A Winter Warmer that could even warm the Grinch's heart.

Harpoon Brewery

Winter Warmer - 5.5% ABV

What a season for Winter Warmers! Gab and I finally get to review one together. It has been a long time since we were able to sit, cackle, and do what we do best...DRINK!

To really get the full effect of this Winter Warmer I like to rim the glass with some simple syrup, then dip into some cinnamon and sugar.  Once the brew is poured into the dressed glass, the white head rises to the top with flecks of cinnamon. The aroma rising from the amber colored beer is sweet with some spice.  The cinnamon from the beer and from the garnish really takes off.   After the head fades what is left is a gorgeous ambered colored beer with ample carbonation dancing to the top.  It almost brings tears to my eyes because it is such a beauty...sniff sniff.

After my inappropriate response to this stellar specimen, I had to redeem myself...fast!  Must DRINK!!!!  So, I did.  Once the glass reaches my lips the cinnamon and sugar take over and the medium to light bodied beer rolls perfectly over my taste buds.  A sweet taste from the sugar, a spice from cinnamon and nutmeg, then a sweet malty flavor kicks in just before a slight bitter end.  What a list of flavors this beer offers. 

Harpoon's Winter Warmer is a very drinkable beer that even non-beer drinkers can enjoy.  Even though  these people can not be trusted or do not have souls, they may be able to repent by drinking this fine beer. 

Obviously this is a seasonal beer and if you want to get it you must get to stepping NOW!!!!  Last week there were just two cases left in the isle.  Are you sweating and starting to panic?  You should.

Gab : I agree, this is the best winter warmer I've tried. It lacks the heaviness of Iron Hill's and is very drinkable. Perfect for long evenings spent by the fire in the company of best friends. 

Cheers!

K&G

A Hound That's Welcome at My House Anytime...

by Gab

"Anytime you're thinking Evil, you're thinking the blues." ~Howlin' Wolf

2011 has been an amazing year for many reasons, not the least of which is the 100th birthday of Mr. Robert Johnson.  In honor of the this reknowned blues master, Dogfish Head Brewery collaborated with Sony Music to craft the perfect celebratory ale. Hellhound On My Ale is a super-hoppy ale that hits 100 IBUs in the brewhouse, 10% ABV, 10 SRM in color, and dry-hopped with 100% centennial hops at a rate of 100 kilos per (yup, you guessed it!) 100 barrel brew length. Phew!

 That gorgeous, cloudy color makes my mouth water all over again...

In addition to the intense hops, there is a delightful hint of citrus due the the dried lemon peel and flesh added as a shout-out to Robert Johnson's mentor, Blind Lemon Jefferson. The attention to detail in this collaborative series is just too awesome for words.

My hop-head intuition told me this was going to be an amazing beer before I even lifted the glass to my lips, and boy was it right on the dang darn money! Refreshing with just enough hops (for me), and the hint of lemon adds a nice, crisp finish. Two sips in, I could not stop smiling. After one pint I was the happiest person in the Foley living room! I had waited weeks to try this special release, and it was everything I dreamed it would be.

Kath: Once I opened the Hellhound I knew that I was going to make a face that would send small children sceaming.  I tried to compose myself as I clinked glasses with Gab and my hubs...but the soapy head and cloudy brew was scaring me!  I hated it!  A shiver went down my spine and I could have sworn a hound made it's way into my kitchen to bite my ass.  NOT GOOD.  So, if you like pine, lemons. and Pledge this brew is for you...NOT ME!

Poor Kathleen's taste buds were so violently assaulted by this beer that she could not sleep until she shared that with you!

If you enjoy a fair amount of hops, you should definitely try to get your hands in this limited release. Save it for a time when you can kick back, play some soul-feeding blues and toast the Mississippi delta bluesman who inspired this very finely-crafted beer.

Cheers!

~K & G~

The Tale of Two Christmas Ales

Tis the season to be on the hunt for the best of the best Winter Warmers.  I have tried several (shocking, I know) and to my delight I have not tossed any in the sink in disgust. 

Just to list a few...

Iron Hill Brewery - Winter Warmer

Flying Dog - K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale

Harpoon - Winter Warmer (My ultimate favorite)

Lancaster Brewing Company - Winter Warmer

All of the brews were pretty tasty and the Harpoon Winter Warmer is FANTASTIC! I serve it in a glass rimmed with a little simple syrup dipped in cinnamon and sugar.  Pure Christmas Bliss.

