#295: The Lost Abbey » Agave Maria Ale (Strong Ale)

The Lost Abbey » Agave Maria Ale (Tequila Barrel Aged Strong Ale) | ABV: 13.5%
Tequila barrel aged beers are a bit few and far between, especially ones on any seasonal cycle, like this Agave Marie Ale brewed with Agave nectar and aged in said Tequila barrels.

Out of the gate, it's an abrasive nose of heavy tequila, tons of oak and cranberry & wine like aromas.

The palate is spicy, astringent, with a touch of sour. As expected, its an utterly unique brew. Lively, prickly carbonation lifts bitter raw honey notes floating atop strong notes of sour black cherry, rubarb, brown sugar, and black pepper. There's a vanilla and smoke complexity threaded through the dark fruits further through. Cola & sarsaparilla flavors surface deep into the tasting as well.

Agave Maria is unlike any beer in recent memory. Unique, sipper, but highly enjoyable for the experienced and adventurous palate.

#294: Founders Brewing Co. » Big Lushious (Imperial Stout)

Founders Brewing Co. » Big Lushious (Imperial Stout) | ABV: 7.8%
Founders brings us Big Lushious for the winter edition of their Backstage Series - a stout brewed with chocolate & raspberries. On the eve of my almost-three-week break from my day job, I was anticipating the freedom of the following afternoon. Big Lushious seemed like a great beer to indulge with, while still retaining coherence in the morning.

This rich brew starts off with a decadent nose of succulent, chocolate covered raspberries and a hint of spice exuding from the dark, bubbly brown body and deep tan head.

Onto the palate, Big Lushious is silky and quite sweet. Big tart raspberry flavors rush through with a hint of cola, concluding with a wet finish. Further through, this beer becomes a sumptuous blend of port and raspberry truffles with subtle threads of cherry cola, red velvet cake, and chocolate syrup.

Big Lushious is a desert beer through and through and a lovely edition to sociable, warming ports & ice wines.

#293: Bell's Brewing » Venus: The Bringer of Peace (Blonde Ale)

Bell's Brewing » Venus (Blonde Ale w/ Honey, Apricot, Cardamom, & Vanilla) | ABV: 7.5%
Bell's second offering in their Planetary Series, Venus has been garnering some polarizing reviews. Somewhere in there there's a joke about what what humanity through the planet was like until we actually landed there, but it's a bit too early for that.

Curiously brewed with apricot, honey, over 60 lbs of hand cut vanilla beans and cardamom, it's a complex, adventurous, and atypical brew. At it's core, Peace Bringer is a Blonde Ale, but that's about as far as the thread of that style goes.

Unabashedly aromatic, Venus emits a big, sweet, nectar and juicy nose. Notes of elderberry, vanilla, stone fruit, and oranges swirl through the olfactory system.

Onto the palate, it's dry and puckering and far beyond just a beer at this point. Venus is dense and mildly astringent - tart, but not sour. Wielding a myriad of fruit (apricot nectar, blood orange, tangerine), herbal and spice flavors (the cardamom and vanilla gracefully dancing), this is a mouthful of a beer with a stacking mouthcoat.

Straight up, this is a fruit beer. A big bold fruit beer, akin to a younger sibling of Founders' Rübæus and Mango Magnifico. Not quite as refined as those brews, but highly enjoyable nonetheless.

A goddamn great beer aimed for those with a curious and adventurous palate. If you're looking for a strong ale or dimmur blonde, better look elsewhere, but for those looking to sip the fringe of craft brewing, grab this while you can.

#292: Anchorage Brewing / Jolly Pumpkin » Calabaza Boreal (Wild Ale)

Anchorage Brewing / Jolly Pumpkin » Calabaza Boreal (Wild Ale) | ABV: 7.0% | IBUs: 40
Anchorage has been delivering some of my favorite beers around, so I pick them up as often as I can when traveling. Oddly enough, it looks like they have landed distribution in Upstate NY, so while I picked this particular bottle up in California, it's available locally, for the moment.

Brewed with grapefruit peel & juice and peppercorns, Calabaza Boreal hits the ground running with a godlike nose of oak and lemon candy emitting from a perfectly hazy straw body crowed by a pure white head.

Prickly and juicy, pink grapefruit and lemon zest flavors are plentiful, backed by a full bodied notes of oak. The lively peppercorn spice never reaches overwhelming or "spice beer" levels. There's a touch of booze heat in the back, alongside understated earth & funk.

As with many Anchorage offerings, it's stunningly tart and drinkable with on-going complexity.

#291: Sierra Nevada /Boulevard Brewing Co. » Terra Incognita (Strong Ale)

Sierra Nevada /Boulevard Brewing Co. » Terra Incognita (Strong Ale) | ABV: 9.8%
Beginning life as a hoppy, imperial brown ale, it's a blend of 55% wine-barrel aged, 32% bourbon barrel aged, and 13% fresh ale. Initially collaboratively brewed for a Brewers Association food event, Sierra Nevada has kept it a yearly tradition to release this big brew.

The nose is subtler than anticipated, with expected wine and bourbon notes, but soft, paired with aromas of cocoa and an herbal coolness to it. It pours up a deep, dark, opaque brown with thick head.

On to the palate, it's wonderfully smooth and offers a touch of sweetness. Red wine tannin peak through flavors of butterscotch and vanilla, finishing dry with a mild, mouthcoat. There's a soft bitterness of the bourbon & wine, quietly vying for attention and a boozy heat in the breath and chest of the finish. Far in, there's a dry tartness that develops with wonderful notes of black current.

A great brew that offers unique complexity due to the combination of beer style and blended aging.

#290: Boulevard Brewing Company » Rye-On-Rye (Barrel Aged Rye)

Boulevard Brewing Company » Rye-On-Rye (Barrel Aged Rye) | ABV: 12% | IBUs: 47
I picked up this Boulevard while out in California back in October. My partner & I both love rye and barrel-aged brews, so I figured this this well-rated, limited release would be a bit of bliss in a bottle.

Rye-On-Rye is a blended beer, 67% of the ale aged in scorched Templeton Rye barrels.

Strong aromas of pepper, rye, and butterscotch start this one off. It's a hazy, deep amber with a plentiful, off-white head that has just a tinge of straw to it.

Big, bold flavors burst onto the scene, kept in control by a deftly smooth body. Firm notes of grape musk, smooth rye whiskey, vanilla bean, and natural cola, bringing to mind an old ale with herbal & rooty characteristics. The lively carbonation keeps it light on it's feet for such a big beer, making Rye-On-Rye a smooth, easy sipper and a damn good beer.

#289: Boulevard Brewing Company » Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale

Boulevard Brewing Company » Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale | ABV: 8.5% | IBUs: 38
My last two out of state trips have yielded good selections of Boulevard brews I'll have a post coming soon reviewing their Rye-On-Rye and Bourbon Barrel Quad, but first this 12 oz. single of Tank 7, a farmhouse and a year-round ale in their Smokestack series.

