AoM: Beer et al.: July 2012

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale

Status: Full. Left to right: Banana Bread, Nut Brown, Arrogant Bastard, Thunderweizen.

I ultimately ordered a beer flight.

Beer Flight:
1) Wells Banana Bread Beer
2) AleSmith (Nautical) Nut Brown Ale
3) Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
4) Lightning Thunderweizen

I tried the Arrogant Bastard third.

Status: Empty. Left to right: Banana Bread, Nut Brown, Arrogant Bastard, Thunderweizen.

I wrote: "#3 smells like an IPA... and tastes like an IPA... but it tastes nice. [On BeerAdvocate and RateBeer it is categorized as an American Strong Ale]. It's strong tasting and grassy tasting. Hoppy? Regardless, it's good." 7:45PM PT
I wrote: "I like #2 best. Then #1. Then #3. Then #4." 7:46PM PT
I wrote: "I'm liking #3 a little more." 8:08PM PT

[20121228]

20120822:
Josh, Jon, and I went to Stone Brewery went to Stone Brewery and the Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale was part of the beer sampling at the end of the tour. Of the Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale, I wrote: "The Arrogant Bastard has a more flowery smell [than the beers I've already tried]. It has a bitterness. It is hoppy." 7:16PM PT

Sample of Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale at Stone Brewery.

Sampler:
Stone Levitation
Stone IPA
Stone Arrogant Bastard
Stone Ruination

[20121227]

Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale

Relevant Links:
Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale (Stone Website)
Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale (RateBeer.com)

Website Information:

STONE ARROGANT BASTARD
This is an aggressive ale. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory–maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beverage will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make things taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.

At Stone Brewing, we believe that pandering to the lowest common denominator represents the height of tyranny - a virtual form of keeping the consumer barefoot and stupid. Brought forth upon an unsuspecting public in 1997, Arrogant Bastard Ale openly challenged the tyrannical overlords who were brazenly attempting to keep Americans chained in the shackles of poor taste. As the progenitor of its style, Arrogant Bastard Ale has reveled in its unprecedented and uncompromising celebration of intensity. There have been many nods to Arrogant Bastard Ale…even outright attempts to copy it… but only one can ever embody the true nature of liquid Arrogance!

QUICK FACTS
FIRST RELEASE DATE:
November 1997
HOP VARIETY:
CLASSIFIED
STATS:
ALC/VOL 7.2%
AVAILABILITY:
22oz Bottles, 3 litre bottles & Draft

AleSmith Nut Brown Ale

20120711:
My friend and I came to Slater's 50/50 today and I originally wanted the Stone Vanilla Bean Smoked Porter (CA 4.4% ABV 53 IBU), but they ran out. Thus I started off trying samples of the Stone Levitation Ale and the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.

I ultimately ordered a beer flight.

Beer Flight:
1) Wells Banana Bread Beer
2) AleSmith (Nautical) Nut Brown Ale
3) Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
4) Lightning Thunderweizen

I tried the Nut Brown Ale third.

I wrote: "#2 has a nice dark smell and I can't wait to drink it. Oh wow. It has a strong cocoa flavor. I like that flavor. Very easy to drink this beer." 7:44PM PT
I wrote: "I like #2 best. Then #1. Then #3. Then #4." 7:46PM PT
I wrote: "Josh says #2 has a rich smell, but doesn't taste any cocoa." 8:08PM PT

[20121228]

AleSmith Nut Brown Ale
formerly known as AleSmith Nautical Nut Brown Ale

Status: One-third full. Left to right: Banana Bread, Nut Brown, Arrogant Bastard, Thunderweizen.

Relevant Links:
Nut Brown Ale (AleSmith Website)
AleSmith Nut Brown Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
AleSmith Nut Brown Ale (RateBeer.com)

Website Information:

YEAR-ROUND BREWS
Nut Brown Ale

ABOUT THIS BEER
AleSmith’s interpretation of this classic English-style ale is smooth, dark, and rich. A variety of specialty malts produce a brilliant dark brown color and a wonderful malt complexity. A light dose of East Kent Goldings and Styrian Goldings hops from England balance the malt sweetness without adding bitterness to the flavor profile. Reintrodcued at AleSmith in 2002, Nut Brown Ale has quickly become one of our most popular beers.

