In honor of Beer Week (and the fact that I haven't gotten to this until now), I'm doing a vertical tasting of the 2011 and 2012 Anchor Our Special Ales. Yes, it's February, but isn't every day like Christmas when you're opening a fine craft beer? Actually, this kind of happened by accident. Normally I'll have, say, 8-14 bottles in the fridge at any given time, usually of … [Read more...] about It’s a Christmas Vertical!
Brews
Speakeasy Butchertown Black Ale — it’s Super!
I love Black IPAs. Love, love, love them. Some may think they are gimmicky, some may not know what to call them. (Cascadian Dark Ale, anyone?) All I know is, what's not to love? Rich velvety maltiness, with a snappy hop kicker? Come on! Besides, if the GABF thinks enough of them to make them a category, that's plenty good enough for me. Speakeasy's Butchertown Black … [Read more...] about Speakeasy Butchertown Black Ale — it’s Super!
Chic-chicory, chic-chicory…
Getting lame with these titles, I know. Enjoying the end of the work week with a glass of Dogfish Head's Chicory Stout. Wow, there's a lot going on here. Swirl the glass and it smells deep and roasty, like you're walking in to a coffee shop. Pours black as night, no light getting through this. But it's the palate that's so interesting. Yes, you get the typical mocha, … [Read more...] about Chic-chicory, chic-chicory…
Sierrapalooza
Okay, okay. I realize I've been lagging on my self-imposed "deadlines”. Gimme a break, it's not like I'm being paid for this gig. And the editor is, well, me. So if I don't get a post sent up, meh. My millions of readers will just have to be patient. I must say that Sierra Nevada is trying very hard to corner the market on ... my fridge. Seriously. I'm working my way … [Read more...] about Sierrapalooza
Trader Joe’s 2012 Vintage Ale
Style: Belgian Strong Ale Brewer: Unibroue, Chambly, Quebec, Canada ABV: 9.0% [Editor's Note: I wrote this post about a month ago and recently discovered I had failed to put it up, hence the reference to a "December evening in front of the fire." I was going to update it, but decided against tampering with the original integrity of the piece. Deal with it.] Trader … [Read more...] about Trader Joe’s 2012 Vintage Ale