Well, its been a while since I’ve posted a proper beer review, so here we go. I was in the beer store today and picked up a large selection of new and seasonal beers. Hopefully, over the next few weeks, i’ll get the opportunity to taste them and report back with my thoughts. By the way, if you are ever in the Denver area, you need to check out Mile High Wine and Spirits - it is on the verge of taking over as the best beer store around - at the moment, Mondo Vino still holds the title , but Mile High is now the top contender.

Anyway, here we go. I don’t have too much experience with Port Brewing Company, but so far the beers I have tasted from them are fantastic. This week, I’ll take down the Old Viscosity - a thick, dark beer that has been aged in bourbon barrels. It weighs in at a hefty 10% ABV and sounds too good to be true. The label actually refuses to categorize this beer, remaining aloof with descriptions like “it’s thick, as in my chest just grew a wool coat,” and “It’s dark and sludgy like the old 50w oozing from the crank of that old truck.”

As expected, it pours thick and dark, completely opaque, with a dense creamy head that vanished within seconds leaving behind a glass of blackness. The aroma isn’t quite as strong as I would have guessed - but it has a strong grain backbone, with sweet malty overtones. Hints of chocolate and vanilla prevail.

The taste is phenomenal. It’s thick and rich like chocolate/coffee syrup with a very subtle whiskey/bourbon aftertaste that hits a little bitter in the back of the tongue. The more I drink, the more that subtle whiskey flavor lingers and the alcohol warms the body. Overall, this is one heck of a beer. It could be called a dessert beer, as savoring each sip brings new insight and appreciation. Highly recommended.

ABV: 10.0%

Serving Type: 22 oz. bomber and snifter

Posted by mallen | 1 Comment »

Shit yeah. Got a box of four of these on my doorstep two days ago. It’s amazing I’ve waited this long to suck one down, but I knew it was gonna be special, and I wanted to find the right moment. This bad boy came direct from Michael Jackson’s beer of the month club, and I can’t wait to try this thing.

A year ago, I was lucky enough to get my hands on the first beer in this signature series. It was by far the best beer of the year. People were selling bottles of it for $300+ on ebay.

If you are not familiar with the series, it goes like this. American master brewer teams up with Dirk Naudts from De Proef - they combine talents, ingredients, and rare yeast strains to create a one of a kind masterpiece. Last year it was Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing and Lost Abbey in southern California, this year it’s Jason Perkins from Allagash. Hell, I can’t type anymore, and the bottle is getting warm, so lets start it up.

I pop the cork and out pours a cloudy, dirty, stinky, yeasty brew. The bubbly white head provides evidence of the high carbonation level. This thing is murky - no chunks yet, but unless you are used to dirty belgians, this thing might scare you away. 

The aroma is a thing of beauty. It’s definitely yeasty, but there are hints of the barnyard, alcohol, and bread. Also noted are some fruity hop highlights, a little citrus zest to top things off.

Damn. I say again, damn. A freaking amusement park for the mouth. Flavors coming in from all directions, it hits your tongue like an electric shock and then spreads to all corners of your mouth. It’s taken me almost a full glass to really get a handle on this thing. At first, I began to notice the pilsner malt, it’s strong, almost like an imperial pilsner, but, its soft like wheat beer. It also has a noticeably hop edge to it, thanks to the 4 month Saaz dry hop stage. This is truly a sophisticated beer from two of the masters of brewing.

As I’ve continued to enjoy this beer, there are some wonderful flavors evolving. Most notably is the presence of a sour flavor. This is a good thing. It’s not overwhelming, but just one of the many elements woven into the overall experience. What is amazing to me is that there are literally dozens of flavor elements going on here. And they all coexist in perfect harmony. It’s like a painting that from far away depicts a landscape, but up close is an incredible array of colors and brush strokes. This beer is the same. Overall, it tastes wonderful and complete, but as you begin to analyze the components, you realize how varied each is.

Amazing.

Wonderful.

A new level of beer.

Amongst the top 5 beers I’ve ever had.

ABV: 8.5%

Serving Type: 750 ml bomber and snifter

Posted by mallen | 2 Comments »

While visiting one of beerpusher’s favorite stores, I came across this beauty in the back cooler collecting dust. The 11th anniversary ale was released to the public back in September of 2007. I didn’t get a chance to try one out then, and looks like the Gods have smiled upon me by putting this bottle in my path.

This thing has got to be good. First its from Stone. Second it’s an IPA from Stone. Third, it’s a “Black” IPA from Stone. I mean, good God, Its hard to believe the beer selections these days. It just keeps getting better and better. 2008 is a great year for the beer connoisseur, and things don’t seem to be slowing down a bit.

It looks like a stout. For real. It pours out dark, thick and syrupy. There is just the faintest hint of light shining through this silky wonder. The head is dense, off white, and pocketed like an asteroid. What really blows me away is the fact that this gem stinks of hops. Yeah, I know it’s an IPA and it should stink of hops, but it looks like a stout, and my brain is trying to sort it all out. Given a closer sniff, indeed this is an IPA and the resinous hops have made their presence known.

