience to cellar it for at least a decade.

This blog is for the 2007 release which I had at the Memphis Tap Room in February of 2011.  The Beer Advocate Brothers were in town for a small bar hopping tour.

The 2007 is still a very young ale, needs to age for another 10 years.   See my blog for the 1994 version of this brew.


The ABV is 11.7 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 8.5oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with some head. No lacing but a clear coat on the glass.
Aroma - Mostly raisins and malty.
Taste -  The dark fruit, mostly raisins. Like a sherry or port.
Mouth Feel - Big and bold!  No carbonation, very smooth no burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but a sipper.  

This beer may pair well with cheese but just enjoy it without food.

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

Dogfish Head - Raison d'EXtra - 2007

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 March 2007 release. (Date printed on the bottle).  I opened a bottle in January 2011.

A buddy at work told me that the brewery in Lewis, DE was selling off their last cases of this great and rare brew.  So I took a trip down to Delaware and behold!  They had two case for sale thou we were limited to just two 4-packs.  I purchased the limit. 

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. Ah Men.

The Pour - Pours a cloudy brown color with a nice head that vanishes after a few minutes. Some lacing.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit here, figs, cherries, raisins, then caramel, malty and oh the alcohol.
Taste -  Taste like smells and very much like a sherry. 
Mouth Feel - Big and bold!  Not much carbonation, smooth with a slight burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but a sipper.  Don't know the alcohol content due to aging, my guess is 22%.

This beer pairs well with bread and cheese.  Grilled meat.

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

Related articles

• How Dogfish Keeps Brewing Winners (time.com)
• Beer Fest: Arrogant Bastards and Lusty Wenches! (anotherwineblog.com)
• Philly Loves Beer: The Art of Food Pairing (phillyist.com)

Dogfish Head - Immort Ale - 2008

I visited the DFH brewpub on Saturday January 29, 2011.  They had four vintage beers available;

• 2008 120 Minute IPA
• 2008 Immort Ale
• 2006 World Wide Stout
• 2007 Fort

I had the 2008 120 Minute IPA and 2008 Immort Ale.  This review is for the 2008 Immort Ale. 

Vast in character, luscious and complex. Brewed with peat-smoked barley, this strong ale is brewed with organic juniper berries, vanilla and maple syrup. It’s aged on oak and fermented with a blend of English and Belgian yeasts. The sweet and earthy flavors meld magnificently in the Immort Ale. But, be warned the abv is 11%, so after 1 or 2 you may start feeling immortal.  Immort Ale is released each and every spring (after the sap starts flowing).

The ABV is 11.0 (13.0) and the IBU rating is 50
Style - American Strong Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter or Chalice
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a ruby-red color with a small tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - A little of everything due to the oak barrel aging; oak, some maple, vanilla and malts.
Taste -  Taste like smells with a bit of peat or leather.  
Mouth Feel - Not too much carbonation which is expected for an aged beer.  Full bodied and a smooth finish.  A warm feeling from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Very good. I love aged big beers.  Don't know the alcohol content due to aging, my guess is 13%.  I have to admit I find the peat taste a bit off, I think this would be a great brew without the peat-smoked barley.  IMHO.

This beer pairs well with bread and cheese.

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

Related articles

• Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery updates book, "Brewing Up a Business" with off-centered business wisdom. (prweb.com)

Dogfish Head - 120 Minute IPA - 2008

I visited the DFH brewpub on Saturday January 29, 2011. They had four vintage beers available;

• 2008 120 Minute IPA
• 2008 Immort Ale
• 2006 World Wide Stout
• 2007 Fort

I had the 2008 120 Minute IPA and 2008 Immort Ale. This review is for the January 2008 120 Minute IPA. (Date printed on the bottle).

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.

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. Ah Men.

The Pour - Pours a copper color with no head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit and malty.
Taste -  Taste like it smells and you can taste the alcohol. Also get caramel, its pretty sweet. 
Mouth Feel - Not too much carbonation which is expected for an aged beer.  Syrupy.  Full bodied and a smooth finish.
Drinkable - Very good. I love aged big beers.  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

Related articles

• Chicago Beer Events, weekend of Nov. 19-21 (chicagonow.com)
• Philly Loves Beer: Dogfish Head Brewery Tour (phillyist.com)

Anchor - Old Forghorn

Old Foghorn Barleywine Style Ale is brewed strictly according to traditional brewing methods, using only natural ingredients — water, malted barley, fresh whole hops, and yeast. Old Foghorn is based on traditional English barley wines.

