Beer #200 Brasserie Thiriez Dalva

Brasserie Thiriez Dalva

Name: Dalva

Style: Double IPA

Brewery: Brasserie Thiriez website

Country: France

Region: Esquelbecq

ABV: 8.5% abv

How served: 750ml capped bottle poured into a Sierra Nevada 30^th anniversary tulip.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good.

I paired this beer with: 4 cheese pizza topped with anchovies & spicy green olives.

Tasted on: Tuesday April 30, 2013

Notes: This beer gets its name from the book Dalva written by Jim Harrison.

This is a Bottle conditioned beer which is best consumed by August 2013.

The beer poured a clear golden color with a 3 finger white head which left a mild lacing on the glass.

The nose was of citrus and floral hops along with a mild sweetness and hints of pepper, cloves and yeast.

The taste started off slightly sweet from the malts followed with a mild bitterness from the hops which contained mild notes of citrus, grapefruit and piney resin also in the background was a spicy/peppery taste. The beer finished dry.

This beer had a medium body with a medium level of carbonation and only a mild hint of the alcohol level.

Overall this was a very good and complex brew. Would I have considered it to be a double IPA it I did not know what I was drinking? I would say no, it tasted to me like a very hoppy farmhouse ale/saison. I also regret not drinking this brew fresh, after I purchased it in October 2012, even though the label says best by August 2013.

I am looking forward to trying this beer again when we visit Brasserie Thiriez on our Grand Crus to Farmhouse Brews Beercation Cruise through Belgium & France in October when we will be traveling with our special guest brewer Bob Sylvester of Saint Somewhere Brewing.

On the Label: Cons de préf: 08/2013 lot 306 56 IBU

« Une seule bouteille de bière suffit à engendrer un flot de grandes pensées… » Jim Harrison, DALVA ( loosely translated into English : Only one beer bottle is enough to generate a flood of great thoughts)

India Pale Ale est un style de bière ne en Angleterre au XVIIIème siècle. Destinée a voyager loin et longtemps, cette bière était plus forte, et surtout plus houblonnée pour assurer sa conservation. Plus puissantes et plus aromatiques encore, les « double IPA » font revivre cette tradition. Dalva est l’interprétation personnelle de Daniel Thiriez. (loosely translated into English: India Pale Ale is a beer style in England at the 18th century. Intended to travel far and for a long time, this beer was stronger, and was extra hopped especially to ensure its conservation. More powerful and aromatic still, the “double IPA” revives this tradition. Dalva is the personal interpretation of Daniel Thiriez.

From their website:

La dalva est de couleur ambrée, aux reflets légèrements cuivrés. Une bière puissante qui conjugue les arômes fruités des houblons américains et une amertume agréable et persistance en bouche.
Accords : plats épicés (curry, gingembre)

Beer #199 Weyerbacher Riserva 2012

Weyerbacher Riserva 2012

Name: Riserva 2012

Style: American Wild Ale

Brewery:  Weyerbacher Brewing Co  website

Country: USA

Region: Easton, Pennsylvania

ABV: no abv listed on bottle or their website.  11.4% abv

How served:  750ml corked and caged bottle poured into a Rodenbach Grand Cru tulip. glass.   

My Overall Opinion: Very Good.

I paired this beer with:  Xtra-Hot Grilled Chicken wings.  Awesome pairing.  Heat from the wings was balanced perfectly with the crisp tangy tart raspberry.

Tasted on:  Saturday April 6, 2013

Notes:  

The beer poured a cloudy reddish brown with a 1 finger off white head.  This brew left no lacing on the glass. .

The nose was of tart raspberries, mildly acidic with hint of woodies oak.  

The taste was like biting into a raspberry sweet tart, without having an over the top raspberry flavor nor sweetness.  As time went by the brew became tarter (acidic) and some of the woody oak flavors came through.   The finish was very dry and refreshing with almost no hint of alcohol.

This beer had a medium crisp body with a low level of carbonation.

Overall I really like this brew; I feel it is something which might benefit from a little age on it too.   

