Bourbon County Vanilla Rye and Backyard Rye

Bourbon County Vanilla Rye - Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels with Mexican and Madagascar Vanilla Beans (2014)

Extremely Limited Release (Rotating)

22 fl. oz. / $23.99 USD / 13.8% ABV

About: "First brewed for the legendary festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer in Chicago, drinkers enjoyed this Bourbon County Variant so much we bottled it the next year (2010). People flocked to stores to get their hands on a bottle and have this one of a kind barrel aged stout. Over the past few years we have heard our fans express their love for this version and we are extremely proud to bring it back in 2014. This years version features a little twist of aging the stout in Rye Whiskey Barrels with a mix of Mexican and Madagascar vanilla beans! HOPS: Columbus / MALTS: 2-Row, Bonlander Munich, Chocolate, Caramel-60, Roasted Barley, Debittered Black."

Thoughts: Cracked the bottle cap and a first impression before even pouring this out and hot damn this is gonna be a doozy. This jet black sludge of a beer poured out with a slight fizz to it and left a chocolate brown head resembling a galaxy. The smell on this thing is absolutely fucking amazing! It's like a mix of cherry flavored brandy, ultra rich dark chocolate, and soft mocha. It's heavy. It's like moist chocolate cake and dripping wet vanilla ice cream.

Took my first gulp and talk about a mind blowing treat this is. Instantly regret not grabbing a second bottle... but no big deal. The vanilla in this is unreal! After I swallowed that first gulp it just exploded in with what I can only describe as the purest, most real representation of vanilla in a beer that I've ever experienced. The rye is there and it's just the right amount too. It brings a spiciness to it that blends with the hazy heat of the beer perfectly. It's strong and just a bit in your face, though not at all overbearing. That's two big draws for the beer already and the main ones at that since what was advertised has been delivered on troves. That by the way, was the first time I've ever actually used the word "troves" and it just came to me. I'm really shocked that there's no cherries in this, though, I guess it would be a little more tart if there really was. As things are it's absurdly malty, rich, and indulgent.

Vanilla Rye is silky smooth, nicely spiced, has a gentle bitterness to counteract the sweetness and overall is just an outstanding beer.

Bourbon County Backyard Rye - Stout Aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels with Mulberries, Boysenberries, and Marionberries (2013)

Extremely Limited Release (Rotating)
22 fl. oz. / $21.99 USD / 12.7% ABV

About: "Always on the lookout for the next thing they can throw in a barrel, our brewers actually looked no further than their own backyard for this release – literally. Inspired by the berries they remember first eating from the trees in their yards; this Bourbon County release is full of the dark, spicy, and pleasantly sweet flavors of mulberries, marionberries, and boysenberries. This trio of fruit nicely rounds out the spice and heat of the rye whiskey barrels in which they were aged, resulting in a smooth, jammy stout perfect for sipping on your back porch. HOPS: Willamette / MALTS: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roast Barley, Debittered Black."

Thoughts: Backyard Rye poured a deep dark black with nary a head at all. A small bit of foam appeared during the pour but died down to a few planetary clouds in an instant. This smells pretty damn good! It's super sweet and sugary, there's a distinct rye characteristic that doesn't get all too heavy and then there's the barrel aging that simply makes the beer what it is. It's rich, indulgent, chocolaty and has a bit of an angelfood cake thing for it. It's like an evil motherfucking milkshake.

Damn that's smooth!!!1

I'm not usually one that's much into rye, but fucking hell it's laying down so perfectly at the exact right temperature here that it delivers the exact amount needed, and glorious would be the word to describe the sensation. It's soft, yet present, and overall while everything is strong, this beer is balanced to a degree of perfection. I didn't think that I would like it this much after I tried their barleywine, which I really didn't like, Though I love the original, no doubt about that. Something about that rye barrel aging here, is that it really works here with those berries. It clicks. It's in tune. Blended seamlessly. It's to put it bluntly, total fucking beauty. There's the sweetness, the flavor blast, the tingling, the pepper, the soothing fade, the absurd amount of aftertaste that lingers for years, and the overall sensation of just some slightly grim bliss.

Mouth is solid. It's fiery when cold and sticky as hell. Prepare to be pinched with each sip. This stuff is not only rugged but eloquent at the same time.

Stone Stochasticity Project Grapefruit Slam, Quadro Triticale, Hibiscusicity and Master of Disguise

Stone Stochasticity Project GRAPEFRUIT SLAM IPA - Ale with grapefruit peel added (2014)

Check out the making of this beer series HERE.

22 fl. oz. / $9.99 USD / 8.2% ABV

About: "India pale ales harness the inherent flavor characteristics of hops to bring forward familiar flavors of pine, resin, spice, and citrus. In some cases, those botanicals are so potent, they exactly mirror specific edibles. Such is the case with Centennial hops, which hail from the Great Northwest and come across on the palate like a mouthful of citrus fruit. That sensation is amplified with this, the first beer introduced via the Stochasticity Project - a double IPA brewed with Centennial, Chinook and Magnum hops as well as an immense dosing of fresh grapefruit peel. The result is over-the-top bittersweet grapefruit intensity that is at once refreshing and bracing in its citrusy bitterness. MALTS: North American Pale, Light Crystal / HOPS: Centennial, Chinook, Magnum, Centennial (Dry Hopped) / SPECIALTY: Grapefruit Peel." 

Thoughts: Bottled 1/23/14. Drank 2/23/14. Don't know what the hell this is or where it came from, but it looks like a Stone bottle and was alongside all the Stone beers so I figured what the hell. Slam poured an extremely clear golden yellow color with some mild carbonation and a one inch fluffed out ultra white head on top. It's been a while since I've seen a beer this clear, should I be worried? The scent is really good. There is a ton of grapefruit in there just as advertised. Seemingly nice balance. Not too bitter, not too sweet... the hops aren't too strong and neither are the malts, but they're both flowing in unison here and it's a mildly sweet brew. It's nicely bright and citrusy, and smells inviting.

There's a ton of hops up front on this one and they're all great. We've got soft grass, tons of pine, a heavy dose of resin and massive amounts of grapefruit. All of them are intermingling and yet, they all pop up one at a time to say hello, which is nice. It's a very bittersweet beer that has a very welcome sweetness to go along with the heavy "slams" of bitter that are thrown at the tongue. It's got a very bitter characteristic to it, though it's not overly bitter at the same time. It's borderline perfectly balanced and has a certain strength to it, though it's not all that heavy. There's a ton of that grapefruit zest all over this one and it's nicely done. Mouth feel is a little oily, slick and somewhat foamy. This is a very enjoyable beer. If you're into Double IPAs with citrus sensations that are quite bitter but have a palate saving sweet side to them, then give this one a chance.

