Great Divide Hades Belgian Golden

Great Divide Hades Belgian Golden 7.8% ABV 12oz draft

Great Divide Brewing Co. Denver, CO.

A:  Nearly clear honey golden yellow color with a moderate bright white head.  

S:  The beer offers aromas of belgian yeast and light spice and bready malts.  There is the common belgian yeast characteristics of fruits (citrus) and spices (coriander, pepper) while not being pronounced.  

T:  Malty flavors followed by citrus and moderate hops to finish.  

M:  Light medium body with adequate carbonation and a smooth yet dry finish.

D:  Very drinkable yet a little high in alcohol.  This is also a great food beer as well.

Food Pairings:  GD Hades will pair nicely with mussels, chicken sandwich, veal schnitzel, grilled cheese, weisswurst, hopwurst, and fishwich.  

Lucky 13 Mondo Large Red Ale

Lucky 13 Mondo Large Red Ale: Red Ale 8.56% 22oz   Beer Advocate: A-
A: Huge billowing head with some of the best lacing you’ll ever see on a beer. Pours a very deep dark red (think G’Knight)
S: Carmel, some light brown sugar, plum, guava, and a touch of alcohol esters. Lot of malt behind this one!
T: Toasty, nutty, caramel, biscuit, turbinado sugar, earth, brown bread, and tons of sweet, toasty grains. Light alcohol spice infused with some soft pepperiness and herbal tea-like hop characters. Some pungency and juiciness too. Finishes sweet, more tea, toasty and dry with granola linger.
M: Full bodied and palate coating with great carbonation
O: This is a perfect beer. While it’s malt bomb the hops are present and do a wonderful dance of balance. You get enough sweetness and tropical fruit to make this a surprise in a bottle. It’s huge, it’s red, and it’s delicious. Get some!
Food Pairings: 2oz Cheese, Lamb Poutine, Kielbasa, Smores, Burger

Saison Brett: Saison/Farmhouse Ale

Saison Brett: Saison/Farmhouse Ale 8.5% abv, 750ml  Beer Advocate: A
A: Buldging, rocky, tight white head that lasts the entire beer. I mean this is the most perfect head you’ll ever get on a bottle of beer. Pours a straw gold color that‘s quite hazy. Excellent lacing.
S: Clove-like spiciness, lemon, honeysuckle, light musky grapefruit with Brett in the background.
T:Appropriately sweet, lemon peel, white pepper, light tartness. Orange-like floral character. Notable light earthy funk. Touch of oak with a splash of bitter and an overall clean finish.
M: Crisp, effervescent, light to medium bodied with a peppery quality that sticks around.
O: Light porch pounder for this hot summer months. It’s easy drinking, crisp, delicious, and the acidity mixed with the high carbonation makes it perfect for food.
Food Pairings: Sausage add Corndog, 2oz cheese, Duck Duck Goose, Asparagus Soup

Older Viscosity: Imperial Stout

Older Viscosity: Imperial Stout 12.5%, 375ml  Beer Advocate: A
A: Pours a viscous black just like motor oil with a finger and a half of mocha colored head that diminishes and leaves behind fair lacing.
S: Intense with coca, dark malts, oak, raisins, figs, prunes, maple syrup, and alcohol.
T: Intense coca, chocolate, burnt and roasted malt, oak, vanilla, prunes, figs, bourbon, and a touch of smoke.
M: Very rich and very heavy on the palate. Warm boozy quality on the finish. Low carbonation with coca and chocolate (still powerful) as the aftertaste.
O: A phenomenal beer and one of the few Lost Abbey hasn’t had a carbonation issue with. This is an intense Imperial Stout that takes no prisoners and makes no apologies.
Food Pairings: Guiness Float, Tri-Tp add Steak
*This is the barrel aged version of Old viscosity which is a year around release. This is a very limited distribution and we are lucky to have it since the majority went to off premise (liquor stores). People might bitch about the price. Let them. The bottle runs $17 in a liquor store and it’s 12.5% abv and will take them 60 mins or more to complete this beer. This won’t be an easy sale, price versus size of bottle, but once they take one sip they’ll know where their money went. Comprende?

2008 Left Hand Chainsaw (Double Sawtooth)

2008 Left Hand Chainsaw (Double Sawtooth) 

Left Hand Brewing Co Longmont, CO.  Head Brewer: Ro Guenzel

Double ESB 9.4% ABV  750 ml   Beer Advocate:  B+  RateBeer: 95

A:   Pours a hazy copper orange with a moderate off-white head.  There is a bit of sediment in this bottle. Pour with care.  (do not bring the bottle back to upright between pours)

S:  Sweet malty caramel, toffee, and light cocoa aromas.  There is the remnants of citrusy hops but ever so slightly ( they fall off over time) 

T:  Flavors of nutty caramel, and toffee.  Delicious rich malts steal the show.

M:  Medium to full bodied with a rich, velvety mouthfeel.  Adequate carbonation for a 3 year old beer.

D:  This beer is a great food/dessert, after dinner beer or late night patio sipper.  

Food Pairing:  08 Chainsaw would pair great with the brat burger, cauliflower salad, sausages, waffle ice cream sandwich, funnel cake fried bananas.