Old Foghorn is highly hopped, using only Cascade hops. It is fermented with a true top-fermenting ale yeast. Carbonation is produced by an entirely natural process called "bunging," which produces champagne-like bubbles. The "barleywine ale" is dry-hopped with additional Cascade hops while it ages in Anchor's cellars.

The ABV is 8.8 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Barleywine
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a cooper/orange color with a tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Sweet and malty, dark caramel and a hint of pine from the hops.
Taste -  Malty, sweet, some hints of caramel.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation, full to medium body, a little sticky with a nice finish.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, no harsh after taste.

This beer pairs well with cheese and deserts.

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

Related articles

• Philly Loves Beer: Suffer Not A Bad Beer (phillyist.com)
• 99 Bottles: Giving thanks with fine craft ale (boston.com)

Sierra Nevada - Bigfoot

Gold Medal Winner, Great American Beer Festival (Ales: Brown, Bitter and Pale 1987, Barleywine 1988,1992,1995). Sierra Nevada Bigfoot is an award winning example of the English Barley Wine style. It boasts a dense, fruity bouquet; an extremely rich, intense, bittersweet palate; and a deep, reddish-brown color. This ale is superbly balanced between an almost overpowering maltiness and a wonderfully bittersweet hoppiness.

The ABV is 9.6 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Barleywine
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Snifter
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a cooper color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy and slightly malty, toffee.
Taste -  Malty, hoppy, caramel, hints of orange, bitter after taste from the hops.
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation with a big body.
Drinkable - Nice warming feel.

This beer pairs well with cheese and deserts.

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

Related articles

• Philly Loves Beer: Suffer Not A Bad Beer (phillyist.com)
• 12 beers of Christmas (boston.com)
• Sierra Nevada x Anchor Steam (coolhunting.com)
• Day 325 Drink: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Grand Cru (lyke2drink.blogspot.com)
• Philly Loves Beer: Winter Ales (phillyist.com)
• Day 287 Drink: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Ken & Jack's Ale (lyke2drink.blogspot.com)

Southern Tier - 2xIPA

Not quite an imperial, but certainly not a standard India pale ale. Our double IPA is a hop lovers dream. Citrusy and clean with an incredible finish.

The ABV is 8.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Double 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 straw color with a white head that last. Good lacing.
Aroma - Hoppy, citrus fruit and grassy.
Taste - Good balance between bitter and sweet.
Mouth Feel - Just the right amount of carbonation, creamy and medium body.
Drinkable - A nice brew for this time of year, being that I've been drinking a lot of malty brews lately.  I nice change of pace.

This beer pairs well with sharp cheese and grilled meats.

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

Affligem - Noël

For the season we offer you our best wishes and especially delicious Ale. Rich and dark like their Dubbel. Sumptuous and smooth like our Tripel. Enjoy..

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark
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 deep copper color with a large tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty and fruity - bananas.
Taste - Malty, caramel and some spices.
Mouth Feel - Too much carbonation for me, nice smooth finish.
Drinkable - Similar taste to a light double with a hint of spice.

This beer pairs well with sharp cheese and grilled meats.

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

Founders - Curmudgeon Old Ale

This Old Ale conjures up thoughts of classic sea fairing ports, there local pubs and the weathered fisherman that frequent them. In traditional style Curmudgeon is brewed with an intense focus on the malt bill creating a very strong, rich, malty characteristic and a sweetness indicative of its cousin the barleywine. The balance in this beer makes it deceptively smooth and drinkable at 9.8% alcohol by volume.
The 2006 bottled version has been aged in bourbon barrels.

The ABV is 9.8 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a cooper color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and sweet.
Taste -  Same as the aroma with a hint of tobacco and a little hoppy suggesting this could be an American Barleywine.
Mouth Feel - Nice carbonation and heavy body.
Drinkable - A nice Old Ale though I would call it an American Barleywine.  When I purchased this brew I thought it was an IPA, after I poured it I realized it was something different.  I will buy this one again.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =89

St. Feuillien - Cuvée De Noël

This beer has a generous head - compact and firm. Its slightly brown color is the result of the roasted barley. It has a dark ruby brown color and a very intense aroma. The aromatic herbs and spices used greatly enhance its delicious smell. This beer is full-bodied with a smoothness that is the result of the synergy of caramelized malts, carefully controlled fermentation and long cold storage. St Feuillien Cuvée de Noël has a very subtle bitterness that is the dominant flavor in this harmonious ale that strikes a perfect balance between all the different ingredients.

