After a primarily awkward magic/comedy show and sub-par dinner, my friend Ryan and I decided it was prime time to bolt our of the tourist-trap regions of Orlando, and find ourselves in the midst of fine brews down at
Gnarly Barley.
OBP »
Galaxy IPA | ABV: 6.5% | 8/10
First up, is a Galaxy hop IPA from Orlando's Orange Blossom Pilsner. Intensely bright flavors of orange and grapefruit start things off with plenty of pith and rind. Light bodied and aridly dry. Good start!
Terrapin /
BFM »
Jérôme & Spike's Collab. Ale: 2011 Barley Ryne | ABV: 10% | 9/10
Next is a collaboration between Georgia's Terrapin and the lauded Swiss brewmasters at BFM. This version of their Jérôme & Spike Collaboration Ale is an Barely Wine aged on American oak and bourbon.
As expected for an oaked Barelywine, it's an opaque, murky brown. Strong notes of oak and dark raisin flavors quickly set the palate on a delicious journey. Smooth, mid-level of carbonation keeps it lively and drinkable. It's backed by mild whiskey notes, dates and other dark fruits and finishing up with a slight tang and distinct orange sweetness. A wonderful, worthwhile collaboration.
Terrapin »
Monk's Revenge (Imperial BIPA, Wine Barrel Aged) | ABV: 9.8% | 9.3/10
Another inviting glass of murky brown brew, Monk's Revenge isn't as dank as the BFM collab, but is an incredible blend of styles, marrying a Belgian Tripel and an American Double IPA, into this Imperial Belgian-style IPA - this version is even aged in wine barrels.
Wonderful deep oak and bright mineral, wine-like notes start things off followed by a smooth tartness and big, boozy esters. Flavors of raisin, raspberry, cherry are abound. An incredible beer packed with dynamic sour notes and even some inferred whiskey flavors. Wow!
Great Divide »
Sour Puss (Flanders) | ABV: 7% | 8.5/10
Sour Puss is a Belgian-style Flanders Red ale from Colorado's Great Divide and looks to be a one-off.
It's a nice, juicy departure from the intense experience of the first three beers in the flight. Pleasant notes of sour cherry and raspberry that are wet with a mild tartness, finishing up with a mildly astringent finish. A solid American Flanders offering.
Cigar City »
Smoked English Style Imperial Stout (Humidor Series) | ABV: 11% | 9/10
After the initial flight, there were still too many must-try beers to call it a night just yet. While I had a chance to pick up a variety of Cigar City cans and a couple bottles, this was the only CCB that I was able to snag on draft while in Orlando.
CCB's Smoked Imperial Stout goes down bone dry packed with dark bitterness. This intense and super tasty. Big flavors of smoke with a mild spiciness and event a split second of big, sweet maltiness in the middle. Superbly crafted, but not sure I could put back a whole pint of this. A sipper for sure.
Terrapin »
Hopsecutioner (IPA w/ Randall) | ABV: 7% | 9.1/10
If getting my lips around Terrapin's six-hop Hopsecutioner wasn't enough, Gnarly Barley packs Columbus hops into one of Dogfish Head's
Randall units.
It serves up a pale yellow with lots of white, fluffy head. The taste? Unlike anything else, dank and sweet, without being particularly bitter with earthy, woody depth to it and finishes up tastfully dry. To be totally honest, this brew tastes and reeks like weed. Gnarly you made weed-beer and I tip my hat to you. Hop Mecca right here.
-gnarly.jpg)