I would have liked to review each Winter Warmer but I decided  to pick just two and I thought the two with the same name was the ticket.  Christmas Ale by Great Lakes Brewery and St.Louis Brewery/Schlafly Bottleworks.

St.Louis Brewey/Schafly Bottleworks

Christmas Ale - 8% ABV

I happen to see it in the make your own six pack and thought, what the hell.  In the cart it went with a few other treasures. 

Hello, Christmas in a bottle!!!  Really!  I opened the bottle and instantly smelled orange and cloves.  The color of this bottle of Noel was a rich amber with a small creamy head.  It did not hold the head for long but it had a decent amount of carbonation.

I was not too sure with the orange action oozing from the bottle but the fist sip proved my intuition to be wrong!  What a well balanced, sweet, yet not too sweet, spiced, fruity, and just a drinkable beer. Oh, and with a respectable ABV of 8% I was feeling mighty festive after three bottles.

Great Lakes Brewing Company

Christmas Ale - 7.5% ABV

Even though they share the same name the two beers are completely different.  The Schafly Christmas Ale had an orange flavor that lingered with some clove but this number used honey, ginger, and cinnamon.  Great Lakes once again did not let me down.

After I emptied the bottle out into a glass. the head rose to at least 3 fingers high.  When the head slowly shrank a beautiful copper colored ale was left in the glass. 

The taste was constantly evolving.  I instantly tasted ginger, then honey, and last cinnamon.  The three flavors melted together to produce a well brewed ale.  Again, with a nice 7.5% ABV it left you no choice to feel all warm and fuzzy for Christmas.

So, if some of you faithful readers want to try a good Winter Warmer instead of trying to hide that obnoxious Elf on the Shelf try some of my picks!

Cherrs!

~K~





My NOT so Epic Afternoon With Stone.

Stone Brewing Company

Vertical Epic Ale - 9.4% ABV

Stone Brewing Company has been releasing a Vertical Epic Ale since 02/02/02 and you guessed it, I got the 11/11/11.

I am usually not a HUGE fan of Stone Brewing Company because they tend to be Arrogant Bastards and use way too much hops.  I have sampled a few of the Bastard Releases and what a Bastard it was to my taste buds. Gab and I also tried two of Stone's Collaboration Releases, and if I remember correctly, I thought the Cherry Chocolate Stout was ok but the Japanese Green Tea IPA was a hot mess! 

Now, back to the present and the Vertical Epic Ale 11/11/11.  The label says the series are bottle-conditioned ales that are specifically designed to be aged until sometime after December 12th, 2012!  Even though some people say I am a beer hoarder (Gab & Ryan) I am quite sure I can not hold onto a beer that long.

Once poured in a glass the dark amber colored beer produced a nice frothy head.  The aroma was a bit strange to me.  I was expecting to smell more spices but was not hit with much of anything.  The label mentioned cinnamon with chilies so I was anxious to give it a try.  I should have waited.  UGH!!!  It was NOT what I thought it was going to taste like at all!!!  I was expecting some drinkablity and some heat from the chili.  Hell no!  I got bitch slapped by a freaking pepper!  Seriously, it was like taking a shot of beer while gnawing on a pepper!  If I wanted to eat right and sit with a veggie tray I would of gone to Whole Foods not Canals!!!  I wanted beer! A good beer damn it!

After I dumped out the bottled veggie tray I ran to the beer fridge, where I so called hoard my beer, and saw yet another Stone bottle mocking me!  This one was a different Gargoyle smirking above the label.  It was the Stone Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout. 

Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout

ABV - 10.5%

I did not waste much time pouring this in a glass in hopes of saving my taste buds from it's unfortunate peril.  The color was just beautiful.  A dark, dark, dark mahogany and the caramel head was inviting.  The aroma was that of licorice, chocolate, and coffee. All scents that are very much my cup of beer.  The first sip was a shock of coffee, like a typical stout, and once that dissipated a faint licorice flavor comes forward.  The two ingredients totally complimented each other.  At the very end of the complex journey of flavors a vanilla undertone sneaks in on your palate.  Now that my Bastard is a freaking beer!  No veggies here!!!!

So, my afternoon was not a complete Epic Fail.

Cheers!

~K~

Pretty Things Babayaga and Guest with Heat

Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project

Babayaga - 7% ABV

Hello boys and girls, I recently had the opportunity to try out Pretty Things "Babayaga" Stout which is their winter seasonal brew.  It is brewed by Pretty Things Ale and Beer Project located in Westport, Massachusetts.  I've tried brews from this place before and I knew before trying it I would more than likely enjoy it...so...I went ahead and bought twelve of them.  

