Beer of the Day thread (and ci-derp)
#461
Haha, isn't it though? I had to block myself from using RB for a week or two to break myself of it, I'm maxing myself out at two trades a month now...shipping beer is a bitch, but it's so rewarding .
On a side note, I still have your box I said I was getting ready for you here...growing, I may decide to ship it eventually
On a side note, I still have your box I said I was getting ready for you here...growing, I may decide to ship it eventually
#464
Sat down to quite a few new to me brews here recently... Brews and BeerAdvocate reviews below.
1) Laughing Dog Dogzilla Black IPA:
"Thanks to hopflop for this one! Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours a dark amber with a three finger off white head that is very frothy but subsided to one finger very slowly. Maintained decent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of sweet hops and malt. The flavor was of dark malt and hops. It had a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice IPA. The head retention was epic on this one. Just glad I was able to try this one. The flavors and aromas were definitely on par for this style and it was one of the top black IPA's I've tried to date."
2) Duvel
"Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours a hazy pale yellow with a two finger pure white head. Maintains nice lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of only subtle fruit. The flavor is of malt, fruit, and subtle alcohol. It was light on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is an excellent brew. This was actually my first time trying it believe it or not... I am totally happy it is readily available in my area and that the one I bought came with 3 friends. I will be consuming his friends in the near future."
3) He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A.
"Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours dark red orange with a small amount of sediment present with a one finger off white head. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt and sweet hops. The flavor was of malt and subtle hops. It had a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice IIPA. Wasn't my favorite however as it was kind of sweet when I had it, but was still quite in enjoyable. If it had more aroma and flavors to make it more complex, this could be great."
4) Hoppin' Frog Hop Dam Triple IPA
"Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours a nice orange-red color with a one finger off white head that lingers. Maintains decent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of massive hops. The flavor is of massively bitter hops with a nice crisp finish. It has a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is a pretty good IIPA. I must say, I mainly bought this due to their Triple IPA classification. I was not expecting much at all, but this is up there with Ruination on hop bitterness for sure at least in my bottle. Glad this is readily available as I will most like stocking up on this to cellar myself. A must try for massive hop heads out there."
1) Laughing Dog Dogzilla Black IPA:
"Thanks to hopflop for this one! Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours a dark amber with a three finger off white head that is very frothy but subsided to one finger very slowly. Maintained decent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of sweet hops and malt. The flavor was of dark malt and hops. It had a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice IPA. The head retention was epic on this one. Just glad I was able to try this one. The flavors and aromas were definitely on par for this style and it was one of the top black IPA's I've tried to date."
2) Duvel
"Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours a hazy pale yellow with a two finger pure white head. Maintains nice lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of only subtle fruit. The flavor is of malt, fruit, and subtle alcohol. It was light on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is an excellent brew. This was actually my first time trying it believe it or not... I am totally happy it is readily available in my area and that the one I bought came with 3 friends. I will be consuming his friends in the near future."
3) He'Brew Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A.
"Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours dark red orange with a small amount of sediment present with a one finger off white head. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt and sweet hops. The flavor was of malt and subtle hops. It had a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice IIPA. Wasn't my favorite however as it was kind of sweet when I had it, but was still quite in enjoyable. If it had more aroma and flavors to make it more complex, this could be great."
4) Hoppin' Frog Hop Dam Triple IPA
"Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours a nice orange-red color with a one finger off white head that lingers. Maintains decent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of massive hops. The flavor is of massively bitter hops with a nice crisp finish. It has a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is a pretty good IIPA. I must say, I mainly bought this due to their Triple IPA classification. I was not expecting much at all, but this is up there with Ruination on hop bitterness for sure at least in my bottle. Glad this is readily available as I will most like stocking up on this to cellar myself. A must try for massive hop heads out there."
#465
Elite Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: VA, Germany, Afghanistan
Posts: 2,945
Total Cats: 3
I think I'm in the minority on not being impressed by Duvel as well. I can't even blame it on poor conditions or anything else considering the first time I had it was in Belgium at a bar served in the correct glass and all, it wasn't a bad beer, just wasn't impressed, very drinkable on a hot summer day though.