My partner & I each picked up mixed sixers of brews we can't get in NYS to hang with back at our hotel in Philly. I'd grabbed mostly session beers, expecting good brews, but was not expecting to get bowled over as I did by this bottle.

Tank 7 pours out a rustic, hazy pale straw with foamy white head, emitting a funky, farmhouse nose with faint tropical fruit notes. It's crisp, with a medium bodied mouthfeel. Wonderfully balanced notes of hay, soft pepper spice, and lemon are supported by lively carbonation which expertly masks the 8.5% ABV.

Boulevard nailed the farmhouse style on the head with this one. Delightfully complex if you want to get heady with it, but subtly drinkable enough to throw down in succession. If / when Boulevard arrives in Upstate NY, this may end up being my go-to brew.

#288: Firestone Walker » Double DBA 2013 (Imperial Special Bitter)

Firestone Walker » Double DBA 2013 (Imperial Special Bitter) | ABV: 12% | IBUs: 29
I picked this Double version of Firestone's flagship, DBA back in the fall of 2013. I'm a big fan of their Proprietor's Vintage Series series, as so far everything from that line has aged well for me and DDBA is no exception.

Double DBA starts off with huge, pluming aromas of candi sugar & booze. Notes of bourbon, caramel, and toffee bloom from the glass. There's a touch of spice in the way back as well. Appearance-wise, It's a deep amber color with a ring of white head.

Onto the palate, it's a playground of rich complexity. New flavors boundlessly surge in and out of the spotlight - a rush of whiskey, then pepper, hops, honey, even wild herbs gallops across the palate, finishing with a firm heat in the chest. Further through, soft sage notes start to appear. It's all wrapped up with a hardy, full mouthfeel that's slightly sticky, but still well carbonated.

This Double DBA, bottle aged for a year and a quarter, is a complex and bold ride from a big beer.

#287: Bandwagon Beer 5th Anniversary: Winter Brown, Chai Chili, Barleywine, Sourmash Pale

Sunday after Big Day In was our local Bandwagon Brewpub's 5th anniversary. I kicked off the afternoon with my partner and a close friend up from Baltimore, carefully selecting my favorite BWB, their Barreled Blond Ale (sour, red wine-barrel aged), then into the new anniversary beers.

(via BWB Facebook page)

Winter Brown Lager | ABV: 7.7%
I figured I'd start in somewhat easy, since it would be a long afternoon in the basement. Brewed with traditional British pale malt & chocolate rye, this winter pours up a hazy, light brown. There's herbal flavors threaded with rye spice and hints of cocoa powder. Lightly carbonated and refreshing with a mildly dry finish. Roasted & tasty for a solid start.

Chai-Chili Porter | ABV: 5.9%
I was going to wait on this one, given it's adventurous nature, but someone overheard our discussion of it, and a taste came my way. It's a deep red-brown with a chili & vegetable green pepper nose with a touch of brown sugar. Down the hatch, it's quite tasty with an unabashed amount of heat. Big cinnamon & chili notes kick your palate with a massive, mile long finish. The Chai provides a skeleton for this tornado of a beer to remain steady.

Bandwagon Barleywine | ABV: 9.2
BBB#1 was a Bandwagon Barleywine (different batch & brewer if I recall), so it was fun to see this pop up on the anniversary list. Surprisingly drinkable for a barleywine which has been aging for a year. It's a deep, opaque brown with a ton of fluffy, mocha head. Candi, soft hops, and fruitcake grace the nose followed up by beautiful flavor. It's heaven for a second, then dries with dried red fruits and a touch of heat. Light & not too sticky. A solid, enjoyable BWBBW.

Sourmash Pale Ale | ABV: 6.4%
I'd been eyeing this one the whole day. Head BWB brewer Stephen Bareford's sours are what have brought me back to regularly visiting the local substreet brewpub and Sourmash is right up there with the others.

A transparent straw body and soft, tropical aromas start the tasting. While wafting, I'm told this one has been aging 6 months since I first tried it. Tropical hop notes slam with soft sour lime and lemon. It's mildly astringent and exactly what I've been looking forward to. It aged beautifully and was a wonderful edition to the anniversary line-up.

I also snagged a glass of their Russian Imperial Stout, which was incredibly solid as well. Great job & happy anniversary to the whole BWB crew!

#286: Ithaca Beer Co. » Ahtanamus, Rustic Harvest, Java Power, Lucifer Falls, Embrrr, Dark Vine

(left to right!)

After sipping on Ithaca's most astringent brew yet, Sour Pi, it was time to dive into what else I'd been missing.

Ahtanumus (Single-Hop Pale Ale) | ABV: 6.8% 
Named for the hop itself, Ahtanumus opens the flight with a soft, highly floral nose - perfume-like with delicate grapefruit and subtle herbal notes. There's a bit more bite on the palate, with orange rind & zest in the finish. A versatile, easy drinking, and elegant, single-hop showcase.

Rustic Harvest (Red IPA) | ABV: 7.2%
I'm already familiar with Rustic before this extended flight as the newcomer in the 2014 edition of Box of Hops. Kicking off with an assertive nose of earth and spice, citrus and rye dance on the tongue with some light, boozy esters sprinkled in. There's the mildest hint of wild strawberry in there too.

Java Power (Coffee IPA) | ABV: 7.2% 
Coffee and hops? What is this world coming to? Beer bliss, actually. Java's light & roasted nose is well coupled with citrus hop notes. Smooth coffee bitterness elevates the malts & uniquely suqares the soft grapefruit hops flavors. Espresso notes are revealed further through. An innovative brew worth noting.

Seventeen (see full review)

Lucifer Falls (Belgian-style) | ABV: 8.9%
Big candi sugar nose reals me into this one. It's sweet, with a pale complexion. Interesting! Intriguing! Vanilla and faint medicinal aromas are followed by bold flavors & mouthfeel. Herbal mint, stern alcohol presence, honey, and bourbon flavors are out front, supported by a bit of heat on the way down. Banana & clove shine even further in. A new 5-barrel favorite for sure.

Embrrr (Rye Porter) | ABV: 6.6
I've been digging this one for most of this season, plus it was my go-to beer during Big Day In. It's huge coffee nose is threaded with a touch of rye spice. Mild star anise aromas are present as well. A great northeast fall/winter brew. This one kicks it on draft for sure. The bottles are great, but get it on draft where you can.

Dark Vine (Imperial Black IPA) | ABV: 9.5%
My definitive favorite from this year's Box of Hops as it's as big and malty as it is big and hoppy. Dark Vine is deep dark-brown gold in a glass. An alluring ester alcohol nose, backed by smooth citrus hops, swirling with dark malts and sweet candy aromas. Onto the palate, it's juicy, but dark, akin to a chocolate covered orange. A mild dryness finishes out the brew and brings a touch of spice. This one I definitely like better bottled, where it's a touch sweeter and malt forward, like a hoppy, sweet barleywine, though it is nice & lively on tap.

