Hump Day Happiness

On my list of breweries I must visit, Avery is top 5. Part 3 in the Avery series of Holy Trinity of Ales. Lets continue…

Avery – Hog Heaven
brewery: Avery – averybrewing.com
style: Barleywine
abv: 9.2%
serving size: 22oz
glass used: snifter
price: $7.99

Overview
This dangerously drinkable garnet beauty is a hop lover’s delight. The intense dry-hop nose and the alcohol content are perfectly balanced for a caramel candy-like malt finish. This is a serious beer for serious beer afficianados and it only gets better with age. Cellarable for 3 years.

What I think
Before I had this I was ready to fight to the death that barleywines should be banished to someplace evil… like a Flyers fan’s house but I have to admit this surprised the hell out of me. I picked up a slightly strong alcohol aroma which had me nervous at first but then my nose filled with hops. WTf was going on here I thought. The appearance was reminding me more of an IPA with the copper body and creamy head. First drink was a tad strong on the alcohol but hops and malt smoothed this bad boy out. Did I just enjoy a barleywine? Naw couldn’t have. A couple more sips later and I was loving this. It was warming, hoppy and malty which for a winter day was the perfect blend. I’m buying this again and living in fantasy land that its really a DIPA.

Spoon’s rating: A

On my list of breweries I must visit, Avery is top 5. Part 2 in the Avery series of Holy Trinity of Ales. Lets continue…

Avery – Salvation
brewery: Avery – averybrewing.com
style: Belgian Strong Golden Ale
abv: 9.0%
serving size: 22oz
glass used: snifter
price: $7.99

Overview
The success of Hog Heaven and The Reverend clearly demonstrates that beer drinkers are willing to embrace “BIGGER” beers. In the fall of 2001, we decided that a lighter BIG BEER would complement its darker colored predecessors. Salvation has luscious apricot and peach aromas delicately interwoven with spicy suggestions of nutmeg and cinnamon. This heavenly soft, champagne-like elixer is cellarable for 3 years.

What I think
Absolutely gorgeous head and if I ever get the kitchen finished I can get decent lighting back. Appearance is golden and a stellar white lacing once the head settled.  The aroma was straight up Belgian with strong accents of fruit (I could really get peach over anything else) and yeast. Overall flavor had a stronger citrus than I expected but it was enjoyable. For a beverage of this light in color I was a bit thrown off by the medium body. It bounced between thick and medium. Finish was slightly bitter but very clean.

Spoon’s rating: A

This is from the now infamous $400 Beer Run that sickpuppy and I took to Vintage Estate in Boardman, Ohio; the mecca of beer stores. I love Avery and having a name like Father Spoon this is a given.

Avery – The Reverend
brewery: Avery – averybrewing.com
style: Quadruple
abv: 10.0%
serving size: 22oz
glass used: pint glass
price: $6.99

Overview
The Reverend, was created in tribute to the life of Sales Mgr. Tom Boogaard’s grandfather, an ordained Episcopal Reverend. Tom was inspired by the life of his grandfather and wanted to create a tribute beer that contained his sterling traits. True to both our “small brewery, BIG BEERS” philosophy and to the spirit and character of the departed Reverend, this beer is strong willed, assertive, and pure of heart, a heart of candy sugar. It contains as many authentic imported Belgian specialty malts as the brewers could cram into our mash tun, and lots of Belgian dark candy sugar stirred into the brew kettle. A divinely complex and beautifully layered beer with hints of dark cherries, currants, and molasses, complimented by an underlying spiciness. Sinfully smooth considering the high alcohol content. Cellarable for up to 4 years.

What I think
Lets be honest, if you’re drinking a Quad there’s a good chance there is only 1 unless you want to get seriously tuned up. I’ve tolerated Belgians before because I had to for reviews but not until recently has the flavor profile started to appeal to me. This one… sweet jesus almihght you need to pray to the Reverend.

The appearance was darker than I was expecting. I wasn’t expecting it to be a shade of amber but was pleasantly surprised at the grace of the head forming. The white balance was a bit off in that picture but none the less it was a creamy head. The body smacked me in the face. It was a tad on the thick side and quickly coated my palate with a syrup like feel. Surprisingly I enjoyed it… over and over and over again. The finish gave me some alcohol kick but thing that wouldn’t soon wash away with the next drink.

Spoon’s rating: A

This is from the now infamous $400 Beer Run that sickpuppy and I took to Vintage Estate in Boardman, Ohio; the mecca of beer stores. This was bought solely because of the name and label.

Brew Kettle Dark Helmet
brewery: The Brew Kettle Taproom and Smokehouse – thebrewkettle.com
style: Schwarzbier
abv: 9.0%
serving size: 22oz
glass used: pint glass
price: $6.99

Overview
A Ringneck original, Imperial Schwarzbier is a German style black lager, kicked up at least one notch,
maybe two!

What I think
For an impulse buy it wasn’t bad. The pour was very dark and head vanished really quick but did stick around for a photo. Slight aroma of a sweet malt but it was more on the weak end. The body was fairly light and really seemed bland. It had a few moments where a roastedness would spring to life and like a quick sugar rush it crashed hard. Buy it for a novelty and try it out. Above and beyond that save it for a a beer you’d watch while watching the game after dinner.  You don’t have to think while drinking.