Lost Abbey Framboise De Amorosa

Lost Abbey Framboise De Amorosa 

Lost Abbey Brewing Co, San Marcos, CA Head Brewer: Tomme Arthur

American Wild Ale /Raspberry beer 7.0%ABV  375ml  $42  Beer Advocate:  A- RateBeer 100

A:  Pours a muddy rose color with orange edges and lofty head with minimum retention.  Be aware that there is going to be sediment in the bottle so any agitation will make that more noticeable.

S:  Sweet, seedy, tangy, tart, raspberry aroma with an underlying wine barrel aged oaky funk.

T: A dry bouquet of tart berries.  This is a very complex beer of acid, fruit, age and spontaneity.

M:  Medium bodied with adequate carbonation, and a crisp dry and slightly earthy finish.

D:  This beer is extremely drinkable and should be done so under pristine conditions.  This is a beer to be enjoyed with great friends, for a special occasion, and with only the best food.

Food Pairings:  This beer begs to be enjoyed with richer items.  Foie, Bone Marrow, Cheese plate, boudin noir, pigs ears, and pork porterhouse.

DogFish Head Mi Antonia double pilsner

DogFish Head Mi Antonia double pilsner 7.5% ABV  750ml

Beer Advocate:A-

A:  Nearly clear golden hue with a lofty head of tight bubbles.  Great retention and beautiful lacing.

S:  Menage a trois of Malts, hops and fruit esters.  Pear, apple, lemon and lime aromas dance with herbal grassy and piney hops and bready pilsner malts.

T: Biscuity, bready pilsner malts, mingle with piney and floral/herbal hop flavors. Slight citrus and booze round out the flavor profile. 

M: Medium bodied with adequate bright carbonation.

D:  This is a very drinkable beer that will be a great food beer.

Food Pairings:  Try this with grilled Tri Tip, sausages, brat burger, rocket salad, and stilton sandwich.

DogFish Head 90 Min Double IPA

DogFish Head 90 Min Double IPA 9.0%ABV  12 oz bottle

Beer Advocate= A-

A: This beer pours a clear, deep copper caramel color with a moderate white head that recedes to leave with sticky lacing behind.

S: Caramel malts, citrus and floral hop notes with undertones of fruits (grapefruit/mango).

T: Rich caramel/toffee malts followed by piney and citrusy hops.  There is a unique yet faint nuttiness (hazelnut) quality 

M:  Medium bodied with good carbonation.  Smooth, rich and slightly chewy.

D:  A little to much alcohol (9.0%) to be completely sessionable, yet incredibly drinkable.

Food Pairings:  Brat Burger, bone marrow, stilton sandwich, sausages.

Ommegang Rare VOS Belgian Amber Ale

Ommegang Rare VOS  Belgian Amber Ale 6.5% ABV  750ml

A: This beer pours a slightly hazy burnt orange hue with a thick rocky white head.  The head recedes ever so slowly leaving behind moderate lacing.

S:  Bready malts, belgian yeast (banana, clove) with subtle spice (anise, clove, and nutmeg) and floral notes.  There is a little sweetness detected that smells of dried dark fruits (fig/raisin).

T:  Bready malt flavors mingle with lemon zest, peppery spice and Belgian yeast.  There is a presence of light and floral earthy notes with hops playing a backseat role in this beer.  Hops appear as grassy, herbal and spicy.

M:  Medium bodied with moderate carbonation (bottle conditioned).  Rather smooth and creamy 

D: Very drinkable and should work well with lots of food.  

Food Pairings:  Grilled Cheese, oyster po’boy, pork chop, scallops

Stone Cali-Belgique Belgian IPA

Stone Cali-Belgique Belgian IPA 6.9% ABV, 22oz  (this is stone IPA w/ Belgian yeast)

Beer Advocate A- 

A: This beer pours a crystal clear golden amber hue with a lofty, sticky white head. 

S:  Refreshing fruity (hints of peach, mango, and grapefruit) and spice notes with noticeable Belgian yeast combine with biscuity malts and citrusy/piney hops.

T:  Grapefruity hops, caramel malts and light spice round out the palate. 

M:  Medium bodied with adequate carbonation.  Refreshing and crisp with a dry finish.  

D:  Very drinkable for a hop head, but just a little high to truly session this Belgian IPA.

Food Pairings:  Brat Burger, Sausages, stilton, bone marrow, rocket salad.

Stone, IRS Imperial Russian Stout

Stone, IRS 10.5% Imperial Russian Stout, 22oz bomber.
A: Pours a thick viscous black with a mocha head that sticks around
S: Big chocolate, burnt and roasted malts, hops underline it all, alcohol is present
T: Intense! The chocolate bitter not sweet, the malts are burnt and charred- think espresso but not rich. Anise is subtle, there is bitter malts and bitterness on the finish as well as alcohol.
M: Full bodied to the max and this beer will kill your palate, it’s heavy and well carbonated.
D: Thick, viscous, heavy, and strong. This is THE Imperial Russian Stout. This beer is only for someone that truly loves bitter or imperial stouts. It took me 2 hours to take down 1 bottle.
Food Pairings: Tri-tip, Smore's, Waffle and ice cream sando, caramel bacon sticky bun