#285: Ithaca Beer Co. » Excelsior! Anniversary Seventeen

Excelsior! Anniversary Seventeen (Wheat Double IPA w/ Brettanomyces) | ABV: 8.8% 
Fittingly, as my pre-Big Day In routine included a stop to Ithaca's Taproom, my celebratory beer of choice, following the 13 hour day, is the latest chapter in Ithaca Beer's praiseworthy Excelsior! series, Seventeen - hybrid between a Wheat ale and an India Pale Ale, bottle conditioned with Brettanomyces.

The awaited Seventeen kicks off with a highly purfumed, floral hop nose with notes of lilac & orchid along side soft, pink peppercorn aromas. It's a spicy, warming, and impressive IPA.

Flavors of white & pink peppercorn and soft chili spices real you in, followed by complimentary, smooth blood orange notes. Like a winter warmer of an IPA. Further through, distinct characteristics of orange & lemon zest peak through, backed by the brightness of the young Brett, which itself yields earthier tones late in the glass. It's complex all the way through, finishing elegantly dry.

A delightful, inspired brew that should get nice & funky with time.

#284: Ithaca Beer Co. » Sour Pi (Sour Ale)

(apologies for the blurry pic... t'was a busy night!)

Sour Pi (Sour Ale) ABV: 3.8%
Stopping in for soup & brew at Ithaca Beer's Taproom on the even of Big Day In (a day fest run by the not-for-profit I head up), I'm caught up enough to relax for a moment before jumping onto the next errand. I'd heard about Sour Pi, Ithaca's most astringent brew yet, clocking in at an apt 3.14 (get it?) pH. It's a kettle sour, fueled by Lactobacillus.

My 13oz glass is filled with a golden, glowing brew crowned with fluffy, fizzy, fading white head. Introducing itself with an intriguingly astringent note, wonderfully tart flavors follow, while retaining a surprisingly wet mouthfeel and a pleasant, crisp bite on the finish. Notes of lemon, mineral water all refreshing and damn tasty. I skipped the syrup, opting for the full acidic experience.

I'd initially planned on just the one brew, but realizing it'd been a mouth & a half since I'd visited, the always friendly and wonderful staff served up another 8 brews... (see next post!)

#283: Yards » Frankford Hall, Cape Of Good Hope, Russian Imperial, Trubbel, General Washington's, Thomas Jefferson's, Poor Richard's, Love Stout, Cicada, Brawler, ESA, IPA, Grand Cru

My partner & I rolled into Philly at the start of December for our Anniversary, as usual, much centered around beer. I was laid out ill the first night, better by day two, and by day three, it was time for some serious beer exploration. We set aside an afternoon to spend at Yards and were glad we did, splitting three flights & a tulip.

(right to left...)

Frankford Hall (Session IPA) | ABV: 5.5%
A session IPA seemed like a fine place to start the afternoon. Frankford Hall serves up with a translucent straw body and a ring of while head. Grassy hop aromas introduce this drinkable IPA. Taste & body akin to an offspring from IPA and a Pils parents.

Cape Of Good Hope (West Coast IPA) | ABV: 9.3% | IBUs: 76
Stepping up a notch, this Imperial IPA entices with sweet mango aromas emitting from a hazy straw body. Bright, shimmering tropical notes pair well with the lively carbonation. Further flavors of lemon zest arise, gaining piney momentum with a touch of floral futher through. Refreshing and tightly bitter.

Russian Imperial Stout | 10.8% ABV
Boasting an alcohol volume over ten percent, this Russian style stands tall, deep, and dark with strong notes of molasses on the nose. It's robust & roasted, nutty and growing evermore bitter, never turning sweet or sticky. Food brings out the huge booze notes in this hardy stout.

Trubbel de Yards (Tripel Dubbel Ale) | ABV: 9.3% | IBUs: 66
The hazy, dark brown brew with off-white head, yields sweet, dark red fruit aromas. Smooth raisin & fresh plum flavors splash across the palate alongside rich, engaging overtones of caramel and chocolate in the far back. A notable brew.

(round two: Ales of the Revolution)

George Washington's Tavern Porter | ABV: 7.0% | IBUs: 34
Robust! Authentically brewed to Washington's own recipe, this strong porter bursts out of the gate with big notes of molasses and dried red fruits. Inferred winter spices are threaded through as well with mild, herbal and medical characteristics. A wonderful step back in time and away from the usual brew.

Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale (Strong Golden Ale) | ABV: 8.0% | IBUs: 28
Once again, historically authentic, Jefferson's is a standout, brewed with honey, flaked maize, rye malt. It's a wonderfully smooth golden ale, spiked with sharp rye notes peaking through sweet biscuit flavors and boozy esters.

Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce (Spice Ale, Indigenous Ale) | ABV: 5.0% | IBUs: 13
"Based on Franklin’s original recipe, which called for barley, molasses, and essence of spruce, our Tavern Spruce is as approachable and engaging as was the man himself." I've had good spruce beers and I've had bad spruce beers, but they're always worth picking up. This one absolutely lands in the former catagory.

Spicy notes abound, Poor Richard's calls on cinnamon & sarsaparilla, mild & sweet white fruit, faint honey flavors with pleasant honey and apricot on the nose. A unique, heavily spiced, and admirable brew.

Love Stout (Nitro Stout) | ABV: 6.9% | IBUs: 30
A growing seasonal favorite in the region, Love Stout, served on Nitro, was the first lackluster brew on the bill so far, in this blogger's humble opinion. A nutty, roasted nose is followed up by wonderfully smooth flavors of coco & nutty. Soft and straightforward. If you're a straight stout fan, this is you in a glass.

Cicada (Belgian IPA) | ABV: 8.5% | IBUs: 60
With an alluring, deep amber body and pink-white head, Cicada has a surprisingly transparent nose for an IPA. Countering the lack of a telling nose, suble notes of candi sugar, bubble gum, and hop citrus bloom on the palate. Bright flavors - hot hops, boozy esters, grapefruit, toffee all dance freely with a touch of caramel in the back. A solid limited brew.

(round 3: signature ales)

Brawler (English Mild) | ABV: 4.2 | IBUs: 12
Once of Yards' year-round flagships, Brawler is full English. A sharp, minerally nose is followed up by a crisp, refreshing session brew with plenty of character. Mildly bitter with firm malt support.

ESA (Extra Special Bitter) | ABV: 6.0% | IBUs: 16
ESA has assertive English styling, with a sweet nose of toffee and nutmeg, with a dance of spice & bitterness on the tongue.

IPA | ABV: 7.0% | IBUs: 62
Soft, tropical & passion fruit notes spring from the nose. Puckeringly bitter at first, this year-round IPA settles in nicely. A solid, east-coast IPA.

Grand Cru (Belgian Strong Ale) | ABV: 9.9% | IBUs: 50
We were able to swap out Yards' flagship Pale Ale (as we'd enjoyed a sixer over the days prior) for a sampling of their Grand Cru to see if we wanted to pick up a 750mL for home.

