View Full Version : The Barrel-aged Beer Thread
Ian Kovtunovich
10-22-2010, 03:07 PM
So, I just purchased the Goose Island "Bourbon County Brand Stout" ("Stout aged in bourbon barrels"). It is a malty motherfucker, it has oaky sweetness and a flavor profile reminiscent of whiskey, and it is 13% ABV. Thirteen percent. It is delicious. Buy some (I got it at Whole Foods. The brewery is in Chicago, so you midwesterners should have no trouble finding it).
I also picked up a bottle of a Dogfish Head Brewery barrel-aged imperial IPA, the name of which I forget. It also sported a high ABV, and sounded right tasty.
I have been thoroughly enjoying malty, barrel-aged beers over the past year or so (Full Sail Topsail was a particular fave), and every time I browse the beer aisle, I see more of them. Who else has tale to tell of barrel-aged beery goodness?
(PS - random note, but there is a seagull outside my building swooping back and forth [we are on the 6th floor] between buildings, flying up to windows and checking out either its reflection or whatever's inside, then flying away to a different window. Weird.)
ColoWayno
10-22-2010, 03:17 PM
(PS - random note, but there is a seagull outside my building swooping back and forth [we are on the 6th floor] between buildings, flying up to windows and checking out either its reflection or whatever's inside, then flying away to a different window. Weird.)
My son noticed the perfect image a bird left when it hit our window. It was like someone coated the thing, wings, feet, head, etc in flour and it flew right into our window.
The bird apparently survived, or was picked up quickly by a fox or coyote.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-22-2010, 03:50 PM
That's bizarre.
But, getting back to the barrel-aged beers...
Alex Willess
10-22-2010, 05:07 PM
Ian, we have got to get together for a beer sometime. We may not see eye to eye on politics and religion, but when it comes to beer and weights I think we are in line with one another. I live in West Salem and I am pretty sure you are in Portland somewhere.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-22-2010, 06:04 PM
That's a thought. Although, if we only have two things in common, maybe it would be awkward. Plus I'm a social retard who is terrible at small talk. Plus I can barely drag myself out of the house to see my friends in Portland. Which is not to say "no," but more to say that it's a longshot. I'll keep my options open, though. Not many barbell-training friends around the hometown.
MikeC1
10-22-2010, 08:52 PM
I believe the DFH you have in mind is the Burton Baton. BCS is really good but the bomber is way too much for me, 12oz is more doable. As far as bourbon barrel aged imperial stouts go, for my money you can't beat Kentucky Breakfast Stout.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-22-2010, 08:58 PM
I believe the DFH you have in mind is the Burton Baton. BCS is really good but the bomber is way too much for me, 12oz is more doable. As far as bourbon barrel aged imperial stouts go, for my money you can't beat Kentucky Breakfast Stout.
Yes! Burton Baton was exactly it. Pretty tasty; the big hoppy flavor went quite well with the oakiness and high alcohol content. I only got the 12oz of the Bourbon County--the 22oz would have knocked me on my ass! The 12oz put a pretty good dent in me anyway. Spendy stuff, but so worth it! I'll keep an eye out for that Kentucky Breakfast. I also saw barrel-aged Yeti Imperial Stout from Great Divide brewery, which sounded good.
Carlos Daniel
10-22-2010, 09:37 PM
That's a thought. Although, if we only have two things in common, maybe it would be awkward. Plus I'm a social retard who is terrible at small talk. Plus I can barely drag myself out of the house to see my friends in Portland. Which is not to say "no," but more to say that it's a longshot. I'll keep my options open, though. Not many barbell-training friends around the hometown.
If I undestand correctly, beer seems to solve much of those problems. Except driving, that is.
MikeC1
10-22-2010, 09:41 PM
Plus I can barely drag myself out of the house to see my friends in Portland.
Ian, you're in Portland Oregon? Ever drink Heater Allen Pils? That one is a can't miss, and AFAIK you can only find it in/near Portland.
tertius
10-23-2010, 01:55 AM
So, I just purchased the Goose Island "Bourbon County Brand Stout" ("Stout aged in bourbon barrels"). It is a malty motherfucker, it has oaky sweetness and a flavor profile reminiscent of whiskey, and it is 13% ABV. Thirteen percent. It is delicious. Buy some (I got it at Whole Foods. The brewery is in Chicago, so you midwesterners should have no trouble finding it).