Stone Stochasticity Project QUADRO TRITICALE - a Belgain style quad ale brewed with triticale grain (2014)
22 fl. oz. / $ 8.89 USD / 9.3% ABV

About: "Trappist ales as we know them have a proud lineage dating back nearly a century. Rather than follow the footsteps of the monks who forged the quadrupel - the warmest and darkest of monastery offerings - we aimed to test its inherent makeup. In doing so, we added triticale, a hybrid grain combining the pleasant flavor of wheat with the elemental durability and spice of rye, to breathe new life into the malt bill. Because of this, this reimagined brew comes across differently than its classic Belgian predecessors, and beautifully so. Lower in sweetness, but rich with flavors mirroring dried fruit, it’s a modern interpretation of one of the most historically sacred styles on earth. MALTS: Pilsner, Flaked Triticale / YEAST: Belgian Ardennes Strain / SPECIALTY: Dark Candi Sugar."

Thoughts: Bottled on: ??? (Sometime in May or June). Drank: 6/15/14. I cracked the bottle and got a whiff of this pungent shit from a foot away. Poured it into the glass and it looks like a light raspberry juice. There's hardly any carbonation at all and the beer looks somewhat cloudy. The head was barely there and when it had settled, left what looks like a huge spiderweb clinging to the corners all around the glass rim. It's pretty cool looking. Smells of strong Belgian yeast, and it's kinda dirty and raw. The wheat/rye hybrid that they've used in this is heavy hitting and just fuckin' in your face. The first whiff I got was nearly off putting, but once I gave it a little time it started smelling more and more drinkable.

First gulp and I'll tell you I expected to have some sort of overpowering blast of craziness, but was instead met with gentle, soothing, sweet and malty niceness. It's soft, very very clean tasting, smooth and has a really low level crisp aftertaste. Surprising to say the least. I thought for sure I was going to be smacked upside the head with rye and then across the face with that wheat... but it's all just so gentle and blended together seamlessly. The alcohol in this is not even noticeable at all. It's just sweet and soft and pleasant and actually pretty good. Still, there is a rawness to this that is pretty damn thick. It starts off sweet and sultry, then gets down and dirty, but it never goes too far in either direction. All in all, it's pretty nice.

Stone Stochasticity Project HIBISCUSICITY - Belgain-Style ale brewed with hibiscus flower and orange peel (2014)
22 fl. oz. / $8.29 USD / 7.4% ABV

About: "In pushing the beer envelope, we aim to advance imbibers options for something far beyond run of the mill with this immensely thirst-quenching alternative. As original as the tongue-twisting name we coined for it, this robust Belgian-style ale is brewed with wheat, hibiscus and orange peel, bringing forth floral and citrus notes against a brilliant pink hue. MALTS: Pale, Wheat / HOPS: Magnum, Sterling / SPECIALTY: Orange Peel."

Thoughts: What in the hell is a hibiscus flower and why do I suddenly want it inside of me!? That is tonight's question, and the answer... is beer! Well apparently there are a million species of this flower, so yeah, that's pretty cool I guess. Wow. This is one bright pink beer! Looks like they might have used the red or pink ones. The smell is very floral, who would have thought!? It's not the heaviest of scents... there's mostly wheat and citrus peel. A seemingly nice balance of pale malt and herbal hops.

First gulp and man, there is something really cool going on in this beer. These flowers and orange peel take a solid balanced brew to a fun and interesting level. Slightly tart, sweet enough to cover any bitterness or heavy citrus, a little plain... but man it is floral and that's what matters in this one, because you can really taste the pedals, the stems, the leaves. I'm totally serious. Those three things resonate within this beer, as if you've been chewing on edible flowers. It's cool. It's slightly spicy, but it's a real mild one, and there's no real kick anywhere once the initial floral shock wears off. Overall this one is nice and mild, tasty and just a little bit lovely. It doesn't get too perfumy at all which is totally awesome, because if it did that would cloud the mouth. This one falls back aproprialtely and leaves a clean comfortable aftertaste. Nicely done.

Stone Stochasticity Project MASTER OF DISGUISE - imperial golden stout brewed with cocoa and coffee beans (2014)
22 fl. oz. / $8.29 USD / 9.7% ABV

About: "Some illusions and misnomers lead to life's most delightful surprises. Case in point - this beer, the yang to the yin that is the Black India Pale Ale. Once revolutionary for its onyx appearance, it is now an accepted and beloved member of the India pale ale family. Thus we took the spirit of a dark beer - the time-honored stout - and applied a similar science of thought, brewing it to be golden-hued. Cocoa and coffee beans impart roastiness sans darkening to this brew, while flaked oats provide an enveloping mouthfeel. The result is a stout that looks more like a blonde, but is a raven beauty at heart. MALTS: Carapils, English Amber, Pale, Flaked Oats / HOPS: Liberty, Nugget / SPECIALTY: Cocoa, Coffee Beans."

Thoughts: Looks like quite the deceptive beer we've got on our hands here. The back of this bottle makes reference to the Black IPA, and describes that as the Yin to this beers Yang. Interesting. This golden beer is incredibly clear, features a short frothy white head on top and smells just like freshly ground coffee at the supermarket. Hints of cocoa lay underneath it all, as does a quick burst of nuttiness.

First gulp and I'm hit with an unbelievably strong blast of coffee, followed by mild chocolate and then a quick explosion of oily and resinous hops. It's pretty cool. This was bottled on 11/4/14, and I'm drinking it 12/6/14, just thought I'd throw that out there. This series of beers so far has been pretty cool, I wasn't sure of it at first since I did't realize just until now what the spectrum Stone was going for was going to be. But as of now I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

It's some pretty smooth drinking. Not weighed down at all. It's not too light, but it is crisp and airy. It's so smooth though, even with that burst of bubbles at the beginning of each gulp. It slides right down the gullet and like I've said before, I'm not really one for coffee ground flavors all up in my shit... so for me to say that I recommend this means something. It's very balanced overall and comes off pretty slick.

Southern Tier Warlock

Southern Tier WARLOCK - Imperial stout brewed with pumpkins (2013)

Blackwater Series (Autumn Seasonal)
22 fl. oz. / $8.79 USD / 8.6% ABV

About: "Warlock is brewed to enchant your palate on its own and also to counterpoint our Imperial Ale, Pumking. Make your own black magic by carefully pouring this Imperial Stout into a goblet. Dark and mysterious, the Blackwater Series is serious about high gravity. Reanimate your senses with Warlock’s huge roasted malt character, moderate carbonation and spicy pumpkin pie aroma. Ingredients: 2 Row Pale, Caramel, Black Malt, Munich Malt / Magnum Hops, Sterling Hops / Pureed Pumpkin / Natural Flavor."