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

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

The Pour - Pours a copper/orange color with a tan and light head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Sweet like candy, fruity like banana.
Taste - Sweet, some Christmas spices and fruit.
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation, sooth nice finish.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, cannot tell it's a 9% brew.

This beer pairs well with pungent cheese and grilled meats.

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

Ballast Point - Sea Monster

Sea Monster Imperial Stout is a new version of an old favorite. This hearty stout is black as the abyss and clocks in at a whopping 10% ABV, a real monster. The flavors of roasted coffee and bittersweet chocolate are complemented by a velvety smoothness from the addition of un-malted barley and oats. Columbus and Amarillo hops help to balance out the huge malt character of this flavor bomb. Be careful the alcohol is well hidden and will sneak up on you if you don’t watch out. Like most scary monsters, it can be a little intimidating, but have no fear.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark
Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 22oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a large tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Chocolate, malty and coffee.
Taste - Chocolate, caramel and hoppy, some coffee hints.
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation, full body and a nice finish.
Drinkable - Very drinkable for an Imperial Stout. The alcohol is hidden so be careful.

This beer pairs well with sharp cheese and smoked meats.

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

Weyerbacher - Winter Ale

This is a Winter Ale that is a must for any malty beer lover. Winner of a Silver Medal in the 1998 World Beer Championships, Weyerbacher Winter Ale is brewed with deep-roasted chocolate malt. The taste predominates with a warm, roasty flavor, balanced out with a slightly dry finish. It's smooth but not cloying, with a warming belt of alcohol (5.6% ABV).
Although winter ales predate history, they are believed to have their origin in the pagan celebrations of winter solstice. Later, when monasteries produced the local brew, winter ales were made each year to commemorate the birth of Christ. Back then, winter ales were brewed full-bodied as a source of nutrition for the upcoming winter months. Today, winter ales are typified by their seasonality, their rich, malty flavors and by their deep, dark coloration.
Generally available November through February, Weyerbacher Winter Ale is the perfect libation for a winter meal, with good friends, or beside a warm fire fending off a cold winter night.


The ABV is 5.6 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Winter Warmer
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a tan head that last. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty and spice with a hint of smoke (odd).
Taste - Sweet and some spices.  Some smokiness but not much.
Mouth Feel - Just the right amount of carbonation with a dry clean finish.
Drinkable - Very smooth I could drink a few in a session.  A good Winter Warmer, seek it out.

This beer pairs well with deserts and white meats.

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

Related articles

• Clipper City Heavy Seas Winter Storm or Weyerbacher Winter Ale will help you celebrate, well, winter (cleveland.com)
• Philly Loves Beer: Winter Ales (phillyist.com)
• 12 beers of Christmas (boston.com)
• Clipper City's Winter Storm (grub.gunaxin.com)
• Winter Beer Fest 2010 Starts Today. Here Are Our Best Bets. (seattlest.com)
• Fireside Chat Winter Spiced Ale by 21st Amendment Brewery (laughingsquid.com)

Harpoon - Single Hop ESB - 100 Barrel Series

The 31st offering from the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series is the Single Hop ESB, brewed by Harpoon brewer Charlie Cummings. Already excited about crafting an Extra Special Bitter, Charlie jumped at the rare opportunity to brew this beer using one hop varietal, Delta, exclusively throughout the process.

The Delta hop is a brand new American-grown hop developed by Hopsteiner. In fact, the Harpoon Single Hop ESB is the first beer in the world to be commercially brewed using the Delta hop. A cross between Fuggle and Cascade hops, Delta hops yield an unrestrained earthy/floral aroma and taste that compliment the rich flavors of traditional British malts and yeast.

The recipe for this beer is a nod to the beloved Harpoon ESB, which was last brewed in 2002. However this version uses imported ingredients, except for the domestically grown Delta hops. Only a portion of the batch was filtered, leaving the full spectrum of flavor and aroma of this special new hop to enjoy.