On the Label:

Ale with Raspberry Puree added and Aged in Oak Barrels

From their website:

Riserva 2012 is an American Wild Ale fermented on red raspberries. Riserva is fermented with a blend of Saccharomyces yeast, Brettanomyces yeast, and lactic acid bacteria that produce funky, sour, and fruity flavors and aromas. The beer is aged for more than a year in oak barrels with Raspberries, giving the beer a pungent raspberry aroma, a lovely red color and a balancing wood character. This brew is a beautiful beer both to your eyes and to your taste buds. The microflora responsible for giving Riserva its character reside in the wood barrels and change somewhat over time depending upon factors such as the age of the barrel and the ambient temperature at which the barrels are stored. New barrels are rotated into the mix as old barrels are rotated out and as such, Riserva varies somewhat in color and tartness from year to year. Riserva is much higher in alcohol than its Belgian lambic framboise cousins and is a true treat to experience.

A very limited quantity of Riserva is distributed to select states.

Beer #198 Victory White Monkey

Victory White Monkey

Name: White Monkey

Style: Tripel

Brewery:  Victory Brewing Company  website

Country: USA

Region: Downingtown, Pennsylvania

ABV:  9.5% abv

How served:  750ml corked and caged bottle poured into Kastaar tulip glass.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good

I paired this beer with:  Grilled Salmon.

Tasted on:  Tuesday April 2, 2013

Notes:  

This  beer poured a clear golden color with a thin white head which dissipated quickly leaving a minimal lace on my glass.       

The nose was had notes of pepper & minimal banana, along with sweet white grapes and coriander.

The taste was very pleasant with light notes of banana & cloves to go along with some nice semi sharp spiciness from the yeast which balances with a mild white grape and fruity sweetness. This beer finishes on the dry side with a touch of oakiness.  

This beer had a light to medium crisp body with a slick/smooth warming from the alcohol with a minimal  carbonation level.

Overall I was very pleased with this beer & prefer this to the Golden Monkey 

On the Label:

Since his birth in 1997, our beloved Golden Monkey has remained playfully delightful and profoundly satisfying. His soul continues to glow with the wisdom of ages and inspired our own stroke of genius. Restless from his continuous journey to joy, we felt that some quiet time in American oak barrels that once matured white wine would further soothe this ale’s silken soul. After his three-month retreat, Golden Monkey emerged refreshed and invigorated with new character and flavor nuances that only make him more profound, and possibly even more playful.

Cheers,

               Bill & Ron

               Brewmasters at Victory

 

From their website:

White Monkey: Malt Beverage Aged In Wine Barrels

Since his birth in 1997, our beloved Golden Monkey has remained playfully delightful and profoundly satisfying. His soul continues to glow with the wisdom of ages and inspired our own stroke of genius. Restless from his continuous journey to joy, we felt that some quiet time in American oak barrels that once matured white wine would further soothe this ale’s silken soul. After his three-month retreat, Golden Monkey emerged refreshed and invigorated with new character and flavor nuances that only make him more profound, and possibly even more playful.

Composition

Malt: imported 2 row malts

Hops: whole flower European hops and coriander seed

ABV: 9.5%

Availability

Limited release in 750ml caged and corked bottles and on draft

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Sorry, No link to Enter as Contest ended March 22, 2013

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What is the Seceret Stash Bash:The time has come for some of the greatest breweries you have ever known to break out the extra special beers from their brewer’s Secret Stash. Expect the unexpected: rare beers, cellared beers, barrel aged, blended, Brett, wild, and everything in between. Not only will you get to taste over 40 amazing beers in one setting, there will be notable brewery folks on hand to talk to you about their unique creations.

• Souvenir tasting glass

• Only 450 attendees

• No long lines

• No clueless volunteers

• No common beers

Were: The Prado 5600 Roswell Road Sandy Springs, GA, USA 30342,
When: Saturday, March 09, 2013 – 2 – 6 pm
Hosted by: Taco Mac and 5 Seasons Brewing
Secret Stash Bash Made possible with help from:

Click Here To Find Entry Form to Win 2 Tickets

Hurry! Contest Ends March 7th

 

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Beer #197 Allagash Fluxus 2009

Allagash Fluxus 2009

Name: 2009 Fluxus

Style: Saison/Farmhouse Ale

Brewery:  Allagash Brewing Company  website

Country: USA

Region: Portland, Maine

ABV:  8.3% abv

How served:  750ml corked and caged bottle poured into a De Dolle Brouwers Oebier glass.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good

I paired this beer with:  Would you believe a potato knish topped with deli mustard.