I also picked up a bottle of a Dogfish Head Brewery barrel-aged imperial IPA, the name of which I forget. It also sported a high ABV, and sounded right tasty.
I have been thoroughly enjoying malty, barrel-aged beers over the past year or so (Full Sail Topsail was a particular fave), and every time I browse the beer aisle, I see more of them. Who else has tale to tell of barrel-aged beery goodness?
(PS - random note, but there is a seagull outside my building swooping back and forth [we are on the 6th floor] between buildings, flying up to windows and checking out either its reflection or whatever's inside, then flying away to a different window. Weird.)
One of my best friends owns a micro-micro brewery (this benefits me not at all, as I don't drink beer), and has been wanting to make some barrel aged beer. He also wants me to come and distill whiskey for him. I may yet.
Also, you mean a parking-lot gull? I hate those fucking birds. I'll take crows any day over fucking dumb as shit, parking-lot waddling, sandwich stealing, dump dwelling, fucking sea-pigeon coast-rats.
hbriem
10-23-2010, 06:28 AM
Barrel-aged beer sounds like a really promising innovation, but I don't think I've ever had any. I may have without knowing, I always buy the weirdest beers I can find, especially when travelling abroad.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-23-2010, 01:34 PM
If I undestand correctly, beer seems to solve much of those problems. Except driving, that is.
Good point, Carlos; this is true. Perhaps there is hope yet!
Ian Kovtunovich
10-23-2010, 01:36 PM
Ian, you're in Portland Oregon? Ever drink Heater Allen Pils? That one is a can't miss, and AFAIK you can only find it in/near Portland.
I am in Portland. I have seen that Heater Allen, but haven't tried it. I'll give it a spin next time I see some; it seems to be on tap here and there.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-23-2010, 01:39 PM
One of my best friends owns a micro-micro brewery (this benefits me not at all, as I don't drink beer), and has been wanting to make some barrel aged beer. He also wants me to come and distill whiskey for him. I may yet.
Also, you mean a parking-lot gull? I hate those fucking birds. I'll take crows any day over fucking dumb as shit, parking-lot waddling, sandwich stealing, dump dwelling, fucking sea-pigeon coast-rats.
You don't...drink...beer? WHA...?!
Back to the distilling, though; d'you know how to distill? And/or have you done it before? A woman my wife works with runs a small distillery with her husband, and we've been invited to check it out sometime. I think they mostly do brandy, but may be contemplating whiskey. I'm really curious to see it all firsthand.
The seagulls in Portland aren't quite that obnoxious. Pretty mild-mannered, really. This was certainly some of the most curious urban ornithological behaviour I've ever seen, though. I think it might have noticed its reflection or something, and was like, hey, who's that in there?
bugbomb
10-23-2010, 01:43 PM
Yeah, the Great Divide Oak-Aged Yeti is really spectacular.
Peter_k
10-23-2010, 02:21 PM
Goose Island bourbon barrel stout?
Oh hells yes!
Some of the best beer I ever had. Better than Oak Aged Yeti IMO. I remember driving across the country and stopping in Fargo, ND on a extremely cold night and getting some of it. Really warmed the blood.
Peter_k
10-23-2010, 02:22 PM
Barrels do wonders for beer. Bourbon barrels just happen to be the most available. Not sure how oak aged yeti is made (aged in an actual barrel or just has some wood chips added to it).
Good cask ale is a real treat as well.
tertius
10-23-2010, 06:04 PM
You don't...drink...beer? WHA...?!
Back to the distilling, though; d'you know how to distill? And/or have you done it before? A woman my wife works with runs a small distillery with her husband, and we've been invited to check it out sometime. I think they mostly do brandy, but may be contemplating whiskey. I'm really curious to see it all firsthand.
The seagulls in Portland aren't quite that obnoxious. Pretty mild-mannered, really. This was certainly some of the most curious urban ornithological behaviour I've ever seen, though. I think it might have noticed its reflection or something, and was like, hey, who's that in there?
Allergy tests in my youth determined I was allergic to beer. I have thus never acquired a taste for it.
Wine also doesn't agree with me, so I stick to the hard stuff.
