Abita Pecan Harvest Ale

20121130:
I wrote: "Abita Pecan smells fresh. Haha. Mouthfeel is extra crispy. While I don't know what a pecan beer should taste like, I don't really taste much of anything." 6:41 PM

I wrote: "The beer must be extra cold. I begin to get some taste as the beer warms. Regardless, it is still just an average experience. It's not great, but it's not bad either." 6:47 PM

[20121202]

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Abita Pecan Harvest Ale

Relevant Links:
Abita Pecan Harvest Ale (Abita Website)
Abita Pecan Harvest Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Abita Pecan Harvest Ale (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

Pecan
Abita Pecan® Harvest Ale is brewed with pale, Munich, biscuit and caramel malts and Willamette hops. Real Louisiana roasted pecans are added in the brewhouse and give the ale a subtle nutty flavor and aroma. Crack one open for yourself.

This ale is excellent served with both red meat, seafood and, no surprise here, it’s also great with nuts! Try Pecan® Harvest Ale with Gouda cheese.

Suggested temperature: 44°
Suggested glassware: pint, flute, snifter or tulip

Beer Profile
ABV 5.2%
IBU 20
Color 19

Nutrition Facts
Calories 150
Carbs 11g
Protein 2.6g
Total Fat 0g

Packaging 6 Pack Bottles

Shiner Prickly Pear

20121128:
I wrote: "This Shiner Prickly Pear is tasty and refreshing. It smells great. Like cherry or gum. I don't know what prickly pear tastes or smells like. This is a good solid beer." 4:28 PM

[20121204]

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Shiner Prickly Pear

Relevant Links:
Shiner Prickly Pear (BeerAdvocate.com)
Shiner Prickly Pear (RateBeer.com)

Widmer Brothers Kill Devil Brown Ale

20121122:
I wrote: "The Kill Devil Brown Ale smells strong. Its taste is less strong than its smell. Sweet, strong, and spicy." 6:51 PM ET

[20121206]

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Widmer Brothers Kill Devil Brown Ale

Relevant Links:
Kill Devil Brown Ale (Widmer Brothers Website)
Kill Devil Brown Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Widmer Brothers Kill Devil Brown Ale (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

KILL DEVIL BROWN ALE
BROTHERS RESERVE #6

KILL DEVIL BROWN ALE'S FLAVOR COME FROM THE USE OF INGREDIENTS TRADITIONALLY USED BY CARIBBEAN DISTILLERS. SWEET BARBADOS AND BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES PROVIDE TOUCHES OF TOASTED SUGAR, BLACK LICORICE AND BLACKENED TOFFEE WHILE THE PALM SUGARS INVITE NOTES OF SUBTLE SWEETNESS. AS THE BEER CONDITIONS IN PUERTO RICAN RUM BARRELS, THE VANILLA AND SUBTLE OAK FLAVORS AND AROMAS DEVELOP AND INTEGRATE WITH THE CALYPSO HOPS' SOFT TROPICAL AND STONE FRUIT AROMAS.

AVAILABILITY: LIMITED RELEASE
BITTERNESS: 30 IBU
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 9.5%
ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 21 PLATO
MALTS: PALE, MARIS OTTER, AROMATIC, CARAMEL 10-L, EXTRA SPECIAL
HOPS: ALCHEMY, CAPYPSO

Elysian Peste Chocolate Chili Ale

Elysian Peste Chocolate Chili Ale. Delicious!

20121122:
I wrote: "Elysian Peste Chocolate Chili Ale. Spiciness. It's so good. I don't really detect the chocolate, but the beer smells like a standard stout. I sense most of the spiciness upon swallowing. In contrast, I taste the chocolate and stout-like flavors as the beer sits on my tongue." 5:53 PM ET

[20121206]

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Elysian Peste Chocolate Chili Ale

Relevant Links:
Elysian Website
Peste Chocolate Chili Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Elysian 12 Beers of Apocalypse #4 - Peste Chocolate Chili Ale (RateBeer.com)

Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock

20121114:
I wrote: "Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock has a funny taste. Though not bad." 5:32PM ET

[20121118]

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Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock

Relevant Links:
Blonde Bock (Gordon Biersch Website)
Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock (BeerAdvocate.com)
Gordon Biersch Blonde Bock (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:
Blonde Bock
Bock beers are represented by a male goat, which in German lore symbolizes strength and virility. In accordance with the Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Law of 1516), bock beers must have a pre-fermentation malt sugar concentration of 16%, which converts over to at least 7% alcohol after fermentation. These strong beers were made popular in the early 1600's by monks in order to minimize their hunger during fasting periods. While most bocks are dark, Blonde Bock is golden-colored and malty with a rich, creamy head. The rich flavor is counterbalanced with just the right level of bitterness from the Hallertau aroma hops and create a very smooth profile.

