#111: Smuttynose Brewing Co » Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale

A friend's last week at Felicia's is call for some fall celebration...

The Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Co. (Portsmouth, NH)
The Brew: Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale
Availability: Bottles/Draft
ABV: 5.84% | IBUs: 35
Rating: 8/10
Location: Felicia's Atomic Lounge

The Story? With the cold northeast weather and end of October fast approaching - and presumably the onslaught of Winter Warmers and other holiday beers on their way, I've been looking to pack on the pumpkin brews this week.

My partner and I hauled down to Felicia's to say farewell to one of our bartender friends who is moving on to other cool things. Sandwiched between two drafts of Bronx Pale, I grabbed this Pumpkin Ale from a northeast brewery I admittedly don't give enough attention to - Smuttynose Brewing.

The Beer? This full-flavored seasonal is packed with tons of nutmeg and cinnamon. The mouth feel is in the mid-light range with a mid-high level of carbonation and is quite tasty - this immediately hits in my top 5 pumpkin beers.

I love how simple and refreshing this one is. There's plenty of spicy complexity supported by toasted malts and sweet, real pumpkin and never gets over the top or gimmicky. An easy, quality pumpkin brew.

#110: Harpoon Brewery » Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin (Stout)

New, well-spiced dark seasonal from Harpoon..

The Brewery: Harpoon Brewery (Boston, MA)
The Brew: Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin (Stout)
Availability: 22 oz Bottles/Draft (seasonal, limited)
ABV: 10.5%
Rating: 8/10
Location: Home

The Story? I was pretty stoked earlier this year to hear of more breweries releasing stouts-based big pumpkin beers, such as this Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin and Southern Tier's Warlock. I couldn't find HIP until our Vermont trip at the end of September, where I picked this up. Still no visual on Warlock yet.

This beast boasts pumpkin puree, molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted malts, and a 10.5% ABV and was improvised in Harpoon's 10-barrel kettle with leftover pumpkin from their UFO Pumpkin batch.

The Beer? Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin pours out jet black with a finger of head that quickly fades to zilch. The nose is big and full of spice with clove at the forefront backed by a hint of pumpkin.

Unabashed flavors of clove and cinnamon kick off the flavor ride amidst growing sweetness from the pumpkin and stout backbone. Stout really is a great canvas for this brew. The mouthfeel is lighter than expected complemented by a slight creaminess, low carbonation, and velvety spice mouthfeel.

The real kicker is how easy this goes down. For an Imperial Stout, this brew is incredibly light on its feet. It's deceptively smooth with the light body and carbonation and the hefty dose of spice completely masks the high ABV. In a blind test, I would have put this one at a 6%, max.

If you're looking for a wallop of spice and effective alcohol content that still goes down easy this Imperial Pumpkin is calling for you.

#109: Bierbrouwerij Emelisse - Emelisse Rauchbier

Rauchbier from the Netherlands...

The Brewery: Bierbrouwerij Emelisse (Netherlands)
The Brew: Emelisse Rauchbier
Availability: Bottles/Draft
ABV: 6.8% | IBUs: 34
Rating: 7.8/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? I'll give any Rauchbier a shot and the price on this one was far too reasonable to pass up!

The Beer? Poured out, Emelisse is a murky, bubbly dark caramel-brown with almost no head. Strong notes of smoke, vinegar, and fennel cut sharply on the nose.

Through the first few sips, this Rauchbier is quite wet, while the smoke does coats tongue. The body is thinner than with some smoked beers I've encountered, leading it to be somewhat more refreshing than sipping.

There's a notable wet, woody flavor Emelisse along with a less enticing vinegar and fennel tartness that conflicts with the smokiness at first. These complex flavors mellow in and hit their stride further along, but at first there were a few notes that were slightly off-putting.

As per the Emelisse site, Emelisse Rauchbier has a new label, so I may have caught this one a bit too late. There's enough going on that I'd gladly give the new batch a go around.

#108: Jack's Abby Brewing » Jabby Brau

More from Jack's Abbey down at The Westy...

The Brewery: Jack's Abby (Farmington, MA)
The Brew: Copper Legend (Oktoberfest)
Availability: Bottles/Draft
ABV: 4.5% | IBUs: 20
Rating: 8.8/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? The Westy put Jack's on my radar earlier this year. Anytime they have a new one on, I try to swing by. Their entire series is lager-based, which is unique in this era of ales. Draft night was in effect and I found myself in the area with an hour to space. Prost!

The Beer? This one kicks off with a touch of hops, but then it's all full malt flavor. I'm really loving the all-lager thing Jacks' has going. They've completely nailed it.

Flavors of caramel, toasted malt, crust, complemented by a pinch of pine from the American hops hanging out in the background of this very drinkable and flavorful lager.

Subtle quality is the name of the game with this one, which can be a refreshing change-up in the wake of the flavor-bomb beer explosion. A clean, session win.

#107: Two Brothers Brewing Company » Laughing Panda (Green Tea IPA)

An afternoon brew...

The Brewery: Two Brothers Brewing Company (Warrenville, IL)
The Brew: Laughing Panda (Green Tea IPA)
Availability: 22oz Bottles & draft (limited?)
ABV: 6.25% | IBUs: ?
Rating: 8.8/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

The Story? I've trusted Two Brothers beers since trying their Cain & Able several years ago - it's superb if you run into it. I'd passed this one by a few times, while still keeping it in mind. My partner picked it up to have a few beers to share in the house. We found ourselves with a relaxing Sunday afternoon with movies and figured we'd add to the occasion.

Surprisingly, there's nothing on the Two Brothers website about this beer, so what's on the label is all we get to go by.

The Beer? Laughing Panda presents itself with a rich, juicy nose of citrus, most notably grapefruit, tropical fruit, and green tea and translucent, golden caramel color and fluffy head.

The taste is quite sweet and smooth upfront and finishes with a unique bitterness, thanks to the mild astringency of the green tea. There are roasted notes, but the malts are back behind the curtain. Through the glass, notes of tangerine, apricot, grass, and lemon appear.

The green tea/hop combo is a great idea, producing a satisfyingly savory brew. 

#106: Surly Brewing Company » SurlyFest (Oktoberfest)

My new favorite Oktoberfest bier...

The Brewery: Surly Brewing (Brooklyn Center, MN)
The Brew: SurlyFest (Oktoberfest)
Availability: Cans & draft
ABV: 6.0% | IBUs: 34
Rating: 9.3/10
Location: Home

The Story? Another review from the epic box of Surly cans that arrived on my doorstep earlier this fall and is my second time drinking this glorious can. My first taste of SurlyFest was shortly after the box arrived. Not knowing where to start amongst the staggering array of cans, I decided to start small and test the waters. I'm not a huge fan of Oktoberfest beers as many come of a bit lackluster, but being Surly, I figured it would be decent... I couldn't have been more wrong in the right direction.