As for distilling, no, I've never done so, though I've soaked my brain in the theory relatively thoroughly. I have been on the verge of building a still several times, but have been talked out of it every time. Since home distillery is still illegal, for some stupid reason.
At least for consumption purposes, anyway....
JStrong
10-23-2010, 10:54 PM
Ian you goddamn thread traitor! "THE" beer thread?! I see...
Beer is for those who haven't switched to scotch. Back to sulking in my thread with an HP 12 yr and a Macanudo.
(jk btw)
Ian Kovtunovich
10-24-2010, 05:17 PM
Ian you goddamn thread traitor! "THE" beer thread?! I see...
Beer is for those who haven't switched to scotch. Back to sulking in my thread with an HP 12 yr and a Macanudo.
(jk btw)
Ha ha -- I just didn't want to, er, water down the scotch thread.
Squatson
10-24-2010, 08:58 PM
Smoking a Macanudo is like smoking air.
JStrong
10-24-2010, 10:07 PM
Smoking a Macanudo is like smoking air.
Pistols at dawn, sir!
In all seriousness, I don't want to hijack the beer thread for Cigars, but the mellow yumminess of a macanudo is only air to a very serious smoker--I find them light, but I also smoked half a pack of Top handrolls a day for several years.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-24-2010, 11:28 PM
Pistols at dawn, sir!
In all seriousness, I don't want to hijack the beer thread for Cigars, but the mellow yumminess of a macanudo is only air to a very serious smoker--I find them light, but I also smoked half a pack of Top handrolls a day for several years.
You are mad because I started THE barrel-aged beer thread, and are polluting it with cigar smoke. This is a nonsmoking thread. Please return all cigar-related discussion to the smoking lounge in the scotch & cigar thread!
If I undestand correctly, beer seems to solve much of those problems. Except driving, that is.
Solves that too. When I drink no one asks me to drive anywhere.
EDIT: Have had a few oaked beers, mixed results.
Dixen
10-25-2010, 01:25 AM
Dark Lord.
Oak Aged Dark Lord.
Dixen
10-25-2010, 01:29 AM
Me drinking Dark Lord and not having any friends...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DxyjgQ-CX4
stolpsTDI
10-26-2010, 05:37 PM
mmmmm oaked beer.
Gotta remember to add the chips to my barley wine soon...
Oak Aged Dark Lord.
Tha'ts the only Dark Lord there is.
tertius
10-26-2010, 08:21 PM
Tha'ts the only Dark Lord there is.
Not so. As seen in the video above, there's also the Dark Lord of the Sith.
So, I just purchased the Goose Island "Bourbon County Brand Stout" ("Stout aged in bourbon barrels"). It is a malty motherfucker, it has oaky sweetness and a flavor profile reminiscent of whiskey, and it is 13% ABV. Thirteen percent. It is delicious. Buy some (I got it at Whole Foods. The brewery is in Chicago, so you midwesterners should have no trouble finding it).
)
This will top my "To-Do" list for the weekend. It'll give me something to keep me occupied while the kiddies are out trick or treating. Hopefully, I won't get too drunk and end up answering the door pants-less (again!).
This will top my "To-Do" list for the weekend. It'll give me something to keep me occupied while the kiddies are out trick or treating. Hopefully, I won't get too drunk and end up answering the door pants-less (again!).
It's really a waste to drink more than one or two at once. You lose the ability to appreciate the flavor. Get the Bourbon County and a six-pack of something reasonable if you want to drink a lot. Drink one and then switch to the regular beer. Save the rest for special occasions.
I still have some from 2007 aging somewhere...
Ian Kovtunovich
10-27-2010, 11:30 AM
It's really a waste to drink more than one or two at once. You lose the ability to appreciate the flavor. Get the Bourbon County and a six-pack of something reasonable if you want to drink a lot. Drink one and then switch to the regular beer. Save the rest for special occasions.
I still have some from 2007 aging somewhere...
Niiice. I noticed that it said on the bottle that it would continue to age and mature. Maybe I should cellar a couple bottles as well. I have some other limited-release beers from Deschutes Brewery down next to the wine in the basement, and one of Trader Joe's annual winter beers (brewed by Unibroue) from last year that I plan to drink this year, and replace with one of this year's for next year, etc. ad infinitum.