This brew was wonderful and a hell of a ride, starting with an intriguing pumpkin spice nose, with notable auromas of nutmeg, brown sugar, and yeast. Further whiffs reveal subtle sour cherry notes. On to the palate, it's impressive and heavenly. Hands down the best brew of the day and one of the best of the week.

Yards Grand Cru is elegant and silky smooth with just the right touch of lively, but soft Belgian-style carbonation. Coupled with firm, traditional Belgian spice & mouthfeel, flavors of white stone fruit flow amongs a touch of alcohol heat, all wrapped up in a big, velvety mouthcoat. A great end to the day.

Overall, Grand Cru, Jefferson, and Poor Richards were the winners in my mind, but every brew stood on it's own. High quality, consistency, with one foot in tradition and the other in modern creative craft brewing.

Coming soon...

Took a few trips in November... time to share the spoils with you all!

#282: Wild Beer Co. » Somerset Wild

Wild Beer Co. » Somerset Wild (Sour Pale Ale) ABV: 5.0% | Rating: 8.6

This is my first foray Wild Beer Co.'s strikingly packaged series of brews. I picked up three wild/sour ales from the UK-based crew while in Buffalo, each adding it's own unique flare. This particular, self-described sour pale is spontaneously fermented with the yeasts & bacteria found on the grounds of their Somerset orchard.

The head rises quickly, still in the bottle, stopping just short of making for some unwanted clean-up. Poured up, there's voluminous, but quickly fading white head eagerly bubbling atop a transparent, white-wine like body.

Lively champagne and dry, farmhouse cider notes are out in stride, carrying along a whiff of pale hop bitterness.

The flavors are extraordinarily tart and dry. Not necessarily astringent, instead overtly crisp and clean. Crisp Gala and other tart apple flavors quickly dance with green grape and soft lemon notes.

Somerset Wild is highly acidic throughout and looses carbonation relatively quickly. On the second glass, it's a touch sweeter with a hint of earthy tones, but still clean with just the slightest mouthcoat.

Overall, an interesting brew. Not the most notable wild, but well-executed. I can't say I've stumbled across many English spontaneously fermented brews from an orchard, so points for creativity. Recommended for any fans for Dogfish's hybrds, dry farmhouse ciders, or aridly dry white wine drinkers.

#281: Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei Bayerischer Bahnhof » Leipziger Gose

Gasthaus & Gosebrauerei Bayerischer Bahnhof »  Leipziger Gose
ABV: 4.5% | Rating: 8.8

The resurgence of Gose-style brews has absolutely been one of my favorite trends of the last two-three years. Falling from one of the most popular beers in Germany, to almost extinct just a few years back; it's now on it's upswing among a diverse range of American craft breweries. They vary from savory to astringent and all the glorious subtitles in between. Leipziger Gose, from Germany, hearkens the original style, brewed with traditional ingredients plus lactic acid, cilantro, and salt.

Leipziger serves up with a darker, straw-colored body, topped by a fading, fizzy head with a touch of lace. Soft and fragrant, the nose presents a wealth of coriander with a touch of sourness. A few more whiffs even portray curious hints of fruit punch and cereal.

Down the hatch, it's smooth and drinkable; a perfect old-school balance of salt, coriander, and acidic tartness. Notes of lemon and balanced white and black pepper hang in the background, all wrapping up with a gentile mouthcoat and mildy dry finish.

A great starting point for anyone curious in getting into Goses. Not as bold as say, Westbrook's, instead a glimpse into the delicious past, from a style almost lost to the ages.

#280: Maine Beer Company » Lunch (IPA)

Maine Beer Company » Lunch (IPA) | ABV: 7.0% | Rating: 9.2/10

As mentioned a few weeks back, a stop in Buffalo isn't usually without a stop at The Village Beer Merchant, where I snagged this bottle o' Lunch.

This praised brew pours up a hazy amber color with white, fluffy head all emitting a beautiful bouquet of grapefruit alongside soft floral notes, smoothed with a mild sweetness.

Dry, cool, and refreshing, Lunch is a mid-weight IPA with plenty of character. As easy to drink as an all-day variety, but quickly diversifying with a richer with a slight creaminess in the mouthfeel.

Bitter, biting hops hit the palate up front, followed by a quick flip of sweet & smooth flavors, then back a gain with a drying finish. An effortless, well-tuned beer, Lunch blurs stone and pome fruit flavors with bold Warrior, Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe bittering characteristics. It's clean with distinct notes of pine appearing further in with pith & rind peaking in here and there, but never getting dank.

Lunch is highly enjoyable, but not as jaw-dropping as its reputation, in my humble opinion. That said, I'll probably pick is up any time I see it and would absolutely recommend to any IPA fan.

#279: Perennial Artisan Ales » Aria & Saison De Lis

After a lovely wedding of one of my earliest Ithaca friends and few hours destroying my fear of rollercoasters at Darien Lake, my partner and I made our way to the fantastic Blue Monk in Buffalo. This, my second time at the Belgian-inspired gastropub, I had far more time and flexibility than the first while I was on tour.

When I'd checked out their online menu, which has been updated just two days prior, there were a few Jacks Abby that were must-haves, but alas they were gone. However, I immediately shed my woes at the site of a variety of  Perennial Artisan Ales on the list.

Perennial Artisan Ales » Aria (Belgian-Style Ale w. Brettanomyces Bruxellensis)
ABV: 7.20% | IBU: 20 | Rating: 8.7

My first foray into Perennial kicks in with a fragrant nose of white stone fruits emitting from a hazy, honey-colored body, topped with thick, lacy head.

A sweet, soft flip of funk starts of the gentle palate experience. Lightly carbonated with primarily clean mouthfeel that's just every so slightly augmented with a rustic dryness. Warming flavors of green tea with honey and lemon threaded with mild notes of peach make for a delicate palate pleaser.

This brew is crafted with Brettanomyces Bruxellensis, providing soft, earthy and funk notes that give Aria a twist of complexity, but don't yield much sourness or dips into the extreme. A solid first experience from Perennial Artisan Ales.

Perennial Artisan Ales » Saison De Lis (Saison brewed with Chamomile Flowers)
ABV: 5.0% |  Rating: 9.1/10

It's rare that a non-Brett beer will beat a Brett beer as follow up with my palate, but here's that case. This Saison/Farmhouse brewed with Chamomile Flowers is a downright winner.

De Lis' hazy golen body and plentiful, lacy head reals you in, quickly followed by aromatic citrus and floral notes backed by firm yeasty, bready notes.

On to the palate, this is one tasty beer, bursting with flavor. It's mildly tart and plentifully floral, with soft notes of banana bread colliding with boozy esters, despite the low ABV.

Further through the glass, vegetal notes start to creap through the refreshingly crisp tartness & bitterness along with a hint of rosemary and chamomile. A unique, recommended brew.