Thoughts: Here it is! The Southern Tier Warlock. A much looked forward to beer if there ever was one. Just look at that little fucker on the label there. What a sneaky little wizard. I bet this guy and the Pumking sure throw down some righteously evil parties! Speaking of the label though, I'm not all that fond of ST's newly designed labels with the U shaped dark spot and white lettering with the old art down in the left corner like that. What the hell guys!? At least Warlock could have had a huge label so I could display it side by side with the Pumking bottle I've kept. But I digress, it's about the beer so let's do this. Using my Jason glass for this one, and wishing I had a Pumking Goblet in my possession. Soon. Warlock poured a very dark muddy brown color with a chocolate milk colored head.

The first scent is that remarkable pumpkin pie crust, graham crackers, and pumpkin muffin sweetness! It smells in-fucking-credible let me tell you. It's hard to get much past that scent because that freshly baked pie is just so strong. Black malts drift in and out after a while. 

Warlock starts off sweet, full of cinnamon and nutmeg before an absolutely ruthless blast of black malts and strong, earthy and peppery hops hit. It's got a dense bitterness to it that deeply woven in the brew, so when the initial blissful sweetness and spices drown away it's a bit harsh. I've always found black malt to be particularly harsh anyhow. This kind of tastes like a Black IPA mixed with Pumking, which is pretty fucking weird. When I first heard about this beer being made the first thought I got was Choklat and Pumking mixed, but that's not the case here. Warlock is a beast unto itself. It's not too indulgent, but it still tastes great, smells awesome and is loaded with spicy tickling goodness. The main flavor is very peppery cinnamon, that graham cracker pie crust and a hint of black licorice. As the beer warms up and after a few gulps the bitterness calms down, though leaves a bit of the funky on the back of the tongue. It's a bit more herbal tasting than I would have liked but aside from that tastes great.

The mouth feel is lacking a bit for me in the stout area. It's not creamy or all that rich feeling. It's actually pretty watery feeling, leaves no trace of coating on the teeth or the inside of the mouth. The spices don't linger all that much or dry out either. There's just a soft bitterness left behind. Sorry Warlock, but Pumking cannot be dethroned!

Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin

Harpoon Imperial Pumpkin (2013)

Autumn Seasonal (New)

22 fl. oz. / $7.69 USD / 10.5% ABV

About: "Last fall our brewers were improvising a new beer in our 10-barrel kettle. We had some fresh pumpkin puree leftover from a recent brew of our UFO Pumpkin, so the brewers threw that in the kettle with a bit of molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and some roasted malts. It turned out to be delicious, so we thought we’d share it with everyone. - Half imperial stout, half pumpkin ale, with aromas of dried fruit, chocolate, and freshly baked pumpkin pie, this black full-bodied stout is ready to be enjoyed now or saved for a chilly fall evening."

Thoughts: Not really sure why they'd cover the picture of the pumpkin with a big ass leaf like that. Ah, this is a Stout. I guess you gotta read the fine print. This generically named brew poured a straight up dense black with quite a thin dark chocolaty tan head on top.

One of the things I was afraid of when I finally took the time to look at this bottle and noticed that it's a stout, is that the beer isn't really going to smell anything like I hope. Which I hope it smells like Pumking, a standard to hold all other pumpkin beers to. As I lean in and put my nose to the glass I am pleasantly surprised. This smells great. Cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, allspice and clove - or the usual suspects as I like to call them - are all apparent when you crack the bottle. After pouring the beer into the glass and leaning in, the sensation not only changes, but becomes more interesting. A pouncing of rich, dark fruits jump out and smack ya, followed by a rush of brown sugar and them blackstrap molasses. After a while a little bit of black licorice starts to blend in, followed by the dreaded bubblegum flavored bubblegum. Kinda fruity and weird, but interesting nonetheless. I'm going to gulp it now in hopes the original scent comes back and that bubblegum fades out.

This is some cool stuff. First gulp went through about five stages, ranging from dark and malty, to really spiced, to fruity and sweet, to slightly bitter like coffee, to dry and hazy like fallen leaves. This fucking thing is all over the damn place. I'm going to sip it for a while and then jot down some more notes...

While all the pumkiny spices flow throughout this brew, they become rather subdued in the taste department. They're definitely "felt", but the scent disappeared soon after pouring the beer, and after drinking for a while it becomes a brown sugary, malty, dark fruit flavored stout. Pumpkin ale and its essence come up heavy in belches, but on the tongue it's a lot of booze and sticky sweetness. It's really roasty, got a bit of toasted oats in there, and a nice spice blend which would be stronger if that sweet and sticky overload with a gentle tart backup wasn't so powerful. The cloves are ever present though laid back at first. Once the brew starts to warm the cloves start popping and that blackstrap molasses and black licorice builds in strength as well. I've got no problem with both of those things. I just wish the 50/50 Stout slash Pumpkin ale was a bit more of a pumpkin ale than a stout.

I think it's pretty funny that Harpoon put this beer out just before Southern Tier released Warlock, which is a similar idea of an ale. I've yet to try Warlock, but I'll be sure to compare it to this. This one is fun, but man is it some intense stuff, and not really in a good way either. It's mouth numbing due to the spice, but since you don't get a lot of the spice in the taste you don't notice it happening all that fast, and that's because the super sweet tartness and alcohol blitz just fucking assaults and distracts the senses.

Rock Art Extreme Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout

Rock Art EXTREME Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout (2013)

Brewed and Bottled by Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville, Vermont. USA.

Autumn Seasonal. 

22 fl. oz. / $5.99 USD / 8% ABV

About: "Rock Art Pumpkin Imperial Spruce Stout is a big stout brewed in the colonial fashion with large amounts of pumpkins and spruce tips added to the kettle for flavor and bittering qualities. The pumpkins complement the malt flavors and are used to add sugars to the mash. Whatever you do, do not think this is going to taste like pumpkin pie. For a SLOW experience, pair with BBQ venison loin, extra sharp cheddar cheese, vegetarian chili, fresh warm soft pretzel dipped in a honey mustard or grass fed beef stew."

Thoughts: Extreme! Radical!! Scrumpadoochous!!! Is that guy with the frohawk smoking a bong? Rock Art EXTREME Pumpkin poured a very dark brown, near black, almost cola looking brew with a light brown, one inch head full of tiny bubbles on top.

Hot damn this stuff smells sweet. Like Hershey's syrup. Straight up, like you held some upside down and just squeezed it out into this beer. It smells like really strong chocolate milk. This reminds me a little bit of something Southern Tier would do, like their Choklat. Not really getting any pumpkin or spice though. Meh.

Well, like they said, it doesn't taste like pumpkin pie that's for damn sure. It's got a little pinch of tartness right when it hits your lips, then a mild dark chocolate flavor rushes in and once that retreats a bit of burnt coffee lingers around before the piney, resinous cola like spruce tips bounce around on the tongue. Spruce tips taste pretty weird. It's got a harsh little haze of booze and grass just after the swallow, but it's not all that bad.