One strategy to consider is to have one you drink next year and one you hold onto until the whim strikes you a couple years down the line. True, this means you only drink 2 right now, but if you do this with a few different beers, you have a treasure trove in a couple years.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-27-2010, 11:58 AM
Yeah, I've been considering doing that. This is actually the first time I've cellared any beers, and I'm kind of waiting to see how it goes before laying down many more. Especially since, unlike some wines that actually need to age to reach their potential, most of these beers are damn fine right out of the bottle. A conundrum, to be sure.
It's really a waste to drink more than one or two at once. You lose the ability to appreciate the flavor. Get the Bourbon County and a six-pack of something reasonable if you want to drink a lot. Drink one and then switch to the regular beer. Save the rest for special occasions.
I still have some from 2007 aging somewhere...
To be honest, I don't drink much beer these days and one would be enough to send me to my happy place. I enjoy a tannic red or a hoppy ale here and there but I can't drink the way I used to. The thought of drinking one and laying one down like a cabernet sounds cool.
Dixen
10-28-2010, 02:18 AM
Thing is I often find some of the stronger Imperial Stouts and Barley Wines to be to rough around the edges when fresh. Putting them away for 6-12 months usually takes the alcohol sharpness away and rounds off the flavors very nicely.
One of the best aged beers Ive had was a four or five year old Samiclaus. That beer is plain horrible when fresh, but absolutely amazing when aged for some years.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-28-2010, 12:04 PM
Thing is I often find some of the stronger Imperial Stouts and Barley Wines to be to rough around the edges when fresh. Putting them away for 6-12 months usually takes the alcohol sharpness away and rounds off the flavors very nicely.
One of the best aged beers Ive had was a four or five year old Samiclaus. That beer is plain horrible when fresh, but absolutely amazing when aged for some years.
Iiiiiinteresting. This obviously requires further experimentation and testing.
Thing is I often find some of the stronger Imperial Stouts and Barley Wines to be to rough around the edges when fresh. Putting them away for 6-12 months usually takes the alcohol sharpness away and rounds off the flavors very nicely.
One of the best aged beers Ive had was a four or five year old Samiclaus. That beer is plain horrible when fresh, but absolutely amazing when aged for some years.
Troof. A lot of these beers, though, have been cooking for a year before they hit the shelf. Still, yeah, some take longer. Dark Lord is wasted if drunk too soon.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-28-2010, 12:56 PM
Troof. A lot of these beers, though, have been cooking for a year before they hit the shelf. Still, yeah, some take longer. Dark Lord is wasted if drunk too soon.
What is this "Dark Lord"? I don't think I've seen it around here. What brewery please?
MazdaMatt
10-28-2010, 01:39 PM
When they barrel-age a beer, i assume it is no longer carbonated. Do they just artificially carbonate it in th bottling process? Or do they add a pinch of sugar and yeast (assuming the original yeast is long dead)?
In home brewing I have always kegged my beer, so i artificially carbonate it (hook up CO2 to the keg and shake it as it gets cooled below regular serving temp). The alternative would be to add a pinch of sugar to each bottle and let the yeast carbonate it for me, but I have never bottled it.
Dixen
10-28-2010, 01:41 PM
What is this "Dark Lord"? I don't think I've seen it around here. What brewery please?
Three Floyds out of Munster, Indiana. Only available at the brewery once a year at Dark Lord Day, April 26th. http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/three-floyds-dark-lord-russian-imperial-stout/15917/
And gzt, come in three versions: Regular (not barrel aged), Oak aged, and Vanilla Bean Barrel Aged.
Oh, and we had it on tap exclusively at the beer bar in Copenhagen where I work...
Dixen
10-28-2010, 01:43 PM
When they barrel-age a beer, i assume it is no longer carbonated. Do they just artificially carbonate it in th bottling process? Or do they add a pinch of sugar and yeast (assuming the original yeast is long dead)?
Yeah, thats pretty much what they do. Or bottle it without carbonation, if its a style where it would be appropriate.
MazdaMatt
10-28-2010, 02:06 PM
Which one? pressure-carbonate (artificial), or yeast/sugar carbonate (natural)?