Dogfish Head, Sah’tea

Dogfish Head, Sah’tea, 9% Sahti, 750ml
A: Bright honey color with head that quickly fades
S: Off the charts amazing with cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. Very spicy and reminds you instantly of chai tea
T: Refreshing on the first sip with a moderate malty body. As the beer is swallowed your hit with black tea, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, black pepper, juniper, and a touch of banana from the Weizzen yeast.
M: Medium to full bodied with moderate carbonation
D: This is my new fav DF beer. It’s so different it’s just outstanding. It’s truly a blend of chai tea flavors and beer.
Food Pairings: Scallops add Scallop, Rocket Salad, Stilton Sandwich add Steak, Bananas
Facts: 9th Century Finnish Recipe that requires heating the wort with white hot river rocks. They blend cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and black pepper to make a black chai tea. Beer is brewed with hand picked Finnish juniper and rye. Weizzen Yeast. This is one of the Ancient Ales.

Dogfish Head, Festina Peche

Dogfish Head, Festina Peche, 4.5% Neo BerlinerWeisse  12oz bottles
A: Hazed yellow-golden in color. Head quickly recedes to nothing.
S: Fair amount of peaches with a tart aroma, wheat and yeast with floral notes.
T: Tartness is crisp and refreshing but not an eat your face off sour. In the center of the tartness resides the peach flavors with a touch of green apples.
M: Medium body even though it comes across very soft
D: Overall this is a perfect beer. It comes across as soft, tart, refreshing, and wildly different. It’s very ephemeral and will keep you sipping.
Pairings: Rocket Salad add Scallop, Dover Sole, and Grilled Cheese
From Dogfish: “In our Festina Peche since the natural peach sugars are eaten by the yeast, the fruit complexity is woven into both the aroma and the taste of the beer so there is no need to doctor it with woodruff or raspberry syrup - open and enjoy!”

Great Divide Brewing, Rumble

Great Divide Brewing, Rumble, 7.1% oaked aged IPA, 12oz bottles
A: Dark orange with bright amber hues, creamy white head that fades very fast
S: Woody/oaky, vanilla, and sweet caramel malt with subtle hops. Citrus- lemon, and resinous pine dominate the hop profile.
T: Oak is present but not overpowering, vanilla is present, malt adds a mild sweetness but there is citrus notes of orange and grapefruit and of course that prototypical dry IPA finish.
M: Medium bodied, crisp, sharp, and very smooth
D: Overall it’s a solid IPA. The oak and the sweet malts do a great job of balancing this beer. It resides some where between an IPA and a DIPA with flavor, characteristics, and being 7.1% (7.5% starts DIPAs)
Pairings: Tri-tip add Scallop, Bone Marrow, Burger, and Smores

This beer is aged on French and American oak; ie- barrel aged.

Petrus: Aged Pale Ale

Petrus: Aged Pale Ale (Flanders Oud Bruin), 7.3% abv, 12oz Beer Advocate: B+ / A (Bros)

A: Clear golden color with minor amber highlights, fantastic white head 2 inches thick, great lacing.

S: Oak, funky horse-blanket, lactic acid, fruit is tart apples.

T: Sour and tart with apples, cherries, peaches wrapped up in oak with notes of citrus fruit (lemon).

M: Light to medium bodied with solid carbonation.

D: Clean and refreshing sour ale! Can’t even taste the abv on this one and isn’t as heavy/tart as a Gueuze.

*Food Pairings: Lamb Poutine, Duck Poutine add Boudin Noir, Bone Marrow, Tri-Tip, Smores, Cupcake

Jolly Pumpkin: Bam Noir

Jolly Pumpkin: Bam Noir (Dark Sasion), 4.3% abv, 750ml. Beer Advocate: B+

A: Dark brown with a very lofty head, light tan, great retention as well.

S: Mild on the Saison funk, raspberries, cherries, currants, and oak, touch of spice.

T: Light fruit and oak, unripe notes with hints of cherries and citrus peel, very tangy/ funky flavors.

M: Effervescent and light bodied with great carbonation .

D: Overall a great wild ale from JP, very drinkable and pretty complex for 4% abv.

*Food Pairings: Sole add Scallop, Fishwich, Grilled Cheese, Stilton, Rocket Salad, Chx Sand

Great Divide 17th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA

Great Divide 17th Anniversary  (Wood Aged Double IPA 10.0%)

Great Divide Brewing Co. , Denver, CO. 

 Beer Advocate: B+

A:  Pours a clear, chestnut brown color w/ red highlights,  and an adequate white foam head.  

S:  Woody (vanilla, oak) caramelized malt front (toffee, barleywine) with creamy citrus, piney hops to follow

T:  Piney hops, caramel, toffee, oak, and vanilla.  

M: Med- Full with mild carbonation, and a creamy finish.

D:  Rather drinkable at 10.% ABV for a DIPA, the wood cuts the edge off this DIPA and lends itself to food as well as a great shared large format.  

Food Pairings:  Stilton Sandwich, Sausage sampler, Lamb poutine, brat burger, funnel cake fried bananas, ice cream sandwich. 

Ommegang 3 Philosophers

Ommegang 3 Philosophers (Belgian Quadrupel 9.8%)

Ommegang Brewing Co., Cooperstown NY.

