thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

No one has tried anything great as of late?

KPLAFIN

iTrader: (1)

I've been too busy to drink, spent two weeks at home and the week that I've been back has been so damn busy at work that I'm awake for about 45 minutes after I get off everyday... Imma get fucked up tonight though.

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

Post pics or it didn't happen...

KPLAFIN

iTrader: (1)

No pictures (thank god) but it was bad enough that I was chugging Corona....and straight out of the bottle at that....what's that tell you? Good beer to come in the next few days, got some real nice stuff I've been saving and I think it's time.

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

Starting today off right... Trappist Westvleteren 8. Brian you know about this one I'm sure. Haha

Trappist Westvleteren 8:
"Big thanks to billinlafayette for this one! Dated 29.09.09 on cap. Served from bottle into a McChouffe goblet. Pours a dark brown with one finger off white head that contains a dusting of brown sediment on the top. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of mat, fruit, alcohol, and citrus. The flavor is of big fruit, alcohol, malt, and a smooth creamy followthrough. It is medium on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this brew is phenomenal. I was expecting it to be good, but wow... The aroma and flavor of this brew is beautiful. Definitely the best of this style I have had to date. Believe the hype people!"

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

AWESOME night for beer... #1 reviewed beer in the World is currently going down the hatch.

Trappist Westvleteren 12:
"Big thanks to billinlafayette for this one! Dated 08.09.11 on the cap. Served from bottle into a Chimay goblet. Pours a deep dark brown with an off-white two finger head with a dusting of brown sediment on the top. Maintains phenomenal lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of fruit, bread, alcohol, and malt. The flavor is of malt, bananas, alcohol, biscuits, citrus, and bread. It is medium on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this brew is excellent in all aspects. The complexity of this one is truly INSANE. The appearance is awesome as well. This one sample makes me want to book a flight to Belgium and drink more... The hype is true."

KPLAFIN

iTrader: (1)

The 8 was a 2006 and the 12 was a 2008, not bad at all. I've got a couple 12's from '97 waiting for the right occasion. You can't beat a nice Westy's 12 if you like the style.

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

Agreed. They were both QUITE excellent to say the least...

thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

A buddy of mine bought me a case of this stuff for my wedding present. I think it's pretty tasty. Weihenstephaner Festbier...the worlds oldest brewery Since 1040. It's 5.6% alcohol, and it's goooooddddd.

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

I suggest trying their Hefeweissbier...

I have had one Hell of a beer drinking month.... See below:


Russian River Blind Pig IPA:
"Big thanks to billinlafayette for including this as an extra! Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours a clear golden yellow-orange with a two finger off-white head. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of malt, tropical fruit, and malt. The flavor is of bitter tropical fruit, smooth hop bite, with a big hop bite upon swallowing. It is medium on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this is a very nice IPA. Another one from Russian River that I wish it were available in my area. One of my favorite American IPA's I have had. Very nicely done Russian River..."


Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye:
"Served from bottle into Spaten mug. Pours a deep brown with a two finger off-white head that subsides slowly. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of wheat, malt, and hops. The flavor is of wheat, subtle malt, and nice refined hops. It is medium on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is quite nice and refreshing. The hop character isn't overwhelming and is almost spot on. I have passed by this MANY times in the stores and not looked twice at it. This bottle might have changed that forever..."


Mikkeller Beer Geek Brunch Weasel:
"Served from tap into an imperial pint. Pours black with a one finger tan head that remains throughout. Maintains nice lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of coffee, caramel, chocolate, and malt. The flavor was of coffee, dark chocolate, malt, caramel, and a creamy followthrough with a lingering coffee flavor upon swallowing. It was heavy on the palate with low carbonation. Overall this quite was a nice brew in all aspects. Not lacking on anything at all. Just wish it were easier to find... Thanks for this one Mikkeller!"


Three Floyds Dreadnaught IPA:
"Big thanks to Lunch for this one! Served from bottle into a Delirium Tremens snifter. Pours a clear yellow orange with a three finger slightly off-white head that subsides to one finger very slowly. Maintains lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of tropical fruit, subtle malt, and nice hops. The flavor is of tropical fruit, malt, and a nice crisp hoppy followthrough with the tropical fruit mixing in with the hop flavor. It has a medium feel on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this is a very interesting IIPA. All of the characteristics of this one is very nice. The hoppy followthrough isn't as smooth as usually enjoy but it is still not abrasive on the palate though. I can see why this brew gets such awesome reviews..."


Stone Imperial Russian Stout:
"From 2010 Vintage. Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours black with a two finger tan head that lingers for quite awhile and subsides to a minimal amount after awhile. Maintains excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt, coffee, chocolate, and bread. The flavor was of cream, malt, espresso, with a coffee followthrough. Upon warming up to just below room temperature there was a very strong aftertaste of bourbon associated with it. It was heavy, almost sticky, on the palate with mild carbonation. Overall this was a very nice brew from Stone. This was the first time I've gotten a chance to drink this one so it was a whole new experience for my palate. That being said, it was quite good but not what I was expecting to be #30 in the World at the time... One of my only gripes was that the followthrough of coffee was a bit harsh for my palate as I do not drink coffee, but it still didn't deter me from finishing off a bomber."


