#316: Bell's Beer » Mercury - The Winged Messenger (Belgian Single)

Bell's Beer » Mercury - The Winged Messenger (Belgian Single) | ABV: 4.8%

Bell's planetary series has been an adventure so far, and we're not even half-way through - from the deftly delicious Mars DIPA to the polarizingly alien Venus... we now find ourselves at Mercury - The Winged Messenger, a subtle 4.8% Belgian Single.

Mercury curiously emits gose-like nose with firm lemon zest, initially leading me to believe there may be some sour tartness heading for the tongue, but instead, my palate met with a lively carbonated, mellow brew.

Subtle savory spice puts the punctuation on an otherwise, clean and clear bear. Light and airy, with a touch of breadiness and delicate, subtle esters.

A good beer, but mild and just a little underwhelming for the price, compared to the usual value of Bell's seasonal and the rest of the planetary adventure thus far.

#313: Sixpoint Brewery » HiRes (3xIPA)

Sixpoint Brewery » HiRes (3xIPA) | ABV: 10.5% | IBUs: 115

Having missed the inaugural batch of Hi-Res last year, I grabbed a 4-pack back in January in a restock of the beer fridge, for what's been a bitterly cold winter. In between bouts of sub-zero temperatures, my partner and I have been cozy indoors with regular respites full of wonderful beers.

This massively hopped skinny can from Sixpoint barrels out of the gate with huge aromas of pithy grapefruit and rind, coupled with weighty pine and tropical fruit notes.

Hi-Res packs a tight, bitter punch, that eases off in the initial finish. Sticky pine and hop resin flavors make way for a touch of heat, swiftly moving on to a sweet finish of the liquid, followed by a long, dry, hop-heat remnants on the tongue.

This deep amber brew is rich and packed with non-grapefruit citrus flavors. Under-ripe mango and Gin-like juniper and other herbal characteristics glimmer through the dense hop-cone bitterness and throat heat.

Overall, an enjoyable big-hop brew.

#312: Anchorage Brewing » Whiteout Wit (Witbier)

Anchorage Brewing » Whiteout Wit (Witbier) | ABV: 6.5%

It's next to impossible for me to pass on buying a bottle of Anchorage Brewing beer. In Vermont, I bought one of each release in stock. On my first Let'sPour transaction, I grabbed two of everything. But, back in December in Philly, I painfully passed on picking up a bottle of Whiteout Wit, instead opting for Black Butte XXVI, Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad, and a slew of other non-NYS distributing release, while attempting to stay in budget for the weekend amongst PA's towering craft beer bottle prices.

Amazing enough, upon the return home, there's Whiteout Wit staring back at me at Fingerlakes Beverage. Transaction complete.

Never ones for a simple recipe, this Anchorage witbier is brewed with lemon peel, black peppercorns and coriander, then fermented and aged in French Oak Foudres with wit yeast and Brettanomyces. It's is elegantly paced, with a definitively bright champagne-like nose, threaded with lemon zest, mild Brett funk, and subtle pepper spice aromas.

Onto the palate, it's quite clean, again presenting champagne-like qualities. Dry and zesty flavors dance with minerally and light lemon notes, with a subtly growing funky, tarter underbelly.

Overall, Whiteout Wit a great introduction to Anchorage's line of wild beers and entirely enjoyable. It's not their most adventurous offering, but is a worthwhile clean, light-yet-complex winter offering, just don't overpay.

What's On Tap? (Ithaca: Jan 7th, 2015)

Welcome to the first installment of 'What's On Tap?' where BBB will be relaying highlights of what's on tap in Ithaca, NY. Soon enough we'll expand out to notable offerings across Upstate NY, but let's taking things one step at a time, shall we?

Ithaca Beer Taproom is debuting their latest in 5-Barrel series, a Milk Stout, aptly called Milkstash! Thursday is cask night, featuring Creeker, aged on maple wood.

Ithaca Coffee Company will feature a Brooklyn Beer tasting on Wednesday at Triphammer, including Brooklyn Blast! and Black Chocolate on draft.

Other notable offerings include (@ Triphammer) Galaxy's The Void, Stone Matt's Burning Rosids, Founders Big Luscious, Dogfish Festina Peche and Saison Du Buff, Wagner Valley Hop Tropic, Ithaca Rustic Havest.

(@Gateway) Ithaca Embrrr & Seventeen, Founders Dirty Bastard, Rogue 7 Hop IPA, Great Lakes Nosferatu, 21st Amendment Blah Blah Blah and more.