This Belgian quad is blended with Cherry Lambic (Kriek)

Beer Advocate: A-

A: Pours a glowing 'caramel red' color with nice clarity and a lofty off white head

S:  Complex malt sweetness complimented by tart cherry notes.

T:  Spice, dark fruits, tart cherries, fruit cake, chocolatey, caramely malts.

M: Medium bodied with a Smooth, creamy, finish and bright carbonation.

D:  This is a deliciously drinkable 'Kriek spiked' quad that is better enjoyed sipped.  

Food Pairings:  Sausages, Red Velvet cupcake, bananas. 

Russian River Salvation

Russian River Salvation (Belgian Strong Dark Ale 9.0% ABV)

Russian River Brewing Co, Santa Rosa, CA 

Beer Advocate:  A

A: Pours a clear, dark chestnut color with a lofty light tan head that receded to leave a thin yet persistent foam. 

S:  Dark fruits(prunes, figs, raisins) belgian yeast, toasty caramel malts, spice phenols (cinnamon, clove, pepper, nutmeg)  

T:  Dark brown bread, brown sugar, dried dark fruits, fruity/spicy belgian yeast.

M: Med- heavy body with good carbonation and a long, sweet finish that lingers.

D: Definitely a sipper  but easily paired with a dessert.

Food Pairing:  Funnel cake fried bananas, ice cream sandwich

Lost Abbey Judgement Day

Lost Abbey Judgement Day  (Belgian Quadrupel 10.5%)

Lost Abbey Brewery, San Marcos, CA 

Beer Advocate: B+

A: Pours a dark mahogany with almost red/purple highlights and an ivory colored head with persistent retention.

S:  Dark fruits(raisins, prunes,figs) complimented by caramel malts and molasses

T: Dark roasted malts, choc, berries, figs, raisins, candied sugar, 

M:  Dark, full bodied with medium carbonation and a smooth sweet finish,

D:  Very drinkable for lovers of belgian quads, still 10.5% ABV  More of a sipper or dessert beer.

Food Pairings:  Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich, Funnel Cake fried Bananas, Red Velvet.  

Lost Abbey Red Barn

Lost Abbey Red Barn (Belgian Farmhouse/Saison 6.7% ABV)

Lost Abbey Brewery, San Marcos, CA    

Beer Advocate: A-

A: Pours a slightly hazy golden orange with a lofty head.

S:  Grassy hops, citrus(lemon, orange), wheat, spice (ginger, corriander) slight funk

T:  Grainy, biscuity malts, Delicate fruits (apple, pear) Spices(clove, ginger), Belgian yeast, lemon, orange, and subtle yet bitter hops finish.

M: Light-Med body, light carbonation with a smooth, dry finish.

D: Real drinkable and at 6.7%ABV this also serves as a great food beer.

Food Pairings:  Sausages, cauliflower salad, rocket salad, Itsy Bitsy Fishwich, Sole Schnitzel

Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca

Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales,  Dexter, Michigan

Witbier  4.8% ABV

This beer has a noticable funk from Brett, maybe not an intro beer.

A: Pours a slightly hazy golden hue with a persistent fluffy off white head.

S:  Aromas of sour citrus( lemon and orange), slight spice( coriander), belgian yeast,  light malted wheat and touch of piney hops as well as a earthen barnyard funk.

T:  Flavors of grassy hops, bready wheat pair with a lemon/citrus tartness and is rounded out with slight spice (nutmeg, coriander, clove, pepper) and a Brett funk.

M:  Crisp beer with light to medium body, bright carbonation and sharp, clean citrus finish.  

D;  Very drinkable yet rather complex.  

Food pairing:  This beer would be great on the patio on a hot day, or as a starter for a meal.  

Serve with the Rocket salad, marlin crudo, mussels, sole schnitzel.

From the Jolly Pumpkin website: 

Calabaza Blanca- Aged in large oak casks and refermented in the bottle, Calabaza Blanca is a Belgian Biere Blanche. Spiced with orange peel and corriander, you'll find it refreshingly tart, with a wonderfully dry finish.

St. Bernardus Triple Belgian Triple

St. Bernardus Triple: 

Belgian Triple, Beer Advocate:  -A / A 750ml / 8% abv

A: Light bright orange with massive off white billowy head- very cloud like. Great lacing!

S: orange, citrus, yeasty, soft malt, banana bread, grainy, and just a touch boozy but nothing too crazy.

T: Sweet malts, honey, white grape, banana, tropical fruits, little bitterness on end but malts balance.

M: Light carbonation, soft for a Triple, sudsy, and crisp. Alcohol is completely masked.

D: Very complex Tripel and one of the world’s best. The drink ability on this beer is scary.

Russian River’s Supplication American Wild Ale

 Russian River’s Supplication: 

American Wild Ale, Beer Advocate: A / A+ 375ml / 7% abv

A: High head that recedes fast into just a little over the top of the beer. Low lacing. Pours Copper with brown hues.

S: High sour and acidic aroma with touch of wood and small wild cherries.

T: Deeply complex but balanced. Sour notes are high and very tart, finish is long and delicious and dry.

M: Wonderful carbonation and medium to full bodied. Tart on the back sides of palate, finishes dry.

D: Fantastic sour meant to be sipped just like a fine dry red.