Yulesmith (Summer):
"Big thanks to enelson for this one! Served from bottle into a Delirium Tremens snifter. Pours a hazy yellow orange with a three finger fluffy white head that remains for quite awhile and subside to a one finger upon sitting for quite some time. Maintained excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of pineapple, pine, citrus, and mild hops. The flavor was of tropical fruit, malt, with a nice citrus/fruity hop followthrough. It was light on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this was quite a nice IIPA. The aroma of this one was quite nice and refreshing and told you what you were about to get yourself into. The pine flavor in this brew was kind of powerful to me so drinker beware... However I did not find it overwhelming and rather a welcomed change in my past lineups. This is a great IIPA and a must try for the true hopheads out there."


Russian River Consecration:
"Big thanks to MCLK for this as an extra! Batch 003X3. Served from bottle into a Duvel tulip. Pours a deep reddish brown with a two finger off white head that subsides to one quickly. Lots of carbonation rising to the top and makes a fizzing like a soda. Maintains decent lacing throughout. The aroma is comprised of yeast, bread, sour apple, and grapes. The flavor is of sour apple, grapes, very subtle alcohol, and citrus. It has a light feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this was the first Wild Ale I had tried back at a tasting and it got me interested in the style. This is a very nice blend of flavors all in one package that makes my taste buds jump for joy after every sip. If you have not tried any Wild Ales, this might be a good place to start."


Three Floyds Dark Lord Russian Imperial Stout:
"Big thanks to fbm115 for this one! 2010 Vintage. Served from bottle into a Stone nonic. Pours black as sin with a one finger tan head that remains for quite some time. Maintains phenomenial lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of coffe, malt, alcohol, and licorise. The flavor was of chocolate, alcohol, malt, bread, caramel, and coffee. It was heavy on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this brew is nothing short of epic in all aspects. I had this before at a BA tasting thanks to mikesgroove and had to get my hands on a bottle for myself after that. Now I remember why... The flavor and aroma one this one is quite awesome and complex. It is one of the ones that does live up to the hype surrounding it. It is definitely a heavy hitter and while slightly chilled reminds you of this fact, but mellows out upon reaching room temperature."


Back Road Blueberry Ale:
"Big thanks to aasher for this one as an extra in an in-person trade! Served from bottle into a Samuel Smith imperial pint. Poured a clear red-orange with a one finger off-white head that subsides to minimal. Also had a few floaties present in the bottom as well. Maintained decent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of malt, wheat, and blueberry muffin!? Hell yes! The flavor was of malt, blueberry, bread, with a wheat followthrough. The blueberry muffin flavor was an aftertaste after swallowing. Definitely liked this aftertaste. It was light on the palate with medium carbonation. Overall this was a very nice extra to get ahold of. The blueberry muffin aroma and aftertaste knocked this one up a notch for me. However, the flavors present were kind of light, but the ones that were there were quite nice however."

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

Big weekend of beer for me including a limited beer release at a brewpub in North Carolina and a Beer Festival as well... Here are some of the ones I tried and reviewed while consuming them.


Foothills Baltic Porter:
"Got to try this one at the brewpub at the release party. One of the first three glasses poured off the keg. Thanks for the company during this one mikesgroove. Served from tap into a Foothills fat pilsner (at least how I would describe it). Pours a deep dark brown basically black with a one finger light tan head that lingers throughout. Maintains phenomanial lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of malt, subtle fruit, oatmeal, and a very slight hop hint. The flavor was of oatmeal, malt, dark fruit, and a hint of alcohol upon warming up to room temperature. It had a medium feel on the palate with mild carbonation, almost a creamy texture as it goes down. Overall this was quite an excellent brew. Had a very smooth and creamy feel to it that made it go down oh-so easy. The appearance on this one was quite good. While the aroma was quite complex it lacked some intensity to it, but was still nice. However, the flavor totally made up for the lack of aroma intensity. This is a definite must try for sure."


Foothills Bourbon Barrel Aged Peoples Porter:
"Served from tap at the brewpub into a Foothills shaker. This was the first glass poured off a freshly tapped keg with freshly cleaned lines. Pours dark dark brown almost black with a two finger tan head that subsides to one finger slowly. Maintained nice lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of malt, spices, and chocolate. The flavor was of cream, spices, malt, and a subtle red wine spice. It had a medium feel on the palate with low carbonation. Overall this was much nicer on tap than out of the growler I had consumed the night prior to having this one. As said in my review from the growler below, it is a must try if you get the chance."