Bandwagon Brew Pub will debut a new West Coast IPA and a Copper Lager brewed with candi sugar and bitter orange peel. Both clock in at 7.0% with monikers tba later this week.

Ithaca Ale House boasts Empire Cream Ale, Abandon Saison, 21st Amendment Fireside Chat, He’Brew Hanukkah, Chanukah: Pass the Beer, Bell's Two Hearted, Victory Moving Parts 02, Wagner Valley Hop Tropic, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Ithaca Embrrr, and more including regular offerings Ithaca White Gold, Arrogant Bastard and others.

Hopshire Farms & Brewery has Abbey Normale (Dark Belgian Ale) is back on the lines.

The Westy have been holding steady with Southern Tier 2XOne, Founders Pale, Abandon Nut Brown, Horseheads Brickyard Red, Bell's Two Hearted, plus year-rounds from Yuengling, Stella, Jever, and Great Lakes.

FInger Lakes Beverage Center has Southern Tier Pumpking & 2XMAS, Jack's Abby Kiwi Rising, Abandon Belgian Golden, Evil Twin Imperial Biscotti Break, Sierra Nevada / Allagash Myron's Walk, 21st Amendment Blah Blah Blah, plus others from Sierra Nevada, Sam Adams, and Saranac ready for growler fills.

Thanks for joining this first week of 'What's On Tap?' in Ithaca, NY. Check in next week as we grow the list!

#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.

#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.

#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.

#252: Stone Brewing » Spotlight Series: Spröcketbier Black Rye Kölsch

Stone Brewing » Spotlight Series: Spröcketbier Black Rye Kölsch
ABV: 5.4% | IBU: 40 | Rating: 8.4

Rick Blankemeier & Robbie Chandler were the winners of Stone's Spotlight Series brewing competition, with their Spröcketbier Black Rye Kölsch. The concept of a dark Kölsch struck me since I first saw this one a few weeks (months?) back.

Spröcket kicks off with a soft, mild, malt nose with a breathe of cool, herbal notes. On to the palate it's full of roasted flavor and firm dark malts, but goes down effortlessly smooth. The body is light up front with a slowly drying, coffee-rye spice finish.

I could see Porter fans lining up for this one, though it has a bit more bitter, Euro-hop bit and light on it's feet. Overall, an agreeable winner and unique concoction. Not one to elbow-down for, but worth a try especially for a share with other enthusiasts.

#249: Jack's Abby Brewing » Session Rye IPL

Jack's Abby Brewing » Session Rye IPL | ABV: 3.8% | IBUs: 40 | Rating: 8.6%

My partner and I kicked off last Friday's at-home tasting with this new brew from Jack's Abby. Everything Jack's has been solid or impressive, so I was intrigued at the prospect of a quality, very low ABV beer from these MA lager innovators.

This Session Rye is a hazy, translucent amber with plenty of foamy, fluffy white head. The nose puffs up a soft plume of spicy citrus aromas. From first sip, it's a clean, refreshing, drinkable ride, but with ample character.

Having Centennial, Chinook, Columbus and Crystal hops at the very end of the boil, provides a distinctive, but subtle hop bitterness that never gets too biting. Rye heat and floral notes compliment nicely.

Overall, an excellent alternative to the session-IPA craze with a bit more character and subtle quality than most, though not the most hop-forward, if that's what you're seeking. Great body for such a low ABV. I'd encourage this to find its way to 6-packs.

#248: Flying Dog Brewery » Easy IPA

Flying Dog Brewery » Easy IPA | ABV: 4.8% | IBUs: 50 | Rating: 8.0%

Stemming from Flying Dog's Brewhouse Rarities series, Easy IPA has made it's way into year-round rotation and was second in our home tasting.

This session IPA pours up a transparent straw color crowed with a fluffy white head. Soft, mild hop aromas rise with a touch of pine and citrus. The flavor is quite mild with a minerally, mid-level bitterness in the finish.

Overall, there's really not that much going on here. I see this more as a brew that I'd grab while out at a bar when something other than beer is the focus. It's pleasant, well-balanced, but a bit too safe for this beer enthusiast's liking.

