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
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
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
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
Friday, October 21, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
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
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
Monday, October 17, 2011
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
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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
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
Labels:
Iron Hill
Saturday, October 1, 2011
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
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
Monday, September 26, 2011
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
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
Friday, September 23, 2011
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
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
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
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
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
Sunday, September 11, 2011
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
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
Thursday, September 8, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
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
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
Monday, September 5, 2011
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
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
Friday, September 2, 2011
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
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
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
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Founders - Devil Dancer
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
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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
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
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Cigar City - Bolita
Bolita was a type of lottery popular with the working class citizens of the Ybor City district of Tampa. Bolita means, ’little ball’ but profits from the illegal (and often rigged) game were anything but little. In the 1920’s Tampa native Charlie Wall was the undisputed kingpin of the Bolita racket.
Cigar City's Bolita is a Double Northern English-style brown ale that has a complex malt forward character with notes of chocolate, toffee and hints of roasted nuts in the finish. Bolita pairs well with Baklava, Big Band Music, Cool Evenings and robust cigars.
The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - English Brown Ale
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter, Mug or Stein
Delivery 750ml Bottle
Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.
The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a brown head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Dark malts, toffee, some chocolate and a bit nutty.
Taste - Sweet, malty, chocolate, toffee with a bitter after taste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Smooth.
Drinkable - Not bad, an average brown ale. Alcohol is well hidden. There are better browns on the market, but give this one a try and judge for yourself.
This beer pairs well with cheese and pork.
This beer gets a Duper rating of B-
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 98
Cigar City's Bolita is a Double Northern English-style brown ale that has a complex malt forward character with notes of chocolate, toffee and hints of roasted nuts in the finish. Bolita pairs well with Baklava, Big Band Music, Cool Evenings and robust cigars.
The ABV is 9.0 and the IBU rating is ??
Style - English Brown Ale
Glass to use - Pint Glass, Tumbler, Snifter, Mug or Stein
Delivery 750ml Bottle
Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.
The Pour - Pours a dark brown color with a brown head. Good lacing.
Aroma - Dark malts, toffee, some chocolate and a bit nutty.
Taste - Sweet, malty, chocolate, toffee with a bitter after taste.
Mouth Feel - Medium carbonation and body. Smooth.
Drinkable - Not bad, an average brown ale. Alcohol is well hidden. There are better browns on the market, but give this one a try and judge for yourself.
This beer pairs well with cheese and pork.
This beer gets a Duper rating of B-
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 98
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