#469
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Falls Church, VA
Posts: 1,361
Total Cats: 17
I tried the Pike Tandem double ale a couple nights ago. I used to visit the Pike pub pretty frequently when I lived in Seattle so it's nice to be able to get some of their stuff out here. I think they use a Belgian yeast for this one. It has some clove notes and dark fruit and molasses sweetness, some roasted malt flavors, but also a more American style of hop bitterness to it. It came off to me as somewhere between an "ESB times two" and maybe a hoppy version of a Belgian dubbel. Kinda of weird to describe but I don't think it conforms to any of the more traditional style categories (?). It has a bit of the Pike "house flavor" that I remember. Not very expensive at $4 for the 22 oz. I'd give it a B+, worth a try if you can get it.
#471
Went to a beer release party last night. Got to drink two beers that aren't released to the public yet (for 2 months). Terrapin Reunion '10 and De Proef Monstre Rouge (Collaboration with Terrapin). Both were quite excellent...
De Proef Monstre Rouge:
"Consumed at a special release party held at Barley's in Greenville, SC. Served from tap into a tulip. Pours a deep brown with a slight red hue with a one finger off-white head that lingers. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt and subtle hop. The flavor was of nice malt with a hoppy followthrough that goes down smooth. It was heavy on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice brew with bold flavors and an excellent aroma. When this comes out... You need to try it."
Terrapin Reunion Beer 2010:
"Consumed at a special release party held at Barley's in Greenville, SC. Served from tap into a tulip. Pours a dark dark brown with a one finger off-white head. Maintains nice lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of spices, citrus, and a nice sour note. The flavor was of spices, alcohol, fruit, and sweet malt. It was light on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice brew that was very smooth with a spicy kick. It was very light on the palate but still maintained bold flavoring that were quite nice. Looking forward to the actual release of this one so I can snag up a few bottles."
De Proef Monstre Rouge:
"Consumed at a special release party held at Barley's in Greenville, SC. Served from tap into a tulip. Pours a deep brown with a slight red hue with a one finger off-white head that lingers. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt and subtle hop. The flavor was of nice malt with a hoppy followthrough that goes down smooth. It was heavy on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice brew with bold flavors and an excellent aroma. When this comes out... You need to try it."
Terrapin Reunion Beer 2010:
"Consumed at a special release party held at Barley's in Greenville, SC. Served from tap into a tulip. Pours a dark dark brown with a one finger off-white head. Maintains nice lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of spices, citrus, and a nice sour note. The flavor was of spices, alcohol, fruit, and sweet malt. It was light on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice brew that was very smooth with a spicy kick. It was very light on the palate but still maintained bold flavoring that were quite nice. Looking forward to the actual release of this one so I can snag up a few bottles."
Last edited by thagr81 us; 07-01-2010 at 08:20 AM.
#472
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Falls Church, VA
Posts: 1,361
Total Cats: 17
I've liked the Terrapin beers I've tried. I have their rye pale ale in the fridge now. I like rye ales in the summer because the rye gives them a lightly spicy crispness of flavor that is just downright refreshing. The Terrapin rye is very nice. Pretty well balanced but IMO could stand a little bit more rye in the mash. I say, if you're going to make a rye, flaunt that ****, don't be bashful about it.
#476
Haven't posted here in awhile so I figured I would update some of the world-class brews I've been having here lately...
1) Ballast Point Sculpin IPA http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into a Spaten mug. Pours a nice golden color with a two finger frothy head that subsides to one finger slowly. Maintains nice lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of an excellent sweet hop note. The flavor is of pine, spicy hops, and a hint of malt. It has medium feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this is the second time I have had this brew but the last time was prior to reviewing brews. I am glad I was able to get my hands on it again so I could relive my previous experience. You NEED to try this one if you are an IPA fan. No excuses... Believe the hype."
2) Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into Stone nonic. Pours black as night with a minimal dark tan head. Maintained nice lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of coffee, vanilla, and caramel. The flavor was of coffee, vanilla, alcohol, and a slight hint of chocolate. It was very heavy on the palate (almost syrupy) with low carbonation. Overall this is one of the best stouts I have had to date. Has a very nice complex flavor and aroma to back it all the hype. Definitely should be on your 'Want' list if you have not had it."
3) Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into Duvel tulip. Pours a hazy almost amber with a one finger off-white head that subsides slowly. It maintains decent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of hops, malt, and pine. The flavor is of malt with a massive hop and alcohol followthrough. It is heavy on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is definitely a sipper. For this high of an alcohol content it is not overly strong but the presence is definitely there. Worth seeking out for any hop-head out there, but don't suggest drinking more than 3-4 if you want to drink anything else and be able to identify flavors of it."
4) BrewDog Paradox Isle of Arran (Batch 016) http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours deep dark brown with slight red hue in the light with a very minimal (if any at all) tan head. There was no lacing evident throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt, alcohol, vanilla, and chocolate. The flavor was of malt, dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. It was heavy on the palate, almost sticky, with low carbonation. Overall this was one of the best stouts I've tasted. It is stupidly drinkable for a 10%er. I just wish this one was readily available even if it was just seasonal. My hat is off to BrewDog and Arran for getting together on this one."
1) Ballast Point Sculpin IPA http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into a Spaten mug. Pours a nice golden color with a two finger frothy head that subsides to one finger slowly. Maintains nice lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of an excellent sweet hop note. The flavor is of pine, spicy hops, and a hint of malt. It has medium feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this is the second time I have had this brew but the last time was prior to reviewing brews. I am glad I was able to get my hands on it again so I could relive my previous experience. You NEED to try this one if you are an IPA fan. No excuses... Believe the hype."
2) Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into Stone nonic. Pours black as night with a minimal dark tan head. Maintained nice lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of coffee, vanilla, and caramel. The flavor was of coffee, vanilla, alcohol, and a slight hint of chocolate. It was very heavy on the palate (almost syrupy) with low carbonation. Overall this is one of the best stouts I have had to date. Has a very nice complex flavor and aroma to back it all the hype. Definitely should be on your 'Want' list if you have not had it."
3) Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into Duvel tulip. Pours a hazy almost amber with a one finger off-white head that subsides slowly. It maintains decent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of hops, malt, and pine. The flavor is of malt with a massive hop and alcohol followthrough. It is heavy on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is definitely a sipper. For this high of an alcohol content it is not overly strong but the presence is definitely there. Worth seeking out for any hop-head out there, but don't suggest drinking more than 3-4 if you want to drink anything else and be able to identify flavors of it."
4) BrewDog Paradox Isle of Arran (Batch 016) http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile.../?ba=thagr81us:
"Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours deep dark brown with slight red hue in the light with a very minimal (if any at all) tan head. There was no lacing evident throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt, alcohol, vanilla, and chocolate. The flavor was of malt, dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla. It was heavy on the palate, almost sticky, with low carbonation. Overall this was one of the best stouts I've tasted. It is stupidly drinkable for a 10%er. I just wish this one was readily available even if it was just seasonal. My hat is off to BrewDog and Arran for getting together on this one."
Last edited by thagr81 us; 07-13-2010 at 01:54 PM.
#478
KBS is totally worth searching out... Sat down to one I picked up brewery direct this weekend. Excellent doesn't even start to describe it...
COAST Buffalo Trace Barrel Aged Blackbeerd:
"This was picked up directly from COAST and consumed the next day. Served from bottle into a COAST imperial pint. Pours black with a one finger light tan head. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon. The flavor was of malt, cream, vanilla, bourbon, and dark chocolate. It was heavy on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this is an outstanding brew. It is in the Top 3 of the best stouts I have sampled. It is not lacking in any aspect with overall pleasantness nor complexity. It was completely worth the 4 hour drive home to get my hands on this brew. If you are a stout/barrel aged fan, you owe it to yourself to get your hands on this one."
