Eagle Rock Populist IPA

Left to Right: Goose Island Matilda, Black Market Hefeweizen,
Eagle Rock Populist IPA, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

20120527:
I wrote: "[Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter]. And last, the IPA. It's okay. I'm not feeling the IPA style." 8:07 PM PDT
I wrote: "At least not this particular IPA or at least not in this order. It's disgustingly grassy. Maybe I've just hit my limit on alcohol." 8:08 PM PDT
I wrote: "[Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter]" 8:27 PM PDT
I wrote: "The IPA is strong. Some people I came with got a double IPA the last time they came called the Palate Wrecker which they disliked." 8:35 PM PDT

EAGLE ROCK BREWERY POPULIST I.P.A.
ABV: 7% COLOR: COPPER IBU: 71

Left to Right: Goose Island Matilda, Black Market Hefeweizen,
Eagle Rock Populist IPA, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

[20120625]

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Eagle Rock Populist IPA

Relevant Links:
Eagle Rock Brewery Website
Populist (BeerAdvocate.com)
Eagle Rock Populist (RateBeer.com)

Left to Right: Goose Island Matilda, Black Market Hefeweizen,
Eagle Rock Populist IPA, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

---

Website Information:

POPULIST IPA
Our take on the West Coast IPA; Populist is defined by bold hop character. Tropical fruit aromatics give way to flavors of orange blossom, pine, and freshly cut grass with each sip. Light caramel undertones and bready malt character establish the foundation from which the hops shine. Populist is an IPA huge in hop flavor and aroma without lingering or overpowering bitterness.
Welcome to the endless West-coast summer!
Color: 8 SRM | ABV: 7% | Bitterness: 71 IBU | Gravity: 1.072 (17.5°)

Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

Left to Right: Goose Island Matilda, Black Market Hefeweizen,
Eagle Rock Populist IPA, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

20120527:
I wrote: "Slight indications of smell. Wow, definite chocolate taste, but from memory I like Young's Double Chocolate Stout better. [Populist IPA]" 8:07 PM PDT
I wrote: "[Populist IPA]" 8:08 PM PDT
I wrote: "Yeah, the chocolate porter is good, but there's a real bitter taste that accompanies it." 8:27 PM PDT
I wrote: "[Populist IPA]" 8:35 PM PDT

Left to Right: Goose Island Matilda, Black Market Hefeweizen,
Eagle Rock Populist IPA, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

HANGAR 24 CHOCOLATE PORTER
ABV: 8% COLOR: CHOCOLATE BROWN IBU: 47

[20120625]

---

20120607:
I wrote: "Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter. 16 oz. [Hawaiian Burger. Medium. Full.] Oh yeah, that chocolate smell. Maybe some coffee bean smell also." 6:48 PM PDT
I wrote: "Unfortunately, there's very little taste. Almost like water. Most of the taste, if any, comes after the swallow. I can't really detect any chocolate. Yeah poor beer." 7:07 PM PDT
I wrote: "CA 8ABV 47IBU." 7:50 PM PDT

(20120607)

I'm not entirely sure why my opinion today (20120607) contrasts with my above opinion (20120527), but I suspect I was sick and my taste buds were out of order. Another possibility is that the beer was bad. However, given I was able to smell the beer, but not taste it, makes the first possibility quite reasonable.

[20120626]

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Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

(20120607)

Relevant Links:
Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter
Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter (BeerAdvocate.com)
Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter
Rich and decadent. This strong porter is perfect for sipping at the end of the day or to accompany full-flavored foods. The intense, roasty flavor comes from two types of chocolate malt and raw cocoa nibs. Whole vanilla beans introduced post fermentation add complexity and enhance the dessert-like qualities of this full bodied beer. Indulge yourself!