QUALITIES
Rich chocolate malt flavors create complexity and drinkability in this classic English-style Nut Brown ale. Although dark in color, Nut Brown Ale is an extremely easy drinking, relatively low alcohol beer.

VITAL STATISTICS
ABV 5.0%
Original Gravity 1.052

Lightning Thunderweizen

Status: Two-thirds full. Left to right: Banana Bread, Nut Brown, Arrogant Bastard, Thunderweizen.

I ultimately ordered a beer flight of which I tried the Thunderweizen second.

I wrote: "#4 has a nice fishy citrus sort of smell. It has a particular hefeweizen flavor which I don't like. It tastes familiar. I can almost put my finger on it. At first I thought the Thunderweizen tasted like a Corona, but then determined that it didn't. Regardless, it tastes like a beer I've had before." 7:42 PM PDT
I wrote: "I like #2 best. Then #1. Then #3. Then #4." 7:46PM PT

Beer Flight:
1) Wells Banana Bread Beer
2) AleSmith (Nautical) Nut Brown Ale
3) Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
4) Lightning Thunderweizen

[20120808][20121228]

Lightning Thunderweizen

Relevant Links:
Lightning Thunderweizen (RateBeer.com)
Thunderweizen (BeerAdvocate.com)

Website Information:

Thunderweizen Ale

5.5% ABV

The Thunderweizen is brewed in the style of a traditional German Hefeweizen: lots of wheat, vigorous fermentation, and completely unfiltered for a full, refreshing flavor that perfectly compliments San Diego's perpetual good weather. Despite the hints of banana, citrus, clove, and other spices, we do not add additives to our beer - that impressive flavor is naturally produced.

Wells Banana Bread Beer

20120711:
My friend and I came to Slater's 50/50 today and I originally wanted the Stone Vanilla Bean Smoked Porter (CA 4.4% ABV 53 IBU), but they ran out. Thus I started off trying samples of the Stone Levitation Ale and the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.

I ultimately ordered a beer flight.

Beer Flight:
1) Wells Banana Bread Beer
2) AleSmith (Nautical) Nut Brown Ale
3) Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
4) Lightning Thunderweizen

I tried the Banana Bread Beer first.

I wrote: "#1 smells like a medicine I've had as a kid. No, wait. Okay, I can smell the banana nut now. Wow. Tasty. It's the great taste of banana bread in a beer!" 7:39 PM PDT
I wrote: "I like #2 best. Then #1. Then #3. Then #4." 7:46PM PT
I wrote: "Josh says #1 has a nice smell." 8:08PM PT

If you like the taste banana bread, then you should try Wells Banana Bread Beer.

[20120808]

Wells Banana Bread Beer

Status: Full. Left to right: Banana Bread, Nut Brown, Arrogant Bastard, Thunderweizen.

Relevant Links:
Wells Banana Bread Beer (Wells and Young's Website)
Wells Banana Bread Beer (BeerAdvocate.com)
Wells Banana Bread Beer (RateBeer.com)

Website Information:

Wells Banana Bread Beer

Alcohol strength: 5.2%
Pack format: Bottle

This unique brew combines all the traditional qualities and style of a Charles Wells beer with the subtle flavour of banana.

Wells Banana Bread Beer is a popular beer in the Wells and Young’s range of ales. The beer has achieved a number of accolades including winner of "Beer of the Festival" award at CAMRA's London Drinker Festival in March 2002.

Available as a draught seasonal cask beer, Wells Banana Bread Beer can be found on the bar and, in its popular bottle format, in all leading supermarkets.

Tempting banoffee aromas tempered by a grassy, lemony nose all leading to a finely balanced, fresh, delicate flavour of peppery hops with a lingering dry finish.