ColoWayno
10-28-2010, 02:42 PM
http://s0.ilike.com/play#The+Andrews+Sisters:Beer+Barrel+Polka:1245339 :s2137947.8704648.14103511.0.2.140%2Cstd_63c9072eb 1df43628b3019671c8a69ce
Those were some smokin' hot ladies.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-28-2010, 02:45 PM
Which one? pressure-carbonate (artificial), or yeast/sugar carbonate (natural)?
Seems like if they just bottled it first, then put the bottles in the barrel for aging, they wouldn't have to worry about the carbonation.
MikeC1
10-28-2010, 05:29 PM
Which one? pressure-carbonate (artificial), or yeast/sugar carbonate (natural)?
The second one. If they're going to go through the pain of barrel aging it, they usually aren't dumb enough to fuck up the beer by artificializing it.
MazdaMatt
10-29-2010, 08:37 AM
That's not necessarily true... artificially carbonating is not like using "modified milk ingredients". CO2 is CO2, you just have the option of adding CO2 or adding yeast and sugar (which changes the taste of the beer and makes it cloudy, which is also not necessarily a bad thing) to automagically create the CO2 for you.
Every pint you've ever ordered at a bar has been from a keg hooked up to a CO2 tank... unless you're some hardcore german/dutch/austrian dunking your stein in an open vat.
Real ale doesn't. Beer engine.
MazdaMatt
10-29-2010, 08:50 AM
Tell me more.
Google CAMRA. Weep that we have no such organization in the Americas.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-29-2010, 10:47 AM
Real ale doesn't. Beer engine.
Sweet! The new Toyota Beerius; 43 miles per pint.
I went to the closest beer store by my house in search of some bourbon barrel-aged stout. They were sold out. He said its very tough to come by. I figured I live in Chicago, so they Goose Island would be sold everywhere. No such luck. I bought this as a consolation prize: http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/year-round-brews/palo-santo-marron.htm
Ian Kovtunovich
10-29-2010, 04:01 PM
I went to the closest beer store by my house in search of some bourbon barrel-aged stout. They were sold out. He said its very tough to come by. I figured I live in Chicago, so they Goose Island would be sold everywhere. No such luck. I bought this as a consolation prize: http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/year-round-brews/palo-santo-marron.htm
I almost bought that the other day when I started this thread. Please report back with your findings!
I almost bought that the other day when I started this thread. Please report back with your findings!
I almost picked up one of the Rogue Ales from your neck of the woods. I've had Dead Guy on tap. There were a million different varieties. Any recommendations?
You've whetted my appetite with this thread. If I didn't have so much going on this weekend, I'd take a ride over to the original Goose Island brewery for a tasting.
Dogfish Head Palo Santa Marron Review:
Appearance: I poured into a snifter. This shit is dark. Like burnt coffee. Slight head that quickly dissipates into a light swirling on top of bubbles and finally, a thin ring around the glass. Leaves a brown film after swirling.
Nose: Dark chocolate and caramel with hints of malt. The alcohol warms the inside of the nose.
Taste: Rich, dark chocolate, toasty malts and coffee with a caramel leave. Bitterness is bracing at first taste but has a creamy, velvety finish.
Greg C
10-31-2010, 04:58 PM
Not barrel-aged, but my base package store had Yeungling Porter in this week (you can't generally find Yeungling anything in Massachussetts), so I picked up a six. Very nice. Smooth, deep chocolates and coffee with just the mildest of bitter. Mighty fine.
I went to the closest beer store by my house in search of some bourbon barrel-aged stout. They were sold out. He said its very tough to come by. I figured I live in Chicago, so they Goose Island would be sold everywhere. No such luck. I bought this as a consolation prize: http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/year-round-brews/palo-santo-marron.htm
Find a Binny's.
Find a Binny's.
That's my next move. I've been a little too busy to get over to the closest one. Maybe Friday.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-31-2010, 10:05 PM
I almost picked up one of the Rogue Ales from your neck of the woods. I've had Dead Guy on tap. There were a million different varieties. Any recommendations?
You've whetted my appetite with this thread. If I didn't have so much going on this weekend, I'd take a ride over to the original Goose Island brewery for a tasting.