The ABV is 5.8 and the IBU rating is 38
Style - Extra Special Bitter (ESB)
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 22oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours an orange/cooper color with a little white head. A bit cloudy.  Some lacing.
Aroma - Citrus and hoppy.
Taste -  Hoppy and not much else going on here.
Mouth Feel - Lite carbonation need a bit more, medium to light body.
Drinkable - Very smooth not much of an alcohol taste.  Kind of disappointing, I was expecting a lot more from the marketing of a special "100 Barrel Series".  So much for marketing.  On a positive note, it was very clean and can had several in one session. 

This beer pairs well with cheese and pork.

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

Related articles

• 12 Sips of Christmas (fromthispinton.com)

Harpoon Leviathan - Barleywine Style Ale

Harpoon Leviathan Barleywine pays homage to the classic English-style barleywines. The massive amount of pale malt coupled with the long boil in the kettle yields a deep garnet color and a strong malt backbone. Complex aromas and flavors of dark fruit, pepper, vanilla, and caramel derived from caramel- ized sugars complement the unique combination of Chinook and Tettnang hops.

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

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

The Pour - Pours a cooper color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and a hint of dark fruit.
Taste -  Malty, sweet, caramel, spice and slight hop after taste.
Mouth Feel - Lite carbonation, medium body.
Drinkable - Smooth not much of an alcohol taste.

This beer pairs well with cheese.

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

Related articles

• Philly Loves Beer: Suffer Not A Bad Beer (phillyist.com)
• 12 beers of Christmas (boston.com)
• Recent Expansion: 90+Cellars Receives Investment from Harpoon Brewery (pr.com)

Southampton - Imperial Porter

This is Southampton brewmaster Phil Markowski’s authentic interpretation of what an Imperial Porter would have tasted like back in the 18th century. Southampton Imperial Porter uses a unique blend of seven malts to give it a deep brown, almost black color and a smooth, full-bodied flavor that bursts alive with a pleasing, warming effect and notes of chocolate, toffee and caramel in every sip. Southampton Imperial Porter is perfect with smoked foods, earthy cheeses, desserts or simply by itself..

The ABV is 7.2 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Imperial Porter
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours black color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and caramel.
Taste -  Caramel and hints of chocolate and coffee.
Mouth Feel - Just the right amount of carbonation, full body.
Drinkable - This is a good example of an imperial porter, not the best but good.  I will have it again.

This beer pairs well with cheese, smoked and grilled meats.

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

Related articles

• Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week:" Southern Tier Jah-Va Imperial Coffee Stout (chicagoist.com)

AleSmith - Old Numbskull

Bottle conditioned.  A West Coast style barleywine. A huge malt profile and a very aggressive dose of premium domestic hops give Old Numbskull a tantalizing complexity, from the aroma to the aftertaste.

Multiple awards, including Gold in its category at the Chicago Real Ales Festival, and Silver for Best-of-Show.

Old Numbskull is AleSmith’s first barley wine offering. You may find the name "Old Numbskull" curious. Barley wine has its origins in England and tradition is to begin the name with "Old": Old Nick, Old Sampson, Old Jock, etc. Tongue-in-cheek is often the spirit in naming a barley wine. After drinking a glass or two, you may agree that Old Numbskull feels like a fitting description. It also reminds us of the Three Stooges, one of the greatest comedy teams of all time, so it's meant to bring a smile even before the first taste. Exotic fruit aromas, along with clean ethanol, caramel, honey and toasty notes are present in the nose. At five months of age, the Numbskull flavor begins malty and the hops become more evident from the middle to the finish and linger nicely in the aftertaste. The aroma notes also show themselves in the flavor.

1999 - waxed cap

2000 - dated as such. Pictured at left

2002 - Silver foil with electric blue design and NO filling in the anvil spaces

2003 - Silver foil with electric blue design and blue filling in the anvil spaces

2004 - same as 2003 but with "AleSmith" below the logo in white lettering.

........

2010 - Silver foil with electric blue design and silver filling in the anvil spaces and "AleSmith" below the logo in electric blue lettering.

I first review this brew on 9/11/10, I have incorporated that review with my new thoughts....

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - American Barleywine
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 750ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a deep cooper color with a big tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty first thing out of the bottle followed by hops just like an American Barleywine should.
After 30 minutes warming up, the dark fruit aroma kicks in, like raisins. 
Taste - Sweet, malty, almost syrupy, some dark fruits at the end. Not quiet a raisin taste, but close. After warming up more dark fruits are coming through. 
Mouth Feel - Smooth, good carbonated with a boozy finish.  Full body.
Drinkable - A good example of an American Barleywine.  Drinkable but it will catch up with up at 11%.

