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~