Y'know, I usually go with the Dead Guy if I have Rogue, but I haven't had any in a long time. They are, I believe, the second microbrewery to have opened in Oregon (after the phenomenal Bridgeport, if I recall my Oregon beer history correctly), and they used to have really quality beers. In recent years, it seems like most of them are just kind of ehh, at least the few I've tried. I kinda let my Rogue purchasing just taper off, and there are so many other micros out there that I do like, that I almost never have it. I recall liking the Hazelnut Brown Ale, and maybe a stout and a bitter, but it's been a while. Still, they come out with a lot of interesting bottlings and little twists, playing with the malt or the hops or adding things in or whatever, and I am occasionally tempted. So to lamely answer your question about which Rogue, I dunno. They apparently are doing a whiskey, which is probably hard to find outside of their pub, that I am keen on tasting, however.
Ian Kovtunovich
10-31-2010, 10:06 PM
Dogfish Head Palo Santa Marron Review:
Appearance: I poured into a snifter. This shit is dark. Like burnt coffee. Slight head that quickly dissipates into a light swirling on top of bubbles and finally, a thin ring around the glass. Leaves a brown film after swirling.
Nose: Dark chocolate and caramel with hints of malt. The alcohol warms the inside of the nose.
Taste: Rich, dark chocolate, toasty malts and coffee with a caramel leave. Bitterness is bracing at first taste but has a creamy, velvety finish.
Smashing review, my good man. All professional-like. Reckon I might give that a try.
Oberon
11-05-2010, 01:18 AM
When I was about 14 years old I learned what the population of the Earth was. Being 14, I did some quick math to try and guess how many of those people were attractive females about my age. I quickly realized that there was no way I would ever be able to meet all of these girls, much less get in all of their pants. I was, naturally, distressed and disillusioned by this realization.
I'm having a similar experience right now relating to beer. There's just too much of it for one man to ever experience it all.
Do keep posting though, I'm keeping notes for when I get home.
Find a Binny's.
Finally got around to Binny's and picked up a couple bottles of Goose Island Bourbon Barrel Stout. At 13 bills a bottle, I limited myself to two. Can't wait to taste. Unfortunately, my palate is a bit off from a minor cold or allergies.
Ian Kovtunovich
11-05-2010, 03:52 PM
Finally got around to Binny's and picked up a couple bottles of Goose Island Bourbon Barrel Stout. At 13 bills a bottle, I limited myself to two. Can't wait to taste. Unfortunately, my palate is a bit off from a minor cold or allergies.
That must have been for 22oz bottles? The 12oz bottles I got were about $4 I think. Worth it either way, but I wouldn't plan on doing anything after 22oz of that medicine. Like, walking in a straight line, for example.
That must have been for 22oz bottles? The 12oz bottles I got were about $4 I think. Worth it either way, but I wouldn't plan on doing anything after 22oz of that medicine. Like, walking in a straight line, for example.
Yeah, they're the bigger bottles. I'll share with my wife, who, being the fine Irish lass, likes her Guinness. She hates watery beers and is no shrieking violet when it comes to strong beers and ales.
Goose Island Bourbon County
Poured some in a snifter. Viscous. Pours like motor oil. Very thick and very dark, very light head. Bubbles around the edge of the glass. I don't even have to stick my nose in the glass to sense the dark chocolate and caramel wafting from the glass next to me as I type.
The nose: Very Chocolate and caramel right off. Then comes toasted malts and finally, a hint of bourbon.
Taste: Unbelievably thick. The taste of alcohol is noted but not overpowering. The intermingling of chocolate, toasted malts, coffee and the oak from the barrel all jockeying for position on my taste buds.
Leave: Chocolate, toasted malts and a hint of black licorice.
Oh, and the wife likes it too. If I play my cards right....
The Next Day:
I drank most of the 22 oz bottle. My wife had a little but quickly tired of it. The flavor can be a bit overwhelming after awhile. A 12 oz bottle would have been perfect. I didn't feel drunk, but I had a nice buzz going. If I had drank (drunken?) the second bottle, I would have broken my personal stance against arguing politics on the interwebs, staggered over to tea party thread and fired off a bitter, drunken, missive against the corporatocracy. No one should have to be subject to that. The following morning, I woke up with a slight headache. Keep in mind, I don't drink as much as I used to, that's why this craft beer thing appeals to me. Its more about the quality than the quantity. Tonight, I plan on chilling by having a couple bottles of Dogfish Head 60 minute IPA. http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/year-round-brews/60-minute-ipa.htm
Aw come on Fnet- Try a Dog90 minute instead and you and me can go cuss on the conservatives- except Wayo- he's got lots of kids and is a real christian and uses charcoal grill and used to be broke alot- so have to let him be... being an internet ass is SO much safer than in real life,.. wait, someone's at the door....