Additional Information:
This beer began life as our Panamanian Porter with the flavors of chocolate, vanilla and banana. A truly unique beer, we felt that all those flavors needed some smoothing out so we changed yeast strains and eliminated the banana flavor (Which came from the yeast strain). The Panamanian Porter did have many fans however, and there may be plans in the future to bring it back for a special occasion. Stay tuned…

Awards:
SILVER – 2011 California State Fair
SILVER – 2010 Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition

Alcohol Content: 8.0%
IBU: 47
Glass Type: Tumbler
Serving Temperature: 55º fahrenheit
Food Pairing: Big flavors! Barbecue, porterhouse steak, pulled pork all go great. Chocolate desserts or fruit tarts. Aged cheeses like Gouda or Parmesan.

Black Market Hefeweizen

20120527:
Like the Goose Island Matilda, I don't seem to have any notes on this Black Market Hefeweizen. And what I can't seem to understand is why the pictures seem to suggest that I (with help) finished the IPA, but not the hefeweizen. Of course, I can't entirely be sure the beers are in the right order, but their color seems to confirm that they are.

Left to Right: Goose Island Matilda, Black Market Hefeweizen,
Eagle Rock Populist IPA, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

BLACK MARKET "BAVARIAN HEFEWEIZEN"
ABV: 5% COLOR: CLOUDY ORANGE IBU: 8

[20120625]

---

Black Market Hefeweizen

Relevant Links:
Black Market Website
Bavarian Style Hefeweizen (BeerAdvocate.com)
Black Market Hefeweizen (RateBeer.com)

---

Website Information:

HEFEWEIZEN
Bavarian Style Wheat Ale
A refreshing, unfiltered wheat beer that showcases the unique, but subtle, fruit and spice character from the classical southern German yeast strain we use. In the spirit of the German purity law, this beer is brewed using only malt, hops, yeast and water. Please enjoy this beer WITHOUT a fruit garnish, as it is brewed specifically to rely its own beautiful balance of flavors.

ABV: 5.0%
IBU: 8
AWARDS:
1st place – 2009 Old West Chili, Grub & Brew Roundup
Silver – 2010 California State Fair
Silver – 2010 San Diego International Beer Festival

Goose Island Matilda

20120527:
For some reason, I can't find my instant comments on the Goose Island Matilda (or the Black Market Hefeweizen). Though it seems several of my messages this summer have been arriving late and perhaps some of them aren't arriving at all. There's also the possibility some messages are getting deleted in my pocket before they're even sent.

Left to Right: Goose Island Matilda, Black Market Hefeweizen,
Eagle Rock Populist IPA, Hangar 24 Chocolate Porter

I recall this beer was refreshing and the photos suggest that before leaving, it was good enough to chug, as opposed to the Black Market Hefeweizen. However, the fact that the IPA, which I wrote to be disgusting, is also gone is mind-boggling.

Note that I was at my limit with alcohol, but couldn't pass on getting the beer flight. As such I insisted that the people I was with have sips and didn't want to leave any beer to waste. Of course after leaving the bar and before entering the car, I made sure to vomit in a nearby bush. Better in the bush than in my friend's car.

GOOSE ISLAND "MATILDA" BELGIAN PALE ALE
ABV: 7% COLOR: GOLDEN SUNRISE IBU: 32

[20120625]

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Goose Island Matilda

Relevant Links:
Matilda (Goose Island Website)
Matilda (BeerAdvocate.com)
Goose Island Matilda (RateBeer.com)

---

Website Information:

Brewer's Notes:
Wild in character, with a slightly fruity aroma and a spicy yeast flavor that is as unique as it is satisfying – Matilda is an intriguing choice for beer and wine lovers alike. Dry and quenching, it’s the perfect accompaniment at the dining table or for casually socializing at the bar.

