Lost Abbey - 10 Commandments (2010)

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

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

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

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

The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale

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

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

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

This beer may pair well with cheese and meat.

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

BrewDog - Mikkeller - Divine Rebel

The word on the street is that on the 23rd November 2008 Mikkel (www.mikkeller.dk) arrived at BrewDog Brewery on a cold, snowy Sunday morning.  According to the legend 2 of Europe's most experimental, boundry pushing brewers combined forces to produce a rebellious beer that combined their respective talents and brewing skills.  The 12.5% Barley Wine fermented well, the champagne yeast drew it ever closer to 12.5%. The beer was brewed with a single hop variety and was going to be partially aged in oak casks.

Brewed in collaboration with Mikkeller from Denmark. Malt Beverage, 1/4 of which has been aged in mortiach whiskey casks for a year.

I had been searching for this for a few years then found it at the Iron Abbey on draft.   

The ABV is 12.5 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - English Barleywine

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 amber color with a tan head. Little lacing.
Aroma - Sweet like candy, malty, oaky and hints of vanilla.
Taste -  Same as the noise plus, very sweet,oak tannins.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation.  Medium to full body.  Harsh hoppy finish.
Drinkable - After I let it warm up a bit, more complex characteristic show up.Like a hint of whiskey that comes through in a good way.  This is a sipper, and you should let it warm up like any other barleywine. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and deserts.

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

St Bernardus - Christmas Ale (2009)

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is the youngest descendant in the illustrious family of delicious Abbey Ales by Brewery St. Bernardus. This specialty beer of 10% alc. vol. is characterized by its deep dark color, with a creamy, thick head and a full, almost velvety taste with a fruity nose. It's a seasonal ale, brewed annually for the holiday season. The long winter nights are perfect moments to savor this ale with or without friends and to enjoy its unique, complex taste and after-taste.


I had purchased a case of the 2009 vintage and sampled a bottle last year.  This blog is for the April 2011 tasting, after 18 months in the cellar.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium Strong Dark

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

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

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a tan head that vanishes. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and fruity.
Taste -  Sweet, malty and caramel.
Mouth Feel - Very carbonation, in fact the cork blew off when I was uncorking the bottle.  Medium to full body.  Very fizzy, typical for a Belgium.
Drinkable - Much better the second time after aging it for 18 months. Cant wait to see what it will taste like in another year. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and grilled meats.

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

De Proef - Reserve Signature Ale

A stylish and artistic collaborative brewing effort that combines the enormous talents of Dirk Naudts, at Belgium’s De Proef Brewery, and Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing and Lost Abbey in southern California.

I had this at Monk's on a Belgium beer sampling day.   

The ABV is 8.5 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium 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 cloudy orange color with a white head that vanishes. Very slight lacing.
Aroma - Tart apple, malty, slightly pungent.
Taste -  Malty, tart and a hint of sour, finishes sweet.
Mouth Feel - Light carbonation.  Smooth finish.
Drinkable - I'm glad I gave this a try, though I don't think I'll order it again. (Actually it was recommended by the bartender, I had asked for a Belgium that I've never had before.)

This beer may pair well with white meats.

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

Boon - Geuze Mariage Parfait (2007)

Traditional Belgian lambic. 100% spontaneously fermented. Re-fermented in the bottle. Tart, dry, sparkling and refreshing.

I had this at Monk's on a Belgium beer sampling day.   

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Lambic Geuze

Glass to use- Flute, Snifter or Tulip
Delivery - 355ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours an amber color with no head. Very slight lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, fruit and floral. Peat, leather, slightly pungent.
Taste -  Sweet, citrus fruit, tart and a hint of sour.
Mouth Feel - Too much carbonation for an aged beer.  Dry finish that vanishes.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, I do not remember ever sampling a standard lambic.  I usually go for the fruit lambics.  This is a good brew which will do well during the warmer months.  

This beer may pair well with pungent cheese.

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

Urthel - Samaranth

Urthel Samaranth 12 Quadrium Ale is a malty, full-bodied special Ale, brewed in a way that only Belgian Brewers can. Huge mouthfeel and layers and levels of flavor make Urthel Samaranth the perfect beer for the end of a meal or at the finish of a special day. And when you want something different, Urthel Samaranth 12 Quadrium Ale is with its fine bitterness, definitely something different... Try it! First brewed at Van Steenberge, now brewed at Koningshoeven - La Trappe brewery.

I had this at Monk's on a Belgium beer sampling day.   