#278: Port Brewing » Old Viscosity (Imperial Stout)

Port Brewing » Old Viscosity (Imperial Stout) | ABV: 10% | Rating: 8.8

I picked up this bottle of Old Viscosity online in 2013 or late 2012, after a highly colorful review of how thick and intense of a dark beer it is.

Old Visc pours up jet black as expected, crowed with a voluminous mocha head. The nose is unexpectedly milky for an oak-aged brew, full of oak notes as well with a touch of vanilla and cocoa.

Onto the palate, it's a bit more straight forward than the initial verbose description, though still a solid beer nevertheless. It's silky up front, easing into a deep, dark bitterness. The carbonation is far livelier than expected from a barrel aged brew. Roasted malts, mild coffee, and soft cocoa notes are present as well. Further through, distinct molasses and chocolate ice cream notes appear.

Overall, not as chewy as I'd expected, but still a weighty brew that is packed with dark bitterness.

Coming soon!

It still amazes me how vastly different the brand selection can be just a few cities over, even in the same state. Lunch at Blue Monk in Buffalo, meant a must-stop just a few blocks down to Village Beer Merchant, which last time didn't disappoint with finds like Madame Rose, Backwoods Bastard (draft) and other notable brews.

This time around, it's my frist pass at The Wild Beer Co., Maine's lauded Lunch, and the classic Leipziger Gose. Posts coming soon...

During checkout, I noticed an empty case box from BFM in the window and had to inquire if they had any in stock. My memory quickly blurred at the two other BFM offerings, when this 2006, Cuvee du 7eme anniversary ale came to my attention at a fantastic price. This will be an adventure at 8 years, but well worth it. Story coming soon...

Another enjoyable bottle share...

Another successful, small gathering bottle share this past week. The Maine Beer King Titus Porter and GRIMM Action Adventure definitely took the cake, while Bell's Third Coast, He'Brew Funky Jewbelation (one of my on-going favorites), and 21st Ammendment's He Said were all solid condenders. He Said is likely my new favorite pumpkin related offering, especially the Baltic Porter, which retains all of it's wonderful traditional notes, but thicker and meatier with the pumpkin addition and no bombastic pumpkin pie spices. 

Here's a quick pick from the call-out ones from September's as well. Bay & Pepper Your Bretts from Against The Grain was world-class phenomenal and the easy winner. It came off spiced, funky, slightly vegital and unique & amazing.

#277: Allagash Brewing » Fluxus 2014 (Bier de Miel)

Allagash Brewing » Tribute Series: Fluxus 2014 (Bier de Miel)
ABV: 8.8% | Rating: 8.6/10

After a fun, productive day, which included picnicking, a walk along Cayuga lake, a stellar tasting at Myer Farm Distillers, was temporarily derailed by a slew of since resolved phone issues, it was time to get things back on track with a home cooked meal, finally watching Barton Fink, and cracking into this anniversary brew from Allagash.

Each year, Allagash, whom recently returned to Upstate NY distribution, brews a different, limited recipe under the Fluxus moniker, in celebration of the first beer they sold in 1995. This year, Fluxus is brewed with a blend of 2-row and vienna malts, spruce tips and honey.

Fluxus '14 starts off with an aptly honey colored body topped with lacy white head. A beautiful, soft nose of honey, mild spice, and almond follows with just a touch of sweet earthiness.

The taste is elegant, as par for many of Allagash's limited releases, held up by lovely, soft yet lively carbonation. Firm malts create the backdrop for the subtle sweetness from the honey and mild floral notes of the spruce tips to peak through. The nearly 9% ABV is expertly masked throughout.

For you honey buffs out there, the honey is less at the forefront than say, a Braggott, but still present.

Overall, Fluxus '14 may be a bit subtle for some in regards to the price tag, but for those looking for an elegant beer to slowly enjoy and relax into, this might be just your ticket.

#276: Crooked Stave » St. Bretta (Winter)

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project » St. Bretta Citrus Wildbeer (Winter)
ABV: 6.8% | Rating: 9.5/10

After a successful week of recording, wrapping up the initial legwork of booking for Big Day In and a four evening fest around the Ithaca International Film Fest, I was in the mood for something special. Shortly after grabbing  and uncapping this winter edition of St. Bretta from the beer fridge, it was immediately apparent I'd made the proper selection.

This 100% Brettanomyces wild bursts out of the gate with a fruity, funky nose. Ripe, fresh berries slam with orange, must, and that unmistakable Brett aroma. There's even a hint of green apple.

After several enticing whiffs, my palate is struck by incredible, piercing flavors of tart grape and kumquat. This winter edition is incredibly sparking and bright for a dark beer.

Robust sour cherry and big green apple notes rise further through along with shy notes of lemom and a lively, dry finish. A hands-down, goddamn great beer and a must find for another round.

#275: Avery Brewing » Twenty One (Imperial India-Style Brown Ale)

Avery Brewing » Anniversary Ale: Twenty One (Imperial India-Style Brown Ale)
ABV: 8.7% | Rating: 8.5/10

To celebrate Avery's last year at their Arapahoe Ave brewery (new brewery opening Jan 2015), these Boulder mainstays crafted an Imperial Brown, packed with Columbus, Chinook, Amarillo, then dry hopped with Amarillo, Simcoe, Chinook.

Served up in a tulip glass, Twenty One starts off with soft nose of gentle hops and rye bread. It's deep brown, barely translucent body looks inviting and warming on a cooling early fall evening.

The initial flavor is a bit understated. Rich flavors of thick, homemade breads calmly join with mild chocolate notes, all sewn with subtle sweetness.

Lively carbonation help Twenty One from getting too heavy and while the ample list of hops and 'India-Style' might imply a hop-forward beer, it conversely brings to mind more of an amped-up British style brew with mild threads of tropical fruit lending to the aforementioned subtle sweetness.

Overall, I was hoping for a bit more 'wow' factor, but Twenty One is an enjoyable, unique and robust brew that is full of rich character without needing to be overzealous.

#274: Left Hand Brewing » Wake Up Dead Nitro (Imperial Stout)

Left Hand Brewing » Wake Up Dead Nitro (Imperial Stout) 
ABV: 10.2% | IBU's: 45 | Rating: 9/10

As far as trends go, the current Nitro movement is an incredibly welcomed one, especially those gaining mass release in cans & bottles. Left Hand rocked the world with their Nitro Milk Stout in 2011 and last year they took it one step further with Sawtooth and the incredible Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout.

This skull nitro pours up jet black with a swirling nose of vanilla, cocoa, bourbon and amaretto. Boozy, roasted malt flavors follow with a full, silky mouthfeel. Big notes of chocolate and dried fruits, all sweet and sticking with an unabashed alcohol finish, but incredibly smooth.

A wonderful 12 oz for big, dark beer lovers.