The taste is magnificent. I don’t know how they are doing it, but Stone continues to make top-notch beer without exception. The mouthfeel is a bit more viscous than the average IPA, and I would image that this beer is loaded with malt, yet the flavor is dominated by the hops. It’s pretty incredible, I’d love to pour one of these bad boys for one of my buddies without telling them what it is, just to see them puzzle it out. It’s soo smooth, slightly roasted, yet bitter as hell. Very drinkable and very enjoyable.

If you can find one of these (I’ve only got one left aging in the cellar), buy it at all costs.

Serving Type:Bottle
ABV: 8.7% 

Posted by mallen | No Comments »

Lucky #13 has been my girl this summer. At $4 for a 22oz I can enjoy her multiple times a week if needed. I have always been a big fan of Lagunitas, their IPA and Maximus being my past favorites. I love hops and they gave it to me. This spring the Lucky #13 has quickly become my favorite Lagunitas beer as well as one of my favorite reds.

It poured well into my glass, very smooth considering the carbonated look. It has a nice carmel red color and a very clear appearance. The aroma is a powerful blend of hops and lots of malts. You can definitely smell the sweet scent of alcohol first. That is followed by a citrus hop aroma that weakens as the beer warms. The head is thick with full coverage and stays around for at least the first few drinks. The lacing is moderate as the first drink goes down.

Opposite of the aroma the hop flavor hits first. More citrus than piney the hop flavor hangs around the back of the tongue longer than any other flavor.  The next flavor is strong and malty. You can taste the alcohol and an almost roasted carmel flavor. In the long run the hops win out and leave you with a grapefruit flavor in your mouth till you eat or drink something else.

Overall I love this beer. Lagunitas also makes an imperial red which I have not yet tried. The Lucky #13 at 8.3% ABV has .7% more ABV than the imperial red. I guess this explains the MONDO title. This is the beer you could drink cold at a BBQ out of a pint glass, or savor after it has warmed up and calmed down a little.

Possibly the best red I have ever had at $4 for a 22oz sounds like a good time to me.

Serving Type:Bottle
ABV: 8.3% 

Posted by jon | No Comments »

There’s nothing like the anticipation of trying out a new beer, especially a dogfish head. Today, we have the Immort Ale. The bottle reads: A full-bodied ale with interwoven notes of maple, vanilla & oak. Sounds freakin’ amazing. Here we go.

The beer pours out relaxed and calm, typical for a high alcohol brew. The head formed nicely, a bit on the small side, and soon it was all but gone. A thin layer of froth is all that remains to cover up the deep amber liquid underneath. The color appeared opaque at first, but upon closer inspection, it allows a glimmer of light to penetrate.

The aroma is malty with hints of burned wood. I’m trying hard to find the vanilla in my nose, but it’s not there. Overall, the aroma is a bit more toned down than I expected.

The taste however is a rollercoaster ride through several loops of flavor. The carbonation level is moderately high, almost like a belgian, but there’s an amazing earthy flavor that I’m still working out. The vanilla flavor is present, but it takes a back seat to the more aggressive oak notes. The aftertaste lingers in my mouth malty and sweet. 

I’m not overly impressed by this beer as I am with most Dogfish selections, however, I can definitely applaud the ability of this beer to hide its alcohol behind a complex curtain of flavor. And despite not being overly impressed, the Immort Ale still rocks the pants off most beer. I’ve just come to expect something amazing every time I open a Dogfish.

I’ve got another one in the cellar, perhaps I’ll let it rest for 6 months and see what happens. I would anticipate this one to improve. 

Serving Type:Bottle
ABV: 11% 

Posted by mallen | No Comments »

Josey inspired me to drink up some barleywine. I was in the store the other day and saw this bomber at the bottom of one of the coolers. I’ve had most of the standard Left Hand beers and consider it a pretty good brewery. Actually I used to consider Left Hand a great brewery.

Back in 1994 when I used to review beer in Ohio, we had a hard time getting our hands on any good micros from afar. Left Hand was one of the first that started distributing East of the Mississippi and to me the legend of Colorado Microbrews began. Eventually I discovered the many other breweries and Left Hand took a back seat to the likes of Avery, Ska, Oskar Blues, and Golden City. 

So, after a long hiatus, I’m ready to open this thing up.

The beer poured out excited, much more carbonated than I would expect for a barleywine - maybe I didn’t let it settle long enough. It’s a cloudy brown with a big head that’s starting to pit nicely. Interestingly, the nose is a bit hoppy. It’s got a malty backbone, but not too strong - there’s no indication that this is a barleywine.

I’m getting suspicious about this one. It doesn’t taste like there is much alcohol in this thing. Now I could be wrong of course, but I’d say there is 7-8 percent alcohol. I’ll look it up here in a second. Also, checking the bottle, I notice the words “barleywine style ale” on the bottle ….so is it a barleywine or not? OK, so i’m reading it’s 8.8%, I was off by a little. Either way, it still seems a bit low for the “style”. Despite all that, the taste is quite pleasant. Though It does have a penetrating tobacco/peat flavor that persists throughout, the malt and hops seem to balance it all out into a manageable experience. Perhaps its the oak aging that lends to the flavor. 