The ABV is 11.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Quadrupel

Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Chalice
Delivery - 330ml 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 - Malty and sweet, caramel.
Taste -  Sweet, malty, some fruit, hints of honey. Delicious.
Mouth Feel - Typical Belgium brew - very fuzzy, in my opinion too much carbonation.  Full body.
Drinkable - Very drinkable for fans of sweet Belgium brews.

This beer may pair well with smoked meats, cheese and deserts.

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

Arcadia Ales - Cereal Killer

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.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is 70
Style - English 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 dark brown color with a tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Sweet, some fruits and malty.
Taste -  Malty, sweet, some hop bitterness but not much, and some fruits.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation, full to medium body, a little syrupy.
Drinkable - Very drinkable, the alcohol is well hidden.  This will need to age a bit before I try another.

This beer pairs well with cheese and desserts.

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

Port - Older Viscosity

100% Bourbon Barrel Aged Strong Ale. This is the oak aging beer which makes up the oak aged portion found in Old Viscosity. This is aged in Heaven Hill Bourbon Barrels for 6 months.

The ABV is 12.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Imperial Stout

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter or Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 375ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a thick dark brown color with a small tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Chocolate, malts, boozy, licorices and oak tannins. 
Taste -  Same as the aroma with a hint of vanilla from the oak.
Mouth Feel - Thick and sticky, low carbonation and a full body.
Drinkable - This is a sipper, very expensive but worth it.  I would let it age another 6 months to a year.

This beer may pair well with cheese and meats.

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

Anchor - Bock Beer

First brewed in 2005.  Bock beer, released in celebration of the arrival of spring, is an ancient and mysterious part of the brewing tradition. Over time, the term "bock" has come to mean a beer darker and stronger than the brewery’s regular brew.  San Francisco’s Anchor Bock Beer is virtually handmade by the brewers of Anchor Steam® Beer, in one of the most traditional small breweries in the world.  It is brewed from a complex blend of the finest barley malts, wheat malts, and fresh, whole hops.

The ABV is 5.5 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Bock

Glass to use- Flute, Pilsener Glass, Mug or Stein
Delivery - 12oz Bottle

Not recommended for extended cellaring.

The Pour - Pours a very dark ruby color with a big tan head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malts and chocolate. 
Taste -  Some sweetness from the malts, some hops, chocolate and a slightly hoppy aftertaste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and a medium body.
Drinkable - A good session beer, drinkable.  have it with some wurst.  I would call this an American Bock.

This beer may pair well with cheese and meats.  German food like a wurst.

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

Lost Abbey - Red Poppy Ale

Perhaps no country embraces the use of fruit in beers more so than Belgium. Numerous traditional as well as regional specialty ales are infused with every sort of fruit imaginable. In this way, the flavor of the fruit becomes especially prominent. Red Poppy Ale is a veritable celebration of Sour Cherries in an explosion of aromas and tastes. Brewed from a brown ale base and aged in oak barrels for over 6 months, this beer is not for the faint of heart. The Golden Poppy is the state flower of California and the Red Poppy is found in Flanders Fields where the inspiration for this beer comes from.

I first had this at the 2011 Extreme Beer Event in Boston, then was able to find a few bottles locally. 

The ABV is 5.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Flanders Oud Bruin / Sour Ale

Glass to use- Flute, Snifter or Tulip
Delivery - 375ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a big tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Cherries and oak tannins. 
Taste -  Sour, tart, sweet and hint of vanilla from the oak.
Mouth Feel - Medium to full carbonation.  A fuzzy finish.
Drinkable - Nice noise, extremly sour with a tart finish.Needs to age a bit before I try another.

This beer may pair well with cheese.

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

Flying Dog - Horn Dog Vintage 2008

By far the biggest dog in the yard... Horn Dog Barley Wine is a dark and malty English-style Barely Wine that is aged for a minimum of three months before being packaged. Like a fine wine, this beer will only get better with age when stored at optimum conditions.

I had been searching for the regular Horn Dog in the 12oz bottle.  I found the special Vintage version in a 7oz bottle at my Craft Beer Outlet store.   

The ABV is 10.2 and the IBU rating is 45

Style - English Barleywine

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 7oz Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a small tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, raisins, sweet.  Very pleasant.
Taste -  Not as sweet, a bit metallic, some hops.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation.  Full body.
Drinkable - Pretty good, however the aroma is better than the taste.  Maybe my taste buds were off today.  Will tray again in a few months

This beer may pair well with cheese and deserts.

