Whenever we go back home to Ashleys hometown or the East Coast, Harpoon is usually a staple at most bars or in most of our random 6 packs. Harpoon’s flagship beer would have to be there IPA, I think. On my way to purchase my new Mac, I stopped by Liqour Barn to look for beer I couldn’t get anywhere else. Winter Warmer isn’t something I would go out of my way for, but I thought
Ashley liked it. (Sidenote: when drying and cutting really, really hot peppers…wash hands thoroughly before rubbing your lives, for the love of god.). The beer is just your typical Winter beer actually, nothing special, but a different beer. A spicier beer that pours a rust-colored red with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Not too overwhelming concerning the spices although that is the complain of most.
2 out of 5 barrels
With last weekends Laughing Dog Brewery, I decided to stay in the canine family and go with Thirsty Dog Brewery out of Akron, OH. I’ve seen there other offerings, but had never purchased their beer and after Siberian Night, I will be sampling more. This imperial stout is referenced as their “Grand Daddy”. It pours a deep black and a thin Mocha colored head which leaves quickly. The beer is a
mouthful, very dark and also very full. We had fried some homemade fries and largemouth bass and our bellies were full, but the beer served as dessert. With notes of chocolate and coffee (Ashley- I like the way it smelled) the beer tastes of a bittering dark chocolate that leaves the tongue a tad bit dry. A very smooth beer. I would recommend pairing this beer with a raspberry themes dessert or something on the lighter side. 9.7 ABV.
3 out of 5 barrels
Although Mikkeller is mainly known for its single hop and yeast series, the roaming brewer produced a pretty kick ass stout. Ashley and I ventured to the Louisville Beer Store on Friday night (recurring theme?) and everything they had on tap (combo of 3 Floyds and Dogfish Head) I had already had so I decided to grab a cold bottle.
Giddy up. Nice pour in a tulip glass and it kept with its name, it pour just black with little to no head. The beer packed a punch and was meant to be sipped on. Aroma was a mixture of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and roasted coffee. The zero carbonation made it almost seem like I was sipping on a port or a stout which had been sitting out for a while. The label pretty much tells you what the tastes are, although the vanilla didn’t have much of a presence. I’ll give the beer another chance, but it wasn’t something I would purchase again at $10 a bottle.
2.75 out of 5 barrels
Sierra Nevada- 30th Anniversary Grand Cru Reserve
This beer gives another meaning to the term ‘threesome’. With the celebration of their 30th Anniversary, Sierra Nevada has been producing some special bombers of beer. Grand Cru is a mix of oak-aged Bigfoot, Celebration Ale, and fresh Pale Ale. The beer has a piney, wet hope smell to it upon pouring. We chose this beer with recommendations from the Sierra Nevada rep at the Beer Store. He spoke with us about the industry, his clients, and beer in general. Who doesn’t love talking beer??
A very well-balanced beer with flavors from the three styles coming through at different times. Tastes like a wet harvest ale at first and then with a fuller barleywine style to finish it. Although it is 9.2%ABV, you can’t tell because the smoothness of the beer. Although Ashley and I shared the bottle, I wanted it all to myself. A beer to be savored.
4.5 out of 5 barrels
johnking82
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