Foothills Seeing Double IPA:
"Served on tap from the brewpub into a small shaker as a sample from the bartender. Poured a light red orange with a one finger off-white head. Maintained nice lacing throughout the sample. The aroma was comprised of grapefruit, hops, malt, and pine. The flavor was of grapefruit and hops. It was light on the palate with low carbonation. Overall this was a very nice IIPA. It was extremely smooth as it had a very nice hop bitterness that was present when swallowed but very sweet upfront with the grapefruit notes taking the show. The aroma was quite nice as well, but not as robust as I would have hoped. Definitely a great IIPA and I am glad I got the chance to try this one."


Foothills Hoppyum IPA:
"Served from tap at the brewpub into a Foothills shaker from a mispour to another customer. Pours a clear red orange with a one finger white head. There was no apparent lacing evident. The aroma was comprised of subtle malt and hops. The flavor was of subtle malt and a nice hop spice. It was light on the palate with low carbonation. Overall it was a nice and smooth IPA. Had a superb feel on my palate and was very refreshing flavor. Would and will drink this one again for sure."


Bell's Hell Hath No Fury:
"Poured from the Mellow Mushroom in Greensboro after the Summerfest Brews Festival. Served from tap into a Chimay goblet. Pours a deep dark brown with a one finger tan head. Maintained excellent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of bananas, alcohol, malt, and vanilla. The flavor was of fruit, malt, caramel, alcohol, and vanilla. It had a medium feel on the palate with low carbonation. Overall this was a nice brew. Went down quite smooth and was quite enjoyable even after a day FULL of drinking at the festival. Had a very nice flavor, but just a decent aroma for its style. Worth trying for sure."

ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

I was introduced to another great brew last night. I was at a local pub that has a large tap selection and ran through a list of beer I wanted to try. But they did not have what I was looking for on tap. So the waitress, after hearing what I was looking for, suggested I try Trois Pistoles brewed by Unibroue (Quebec), French Canadian, hence the French name. This they had on tap. Never heard of it, but what the hell, OK.

Wow... I had no idea what this beer was when I ordered it other than it was a dark ale. It turned out to be very, very tasty. It scratches the same itch that I have for Aventinus which is a big compliment in itself. Dark, spicy, deep toasted flavor, good taste from start to finish, even warm, and mild hoppiness. I had two, both of which went down easily, and wanted another. But I stopped there due to the high ABV. Two others at the table with me ordered one after hearing my exclamations of beer bliss and both liked it as well.

Brewer's web site
http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/trois_pistoles/product
Beer Advocate rating (A-)
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/22/30

If you can find this on tap, try it. Great stuff. I think I have a new beer in my top 5.
Schnieder Aventinus
Unibroue Trois Pistoles
St. Bernardus ABT 12
Spaten Optimator
New Belgium (Fat Tire, Mothership Wit, or 1554 ale depending on mood).

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

Good call on the Unibroue Trois Pistoles... I had it earlier this month on tap at a local bar. Here were my notes on it:

"Served from tap into an Unibroue slender tulip. Pours almost black with a subtle brown hue with a three finger off-white head that subsides to one finger slowly. Maintains decent lacing throughout. The aroma was comprised of fruit, alcohol, and malt. The flavor was of bananas, malt, and extremely subtle alcohol. It had a medium feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall a very nice brew that actually reminded me more of a quad. The flavor was quite nice for the style. The aroma could of used an extra kick to make it even better. This is worth trying given an opportunity."

Gave it a B+ myself....

My Top 5 list however goes something like:
1) Trappist Westvleteren 12 (4.9/5)
2) Russian River Pliny the Elder (4.8/5)
3) COAST Buffalo Trace Barrel Aged Blackbeerd (4.65/5)
4) Trappistes Rochefort 10 (4.65/5)
5) Three Floyds Dark Lord Vintage 2010 (4.6/5)

thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

I just bought a case of this. Fort Collins Chocolate Stoudt. It's delicious.

Tekel

iTrader: (2)

Tonight's beer: Tap room No 21 Moe's backroom Amber Ale. Its good but I don't like it as much as a local breweries Almost Heaven Amber Ale.

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

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I haven\'t really drank much of anything this week as I\'ve been sick. Last weekend was a different story though... Foothills Octoberfest, Foothills Bourbon Barrel Aged Sexual Chocolate, The Duck Rabbit Rabid Duck, and Great Divide Stranahan Whiskey Barrel Aged Yeti. Yes, it was a BIG weekend...

thirdgen

iTrader: (26)

Drinking a Smutty Nose Pumpkin Ale right now. I'm pretty satisfied with this. It tastes like a nice thanksgiving day pumpkin pie. Sorry, no pics as I'm posting this from my iPhone.

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

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I never have been big into the pumpkin ales that come out around this time of year. Guess I just need to find one that blows me away. The Smuttynose one you describe could do it as I effing love pumpkin pie and I saw it on shelves around here today...

scandmx5

iTrader: (2)

thagr81 us

iTrader: (5)

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^Yack!!!! Worst beer I've ever tasted. Drank three sips and drain poured that bitch... The berry was WAY too much for me.