Lost Abbey’s Serpents Stout

 Lost Abbey’s Serpents Stout: 

Imperial Stout, Beer Advocate: -A / A 750ml / 11% abv

A:  Pours pitch black, thick dark brown head, great lacing.

S: Chocolate, molasses, roasted malts, blended with the essence of coffee

T: Strong roasted malts, chocolate to begin with coffee to finish. Very boozy on finish- goes down hot.

M: Mild carbonation, full bodied, hot and slightly boozy.

D: Very large beer that will be a sipper. Age could do it some good but it’s very drinkable now.

Lost Abbey’s Carnival Ale

 Lost Abbey’s Carnival Ale: 

Saison, Beer Advocate: B+ 750ml / 6.5% abv

A: Pours a hazy gold with great lacing. Head recedes quickly into a nice soft foam over beer.

S: Belgian yeast, touch of Brett, pears and apples. A little spicy floral hops on the back but funk dominates.

T: Big fruity esters, gentle spice, touch of that Saison funk, and dry bitter on finish.

M: Medium bodied but might seem a little larger because of the dry finish. Moderate carbonation. 

D: Really easy drinking for a nice hot day. Saison’s are porch beers: Sip and enjoy the day pass by.

Boulevard Zon, WitBier

Boulevard Zon, WitBier 4.4%r, Boulevard Brewing Co.  Kansas City, MO  16oz  $5.25  (HH/SIN)

A:Pours a hazy yellow with a thick white foamy head that recedes leaving substantial lacing.

S:  Wheat, bready malts, zesty citrus fruit, light spice ( coriander, clove)

T:  Earthy wheat balanced with lemon and orange citrus notes and light spice followed by delicate bready malts.

M:  Light to Medium bodied with lively carbonation and a dry finish.

D:  Very drinkable and refreshing at 4.4%

Food Pairings:  Cauliflower salad, scallops, rocket salad, Grilled Cheese, Wiesswurst

Stone Ruination DIPA

Stone Ruination DIPA, 7.7% ABV Stone Brewing Co. Escondido, CA  8oz $5.25 (no HH/SIN)

A: This beer pours a hazy amber hue with a persistent, foamy off white head and significant lacing.

S: Earthy, bitter pine followed by a hint of mild sweet orange aromas and with a finish of caramel malts.

T:  Sweet malts and citrusy hops greet you followed by a massive hop bitterness that yields to a firm malt backbone and an icredible dry, bitter finish.

M:  Medium bodied with mild carbonation and a dry finish that begs for another sip.

D:  A rather dry finish lends itself to being increasingly more drinkable but keep an eye out as this beer is 7.7%

Food Pairings:  This should work nicely with the Bone Marrow, Brat Burger, and possibly with the Tomato salad.

Odell Levity Amber Ale

Odell Levity Amber Ale, 5%ABV Odell Brewing Co, FT. Collins, CO 16oz $5.25 (HH/SIN)

A:  Pours a clear golden amber with an adequate white head.

S:  Caramel malt is the first aroma, followed by mild grassy and floral hops. 

T:  Caramel and biscuity malts, slight sweetness and a hint of citrus on the finish.  I've heard it likened to honeysuckle and clementine.

M:  Medium bodied with a crisp carbonation and mild dryness on the finish.

D:  This may be one of the most drinkable beers on the planet.  This will certainly go down easy.

Food Pairings:  Brat Burger, Po Boy, Hopwurst, Keilbasa, Chips and Dip

Unibroue Brewing Co. La Fin Du Monde

La Fin Du Monde

Unibroue Brewing Co. Quebec Canada

Belgian Tripel  9.0% ABV

Beer Advocate: A

A:  Beer pours a hazy golden honey color topped with a creamy off-white head.

S: Smells of bright fruits and spices, bready malts and belgian yeast are prevalent.   Citrus notes (lemon/ orange zest) , banana, green apple, and stone fruits are all slightly detectable with a minor hop floral aroma in the background.

T: There is a lot going on in this beautifully balanced beer from bright tart fruits, floral hops and bready malts and fruity yeast to subtle spice notes and slight lingering herbal hop finish. 

M:  Crisp, medium bodied with moderately bright carbonation that leaves you wanting more.

D:  Especially drinkable though at 9.0% ABV this beer will certainly sneak up on you.

Food Pairings:  Think scallops, sole schnitzl, weisswurst, hopwurst, mussels.

Echt Krikenbier Flanders Red Ale

Verhaeghe: Echt Krikenbier (Flanders Red Ale), 6.8% abv, 12oz Beer Advocate: B+

A: Pours a very bright ruby red with stark white head that quickly fades.

S: Powerful bouquet of vinegar, oak, medicinal / savory cherry.

T: Sour cherries with tartness, cider like qualities, slightly medicinal, hints of vinegar, alcohol is present.

M: Light with excellent carbonation, sticky but in a good way but not overly sweet.

D: Not quite a Kriek and not quite a Flanders Red, think of it as a blend. Overall, great beer.

*Food Pairings: Rocket Salad, Scallops add Scallops, Veggies, Grilled Cheese, Smores, Cupcake

Drie Fonteinen Oude Gueuze

Drie Fonteinen: Oude Gueuze (Gueuze), 6% abv, 12oz  Beer Advocate: A

A: Hazy light honey color with a massive head that quickly recedes but maintains as well.