#273: Bandwagon Brew Pub » Sour Tripel

Bandwagon Brew Pub » Sour Tripel | ABV: ~8% | Rating: 9/10

Early last week, I found my way to REP Studio in Ithaca to record for my upcoming solo split cassette. The studio just so happens to be located above Bandwagon Brew Pub, so after a successful session, I took my engineer, and friend, down for a celebratory draft brew.

To my elation, BWB had yet another short run sour on, this time a Tripel which was brewed as a one-off for Belgium Comes to Cooperstown.

Unfortunately, the usual accompanying picture absolutely did not come out this time around, but this Sour Tripel was a glowing translucent amber with a finger of lacy, fading lacy head.

My palate gleefully enjoyed incredible fruity flavors, firmly threaded with must and Brett dryness in the finish. Throughout the glass, this tripel was incredibly juicy and drinkable with mild spice notes peaking through later on.

Another impressive brew showcasing Bandwagons resurgence thanks to head brewer, Stephen Bareford.

#272: Abandon Brewing » Peppercorn Saison

Abandon Brewing » Peppercorn Saison (Farmhouse)
ABV: 6.0% | Rating: 8.9

I stopped into Ithaca Coffee Company's Triphammer location for a couple sliders and a pint before running a show earlier in the month. Seeing 'Abandon Brewing' on the board made for a very quick decision. This being my second trip down the road of their Peppercorn Saison (the first down at Ale House between meetings over the summer), I knew this breweries beers are living up to the positive murmurs. Abandon's master brewer, Jeff Hillebrandt spent significant time at Ommegang along with an internship at Custom Brewcrafters. I'm looking forward to visiting sometime soon...

This Saison serves up with a transparent, straw body with a finger of foamy white head. Aromatic yeasts, peppercorn, and mild must & funk emit form the enticing brew. Onto the palate, its dry with a chalky mouthcoat and heavily spiced. Smooth white stone fruit esters dance with soft, black pepper spice, and mild green pepper notes. Smooth head morphs into dry, velvet finish.

Overall, a great first dive into what may end up on my top regional breweries list...

#271: Bandwagon Brew Pub » Wet Hop Harvest Ale (Copper Ale)

Bandwagon Brew Pub » Wet Hop Harvest Ale (Copper Ale) ABV: 6.1 | Rating: 8.7

I finally made it down to 'Meet The Brewer' Tuesday at down at Bandwagon here in Ithaca, having a scheduled week off from rehearsal. Good timing too, as head brewer, Stephen Bareford had just unleashed his latest, a wet hop copper ale, packed with 20 pounds of fresh, local whole leaf Cascade hops from The Rhizome Republic, just down the road in Freeville, NY.

Between good conversation with friends, a firm, dank hop nose with hints of blood orange reels me in to this fresh brew. A firm, drinkable med-level body wields a great sweet / bitter hop balance with a twinge of dryness in the finish. Firm pine notes threaded with soft, sweet tropical notes.

Head brewer Stephen Bareford gave us the lowdown of how the folks at Rhizome connected on this brew and gave us a quick tour of BWB extremely modest brewing and aging area, which gave me far more of an appreciation for their efforts to cycle through new ideas while still keeping their flagship brews consistent.

Overall, Wet Hop was a solid hop-forward, but not overboard brew and along with the informative conversation from a personable, yet unabashed brewer, it was well worth the visit and rare Tuesday night off.

#270: Bell's Brewing » The Oracle (DIPA)

Bell's Brewing » The Oracle (Double IPA) 
ABV: 10% | Rating: 9.3

I'd hate to try and fathom, much less try and count the number of IPAs or even Double IPA's being brewed at the moment. It's fairly astounding to see one style take off and soak in such far-stretching hype. At the epicenter though, is a plethora of amazing beer - which is why we're all hear anyway, right? Sometimes I complain or get beer-political about IPAs hype-dominance, but then I find another gem and shut rite up.

If anyone knows what they're doing with hop-forward beers... Bell's is on that list. Two Hearted, Hopslam, the aforementioned Mars, and now their seasonal summer DIPA, The Oracle makes it's way to the blog. Having Mars and The Oracle back-to-back, just shows how diverse the spectrum is on this particular brew style.

This time around, dry aromas of pine and biscuit kick things off followed up by complimentary, delightfully arid hop flavors. Resinous pine, chocked full of citrus rind and pith notes with a sprinkle of earthy threads sewn in.

An unapologetic, sipper of a hop-heads only beer that is highly enjoyable.

#269: Bell's Brewing » Mars (DIPA)

Bell's Brewing » Mars - The Bringer Of War (Double IPA)
ABV: 10.% | Rating: 9.4

The first in Bell's series of seven beers, inspired by Gustav Holst's 'The Planets' has arrived. Evolved from a trial brew called Larry’s Latest Double IPA, Mars is a big, bold, must-have brew.

Big, orange, juicy and dank citrus hop aromas plume from the glass followed up by a huge hop experience on the palate. Just when I think I may have tired of big IPAs, here comes Mars.

Robust, silky flavors packed with blood orange, pineapple, and mango all stacked up atop sweet, firm malts. Boozy esters rise further through to keep this bold and expertly delivered brew. The whole experience caps off with a sneakily growing dryness in the finish.

Overall a wonderful hop-forward dream that isn't brutally bitter.

#268: Three Heads Brewing » Rye-Dye (Smoked IPA)

Three Heads Brewing » Rye-Dye (Smoked IPA)
ABV: 6.4%  Rating: 8.8

This lovely brew (one of the only 3HB I hadn't seen down my way) another gift beer I'd been eagerly anticipating since my birthday bash. After a wildly successful bottle share where one of our guests brought a homebrewed smoked IPA I just could not get over, I was on a kick and just happened to have the right follow up for the next day.

For a smoked brew, this 3HB pours up with a translucent straw body topped with lacy white head. It's grassy hop nose sets up the taste allure nicely.

On to the taste and just, WOW. Bright citrus hop flavors slam with a smoothed out mouthfeel, perfectly stoked with smoke.

Smoked beers can easily venture harsh, astringent, or overbearing in the wrong hands, but not here. Sublime balance and perfectly understated smokey notes permeate the fine hop character 3HB always brings to the table. There's a fine cheese element to it, rather than your typical campfire imagery.

Overall, a great, creative beer worth anyone's try.

#267: Allagash Brewing » Victor (Belgian Strong Ale)

Allagash Brewing » Victor (Belgian Strong Ale brewed with Cabernet Franc grapes)
ABV: 9.0% | Rating: 8.9

Allagash was one of those beers that I started getting into when I first was getting into craft beer... but then they dropped out of distributing in Upstate NY. Over the last few years, I've always grabbed a bottle of White or Black when I can find them, even scoring a bottle of 2012 Interlude that I'll be cracking into shortly. Luckily enough, some friends from NYC gifted me this bottle of Victor, for my birthday. Low and behold, two weeks later Allagash is back in Upstate and the fridge is filling up.

Victor, the Cabernet Franc counterpart to their Chardonnay-brewed Victoria, pours up with a copper, bubbly body, crowned with a thick, lacy ivory head. A highly aromatic nose, blooming red grape, pepper, and yeast notes.