Alcohol Volume: 7%
Bitterness: 23 IBU
Residual Sugar: 3%
Yeast Strain: Weihenstephan 34/70
Hops: Hallertau aroma

Dominion Oak Barrel Stout

20110511:
Today I drank an Old Dominion Oak Barrel Stout while at a Beirut concert. Prior to the Oak Barrel Stout, I had a LandShark Lager and a sweet tea vodka and lemonade.

In any case, I thought the Oak Barrel Stout was chocolaty. I tried to think about how the beer compares to Guinness, but I just couldn't. My friends, John and Lauren, said that Guinness was heavy relative to its smoothness.

[20110522,3][20150117 Edit]

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20121114:
I wrote: "Oak Barrel Stout. I like this type of stout: strong roasted and chocolate flavors." 5:28PM ET

[20121118]

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Dominion Oak Barrel Stout

(20110511)

Relevant Links:
Our Brews page (Old Dominion Website)
Dominion Oak Barrel Stout (BeerAvocate.com)
Dominion Oak Barrel Stout (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

Oak Barrel Stout

We use smoked and peated malts to create an intricate malt foundation. Our method of dry hopping with vanilla beans and oak chips pushes the depth of this stout’s flavor spectrum even further.

6.1% alc/vol
“Best Beer in Delaware” – Delaware News Journal, March 2011
Willamette & Cascade Hops.
Pairs well with oysters, clams, brie cheese & chocolate
Serve in a pint glass at 50-55ºF

Franklin's Pumpkin Pie Stout

20121113:
I wrote: "I can't pick up on the pumpkin. Well maybe a little. But it's a solid stout. I'd say on par with Guinness." 7:12PM ET
I wrote: "I detected more pumpkin on the final sip. The pulled pork was delicious." 9:05PM ET

Menu Description:
Pumpkin Pie Stout Enjoy a taste of this season with this nitro stout that blends pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. No whipped cream needed. 6.0% ABV $5.00

[20121118]

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Franklin's Pumpkin Pie Stout

Relevant Links:
Pumpkin Pie Stout (Franklin's Brewery Blog)
Pumpkin Pie Stout (BeerAdvocate.com)
Franklins Pumpkin Pie Stout
Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery & General Store Website
Franklin's Restaurant, Brewery & General Store - Hyattsville, MD (Yelp.com)

2008 Donna Laura Bramosia Chianti Classico

20121108:
Eating at La Famiglia.

I wrote the following: "Strong taste. A little astringent. Er. No, its a sour taste with a sour aftertaste. Very strong attack on the tongue. But not too bitter, after a couple of sips. More sourness involved." 6:15PM ET

[20121118]

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2008 Donna Laura Bramosia Chianti Classico

Relevant Links:
2008 Donna Laura Bramosia Chianti Classico (CellarTracker.com)
Donna Laura Bramosia Chianti Classico DOCG 2008 (Snooth.com)

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Website Information (CellarTracker.com):

Vintage 2008
Type Red
Producer Donna Laura Bramosia
Variety Sangiovese Blend
Designation n/a
Vineyard n/a
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
SubRegion Chianti
Appellation Chianti Classico DOCG

Boulder Beer Flashback

20121107:
I wrote: "This Boulder Beer Flashback smells and tastes great. But it doesn't taste like an IPA at all. That's fine by me." 3:58PM ET
I wrote: "Oh, it's actually an India Brown Ale. That explains it." 4:22PM ET

[20121118]

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Boulder Beer Flashback India Brown Ale

Relevant Links:
Flashback India Brown Ale (Boulder Beer Website)
Flashback Ale (BeerAdvocate.com)
Boulder Beer Flashback Anniversary Ale (RateBeer.com)

My Boulder Beer Mojo IPA post

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Website Information:

Flashback India Brown Ale
Brewed using five separate hop additions, Flashback India Brown Ale boasts a citrusy flavor with a prominent hop aroma. Flashback finishes crisp and dry, with dark roasted flavors from the biscuit and chocolate malts perfectly complementing the bountiful Cascade hops. Originally brewed to commemorate our milestone 30th Anniversary, Flashback India Brown Ale earned a spot in our year-round line-up. Flash back to 1979 and you’ll find two professors at the University of Colorado in Boulder testing the entrepreneurial waters with a little project called a microbrewery. From the original Bitter, Porter and Stout recipes that founded our brewery, to our exciting new releases, Boulder Beer continues to uphold our tradition of innovation in brewing. 6.8% ABV

2007 Fattoria La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt

20121106:
I wrote: "The smell is dark and strong. It smells rich and I prepare myself mentally for a strong bitterness. However, the taste is actually really smooth. It has a nice aftertaste. It's delicious." 7:25PM ET