This beer pair well with cheese and desserts.

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

Related articles

• Holiday beer roundup: He'brew Jewbelation 14 (chicagonow.com)
• Today's drinking events: Barley Wine Fest and Armagnac Tasting Class (timeoutny.com)

AleSmith - YuleSmith (Summer 2010)

YuleSmith is brewed twice a year in two different, yet similar, styles: For wintertime, it’s an Imperial/Double Red Ale and summertime it's an Imperial/Double IPA. 

During the summer, YuleSmith is transformed into a big, hoppy, Double IPA. The enormous load of hops requires a substantial malt background to create just the right balance for a Double IPA. Lighter in color, summer YuleSmith is available around the 4th of July and is packaged in a red, white, and blue bottle.

Gold World Beer Championships 2003, 2004, 2005

I had purchased this bottle when I got back from Libya.  I was in a mood for an IPA and had just purchased the YuleSmith Winter, so I gave it a go.

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

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

The Pour - Pours a cooper color with a very large white head. The head rised above the rim of the glass by 1/4" without falling over.  Good lacing.
Aroma - The first thing that hits you is a banana aroma and hops. Then citrus.
Taste - Sweeter than I though, citrus with no harsh bitter aftertaste. 
Mouth Feel - Crisp and clean not over carbonated.  Medium body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, could not tell it is a double.  Letting it age for6 months did this brew well.

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

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

Castle - Samichlaus (2009)

The once strongest beer in the world is back ! Brewed only once a year on December 6. Samichlaus is aged for 10 months before bottling. This beer is perhaps the rarest in the world. Samichlaus may be aged for many years to come. Older vintages become more complex with a creamy warming finish. Serve with hardy robust dishes and desserts, particularly with chocolates, or as an after dinner drink by itself. Brewed under the exclusive license of Feldschlösschen-Hürlimann-Holding, Switzerland.

Had this brew at the Iron Abbey.

The ABV is 14.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Dobbelbock
Glass to use- Pilsener Glass or Mug
Delivery: Draft

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

The Pour - Pours a copper color with a tan head. Nice lacing.
Aroma - Brown sugar, maple, raisins and plums. Reminds me of the Sam Adams Imperial Dobbelbock.
Taste -  Sweet! Syrupy and tacky.
Mouth Feel - Sticky and smooth, full body.
Drinkable - A bit too sweet but very good!.  

This beer may pair well with cheese, chocolate and most meats.

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

Related articles

• Indian Road Cafe (cinquez.wordpress.com)
• Indian Road Cafe (narmer.wordpress.com)

Kasteel - Cuvée Du Chateau

The Cuvée du Château truly crowns 20 years of craftsmanship. Both the aroma and the taste of the Cuvée du Château are those of a matured Castle Dark that has been allowed to evolve in all tranquility in Kasteel's cellars for ten years. The elegant velvet maturity of the dark brown ale, with hints of roasted and caramelized malt, followed by a subtle bitter undertone of English hops in the aftertaste, turns this prestigious ale into a complete gastronomic beer.   

I had this rare brew at the Monk's Cafe in December 2010.

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

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

The Pour - Dark brown in color.  Nice tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and fruity.
Taste - Sweet, malty, brown sugar, caramel, molasses, and dried fruit.
Mouth Feel - Good carbonation, smooth and full bodied.
Drinkable - I was very lucky to find this brew, very drinkable as an after dinner drink.  Only have one.

Goes great with cheese and grilled meat.

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

Related articles

• Rest in Hoppy Peace, Bruce Nichols (phillyist.com)

Delirium - Noël

In Belgium’s small town of Ghent, the Huyghe Brewery has been seeing pink elephants for many years now. On December 26th 1989, the famous “Delirium Tremens” was born. The particular character and the unique taste of “Delirium Tremens” result from the use of three different kinds of yeast. Its very original packing, which resembles cologne ceramics, and the colourful label contribute to its success. The label depicts the different phases of the production of “Delirium Tremens” the “Pink Elephant” was up and ready to conquer the world. But then they released the Christmas version of their beer, Delirium Noel.

When the seasons’ spectrums have changed from a vivid rainbow of flora, fauna and fair weather to a monochrome blanket of snow, slush and frigid temperatures, so must one’s beer. A spicy, crimson brew that completes the Delirium Trilogy (including Tremens and Nocturnum), Delirium Noel will bring color and zest back to the cold winter months and to your cheeks.

