What Beer Are You Drinking? - Winter 2011/2012

[stevegoz]

But ABV doesn't simply equate to "heat," of course. I much prefer the 2011 young bottled that I've had compared to the 2010 on-tap that I had. (While acknowledging that the method of delivery may affect the characteristics of each.) My cellar only goes back to the 2009, and I'm giving that two more years before I begin to vertical taste.

I had the 2008 fresh and had the same reaction to the alcohol presence, but I was also much less attuned to the delights of high proofs back then. (I was still drinking my bourbon on the rocks in 2008.)

Compliments on how well the alcohol is hidden in the 2011 far outweigh complaints about heat over on Beer Advocate. But in any event you're patient enough to wait for it to mellow, and have quite the supply to enjoy in coming years!

Least hot? I'm not sure how people would think that when it's one of the highest alcohol releases in the past few years (up to 14.5%). Being a bourbon drinker I like my beers robust with plenty of bourbon, but the alcohol is a bit too much this year, which takes over from the nice vanilla notes that are usually more present. I like it as well, but I'll let it sit a few more months before popping another bottle.

[aea6574]

Bell's Christmas ale


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.443728,-83.491656

[bad_scientist]

Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye. I hadn't seen or even heard of it, and hey, rye! Not bad. A bit subtle in the rye department but quite delicious. Hey, why's my glass empty already?!

edit: no, it's not subtle. Pickle juice and wintergreen make themselves known after some time in the glass.

[smokinjoe]

Picking up steam on this week with a Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11. An odd amalgamation of an Ale brewed with Anaheim chilies and Cinnamon. The subdued chilies hit in the nose. Solid ale flavors over the palate. And, a wonderfully interestingly chewy finish. Whoda ever thunk to put A. Chilies and cinnamon together in an ale? Odd, but it works. But, whoda thunk marigolds and a hint of anise would work in an infused vodka? I'll be at Stone in 2 weeks. Maybe, I'll put that in the suggestion box for 12.12.12.

[jcg9779]

Picking up steam on this week with a Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11. An odd amalgamation of an Ale brewed with Anaheim chilies and Cinnamon. The subdued chilies hit in the nose. Solid ale flavors over the palate. And, a wonderfully interestingly chewy finish. Whoda ever thunk to put A. Chilies and cinnamon together in an ale? Odd, but it works. But, whoda thunk marigolds and a hint of anise would work in an infused vodka? I'll be at Stone in 2 weeks. Maybe, I'll put that in the suggestion box for 12.12.12.

I had one of these at Christmas and thought it was good also. Odd, but good (as you said).

Picked up a six pack of Founder's Red Rye PA today...haven't had this one yet and will be enjoying it in about an hour.

[smokinjoe]

I had one of these at Christmas and thought it was good also. Odd, but good (as you said).

Picked up a six pack of Founder's Red Rye PA today...haven't had this one yet and will be enjoying it in about an hour.

Ha! Great minds (nearly) think alike! I just returned from the corner store a few minutes ago. I literally was reaching for the Founder's, when I made a quick aversion and grabbed a 6 pack of Red Brick Blonde. If you report back with a good experience, I may have to make a return trip.

I'm now settling in with a Leffe Blonde. I have really been enjoying this beer over the last couple of weeks. I think I'm on my 3rd 6 pack in that time. Very tasty. It has many of the characteristics of my all-time fave, Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier. And, any of you who have been over, you know I prefer blondes...

[Gillman]

I participated in an Imperial Stout tasting recently. It was hard to choose but the Yeti Imperial Stout identified on the label as Belgian-style (there are different iterations of Yeti Imperial Stout) took the palm I thought, with elegant roasted and coffee-like flavours. Nogne, a Scandinavian Imperial, impressed with its fine expresso-like taste. Stone Black IPA is not labelled as a stout or porter but it is a kind of Imperial porter IMO except with a big punch of West Coast C-hop. Refreshing (so to speak) after the others which are more in the English style. There was one bottom-fermented example, the Polish Zywiec, which was very well-made and testifies to the long tradition of strong stout in the Baltic lands.

There were one or two others including a rare example from the sole craft brewery in Puerto Rico, finished in a rum cask I understand and showing good aged notes.

In my view again, Imperial Stout is the top of the beer range. There are many great beers and beer styles but this is the peak for me in terms of flavor and complexity.

Gary

[jcg9779]

I participated in an Imperial Stout tasting recently. It was hard to choose but the Yeti Imperial Stout identified on the label as Belgian-style (there are different iterations of Yeti Imperial Stout) took the palm I thought, with elegant roasted and coffee-like flavours. Nogne, a Scandinavian Imperial, impressed with its fine expresso-like taste. Stone Black IPA is not labelled as a stout or porter but it is a kind of Imperial porter IMO except with a big punch of West Coast C-hop. Refreshing (so to speak) after the others which are more in the English style. There was one bottom-fermented example, the Polish Zywiec, which was very well-made and testifies to the long tradition of strong stout in the Baltic lands.

There were one or two others including a rare example from the sole craft brewery in Puerto Rico, finished in a rum cask I understand and showing good aged notes.

In my view again, Imperial Stout is the top of the beer range. There are many great beers and beer styles but this is the peak for me in terms of flavor and complexity.

Gary

I don't think we get the Yeti Stout in Atlanta (do we, Joe?) but I'll keep an eye out for it. I always enjoy your recommendations, Gary.

[smokinjoe]

I don't think we get the Yeti Stout in Atlanta (do we, Joe?) but I'll keep an eye out for it. I always enjoy your recommendations, Gary.

We sure do. I know I see it regularly at Mink's. I posted this review a couple of years ago.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forum...642#post135642

[jcg9779]

We sure do. I know I see it regularly at Mink's. I posted this review a couple of years ago.

http://www.straightbourbon.com/forum...642#post135642

Well I might just need to make a trip over to Mink's then. I've never seen it at the Total Wine in Alpharetta or Dunwoody, but perhaps I've just missed it.