S: Slight sour, a little bit of funk, but huge fruit. Mainly white grapes and apples.

T: Dry up front into a very intense sour that quickly recedes into sweet fruity aftertaste.

M: Medium body and highly carbonated.

D: Awesome aroma that will carry through the room, great head retention, and sessionable. 

*Food Pairings: Grilled Steak, Curds, Hopwurst, Shroom Poutine, cheese plate

Unibroue Brewing Co Don De Diue Tripple Wheat

Don De Diue Tripple Wheat 

Unibroue Brewing Co. Quebec Canada

Belgian Tripple Wheat Ale  9.0% ABV

Beer Advocate: A-

A:  Pours a hazy golden yellow color with a lofty bright white head.

S:  Fruity (Green grapes, green apples, bananas, apricot, citrus,) and spicy(clove, corriander pepper) and slight roasted malts ( toffee, wheat)

T:  Citrusy hops, yeasty funk, fruity esters and spice( corriander, pepper) malted wheat aftertaste.

M:  Medium bodied with med-high carbonation.  Rich but delicate.  

D:  Extremely drinkable and beautiful with food.

FoodPairings:  Sausages  chicken and waffles, cauliflower salad, mussels, camembert sandwich.

Dogfish Head Black and Blue Belgian Golden brewed with Blackberries and Blueberries

Dogfish Head Black and Blue(Belgian Golden ), 10%ABV, 750mL, Beer Advocate B

A: Pours a clear reddish amber with a lofty off-white head (careful to not stir up sediment in bottle) 

S: Smells of blueberries, blackberries and some grainy malts w/ a hint of Belgian yeast

T: Sweet berry across the palate first then moves a little tart before finishing with a nutty and caramel maltyness

M: Medium bodied w/ moderate carbonation and an ever so slightly dry finish

D: This is a great beer for anyone wanting something a bit unique.  W/ 10% ABV its not quite a sipper, but goes down rather easily.  

*Food Pairings:  Rocket salad, dover sole schnitzel, Funnel Cake Bananas, Pot d’ Crème

Dogfish Head Squall Wood Aged, Unfiltered 90 min

Dogfish Head  Squall (Double IPA)  9%ABV, 750mL, Beer Advocate A-

A: Hazy honey copper color with a small off white head with strong retention.

S: Resiny Piney hops followed by a blast of caramel malt and finishes w/ citrusy lemon, floral and spice notes and boozy burn.  

T: Strong piney hops with a lesser citrus/tropical fruit hop characteristic followed by sweet caramel malts and hints of black pepper, eucalyptus, and warming from the high alcohol.

M:  Medium- Full bodied with moderate carbonation. This beer drinks remarkably smooth and almost creamy for a hoppy DIPA

D: Very drinkable for a hop head, but also a great sipping beer as the complexity and ABV make it perfect for a long conversation.

*Food Pairings: Bone Marrow, Stilton Sandwich, Brat Burger

The Bruery Saison Rue

Bruery Saison Rue

The Bruery, Orange County, CA

Saison 8.5% ABV

This beer has a noticable funk from Brett, maybe not an intro beer.

A: Pours a hazy copper golden hue with a short but persistent off white head

S:  Aromas of sweet malts, marmalade, biscuits, tart apples, spice from Rye, Pepper, bubble gum, leather, and an earthy funk from Brett.

T:  Flavors of toasted malts, spice from rye, black pepper, grassy hops, earthen funk (from Brett) and finishes with a bright citrus zest. Slightly tart as well.

M: Medium bodied with bright lively carbonation, finishes dry and a little bitter.

D:  Very good food beer.  

Food Pairings:  Sausages, cauliflower salad.  Lets try to find a WOW! pairing for this, test some things out.  

Deschutes Black Butte Porter

Black Butte Porter

Deschutes Brewing Co, Bend, Oregon

American Porter 5.2% ABV

A:  Pours a dark brown almost black with a frothy tan head.

S:  Dark roasted malts, toffee, hints of coffee and chocolate.  

T:  Espresso and chocolate, dark roasted and burnt malts.  Slight hop bitterness on the finish.

M:  Medium bodied with adequate carbonation.  Smooth with a crisp finish.

D:  Extremely drinkable beer.  

Food Pairings:  Tri Tip, Kielbasa, Pork Chop, Brat Burger, Bananas, Ice Cream Sandwich, Carrot Cake spec dessert.  

From the Deschutes website:  

Black Butte is rich in flavor yet easy to drink, with a creamy, smooth mouth feel. The slight hop bitterness up front only enhances the distinctive chocolate and roasted finish to come. 

Avery Samael’s Ale

Avery Brewing Co: Samael’s Ale (English Barley Wine), 15.31% abv, 12oz Beer Advocate B+ / B- (Bros)

A: Pours a deep orange/amber with brown hues with a creamy head that sticks to the glass but fades fast

S: Heavy oak with subtle cherries in the background, pretty damn boozy

T: Thick, malty, sugary that borders cloying. Mild hops in the middle with layers of caramel. Hot and boozy on the finish. Hints of oak linger in the backdrop with vanilla and nutmeg rounding out the flavors.