Tasted on:  Saturday March 2, 2013

Notes:  This is from batch #1.  This beer is no longer brewed.  This Ale is Brewed with Sweet Potatoes & Black Pepper

The cork came out of the bottle with a nice “pop”. The beer poured a mostly clear light golden color with a few floaters.  The head was white and about 2 fingers high which left a thin sticky lacing on the glass.       

The nose was very floral, herbal and peppery.  There were also hints of honey and an earthy funkiness.     

The 1^st thing that hits me as I tasted this beer is the ground pepper and the spices from the yeast.  Mid way through I picked up some sweetness from the malts, brown sugar and a mild orangey flavor which mixed with the pepper, spices and earth flavors and a very faint pumpin pie (guess the punpkin pie was from the sweet potato).   This beer finishes on the dry side with a very refreshing finishes which lingers on the tongue.  

This beer had a medium crisp body with a nice carbonation level.

Overall I did this was a very delicious beer and very true to the Saison style, hopeful someday Allagash will make this one again.

On the Label:

[fluk-suh s] –noun, Latin.

1. a flowing or flow.

2. continuous change, passage or movements

Ale Brewed with Sweet Potatoes & Black Pepper

From their website: Allagash Fluxus

Fluxus is a beer brewed every year to commemorate the anniversary of our first beer sold in July 1995. The name Fluxus is Latin for continuous change, something we seem to find ourselves in. Every year, Fluxus is brewed with a different recipe, giving our brewers a chance to push the limits of beer.

*Allagash Fluxus is brewed to help fund a scholarship set up for pediatric nurses at The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. For details on the great work that they do there, go to mmc.org.

Fluxus: 2009 Ale brewed with Sweet Potato and Black Pepper

Fluxus ’09 was brewed in the style of the traditional Saison. For our twist, we added sweet potatoes, black pepper and a generous amount of hops. Sweet potatoes not only enhance its pale orange appearance, they contribute significant body. Centennial hops produce a bold grapefruit aroma, which is followed by a mild, honeysuckle sweetness. The intensity of both the pepper and hops are felt throughout, leaving a lingering warmth on the tongue. Papya, citrus and pepper dominate the flavor profile.

Description: Saison
ABV: 8.3%
Profile: Orange, Spicy Pepper, Full bodied, Citrus
Serving Temperature: 40°-50°F
Availability: No Longer Available – Last Brewed 2009
Package: 750ml bottle, 5.17 gallon keg
Ideal Within: One Year

Awards:  Bronze, World Beer Cup 2010

The Fluxus Series 2007-2012

2007 Fluxus: Rye Beer @10%abv

2008 Fluxus: Double White Beer @10%abv

2009 Fluxus: Saison @8.3%abv

2010 Fluxus: Imperial Chocolate Stout @10.3%abv

2011 Fluxus: Biere de Garde @8%abv

2012 Fluxus: Belgium Strong Golden Ale @7.7%abv

Beer #196 Dogfish Head 75 Minute IPA

Dogfish Head 75 minute IPA

Name: 75 Minute IPA

Style: I.P.A.

Brewery:  Dogfish Head Brewery  website

Country: USA

Region: Milton, Delaware

ABV:  7.5% abv

How served:  750ml capped bottle poured into a Dogfish Head snifter.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good

I paired this beer with:  Hot chicken wings grilled with the “extra hot” sauce for dipping.

Tasted on:  Wednesday February 27, 2013

Notes:  A bottle conditioned India Pale Ale with Maple Syrup.

This beer poured a hazy golden amber color with a 2 finger off white head which left a thin lacing on the glass.      

The nose was very pleasant with strong piney & citrus notes upfront with some mild caramel sweetness poking through.           

The taste kicks off with a very pleasant yet intense grapefruit and piney notes which then transitions to sweeter tropical fruits and a mild caramel/ bready sweetness to balance this beer out, which kept the bitterness level from going over the top  I only picked up a hint of the maple syrup.  There was some mild warmth in the finish from the alcohol and this beer ended on the dry side.

This beer had a medium slick body and excellent carbonation level.

Overall the drinkability was fantastic and paired very well with my “extra” hot sauce as the hops helped intensify the heat I love, yet there was enough balance with the malts & maple syrup to “cool” things down.  I’m looking forward to having this beer again as I’m now a fan of this brew!