Spoon’s rating: C+

Located in Akron Ohio, Hoppin Frog has quickly turned into one of my favorite breweries on the east coast. Brewmaster Fred was gracious enough to give us an interview at Steel City Big Pour 2008 and it was love at first hop.

Hoppin Frog Frosted Frog Christmas Ale
brewery: Hoppin Frog – hoppinfrog.com
beer website: Frosted Frog Christmas Ale
style: Winter Warmer
abv: 8.6%
serving size: 22oz
glass used: pint glass
price: $7.99

Overview
The essence of Christmas is captured in this very bottle you are holding. Perfectly blended spices compliment Frosted Frog’s rich malt flavors, creating the ultimate Christmas experience. Celebrate the holidays as you savor this very special seasonal offering.

What I think
Christmas has been over for close to a month now and I’m fed up with winter but one sniff of this warmer and I was ready for a night chillin by the fire. The spices are dominate but not so much in a way you think you’re inhaling potpourri, it’s a  feel like you walked into grandma’s kitchen on Christmas day. First taste… gingerbread. Oh yeah, spoon is having flashbacks to the pretend holidays experiences he never had. Smooth, soothing and a malty finish. Oh heck I’m just gonna say it. It’s like a glass of milk (or soy milk for my lactose intolerant brothers!) and gingerbread men. Ungodly amazing! This did come in a 22oz which by the end I was satisfied and could take a nap… and I did, for 2 hours, it was better than any other nap in the history of naps.  I love you Hoppin Frog! Solid finish with a medium sweetness and mild spice.

Oh yeah, if you’re a homebrewer looking for bottles you want to stock up on these empties. The labels peel off perfectly and leave no glue.

Spoon’s rating: A

2008 on the left, 2009 on the right.

I do stupid adventurous things even when people tell me not to and this is one of those moments. Actually this was an “I really don’t know what will happen… spoon will do it!”. The 2008 bottle above is left over from the case I bought after Christmas 08 and reviewed. While cleaning my basement I noticed that behind a 6pack of beers I was aging, a few bottles of  2008 Santa’s Private Reserve were hanging out. In the name of science I rushed out to buy the 2009 bottle and see how it would hold up. I was fair and cleansed my palate after each beer. Do not try this at home. You’ll hate yourself. Trust me.

Santa’s Private Reserve
brewery: Rogue Brewing - rogue.com
beer website: Santa’s Private Reserve
style: Red Ale
abv: 6%
serving size: 12oz
glass used: pint glass
price: $41/case in 2008, $3.75 bottle in 2009

Overview
Rogue’s annual holiday offering, Santa’s Private Reserve, is a variation of the classic Saint Rogue Red, but with double the hops–including Chinook, and Centennial, and a mystery hop called Rudolph by head brewer John “more hops” Maier!

What I think
You can probably figure out what happened here. Epic FAIL. I knew that the ABV wasn’t strong enough for it to last and that the style wasn’t right for sitting a year but wtf ever. I drink it so you don’t have to. If you wanna be stupid you gotta be tough.

2008: The nose was a huge bouquet of hops. Hop Heaven I’d even call it. Quickly turned and shot to hop Hell when I drank. Flavor was gone. It was stale. Couldn’t cleanse my palate fast enough. Stomach started to churn and I had more gas than a zeppelin.

2009: Shockingly the nose was almost non existent. I even had Lushie give it a shot and nothing. first taste I had slight hops but that would quickly die. The whole profile I had in review 29 was gone. It was dull with a bitter finish. My once favorite Christmas beer was turned to coal.

Spoon’s rating –  2008: D 2009: - C

I know what you’re thinking. Spoon, a gimmick beer? wtf!  I couldn’t resist. If I want to have a justified opinion I need to taste it for myself otherwise I’m just as lame as those cowboy Bud/Coors/Busch drinkers. Yeeehaw!

Think you may know who Donnie Iris is but not 100% sure? Watch this for your flashback.

Yes, THAT Donnie Iris made his own beer.

King Cool Light
brewery: Lion Brewing – lionbrewery.com
beer website: kingcool.com
style: Lite American Lager
abv: N/A
serving size: 12oz
glass used: pint
price: $2.75

Overview
King Cool Light – A Light American Lager made with the finest two- and six-row barley and a perfect blend of American and European hops. A touch of caramel malt gives it its brilliant amber color and rare flavor.

Brewed in the finest rock ‘n roll tradition of uncompromising quality, this is my signature beer and I hope you enjoy it. Cheers!  ~Donnie Iris

What I think
Here’s your only warning, its a twist cap.

Shocked at the quality of head on the pour. Thumbs up for visual appeal. There is virtually no aroma on this beer but I was able to pick up a faint grain. Now for the real test, the taste.  “It’s Donnie Iris for christ’s sake, it can’t be THAT good. It’s a damn gimmick beer” I’m thinking along with “I’m gonna have to chug this.”