With its combination of an invigoratingly sharp and peppery character, stirring bitterness and that rare, crisp winter freshness of flavor, your inevitable fondness for the subtle, yet familiar nuances of piquant Delirium Noel will last through the seasons! Be sure to make plans to stay in when you pour out this memorable holiday beer, as its stout 10% alcohol content should keep you from going out in the cold more so than any blizzard ever could!

There are several different labels of Delirium Noel, and all of them feature the famous pink elephant and most also with Santa Claus.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgian Strong Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a very clear ruby color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - The first thing that hits you is sour apples then malts and spices.
Taste - Same as the nose with an addition of toffee. 
Mouth Feel - Correct carbonated and smooth.  Medium body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, could drink many in one session but call a cab if you are not at home. A great winter brew!

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

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

Related articles

• Delirium tremens - All Information (umm.edu)
• Day 337 Drink: La Choulette De Noel (lyke2drink.blogspot.com)
• Apple Asks Makers Of Horrifying Steve Jobs Bobblehead To Quit It (cultofmac.com)
• Russia 'Demon Squirrel' Stars In New Anti-Alcoholism Campaign (VIDEO) (huffingtonpost.com)
• Beer dinner at Cella Bistro on Sunday (timesunion.com)
• The Feed first look: Old Rooster (timeoutny.com)
• Thrillist: Good Beer NYC: Beer To Go...Or Stay (huffingtonpost.com)

Sam Adams - Black Lager

When one sees a beer with a darker complexion these days, more often than not it’s a porter or a stout. But looks can be deceiving. There exists a style older than both and generally less well known; the schwarzbier, which literally translates to “Black Beer.” Unlike its dark cousins which are ales hailing from Britain, schwarzbier comes from Germany and uses a bottom fermenting lager yeast.  Samuel Adams Black Lager is brewed in the tradition of the latter. A medium bodied beer brewed using several different roasts of malt to create a smooth body and depth of malt character that has to be tasted to be believed..

The ABV is 4.9 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Schwarzbier
Glass to use- Flute, Pilsener Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Poors to a black color with a tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Smokiness, chocolate and a hint of coffee.
Taste - Smoky, some hop bitterness, sweet and toffee.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right. Medium body.
Drinkable - Nice brew with a different taste. 

This beer pairs well with German food.

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

Corsendonk - Christmas Ale

On the palate this silky smooth ale is predominantly malty, with smoky, spicy and citrusy notes, and a long, lingering finish that is lightly tart and malty. I first had had this brew on tap at Monk's Cafe in December '10.  It was so good I had to venture out to find a case, which I succeeded in accomplishing.

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

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

The Pour - Brown in color.  Very big tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malts, spices and hops.
Taste - Malty, some fruitiness and spices.
Mouth Feel - Tad too much carbonation, slightly tart finish. Medium body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable,  I could drink several in one sitting.

Goes great with cheese and meat (grilled meat).

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

Related articles

• Indian Road Cafe Events (cinquez.wordpress.com)
• Indian Road Cafe Events (narmer.wordpress.com)

Russian River - Blind Pig

Blind Pig IPA: Blind Pig IPA was originally brewed by Vinnie at Blind Pig Brewing Co. in Temecula CA. Inspired by the original Blind Pig IPA, this beer is loaded with hop character but only has 6.0% ABV.

Had this at the Monk's Cafe in December 2010.

The ABV is 6.0 and the IBU rating is 72
Style - IPA
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery Draft

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Copper in color.  Nice white head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Citrus and hoppy.
Taste - Hoppy again, and a fruity citrus taste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, smooth with a hoppy finish.
Drinkable - Goes down very nice,  I could drink a couple in one sitting. 

Goes great with cheese and white meat and fish.

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

Related articles

• In American craft brewing, IPAs reign supreme (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Mmmm, beer: In craft brewing, IPAs reign supreme (today.msnbc.msn.com)

Koningshoeven - Tripel

Beer Brewery de Koningshoeven, the only Trappist brewery in The Netherlands!  Koningshoeven is also know as La Trappe in the states.  Worldwide, only seven Trappist beers remain. Six of these come from Belgium, one comes from The Netherlands, and that is La Trappe. The beer can only be called a ‘Trappist beer’ if it is brewed at a Trappist monastery under the supervision and responsibility of the monks.