Body is a little light. With the smell and taste of this thing you'd really expect it to be the consistency of syrup, but it's pretty clean. It's a soft medium, slightly creamy and it puffs up a little. But it fades pretty quick. All in all this one isn't exactly all that "extreeeeeeeeeeeeme!". It's a decent spruce tip stout, with pumpkins for added texture, but if you go into this one expecting a pumpkin-y pumpkin beer then you'll be disappointed.

Beer Works Black O Lantern

Beer Works Overtime Series Black O Lantern - Imperial Pumpkin Stout (2013)

Autumn Seasonal (New).

12 fl. oz. / $2.99 USD / 8.5% ABV

About: "The next release in our small batch, high gravity OT Series is a completely new formulation Black O Lantern – Imperial Pumpkin Stout. This deep, dark, and intensely rich imperial pumpkin stout has flavors of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg that complement the chocolate and roast character. At 8.5% ABV, this beer finishes surprisingly and dangerously smooth! ... As the name suggests, we work overtime on this series. These limited release, super premium beers highlight our brewers’ creativity and skill. Legends in their own right on tap at Beer Works locations, these brews are finally in bottles! Beers too big and strong for 6-packs, we had to put these higher alcohol styles into 4-packs, now available at your local liquor store and Beer Works locations. These beers are NOT for the faint of heart!"

Thoughts: Poured a solid dense black with a dark chocolatey tan head. There's no color in this one at all, just pure blackness.

This smells like one of those pumpkin coffees only without the awesomeness of shitloads of cinnamon and sugar. Too bad. It does smell like a cold black coffee with raw earthy pumpkin puree though, and it's still kinda nice. There's also a little bit of nutmeg sprinkled in there as well. Not really getting much alcohol in the scent either.

This actually tastes pretty good, though I wish it were more extreme! It's got a good enough foundation, a real heavy natural pumpkin flavor and a decent amount of spice - mostly nutmeg - that tingles. It's not too heavy on the cinnamon, but it's there, though it joins forces with the 40 IBUs for a damper of a combination. Upon belching pumpkin spice comes forward and then some tasty freshly cut grass. Mmmm... There's something weird happening on the back end of this one all of a sudden, like smokey burnt rubber. It's not overly strong or atrocious or anything, but I caught a quick rush of it. I don't think anybody would ever call this beer "sweet" but there's a certain level of sweetness to it. Finishing up the glass now, breathing in heavily and I caught some cigarette ash in there.

Mouthfeel is a lot lighter than expected. The first gulp was pretty watery and surprisingly so considering the stuff looks like thick black sludge. It's also got a foamy quality to it.

Despite the aftertaste of a mouthful of burnt He-Man heads, this one isn't all that bad. It's more interesting than their standard pumpkin ale at least. Even if they're made from most of the same stuff.

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout - Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels (2012)

Limited Winter Release (Bottled on 11/17/12)

12 fl. oz. / $5.99 USD / 15% ABV

About: "I really wanted to do something special for our 1000th batch at the original brewpub. Goose Island could have thrown a party. But we did something better. We brewed a beer. A really big batch of stout so big the malt was coming out of the top of the mash tun. After fermentation we brought in some bourbon barrels to age the stout. One hundred and fifty days later, Bourbon County Stout was born. A liquid as dark and dense as a black hole with a thick foam the color of bourbon barrels. The nose is a mix of charred oak, vanilla, caramel and smoke. One sip has more flavor than your average case of beer. It overpowers anything in the room. People have even said that it’s a great cigar beer, but I haven’t yet tried a cigar that would stand up to it. - Brewmaster Greg Hall. Hops: Willamette / Malt: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roast Barley, Debittered Black / Preferred Glass: Snifter / Food Pairings: Flourless Chocolate Cake / Cheese Pairings: Capriole Bourbon Chocolate Torte / Cellaring Notes: Develops in the bottle for up to 5 years."

Thoughts: Found the last one of these hidden in the back of a singles fridge, surrounded by Miller Lite and Mike's Light Lemonade. Who would have thought. Cap was hard as fuck to peel off. BCBS poured a super dark opaque black with a little dark brown head.

This is some really strong smelling stuff. That bourbon really shines through here. Nice. The beer smells sweet and mild, there's loads of dark chocolate, underlying notes of raisin and plum, and some sugary marshmallow. All of it drenched in Whisky. Can't wait to indulge.

Awesome! This beer just rolls around in the mouth. I got a smooth chocolate malty sweetness right up front before that whisky blazed its way in and after the swallow a little blast of coffee exploded. I was wondering if any coffee was going to show up here, as I didn't get any in the scent at all. Second gulp got a little bit of that alcohol sting, a bit of a haze, and the black cherry / raisin / prune really came in with a sting. This beer is pretty amazing tasting. I don't usually drink whiskey, although I did go through a phase years ago, and this really brings it all back. It's just enough too. The whiskey doesn't overpower, but instead lends a beautiful uniqueness that comes on in a wave. It's really sweet, hot, woodsy, leaves a gentle fire in the belly, a smokey haze in the mouth and a nice feeling upon the brain.

Mouth feel is a soft medium, but it really spreads itself out in when you hold it in. It doesn't get fluffy or foamy at all, just kind of expands and stings. I like this one. I like beers that have a strong presence to them, and I really like 15-18% beers... this one though, seems like it's missing something. It's got a mild kick, it's tasty and smooth, but it's not really velvety smooth. Just a texture thing however... I'd really rather have had two of these instead of just a single, to explore it further. There's always next time I suppose.

Founders KBS

Founders KBS - Ale brewed with Chocolate and Coffee Aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels (2013)

Extremely Limited Release (April 1st).

12 fl. oz. (x4) / $20.59 USD / 11.2% ABV

About: "What we've got here is an imperial stout brewed with a massive amount of coffee and chocolates, then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year to make sure wonderful bourbon undertones come through in the finish. Makes your taste buds squeal with delight. Note, this is NOT simply barrel-aged Breakfast Stout. It is an entirely different beer."

Thoughts: KBS pours black like tar with a really dark chocolate milk colored head full of all different sized bubbles. This stuff looks pretty thick.

Getting a huge aroma of chocolaty coffee. The coffee is slightly taken aback next to the huge amount of cocoa there. It smells really sweet. The dry roasted notes are coming through and it's nicely done, but the chocolate is where it's at man. I never drank coffee without chocolate back in the day. When it got cold, or when I ordered it iced, it smelt like this. There's something else lingering around in there too... some kind of leafy, dark fruits.