SurlyFest is brewed with a German Lager yeast, three different types of Rye, and a single variety of American Hops, and then is dry hopped. Get ready.

The Beer? As recommended, this beer in a can gets put in a glass, relieving a glowing amber of a brew with a line of off-white head. The nose is inviting with firm notes of crisp, fresh hops an malts. The flavor is impeccable and incredibly refreshing and the blend of lager, rye, and dry hop in a 'fest beer setting is straight-up brilliant.

Beautiful toast malt flavors dance with rugged, robust rye for a touch of bitterness, further complimented by hushed hop flavor and wonderful dry-hopped aromas. Bready, yeasty flavors continue throughout as well.

Honestly, this is one of my new favorite sesionals and hands down my favorite Oktoberfest.

#105: Ithaca Beer Co. » Valencia (Pale Ale with Belgian Yeast)

Another gem from the 5-Barrel series...

The Brewery: Ithaca Beer Company (Ithaca, NY)
The Brew: Valencia (Pale Ale with Belgian Yeast)
Availability: Draft Only (5-Barrel Series)
ABV: 5.7%
Rating: 8.7/10
Location: Ithaca Beer Taproom

The Story? I have to start off by just saying... I love this place. The staff is always so friendly and accommodating. The food is exactly what I want to put in my mouth and their one-offs keep getting better.

This particular limited brew from their ever-growing 5-Barrel Series is a Pale brewed with Belgian Yeast. I wasn't able to get too much more detail than that, but by the time it hit my tongue, I didn't really care anymore.

The Beer? A hazy, golden liquid with a yeasty, transparent nose with faint noses of floral hops and sunflower.

I like this hybrid. There's a rustic quality to it along with the Belgian-esq components. There's prickly carbonation, refreshing citrus flavors, backed but a robust smattering of hops that finishes up nice and dry with the slightest hint of must and kumquat.

Hopefully by now you've heard about Ithaca's Box of Hops. The next "Box of" series includes a Belgian box as well as a "Best-of" from the 5-Barrel series. I'd be more than happy to see this one in that troup.

#104: The Lost Abbey » Saint's Devotion (Belgian Blonde Ale w/ Brett)

For the love of Brettanomyces...

The Brewery: The Lost Abbey (San Marcos, CA)
The Brew: Saint's Devotion (Belgian Blonde Ale w/ Brett)
Availability: 12.7 mL
ABV: 6.66%
Rating: 8.8/10
Location: Home
Found: Benny's (Chicago)

The Story? I'll jump at any chance to pick up one of The Lost Abbey's Belgian-inspired creations. This one in particular was one from my haul out in Chicago while on tour.

Saint's Devotion is one of the Abbey's small bottle seasonal offerings, specifically a Brett-finished version of their Devotion Ale. Let's dig in.

The Beer? This one is vigorously carbonated! After struggling with the uncaged cork for a second, I found some recompense in a satisfying "pop" and enticing, funky aromas. Voluminous head plumes in the glass even with a patient, soft pour. After sitting for a moment, the carbonation continues to bubble up from the bottom of the glass, while the head stays leggy for some time.

The striking, golden body is quite translucent for a wild yeast beer. That ever-staying head has a tart, dry taste to it with a nose of muted sour notes, crisp yeast, mild orange and a hint of must.

Finally getting around to tasting this beauty, its light at first, then tightening up with a distinct dryness and mild funk. Brettanomyces is up front with cellar must, slight mushroom, and tangy dry sour flavors, but there's a delicate hop balance, providing some citrus and bitter notes, along with elements of straw and grass.

As with most beers from Lost Abbey, Saint's Devotion is a delicate, enjoyable beer. The hoppy blonde is excellent support for the wild and sometimes temperamental Brett.

#103: Sly Fox Brewing Co. » Grisette (Belgian-style Ale)

2013 GABF Silver Medal Winner...

The Brewery: Twisted Pine Brewing Company (Phoenixville, PA)
The Brew:  Grisette (Belgian-style Ale)
Availability: 12 oz. cans / draft (limited)
ABV: 5.6%
Rating: 8.7/10
Location: Home
Found: Finger Lakes Beverage Center

The Story? Sly Fox has always been my radar as long as I remember drinking beer. A friend of mine has family in PA and I usually hear about any PA brews that I should be aware of.  Their Royal Weiss and 113 IPA were mainstays at the house for a while a few years back. I'd been eyeing this Grisette for a bit and my partner picked it up on a whim to have with dinner. Sly Fox can tell you the rest...

"Grisette is a Belgian style ale which was originally brewed in the Hainaut province to be the beer of the miners in the area, just as Saison was the beer of the farmers. It was lighter than Saison and frequently contained wheat as well as barley malt (as does the Sly Fox version). The name is derived from the French word for "gray," referring to both the drab factory frocks worn by the young women (the grisettes) who doled out pints as the men exited from the mines, and also the color of the cobblestone rock being mined."

Grisette is a style and it's name. Got it?

The Beer?  Mmmm... this one jumped out of the gate with lots of flavor. Sweet and smooth with plenty of banana notes and tons of leggy head and carbonation. Belgian is definitely the name of the game on this one - lots of coriander, yeast, bread, and grain flavors swirling around this effervescent brew.

A solid, anytime Belgian-style ale on the semi-sweet side of things. Will be picking this one up again.

#102: Southern Tier Brewing Co. » 2XRye (Double Rye IPA)

Pleasant surprise was waited for me at The Westy...

The Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Co. (Lakewood, NY)
The Brew: 2XRye (Double Rye IPA)
Availability: 6-pack, draft (Seasonal)
ABV: 8.1%
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? I had to make a quick stop at The Westy on the way home on Friday and figured a pint after quite the long week would be good. I figured one of their new taps of Jack's Abbey or Bacchus would be just the thing, but to my surprise they still had Southern Tier's latest seasonal, 2XRYE on tap. Beer joy!

The Beer? Glistening, completely transparent copper with a touch of off-white head on top. The nose is sweet and mildy fruity - tropical, even plums maybe?

The taste is complex - there's an initial sweetness, which gives way to big, bitter hops and rye. That all then subsides into crisp, biscuit and roasted malt flavors. A pretty excellent way to kick off the weekend, I must say.

There's a touch of booze behind that bitterness, which slowly creeps in the room along with a touch of spice further through the glass. Subtle for a double at 8% for sure though.

In my opinion, the finish really takes the cake on this one those. For a double rye, I was expecting something relatively extreme, but instead we have a well-balanced, complex seasonal that's great for the fall season. Southern Tier does it again.

#101: Twisted Pine Brewing Company » Hoppy Boy IPA

Once last go in NOLA...

The Brewery: Twisted Pine Brewing Company (Boulder, CO)
The Brew:  Hoppy Boy IPA
Availability: 16 oz. cans / draft
ABV: 6.0%
Rating: 8/10
Location: Borgne Restaurant (New Orleans, LA)

The Story? The final beer review on my final day in New Orleans. It's been a good ride...

