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Azagthoth
Lurker
Barleywines rule!
Here is what beeradvocate.com says about it:
"Despite its name, a Barleywine (or Barley Wine) is very much a beer, albeit a very strong and often intense beer! In fact, it's one of the strongest of the beer styles. Lively and fruity, sometimes sweet, sometimes bittersweet, but always alcoholic. A brew of this strength and complexity can be a challenge to the palate. Expect anything from an amber to dark brown colored beer, with aromas ranging from intense fruits to intense hops. Body is typically thick, alcohol will definitely be perceived, and flavors can range from dominant fruits to palate smacking, resiny hops. "
If you like your beers on the aggressive side then barleywines should be right up your alley. Some can be very hoppy like Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot (my fav beer of alltime) while some are more mellow (Stone Old Guardian) but still contain plenty of alcohol. Most barleywines should be around 9-12 % ABV. However, I do have one from DogFish Head that is 15 % ABV.
We did a tasting on Friday night and had 5 years worth of the Sierra Nevada Bigfoot. 2004-2008. They age pretty well but definitely peak at 2-3 year mark. For me though, I prefer the fresh batch that is released each year for that hoppy edge. I don't recommend trying the Bigfoot 6 pack challenge. Props to you if you can do such a thing !
My suggestion is to pick up a 6'er of Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot and a bomber of Stone's Old Guardian and do some good to the palate.
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Azagthoth
Lurker
Last night I enjoyed a 12 oz bottle of "Adam", from Hair of the Dog Brewing Co.
This was the first old ale that I have had, and it was outstanding ! Poured an easy 3 finger head with a lovely brownish froth to it. The lacing was excellent until the last drop, as was the head which remained until the last sip (but did diminish in size to about .5 finger head). The body was full and extremely smooth, very malty and the chocolate/roasted/smokey characteristics were not overpowering. I also picked up a leather like taste, and the alcohol was very much there that presented itself at the very end of each sip.
Definitely try this one.
This was the first old ale that I have had, and it was outstanding ! Poured an easy 3 finger head with a lovely brownish froth to it. The lacing was excellent until the last drop, as was the head which remained until the last sip (but did diminish in size to about .5 finger head). The body was full and extremely smooth, very malty and the chocolate/roasted/smokey characteristics were not overpowering. I also picked up a leather like taste, and the alcohol was very much there that presented itself at the very end of each sip.
Definitely try this one.
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Azagthoth
Lurker
I picked this one up at Bevmo a few weeks ago. I think the bottle was 17 bucks before tax & CRV. The fancy box/packaging probably has a lot to do with the cost, but the brew is highly rated on beeradvocate. Did you read the paper that came with it? It suggests to let it age for 3 years. Ouch ! Don't think I have the willpower for that, heh.
There were about 20 of them when I got mine, and a couple of days later they were completely sold out.
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Azagthoth
Lurker
Had Avery's "The Czar" last night which is a Russian Imperial Stout. Yes, I have been on a kick lately with this style.
This one ranks in at 11% ABV and oh boy you surely know it. Goes down very thick with a heavy toffe- molasses flavor and plenty of dark fruit. The coffee/chocolate tones aren't too overpowering. This one is definitely a sipper. Not the best RIS stout I have had, but certainly worth trying and would be an ideal compliment to a piece of chocolate cake w/vanilla ice cream. Just dont count the calories
This one ranks in at 11% ABV and oh boy you surely know it. Goes down very thick with a heavy toffe- molasses flavor and plenty of dark fruit. The coffee/chocolate tones aren't too overpowering. This one is definitely a sipper. Not the best RIS stout I have had, but certainly worth trying and would be an ideal compliment to a piece of chocolate cake w/vanilla ice cream. Just dont count the calories
GALLY
Prospect
That wasn't a bad price. I live close to the Brewery in Buelton and was there last Friday. I picked up three bottles and had to try one of them. I have the other two waiting for some special occasions. I think I paid $16 bucks for the 22 oz bottle. They said they had a quite a few bottles left. I might have to go back and get more.....