Flavor is coffee on the first gulp, followed by a huge amount of overwhelming chocolate and a very nice ride out on the end. The bourbon really comes through the more you hold it in your mouth. The longer you hold it, the more intense it becomes and the more intense it becomes the more awesome it is overall. There's a gentle burn to the beer, and the thing about it is that it hits as just the precise moment where it floods in and is about to overtake and then slowly falls back allowing you to enjoy the real essence of the flavors here. Once you're past that all the flavors blend together so get ready to experience greatness. I feel a bit of dat grass on the very back of the tongue as I start in on the second half of the bottle. Overall it's very sweet. Tons of wood. The barrel aging flavors really kick in after the palate adapts to initial shock of intense liquefied pleasure. After transcending to another plane of existence, it starts to taste like the beach: Firewood, alcohol, roasting smores, maiden water all over your fingers (Hello ladies!), stale cigarettes you shouldn't be smoking, wet clothes, insanely high event stories told by a homeless drifter, sand in your crack, and hopefully getting home safe to wake up and thrash another day. Dark fruits and citrus try as they may and try as they might to come out, but unless you've got the patience all you're getting is swamp grass and booze as an afterthought. In essence: Chocolate, coffee, booze, dark fruits, hazy spice from that oak, and minor hints of black licorice after sipping for long periods.

KBS tingles on the tongue from the moment it hits till it's swallowed. Mouth feel is pretty syrupy, but it leaves relatively clean. All of the taste remains afterwards, but the initial coating of the mouth slowly fades out and end just a little bit dry (most certainly from the oak). It's pretty cool.

This is a pretty awesome beer, but I don't know if it's just rare for the sake of being rare. I remember seeing their also-much-sought-after Breakfast Stout sell out immediately and people were going absolutely nuts, clamoring for it. I was used to seeing one or two 4-Packs one day and they were gone the next - leaving the shelf empty for two weeks or more. Now I'm seeing TONS of the stuff sitting there, and people are going bat shit crazy over this release. Is it all part of the ruse? KBS got shipped (apparently according to "the net" and one cool as shit motherfucker at the liquor store) only one case per store in most parts. The dude bought  himself a 4 pack, saved a 4 pack for a friend, saved another 4 pack for a customer call in, and when he left his shift that fateful day, there was only one 4 pack left in the fridge. I was the man who showed up just after that. Yeah, I got the last one. Happier than a pig in shit? You fuckin' bet. Totally stunned by the beer? Well... It's worth the five bucks a bottle. Though the "rarity" factor really kicks in on something like this, truth be told as always, after I drank my last bottle of KBS I popped open a 2012 Sierra Nevada Bigfoot and it downright blew KBS away by miles! That's my story and I'm licking through it.

Sierra Nevada NarwhaL

Sierra Nevada NarwhaL - Imperial Stout (2012)

Winter Seasonal? (New)

12 fl. oz. (x4) / $9.99 USD / 10.2% ABV

About: "A malt-forward monster, highlighting the depths of malt flavor. Narwhal Imperial Stout is inspired by the mysterious creature that thrives in deepest fathoms of the frigid Arctic Ocean. Featuring incredible depth of malt flavor, rich with notes of espresso, baker's cocoa, roasted grain and a light hint of smoke, Narwhal is a massive malt-forward monster. Aggressive but refined with a velvety smooth body and decadent finish, Narwhal will age in the bottle for years to come. Yeast: Ale / Bittering Hops: Magnum and Challenger / Aroma Hops: Challenger / Malts: 2-Row Pale, Caramel and Chocolate, Honey, Carafa and Roasted Barley."

Thoughts: NarwhaL poured a super-dense total midnight black right out of the bottle with a half finger beautiful, dark milk chocolate head.

This fucking beer smells outstanding! The first thing I get is syrup. And it hits hard too! Nothing subtle about this one. Heavy thick sludge like syrup in the scent. Loads of malt, Hershey's chocolate bars, some absurdly sweet coffee in the back, and a little bit of the earth left behind.

The taste is immense! Rich dark malts come through first, tons of sweetness, smoke, and a stinging boozy haze. A lot of that coffee flows through right after that once you breathe in, followed by an instant grassy aftertaste. This thing is blazing with roasted malts. There's a fair amount of peppery spice here too. Also, some hidden dark fruit type stuff going on far in the background if you just let your mind wander a bit while settling this in your mouth. It starts off with a sting, and while it slowly mellows, it doesn't really mellow at all. This stuff is boisterous, loud and hits like a brick. It's got a far-off candy like quality to it, especially as it warms, but for the most part it's not overly done in any one direction. The tastes here all blend perfectly and mingle well together. You can pick apart each and every feature, and yet, nothing is dominating here... only the severe blast of flavor.

Mouth feel is thick, syrupy, slightly foamy, sticky, dusty after the swallow, and coating.

This Imperial Stout has a pretty significant hop profile, but it's not too bitter for me. Personally I think the balance has been perfectly done for for such a hop driven company. There's a lot of sweetness here, and just the right amount of bitterness. It could use a few ghost chilies in the mix, but I'm not really complaining as I can add that myself. Thinking of mixing this with 1050 just for the fuck of it...

Mixing Beers #7

Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA (2012) "VS" Dogfish Head World Wide Stout (2009)

WHAT'S GOIN' ON: What is it about extreme craft beers that attract and intrigue drinkers from around the globe? A rather valid question I would say so myself. The answer, dear reader, is the booze! Deny it as you may, forlorn objects of destitute bewilderment, but know it to be true as my words speak in an absolute resolution when I say that yes!, sweet succulent and inviting booze warmth is indeed a spectacular and wondrous event to behold. True as it may be that hidden, layered and sometimes even delectable textures  - flavors even - come about within a drink of higher altitude, be not fooled preposterous mortal, for it is booze which is the code of law. The very law and blessedly horrid nature in which dictates the ceremony's presented craftsmanship: Getting shitfaced.

HOW IT WENT DOWN: I pop the yellow warning caps off of both bottles. I slowly bring the just released 2012 bottle of 120 up to my nose. It smells amazing. I grab the 2009 bottle of WWS, and do the same. Is smells scary. I think I'm in lust. Let the games begin, I say to myself, as I type this very sentence.

The mix of these combined monstrosities forms into a super dark cinnamon that's not exactly jet black and features a glowing reddish brown head. The head is minimal and leaves a thin layer of foam around the edges. Grain is evident throughout the newly evolved brew.

I lean in and notice that it smells like a forest full of ripe prunes, plums and berries. Some coffee comes through, but it's way off in the distance, underneath that pool of devilish booze. I close my eyes and smell this for another three minutes, slowly drifting into another plane of consciousness.

I take my first gulp, and realize that this is indeed, some righteous shit. The depth, the flavor... is just, legendary. It's sweet, has a fiery haze of boozy dark fruit notes that hit right away and bounce and explode all over the place, then after the swallow a gentle sweet cut-grass and mocha coffee come flowing through. A minor burning sensation strangles from the inside of the throat in each swallow. This is most indubitably, a syrup of ecstasy. A heavy smokiness from the WWS engulfs the senses, as do incredible candied hop notes from the 120, and it just a masterful blend of liquid death.

And on top of it all, my misanthropic minions, this mixing of two elixirs is incredibly smooth! The mouth feel is silky, velvety, syrupy and yet, it feels as if it becomes whipped cream disintegrating during the swallow. This beautiful potion is indeed... a drink of wonders.