Style: Belgian Style Pale Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 7%
International Bitterness Units: 32
Color: Golden Sunrise
Hops: Styrian, Saaz
Malts: 2-Row, Caramel

Serving Suggestions:
Preferred Glass: Wide Mouth Glass
Food Pairings: Matilda pairs with many foods. Its spicy yeast flavors complement fresh mussels and contrast rich pork belly.
Cheese Pairings: Camembert, Washed Rind Cheeses
Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle for up to 5 years

Availability: Year Round | Bottles: 4pks, 650mL | Draft: 1/6 & 1/2bbl

Julian Hard Cider Harvest Apple

~I'm not a beer. I'm a cider.~

20120527:
I wrote: "[Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum]. Had the Julian Hard Cider a little warm. I don't think much of it as I'm not used to taste of ciders as compared to the taste of beers and hard liquor." 4:03 PM PDT

I later had Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb and liked it better. Though it had the advantage of being cold.

[20120624][Edited 20120625]

---

20150905:
After sipping some Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb, I tasted this Julian Hard Cider Harvest Apple and found it tasted a bit more sour than the Cherry Bomb.

Coca-Cola Zero, Julian Hard Cider Cherry Bomb, Sailor Jerry, Julian Hard Cider

Satisfied with a couple of sips by itself, I poured some Old Rasputin into the glass and felt it nicely rounded out the flavor of the Harvest Apple (Snakebite).

---

Julian Hard Cider Harvest Apple

Relevant Links:
Julian Hard Cider Website
Julian Hard Cider Harvest Apple

---

Website Information:

Harvest Apple: Traditional

100% fresh-pressed apple juice fermented with Champagne yeast & back-sweetened with more fresh-pressed apple juice.

No added sugar. 6.99% ABV.

“The Choice is Clear”

The brilliant clarity of our Harvest Apple cider is a virtue of its exceptional quality. Using only top-quality, hand-picked apples, our cider goes immediately from pressing to fermentation, allowing us to eliminate the “browning," or oxidation, of the apple, which changes the color of the juice and can negatively affect the taste.

"Fruit-forward, with a clean apple taste and a dry finish.”

Sunset Magazine “The West at its Best”

Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum

20120527:
I wrote the following: "This rum is sooo spicy. [Julian Hard Cider]." 4:03 PM PDT

I don't remember if I had any on it's own, but I definitely had some mixed with Coke Zero.

[20120624]

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Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum

Relevant Links:
The Rum (Sailor Jerry Website)
Sailor Jerry (Norman Keith Collins) (Wikipedia.org)

---

Website Information:

Sailor Jerry is a straight-up, no-nonsense rum.

We craft the spirit from a selection of rums distilled in the Caribbean. Our master blenders “marry” the rums to our exacting recipe, then infuse it with our one-of-kind mix of spices and other natural flavors, most notably vanilla and a touch of cinnamon.

The result is high-quality, old-school spiced rum. An enduring classic, not a fly-by-night fancy.

Nose:
Intense vanilla, dry buttery toffee and subtle cinnamon notes

Taste:
Warm spices of cinnamon & nutmeg with rich vanilla. A long dry finish balanced with a subdued sweetness and a hint of burnt toffee

Smoothness is the key to Sailor Jerry's versatility. Enjoy it how you like it — straight, mixed or in a cocktail.

Cherry Lime Flip

20120526:
I ordered this drink at Red Robin on 20120526. However, I don't remember much about it other than finishing it rather quickly. Considering the rate at which I consumed it, I would assume it was decently tasty. I mostly remember the Sprite. 20120526 11:46 PM ET

I wrote the following: "Oh my goodness, this is basically alcoholic cherry cola. Yum. I squeezed the lime garnish into the drink." 20120527 10:51 PM EDT*

If the drink in fact tasted like alcoholic cherry cola, I must have enjoyed it.

*I love finding information! In this situation, the text was either sent a day late or received a day late. Regardless, it took me a couple minutes (on 20120625) to figure out the message was meant for this drink.

[20120624][20151003 Edit]

Tröegs Nugget Nectar

20120331:
After putting our names on the waiting list, we went on a little trip to the Wine Source. Chris and I each got a bottle of Nugget Nectar, but when we returned to the restaurant, we saw it was also on draft. I figured I'd rather order something else, but Chris went ahead and ordered a pint for himself.