[20121118]

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2007 Fattoria La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt

Relevant Links:
2007 Fattoria La Valentina Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Spelt (CellarTracker.com)

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Website Information:

Spelt Montepulciano D'Abruzzo doc

TYPE: RED | REGION: Abruzzo | VARIETY: Montepulciano | VINTAGE: 2007

VINEYARD FEATURES:
MUNICIPALITY: Spoltore, San Valentino, Scafa
SURFACE AREA: selection on 20 hectares
ALTITUDE: from 150 to 400 meters a.s. l
ASPECT: South-southwest facing
SOIL COMPOSITION: medium density clay
TRAINING SYSTEM: tendone
DENSITY: 1600 – 2000 vines per hectare
AGE OF VINEYARDS:from 27 years old
AVERAGE YIELD: 50 hl/ectare
HARVESTING: manual

PRODUCTION: 43,000 750 ml bottles, 1,5 l and 6 l bottles

VINIFICATION
Fermentation and maceration with délestage, for roughly three weeks in vertical (temperature controlled) stainless steel vats. After alcoholic fermentation, the wines are transferred into 25hl oak barrels, new and used barriques where spontaneous malolactic fermentation takes place. After approximately 18 months, a careful selection, barrel by barrel is made. The wine is blended and bottled unfiltered one year before release.

TASTING NOTES
You are first struck by the beautiful rich ruby red. It is firm and opens with hints of mediterranean spices though a pleasant, earthy, mineral tone can already be noted. There is also a hint of chocolate, promising great development. It is powerful to the mouth - a rush of sensations without losing quality and suggestions of blackcurrant and mulberry wait to combine with traces of coffee and cocoa. It overwhelms the palate with rich, balsamic emotions, which are followed by light touches of wet graphite. It can be shared with roast mountain lamb in aromatic herbs or served with wild mushroom polenta with basil.

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Website Information (CellarTracker.com):

Vintage 2007
Type Red
Producer Fattoria La Valentina (web)
Variety Montepulciano
Designation Spelt
Vineyard n/a
Country Italy
Region Abruzzi
SubRegion n/a
Appellation Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Alaskan White

20121103:
I wrote: "Alaskan White smells light and tasty. Very drinkable. Refreshing." 6:15PM ET

[20121118]

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Alaskan White

Relevant Links:
Alaskan White (Alaskan Brewing Co. Website)
Alaskan White
Alaskan White Ale (RateBeer.com)

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Website Information:

ALASKAN WHITE,
WHEAT ALE

STYLE:
Alaskan White Ale is based on a Belgian-style witbier, literally translated to "white beer." White beers, or "witbieren," are named for the suspended wheat proteins creating a cloudy appearance in this unfiltered beer.

FLAVOR PROFILE:
Alaskan White Ale has a soft, slightly sweet base with the unique spice aroma of coriander and crisp, citrus finish of orange peel. A light and effervescent body combined with the smooth palate creates a complex and delicate beer that is deliciously refreshing in any season.

HISTORY:
Popular in late 18th century Belgium before the universal use of hops as a bittering agent, Witbieren were traditionally flavored with coriander, citrus and a secret spice known only to the brewer. Alaskan Brewing recreates this historic style with Alaskan White Ale.

INGREDIENTS:
Alaskan White Ale is made from glacier-fed water and a generous blend of the finest quality European and Pacific Northwest hop varieties, wheat and two-row specialty malts. Our water originates in the 1,500 square-mile Juneau Ice Field and from the more than 90 inches of rainfall Juneau receives each year.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
The crisp flavor of Alaskan White Ale pairs well with spicy foods and lighter fare including fresh salads and grilled shrimp or halibut.

THE STORY BEHIND THE LABEL:
Polar bears are native to the Arctic Ocean and can be found traversing through the snow, ice and open waters along the northern coastlines of Alaska. Although closely related to the brown bears of Alaska, the polar bear is classified as a marine mammal adapted to the icy climate of the Arctic. Alaskan White Ale toasts this extraordinary bear and its place at the top of the world.

AWARDS:
2011 Los Angeles County Fair Bronze Medal Herb and Spice Beer
2011 Denver Intl Beer Competition Bronze Medal Witbiers
2010 Great Arizona Beer Festival Third Place Best of Festival
2009 European Beer Star Award Silver Medal Herb and Spice Beer
2009 US Open Beer Championship Silver Medal Belgian Witbier
2009 West Coast Brew Fest Bronze Medal Wheat Beer

SPECIFICATIONS:
Original Gravity: 1.048
ABV 5.3%
Bitterness: 15 IBU
Color: 7 SRM