Mixing Beers #6

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (2012) "VS" Oskar Blues Ten Fidy (2012)

WHAT'S GOIN' ON?: Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale was one of the first craft brews that I had ever tried. It may have been the fourth, maybe the fifth. I love it, always have, no doubt always will and every time I look at that artwork and those colors, I get a funny feeling of fond remembrance. And I think of snow. Man, do I love me some snow. You know what goes good with snow? What goes good with winter and the holidaze? Some rich ass Imperial Stouts, that's right. Have a dirty cookie. I drank the first three of my 4$ each 12 oz. cans of Ten FIDY in a row and it was a pretty damn good experience. I saved one for whatever, at the time I didn't know... but when I brought home a 3-Pack of Celebration later in the week, I decided that the first Fresh Hop Ale of the Winter would be a mix brew review. 

HOW IT WENT DOWN!: The beautiful orange-reddish tones from the SN Celebration were slowly flooded and corrupted by the black spreading shadows, eventually turning this beer dark as night. The head is white with drops of tan inside, looking a bit like hot chocolate with melted marshmallows.

The strong hops in this take precedence and are not to be outdone by the roasted characteristics from the 1050. But eventually a hurling malty flow comes forth and sits along with it side by side. I do definitely prefer the scent of the Celebration alone over this combined form, since it's just so beautiful, however this mingling isn't half bad either.

Taste is a very strange one. You get a battle in the mouth starting off with a smooth texture, then crackling hops and after the swallow, a roasted bitterness and some intense toasty burn. If anything, the Fresh Hop Ale really adds a lot to this stout, by bringing forth some tingling hop driven persistence. It's got a very deep taste to the whole thing, very rich and creamy, and soothing yet eventful. Hops dance around through this tingling smoky haze and both beers play off of each other very well.

Mouth feel is syrupy, thick and extremely coating. And even then, it's surprisingly smooth. 

Though spicy and popping up front, the beer mellows just before the swallow and leaves a grassy aftertaste and a fire roasted burnt sensation. This was a pretty neat mixing of beers overall, and did a number on my tastebuds. As much as I liked it, I wonder to myself now if anything will ever top the mix of Pumking and WWS. Is it all downhill from here? That worried thought shall do nothing to deter me from mixing additional beers in the future and posting my results right here, however substandard they may seem compared to that utterly wondrous event.

Founders Breakfast Stout

Founders Breakfast Stout - Double Chocolate Coffee Oatmeal Stout (2012)

Brewed and Bottled by Founders Brewing Co., in Grand Rapids, MI. USA. 

Winter Seasonal (Sep-Feb).

12 fl. oz. / $2.95 USD / 8.3% ABV

About: "You’ve got to love coffee to truly appreciate this phenomenal brew. Brewed with an abundance of flaked oats, bitter and sweetened imported chocolates, Sumatra and Kona coffee. We’re actually not sure if this is some type of coffee cake or a beer. Either way you can drink this ale with a fork. Breakfast Stout has an intense fresh roasted coffee nose topped with a cinnamon colored frothy head that seems to never fade and makes you wish breakfast could last forever."

Thoughts: Poured a dark mahogany color that formed into a deep black. The dark tan head was very slow to form but left a half a finger head atop the brew, before quickly dissipating into a puddle of foam.

Scent is going through phases... it started with coffee, cafe mocha, then the chocolate really came through strong, like rich milk chocolate and almost a little bit of dark chocolate mixed in. It's a little grainy, like chocolate Rice Crispies and there's a slight bit of booze, but it seems well hidden.

Got a smoky sting on the first gulp. It's almost hot, like it's got peppers in it or something. Weird. Chocolate adds to the overall taste but really falls back, and a smokey boozy sting with a huge dash of peppery hops get thrown at'cha. That Kona coffee really starts to pound down with a bitter flow and those bitter chocolates lessen the sweetness that a lot of stouts usually have. Getting a lot of molasses, caramel, and a toasty kind of marshmallow thing. It's got a sweetness to it, but it's about almost even with the bitterness.

Mouthfeel is like nothing I've experienced before. It's like pure silk. Amazing.

Again, tons of smoke and it feels like I just smoked after drinking this. My mouth is dry and hazy. It's a very roasted tasting brew overall. Heavy on that coffee, man. Raw shit. I wouldn't mind a bit more a syrupy oatmeal to it, but I do like mine just a tad sweeter. It's slightly burnt around the end, but all together it a heavy club over the head with strong coffee stoutness.

Funny thing happened in August of this year regarding this beer too: It was Banned in NH because the label features a baby "drinking". Hah. I thought their state motto was "Live Free or Die". A baby not being able to drink an 8.3% stout out of a cereal bowl doesn't sound to "free" to me. -_-

Oskar Blues TEN FIDY

Oskar Blues TEN FIDY (2012)

Brewed and Canned by Oskar Blues Brewery, in Longmont, CO. USA.

Year Round Brew.

12 fl. oz. (x4) / 15.99 USD / 10.5% ABV

About: "This titanic, immensely viscous stout is loaded with inimitable flavors of chocolate-covered caramel and coffee and hide a hefty 98 IBUs underneath the smooth blanket of malt.  Ten FIDY (10.5% ABV) is made with enormous amounts of two-row malt, chocolate malt, roasted barley, flaked oats and hops. Ten FIDY is the ultimate celebration of dark malts and boundary-stretching beer."

Thoughts: Look what just showed up in town (I never see this stuff anywhere aside from trips to NH), and hell, it's only two and a half weeks old. Nice.

Ten Fidy poured a super dark brown that turned instant black in the goblet. It's got a dark milk chocolate head, and tiny black bubbles that move slowly towards the edge of the glass. It looks like floating forward through space. I'm officially tripping out while staring into this beer.

Smells like cold ass coffee, and after that fades, chocolate cereal... like syrup covered smacks or something. Thick and sludgy, notes of chocolate and toasty oats. It smells very sugary.

Tons of roasted malt explode in the mouth, followed by a sweet haze of booze, an extremely gentle bitterness and a warm feeling all over. Getting some dark fruit notes, and after a while the hops start tingling all around the place. Coffee in the taste is laying low, and there's a dominantly roasted and toasty quality to the whole brew. Lots of oats and barley, with caramel and chocolate in the background.

Finishes with some grassy tones and a haze of thick, foggy booze.

Mouth feel is pretty amazing. Probably the best thing about this beer. It's full, and just pops all over the place. It leaves a thick film in the mouth and coats after expanding really quick. This ones got a real warmth to it and I'm feeling the head down below. I like this one, but it's doubtful I'll buy another four pack anytime soon considering the outlandish price. It's all relative, but still. 

Samuel Adams Merry Mischief

Merry Fake-O-Ween!1 That's right.