I wrote: "Preview of Nugget Nectar: Good. Can't wait for the full taste. [Exit 4]" 8:19 PM
I wrote: "Chris's Nugget Nectar Ale, perhaps affected by my tripel (Exit 4), has too piney a taste." 9:24 PM

(20120525 2:21 PM PDT)

[20120623]

---

20120525:
I don't know why I didn't make any notes of this beer. What I do know is I split the bottle with my dad. I recall he really liked it. If I remember correctly, then it was sweet (in a beer sort of way) and deliciously hoppy. While I could be wrong, apparently the beer has good reviews on both RateBeer.com and BeerAdvocate.com.

Thus, while I've had a taste and half a bottle of Nugget Nectar, I'm going to have to get my hands on another bottle.

[20120623]

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Tröegs Nugget Nectar

Relevant Links:
Tröegs Nugget Nectar (Tröegs Website)
Tröegs Nugget Nectar (BeerAdvocate.com)
Tröegs Nugget Nectar (RateBeer.com)

---

Website Information:

Tröegs Nugget Nectar
Alcohol by Volume: 7.5%
Hop Bitterness (IBU's): 93ish
Color (SRM): Straw/ Orange
Availability: Seasonal
Malts: Pilsner, Vienna, Munich
Hops: Nugget, Warrior, Tomahawk, Simcoe, Palisade
HopBack Hops: Whole leaf Nugget
Dry Hops: Nugget, Warrior
Yeast: Ale

Seasonal Brew (February)

TASTING NOTES
Squeeze those hops for all they’re worth and prepare to pucker up: Nugget Nectar Ale, will take hopheads to nirvana with a heady collection of Nugget, Warrior and Tomahawk hops. Starting with the same base ingredients of our flagship HopBack Amber Ale, Nugget Nectar intensifies the malt and hop flavors to create an explosive hop experience.

FOOD COMPLIMENTS
Cheese (Sharp, Blue, and Cheddar); Meat (Beef and Poultry)

Serving Suggestions:
Temp: 45-50° F Glassware: Pint Glass

NEWS & AWARDS
2011 - The Fifty Best Beers by TheFiftyBest.com

Abita Restoration Pale Ale

20120520:
I wrote: "A little warm, because I left it out a bit too long. Fizzy feel. Decent taste. Tastes like an average light beer. It's okay." 20120521 7:21 AM

(The actual bottle from 20120520, but the picture is not from the actual day.)

[20120622]

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20131003:
I wrote: "This Restoration Pale Ale is light and easy. It is quite drinkable." 8:04PM

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Abita Restoration Pale Ale

Relevant Links:
Restoration Pale Ale (Abita Website)
Restoration Pale Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Abita Brewing Company (Wikipedia.org)

---

(The actual bottle, but not from the actual day.)

Website Information:

Restoration Pale Ale®
Restoration Pale Ale® is brewed with pale, caramel and carapils malts. It is liberally hopped and dry hopped with Cascade hops. This golden ale has a rich body, mild bitterness, and a snappy citrus hop flavor and aroma. With your help Restoration raised over $550,000 for hurricane relief.

This beer can be paired with many different dishes according to your taste. The citrus flavor and aroma make it an excellent choice with most fish, especially ones that are prepared to match the flavor of the beer. American, Muenster, Havarti and Monterey Jack cheeses pair well with Restoration.

Suggested temperature: 42°
Suggested glassware: pint, pilsner, tulip or stein

Beer Profile
ABV 5.0%
IBU 20
Color 9

Nutrition Facts
Calories 167
Carbs 15g
Protein 1.9g
Total Fat 0g

Packaging 6 Pack Bottles

2009 McWilliam's Cabernet Sauvignon Hanwood Estate

20120314:
I wrote the following: "Sour smell. Somewhat alcoholic fume. Maybe some orange? Sour at first. A little bitter. Decent aftertaste. Rosemount Shiraz 61% Cabernet 39% 2010. South Eastern Australia 13% ABV." 20120316 8:04 PM