On to the palate, this beer is quite elegant. Sweet, soft grape and grape skin flavors are abundant, flirting with notes of caramel and even white pepper. Incredibly easy drinking for a 9% - honestly drinks like a session beer, but with far more complexity of course.

Victor inspires thoughts of a more demure cousin to Dogfish Head's hybrid gallery - mildy yeasty, that's tastefully tart and spicy.

In addition to this being a solid brew, it benefits the St. Lawrence Arts Center, through the not-for-profit group which is renovating the granite and slate church the center calls home.

Good beer with a good cause. What's not to like?

#266: Fairport Brewing » White Buck, Whipple Bros., Peter J. IPA, Apollo 8 (visit)

After far too many times passing by Fairport Brewing on holidays or late at night on the way to or from visiting family, I finally had a brief moment to catch up on what my former hometown was offering up as it's local brews between lunch and dinner with my sister & crew.

White Buck (Wheat Ale) ABV: 4.3% | IBUs: 20 | Rating: 8.0
A start. Big banana bread flavors, lively carbonation, mild yeast notes and even a bit of green pepper threaded through. Easy finish with a sharp start.

Whipple Bros. Ale (NYS Local Ale) ABV: n/a | IBUs: n/a | Rating: 8.2
A solid, biting bitter of an ale with a clean mouthfeel. A firm, traditional american pale offering.

Peter J. IPA (American IPA) ABV: 6.0 | IBUs: 60 | Rating: 8.5
An inviting and interesting IPA that isn't trying to be west-coast. Sweet malts peak through the plentiful hops with notable nectarine flavor and nutty hints, even sunflower seeds. A worthy variation.

Apollo 8 (Double IPA) ABV: 8.0% | IBUs: 90 | Rating: 8.4
For the finale, we have an all-Apollo hopped-DIPA. A smooth, growing bitterness and dryness spills from the deep, hazy amber brew, filled with boozy esters in the finish. Mild pith and rind notes continue to rise throughout. This one shows it;s IBUs and ABV. One for the straight-ahead hop fans.

In addition to their own brews, Fairport also has Galaxy Brewing's phenomenal Andromeda IPA and an offering from Keuka as well. Interesting to see more small breweries offering other neighbors brews on their line. I'm a big fan of collaboration in whatever form it takes, so kudos there as well.

Looking forward to how this brewery develops!

#265: High Water Brewing » Hop Logic (DIPA)

High Water Brewing » Hop Logic (DIPA) | ABV: 9.5% | IBUs: 45 | Rating: 8.9/10

Over the weekend, I was in Rochester, catching up with my sister & family in the states from the UK. We decided after a morning & early afternoon of kids-focused activity, it was time for an adult beer and beverages. Tap & Mallet, here we come.

My first brew was a solid, low ABV Berliner-style from Jacks Abby (review to come). Choice #2 was quite a bit more difficult with T&M's plentiful draft offerings. My partner & I ended up tasting their DIPA, Barleywine, and Baltic Porter - all of which were worthy candidates for a final round. To my own surprise, I passed up two of my favorite stiles for the Double IPA. It hit the spot just perfectly.

Lush, heavenly sweet malt flavors slammed with wonderful ruby red grapefruit notes - like hop nectar. Highwater packs 5 types of hops into each batch and you can tell they've done their homework, whichever they are.

Big notes of ripe apricot and resin, make way for subtler notes like vanilla. Not sure how the bottle compares this draft choice, but I'll be looking to find out soon.

Hop Logic is powerful, strong, but expertly well-balanced. A hop-head's treat, but still accessable to any bold beer drinker. Cheers!

#264: Bandwagon Brewery » Sour Blonde

Bandwagon Brewery » Sour Blonde (Aged - Wine Barrels, 4 Months)
ABV: 6.0% | Rating: 9.0

It's been... a while since I've posted about Bandwagon. Over the last year or so, I've personally found many of their draft offerings - their own and others - inconsistent, young, or even occasionally disappointing. I hate to hate on local, so I keep my blog mouth shut from time time to time. Their beers that are on, are really dead on, so I always keep a hopeful, open palate.

It was time for some post-birthday shenanigans with some very close friends who recently turned 21 and were up for exploring a bit of what downtown Ithaca had to offer for beer.

I snagged a flight of top notch brews from Cortland, Dogfish, Troegs, and the only flight that included this sour as I will always try a sour, from any brewer. I was glad I did this time around especially...

This fantastic sour kicks off with an earthy funk of Brett and backed up with firm, supportive malts. The funk really gets in there, in the nose, taste and exhale.

Notes of white peach, sour white grapes, and wet hay make for a killer tartness amongst heavy easters and a chalky dry finish. Way in the back there's even notes of sour dark cherries and red wine notes.

Once again, when Bandwagon is on, they are really on. A sour worth seeking out.

#263: Sierra Nevada Beer Camp » Chico King (3 Floyds Collaboration)

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp » Chico King (3 Floyds Collaboration)
ABV: 6.5% | IBUs: 45 | Rating 9.2 (Draft @ Ithaca Ale House)

Another birthday Beer Camp brew, down at Ale House, this time in collaboration with the lauded 3 Floyds. My only 3F experience so far has been a De Struise collaboration down in Philly. It was fantastic, but I'm still highly jealous of my mid-west pals with ample experience.

A hazy exterior and fluffy heads reels me in. This unreal pale is incredibly smooth, packing hoppy, cool, and spicy flavors. Backed by high carbonation and a big malt backbone, this King is rustic and dry. Lots of dry resin notes in fact, augmented by serious rind notes and amped up herbal and pine.

A solid hop heads dream...

In the bottle... the story is a bit different, as with the Yonder Bock. Still comes off a hazy amber (with a bit more bubble) and thick white head, but not nearly as complex and boisterous as it's draft counterpart. The big malt and huge hop notes are rolled way back and a bit lack luster.

Not sure if my palate wasn't into it this time around, but the story brewing here seems to be check these Beer Campers out on draft & bottle/can for the full experience.

#262: Sierra Nevada Beer Camp » Yonder Bock (Cigar City Collaboration)

Sierra Nevada / Cigar City » Yonder Bock (Tropical Maibock)
ABV: 7.7% | IBUs: 45 | Rating: 9.2

Continuing down the Beer Camp rabid hole, I took my birthday day-off lunch down at Ithaca Ale House, which to my pleasant surprise had both Yonder Bock and Chico King (coming soon...) on draft. This Maibock takes a tropical nod with the use of aromatic and highly sought after, Equinox aka 366 hops.

Served up in a 10 oz., Yonder Bock hits the stage with a huge malt nose of sweet ripe red apple, pineapple and other tropical fruit notes.

This one is on, so incredibly tasty with a big,wet malt start, drying finish and flip of spice in the tail. A wonderfully balanced brew yielding a dry mouthcoat of pleasant spice and silky mouthfeel.