First and foremost, the abv of this stout comes in low at 7%.  I was a bit disappointed at first, but due to the quantity I have, I wasn't too worried.  Even with a heavy pour into a snifter the head was small, dark brown in color, and dissipated quickly.  This brew has a complex smell for me.  I get roasted malts, faint chocolate and alcohol, maybe some oatmeal as well.  The taste is complex as well, I've never tasted anything like this before. You can taste a bit of a smoked flavor along with hints of mocha along with a fruit and nut taste.  A very unique brew to say the least and is very drinkable! 

 This one gets the two hangover up vote especially after drinking three of them a few nights ago.  Overall, this is a very drinkable stout and I highly recommend trying one or three.  Also, after my initial "tasting" I had the great pleasure of having this on tap at a nearby saloon.  This beer tasted just as good on tap as it did bottled.  

Pictured along with my brew is my evil Glock model 21SF chambered in .45ACP.  The "SF" after the model number indicates this is a short frame model as compared to their Glock 21 which has a larger frame.  Glock was founded in the early 1980's by Gaston Glock who is an Austrian engineer.  The pistol's frame is made of polymer which is considerably lighter than steel.  Although Glock was not the first to manufacturer a polymer framed pistol it was the first successful one with their Glock 17.  Glock pistols come in various sizes and calibers and are carried by many professionals world wide as well as a popular weapon for the shooting enthusiast.  Glock pistols are simple to operate and easy to maintain.  Whether you want something for range use or a compact weapon to conceal on your person for self defense a Glock could certainly meet your needs.  Anyway, just like with various brews...there are various guns to try out to find your personal likings.  I personally prefer a 1911 but a Glock will work for me as well.  

Cheers!

~Ryan~

I do like it Sam I Adams!!!

The Boston Beer Company - Samuel Adams

Thirteenth Hour - 9% ABV

Sam I am DIGGING you!!!!  I would drink this on a train, in a plane, and in the rain!  Samuel Adams has been one of my go to beers lately too.  I enjoyed the Pumpkin Ale, Winter Lager, and the OctoberFest.  As you all know I was obsessed with all the pumpkin brews.  Not one beer held a candle to my favorites Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin or Southern Tier Pumking but Sam Adams was a close runner up.  As Gab put it, during one of our liquid lunches, it is the sleeper of the season! 

 The Thirteenth Hour is one of four of the Barrel Room Collection all of which are sold only in a 22oz bottles. On the bottle the brief but catchy description was:

The thirteenth hour is the witching hour and refers to the mysterious combination of flavors in this brew.  We've combined the roasted chocolate and coffee flavors of a stout with the spicy character of a Belgian ale aged in oak. 

Uhhh, hello...this sounds like my perfect beer!  Oh and let's not forget it made with Kosmic Mother Funk!  You read that right! Sam Adams created KMF (Oh lookie...my initials!) which is a name for the process of aging ale in large oak tuns that is blended to varying degrees in each of the beers in the series to add unique spicy, fruity, and complex character.  Get the Kosmic Mother Funk outta here!!! 

The color was a deep mahogany with a creamy tan head.  It had an unusual scent that had me stumped and intrigued.  I knew I picked up the usual suspects for a stout which is chocolate and coffee, but there was a sweet scent wafting from the glass.  Maybe cherry?  An oaky vanilla aroma was also noted.

The Thirteenth Hour has a nicely balanced spice and sweetness that lingered on my taste buds.  It was not as full bodied as I anticipated but not let down.  Since this beer is a Belgium Stout is is a little different than your tradtitional stout.  I liked how all the flavors mingled with each other so I was not overwhelmed with one ingredient. 

Sam Adams once again, did not disappoint me.  I think you too would enjoy this beer here or there...You would like them everywhere!

Cheers!

~K~

 



The Poet whispered sweet nothings to me

New Holland Brewing Company

The Poet - 5.2% ABV

The last time I tried a New Holland product I lost my head along with Ichabod.  The Ichabod Pumpkin Ale  was not even drinkable!  Seriously, I was taught that wasting a beer was a sin...well I went to confession and had to say 10 Hail Marys because I had to dump it down the drain.  I still get goose bumps thinking of the experience.  So, trying another brew was not on my top ten lists, until I saw it on the shelf mocking me!  There it was, in my favorite liqueur store looking like it needed to be savoured.  I guess you can figure out what happened next. 