[20120514]

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2009 McWilliam's Cabernet Sauvignon Hanwood Estate

Relevant Links:
2009 McWilliam's Cabernet Sauvignon Hanwood Estate (CellarTracker.com)
McWilliam's Website

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Website Information (CellarTracker.com):

Vintage 2009
Type Red
Producer McWilliam's (web)
Variety Cabernet Sauvignon
Designation Hanwood Estate
Vineyard n/a
Country Australia
Region South Eastern
SubRegion n/a
Appellation n/a

2009 Freemark Abbey Merlot

20120512:
I wrote the following: "Freemark Abbey 2009 Merlot Napa Valley 14.4% ABV. It has a vanilla smell. High alcohol smell. I definitely think it smells like vanilla." 8:50 PM

I recall enjoying the wine.

[20120615]

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2009 Freemark Abbey Merlot

Relevant Links:
2009 Merlot (Freemark Website)
2009 Merlot Technical Sheet (Freemark Website)
2009 Freemark Abbey Merlot (USA, California, Napa Valley) (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Information:

2009 Merlot
Napa Valley
An incredibly versatile wine, with a palate filled with bright cherry fruit and fresh Santa Rosa plum. A beautiful balance of acidity and fruit.

$34.00/Bottle

About This Wine:
The color is a deep, rich ruby-garnet. With forward spicy sweet oak, there are layers of flavor composed of black cherry, raspberry, dark plum, dark chocolate and spices such as cinnamon, clove and vanilla. The entry and finish are very smooth with integrated fruit resembling black cherry and Santa Rosa plum. The velvety texture coupled with the richness of flavor provides a profile that delivers from initial sip, one that continues on the palate for a very long finish...enjoy.

Wine Profile:
Vintage: 2009
Wine Type: Red Wine
Varietal: Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: 9/8/07 to 10/28/07
Sugar: 24.9° Brix
Acid: 0.56g/100ml
pH: 3.52
Fermentation: After a five day cold soak, the fermentation was in stainless steel fermentors at 75°-86° F for 10-28 days with skin contact, averaging 21.5 days.
Bottling Date: May 2011
Alcohol %: 14.4%

Vineyard Notes:
80.2% Merlot
11.0% Cabernet Sauvignon
8.2% Petit Verdot
.6% Syrah

Production Notes:
Barrels: French and American oak
Cooperage: World Cooperage
20% new wood
Age in barrels: 15.8 months

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Website Information (CellarTracker.com):

Vintage 2009
Type Red
Producer Freemark Abbey (web)
Variety Merlot
Designation n/a
Vineyard n/a
Country USA
Region California
SubRegion Napa Valley
Appellation Napa Valley

Pilsner Urquell

20110312:
After having a Blue Moon Belgian White at PJ's Pub, I got a Pilsner Urquell. It was also from the tap, but I neither took a picture nor wrote any comments on it. I sort of recall it being hoppy, but I can't be certain.

[20120615]

---

20120512:
I wrote: "This Pilsner Urquell is a step above in taste from what I remember having on draft at the bar." 6:38 PM
I wrote: "More or less tastes like a Heineken. Someone referred to it as the Czech Budweiser." 8:50 PM

Pilsner Urquell is a Czech pilsener while Heineken is a German pilsener.

[20120615]

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Pilsner Urquell

Relevant Links:
Pilsner Urquell Website Country Day Month Year
Pilsner Urquell (Wikipedia.org)
Pilsner Urquell (BeerAdvocate.com)
Pilsner Urquell (RateBeer.com)

---

Website Information:

Pilsner Urquell

For generations our dedicated, passionate brew masters have ensured that Pilsner Urquell with its distinctive darker shade of gold and snow white head has maintained its uncompromised purity of flavour.

Since 1842 we have used only the purest, most natural ingredients to create a beer of golden opulence. From the soft crystal clear waters, to the superior Bohemian and Moravian barley and noble hops from the Saaz region. Even our yeast has a centuries-old pedigree…

Considering this, it would of course be inconceivable to simply drink our pure golden pilsner. This brewing icon, coveted by the discerning, is a lager to be slowly savoured and relished.