They had one last year called "10" and that was very good also.
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Azagthoth
Lurker
Right on !
Firestone is coming out with their new "Union Jack" IPA that will be available today, 2-8-08. $9.99 for a sixer. Gonna have to pick up some of that.
M
mudfisher
Lurker
If you are looking for a good strong after dinner beer.
EKU 28 is fine choice.
Lagered for months, during which time ice forms and condenses the beer, raising the alcohol to 11%; deep color, orangey-sweetness and heavy texture; best for sipping instead of port or brandy!
I picked this up at Bevmo on Friday and I really enjoy it. I recommend it to anyone who likes dopplebock's.
EKU 28 is fine choice.
Lagered for months, during which time ice forms and condenses the beer, raising the alcohol to 11%; deep color, orangey-sweetness and heavy texture; best for sipping instead of port or brandy!
I picked this up at Bevmo on Friday and I really enjoy it. I recommend it to anyone who likes dopplebock's.
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Azagthoth
Lurker
A couple evenings ago I had the opportunity of enjoying Three Floyd's "Gumballhead". Its a pale American wheat ale, and one of the best in its respective category by far. It is very "fruity" if you will - lots of banana, pineapple, and other sweet fruit going on in there. There is definitely a hop presence, but mostly in the finish and not at all bitter. Body is pretty light, but not in a light beer kind of way. The ABV is next to nothing, so these are very easy to put down. Could have finished 3 or 4 bombers of this stuff easily (although, this bottle was 14 bucks). This is the ideal beer for a day out on the river in the 110 degree heat, our out at the pool. Most definitely it would compliment a great summer's night barbeque and could make for a suitable pizza beer.
All around this stuff kicks ass in so many ways, and is worth the 14 bucks for a bomber of it.
All around this stuff kicks ass in so many ways, and is worth the 14 bucks for a bomber of it.
Lososaurus
Licensed to rock
I really like the Tatonka Stout at BJ's, I don't know if 'Tatonka' is spelled that way, but I'm sure they'll know.
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Azagthoth
Lurker
Last night I went with Southern Tier's "Imperial Oatmeal Stout". Simply amazing !!! Up there with Stone's IRS and the Old Rasputin from North Coast. Definitely worth the $12/22 oz price tag.
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Arrogant Ba$tard
Lurker
Last night I had some Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale - its a Scotch Red style. And had a Bear Republic IPA. Damn tasty!
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Azagthoth
Lurker
Ive heard great things about that IPA. Still need to try that one.
Last night I had the Yeti Oak Aged Imperial Stout from Great Divide. Not impressive, just like their non-oak aged version. Not sure what it is but they just dont sit well with me. Alcohol isn't covered up too well, carbonation is next to nothing, and smoothness could be better.
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Genghis John
Lurker
Widmer Snow Plow
Some mental patient brought some over to my house a few weeks ago. Good stuff.
Some mental patient brought some over to my house a few weeks ago. Good stuff.
Widmer Snow Plow
Some mental patient brought some over to my house a few weeks ago. Good stuff.
That is good stuff.
Just bought more of Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball and a sixer of Sierra NEvada's Bigfoot. Cannot wait to try the Bigfoot this weekend.
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Azagthoth
Lurker
A couple buddies and I completed 17 years worth of Bigfoot during the last couple of weekends.
We had the 1990 & 1992-2008 versions. All we were missing was the 1991, but at that point it is all malt/chocolate/ and carmel and little differences as each year goes by. I would say the 1998 was an amazing all malt brew, and the 2006 was at its peak and truly defends the purpose of aging barleywines. The 2007 was in that "transition" stage if you will, and didn't hold up to the 06 or 08. It seems as if 2-3 years is the peak for the Bigfoot. Man, I could drink this stuff all day long from any year, just simply amazing.
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BevMo in Cypress. Got it on Friday night when I went to teh beer tasting. Also, they will be tasting Stone this Friday night.
MY favorite beer right now.
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