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA

20120711:
My friend and I came to Slater's 50/50 today and I originally wanted the Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean (CA 4.4% ABV 53 IBU), but they ran out. Thus I started off trying samples of the Stone Levitation Ale and the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA - bottle and full glass (20150329)

Noooo! While editing the Stone Levitation Ale post, I realized I had erased my note on the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale (I mindlessly pressed ctrl+C (copy), ctrl+V (paste), and then clicked on publish). Argh! Oh well, it was only a small taste test anyways. I'm 75% sure I liked the Sublimely Self-Righteous more than the Levitation.

I ultimately ordered a beer flight.

Beer Flight:
1) Wells Banana Bread Beer
2) AleSmith (Nautical) Nut Brown Ale
3) Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale
4) Lightning Thunderweizen

(20130102)

[20121228][20150520 Edit]

20130102:
There was some confusion as to which beers were which, but after doing some analysis at home (20130121), I determined that the order of the beers was simply the reverse of the order given at the restaurant.

Beer Flight: (listed left to right) (number in parentheses indicates turn order)
Avery The Czar (2)
Deschutes Red Chair NWPA (1)
TAPS Toasted Santa (3)
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale (4)

Fourth, I tried the fourth from the left (#4).
I wrote: "I can smell the hops. And definitely taste them too! Strangely, this beer is listed as a stout."*
*As mentioned above, there was a confusion, but I tasted the truth and Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous is listed as a Strong Ale.

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA - front of the bottle (20150329)

I later wrote: "#3 is sweeter and milder than #4."
I finally wrote: "#4 has a good sort of IPA taste."

[20130121]

20150329:
This beer had a hoppy, chocolate smell. Pouring another glass, I confirmed that it had a nice hoppy smell. It had a dark red color with a brownish-colored head. Upon tasting the beer, I was surprised by its smooth taste. It had a stout-like texture and an unintentional burp revealed a coffee taste. 6:09PM PT

At the time I found this weird because I thought it was an American IPA. It is, however, a Black IPA.

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA
formerly known as Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
formerly known as Stone 11th Anniversary Ale

Stone Levitation (left) and Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous (right). (20120711)

Relevant Links:
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous (Stone Website)
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA (RateBeer.com)
To Be Discontinued: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow (Stone Brewing Blog)

Website Information:

STONE SUBLIMELY SELF-RIGHTEOUS ALE
We're brewers whose substantial mettle and idiomatic approach to brewing allows us to consistently create works of art such as this justifiably self-righteous ale. Its bitterness hits our sweet spot. Its blackness lightens our hearts. Its liquid dichotomy pulls it all together in this sublimely sacrosanct ale. Yes, we damn well know our stuff here at Stone, and it would be irresponsible of us not to acknowledge how remarkable this heavenly creation of ours is. Thus the name we are compelled to give it --- Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale --- serves as a reminder of just how good we are, in both liquid and verbal form.

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA - back of the bottle (20150329)

We're certainly not perfect. Too often, we allow our modesty to get the best of us as we're simply not inclined towards senseless braggadocio. When you're good, you're good. And when you do something great, the least you can do is acknowledge it. Others benefit from knowing. In this case, we find that we are compelled to point out how amazing this ale is that we rightly call the Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale.

First brewed in 2007 as the Stone 11th Anniversary Ale, this ale was an instant hit. With us. Other folks with great taste loved it too, but we were focused on how much we liked it, and we felt it was truly sublime. That euphoria didn't last long though, as it was soon replaced with the grim reality that when we sold out of it there wouldn't be any more. For us. And that was simply unacceptable. So, we are now blessing ourselves, and you the enlightened, with this ale. Thusly, you may now revel in your own self-righteousness as you see fit with this glorious example of ours. You are genuinely welcome, as it is our pleasure.

QUICK FACTS
FIRST RELEASE DATE:
January 2009
HOP VARIETY:
Chinook, Simcoe & Amarillo
STATS:
ALC/VOL 8.7%, 90 IBUs
AVAILABILITY:
22oz Bottles, Four Packs & Draft

Stone Levitation Ale

The bartenders prepared several glasses full of Stone Levitation Ale for tour participants. While the tour cost a couple of bucks to attend, it basically pays for itself with the free beer and glass cup.