The Beer? This can had a far better pour than the Caldera IPA, sporting a tuft of off-white head with a bit of legs atop a glowing, unfiltered amber brew. The inviting nose yields orange, grapefruit and even a punch of lime.

The first gulp down is quite pleasant. There's a slow rise of hot hop heat and spice, ester alcohol notes and a variety of fruit notes. Bitterness is solid, threaded through each taste, but it lingers a bit more on the finish than it presents itself up front. A sturdy, substantial IPA I wouldn't mind running into again.

#100: The Alchemist » Heady Topper (DIPA) Visit & Review

I saved review #100 for something special...

(pics by Mel Casano)

The Brewery: The Alchemist (Waterbury, VT)
The Brew:  Heady Topper (DIPA)
Availability: Cans, draft
ABV: 8.0% // IBUs: 120
Rating: 10/10
Location: The Alchemist Cannery / Home

The Story? If you've been reading of late, you've seen the slathering of posts around my Vermont beer trip - Hill Farmstead, Rock Art, Prohibition Pig, Farmhouse Bar & Grill, Fiddlehead, and so on. This final post is what launched the whole trip in the first place.

I was introduced to Heady Topper by a musician friend in Ithaca who grew up and is now back in Vermont. He generously gifted me three cans of HT early this year after a show. It had been on my radar with all the hype around the sought after Double IPA, so I was more than obliged .

Even on first sip back in February, I was completely hooked. Can #1 I split with my partner - poured into a glass to see all its rustic, unfiltered glory. The second I traded to my friend Maciej in exchange for a sixer of homebrews, so he could experience Heady Topper before moving back to Poland. The final can I shared with my partner's sister and brother-in-law, who took us on our first Vermont excursion with several years back.

For those out of the loop, the only way to obtain a significant amount of glorious Heady Topper, is to get it direct from the cannery. They can on Monday and Wednesday and are typically sell out in a day or two. So, we planned our vacation around being at The Alchemist in time for their 11:00AM opening on Monday.

There was a line when we arrived at 10:40 as expected, but they opened early and moved patrons through very effectively. Their retail shop is set up conveniently where you enter, check out their merch and the story of Heady Topper, enjoy a sample of Heady Topper right off the line, check out their modest canning/brewing operation, and buy up to 1 case of HT cans per person - all cold and ready to be enjoyed. The Alchemist is likely the cleanest, most effectively run, small craft beer operation on the patron side that I've encountered so far. We were in and out in about 15 minutes with everything we'd hoped for.

(behind the scenes)

The Beer? At the cannery, I had my first draft experience of the beer. Incredible, dank, fresh hop power with fluffy head and beautiful unfiltered gold color.

When not on tap, I would recommending heading the instruction to "Drink from the can!" as this baby is unfiltered and you can stir things up pouring it.

Popping open a can, it's big, bright, and fresh, with a supreme balance of velvety smooth mouthfeel, sweet start, and dense hop bitterness and hop hotness that is truly unmatched. Orange, grapefruit, pine, and resin flavors swirl around in glorious harmony. The hops are BIG, but don't destroy your palate in the way some 100+ IBU brews do.

The 8% ABV peaks through with a slight touch of booze on the finish along with a delicious hop spice. This is full, hop-head glory that isn't the most bitter, the most brutal, but... it is one of the best. This is close to my 10th can and each time is as good as the first. The fact that The Alchemist found success on balance being the key in their ultra-hopped version of one of the biggest big-beer styles out there is impressive. Believe the hype.

#099: Caldera Brewing Company » Caldera IPA

Recommended Coloradoan IPA...

The Brewery: Caldera Brewing Company (Ashland, OR)
The Brew:  Caldera IPA
Availability: 12 oz. cans / draft
ABV: 6.1%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Borgne Restaurant (New Orleans, LA)

The Story? After the Southern Star farmhouse, I was in the mood for something hoppy this next round. I grabbed this on the recommendation of the bartender and the manager. Glad I did too.

Interesting note, Caldera was the first microbrewery in the State of Oregon to brew and can its own beer. And now you know.

The Beer? This IPA packs some lively effervescence, foaming up and everywhere momentarily. But, that was quickly rectified with a huge frozen goblet to tame this bustling brew. Once freed from its canned cage, its a hazy, unfiltered caramel brown color.

On first sip, I'm met with a blooming bouquet of huge, pinely flavors. The mid-level carbonation and silk-smooth mouthfeel niceties are countered by aggressive hops with a boisterous amount of bitterness, heat, and spice. Big notes of grapefruit, rind, and resin, but it rolls off the tongue like no big deal. Impressively smooth, big single IPA.

#098: Southern Star Brewing Company » Walloon (Farmhouse Ale)

Killing time with cans...

The Brewery: Southern Star Brewing Company (Conroe, TX)
The Brew:  Walloon (Farmhouse)
Availability: 12 oz. cans / draft
ABV: 5.5%
Rating: 8/10
Location: Borgne Restaurant (New Orleans, LA)

The Story? I happily found myself with a couple hours to kill before my shuttle to the airport and figured I'd better spend this last chance at some regional beers wisely. Walloon is Souther Star's seasonal released in July.

The Beer? A lovely craft meal beer - mild, slightly fruity, and clean. There's a hint of black and white pepper flavors in there, but it's not particularly spicy. Smooth mouthfeel without too much carbonation.

I am a fan of a good farmhouse ale and this one is clean and refreshing with a subtle dry finish that really lent itself well to the marvelous duck/sausage gumbo start to my meal.

#097: De Struise Brouwers » Black Damnation I: Black Berry Albert (Stout)

Imperial Stout aged in whiskey barrels with fresh blackberries...

The Brewery: De Struise Brouwers (Belgium)
The Brew:  Black Damnation I: Black Berry Albert (Imperial Stout)
Availability: Bottles, draft (limited - brewed once)
ABV: 13.0%
Rating: 9.9/10
Location: The Avenue Pub (New Orleans, LA)

The Story? From first glans at the beer menu, I knew I would close out my last evening in NOLA with this beer. Noting the 13% and the brief description mentioning "Proof that too much of a good thing is sometimes a very good thing."  Challenge accepted.

The Beer? The draft pour is long and enticing. Thick, jet black gold emerges from the tap with a generous amount of mocha colored head into a 6 oz. serving. For once I'm thankful for the modest size as at 13%, I would like to wake up in my hotel room.

The taste pure bliss. Rich, sweet, and dark with a bitter finish. I can't even think of the popper verbage to put down at first. I'm impressed with the amount of head for a brew this intense and high ABV.

There's a thick, heavy mouthfeel that is rich and complex. Deep chocolate notes, mild dark fruit, coffee bean flavors are quick present with the berry addition indirectly adds very subtle fruitiness and deepens the complexity alongside a growing amount of heat from the whiskey aging.