I flipped off the cap and  was mesmerized by the fragrance seeping from the bottle.  It was a sweet oatmeal smell with a hint of chocolate.  Just the smell alone made me drool but it got even BETTER!  Once poured into a glass the color was a very dark brown with a gorgeous beige head.  The first sip was like diving into a a creamy dreamy milkshake with carbonation and let's not forget alcohol.  The body on this beer was full and complex.  My taste buds were getting smacked around with all different flavors while the fullness of the beer lingered in my mouth.  The lacing was all over the glass and did not start to slide down for at least a few minutes.  What an all around fantastic oatmeal stout. 

Cheers!

~K~

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout & Guest

Brooklyn Brewery

Black Chocolate Stout - 10% ABV

This was a dream stout and incredibly priced at $7.99 in my neck of the woods for a four pack.  Not too shabby for a fantastic brew with a side of kick your ass!  It poured a black as night and the head was  creamy and tan.

Look at that sweetness!!  It was just as beautiful to taste as it was to look at!  It smelled of roasted malt and bitter chocolate.  The taste lingered on my palate and it was welcomed to stay!  It was complex yet simple: the flavors yielded by simple ingredients, and complex in how they mingled to create a masterpiece.

But do not just take my word for it this time, folks!  My brother, Ryan, is a beer snob like us!  He tried this luscious beer and composed his own blog entry! 

So, without any further ado, please read Ryan's guest blog entry...

Stopped by the local Wegmans to see if Southern Tier Choklat hit the shelves yet.  Unfortunately it did not so I settled for a four pack of Brooklyn "Black Chocolate Stout" for about nine bucks.  This one weighs in at 10% abv which I certainly like.  It pours nice and black with a small light brown head.  I can smell the chocolate but it's not as pronounced as my beloved Southern Tier Choklat.  It tastes very good with hints of chocolate and coffee, almost a bitterness to it.  Next to ST Choklat this is a fine stout and I will definitely be buying some of this again.  I'll go ahead and give this two hangovers up.  Very drinkable brew and I should have bought more but I do have some back up weapons lurking in the ice box. 

What is that stainless steel masterpiece next to my beverage you ask?  Why that is my Ed Brown 1911 pistol in .45 caliber.  This particular weapon has ridden with me just about everyday for the last six years and has never let me down.  The 1911 was invented by Sir John Moses Browning in the year 1911.  The 1911 was the standard issue side arm for our armed forces from 1911-1985 and is still used today by the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, LAPD SWAT, and the FBI Hostage Rescue Team to name a few.  A design made one hundred years ago and is still serving folks' shooting needs today!  How cool is that?  

Typically, guns and alcohol don't mix all that well.  I can assure you that no babies or unicorns were harmed while taking these photos.  After the photos were taken the gun was secured in her proper home while I sit here and enjoy Sunday football along with my beverages.

Bravo Ryan!!!  I am one proud younger sister!  Blah ha ha!!! 

Cheers!

~K&R~



San Diego = Beer

Ahhh, isn't it just picturesque? The sun was setting and seals were welcoming the incoming tide.  I was perched up on a cliff in La Jolla and I got real thirsty! 

This is the view from George's At The Cove..not to shabby.

Just a block or so away we (my hubs Rob and I) went to a highly recommended restaurant named Georges's At The Cove.  It had three levels to choose from to dine on and we picked the rooftop. 

There were 10 draft beer handles that include local favorites like Ballast Point Sculpin, Stone Pale Ale and Alesmith Nautical Nut Brown, and bottles including Green Flash Brewing Company Double Stout, Coronado Orange Avenue Wit and Ballast Point Calico Amber. I was in HEAVEN!!!!  Seriously...I had just traveled all day, been up for 20 hours and it was all forgotten once I saw the beer list.

After much deliberation, I went with the Double Stout by Green Flash Brewing Company.  Our waiter loves this beer and assured me I made a stellar decision.  Rob chose the Stone Pale Ale.  Yawn...boring.

Green Flash Brewing Company

Double Stout Black Ale - 8.8% ABV

O..M...G...this was a fine brew!  Everything about this beer screamed greatness!  The color was pitch black with a mocha head.  Once the head dissipated it left tan lace cascading down the glass.  I swear this stout screamed SEX in a glass!!  The smell was of roasted malts, bitter chocolate, and coffee. With the first sip the bold flavor of roasted malts hit and then a rich chocolate flavor rolled around in my mouth.  It was bold - not a HOLY SHIT bold...but a well balanced bold stout.  It rocked out an IBU of 45, but it was well hidden with the maltiness.  All around this was a perfect buzz and grin-maker. 

