Dogfish Head Theobroma (Delaware) Ale brewed with honey, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, ancho chilies, and ground annatto. It sounds either fascinating or horrid, depending on the level of ones beer purism, but it actually must be said that the recipe apparently an ancient one, more or less contributes not to a brew that seems like a misguided accident behind a Mexican pastry chefs station, but rather something complex and appealing that reminds me rather suggestively of an aged Trappist ale. Thats praise from me, in case its not clear. Im not always on board with Dogfish Heads wilder explorations, but this is awfully tasty. (8/09)
Petrus Gouden Tripel Ale (Belgium) Refermenting. And I mean aggressively soby the time I uncork it, a good deal of beer has seeped up the cork, down the capsule, and all over a refrigerator shelf. The cork, at the slightest tug, slams into the ceiling, causing everyone in the room to duck. Foam boils forthand even though I quickly pour half the beer into another container, the foam continues to surge and boil until the bottle is nearly empty. The result isnt all that bad, to be honest, but as I cant imagine this is the intended state of drinkability, Im not sure its useful to go into much detail. (10/09)
New Belgium Mothership Wit (Colorado) A little heavy on the lemon, and somewhat watery. An acceptable level of both, and theres nice white-washed spice, but this could be better. (8/09)
Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Helles Blond Bock (Vermont) Strong and a little boozy, and somewhat akin to drinking freshly-pounded copper. Oh, these analogies and metaphors do get away from one. Good, but only just, and Id rather drink other things. (9/09)
Lake Superior Kayak Klsch (Minnesota) Frothy and balanced, with an edge of crispness and a saline finish. (8/09)
Lake Superior Old Man Winter Warmer Barley Wine Ale (Minnesota) Dense and heady balsamic sweetness, full of dark brownness. A bit too bitter, though. (8/09)
Lake Superior Sir Duluth Oatmeal Stout (Minnesota) Approachable, but goes nowhere of real consequence, leaving some sticky/malty grain flavor just sitting there, waiting for something.. Good, but only just. (8/09)
Lake Superior Mesabi Red (Minnesota) Intense and hoppy; the opposite of thirst-quenching. Whether one finds this appealing or not will depend on taste. (8/09)
Petrus Gouden Tripel Ale (Belgium) Refermenting. And I mean aggressively soby the time I uncork it, a good deal of beer has seeped up the cork, down the capsule, and all over a refrigerator shelf. The cork, at the slightest tug, slams into the ceiling, causing everyone in the room to duck. Foam boils forthand even though I quickly pour half the beer into another container, the foam continues to surge and boil until the bottle is nearly empty. The result isnt all that bad, to be honest, but as I cant imagine this is the intended state of drinkability, Im not sure its useful to go into much detail. (10/09)
New Belgium Mothership Wit (Colorado) A little heavy on the lemon, and somewhat watery. An acceptable level of both, and theres nice white-washed spice, but this could be better. (8/09)
Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Helles Blond Bock (Vermont) Strong and a little boozy, and somewhat akin to drinking freshly-pounded copper. Oh, these analogies and metaphors do get away from one. Good, but only just, and Id rather drink other things. (9/09)
Lake Superior Kayak Klsch (Minnesota) Frothy and balanced, with an edge of crispness and a saline finish. (8/09)
Lake Superior Old Man Winter Warmer Barley Wine Ale (Minnesota) Dense and heady balsamic sweetness, full of dark brownness. A bit too bitter, though. (8/09)
Lake Superior Sir Duluth Oatmeal Stout (Minnesota) Approachable, but goes nowhere of real consequence, leaving some sticky/malty grain flavor just sitting there, waiting for something.. Good, but only just. (8/09)
Lake Superior Mesabi Red (Minnesota) Intense and hoppy; the opposite of thirst-quenching. Whether one finds this appealing or not will depend on taste. (8/09)