Look…

Catching the light, the clear golden amber colour and creamy head beckons…

Inhale…

Whirl gently to release the floral aroma, raise the glass to your mouth and inhale deeply. Relish for a moment the aromas of fresh baguette, earthy hops and honeysuckle.

Savour…

And now it is time…

Don’t hurry. Drink deeply.

RJ Rockers Black Perle

20120511:
I wrote: "Nice head on top. Chocolate smell. Definite chocolate taste with a nice spicy kick at the end. RJ Rockers Black Perle. Has a slight tinge to it like that of strong beer." 11:14 PM
I wrote: "To clarify, 'a nice spicy kick' refers to the alcoholic spice."

RJ Rockers Black Perle

My second and last beer of the night here at Alewife. From my instant comments, I would guess I enjoyed it. It seems that the beer is "like that of strong beer" because it is! Apparently it's alcohol content is 9.5% ABV.

[20120615]

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RJ Rockers Black Perle

Relevant Links:
RJ Rockers Website
Black Perle (BeerAdvocate.com)
R.J. Rockers Black Perle (RateBeer.com)
Alewife Baltimore Website

Black Perle - empty glass on the right; probably Saison du BUFF (Victory) - empty glass on the left

---

Website Information:

BLACK PERLE DARK IPA (2009)
The first release in the "Ales from the Dark Side" series...A dark, roasted twist on the traditional IPA that uses an absurd amount of malt and is "octo-hopped" with the German Perle hop. The biggest beer in the RJ Rockers linup to date.
9.5% abv

Saison du BUFF (Dogfish Head)

20120511:
Compared to Saison du BUFF (Victory), the Saison du Buff (Dogfish Head) had a nicer perfume smell - it was more cherry like. 10:42 PM

The DFH version smelled and tasted nicer (than the Victory version). It was less grassy which I enjoyed more. It had a cherry-like smell." 11:09 PM

Left to right: Saison du BUFF (DFH), cider, Saison du BUFF (Victory)

I was lucky that my friend's friend ordered the Dogfish Head version as I ended up liking it better than the Victory version. It's strange that they would be brewed with the same recipe but end up tasting so different. At first I just had a taste, but eventually he didn't want anymore and I happily finished it.

[20120615]

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Saison du BUFF (Dogfish Head)

Relevant Links:
Saison du BUFF (Dogfish Head Website)
Saison du BUFF (blog post at Victory Website)
Saison du BUFF (Stone Website)
Saison du BUFF (Dogfish Head version) (BeerAdvocate.com)
Saison du BUFF (Dogfish Head version) (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

Saison du BUFF

Availability: Limited

This beer is collaboration between Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA), and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The idea for this beer germinated way back in 2003 when the three guys (Sam from Dogfish, Greg from Stone and Bill from Victory) formed the BUFF alliance (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor) - a noble endeavor with the goal to highlight the passion and camaraderie of the American craft brew movement.

So, BUFF didn't really do anything (beyond talk a lot of talk) until 2010 when the three brewers finally got together to jointly brew at beer at the Stone Brewery. Saison du BUFF was first brewed at Stone and then replicated at each of the other two breweries - same recipe, same ingredients, three different breweries throughout 2010. The brewers have a repeat performance planned for 2012!

Saison du BUFF is a 6.8% alc/vol Saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. The beer is brewed three times, once at each brewery using the same recipe. The expected release dates for each brew are as follows:

Dogfish Head - March 2012 release

Victory Brewing - April 2012 release

Stone Brewing Co.- Late May 2012 release

Saison du BUFF (Victory)

20120511:
The Saison du BUFF (Victory) had a grassy, bitter aftertaste. The smell, like the taste, was also grassy.