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

Related articles

• Stone IPA - Stone Brewing Company (thebeerhound.wordpress.com)
• Review - Flying Dog In-Heat Wheat Hefenweizen Ale (thebeerhound.wordpress.com)

Traquair - House Ale

Mainly available filtered in bottles, though part of the production goes unfiltered into cask.
The traditional brewing process used in the production of Traquair House Ale consists of the following; 1. Traditional infusion mashing process. The wort is then drawn off and boiled during which process the hops are added. 2. The wort is now cooled and pitched with top fermenting yeast under controlled temperature. It is then fermented in oak over a period of seven days. The beer is then transferred into cold storage tanks or barrels and matured over a period of weeks. After maturation the beer is filtered prior to packing.

I found a case of this brew but passed on it because I had not had a chance to sample.  I finally had a bottle at Monk's.  If I can relocate the case I will purchase it, if the price is right.

The ABV is 7.2 and the IBU rating is ??

Style -Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy

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

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a small tan head. Some lacing.
Aroma - Malty, dark fruit, maybe bourbon and a hint of oak
Taste -  I get caramel, some chocolate, toffee, hint of raisins and vanilla, a trace of sherry.
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation.  Full body.
Drinkable - Pretty good, needs to be aged a bit longer.  Not sure the age on this one but the bottle looked new, my guess was 2010.

This beer may pair well with cheese and meats.

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

Related articles

• Love and Hops with Marc Wisdom: Highland Edition (sprbrewcrew.wordpress.com)

Lost Abbey - The Angel's Share - Bourbon Barrel-Aged

Down in Kentucky and across the pond in Scotland, distillers who age their whiskeys for many years refer to the evaporation of the spirits from their barrels as “The Angel’s Share.” Each time a barrel is filled, a measure of liquid seeps into the oak and is lost for good.  This striking Strong Ale is brewed with copious amounts of Caramel malt to emphasize the vanilla and oak flavors found in freshly emptied bourbon or brandy barrels. The beer spends a year in oak before it is packaged for release. The beer is 12.5% ABV and is available in 375ml and 750ml bottles and on draft at inspired locations.

2010 ABV: 12.5%, 375 ml
2009 ABV: 11.5%, 375 ml
2008 ABV: 12.5%, gold lettering, 750ml and 375ml, with 2008 on label
2007 ABV: 11.5%, gold lettering, 750ml only
2006 ABV: 10.5%, black lettering, 750ml only

I had been searching for this brew for a while.  I found it in several location with prices ranging from $30 to $50 per bottle.  A lass I found it for $25 at the Iron Abbey.  I had heard so much about this brew that I was gearing up to be disappointed due that it may all be a bunch of hype. Well I was not displeased, though it is a strange beer. 

The ABV is 12.5 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - American Strong Ale

Glass to use- Pint Glass, Snifter or Mug
Delivery 375ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a chocolate brown color with a small head. Little lacing.
Aroma - Strong oaky and vanilla, very sherry like.
Taste -  Sweet, malty and vanilla. After it warmed up for 15 minutes or so, I got a sweet chocolate after taste. And actually it keeps changing throughout the session, I get bourbon some maple, caramel, toffee and molasses.
Mouth Feel - No carbonation but it was not flat.  Full body.
Drinkable - A strange tasting beer but in a good way.  It did take time to get use to.  Very close to a sherry,  I like it. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and deserts.

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

Related articles

• Winter Beers from Texas: Saint Arnold Winter Stout and Rahr & Sons Bourbon Barrel Winter Warmer Ale (tiltingsuds.wordpress.com)
• Winter's Bourbon Cask Ale (grub.gunaxin.com)

Huisbrouwerij Sint Canarus - Potteloereke

The tiny village of Gottem is just south of the small East Flanders town of Deinze, thereby making it downtown. But the house brewery of Sint Canarus is not exactly situated in a bustling, urban setting. Far from it. This is in fact a small craft brewery serving a small, rural community. And with a bit of a quirky streak, brought to you by the brewmaster mister Piet Meirhaeghe - also known as Dr. Canarus. The brewery & brewmaster get their name from a local drinking club, called "Semper Canarus." Translation: always drunk. Indeed, the good doctor is known to host group lectures at the brewery on the subject of the positive health benefits of alcohol. We understand them to be quite informative. Medical expertise aside, Dr. Canarus has also crafted some first rate beers. This one is a Belgian Dark Ale, showing a dark mahogany color, off-white head, and aromas of ripe fruit and roasted malt. Quite effervescent, on the palate this is full of supple dark fruit, plum, raisin, scorched sugar and burnt toast. Dessert with a kick. 8% abv

Had this at Monk's

The ABV is 8.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium Dark Ale

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

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

The Pour - Pours a dark amber color with a big tan head. Great lacing.
Aroma - Malty and piny.  After it warmed up a bit I got a candy aroma.
Taste -  Thick molasses and dark fruits, wine like, kind of like a sherry.
Mouth Feel - Over carbonated.  After it warmed up a bit the carbonation settled down.
Drinkable - Very tasty. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and meats.