Black Damnation is remarkably well balanced. Unlike some Whiskey barrel aging, this imperial stout never burns. Only sweet, magnificent, stunningly sweet stout on the start which evolves into dark, beautiful bitterness on the finish.

Highly recommended if you ever find it. I wish there was a tick more berry flavor, but with everything else, I really can't complain.

#096: Scheldebrouwerij » Hop Ruiter (Belgian Strong Pale Ale)

A new Belgo-American classic on the rise...

The Brewery: Scheldebrouwerij  (Belgium)
The Brew:  Hop Ruiter (Belgian Strong Pale Ale)
Availability: Bottles, draft
ABV: 8.0%
Rating: 9.6/10
Location: The Avenue Pub (New Orleans, LA)

The Story? I had never heard of Scheldebrouwerij or Hop Ruiter before walking through the doors of The Avenue Pub. I had generated a pretty good road map of what I planned to enjoy this particular evening in NOLA, but the description completely sold me.

The Beer? Hop Ruiter starts with an inviting, slightly hazy golden color with a finger of fluffy head. The nose is even more enticing with huge nose of orange and other citrus fruit.

Expectations are more than met with an effortlessly smooth mouthfeel and a metric ton of hop oil and resin and bright citrus orange flavor. There's a wonderful spice in here from the hops and the booze. Supported all around by a mid-level of carbonation that is perfect and allows its full flavor to ploom - apricot, hint of yeast, a bit juciy, modest zesty pepper... another awesome brew. I never want to leave this pub. A new Belgo-American classic indeed. Cheers!

#095: Vanberg & DeWulf » Lambickx (blended Lambic)

One of my favorites on draft...

The Brewery: Vanberg & DeWulf  (Belgium)
The Brew:  Lambickx (blended Lambic)
Availability: Bottles, draft
ABV: 5.75%
Rating: 10/10
Location: The Avenue Pub (New Orleans, LA)

The Story? I was first introduced to Lambickx at that fantastic beer tasting party last December. It came out late into the evening and though I'd had several sours, whiskey barrel aged stouts, and big Belgians, I still remember this one cutting through the palate. Returning home, I found it somewhat readily available, but weighting in around $30 a bottle, I usually pass.  However, seeing this on draft for well under $10 was impossible to turn down.

The Beer? This one starts off with a subtle, but bright funk on the nose, zero head, and fully translucent orange/gold in color.

I think the best way to relay what happens in this superb brew is that it shifts through three stages. The first is smooth, sour, and refreshing. Bright, pithy sourness rises up to fill out your palate for the second stage and finds it's final resting place with a biting funk finish.

As with most sours, this is going to depend on your palate, experience, and preferences. To me, this is just awesome. It's smooth and sour for a second and then it turns on you with a palate destroying, f**king dry finish and a densely bitter funk. Enough rind, pith, kumquat, and gnarly grapefruit to fill a room. This one is for the adventurous enthusiast.

#094: De Struise Brouwers » Weltmerz (Sour/Wild Ale)

Back downstairs for a low-gravity sour...

The Brewery: De Struise Brouwers (Belgium)
The Brew:  Weltmerz (Sour/Wild Ale)
Availability: Bottles, draft (limited)
ABV: 3.0%
Rating: 9/10
Location: The Avenue Pub (New Orleans, LA)

The Story? Keep on keepin' on at The Avenue Pub...

The Beer? Served up in a stem glass with a healthy dose of fizzy white head atop a hazy golden color brew. With a deep breath, my nose is met with sweet juicy sour smells matched with creamy citrus.

Flavors of kumquat, lime, and green able augment the nice, bright sour flavor that jumps right out of the gate while tropical fruit notes start to blossom further through the glass. Throughout, this sour is tart and minerally with a dry finish.

Overall, very fruity and just plain awesome.

#093: Brasserie Dupont » Monk's Stout Dupont (Belgian Stout)

Last night in NOLA starts of like this...

The Brewery: Brasserie Dupont (Belgium)
The Brew:  Monk's Stout Dupont (Belgian Stout)
Availability: Bottles and draft
ABV: 5.2%
Rating: 7.5/10
Location: The Avenue Pub

The Story? After taking a night out with a big group down to Bourbon St. for the mandatory Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's... I decided to take my last night out in NOLA back to The Avenue Pub for some quality, paced imbibition. I head upstairs, where they have a more limited, but quality, yet fairly familiar selection. The Dupont name stands out, known best for their famed Saison. I hadn't encountered anything else from them, much less on draft. Order up!

The Beer? Dark and roasted on the nose, this Belgian Stout is brown/black with a hint of red in the light to the eye with a minimal mocha head.

Onto the tongue, this is a very lively carbonation for a stout! Monk's is a true Belgian / stout cross-over. Light body, mildly bitter, mid-level of roasted notes with a hint of grass, mild hops, and faint herbalness. An elegant brew with earthiness and funk that arise and helps dry out the finish through the glass.

Not particularly mind-blowing, but highly recommended for dark Belgian fans. A great, light, but flavorful start to the night.

#092: Stone Brewing Co. » BELGO Anise Imperial Russian Stout (2011)

Vintage Stone IRS with anise? YES.

The Brewery: Stone Brewing Co. (Escondido, CA)
The Brew:  BELGO Anise Imperial Russian Stout (2011)
Availability:  Draft, 22 oz bottles (limited, brewed once)
ABV: 10.5%
Rating: 9.6/10
Location: The Avenue Pub

The Story?  When I perused The Avenue Pub's draft list online a week or so before heading south, they had the 2013 and prior two years of Stone's lauded Imperial Russian Stout's series on draft. I figured with three on tap, my chances were moderate that by the time I got down there, there'd be at least one left. To my surprise, the most vintage or the bunch was still hanging around.

Any of Stone's Imperial Russian series usually strike my fancy - aging well and full of robust splendor at any age. But this - fermented with a Belgian yeast strain, with star anise, and oak chips - is some next level business. I missed this release when it came out, so for the second and final brew of the evening, this was an easy order.

The Beer? I'm almost too excited to not rush drinking this one. Focus. I see a bit of nice, lacy head with some staying power, which made it's way with me up to the balcony atop jet black vintage ale. The nose is peculiar as expected and enticing. Coco, black liquorice, and slightly soured.

Into my mouth and - WOW! This is probably my favorite of the IRS series and one of the more unique offerings from Stone that I've had yet. The mouthfeel is big and creamy, though suprisingly drinkable thanks to the Belgian yeast and carbonation.

The taste is a sublime, robust amalgamation of deep chocolate, liquorice, mint, oak, and even a nod to the bourbon stouts, though it is not bourbon aged. The ABV slides itself gracefully through the door, but without really caring what it knocks over in the way through.

The star anise provides a cooling, medicinal nature too this dark, viscous monster and with age it's found a bit of funk notes deeper in the tasting.