What?! Stone Cold ET, wants to celebrate Halloween... three days late... and drink himself, a couple Christmas beers... and that's the bottmline!!1 What!?? I said, Halloween... has come a little late, and is Nuts to Butts with this here years Christmas Season! What?!... Gimme a Hell Yeah!, if you like your pumpkins... and your mistletoe... inter-mingling, while you drink beers, kissin' each other, and plumpin up, while you whoop your bitches ass! Wait, what?!

So the town I'm currently residing in is celebrating Halloween today. I guess it's "for the kids" because the 31'st didn't fall on a weekend. That happens pretty much every year (when the unloved holiday lands on a weekday, and parents don't want to deal with shit). But now people are claiming it's been pushed back because of the storm that hit us. Yeah, sure.

Samuel Adams Merry Mischief - Gingerbread Stout (2012)

Limited Seasonal Release (First Year Beer)

22 fl. oz. / $6.69 USD / 9% ABV

About: "This rich dark gingerbread stout entices with the aromas of the holidays, hinting at the merriment and spices within. The flavor of gingerbread comes alive beginning with the smooth sweetness and heartiness of dark roasted malts and a touch of wheat. But it’s the intensity and spices of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, & ginger that add a wicked kick for a jolly playful brew full of merry mischief.

To bring to life the gingerbread we wanted to create that distinctive richness and spicy kick.  We strengthened the dark stout and added a touch of flaked oats for a full body and smoothness.  The dark malts also give the beer a sweet roastiness with hints of cocoa and a slight nuttiness. Then come the spices with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for a layer of complexity and lingering heat. The cinnamon and clove create a peppery heat while the ginger and nutmeg create an earthiness that marries perfectly with the hops.  All of the ingredients come together to create that nostalgic taste of gingerbread for a festive and warming winter brew.

Malts: Samuel Adams two row pale malt blend, wheat, Special B, Paul’s roasted barley, and flaked oats / Hops: East Kent Goldings and Fuggles / Yeast Strain: Samuel Adams ale yeast / Special Ingredients: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, & Ginger."

Thoughts: Merry Mischief poured a seriously dense ultra dark brown that turned pitch black, and featured a very dark beige and/or a light brown milk chocolate head atop.

This smells just like their Fat Jack! Typical... but I'll give it a chance, since it's made with the same spices and yeast. Alright, it only smells mostly the same at first. Once you get into it there's a darker, smokier tone to it...  it's very roasty, and a mix of chocolate and coffee, though neither of those are overpowering the other. It smells pretty awesome. There's an extinguished cigarette thing going on but it's pleasant. Something weird though... are hops actually coming through? No... wait, that's booze.

Very, very malty. Tinge of alcohol. Loads of ginger and vanilla here. It's got a real alcoholic frosting type taste to it. What's this, about 600 calories or so? Yeah, sounds about right. There's a lot of flavor overall, but it does fade pretty quick on the tongue leaving a dry haze from that cinnamon and a burn from that alcohol. It's a bit roasty, burnt, heavy, warm, a little bit acidic, heavily spiced and pretty much a dropped bomb. I don't hate it, no... in fact, while I'm not overly fond of it, I do happen to enjoy it quite a bit. Just because it reminds me so much of a Pumpkin Beer. Their Fat Jack particularly, only different.

Mouth feel is pretty thin for a stout. Watery, and such... sure it tasty for the most part. I wonder how it'll age. Perhaps in a few years it'll develop into a really nice IPA. What?! I said...

This is a cool beer. Not revolutionary by any means, and not really original, but I'm not going to sit here and complain. Most of the Sam Adams brews taste the same anyways, so at least this time they took one that I actually liked and made a Stout clone out of it. Who wouldn't have done the same thing?

Mixing Brews #3

Southern Tier Pumking (2012) "VS" Dogfish Head World Wide Stout (2009)

WHAT'S GOIN' ON?: I can hear Foley's manic screams of "He's Hardcore!" blaring through my skull, as I prepare to down a Thirty-Four fluid ounce mix of two of the most intense beers in the world! Southern Tier's Pumking, no doubt the most infamous pumpkin beer ever known to man or beast, is a potent and magical elixir easily capable of capturing the more than willing offered souls of the not-so-innocent. But what happens to the Autumn Solstice when the frost of an early three-year-old winter comes flooding in from forgotten times and blackens all of the gold, yellow and orange leaves!? Dogfish Head's World Wide Stout, an extremely powerful medicine, is here with some dark forces of its own to figure these things out. Best to never forget the past.

HOW IT WENT DOWN: First of all, just smelling the Pumking as I poured half a glass of it was a fucking treat in itself! Man, does this really bring back the good times. And after pouring the World Wide Stout and smelling it, all I could muster up was a thought of "Uh-oh." Remember what happened last time you went to the pub, came home and busted out the WWS Drunketh? Yeh, I said hello to my good friend side of table and his buddy floor.

This black and tan, my very first actually, looks pretty damn incredible. I like the whole concept of it... it's visually interesting, fun to do and hell, a while back I got a few free 'Bass Black and Tan' pouring tools that fit right over a 16 oz glass. Been aching to use it, but I knew what I was saving it for... for This! I poured it like a total black and tan virgin too. All worried n' shit. Ha. It feels exciting to do something for the first time, and it's been a while...

The logistics of Black and Tan elude me of course, as one brew rests atop the other so I'm not exactly getting a real "mix", so what the hell... I think I'll just stir the fucker up! Alright, stirring it turned it a pitch black and gave it a sliver of a dark khaki head. The scent, if magnificent!! Loads of brown sugar, molasses, gingerbread cookies, and some dark fruity booze.

Took the first gulp, and yes, we have a winner. These two beers blend perfectly. There's the usual harsh boozyness from the WWS that's gently calmed by the Pumking, and at the same time that booze from the WWS subdues the spices from Pumking ever so slightly. It's pretty amazing how well these two fit in together. It's really syrupy sweet, and a bit grainy as well. Heavy hitting, but the harshness is brought to an "appropriate" level and overall it's just a pretty damn exciting mix of poisons.

For some reason it starts to smell like maple syrup after a while, especially when it warms and that WWS takes over. Not that I mind though. Pumpkin pie drizzled with maple syrup? I don't do it everyday. All out of WWS now, and I gotta say that I've really been wanting Pumpkin all year long! I'm really pleased that I chose these two to get things going for the Autumn months or whatever. I wanted to make it speshull for my popping my b and t cherry, and I think I did it. Shit was off the fucking hook.

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp 2012 Series

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp 2012 Series

Limited Release. 12 fl. oz. (x12) / $20.49 USD / VAR% ABV (see below)

I was mildly excited about this and picked it up on sight. Care to read what I thought about these?

Floral IPA (aka Long Stem IPA) - Beer Camp #53 (2012)

12 fl. oz. (x3) / 5.9% ABV

About: "This unique take on the IPA style takes the floral aromas and flavors found in hops, and combines the with actual flowers! This medium-bodied brew was made using actual organic rose petals and rose hips for an unusually aromatic experience. With a complex mix of floral, citrus and pine hop flavors, and a balanced and easy-drinking malt backbone Long Stem IPA is a one-of-a-kind beer.