Green Flash Brewing Company has quite a line up of beers to choose from too.  I know one beer I WILL NOT be trying...it is called the Palete Wrecker with a 9.5% ABV.  Catchy name but hells NO!  The IBU is listed at 100 Plus!  Did you read that?? Over 100!!!!  Gab, this is made for you! I am sure she would also love the Le Freak. It is a modern ale crafted by converging two beer styles, Belgian Trippel and American Imperial IPA. Dry-Hopped and Bottle-Conditioned. The ABV is 9.2% and the IBU is 101.  I Le Freaked out at the thought of just pouring these beers. 

The next day we stayed at the hotel and again Stone Brewing Company graced the menu, but I saw a Karl Strauss Amber Lager that peaked my interest. 

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Amber Lager - 4.2% ABV

This bronze beauty had a sweet scent of toffee, toasted malts, and caramel.  Very pleasing.  The flavor mimicked just what I smelled. Slightly sweet, earthy, and rich caramel flavors.  It was made with Munich Malts and I tend to really like beers made with his particular malt. Another bonus was the IBU is just at 16!  I would say this brew has total drinkability since it has a low ABV and not too bold to overpower your taste buds.  Score for Karl Strauss.

The trip was too short to really appreciate all the great beers offered.  I did however get to sample some of Stone Brewing Company's brews.  The company had a tasting table at our hotel to start off San Diego's Beer Week.  I had a swig of Arrogant Bastard Ale...I did not like it before and still did not like it.  Ugh...the label is arrogant and the IBU is not listed because it is "classified".  I would say it was up in the 80's.  NOT GOOD.  I did like the Smoked Porter which did list the IBU at 53.  The ABV was a not so impressive 5.9% , but it made up for it's short comings in the flavor.  It had rich chocolaty notes with a slight smokey ending.  The color was a dreamy mahogany and it was topped with a creamy head.  This beer is complex but perfectly balanced.  Stone is usually a brewery I steer clear of because of it's reputation of being hoppy but this Smoked Porter is a keeper for me. 

Now, back to reality.  Crap. 

Cheers

~K~

Pumpkin Beers and Jack-O-Lanterns

I thought we should pay homage to the pumpkin by drinking pumpkin beers. Not the wisest decision I have made, mixing knives and beers, but it all worked out.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale was my inspiration.

Blah ha ha!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Cheers!

~K&G~

The Elf was Mad and Rude tonight!

Troegs Craft Brewery

Mad Elf Ale - 11% ABV

Since I decided to start moving on from the pumpkin ales, sigh,  I gave the two elves a whirl.  I have already tried Rude Elf's Reserve at my Oktoberfest, and I liked it, but I wanted to try it against it's arch nemesis..the Mad Elf Ale! 

I was also intrigued to try the two ales side by side because there is a little controversy surrounding the not so jolly elves.  The Mad Elf Ale has his jingle balls in a bunch and sent The Rude Elf's Reserve Ale a cease and desist order.  Apparently the brewery feels that the Rude Elf's Reserve labeling is too close to their Mad Elf's likeness and name. 

 I first went with The Mad Elf  Ale, made by Troegs Craft Brewery.  Typically I do not like brews by Troegs because they tend to be hoppy.  I HATE HOPS!  Just so you know.  But, my  fabulous beer god Michael from Canal's emailed me and said I must try and he put some aside. I also looked it up on Troegs website and had just a IBU of 15! Boosh!

With a pretty aggressive pour the head was about an inch high but quickly disappeared.  What was left in the glass was a beautiful cherry/orange ale that had a spicy and slightly sweet scent.  The first taste was ehh, and the second was still ehh...and I was almost as Mad as the Elf on the bottle!  It was spicy and not overly carbonated.  I thought maybe it was me so I passed a glass around.  Everyone loved it! I mean everybody!!!  I really thought my bother would be with me on this one but NOOOO!!  He liked it along with my hubs, Darlene, And Christine!  Well what do they know...right? They drink Miller Light for goodness sakes! Where is Gab when I need her!  Ello? I guess I still do not like Troegs. 