I can easily call this a beautifully unique dark star of a brew, but there's no doubt this is going to be a polarizing beer. Anise is one of those flavors that some palates will just hate and while there's nothing wrong with that, Stone has expertly executed the addition of a somewhat volatile ingredient for the palate in the most mutually-beneficial way for the herb and the beer.

#090: NOLA Brewing » Hopitoulas (IPA)

First taste of New Orleans...

The Brewery: New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company (New Orleans, LA)
The Brew:  Hopitoulas (IPA)
Availability: 16 oz. cans / draft
ABV: 6.0%
Rating: 8.6/10
Location: Borgne Restaurant

The Story? I found myself heading to New Orleans last week with purpose of a conference for my day job. It's pretty rare that I travel for work, much less to some place as cool as NOLA, so I aimed to steal some time away from my 13-15 hour days for a taste or two of local and regional brews.

I arrived in NOLA ahead of schedule, caught a shuttle earlier than the one planned and found myself with more than enough time to grab a meal with drink and still start the conference early.

Before heading south, I'd reviewed which breweries are available in Louisiana that aren't in NYS. The cleverly named New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company (NOLA Brewing...!) was one of the standouts, for being supremely local and one of the highest quality brews in the city.

Less than a hour from touchdown, I found one in hand.

The Beer? Hopitoulas is designed for can pour. Great deep, hazy coloring and a bit of head, without foaming over when opened. This one found it's way into a large, chilled 16 oz goblet. It was also nice to see a slightly higher-end hotel restaurant bar have such a wide selection of craft cans. Some companies have steered away (this article from Cigar City). But, I digress.

Back to the beer. Sweet hops fill my mouth with a pleasantly growing bitterness and slightly nutty flavors peaking through. The hops are on the orange zest with mild tropical side of things. Backed by a smooth level of carbonation and bready, biscuit hops.

I was able to grab a four-pack of this to bring home, which I'm particularly stoked on as the glass was ICE cold and I'm wondering if it didn't hinder some of the more subtle notes of the beer. There was also the distraction of meeting up with some co-workers I only see a handful of times a year!

Overall, definitely one I looked for after this can and glad I found it. IPA fans take note when you're down south.

#091: NOLA Brewing / New Belgium » Swamp Grape Escape

First beer on my first night out...

The Brewery: New Orleans Lager & Ale Brewing Company (New Orleans, LA)
The Brew:  Swamp Grape Escape
Availability: draft only (brewed once)
ABV: 5.0%
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: The Avenue Pub

The Story? After my first day at the conference and having the opening event end earlier than expected, I decided to do some exploring on my own. On the recommendation of my friends who have lived in NOLA, a current resident who walks a lot, and my own judgement; I decided to take the evening in the opposite direction of Bourbon Street. While I love the red light district of any city like the next guy (actually... that's probably not true), I decided an experience I would enjoy versus just an "experience" was more in-line with needing to be bright-eyed at 7AM and feeling more like clearing my head than clouding it, I took the trek up to the brew-pub I'd been reading up on before the trip... The Avenue Pub.

About a 30 minute walk from my hotel later (great, warm, humid night for a walk - I do love the South), I entered. From the beer selection online and the fact it was open 24/7, I half expected it to be a bit stuffy, but found just the contrary.

Enter a slightly busted, aged wood establishment, endearing to my heart and mindset for the night. Smoking downstairs. Two different tap lines - while holding the same tab - and quality food if you're peckish or ravenous. I sit down at the bar - "What can I get you boo?"  Oh my glob, I love the south...

Let's see... where to start. Not too high gravity, local... but still delicious. A NOLA / New Belgian, draft -only collaboration under the sour section?  Strike me down.

The Beer? Swamp Grape Escape was NOLA's contribution to the Louisiana Craft Brewer Week. A Belgian single, brewed with local muscadine grapes - part of the "swamp grape" family.

The beer itself is hazy, dark brown with a slim bit of head. After a somewhat stressful day, this is tally quenching - light body, plenty of grape flavor with a touch of sourness. There's something distinctly old school abbot this one. While slightly on the sour side of things (my weakness), it's never overbearing or acidic. I could easily see beating the heat with a growler of this on the front porch. Quality tartness and good mouthfeel.

Overall, a solid one-off for a beer-week brew. Accessible, while holding its own.

(pics in the darkness)

#089: New England Brewing » Sea Hag (IPA)

More brews roll in from New England...

The Brewery: New England Brewing (Woodbridge, CT)
The Brew:  Sea Hag (IPA)
Availability: Cans, bottles, draft, cask
ABV: 6.2% // IBUs: 65
Rating: 8.4/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? I hadn't even been back from NOLA (tons of posts coming) for 24 hours, when I saw our friends at The Westy post that they'd tapped  New England's Sea Hag and it was ready for consumption. I'd told myself I'd stay in and be productive, but after a four-day conference, a flight, and a long day back... why not?

The Beer? Very much the little brother of Gandhi-Bot. Semi-translucent gold with a blip of fluffy head and a nice sweet citrus hop & floral nose.

Down the hatch, this IPA has a very smooth mouthfeel, followed by a hop bitterness that cuts sharp, but fades before the finish. Sea Hag is quite clean for the IBU level.

Plentiful, deliciously strong pine notes are ever present with some woody & botanical elements to the flavor. A dryness builds in the finish, but never overpowers the flavors while the head laces down the sides of the glass. A solid IPA worth going back for!

#088: Evil Twin » Justin Blåbær (Berliner Weiss/Fruit Beer)

ZOMG is Blåbær fea4ver...

The Brewery: Evil Twin Brewing (Denmark)
The Brew: Justin Blåbær (Berliner Weiss/Fruit Beer)
Availability: Draft and 22 oz. bottles
ABV: 4.5%
Rating: 9.3/10
Location: Home
Found: Finger Lakes Beverage Center

The Story? As you may have deduced from some of my earlier posts, I'm a big fan of Evil Twin and Berliner Weisse beer. When I caught wind of this collaboration with Westbrook Brewing Co. (where it's brewed), despite it's insanely bizarre labeling and branding concept, it went high on my radar.

I just missed the boat TWICE enjoying this on tap in Vermont (taps of this kicked at two different bars in two different cities shortly before I arrived), but Finger Lakes Beverage Center (our newest supporter to the right of your screen) came to the rescue as usual, having stocked it just moments before I stopped in for a growler.

This particular Berliner Weiss is brewed with real blueberries, taking the Berliner Weisse mit Schuss tradition in a less syrupy direction. As many Evil Twin brews pack a serious punch of flavor, I know I'm in for a treat with this one.

The Beer? Blåbær immediately doesn't look like any other Berliner Weiss I've had yet - hazy, deep amber coloring crowed with white, fizzy head that has a light violet hue to it on first pour. The blueberries really enriched deepened the appearance of this typically golden, translucent beer.

The taste? BAM! Bright sour flavors of lemon, cherry, and blueberry slap the palate right out of the gate. Acetic and astringent on the tongue and taste, Blåbær hits like a fierce, further soured lambic.