On the Label:  There are some situations when 90 is too much.  There are other situations when 60 is too little.  There are many situations when 75 is juuust riiight.  Bottle-conditioned with pure maple syrup for complexity and dry-hopped out the bejeezum boards.

From their website:  Availability:  Limited

Blend two Dogfish Head favorites, add maple syrup and carbonate the mixture naturally. What do you get? 75 Minute IPA.

The carbon dioxide trapped during bottle conditioning gives 75 Minute IPA a soft and velvety mouthfeel. Dry-hopped with whole-leaf Cascades, this complex IPA has been known to inspire pilgrimages to our brewpub.

Now we’re sharing this animated blend of 60 Minute and 90 Minute with the rest of our fans, 750 milliliters at a time.

We currently send this beer (when available) to our wholesale partners in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, VT, WA

To find where our wholesalers have delivered this beer in the past 60 days, check out the Fish Finder (you can search by beer and by zip). As a reminder, it is always best to call and confirm a retailer still has the beer before making any treks!

Original Release Date:  01/2012

Food Pairing Recommendations:  Burgers, grilled meats, avocado.

Glassware Recommendation:  IPA glass

Wine Comparable: Chardonnay

Beer #195 Cigar City Criterium Ale

Cigar City Criterium Ale

Name: Criterium Ale (2012)

Style: American Pale Wheat Ale

Brewery:  Cigar City Brewing  website

Country: USA

Region: Tampa, Florida

ABV: 5.0% abv

How served:  750ml capped bottle poured into a Franziskaner weizen glass.

My Overall Opinion: Good

I paired this beer with:  Grilled salmon and grilled asparagus.

Tasted on:  Monday February 18, 2013

Notes: Wheat Ale Brewed With Bitter Curacao Peel.  Bottled on January 30, 2012.  So please note and take into account that I am drinking and reviewing this beer which is now past its prime

This beer poured a clear golden color with a large 3 finger billowing head and left an nice thick lacing on the glass.       

The nose was very light with hints of bready yeast and orange zest.          

The taste started off with a light sweet wheat bready tasted then quickly bites you with some bitterness from the hops and orange zest taste.  This beer had a medium long finish which was a moderately strong leaning towards the dry bitter side.

The body was crisp with a light to medium body with a moderate level of lively carbonation.

Overall the drinkability was good, but I wish I drank this brew 9 months ago.

On the Label:  Ever see bikes move faster than cars?  You will on Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Tampa’s Downtown!

Criterium – style bicycle racing – like stock car racing on two wheels.   Hang out at tampa’s Longest bar with a beer.  Grab a bite from a food truck or sidewalk café. Run in the 5k race.  Sports enthusiasts, cyclists of all types, families and foodies with all find something to enjoy at the largest one day bike event in the state.  www.tampacrit.com

From their website:  ABV: 5%  IBU: –  OG: –  SRM: –

March 31, 2012- – –

Ever see bikes move faster than cars? You will on Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Tampa’s Downtown!

Criterium-style bicycle racing – like stock car racing on two wheels. Hang out at Tampa’s Longest Bar with a beer. Grab a bite from a food truck or sidewalk café. Run in the 5k race. Sports enthusiasts, cyclists of all types, families and foodies will all find something to enjoy at the largest one day bike event in the state. www.tampacrit.com

Criterium Ale is a beer that we plan to change every year for the Cigar City Brewing Criterium & Street Festival. This year’s Criterium Ale is an American wheat ale with bitter curacao peel added.

Tasting Notes

This American wheat ale is light gold in color and has a slight haze from the use of wheat. Criterium Ale is a crisp wheat beer that has a refreshing hop flavor that is contributed by New Zealand and Australian hop varietals. Motueka, Galaxy and Pacifica lend a complex melange of citrus character and mesh beautifully with bitter orange peel to provide a full flavored yet light refreshing beer. Pair this beer with food truck fare and cycling while sitting at the world’s longest bar.

Beer #194 Blue Mountain Mandolin

Blue Mountain Mandolin

Name: Mandolin

Style: Tripel

Brewery:  Blue Mountain Brewery  website

Country: USA

Region: Afton, Virginia

ABV: 9.0% abv

How served:  750ml corked and caged poured into my Piraat snifter.   