M: Heavy, viscous, and syrupy with a creaminess to it.

D: This is a sipper. Abv a side it’s not your dads beer. Easily shareable as an after dinner drink (great replacement to ports and cognacs) but if they like full bodied beer and barrel aged beer, this is THE one.

*Food Pairings: Lamb Poutine, Duck Poutine add Kielbasa, Foie Gras, Tri-Tip add Steak, and Smores.

4 CALLING BIRDS Belgian Strong Ale 11%, 750 mL THE BRUERY Orange County, California

4 CALLING BIRDS Belgian Strong Ale 11%, 750 mL 

THE BRUERY Orange County, California

A- dark brown with reddish tones. Thin tan head with little lacing.
S- dark fruits, a ton of spices including gingerbread
T- holy spice bomb! Gingerbread, sweet amber malts, some dark fruits
M- medium body. Abv hidden well, smooth and creamy
O- good beer, but could only drink the 4 oz I got.

The Abyss 11% ABV, 22oz bottle by Deschutes Brewery, Bend Oregon

The Abyss  11% ABV, 22oz bottle

 by Deschutes Brewery, Bend Oregon    Beer Advocate:A

A: A thick jet black color that leaves no light through it. A small light brown head sits atop. Lacing is minimal.

S: Dark roasted smells with huge chocolate notes. Some espresso mixes in with a decent amount of woodiness. I get some sweet fruits with the sweet chocolate.

T: Massive dark chocolate flavors mix with some roasted malts and some espresso/coffee notes. The chocolate just keeps coming with some caramel sweetness that gets overtaken by the wood and smoke flavors. If I try, I gets some bourbon and vanilla from the barrels too. Just dark and dank, but oh so delicious. Alcohol creeps in on the finish but is totally welcomed. 

M: Full, coating, thick, some alcohol and nice carbonation for this thick of a stout. 

O: What else can I say. On tap this beer is just as great as in a bottle. This is a stellar barrel aged beer that does not punch you in the face with barrel aging. Great beer, award winning. 

Great Divide, 2011 Barrel-Aged Yeti 12.2% ABV 750ml – capped (750ml Barrel-Aged Series)

Great Divide, 2011 Barrel-Aged Yeti  12.2% ABV 750ml – capped (750ml Barrel-Aged Series) 

A: Pours a pitch black similar to motor oil. The head is a deep brown but fades very quickly. Not much lacing but extreme legs. 

S: Hershey Kisses! Rich dark chocolate with sugar sweetness backing it up. There are oak and sweet whiskey flavors that are very present. 

T: Massive and complex. The taste on this is the best part. Great blend of chocolate, roastiness, booze, whiskey, oak and vanilla from the barrel. Alcohol and roastiness on the back. Balance is perfect as it warms.  

M: Full bodied but not nearly as heavy as I would have imagined it would could be. Light carbonation – silky finish. 

O: One of the best barrel-aged imperial stouts on the market. The chocolate, coffee, vanilla, whiskey, and oaky characters are so well balanced it could almost be a staple in the industry. Easily shareable amongst a group of friends. $45 a bottle spilit 4 ways = $11.25 for a 6oz pour. Very good F-ing deal. 

Avery, The Kaiser –Avery Brewing Co, Boulder, CO.

Avery, The Kaiser –Avery Brewing Co, Boulder, CO.

Imperial Märzen Lager 10.2% (?)  ABV  22oz – Dictator Series- 

A: Pours a brilliant caramel to light copper.  The head is a gorgeous white with tight bubbles and carries with it perfect sticky lacing. 

S: Breadiness and toasted caramel blended with a touch of spice from the noble hops and a touch of booze. 

T: Malt bomb! Sweetness blended with warming booziness and herbal flavors from the hops. There is a touch of spice but it does not dominate the rich caramel notes of the toasted malt which leaves for a strong finish that leans on the sweeter side for lagers.  

M: Heavy and fully bodied. Carbonation is very good, long finish semi-sweet finish 

D: This is another sipper! For those that say they don’t lagers here’s the one they will fall in love with. For those that like a sweeter beer this is for them as well and let’s not leave out those that enjoy a brew that carries a punch of alcohol. The Kaiser might be one of the most approachable beers above 8% ABV that is not Belgian in nature. 

Avery, Rumpkin – Avery Brewing Co. Boulder, CO.

Avery, Rumpkin – Avery Brewing Co. Boulder, CO.  

15.9% ABV Pumpkin Ale aged in Goslings Rum barrels. 12oz bottle.

A: Soft head – loose bubbles that fades fast. Very dark brown almost like a class of whiskey. Great legs low lacing. 

S: Pumpkin pie! Soft hints of spices, nutmeg, cinnamon,  mixed with subtle pumpkin. Sweet richness is on the forefront with a dense booziness on the backend but it’s masked with the creamy nose. 

T: Pumpkin pie made with rum! Minor spices throughout the palate with huge rich sweetness that coats the palate like a warm coat. Pumpkin flavors are present but blend very well with the sweetness. Strong rum flavors dominate the finish and warm the chest but the booziness, actual alcohol is well hidden while cold. 

M: Very full bodied – almost a stout in feel. Moderate carbonation but this beer weighs heavy on the palate. 