Stone Levitation (left) and Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous (right).

[20120808]

20120822:
Josh, Jon, and I went to Stone Brewery and the Stone Levitation Ale was part of the beer sampling at the end of the tour. Of the Stone Levitation, I wrote: "Stone Levitation. It has a nice smell from the hops. It has a reasonable taste. Actually it has a great taste." 7:16PM PT

Sampler:
Stone Levitation
Stone IPA
Stone Arrogant Bastard
Stone Ruination

[20121227]

Stone Levitation Ale

Relevant Links:
Stone Levitation Ale (Stone Website)
Levitation Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Stone Levitation Ale (RateBeer.com)

Website Information:

STONE LEVITATION ALE

It's been said that "Gravity Sucks." Simple enough. Well, we at Stone have identified gravitational forces in the beer world. And we have come to the conclusion that they, well, see above. So we avoid these less-than-desirable gravitational forces. We avoid dumbed-down flavor profiles and the vigorous pursuit of the lowest common denominator. We avoid big dollar marketing mentalities. We avoid additives, cheap adjuncts, stabilizers and chemical preservatives. So in the defiance of gravity we bring you Stone Levitation Ale. This deep amber ale has rich malt flavors, a big hoppy character, citrus overtones (courtesy of the hops and our special brewers yeast) and modest alcohol.

QUICK FACTS
FIRST RELEASE DATE: September 2002
HOP VARIETY: Columbus, Crystal & Amarillo
STATS: ALC/VOL 4.4%, 45 IBUs
AVAILABILITY: 12oz Bottles, Sixpacks, & Draft

Friday, July 6, 2012

BJ's Nit Wit Shandy

20120706:
I wrote: "Nit Wit Shandy: BJ's Nit Wit with fresh lemonade. Citrus smell from the beer. I find the mixture delightfully interesting. The lemonade flavor goes well with the flavor of the Nit Wit, there's an orange flavor that comes from the Nit Wit. In the end, this alcoholic mix tastes like an orange-and-lemon soda." 2:01 PM PDT

I later wrote: "It's good and I like it. Actually, I like it a lot. [BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse]." 2:30 PM PDT

[20120714]

Nit Wit Shandy

Relevant Links:
Shandy (Wikipedia.org)

BJ's Nit Wit

On 20120706, despite not yet trying BJ's Nit Wit, I had the Nit Wit Shandy which is BJ's Nit Wit mixed with lemonade.

[20180209]

BJ's Nit Wit

Relevant Links:
BJ's Nit Wit (RateBeer.com)
BJ's Nitwit | BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (BeerAdvocate.com)

Website Information:

BJ's Nit Wit
BJ's Nit Wit® is a traditional Belgian-style witbier. Unfiltered and spiced with orange peel and coriander. Immensely refreshing and flavorful.

Style: Whitbier (or White Beer)
Alcohol: 4.7% by volume
Awards: Gold: Belgian-Style Wit at 2010 North American Beer Awards; Gold: Belgian-Style White at 2007 Great American Beer Festival; Silver at 2006 World Beer Cup; Bronze: Belgian-Style Wheat at 2005 Great American Beer Festival; Gold: Belgian-Style Wheat at 2004 Great American Beer Festival
Seasonality: June/July
Availability: All BJ’s

Website Information: (blog post @ www.bjsrestaurants.com)

NITWIT® BELGIAN-STYLE WITBIER
ALEX PUCHNER | APRIL 22ND, 2015

We are thrilled to have tapped a seasonal favorite that has been away for a little while; welcome the return of NitWit®! This refreshing seasonal beer is a traditional Belgian-style Witbier that literally means “White Beer”, and it is phenomenal.

The creation of NitWit actually marks the beginning of my relationship with my now wife! Melissa began working for BJ’s Brewery in Chandler as an assistant brewer and I told her she could come up with her own beer, whatever she wanted to make. She was passionate about making a Belgian-style, wheat based witbier. She was given the green light, and she began brewing full force!