COAST Buffalo Trace Barrel Aged Blackbeerd:
"This was picked up directly from COAST and consumed the next day. Served from bottle into a COAST imperial pint. Pours black with a one finger light tan head. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon. The flavor was of malt, cream, vanilla, bourbon, and dark chocolate. It was heavy on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this is an outstanding brew. It is in the Top 3 of the best stouts I have sampled. It is not lacking in any aspect with overall pleasantness nor complexity. It was completely worth the 4 hour drive home to get my hands on this brew. If you are a stout/barrel aged fan, you owe it to yourself to get your hands on this one."
#479
Polished off a growler of the other brew I picked up from COAST last night...
COAST Boy King Double IPA:
"Served from growler purchased from COAST into a Duvel tulip. Pours hazy brown-orange with a one finger whitish head. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of tropical fruit, hops, and subtle malt. The flavor is of tropical fruit, slight malt, with a nice crisp hoppy followthrough. It has a medium feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this is an awesome brew from a local brewery. Really wish they would bottle this so it could be distributed more readily for other states. The tropical fruit up front are nicely balanced with the hop followthrough. The aroma is quite pleasant as well. All hop-heads must try this one at least once."
COAST Boy King Double IPA:
"Served from growler purchased from COAST into a Duvel tulip. Pours hazy brown-orange with a one finger whitish head. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of tropical fruit, hops, and subtle malt. The flavor is of tropical fruit, slight malt, with a nice crisp hoppy followthrough. It has a medium feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this is an awesome brew from a local brewery. Really wish they would bottle this so it could be distributed more readily for other states. The tropical fruit up front are nicely balanced with the hop followthrough. The aroma is quite pleasant as well. All hop-heads must try this one at least once."
#480
Sat down to two new-to-me world-class brews last night.
Russian River Pliny the Elder:
"Big thanks to Sixofsigmas for this one! Bottled on 05/17/2010. Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours hazy golden orange with a three finger frothy white head that settles to one finger very slowly leaving nice lacing down the glass. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of malt, hops, tangerines, grapefruit, and pineapples. The flavor is of fruit, malt, with a nice subtle hoppy bite upon swallowing. It is medium on the palate with high carbonation. Overall the hype is to be believed. This is an EXCELLENT brew all the way around. The aroma and flavor of this one is epic. I would love to drink this one super fresh for sure."
Deschutes The Abyss 2009 Reserve:
"Big thanks to BigTomZ for this one! 2009 Vintage, this one was mildly infected. Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours black with a massive tan head that remains throughout. Maintains phenomenal lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt and a tart note (first sign of infection). The flavor was of syrup, licorice, malt, and a slight tart taste (also due to infection). It was medium on the palate with low carbonation. Overall this was a nice beer even though it was infected. Goes down smooth regardless of that fact as well. Would love to try a non-infected bottle to be able to give it a true rating of its capabilities (hint hint traders...)"
Russian River Pliny the Elder:
"Big thanks to Sixofsigmas for this one! Bottled on 05/17/2010. Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours hazy golden orange with a three finger frothy white head that settles to one finger very slowly leaving nice lacing down the glass. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of malt, hops, tangerines, grapefruit, and pineapples. The flavor is of fruit, malt, with a nice subtle hoppy bite upon swallowing. It is medium on the palate with high carbonation. Overall the hype is to be believed. This is an EXCELLENT brew all the way around. The aroma and flavor of this one is epic. I would love to drink this one super fresh for sure."
Deschutes The Abyss 2009 Reserve:
"Big thanks to BigTomZ for this one! 2009 Vintage, this one was mildly infected. Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours black with a massive tan head that remains throughout. Maintains phenomenal lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt and a tart note (first sign of infection). The flavor was of syrup, licorice, malt, and a slight tart taste (also due to infection). It was medium on the palate with low carbonation. Overall this was a nice beer even though it was infected. Goes down smooth regardless of that fact as well. Would love to try a non-infected bottle to be able to give it a true rating of its capabilities (hint hint traders...)"