#247: Tröegs Brewing Company » LaGrave (Belgian-style Tripel)

Tröegs Brewing Company » LaGrave (Belgian-style Tripel)
ABV: 8% | Rating: 8.7/10

I've unfortunately only been privy to a couple of Tröegs batch brews, so I'm not as well versed on the full-caliber of their offerings, but Nugget Nectar, Flying Mouflan and others have always been impressive, so I've been looking forward to this LaGrave since it first caught my eye with it's classy, caged cork.

As the 3rd bottle in, during an in-home tasting session, LaGrave meets us with a hazy golden body and fluffy, staying white head whose lace clings for the full drink duration.

The nose is somewhat transparent, with mild notes of yeast, banana, and confection sugar. Lively carbonation follows onto the palate, presenting a firm, traditional Belgian-tripel body and mouthfeel. Firm flavors of savory spice and very slight chili give this strong brew a shot of complexity. Soft, sweet malts caress the palate the whole journey through.

Overall, a pleasant foray into Belgian-styles in bottles for Tröegs and worth a try for any Belgian fan, however it's a bit shy of much of what's going on across the pond and other Belgian-style American houses. Curious how this one would age and where Tröegs continues with this solid offering.

#246: Dark Horse Brewing Co. » Double Crooked Tree (IPA)

Dark Horse Brewing Co. » Double Crooked Tree (IPA)
ABV: 12% | Rating: 9.3

Aptly names, this DIPA is a double version of Dark Horse's Crooked Tree offering. Only my third Dark Horse, having nearly missed Smell Like A Safety Meeting, I've jumped on to make sure I get a bit broader view of their offerings.

Double Crooked Tree pours up with a deep, amber body and thick, staying, head of lace. The nose is impeccable - sweet raisin, cane sugar, caramel, coconut... a damn fine and potent collection of aromas.

Down the hatch it's barelywine characteristics up front quickly followed by a chili-hot DIPA - WOW. There's tons of hop heat on the finish here.

A sipper of a beer for sure. Rich, buttery mouthfeel, complex and huge the whole way through with charcoal notes in the finish; all wrapped up spicy and dry.

Overall, a heck of an IPA that holds its own amongst the big-ABV IPAs and recommended for the big-beer fans.

After some time between my first Dark Horse and these last two, I've surely discovered what all the buzz is about. I personally was a bit more struck with the unique palate of Smells Like A Safety Meeting, but my bet sees this DCT as a more widely-cheered brew.

News: Fingerlakes Beverage Center expands!

Our good friends at Fingerlakes Beverage Center are expanding!!

(just a short walk down the end of their East Coast isle...)

(welcome to their bigger, beautifully brighter cold case!)

(West Coast...)

(...to East Coast!)

More info & better picks coming soon. 

#236: Bottle Share: Dogfish Aprihop, Freigeist Pimock, Pinkus Münster Alt, Tripel Karmeliet, Valeir Divers

Friends, good beer, and a bit of Adventure Time and a Michael Jackson, wtf $30M music video - wait what? Let's focus on the beer...

Dogfish Head » Aprihop (Fruit Beer) ABV: 7.0% | Rating: 9/10
Great place to start. It's delightfully light, hoppy with a touch of apricots throughout, finished with a pleasant, lingering bitterness. Nice mid-level ABV for a fruit beer too.

Braustelle » Freigeist Pimock (Hefeweizen) ABV: 5.3% | Rating: 8.5/10
This Weizen serves up with a lacy white head over a deep, caramel color body - akin to apple cider. Pimock goes down incredibly smooth with noses of apple, wheat, and yeast with a mild Euro pilsner bitterness and faint lemon notes. Not particularly malty or hoppy, just damn tasty take on an old-school style.

Brauerei Pinkus Mueller » Organic Münster Alt (Altbier) ABV: 5.1 | Rating: 9.1/10
Floral flavors kick this one off, followed by a mineral notes and mild yeast. Tiny, prickly carbonation and transparent body keep this one quite clean tasting along with herbal hoppiness and mild malt sweetness. A solid, classic brew for a hot day that wraps up with a touch of lemon in a mildly dry finish. Recommended for those looking for a break from the bombast of American craft style without sacrificing quality and complexity.

Brouwerij Bosteels » Tripel Karmeliet (Tripel) ABV: 8.4% | Rating: 9.5/10
A wonderfully inviting, peppery-banana nose plumes out into delightfully robust flavors of white pepper, spicy esters, and tasty fruit notes of mango and other tropical varieties. A sturdy, 3-grain body of barley, wheat, oat keeps this one strong the whole way through. Incredibly well-balanced, elegant and generous on the impact.