Flavor notes of guava, passion fruit, and ripe apple are countered by that touch of hop bitterness & spice that Cigar City does so well.

The can spells a bit different story. Yonder Bock pours out a deep, bubbly amber with a fluffy, lacy off-white head. Bright tropical aromas are immediately apparent followed by flavors of smooth, bitter hops and slight booze notes in the finish. Silky, but dry once again in the mouth, but the flavor is a bit tipped on the minneral / hop-forward realm comparied to draft.

Overall, on draft is far preferred, bringing out much more malt beauty, but a solid collaboration regardless.

#261: 21st Amendment Brewery » Lower De Boom (Barleywine)

21st Amendment Brewery » Lower De Boom (Barleywine)
ABV: 11.5% | IBUs: 92 | Rating: 8.6

Continuing on our 21st Amendment double-header, we have Lower De Boom -- an American-Style barleywine packed with citrusy Pacific Northwest hops. I'm a bit more of an English-style BW fan myself, but I trust these gold-mining San Franciscans. It's worth noting the relatively plain golden can (which goes with the story) that you might just mistake for an energy drink on the singles shelf. The box however, stays true to 21st's artistic nature, with a classy color print on raw cardboard.

Lower De Boom itself breathes life with a murky brown body with just a ring of head. A pungent nose of pineapple follows bursting with hoppy citrus and caramel.

Down the hatch, it's full of big,  burly, sticky flavor. Notes of pinnapple, dank hops, hibiscus rush out of the gate, giving this barleywine an herbal, dry finish. Further in, it's more abrasive nature takes hold, with hot booze notes and just a tad medicinal in the finish.

Overall, a dense, hot brew not intended for the lighthearted drinker. A serious beer with that may be a bit over the top for it's own good, but worth a try.

#260: 21st Amendment Brewery » Monk's Blood (Belgian Strong Ale)

21st Amendment Brewery » Monk's Blood (Belgian Strong Ale)
ABV: 8.3% | IBUs: 34 | Rating: 9.2

Time to talk about a couple 21st Amendment seasonals. This brewery consistently issues some of the best artwork in the industry - boxes & cans alike. Monk's Blood is no exception, with a detailed yarn of the founders as rebellious monks. Humorous and worth a read, but the beer itself is no joke (ouch...).

The real story finds Nico Freccia and Shaun O’Sullivan traveling to Belgium, inspired by monks hardy, fasting beers, resulting in a stellar brew packed with candi sugar, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and figs all aged in oak.

This hefty brew rolls out with a big, fruity Belgian noise. Notes of fig are present, but they're not particularly sticky. Earthy aromas sneak in as well beside sweet hay, dried fruit - especially cherries, and a hint of vanilla; all augmenting a lively brown body of beer with fluffy brown head perched on top.

Past the eyes and nose, this one is a real treat for the palate. Lively carbonation and a medium-light body leads this one easy down at first, followed by a wave of spices, oak, and sweet vanilla flavors.

Dynamic, complex, and aromatic in it's flavors, this strong Belgian-style has wispy flips of sweet candied sugar and fig harboring deeper tones of earth, mild booze, and wonderful blooming esters.

Overall, Monk's Blood is a damn good beer and fully recommended.

#259: Founders » Dissenter (IIPL)

Founders » Dissenter (Imperial India Pale Lager)
ABV: 8.7% | IBUs: 70 | Rating: 9.2

I found myself lucky enough to enjoy Founders' latest Backstage Series on draft and bottles within a weeks time. At first, I thought an IPL was a bit lackluster for the series, compared to some of the jaw dropping creativity in previous editions, but then seeing the word 'Imperial' and that Founders' hadn't released a lager in twelve years... I trust those Michigan folks with what they're doing. And rightfully so.

A highly alluring plume of huge aromatic hops is apparent event from a distance, emitting from a translucent golden body and fluffy, fading, lacy head.

Grapefruit, pith, and grass notes are abound in the nose with a touch of resin.

For the bottle, the flavor is tight and bitter, even venturing into mildly astringent with it's dry finish. The body is light and quite lager-like, sporting a mild mouthcoat for such robust hop-forwardness.

Ongoing swarms of yellow grapefruit and tons of rind flavors delightfully pummel the palate with the very slightest flip of sweetness on the finish, that's just faintly apparent in the nose as well, reminiscent of mild honey.

On draft, the nose is a blend of juicy citrus and herbal notes in the nose followed up all smooth, hoppy, and spicy. Prickly carbonation kicks off each sip, then settling in, and drying in the far finish.

An excellent, well-balanced and unique hop experience that's not too punch-in-the-face. Worth checking out on draft and bottles.

#258: Sierra Nevada Beer Camp » Yvan The Great (Russian River Collaboration)

Sierra Nevada / Russian River » Yvan The Great (Belgian-style Blonde)
ABV: 6.3% | IBUs: 50 | Rating: 8.8

This one one of the top 3 beers in the Beer Camp box I was pumped for. Our here on the East Coast and especially Upstate NY, bottles of Russian River are hard to come by, outside of Sierra Nevada's other collab, Brux.

A hybrid brew featuring Belgian yeast and plethora of hops, this pale Blonde has a clear, golden-straw body topped with fizzy, lacy head.

Belgian spice and yeast flavors swirl with notes of peach skin and lemongrass, all wrapped in quick, prickly carbonation ending in a semi-dry mouthcoat and finish.

Crisp citrus hops follow with distinct orange notes and slight tropical flavors. Yvan The Great (reference to Yvan De Baets, of Brasserie De la Senne) is beamingly bright and grows a bit grassy.

I was lucky enough to have this on draft and bottle and the experience was for all intents and purpose identical. While I was hoping for something a bit more groundbreaking and adventuresome from Russian River, this is still one of the standouts of the box so far. Nothing that I'll plead to go year-round, but worth checking out on several occasions.

#257: Sierra Nevada Beer Camp » Electric Ray (Ballast Point Collaboration)

Sierra Nevada / Ballast Point » Electric Ray (Imperial Pale Lager)
ABV: 8.5% | IBUs: 70 | Rating: 8.9

I have to admit that I am enjoying this Lagers rebirth - from the staggering number of brews Jack's Abby is slinging, on to Founder's latest Backstage Series release (coming soon...). When I heard that two hop-forward Western U.S. breweries were collaborating on an IPL jacked with Cascade, Zues, Nugget, and Northern Brewer hops, it peaked interest for sure.

Electric Ray serves up with a fluffy, ivory head crowning a deep amber body with hot fumes of piney, spicy hop aromas. Quickly taking the first sip, this collaboration is damn tasty.

Firm, growing hop presence starts off the ride with a rising heat in the finish. Big, bursting citrus flavors weave with inferred notes of chili spice, all supported by a healthy malt backbone. Strong grapefruit and floral flavors continue throughout, but are never overwhelming.

Hot-hop, med-high booze India-Pale that's well balanced and done right.