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

Related articles

• That Time of the Month (aleheads.com)

't Smisje BBBourgondier

A dark and heavy ale - the strongest that the brewery has ever produced - in which three varieties of malt and two spices are utilised. It is brewed "in honour of" the Burgundian Babble Belt, a well known web-site on the Internet, where beer lovers can exchange all sorts of information.

Had this at Monk's

The ABV is 12.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Quadrupel
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet or Chalice
Delivery 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark ruby color with no head. No lacing.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit here, mostly raisins.
Taste -  Thick molasses and dark fruits, wine like, kind of like a sherry.
Mouth Feel - Very dry, hints of a bitter chocolate after taste.
Drinkable - Drinkable but a sipper. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and smoked meats.

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

Thomas Hardy's Ale - Vintage 1994

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 1994 release which I had at Monk's Cafe' in February of 2011 (that's right a 17 year old beer!).  I will not say how much I paid for it....

Compared with J.W. Lees '97, '98, '99 and 2000 the Hardy's 1994 takes the cake.  The extra five or so years makes a huge difference in a good way.  It was worth every penny! 

The ABV is 11.7 (15.0) and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Old Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 330ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with no head as expected. No lacing but a clear coat on the glass.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit here, mostly raisins.
Taste -  Up front I get dark fruits, figs, cherries, mostly raisins, then caramel. Very much like a aged wine or sherry.  Hints of a bitter chocolate after taste which was unexpected.
Mouth Feel - Big and bold!  No carbonation, very smooth no burn from the alcohol.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but a sipper.  Don't know the alcohol content due to aging, my guess is 15%. 

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

Related articles

• Beeronaut's Chicago weekend events: Feb 11-13 (chicagonow.com)

Weyerbacher - Insanity

Insanity, first released November 2004, is Weyerbacher's latest creation in the world of cutting edge beers. Insanity is made by aging our perfectly balanced Blithering Idiot Barleywine in oak bourbon casks. This incredible combination creates a melange of flavors such as malt, dates, oak, vanilla, and bourbon just to name a few.

The ABV is 11.1 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Oak Aged 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 cloudy orange/brown color with a tan head that disappears. Good lacing.
Aroma - Licorices, candy, vanilla, and oak tannins, and hints of coconut (strange).
Taste - Same a the aroma.
Mouth Feel - Just the right amount of carbonation and medium body.  Smooth.
Drinkable - Very strange taste that lingers.  It can be a nice drink it you like the odd taste.  I will let it age a bit before trying another bottle.  Cannot taste the alcohol at all, very well hidden.

This beer pairs well with deserts and cheese.

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

De Dolle - Oerbier

Oerbier means original, from the spring. This beer has been brewed in small scale (5 gallons). Oerbier is brewed from no less than 6 malts. Poperinge Golding hops in flowers and a special yeast which makes it a little tart, especially with aging. At the brewery we have excellent cellars which have a constant temperature of 8°C and allow Oerbier to age at its best.

After a couple of years Oerbier tastes like it should have been blended with wine … Oerbier has been refermented in the bottle and contains a layer of yeast, having vitamins B. NAT en STRAF on the glasses means WET and STRONG, a warning for the 9.5 vol. alcohol content. The little person on the glasses is the Oerbier man, a simple creature who holds a brewers fork in his right hand, symbolizing the work and science, but looking to the other side, the result of all this, the glass of (Oer)beer. The artwork on the poster is a wallpainting found in Spain, (Altamira) and is considered by art lovers as being the best prehistoric art work (30,000 years BC).
 
I had at the Memphis Tap Room in February of 2011.  The Beer Advocate Brothers were in town for a small bar hopping tour witch started at the Memphis Tap Room. 

The ABV is 9.5 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery: 355ml Bottle

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

The Pour - Pours a reddish brown color with a little head. Nice lacing.
Aroma - Dark fruit.
Taste -  Malty with some caramel.
Mouth Feel - Nice carbonation and smooth, medium body.
Drinkable - This is a good dark Belgium though it should be aged a bit more.  

This beer may pair well with cheese and most meats.

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

Related articles

• On the beer trail: Sampling Belgium's hallowed brews (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Seattle Beer News | Top 10 beer spots -- #2 Brouwer's Cafe (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• another 2010 list (smokingbottle.wordpress.com)
• De Dolle Dulle Teve 10º (Mad Bitch) beer review (moneybeer.wordpress.com)
• De Dolle Stille Nacht (beer review) (moneybeer.wordpress.com)

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)