Brouwerij Contreras » Valeir Divers (Belgian Strong) ABV: 8.5% | Rating: 8.9/10
Introducing itself with a fragrant Belgian notes with hints of pear, Valier bursts onto our palates with lively carbonation. A beautiful bouquet of yeasts and cardamon showcase the first stip, sealed in a wonderfully dry finish. Lasting fruity, spicy notes linger long after the final sip - a great finisher.

#235: Evil Twin Brewing » Bozo Beer (Imperial Stout)

Evil Twin Brewing » Bozo Beer (Imperial Stout) | ABV: 17.2% | Rating: 9.4/10

..

After a bit of an odd night on a far-too busy week, my partner and I decided to stay up a bit too late with great beer - in that way that you feel refreshed the next day, even though you got less sleep than you were supposed to. There's no messing around on a night like that, so we decided to bring out the big guns.

I'd somehow forgotten about Bozo's ludicrous 17.2% since picking it up several months back. I've had plenty of Stouts/Imperial Stouts brewed with coffee, but nothing like this.

Bozo starts up with a soft, roasted, stout nose with foreshadowing hints of chili, molasses and wood. Spilling over onto my palate, it's absolutely exclaim-worthy and delicious. Decadently smooth up front, silky & oily notes of chocolate and cocoa cascade with a rising flame of chili pepper heat.

More flavors keep peaking through - a mild nuttiness, faint cinnamon, robust roasted coffee, cane sugar and vanilla extract... even green pepper spice on the finish.

Despite all of this, Bozo is still surprisingly refreshing on a hot evening and masks the high ABV in stupendous way - in a blind test I'd put this at an 8.0%, tops. Damn good beer and absolutely recommended, especially those looking for a new, flooring experience.

#233: Bell's Brewing » Consecrator (Doppelbock)

Bell's Brewing » Consecrator (Doppelbock) | ABV: 8.0% | Rating: 9.2/10
With a busy week of shows, mixing, writing, and possible travels ahead, I've been catching up on some recent activity. Activity always goes better with a a bit of lubrication, don't you think?

I've been eyeing Bell's Consecrator for a bit now, having never been disappointing with any of their higher-end sixers. However, doppelbocks have to be pretty tasty to drop $18 for a pack. Initially, we picked this up for a bottle share. In hindsight, I recommend having this early / middle and not later as I'd expected.


Starts up with a deep, translucent and unhazed ruby body with a ring of staying head. Beautiful, sweet lager malt nose of brown bread and toast shines through with distinct notes of ripe grapes.

Understated and exquisite flavors and prickly carbonation roll over the tongue, pushing soft sparks of caramel sugars, bright esters, and hazy dark fruits. Malts are the star here, in this wonderfully subtle brew, riding the balance of soft, dark bitterness and roasted flavor, hovering on a light and fluffy mouthfeel.

Note to pour the entire bottle into the glass as there's flavor-packed goodness that settles. Further through some dry cocoa notes appear with a mild, building, soft chalky mouthfeel.

As one of the most German-inspired American brewed Doppelbock I've run across of late, it's all about classic elegance with this brew - no kitchen-sink, Americanized gimmickry here. The pricepoint will target this one to the dark lager fans and those with particularly discerning palates - highly recommended for both. Overall, a wonderful find. Looking forward to see what this does in a couple months.

#225: Westbrook Brewing Co. » One Claw (Rye Pale Ale)

One claw to rule them all...?

The Brewery: Westbrook Brewing Co. (Mount Pleasant, SC)
The Brew: One Claw (Rye Pale Ale)
Availability: Cans & Draft (Year-Round)
ABV: 5.5%
Rating: 8.6/10
Location: Home
Found: Fingerlakes Beverage Center

We've been steadily seeing more of Westbrook's offerings in the area since the initial launch of their IPA and White Thai cans in our region. Since my partner and I have been on a bit of a Rye kick, I grabbed a couple cans of their One Claw in addition to my six of Gose.

One Claw pours out with a voluminous, soapy white head, crowning a cloudy, pale yellow body. The nose is a beautiful bouquet of hops with strong aromas of grapefruit and citrus rind.

The taste is significantly mellower than the nose suggests unfortunately, but there is a gentile hop presence throughout that threads from the sip through the finish. It's nice and wet up front with a semi-dry finish.

Overall, a touch underwhelming for a rye after such a wonderful nose, but a drinkable, tasty beer either way.