In the second glass, the carbonation eases from prickly, to a fine effervescence and the tartness hits it's stride. The blueberries subtle flavor begin to peak through adding a through of sweetness while emphasizing the tartness, backed by firm yeast notes.

An excellent sour for the adventurous beer enthusiast and a steal for the price, especially compared with some of Evil Twin's line.

#087: Fiddlehead Brewing Company » Fiddlehead IPA

On the way out of Vermont we found...

(courtesy of www.fiddleheadbrewing.com)

The Brewery: Fiddlehead Brewing Company (Shelburne, VT)
The Brew: Fiddlehead IPA
Availability: Draft only
ABV: 6.2%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Fiddlehead Tasting Room

The Story? With a far faster in-and-out from The Alchemist than expected and after quick stop in to Ben & Jerry's, we were on the road, having wrapped up four days of beer in Vermont. But then, not 15 mins into beyond Burlington, we past Fiddlehead Brewing. After realizing we're an hour ahead of schedule and a quick U-Turn later (shh...) my partner and I enter the building.

The tasting room is quaint, spacious, and mostly wood with a great view of the tank room and a BYOB wood-fired pizza joint next door. On tap was their flagship Fiddlehead IPA and Ruby Claire dry-hopped Red Ale. Both were great and our sampler server (argh, I forget her name) was very knowledgeable about the whole operation.

Fiddlehead was founded by renowned master-brewer, Matthew Cohen (aka Matty O), formerly of Magic Hat and who began his brew-making career homebrewing out of his dorm at Ithaca College. The vision of this new venture is to offer their flagship IPA year-round, coupled by a constantly evolving list of seasonal beers, many of which will be on-offs. No bottling plans for now either.

With a trunk full of beer already, we realized we had room for one more growler in the cooler and just happened to have one empty one left...

The Beer? Out of the growler just a few days later, the appearance is a wonderful, hazy, amber-carmel color with thick layer of lacy head which sticks around. The nose is excellent - fruity, sweet citrus, with distinct ruby-red grapefruit auromas and a hint of something else... lemonade possibly.

This IPA is incredibly smooth going down - silky and mildy carbonated. There's bright citrus flavors up front which merge into dry, piney notes on the finish with a touch of cracked wheat in the middle. Overall a very well-balanced IPA. Excited for the future plans and brews.

#086: Dogfish Head » Punkin Ale

Dogfish's celebrated seasonal returns...

(for the love of beer and 80s children's cartoons)

The Brewery: Dogfish Head (Milton, DE)
The Brew: Punkin Ale
Availability: 12 oz. bottles (4-Pack) & draft
ABV:  7.0% | IBUs: 28
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home

The Story? As this being the year I promised to pay more attention to pumpkin beers, I picked up a four-pack of Dogfish Punkin Ale as soon as Fingerlakes Beverage started stocking bottles. After our stop down at Felicia's, my partner, her sister, and I headed back to the house, picking up some additional Punkin to make sure we had enough in that was cold.

My partner has an affinity for rimming glasses of pumpkin beer with brown sugar. Tonight we were out of brown sugar, so she improvised with sugar and pumpkin spice. Three fun pints later, we're off.

The Beer? Punkin's nose is robust with notes of nutmeg and brown sugar, but not overly pungent or astringent. This brew is quite refreshing for a spiced beer. An incredibly smooth brown ale backs this brew, with brown sugar, all spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg notes peaking through, but never enough to detract from the refreshing nature of this beer. It's quite wet up front that just barely dries out on the finish.

Overall, the well-balanced blend of brown sugar in this one really makes Punkin for me. Not overly pumpkin flavored nor finishing with overbearing clove notes. A solid brew as the temperature cools.

#085: Bronx » Pale Ale

My first taste of Bronx...

The Brewery: The Bronx Brewery (Bronx, NY)
The Brew: Pale Ale
Availability: Cans & draft
ABV: 6.3% | IBUs: 50
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Felicia's Atomic Lounge 

The Story? I found myself with an unexpected night free on Wednesday and hopped down to Felicia's after work to meet up with my partner and her sister. My partner recently started working at Felicia's, so I've been down there far more frequently then before. They have a solid bottle beer selection for a cocktail-oriented (make that delicious cocktail-oriented) bar - Dogfish Head, Oskar Blues, Liemand's, etc - and they typically have a half-dozen or so draft options with a rotating regional selection. Last time down they had Pumking on tap, so I was excited to see what lay in store this time.

Probably the last thing I expected to see was big, bold letters spelling "BRONX". Their flagship Pale Ale cans only recently made it into distribution in our area and I certainly hadn't seen it on bar draft in Ithaca yet. Easy choice. Sold.

The Beer? As seen above, Bronx presents a completely transparent, deep-amber pale with just a tip of head. The nose is dark and hoppy with a touch of citrus and muted floral notes.

Onto the tongue, it has a compelling, intriguing flavor for a pale ale - nutty, dry, and bitter. Not your typical pale, in regards to many more recent releases heavy on the citrus, rind, and bright hop flavor. There are caramel and biscuit notes I equate more with English-styles. This is solid.

All of that is finished and delivered with a smooth mouthfeel, med-high carbonation, and nice hop and slight booze heat in the finish that stays with you. I'm looking forward to doing a comparison to how the can may differ... and eventually getting my hands on any of their barrel age series.

#084: Surly Brewing » Wet (IPA)

Fresh hop IPA from Surly...

The Brewery: Surly Brewing (Brooklyn Center, MN)
The Brew: Wet (India Pale Ale)
Availability: Cans & draft
ABV: 7.5% | IBUs: 90
Rating: 9/10
Location: Home

The Story? Wet is Surly's fresh hopped IPA. Each year, different hops are used depending on what's available. This year focused on Cascade and Centennial hops - 10lbs per barrel. The key with this one is to drink it. Soon.

The Beer? Wet starts out of the gate with a sweet, hoppy nose and very lacy, staying head. The taste is bright and bitter with a touch of sweetness and a far lighter mouthfeel and body than I was expecting. A hot, spicy hop presence builds along with a complimenting drying finish. That hot hop flavor is what really takes the cake for me.

The ABV of Wet is impressively well hidden and even coming in at 90 IBU, this one is still incredibly crisp and drinkable thanks to the light body, ultra fresh hops, a sturdy malt backbone. A refreshing and fresh, fresh, fresh.

#083: Surly Brewing » Hell (Munich Helles)

First review from the gift box of Surlys...

The Brewery: Surly Brewing (Brooklyn Center, MN)
The Brew: Hell (Munich Helles)
Availability: Cans & draft
ABV: 4.5% | IBUs: 20
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Home

The Story? As previously posted, I was surprised with more than a case of Surly cans late last month. I cracked into a couple, but have just now had a chance to write them up.