Overall, this is a perfect beer to introduce a barleywine novice to, however, it will likely disappoint an aficionado. I’d drink it if someone put a glass in front of me, but I don’t think I’ll try this one again this year.

Serving Type:Bottle
ABV: 8.8% 

Posted by mallen | No Comments »

I always used to say that,”someday I’ll learn to enjoy the taste of barley wines”. Why the hell didn’t you slap me? You know who you are. After a short conversation with a trustworthy beer store employee he came back with a complimentary Olde School hoping this would change the way I feel about barley wines.

Upon the initial pour into a nice snifter this fine brew was a beautifully clear amber-red that had a deep-dark core. A fine ivory head arose that produced some sexy lacing that lasted throughout. This looked damn good.

Huge nose! Oak, raisin, dried fruit and a hint of the 15% alcohol was letting me know this was going to be a warm one. Smelled damn tasty.

The taste was a slice of heaven. Sweet malty burst up front with dried fruit and an oaky/woody flavor that was very complex, but kept on getting better as it warmed up. As it warmed I picked up on toffee that sweetened everything nicely. This barley wine had a nice silky mouthfeel and I noticed that the alcohol was hidden a bit too well.

This is one classy drink that should be taken seriously. I was a complete jackass for having my initial opinion of barley wines. If you have not been a fan of barley wines then do yourself a huge favor and TRY THIS ONE!!!

Serving Type: Bottle
ABV: 15%

Posted by Jozey | 1 Comment »

Well, tonight comes a special treat. This one came highly recommended from a trustworthy beer store employee. It’s from Jolly Pumpkin, and having tasted a few of their beers, I know I can expect something different. I’ve had their Bam Noire and also the Farm Ale, both of which were definitely out of the box.

The pour is a deep amber/red liquid that is nearly opaque - compliments of the bottle conditioning. It’s hearty looking, thick almost, with a fine mist of sediment. Perhaps it would clear with age, but likely it would not. The head began it’s life dense and proud, but shrank quicker than expected leaving a thin layer of pitted froth revealing larger bubbles intermixed with the dense head.

The aroma makes my mouth water. Its a sour ale to be sure. Its sweet like caramel, and sour like granny smith apples. There is no hint of hops whatsoever.

The taste is amazing. I know I say that about nearly every beer I review, but this beer just explodes in my mouth, hitting all parts of my tongue with electric zing! Seriously, this is one of the best sour ales I’ve had out of a bottle. Its a tricky thing, I think, to bottle a sour. Often the beer just tastes off, or bad, or skunked. It can be hard to appreciate a sour. The average person simply doesn’t associate sour with beer, and when they are combined, it tastes wrong. But, here we have an exception. A great exception. The sourness doesn’t really hit until the aftertaste. And by then, my tongue seems more willing to embrace the experience. Its like crack. I take a swallow and before I can set the glass down, I’m thinking - did I really just taste that? Which leads to another swallow and the process repeats itself. Its like I can’t quite hold the whole flavor in my brain. I need a constant flow to get my fix. Medic! I need an IV!

This beer sets the bar high. The quest has begun. I’m hooked on the sour. Josey, you gotta try this one.

Serving Type:Bottle
ABV: 7.2%  

Posted by mallen | No Comments »

Posted by Jozey | No Comments »

Looks like we have our second beer in the ‘Bastard’ series. This time it’s a Scotch Style Ale coming from Grand Lake Brewing up in the little town of Grand Lake, CO located on the beautiful western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. This brew comes in a sixer and also a 22oz bomber, which is what I was trying this time. They did a good job with the label since the bright plaid pattern definitely caught my attention.

It poured a deep mahogany that you could just barely see through with a light brown head that was small with little lacing.

The nose was that of black cherries and dried fruit with chocolate and cookie and a touch of smoke. The whole reminded me of a box of chocolate covered cherries. And I mean the good kind with the dark chocolate and real black cherries inside, not the processed marchiano variety. Very nice smell…definitely wanted to take a sip after the first sniff.

There are some very deep and rich flavors in this beer. The dried fruit carried over into the taste, but it’s more of a prune/date and it has a deep sweet molasses flavor in the malt. There are hints of licorice and smoke, but there was also a very distinct flat cola aftertaste, which was a wee-bit heavy for my taste. This Scotch Style Ale has a great range of flavors that are all very distinct, which makes this a fun beer to try. Its sweetness would make it a great dessert brew or as a nightcap. Pair it up with some cheesecake, some buttery cheese (Brie) or a nice slice of pecan pie.

I would definitely suggest visiting this brewery and picking up your bomber there. Take this into Rocky Mountain National Park and find a nice lookout on Trail Ridge Road. I guarantee you will have one of those moments were you look around, take a sip and think, “this is livin”.

Serving Type: Bottle

ABV: 8%

Posted by Jozey | No Comments »