I Just finished some New Holland Brewing Company Dragon's Milk Ale. I'm thankful for this thread for turning me on to the joy that is barrel aged beer.
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/335/5428
Greg C
12-13-2010, 02:25 PM
Goose Island Bourbon County
Poured some in a snifter. Viscous. Pours like motor oil. Very thick and very dark, very light head. Bubbles around the edge of the glass. I don't even have to stick my nose in the glass to sense the dark chocolate and caramel wafting from the glass next to me as I type.
The nose: Very Chocolate and caramel right off. Then comes toasted malts and finally, a hint of bourbon.
Taste: Unbelievably thick. The taste of alcohol is noted but not overpowering. The intermingling of chocolate, toasted malts, coffee and the oak from the barrel all jockeying for position on my taste buds.
Leave: Chocolate, toasted malts and a hint of black licorice.
Oh, and the wife likes it too. If I play my cards right....
This. The other "find" on today's post-final excursion to the liquor store in Cambridge. Dinner in a glass. I can't really add to what is already a perfect review. Pricey, but soooo worth the cost.
thefinalsql
12-13-2010, 03:00 PM
http://www.seriouseats.com/assets_c/2009/12/20091220deus-thumb-200x297-65707.jpg
Brut Des Flandres
It will knock you back $40.00+ a bottle, but it is very good.
Ian Kovtunovich
12-14-2010, 11:15 AM
Glad to see this thread still gots legs. I just read this the other day on the excellent "What Does John Know?" blog:
Review of Oak-Aged Beers (http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2010/12/01/review-oak-aged-beers/)
csauer52
12-14-2010, 11:50 AM
Just saw this thread now, very cool indeed.
When I was in the service stationed in the UK, Greene King was the local brewery serving the local pubs in/around our airbase. We used to love a pint (or two, or even three) of Old Speckled Hen. Good stuff....
I wonder if you can get it here stateside?
Greg C
12-14-2010, 01:17 PM
Glad to see this thread still gots legs. I just read this the other day on the excellent "What Does John Know?" blog:
Review of Oak-Aged Beers (http://www.whatdoesjohnknow.com/2010/12/01/review-oak-aged-beers/)
Damn... now I want to go back to the liquor store to find some of these too. Ian! Quit contributing to my alcohol deliquency!
Ian Kovtunovich
12-14-2010, 01:33 PM
Damn... now I want to go back to the liquor store to find some of these too. Ian! Quit contributing to my alcohol deliquency!
Ha ha--I'm not doing myself any favors here, either. I blame my wife. This all started with whisky, and she bought me my first bottle of scotch. Women!
My wife got me a membership to the Beer of the Month Club. I can't wait til the first shipment. Unfortunately, they'll becoming straight to my workplace. Hopefully, they'll arrive in unmarked boxes so the N'er do wells in receiving don't get any ideas about sampling. I'll post reviews of any that stand out. On a side note, my wife also got me a gift certificate for a one hour massage (or two half hour massages). I've already sung her praises for letting me convert the basement into my dungeon gym. I'm a lucky guy.
Just saw this thread now, very cool indeed.
When I was in the service stationed in the UK, Greene King was the local brewery serving the local pubs in/around our airbase. We used to love a pint (or two, or even three) of Old Speckled Hen. Good stuff....
I wonder if you can get it here stateside?
Old Speckled Hen is available- I used to get it in Nola and in DC.
I just bought a bottle of St Peters organic ale- it is similar to what I had in UK- sort of meady and mellow. That seems to be widely available. I dont think it's oak aged.
Still a Dogfish head fan though. Opening a bottle of hercules IPA tonight to try that.
FNET- go for the single hour massage- youll get a better overall result.
Cmanuel
12-31-2010, 05:18 PM
here's how i celebrate new years...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs756.ash1/164699_811927623498_12716097_43709440_1362408_n.jp g
God I love living in Colorado.. BEER HEAVEN
Ian Kovtunovich
01-01-2011, 12:15 AM
here's how i celebrate new years...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs756.ash1/164699_811927623498_12716097_43709440_1362408_n.jp g
God I love living in Colorado.. BEER HEAVEN
LIKE. That looks awesome (at least, judging by the label). And eleven percent ABV...BOO-YAH!