O: Incredible Pumpkin Ale and uber rare. 15.9% = Just under 4 beers in 1. This is made for pumpkin beer fans, rum lovers, and those that enjoy rich beer. This is a sipper made for Winter.  

Surrette, Crooked Stave Brewing Company, Ft. Collins, CO.

Surrette, Crooked Stave Brewing Company, Ft. Collins, CO.  750mL bottle

6.2% ABV, Wood Aged Saison with slight amounts of Brett and Lacto

A:  Pours a hazy golden orange color with an ambitious off white head.

S:  This aged farmhouse has classic aromas of hay, funk, citrus and spice.  

T:  This beer tastes of light malts, citrus, and farmhouse flavors like hay, and funk. 

M:  Light bodied with bright carbonation and a dry slightly funky finish.

Food Pairing:  This beer would pair great with Salumi Sandwich, Fishwich, Weisswurst , Veal Schnitzel.  

Faster Bigger Better Bolder Dogfish Head/ The Bruery Collaboration

Faster Bigger Better Bolder Dogfish Head/ The Bruery Collaboration 750mL 

8.25% ABV Herbed/Spiced Beer (kumquats and 7 spice blend, sake yeast)

A:  Pours a hazy golden orange color with a lofty white head that recedes to leave behind only minimal lacing.

S:  This beer smells of delicious earthy belgian and sake yeast, citrusy aromas of kumquat and spices coriander, ginger, white pepper, with a light yet sweet malty backbone.

T: Flavors of sweet juicy malts, a mild citrus twang, and warming spices as well as saison spices are the most dominant flavors.  Yeasty characteristics from Belgian and Sake yeast are mild as are light fruit flavors like red apple, grapes, or peaches.

M:  Rich medium bodied beer with active carbonation and a dryish after taste.  

Food Pairings:   This is both a great food beer as well as a great drinking beer. It would pair fantastically with the Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, Salumi Sandwich, Mussels, Sausages, etc. 

Avery Czar, Avery Brewing Co. Boulder, CO.

Avery Czar, Avery Brewing Co. Boulder, CO.  

Russian Imperial Stout , 22 oz bottle, 11% ABV.  Beer Advocate:B+

A:  This winter seasonal pours a rich dark brown with crimson highlights and a moderate beige head that recedes leaving behind moderately intricate lacing.

S:  Aromas of sweet roasted malts blend with dark fruit, and mild cocoa and coffee notes.  Minor hop aromas blend with a slight spiciness. 

T:  Flavors of dark fruit (plums, prunes, dates) mingle with rich dark malt flavors of coffee, toffee, chocolate, and cocoa with a slight hints of anise.  A moderate hop bitterness and rather prevalent alcohol hotness balance out the rich sweetness of this RIS.  Enjoys both a rich initial impression and a rather dry finish.

M:  This beer is med-medium heavy in body with moderate carbonation and a significant alcohol presence.  

D:  This beer is certainly a sipper and would likely be best served as a way to finish and evening, rather than begin a meal.  

Food Pairings:  This would serve great with our waffle and sour dough ice cream sandwich as well as a rich blue cheese.

Bligh's Dry Dock Barleywine Ale, Dry Dock Brewing Co

Bligh's Dry Dock Barleywine Ale, Dry Dock Brewing Co, Aurora, CO.

English Style Barleywine 10% ABV 

A:  This beer pours dark brown with ruby highlights, with a moderate off white head leaving a minimal amount of lacing on the glass.

S:  Sweet aromas of brown sugar, caramel, molasses, oak, bourbon and especially coconut.  No real dominant hop characteristics are prevalent. 

T:  Hints of vanilla, wood, bourbons are accents to the silken caramel, and dried dark fruit sweetness. Alcohol is subdued but detectable, while no real hops are part of the flavor profile.

M:  Medium to full bodied, rich, creamy mouthfeel with moderate carbonation and a  slightly sweet finish that lingers.

D:  Awesome winter warmer, great for a dessert course, but also incredible by itself.  Lots of alcohol so do serve with caution.

Food Pairings:  Lemon buckle, Ice cream sandwich and cheese.

Avec Les Bons Voeux , Brasserie Duppont

Avec Les Bons Voeux ,  Brasserie Duppont

Farmhouse Saison, 750 mL, 9.5%ABV  Beer Advocate:A-

A:  This seasonal saison pours a hazy light orange with a moderately lofty rocky white head that leaves behind significant lacing 

S: Lots of traditional saison aromas:  Earth, funk, hay, citrus, spice, yeast.

 There are also a number of non-traditional aromas going on here as well.  Smells of melon, floral notes, candy fruit or cotton candy.

T:  Biscuity yet slightly sweet malt back bone supported by earthy notes of grass, leaves and funk.  Lemony citrus, spice and fruity belgian yeast are presented as well.

M:  This is a rather rich, high alcohol saison that presents lively carbonation and a moderately dry finish.  

D:  This is a perfect winter saison with a rich body and high alcohol.  This will prove to be a great food beer as well as a late meal sipper.

Food Pairings:  Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich, Sausages, Mussels, and Grilled Cheese.  

Cheese Pairing: Saison matched well with musty, earthy leaf-wrapped cheeses and washed-rind cheeses on the firmer side.