Bittering Hops: Citra / Aroma Hops: Centennial and Crystal / Torpedo Hops: Centennial, Saphir and Rose Petals / Malt: Golden Promise, Caramel (15L), Special B and Chocolate / Yeast: Ale / Other: Rose Hips."

Thoughts: As I poured this the head got off to a pretty violent start then slowly fell back into a sliver atop the brew. It's got an orange color overall, perhaps a little bit of a cinnamon color to it. When I hold it up to the light I notice that this beer is Grainy as all hell! It looks like someone took a couple hop flowers and took a cheese grater to em.

Smelt pretty pungent during the pour. Well, the scent is certainly more floral than anything else. I'm noticing like a 75% lemon 25% grapefruit citrus hop background under the flowery aroma. It's kind of sweet, like those Lemon-head candies, or those old school sugared lemon candies that your granny would have in a jar for three years straight and when  you tried to pick one up the whole bowl would come up with it! It's like that, and soft flower pedals.

The taste pretty much matches the scent exactly, which isn't a bad thing at all since it smells really cool. It's got a decent bitterness, and a light touch of pine, but it's also a tad sweet too.

Mouth feel is a little heavy. It's a weighted beer that's prickly, very crisp and finishes clean.

This is an OK beer. It's not incredible or mindblowing, and unfortunately not too intresting really. But it tastes good at least, and I guess that matters. Right?

Imperial Red Ale (aka Red-Oric) - Beer Camp #65 (2012)

12 fl. oz. (x3) / 8.1% ABV

About: "This Imperial Red Ale takes the bold hop profile found in a traditional Imperial IPA and turns up the malt. It has big aromatic hop notes of grapefruit, peach and melon, balanced by a very smooth and surprisingly robust malt body. Hops take the lead on this beer, but the malt tames the bitterness and adds a unique drinkability.

Bittering Hops: Magnum and Experimental Variety / Aroma Hops: Chinook, Magnum and Experimental Variety / Dry Hops: Citra and Magnum / Malt: Pale 2-Row, Patagonia, Caramel (45L) and Chocolate / Yeast: Ale."

Thoughts: This beer poured a translucent cherry cool-aid like color, with a huge somewhat pink looking fluff of a head. There's tons of carbonation bubbles going up, the smaller bubbles rising slow and the bigger bubbles zooming right past them. Cool. There are really neat speckles scattered all throughout the brew too. I like the cut of this one's jib, or something...

The scent isn't all too strong. It's hard to pick up, and a little bit strange. A very low droned, malty and sourness to it. I'm getting toasted sesame seeds I think, or like, funky sourdough bread.

Taste is bitter straight off the bat. And smokey. And tart. Well hidden alcohol. A prickling sensation while it's held in the mouth. After the swallow the whole back of the throat is as if I had just chewed a piece of lemon peel. Eventually that dies down a bit, and as the beer warms it become easier drinking. It tastes kind of like a funky, flat, spiced soda. Meh.

Light, airy and fluffy like a bit cotton ball as it expands.

Not really digging this one too much, despite the noticeable quality.

Imperial Pilsner (aka Sticke Pilsner) - Beer Camp #43 (2012)

12 fl. oz. (x3) / 5.6% ABV

About: "Packing a big hop-forward punch and bright crisp finish, this golden pilsner features a hearty dose of "sticky" resinous Crystal and Pacifica dry hops, which balance the light-bodied yet complex malt background.

Bitter Hops: Magnum / Aroma Hops: Crystal and Pacifica / Torpedo Hops: Crystal and Pacifica / Malt: Pale 2-Row, Europils, Munich and Acidulated / Yeast: Lager."

Thoughts: Poured an incredibly clear light yellow. There's a lot of carbonation going on. The head was really crackly at first but didn't die down as fast as I thought it was going to.

Smells of straw. Light, crispy hops. Mild citrus.

Slightly bitter, herbal... quite yeasty, and a there's a bit of twang to it. There's a subtle spicyness to it and a  Lemon kick in the background.  In fact, a lot of this beer is subtle. There's really not a lot going on  at all, other than it tastes OK. Very mild and soapy, aside from that tingling spice that's it's got there. It's a little bit funky. Aftertaste is like ash.

Mouth is light, easy and a little watery.

Yep, nothing I love more than sitting back with an Imperial 5.6% Pilsner after a hard days wor... oh wait, I fuckin' hate pilsners now don't I? Forgot about that. But hey, maybe I'll find an eye-opener pils one of these daze, who knows.

Oatmeal Stout (aka Snowed In Stout) - Beer Camp #45 (2012)

12 fl. oz. (x3) / 9.0% ABV

About: "Brewed in honor of the season's only snow-day in Chico, this big stout was born out of winder, but is perfect any time of the year. This imperial oatmeal stout is inky black in color, with a big milk chocolate, mocha-like aroma. It has a silky body from the use of rolled oats, and a round and lasting finish.

Bittering Hops: Brewer's Gold and UK Challenger / Aroma Hops: Willamette and Styrian Golding / Malt: Pale 2-Row, Caramel (60L), Rolled Oats, Chocolate, Black and Roasted Barley / Yeast: Ale."

Thoughts: The deceptively hidden milk-chocolate colored head on this erupted in a downward fury that nearly overflowed. In its fluffy and giggly wake, it left a pitch black brew that clouded up the sides of the glass.

Sweet and somewhat spicy, an roasted coffee undertone, toasted oats and chocolate milk. This smells... awesome!

Starts off with a gentle sweetness, with kind of a tingle that slowly fades into a slow roasted bitterness that isn't all too powerful. Alcohol must be incredibly well hidden in this one. After a while it becomes bittersweet, and though there's a bit of a burn around the back of the throat once it warms, it's all pretty mellow. There's nothing extreme at all about this one, but that isn't really a bad thing here.

It's a little bit more watery than I thought it would be.

This one is decent enough. Once it gets room temp there's a bit of black licorice that comes out, and that's pretty nice.

Final Thoughts: Overall I think all four of these beers lacked in a special something. I can see why they're pretty much brewpub exclusives and don't imagine that any of these will ever see a full time release on their own. I am interested in trying more beers from their uber-long list of Beer Camp brews though. Hopefully next time they'll keep the original names on the package though. I wasn't fond of the generic titling (and labeling) on these. 

Considering the fact that I didn't totally love at least one of these four beers, the only way I'd buy another Beer Camp 12 Pack for 20$ would be if they were four different brews. Though it goes without saying that all four of these beers are far better than a lot of the mainstream shit out there, they don't really hit me as "labors of love" or whatnot. Quality brews nonetheless, but not nearly Sierra Nevada's best moments.