The Dogfish Head version had a nicer perfume smell copmared to the Victory version - more cherry-like. 10:42 PM

The Dogfish Head version smelled and tasted nicer. I enjoyed the Dogfish Head version more because it was less grassy. 11:09 PM

If you enjoy really hoppy beers, then I'm guessing you'd really like this one.

[20120615]

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Saison du BUFF (Victory version)

Left to right: Saison du BUFF (DFH), cider, Saison du BUFF (Victory)

Relevant Links:
Saison du BUFF (Dogfish Head Website)
Saison du BUFF (blog post at Victory Website)
Saison du BUFF (Stone Website)
Saison du BUFF (Victory version) (BeerAdvocate.com)
Saison du BUFF (Victory version) (RateBeer.com)

---

Website Information:

Saison du BUFF

Availability: Limited

This beer is collaboration between Dogfish Head, Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA), and Victory Brewing Company (Downington, PA).

The idea for this beer germinated way back in 2003 when the three guys (Sam from Dogfish, Greg from Stone and Bill from Victory) formed the BUFF alliance (Brewers United for Freedom of Flavor) - a noble endeavor with the goal to highlight the passion and camaraderie of the American craft brew movement.

So, BUFF didn't really do anything (beyond talk a lot of talk) until 2010 when the three brewers finally got together to jointly brew at beer at the Stone Brewery. Saison du BUFF was first brewed at Stone and then replicated at each of the other two breweries - same recipe, same ingredients, three different breweries throughout 2010. The brewers have a repeat performance planned for 2012!

Saison du BUFF is a 6.8% alc/vol Saison brewed with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. The beer is brewed three times, once at each brewery using the same recipe. The expected release dates for each brew are as follows:

Dogfish Head - March 2012 release

Victory Brewing - April 2012 release

Stone Brewing Co.- Late May 2012 release

21st Amendment Monk's Blood

20120510:
I wrote: "This Monk's Blood by 21st Amendment has a strong bitter and yet flavorful taste. Definitely not your average beer. It is hard for me to taste the individual ingredients going into it. Complicated." 5:44 PM

Comes in a four-pack.

[20120613]

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20120517:
I wrote: "This Monk's Blood, maybe after eating cheese crackers, is real bitter. The can was a bit shaken up during the walk from my office to my apartment: some beer dripped over the sides, but not much. Alcoholic taste. Like strong, complex Belgian ales." 6:33 PM

On 20120613, I learned the beer is in fact a (strong) Belgian dark ale.

I wrote: "When the taste settles and coats the mouth, the beer is tastes better, but overall not an enjoyable experience. In contrast the Sam Adams is drinkable and while not particularly special, it is refreshing." 6:59 PM

21st Amendment Monk's Blood - can (picture out of focus)

[20120613]

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20121207:
I wrote: "Interestingly, the Monk's Blood tasted a lot better today. It tastes less bitter today." 6:56PM ET

[20121215]

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21st Amendment Monk's Blood

Relevant Links:
Monk's Blood (21st Amendment Website)
Monk's Blood (BeerAdvocate.com)
21st Amendment Monks Blood (RateBeer.com)

---

Website Information:

Monk's Blood
Belgian Dark Ale

21st Amendment founders Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan traveled to Belgium to develop the recipe for this special beer, visiting small, traditional breweries in the hop fields of west Flanders, not far from the famous Trappist abbey of Westvletren. Monk’s Blood is designed to pair beautifully with rich winter stews, creamy cheeses, unctuous desserts or just by itself, in a Belgian tulip glass, with a good book by the fire.

ALCOHOL CONTENT: 8.3% BY VOLUME
COLOR: DEEP MAHOGANY
BITTERNESS UNITS (IBUS): 34
MALTS: BELGIAN PILSNER, TWO-ROW PALE, CARAMUNICH, CARAVIENNE, AROMATIC, SPECIAL B, FLAKED OATS, FLAKED WHEAT
BITTERING HOPS: MAGNUM, CENTENNIAL
FLAVOR HOPS: AMARILLO
YEAST: ABBEY ALE
SPECIAL INGREDIENTS: DARK BELGIAN CANDI SUGAR, CINNAMON, VANILLA BEAN, DRIED BLACK MISSION FIGS, AGED ON OAK

Widmer Brothers Barrel Aged Brrrbon

20120505:
With plenty of beer and food consumed during the crab dinner, I was tired and ready to sleep. But with guests over, I happily opened my bottle of Barrel Aged Brrrbon to share. I drank my share out of a wine glass.