And you've got what else, there? 27 bags of tortilla chips and some Swiffer pads or something? Par-TAY.
Ian Kovtunovich
01-19-2011, 12:26 PM
I was at Whole Foods the other day, and saw some 22s of imperial stout from FiftyFifty brewery in Truckee, CA (up near North Lake Tahoe). I visited the brewery a couple summers ago and they had pretty average beer in general, but they had an imperial stout aged in Jack Daniels barrels that was exceptional. So, the beers they had at Whole Foods are all aged in bourbon barrels, and there are three varieties, aged in Evan Williams, Four Roses, or Heaven Hill barrels, respectively, and limited to 900-something bottles (each label has the bottle number handwritten on it). The catch is that it's $27 a bottle. Ouch. Probably worth it, if you have the disposable income; it would be well worth snapping up, assuming it's as good or better than the stuff I had.
Greg C
03-27-2011, 05:38 AM
Ok, before I left on spring break to search for retirement property (weird huh?) in SC, I had a few interesting selections:
1109
Great Divide Espresso Oak-aged Yeti:
9.5% ABV, got it for $12 (if I remember right).
Very mellow and smooth. Full-on deep and rich coffee flavor with just a hint of sweetness in the finish. Bite is almost not there at all, but a very nice nose and linger. Not my favorite, but definitely worth the cost. Plan to try their chocolate next time around.
1108
Hoppin' Frog BORIS (Barrel-Aged Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout)
Ok, this was a bit spendy, but the better half insisted I get something like special for the end of mid-terms. Turned out that the price was indicative of an excellent selection.
Easily as thick as Bourbon County (i.e. motor oil), but about the same ABV as Yeti. Dark, thick and biting with a sweet chocolate finish. Very nice hop flavor. A pleasant surprise.
haveaniceday
03-27-2011, 01:03 PM
I also picked up a bottle of that BA BORIS, from Davis Square. Haven't opened it yet, but good to know it should be good. I broke my nice snifter in the sink recently, so I might not get around to drinking it for a while.
Cmanuel
03-27-2011, 01:36 PM
Ok, before I left on spring break to search for retirement property (weird huh?) in SC, I had a few interesting selections:
1109
Great Divide Espresso Oak-aged Yeti:
9.5% ABV, got it for $12 (if I remember right).
Very mellow and smooth. Full-on deep and rich coffee flavor with just a hint of sweetness in the finish. Bite is almost not there at all, but a very nice nose and linger. Not my favorite, but definitely worth the cost. Plan to try their chocolate next time around.
1108
Hoppin' Frog BORIS (Barrel-Aged Oatmeal Russian Imperial Stout)
Ok, this was a bit spendy, but the better half insisted I get something like special for the end of mid-terms. Turned out that the price was indicative of an excellent selection.
Easily as thick as Bourbon County (i.e. motor oil), but about the same ABV as Yeti. Dark, thick and biting with a sweet chocolate finish. Very nice hop flavor. A pleasant surprise.
Great divide does some really awesome variants of yeti. All variants are awesome...my personal favorite is the basic oak aged yeti, but the chocolate one is awesome if you can find it.
Where in SC did you go? I'm from there.
Tried Old Dominion Oak Barrel Stout. Its dry hopped with vanilla beans and oak chips. Nice oak-y taste with vanilla finish. Darkest stout I ever poured. Not as strong alcohol-wise as some of the other stouts on this thread (6.1%). Heaven in a pint glass.
http://www.olddominion.com/brews/
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/402/1192
Greg C
03-30-2011, 04:03 AM
Where in SC did you go? I'm from there.
Parents are in Salem (Keowee Key), so there and some time in Columbia and Greenville as well.
Not barrel-aged, but reminded me of Ian: Brewdog Tactical Nuclear Penguin. (http://www.brewdog.com/tactical_nuclear_penguin)
MikeC1
04-26-2011, 10:21 PM
I actually have access to this beer, and Sink the Bismarck, but I'm not sure if I want to shell out for it.
Greg C
04-27-2011, 07:05 AM
Holy schnikes Batman, 32% ABV? Drink one = under the table.
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