Fegley's Brew Works
Rude Elf's Reserve - 10.5% ABV

After that disappointment, I cracked open the Rude Elf's Reserve, and just took a pull right from the bottle!  Not bad...not bad at all!  Cinnamon hit me right away and a hint of nutmeg.  The body was about the same and the Mad Elf but the color had a little more of an orange hue.  After the cinnamon passed over my taste buds I recognized some caramel malts.  This brew is a fine winter beer that should be sipped and savored because of the bold cinnamon flavors and the high ABV.  I think if you drink more than 2-3 of these beers you may find yourself being a Rude Elf or just a Rude Bastard.  Oh, and the crowd...they still loved the Mad Elf Ale!

The price point on these beers are not even close to each other.  The Mad Elf Ale will set you back $16.99 for a 6 pack or $8.99 for a 22oz. and the Rude Elf's Reserve was priced at $8.99 for a 6 pack.  In my opinion don't get Mad just get Rude...it is cheaper and you get just about the same buzz. 

Cheers!
~K~

Oktoberfest 2011

Oh, what a night!!!!  My hubs and I hosted an Oktoberfest for our family and friends so they all can see what I am so passionate about...beer.  I made a ton of food and got two 1/6 of a keg of my personal favorite Southern Tier Imperial Pumpking and the solid standby Sam Adams Octoberfest. 

On our invitation we requested that everyone bring their own personal favorite seasonal brew.  I saw beers walk through my gate that made me want to jump up and down with joy, and then I saw one beer I swore made the music stop as it crossed the gateway.  NOT in a good way, either. You know who you are, Mike!

Southeren Tier Imperial Pumpking - 8.5% ABV

Sam Adams Octoberfest - 5.3% ABV

The Southern Tier, I believe, was the party favorite.  It was flowing all night and everyone had a glass full or at least tried a cup.  I have had it in the 22oz bottle, but to have it on tap it was like a slice of  heaven.  The nutmeg was in full swing and the mild sweetness of the pumpkin was a fantastic finish.  I do have to give my guy Michael Conway at Canal's in Marlton a HUGE thank you for tracking down the Southern Tier for me.

I figured I would make center pieces out of the Southern Tier Pumpking so my guests could read up on the beer they were loving and wishing they were as cool as me!  Oh, and that glass there, yeah it is the the Pumpking.  

This lovely creation was from my neighbor who is Martha Stewart and Lucille Ball all wrapped into the best package ever!  She made this fabulous dip that tasted like the filling in pumpkin pie!  It was served out of a hollowed out pumpkin with mini ginger snaps. 



The Brew Bitches of the evening. 



Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale - 5.2% ABV
Great beer if you like pumpkin pie, which I do!  Delish!  I have reviewed this beer a few weeks ago and gave it (as my brother puts it) two hangovers up!

Ellicotville Brewing Co, Octoberfest Lager - 5% ABV



Riverhorse Tripel Horse Belgium Style Ale - 10% ABV
Gab - This beer is very good. If you're a fan of Belgian Tripels, you won't be disappointed! Try it, and you'll be wandering around muttering, "Riverhorse Tripel Horse" til you want to stab yourself in the eye.



Founders Breakfast Stout - 8.3% ABV

I can not wait to try this little number.  My cousin who is another beer lover brought this just for me to try.  He recommended me to drink it at room temp so I can really enjoy all the different flavors it has to offer.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale - 8% ABV
You know where I stand on this beer.. LOVE it!!!  I did have the option of having this sweet thing on tap but my Rob (ok, I guess I will name the poor guy) preferred Southern Tier and he really had to twist my arm.  Blah ha ha!!

Sam Adams Wee Heavy - 10% ABV

Gab has had this beer and she loved it!  I did have a few sips at the party and it was creamy and dreamy! 
Gab - This is a current fave of mine. It's a beautifully-colored Imperial Scottish Ale that hits like a war hammer. Try it before it's gone!

Fegleys Brew Works Rude Elf's Reserve - 10.5% ABV

This was not Rude at all!!  It was smooth with a boozy kick, if that makes sense.  I could smell cinnamon and nutmeg and the taste was that off slightly toasted caramel malts.  Very good.  Once I get a chance I will take a picture of the beer poured and give it another go-around. 

Gritty McDuff's Halloween Ale - 6% ABV

I did try this a week ago and I did not have any love for it...at all.  It was too bitter for me, but to be fair it is a Extra Special Bitter Ale.  Maybe this one is for Gab.
Gab - I just tried this, and it is just eh. Not worth the calories, my friends!



The Southern Tier Trifecta that came to the party. 