STOP THE PRESSES! This actually isn’t THAT bad for its style.  The beer claims to be an American Lite Lager and while I think it had too much malt for that classification it was light, crisp and refreshing. The malt was seriously dominant and reminded me of a light bodied dopplebock. For awhile there I thought I was getting some banana.

I think this beer will have a mass appeal and the low alcohol level (for a Lite American Lager it can’t be over 4.2% ABV) is also going to make this a popular lawnmower/tailgating beer.

At the end of the day I would take this over Yuengling on most occasions and I give it a higher than “C” rating because I really enjoyed it. *sigh* Donnie what have you done to me!

Spoon’s rating: B -

Special delivery from Uncle Crappy over the summer, I finally got around to crackin this one open. 2 of my favorite things, Dogfish Head and an IPA. Hopefully I don’t get sea sick.

**I hosted a beer tasting last night at Bocktown Beer & Grill and didn’t get home till way late. If you came out, thanks! If not, chug a Bud as your penance you heathen!**

Dogfish Head Squall
brewery: Dogfish Head – dogfish.com
beer website: http://www.dogfish.com/brews-spirits/the-brews/occassional-rarities/squall-ipa.htm
style: Imperial IPA
abv: 9.0%
serving size: 750ml
glass used: snifter
price: $11.99

Overview
I could tell you about it but instead I’ll leave it to head pimp of Dogfish Head, Sam Calagioni

What I think
This starts out with an unusual aroma to it. It smells stale. The pour was epic so I was thinking that maybe my smeller was on the fritz. Took a step back and savored the moment because honestly it was beer porn. LOOK at that picture!  It’s heaven… but unfortunately the taste wasn’t. At first was in love with the hop punch to my face but by the time I was done with the first glass it went from “wooohooo!” to “zzzzzzzzzzzzzz!”. That’s right. Boring as all hell. The beer turned bland and I was disappointed. I’d tell you the flavors and all my usual jazz but there was none of that. It ranks up with Killer Penguin boring.

I talked to a few friends about their bottles and the overall opinion was that I may have had a bad one. I know I’m not going to like everything from a brewery but this one felt from the get-go that something was off.  Since this is such a rare beverage to get in SWPA does anyone wanna send me some to revisit

Spoon’s rating: C -

I’m a sucker for a fancy label but knowing the great success I’ve had with Ithaca Beer Company in the past I thought I’d give this one a shot. Milk Stout though… this could hurt the lactose intolerant guy. The things I do for science. *sheesh*

Ithaca Eleven
brewery: Ithaca Beer Company – ithacabeer.com
style: Milk Stout
abv: 7.5%
serving size: 22 oz
glass used: pint
price: $11.99

Overview
Brewed with British, German, and French malts, American hops, and milk sugar, then aged for weeks on locally roasted Sumatra coffee beans.

What I think
Again with the coffee aroma. I’m sure I would dig coffee shops if the culture behind most of the jagoff drinkers wasnt there. I LOVED the aroma of this. As soon as I opened the bottle it was a nose full of coffee and sweetness. Its like a hot chocolate on a frigid winter day but without burning your tongue. My gripe from appearance was that the head vanished very quickly. I would have liked to stuck my nose in the frothy goodness a bit longer.

Eleven packs a medium body with upfront deep roasted beans and chocolate balanced by a little carbonation. The finish was soothing and a latte aftertaste.  Should you buy some? This is absolutely one you need to pick up but I wouldn’t sit it on the shelf, you deserve to enjoy this soon.

Spoon’s rating: A+

This was a tasty treat from Chris at Bocktown. I think she was tired of hearing me whine about not having this yet so with growler in hand I caved. Many thanks to her and the Bocktown staff for yet another great craft beer trip!

Flying Dog 20th Anniversary Raging Bitch
brewery: Flying Dog – flyingdogales.com
style: Belgian Style IPA
abv: 8.5%
serving size: 64oz
glass used: pint
price: n/a

Overview
Bitches come in a variety of forms, but there’s never been something as sassy as Flying Dog’s Raging Bitch Belgian IPA. An American IPA augmented with Belgian yeast, our 20th anniversary beer jumps out of the glass and nips at your taste buds with its delicate hop bitterness. At 8.3% ABV, this bitch is dangerously drinkable.

What I think
Flying Dog doesn’t get enough credit in this area for the all out greatness of their beers. The Canis Minor series is probably the best variety pack available in the commonwealth. When Chris called that she had Raging Bitch in for a limited run I knew I had to get there.

Pouring form the growler you can’t fully appreciate the deliciousness in the picture of the head that was around when I poured it. But since I was a putz about lighting is fizzled quick. The aroma on this was straight up hops with a slight Belgian twang. None of that sissy nancy triple hopped Miller Lite bullshit. A fistful of Amarillo beating on your nostrils. Nice imagery eh?

The taste… ohmyfreakinglord the taste. Give me a moment… ahhhh hops, hops, little citrus, Belgian sweetness and more hops. It’s like chewing gum that Violet eats in Willy Wonka. Oh the next course… YUM! The finish was straight up rockstar goodness. Smooth with a slight hop aftertaste that was very flavorful.

Spoon’s rating: A+