My Overall Opinion: Good +  1/2

I paired this beer with:  Crab cakes with mango pineapple salsa and watermelon arugula salad.

Blue Mountain Mandolin with dinner

Tasted on:  Thursday February 14, 2013

Notes: Best by March 2013 stamped on the cork

There was a muted hiss as the cork was pulled out of the bottle.  The poured a mostly clear golden-amber with a 1 ½ off white head which left almost no lacing on my glass.       

The nose had hints of yeast, pepper, apples, sweet malts and earthy tones.         

The taste started off a bit earthy, spicy and peppery.   Midway thought I picked up some light apple and citrus notes as well as some sweetness.  The finish was clean and dry with no evidence of the 9% abv.

The body was medium and slightly tacky as the carbonation level was lower than anticipate.

Overall the drinkability was good and paired well with my dinner.

On the Label:  A deep golden beer born of a single malt. Balance derived from whole-flower hops. Created from water drawn deep beneath the feet of the world’s oldest mountains. Flavor driven by a faithful dedication to excess. All brought to life by yeast from a holy place. Great beer is a riddle that does not need to be solved!

100% bottle refermented.  Store cool and upright to keep in peak condition and avoid disturbing naturally settled yeast.

STATISTICS

Alc 9% by Vol.  34 IBU’s  21.6° Plato

Proudly brewed and bottled in the heart of Virginia.  Blue Mountain Barrel House, LLC

495 Cooperative Way Arrington, Nelson County, Va 22922

Sister Beer:

Steel Wheels E.S.B.   What’s this? Find out at www.bluemountainbarrel.com

From their website:

Mandolin Artisanal Ale

24° Plato, 50 IBUs, and 10% ABV

(Note different Plato, IBU & %ABV listed on bottle)

A pale beer born of a single malt. Balance derived from whole-flower hops. Created from water drawn deep beneath the feet of the world’s oldest mountains. Flavor driven by a faithful dedication to excess. All brought to life by yeast from a holy place. Great beer is a riddle that does not need to be solved!

Available as long as each batch lasts, March-July.

Beer # 193 De Molen Lief & Leed

De Molen Lief & Leed

Name: Lief & Leed

Style: Sour Ale

Brewery:  Brouwerij De Molen   website

Country: Netherlands

Region: Bodegraven

ABV: 6.2% abv

How served:  750ml corked and caged poured into my La Chouffe tulip glass.

My Overall Opinion: Very Good.  

I paired this beer with:  Roquefort cheese and a hard Italian salami.

Tasted on:  Sunday February 03, 2013

Notes: Bottled on 29 June 2012

The 1^st time I tasted this beer was on tap during our tour at Brouwerij De Molen in October 2012.  My initial impression was that of a souped-up Rodenbach Grand Cru (Flemish Red Ale).  I liked the beer so much at that time that I purchased a few bottles to bring home, including to one I’m having now.  Can’t wait to return to De Molen in October were we will be having a tour of the brewery as well as a beer paired dinner! 

 This beer poured a hazy brownish-orange with a 1 finger off white head which left a thin lacing on my glass.

The nose included berries, leather, woody, funk and barnyard aromas with a hint of sweet and sour.        

 The taste of this brew starts off tart with some sweetness to balance it out.  Like with the nose, I picked up some berries/cherries as well as some woody notes.   The tartness and funkiness  of this beer made you feel very refreshed and wanting more. It finished on the dry side.

The body was light to medium light and had a low level of carbonation level. .

The drinkability was very good especially with what was paired it with.

It will be interesting to see what a few years of aging on my other bottle will add to this beer.

On the Label:

Sour Ale.  Strong beer/Bière forte.

12.5° Plato , EBC 52, 10 EBU

Ingredients: water, pale, cara and roasted barley malts, saaz hops (bittering), yeast (top fermenting).

Enjoy within 10 years. Keep cool and dark.

Recommended drinking temperature 7° C.

Product of the Netherlands/Produit des Pays-Bas.

Produced by/Produit par:

Brouwerij de Molen, Doortocht 4, NL-2411 DS Bodegraven.

please drink responsibly

bottled on: see back label

no deposit please recycle

unpasteurized

6.2% ALC./Vol  75cl/750ml

 From their website:  Nothing here on this beer.