Widmer Brothers Barrel Aged Brrrbon '13 - bottle (front)

I wrote: "Barrel Aged Brrrbon. Coffee smell. Chocolate taste. Tastes great. Small carbonation. Almost like chocolate. Reminds me of Young's Double Chocolate Stout. Quite the chocolate." 12:12 AM
I wrote: "Smells nice and strong. Tastes quite so. Smells a bit like Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA. Like J.P. said, it's hoppy, but has an easy taste." 12:39 AM

I'm not entirely sure the second text refers to the same beer, but memory tells me that the only other liquid I drank after coming home from the crab dinner that night was water.

[20120609]

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Widmer Brothers Barrel Aged Brrrbon '13 - bottle and glass of beer

20140323:
I wrote: "The taste was initially a bit strong and there was a bit of alcoholic burn. However, the strength and burning sensation eventually settled after finishing the first small cup of the beer." 10:27PM ET
I also wrote: "I can smell the strength of the beer (i.e., the alcohol). The beer has a great, complex taste. Overall, instead of being bitter, the beer lends itself to just being sweet and strong, like some sort of hard liquor or strong ale." 11:53PM ET

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Widmer Brothers Barrel Aged Brrrbon '11
Widmer Brothers Barrel Aged Brrrbon '13

Widmer Brothers Barrel Aged Brrrbon '11 - bottle (front)

Relevant Links:
Barrel Aged Brrrbon (Widmer Brothers Website)
Barrel Aged Brrrbon (Brothers' Reserve Series) (BeerAdvocate.com)
Widmer Brothers Reserve Barrel Aged Brrrbon (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

BARREL AGED BRRRBON ’11
SEASONAL ALE AGED IN BOURBON BARRELS

BARREL AGED BRRRBON '11 IS A SMOOTH WINTER WARMER AND THE FIRST RELEASE AS PART OF THE ALCHEMY PROJECT. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL BREWING PROCESS OF BRRR, THE BEER WAS GIVEN A FRESH CHARGE OF HOPS DURING SECONDARY FERMENTATION AND THEN PUT INTO KENTUCKY BOURBON BARRELS AND AGED FOR FOUR MONTHS. AFTER BARREL AGING, THE BEER WAS ALLOWED A TERTIARY FERMENTATION FOR FINAL CONDITIONING BEFORE RELEASE.

AVAILABILITY: WINTER SEASONAL
BITTERNESS: 40.0 IBU
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 9.5%
ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 20.3 PLATO
MALTS: 2-ROW PALE, CARAMEL 10L, CARAPILS, CARAMEL 80L, DARK CHOCOLATE
HOPS: ALCHEMY, SIMCOE, CASCADE

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Website Information:

BARREL AGED BRRRBON ’13
SEASONAL ALE AGED IN BOURBON BARRELS

BARREL AGED BRRRBON '13 IS AN IMPERIAL VERSION OF OUR BRRR SEASONAL ALE AGED IN KENTUCKY BOURBON BARRELS. THIS SMOOTH WINTER WARMER COMBINES A RICH MALTY SWEETNESS WITH COMPLEX OAK, VANILLA, AND CARAMEL CHARACTERS THAT WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AS THE BEER AGES.

AVAILABILITY: WINTER SEASONAL
BITTERNESS: 40.0 IBU
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 9.5%
ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 20.3 PLATO
MALTS: 2-ROW PALE, CARAMEL 10L, CARAPILS, CARAMEL 80L, DARK CHOCOLATE
HOPS: ALCHEMY, SIMCOE, CASCADE