Surly's roots start as far back as 1994, with owner Omar Ansari brewing his first batch of beer. 10 years of homebrewing and tasting around the country later, he set the course to convert the family owned industrial space into a brewery, becoming the first new Minnesota brewery west of the Mississippi since 1987.

Surly have been on my radar for some time, but alas they don't distribute to NYS. Incredibly glad to get to imbibe these full-body brews. Let's start with Hell.

The Beer? Hell is inspired by Zwickel Bier and other such German brews. Unfiltered and fermented with lager yeast, Hell's appearance is mostly translucent, golden with a couple fingers of light head without lace. With a long breath in, the nose is prominently yeast plus a bit of straw and malt sweetness.

On to the tongue, Hell has a wonderfully smooth and zero bitterness without being sweet. Refreshing, but not poundable. Malts provide a firm, medium body that is just slightly over to the creamy side of the mouthfeel spectrum and sealed with a mild amount of carbonation. An accessible, craft execution of a classic style.

#082: Sierra Nevada » Flipside Red IPA

New seasonal from Sierra Nevada...

The Brewery: Sierra Nevada (Chico, CA)
The Brew: Flipside Red IPA
Availability: Draft and bottles
ABV: 6.2%
Rating: 8.4/10
Location: The Westy

The Story?  This is actually the second time I've had this beer this season. The first, was while running a show, not exactly the best time to log a beer and the second was down here at The Westy, but they'd just tapped it and I was halfway through a pint of Gandhi-Bot... hardly a clean palate to take notes. Third time's a charm, right?

The Beer? When I think of a "Red IPA", my mind usually defers to Ithaca Beer's Cascazilla - a big, mean hop-warrior. Not the case with this, more understated brew.

Flipside starts with a nice, fluffy head atop deep amber/red color. This beer is quite smooth with subtle hops and a presently dry finish. Plenty of crisp malt flavor complimenting the mellow hops. Tastey, mild toasted flavors, and very clean. A less aggressive edition to Sierra Nevada's growing list of IPAs.

#081: Cortland Beer Co. » Crown City Kölsch

First night out back in Ithaca...

The Brewery: Cortland Beer Company (Cortland, NY)
The Brew: Crown City Kölsch
Availability: Draft
ABV: ??
Rating: 7.5/10
Location: The Westy

The Story? We brought Tim, the owner of The Westy back a case of Heady Topper since, after all, he brings all sorts of wonderful draft beers to Ithaca. My partner and I rolled in to drop off the case and hang out on her night off with a few new beers.

Cortland, about a half our from Ithaca, has always delivered quality beers for our region. Some straight forward, others - like their one-off, sour, barrel-aged barleywine stout blend with berries called "James Brown's Hot Tub" - are a bit more experimental. I'm always up for trying what they've brewed up next. After a long day on my end, a Kölsch seemed a great place to start.

The Beer? Served up, Crown City looks as it should, being a Kölsch and all - translucent gold with a touch of head. Clean, German, inviting appearance. Does it look like a beer? Check.

On the first sip, there's tastes of biscuit and wheat giving way to mild citrus notes in the finish. Sturdy malt body with just enough hops to tighten it up. There's a touch of sweetness - honey, apple, and muscat grape come to mind. A quality take on a traditional ale and one of the few Cortland brews I had yet to try. Keep it up!

Quicky!: 10 Barrel Brewing Co. » Apocalypse IPA

10 Barrel Brewing Co. » Apocalypse IPA (Bend, OR) | 6.5% | 65 IBU

Less than a month prior to our Vermont trip, my cousin and I were conversing about 10 Barrel, in light of the up coming 10 Barrel/Bluejacket/Stone Suede Imperial Porter collaboration. Low and behold, while my partner and I are pursuing a natural market for evening snacks and food to stash for breakfast the next morning before The Alchemist, a sixpack of  10 Barrel's Apocalypse IPA stares me back in the face. An easy choice for a relaxing evening in and our our last night in Vermont.

Apocalypse IPA is straight up delicious. Big, sweet hops, full of citrus and pine, and smooth mouthfeel make for one fiercely drinkable IPA. Character points for the mild toasted notes and great hop aroma.

#080: Hill Farmstead » Edward (American Pale Ale)

One more before leaving Hill Farmstead country...

The Brewery: Hill Farmstead (Greensboro Bend, VT)
The Brew: Edward (American Pale Ale)
Availability: Bottles (limited) & draft
ABV: 5.2% | IBUs: 85
Rating: 9.5/10
Location: Farmhouse Tap & Grill

The Story? I knew I had to make our final round at Farmhouse Tap & Grill count, as we'd be heading to The Alchemist in the morning, then back on the road for home. This would likely be my last chance at any beers that don't distribute out of Vermont.

Edward was one of two beers on tap at Hill Farmstead that we didn't get to try. I was tempted to pick up a growler of Edward on good reviews a lone, but Everett stole our hearts too quickly. A porter of that quality is nothing to balk at. That said, Edward was relatively common around Burlington and Waterbury and I figured I should experience what seems to be their flagship brew.

The Brew? My nose is immediately hit with a citrus bomb of auroma with a hint of white pepper and I am instantly happy with my decision. It's hazy, unfiltered, gold body goodness continues the allure.

Down the hatch, Edward has a great mouthfeel and a wonderfully quick, bitter finish. Lots of juicy citrus vying with hop bitterness for attention all over the core flavors. Hints of orange peel evolve into rind, pith, and grapefruit flavors further through my portion as the finish begins to build and lengthen.

Natural carbonation, local water, and dry hopping along with plenty of American hops makes a Pale to remember.

#079: Brooklyn Brewery » The Companion 2011 (Wheat Wine)

From Brooklyn's Brewmaster's Reserve series...

The Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn, NY)
The Brew: The Companion 2011 (Wheat Wine)
Availability: Bottles & draft (limited, brewed once)
ABV: 9.0%
Rating: 8.7/10
Location: Farmhouse Tap & Grill

The Story? Continuing our meal and run through the draft list at Farmhouse Tap & Grill, my eyes caught a Brooklyn's 2011 Brewmaster's Reserve release - The Companion. I'm fairly partial to wheat wines, when I can find them, and have only had a few chances at Brooklyn's Reserve series, much less one that has been waiting for two years.

The Beer?  I really took my time with this one. First impressions are a sweet nose with distinct apple and pear notes on the nose. The appearance is opaque, orange-amber with a ring of white head.

On to the taste, it's quite satisfying. Pleasant apple and bourbon flavors right up front are reminiscent of a high-end, mature cider. The Companion is far less sweet than some wheat wines I've encountered. Instead, it boasts a full, silky, drinkable body with new flavors evolving through out the glass.

Hints of nutmeg, white grape, toffee peak their way in, along side mild, boozy heat from the unabashed 9.0% ABV. There's something autumn-like about he flavors as well. Subtle, creative, and understated.

Recommended for those seeking a quality, atypical beer experience.

#078: Lost Nation Brewing » Gose

Second Gose kick of the Vermont trip...