Jah-va Imerial Coffee Stout - 10.6% ABV

Pumpking Imperial Ale - 8.6% ABV

Oat Imperial Oatmeal Stout - 10.8% ABV

Obviously, I do not need to say a word about the Pumpking...Ok I will one more time...SIGH.  The other two stouts I have not had as of yet.  My brother raves about the Oatmeal Stout and he was so-so about the  the Jah-va Stout. 
Gab - I love the Jah-va! It is my second favorite coffee stout. Get your Starbucks fix and a buzz on at the same time, what more can you ask for?

There were a few other beers I did see floating around that I did not get a picture of or even taste!  The HORROR!!!!  What I do remember trying is the Oktoberfest - Marzen-Style Lager with a 5.5% ABV by Dundee Brewing Company.  It was a full bodied lager that poured a beautiful color of mahogany.  The first sniff yielded caramel and molasses or maybe brown sugar.  The flavors matched the scent so I was not surprised or disappointed.  I was surprised that it is an Oktoberfest beer.  I am use to a lighter and less sweet Oktoberfest beer, like Sam Adams Octoberfest or Brooklyn Brewery.  This was a sweet and a full bodied beer that really represented a true Marzen(meaning March) -Oktoberfest Lager.  Maybe I am used to the American style Oktoberfest beers, but this I liked.

Gab - One of the crowd favorites was Smuttynose Farmhouse Ale. Farmhouse Ales really float my boat, as you can see here . Overall, there was a great mix of brews. I even saw a Weyerbacher Heresy at the bottom of the cooler! The authentic German and Belgian Pilsners were well-represented as well in true Oktoberfest fashion.

Now, for a tiny peek at the fun times:

Ken, Party Rock Central and Resident Bushwackuh.

Sigh. There are no words.

We didn't know who this guy was, but he scared the crap out of us, so we left him alone.

The sophistication slays me. Betty Draper ain't got nothin' on you, Kath!

Jean, my mom (Gab), and Mike. See the expression on Mike's face? He's thinking, "Holy shit, everyone knows that I brought the Bud Light Lime cans, and now I'm caught red-handed drinking Southern Tier and eating a hoagie. Balls!"

"Did you see that someone brought Bud Light??? And who THE FRICK ate all of the pumpkin dip?? GOSHDARNIT TO HELL!!!"

Blah ha ha!!!

After all the smoke cleared from the cigars and the chiminea,  I was left with a buzz and a grin!  I had a great time with everyone and had some kick ass beers!  Hopefully everyone enjoyed themselves as well...if not...

enough said.

Cheers!

~K & G~

Shipyard Pugsley's Signature Series - Smashed Pumpkin' - Not So Smashing.

Shipyard Brewing Company

Pugsley's Signature Series

Smashed Pumpkin - 9% ABV

On an earlier review of Shipyard's Pumpkinhead I mentioned my quest to try

Pugsley's Signature Series - Smashed Pumpkin.   I have liked the Signature Series in the past and I thought the Smashed Pumpkin would not disappoint.  My quest was done in vain.

I knew I was not going to be blown away as soon as I opened the bottle.  I did not pick up on any particular spice...or any spice!  Once poured with a heavy hand the head was about one inch high. The color had a hazy orange hue with dancing bubbles running up the glass. 

According to the bottle's description the beer has a big-bodied beer...not so much in my opinion.  I thought it was on the lighter side and lacked the level of greatness I was expecting.  This beer is not by any means Miller Lite quality but as a craft beer it was a miss. 

Shipyard once again made me want to jump ship!!!  No SHIP!  It was better than the fruity pebble Pumpkinhead but it took on water next to Southern Tier's Pumking.


Cheers!
~K~

Troegs Perpetual IPA - Good Lord (not in a good way)

Troegs Brewing Company

Perpetual IPA - 7.5% ABV

The definition of perpetual is as follows - lasting forever, everlasting, occurring continually.  Troegs named their IPA right then... the hoppy, nasty, and jump out of your skin flavor lasted FOREVER on my tongue!  GOOD LORD it was harsh!  Maybe the hops all over the bottle should have been a warning or when I opened the bottle the citrus smell slapped me right in the face!  Even after that, I still poured it into a glass to give this brew a fighting chance.  Besides my brother (who is a HOP HATER too) gave it to me it could not be that bad, right? 

As you can see the beer is light orange in color, with slight haze as you peer through the glass.  The head lasted for a few minutes and was light in color as well as texture.