A special and powerful Trappist. Including the use of coriander owes it its spicy character. Golden in color with a fruity, bittersweet taste.

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Tripel
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Chalice, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pour brown color with a cream head that hangs around. No lacing.
Aroma - Candy (sweet) maybe honey, some malts.
Taste - Some as aroma with some hops. 
Mouth Feel - Well carbonation, medium body. smooth and a bit sticky. 
Drinkable - Pretty good but there are better Belgium tripels on the market.

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

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

Related articles

• Top 10 Famous Brands Of International Beer (mademan.com)

The Book Club - December 2010

Our inaugural edition of the book club (six pack club).  Five coworkers and I bring in one six pack, we divide them up then get back together with our tasting notes which will be posted every month on this site.
 
First up; Winter/Seasonal/Dark beer.  

Anchor - Special Ale 2010 (Christmas Ale)

Géants Brewery - Noël Des Géants

Boulder - Never Summer Ale

Blue Kitchen - Redz Royale (Home Brew)

Unibroue - Trois Pistoles

Weyerbacher - Fireside Ale

Reviews will be posted by the first week of January.

Cheers!!

North Coast - Old Rasputin

The North Coast Brewing Co.’s  Produced in the tradition of 18th Century English brewers who supplied the court of Russia's Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin seems to develop a cult following wherever it goes. It's a rich, intense brew with big complex flavors and a warming finish.

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is 75
Style - Imperial Stout
Glass to use- Snifter or Pint Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Black color with a cream head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Chocolate and coffee.
Taste - Malty and some hops with a bitter chocolate finish.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is good, full bodied beer, and smooth.
Drinkable - A pretty good imperial stout. Add this to your Russian Imperial Stout entourage.

Goes great with cheeses.

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

Related articles

• Beer with Thanksgiving meal? You bet! (cleveland.com)

Sierra Nevada - Tumbler

Sierra Nevada uses malt within days of roasting at the peak of its flavor to give Tumbler a gracefully smooth malt character. Two-row pale, crystal 40, chocolate and smoked malts give it a malty complexity. Challenger hops in the boil add balancing bitterness, while more Challengers and some Goldings give just enough hop flavor in the finish to balance all that malt.

The ABV is 5.5 and the IBU rating is 37
Style -American Brown Ale
Glass to use- Pint Glass or Mug
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.
The Pour - Pours a clear brown color.  Has a nice cream head with great retention. Good lacing.
Aroma - Hints of hops, some breadiness and a touch of caramel.
Taste -  Same as the noise, some hops and some breadiness.
Mouth Feel - Well carbonation, clean and crisp.
Drinkable - Definitely a light brown session ale.  Easy to drink but nothing extraordinary.

This beer pair well with most foods including cheese and meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of B-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating =92

Related articles

• Sierra Nevada offers Tumbler, an Autumn Brown Ale (cleveland.com)
• Day 287 Drink: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Ken & Jack's Ale (lyke2drink.blogspot.com)
• Day 325 Drink: Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Grand Cru (lyke2drink.blogspot.com)
• Sierra Nevada Tumbler (grub.gunaxin.com)
• Day 264 Drink: Sierra Nevada Brandy Barrel-Aged Belgian Trippel (lyke2drink.blogspot.com)

Brooklyn Brewery - Chocolate Stout

This is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, the award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style once made exclusively for Catherine the Great. Brooklyn uses three mashes to brew each batch of this beer, achieving a luscious deep dark chocolate flavor through a blend of specialty roasted malts. They brew it every year for the winter season. It is delicious when newly bottled, but also ages beautifully for years.
I had this with friends on a Saturday night, we all participated in the review.

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

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

The Pour - Black in color.  The large cream head.  Some lacing.
Aroma - Chocolate and coffee.
Taste - Same as the nose plus sweet hints and a bitter chocolate finish.
Mouth Feel - Carbonation is just right, full body with a dry finish.
Drinkable - Nice brew.  Wish I had it with cheese, maybe next time.  Give it a go.

Goes good with strong cheese, chocolate or other deserts.

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

Related articles

• The City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival, day 19, flavor 18: Creamy stout (timeoutny.com)
• Julian (on Frank's team): Broke out another bottle of last year's Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. (This year's edition is already out.) This one still sneaks up on me (10% ABV). I'd have to compare to a fresher bottle to be sure, but I'm thinking that age (friendfeed.com)
• Beer Guy's favorite craft brews enliven Thanksgiving table (pbpulse.com)