The Brewery: Lost Nation Brewing (Morrisville, VT)
The Brew: Gose
Availability: Draft
ABV: 4.5%
Rating: 9/10
Location: Farmhouse Tap & Grill 

The Story? While at Rock Art, a couple my partner and I conversed with recommended checking out Farmhouse Tap & Grill - one of the best recommendations of the trip. We went on the beer recommendation alone, but were just as enthralled with the menu. I couldn't help indulge myself with their special squash-gnocchi-rabbit dish in a light tomato sauce, which was excellent.

The beer selection was as riveting as described and took a few moments to take in. I was a bit bummed several of their offerings were already kicked (a cask ale aged and brewed with all sorts of lovely things, Old Coast Rasputin on Nitro, and a few others), but a chance at another Gose and my first taste of yet another Vermont brewery, Lost Nation, quickly evened things out.  

The Beer? This Gose began with a fairly transparent nose and just a hint of tartness and coriander. Hazy, straw color and a finger of head. I take the first sip and it's immediately apparent this is the most full flavored Gose I've run across yet.

Bright orange flavor with a dry, salty finish. The salt is quite prominent, while still being quenching. Full, malty body with fruity and slight sour notes.  Delicate mouthfeel, somewhat akin to aperitif and champagne, but with a mild level of carbonation. There's a slight sweetness and quick tartness in the finish in addition to the lingering salt and coriander. Refreshingly complex.

#077: Allagash Black (Belgian Style Stout)

Allagash Brewing Company: Allagash Black (Belgian Style Stout) | 7.5% | 9.2/10

The Story? After finishing up in Waterbury at Prohibition Pig and The Reservoir we headed back to our friend Lidia's, but first a stop at the beverage center in Winooski where I just about lost my mind on their beer selection. My partner, Mel grabbed a four-pack of Allagash Black to share.

The Beer? A wonderfully dark, dry brew. Perfect for a relaxing evening, sipping with friends. Well carbonated and jet black. Brewed with barley, wheat, oats, both roasted and chocolate malt, and dark caramelized candi sugar, this is one heck of a beer. A plethora of flavors all across the roasted and chocolate spectrum with a mild sweetness and dry finish. Excellent.

#076: Deschutes Brewery » The Dissident 2012 (Flanders Oud Bruin)

Praise the beer gods...

(it gets dark outside at night...)

The Brewery: Deschutes Brewery
The Brew: The Dissident 2012 (Flanders Oud Bruin)
Availability: Draft (limited)
ABV: 11.4% | IBUs: 18
Rating: 10/10
Location: The Reservoir (Waterbury, VT)

The Story? After our meal and drinks with our friend Lidia down at Prohibition Pig, we decided to enjoy the beautiful night (the whole trip was clear skies and warm weather) by taking a walk around the neighborhood. We passed by The Reservoir and I recalled someone mentioning the place in one of our earlier beer stops. I recommended we check it out for our final stop before heading out of Waterbury.

Amidst a bustling Saturday night crowd and staff, the gastropub offered great ambiance and a charming environment - the wall of VT license plates was a great touch - with a bottle case that rivals the high-end beer selection of some beverage centers. I was grateful they had a draft beer menu, as the bar was quite crowded at the moment. I was politely given a spot at the bar white deciding, by a couple waiting for their order when my eyes spotted it - The Bruery's Mischief. An easy choice for the last round, but I was soon informed the keg kicked just moments before we arrived... not my luck again. I figured something decent would be going on in it's place, so I asked. Deschutes Brewery's 2012 sour brown ale known as The Dissident.

The Dissident has only been release three times (2008 and 2010 previously) and is Deschutes only wild yeast beer, brewed with Brettanomyces and aged partly in Pinot and Cabernet barrels. This marvelous brew won "The America’s Best Oud Bruin" at the 2013 World Beer Awards. I couldn't believe my luck that this had just been tapped. I ordered my glass of this lauded nectar and we headed out to the deck.

The Beer? Pure sour beer bliss. Deep brown color with hind of ruby in the evening light with a tuft of leggy white head. The taste is beautifully tart and incredibly smooth.

Juicy, sour red fruit flavors dance with mild funk and earth notes augmented by a rich, velvety mouthfeel. Wet and dry at the same time. Aging this sour brown in Pinot and Cabernet is genius. The red-wine influence provides some tannin notes in the nose and taste, while rolling off some of the high level of sweetness typically found in a Flanders.

Distinct sour cherry notes are present deeper through the glass, while the oak notes providing further influence along with a touch of vanilla. All of these complexities bring out the best in each other, equating to a highly drinkable, elegant beer weighing in over 11%.

Highly recommended for any beer enthusiast.

#075: Lawson's Finest Liquids » Maple Wheat Ale and Kiwi (Double IPA) @ Prohibition Pig

Friends and food down at Prohibition Pig...

The Story? Back in July, I met one of my partner's friends from college who relayed she and her wife were now residing outside of Burlington. We shared our vision of a beer weekend in the months to come and agreed we should meet up. On her recommendation, we agreed to meet up for dinner at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, where we were passing back through anyways.

I was immediately impressed by their selection of herbal liquors, but had to remind myself this weekend was all about beer. I struck out on the first few orders (a Gose, Evil Twin Femme Fatal Brett, etc) and was informed that they were finishing up several of their tap lines in preparation of a Stillwater takeover the next day. Well, that's a fair enough reason if I've ever heard one!

I ordered up a somewhat lackluster Allagash White (I remember this being amazing last time I had it, maybe I wasn't in the mood) and continued on in conversation. The arrival of my stacked Pork Burger (which was delicious, by the way) and my first taste of Lawson's Finest Liquids' perked my spirits. I was also informed that while Heady Topper was no longer on tap, Lawson's own Double IPA, Kiwi just entered the game.

Lawson's itself brews in small batches, some exclusive to the locations they're served. Their line-up of quality, hoppy beers is ever changing.

Maple Wheat Ale (Pale Wheat Ale) 4.2% | 8/10
Nice foamy head with a bit of lace. Sweet taste with mild tartness and quite dry the whole way around. The maple notes are subtle along with hint of banana and cracked wheat. Clean mouthfeel. Tasty, but I really just haven't been able to get particularly excited about maple wheats unfortunately.

Kiwi (Double IPA) 8.1% | 9/10
No, this isn't an IPA brewed with kiwi fruit. This DIPA gets it's moniker from a health dose of New Zealand grown Nelson Sauvin and Pacific Jade hops.

Fluffy, staying head. Hazy amber color. Plentifully fruity, citrus nose. Dry mouthfeel and tons of fruity grapefruit and tropical flavors. Nice, dank and piney. This DIPA is strong, but not overpowering. The soft bitterness of the Pacific Jade hops couple with the prolific fruit notes of Nelson Sauvin hops are a great pairing. Sweet, balanced flavor which gracefully hides the over 8% ABV.