Now, the taste.  Wow, how can I put this, and totally get my point across?  It was like gnawing on a pine tree and then sucking on a grapefruit.  I was jumping out of my skin, pacing in the kitchen, and then held out the glass for my husband to try.  I am sure you can imagine the look on his face, complete horror.  He was not quite as dramatic as I was but his taste buds were also assaulted by the

sheer magnitude of the hops!

After the assault I looked on Troegs website to see if the IBU (International Bittering Units) was off the charts, and I was right.  The IBU was listed at 85!!!  Just to put this number into perspective for you, an average beer is at 20-45.  Anything higher creates more bitterness.  I'll say!

I am sure there are Hop Heads that would love this beer and Gab would have been in total Hop Heaven.  Me, well from my review it is safe to say I was in Hop Hell. 

Cheers!

~K~

"Buffalo Bill" was a great hunter and brewer...Who knew!

Buffalo Bill's Brewery

Pumpkin Ale - 5.2% ABV

Buffalo Bill's Brewery has successfully bottled a piece of pumpkin pie!  Seriously!  The aroma wafting from the bottle is that of a sweet pumpkin pie laying on your Thanksgiving table!  You CAN drink your pie and eat it too!!!!

When I poured the Pumpkin Ale with a heavy hand it had a crisp white head that dissipated in seconds.  What it left behind was a hazy orange ale that had minimal lacing up the glass.

This beer has fantastic drinkability!  With a relatively low ABV (for Gab & I) and a slightly carbonated beer it did not make you feel like a overgrown buzzed pumpkin sitting on the sofa!  The spices were in total check too.  Just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to off set the sweetness.  In the end it left a sweet taste of brown sugar with notes of pumpkin in your mouth. 

Buffalo Bill's Brewery also has a few more seasonal beers, such as the Imperial Pumpkin Ale (9.8 ABV only in 22oz bottles) and a Blueberry Oatmeal Stout (7.5 ABV).  I may have to get that since I do like a few of the blueberry ales available in the summer.  I also saw there is an Alimony Ale that was made by the brewer for a patron getting a divorce.  He made it extra bitter (70 IBU!!!) with a strong hop flavor.  Ewww...Hops.  I will be leaving that one for Gab to enjoy as I drink my pumpkin pie.

Cheers!

~K~

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale...ehhh



Smuttynose Brewing Company

Pumpkin Ale - 6% ABV

Do you see that color? It pours a cloudy orange color with a beautiful off white head.  It smelled of all the usual suspects...cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.  The head quickly dissipated and left you to see the carbonation slowly moving up the glass.

The flavor was not what I expected at all.  This is not all that uncommon with the pumpkin ales.  It was hoppy.  Yes, hops.  I hate hops.  The body was medium to light with a spicy kick.  I tried another sip and passed it right to my husband.  It had a bit of a malty flavor but the bitter citrus hops dominated my pallet. I had to pass. 

Smuttynose has some great products like the Robust Porter and Old Brown Dog Ale.  Overall the brew was not terrible and the hops was not all that bad either.  I just have no tolerance for hops...none!

So, my fellow beer lovers I say...Ehhh to Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale.  Don't fret...I have a few more beers up my sleeve and look out for a blog entry from Gab and I.  We had a liquid lunch with a side of tomatoes a few days ago...sigh.  

Cheers!

~K~ 

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales E.S. Bam Hoppy Farmhouse Ale (say that 5 times fast)

E.S. Bam Hoppy Farmhouse Ale 4.7% ABV 750 ml.

This fantastic seasonal beer, brewed by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, is a real treat. Just look at that gorgeous color! And the head was so light and creamy, I was tempted to take a spoon to it. Nice and soapy with impressive staying power. I couldn't help but think of my lovely mother-in-law, Beverly, when I tasted this beer. She lives on 5 acres and has 2 horses. She could pour herself a pint of this baby, head down to the barn to muck out the stalls and fill the feed buckets and head back to the house to enjoy a few sips before the head disappeared! I think I might bring her a bottle and see if I'm right, blah ha ha!

Even though this is a hoppy ale, it is relatively mild and can be enjoyed by hop-haters and hop-whores alike. The flavor offers earthy hops, citrus notes, and some wild yeast funkiness. I really enjoyed this beer, it is a fantastic drinking ale, very easy (Gab Buzz Factor of 5) and agreeable to most palates. The price point is a little high for a 750ml bottle - around $11 at my local beer store, but well worth it, in my opinion.

Cheers!
~G~