Using pilsner type malts, traditional Belgian witbier yeast, coriander and orange peel, Melissa brewed what we decided to call NitWit, which was then entered at GABF and won the gold medal! This beer has gone on to win more major awards than any other BJ’s Beer! It was an amazing beer to work on with her and get to know her over. Eventually, we started dating and we’ve been together ever since. So as you can imagine, I have a real fondness for this beer.

I’m often asked how we came up with the name NitWit, and whether the beer is named after anyone we know. The truth is, Melissa’s friend Marlene visited one day and they brainstormed over different names. Marlene made a funny face when they said the word NitWit and they both laughed hysterically. To this day I think they were both thinking of me when they were laughing. Now that Melissa is my wife, I am certain that I am her true NitWit.

This beer is incredibly light and refreshing. It’s great to enjoy on its own on a nice warm Spring day, but it also goes great with a lot of our dishes here at BJ’s. Try it with any one of our salads, our new Cantina Chicken Tavern-Cut Pizza, or our Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos!

After you’ve tried the original BJ’s NitWit, you might try the 2 friends that it shares the stage with this year: the NitWit Shandy: NitWit and Lemonade, and Fuzzy NitWit: NitWit, Milagro Silver Tequila, Monin White Peach, Fresh Lemon, and Fresh Peach.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Lost Coast Great White

20120704:
We're here at Island Cinema and while waiting for the movie (The Amazing Spider-Man) to begin, I went and took a look at the beer selection. With slim pickings, I almost didn't get a beer, but ultimately I decided to order a cup of Lost Coast Great White.

(20120704)

It had a nice orange smell. It was most definitely citrusy. It had a nice taste. It was very refreshing. While good, this style of beer is no longer my preferred style. 10:00 PM PDT

[20120804][20150926 Edit]

20150904:
Today I had a sample of the Lost Coast Great White at a beer and wine tasting at BevMo. This beer had a wheat smell. In additional to the nice solid wheat taste, there was also a subtle banana taste.

(20150904)

[Part of Beer and Wine Tasting at Bevmo]

Lost Coast Great White

Relevant Links:
Great White (Lost Coast Website)
Great White | Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe (BeerAdvocate.com)
Lost Coast Great White (RateBeer.com)

Website Information:

GREAT WHITE™

ABV 4.8%

A crisp beer with a hint of citrus, made with two-row malted barley, unmalted wheat, a secret blend of Humboldt herbs, crystal clear mountain water and ale yeast.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Schlafly Christmas Ale

20120703:
I split the beer into four cups. One for my sister, two for my friends, and one for myself. Happy drinking.

I wrote: "Certainly has a load of Christmas spices. Possibly a load of nutmeg. Lovely smell. The taste is similar to the nose. I feel a nice warmth in my belly." 10:58 PM PDT

I will certainly keep my eye out for Schlafly Christmas Ale this upcoming November and/or December.

[20120711]

Schlafly Christmas Ale

Relevant Links:
Christmas Ale (Schlafly Website)
Schlafly Christmas Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Schlafly Christmas Ale (RateBeer.com)

Website Information:

Christmas Ale

Available November-December

ABV: 8% | IBU: 30

APPEARANCE: Deep copper, bright
PROCESS: Spiced with orange peel, juniper berries, ginger root, cardamom and cloves
HOPS: Hallertau Tradition
MALTS: 2-row and caramel malted barley, Munich malt, chocolate malt, honey
YEAST: American Ale
OG: 18.2
SRM: 20

Our Christmas Ale is brewed to encompass the tastes of the holiday season. Orange peel, juniper berries, ginger root, cardamom and cloves are added for spiciness. We use honey in the fermentation process, which raises the ABV without producing too much heat from the alcohol content.

Many breweries produce richer, higher alcohol beers for the winter holiday season, bolder than their year-round offerings. The inspiration for this beer came from spiced holiday beverages such as wassail and mulled wines. Around the holidays, the sweet and spicy aromas, not to mention the booze, in such libations tend to smooth the rougher edges of enjoying each other’s company and spreading goodwill.

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