Uerige: DoppelSticke

I seriously bought this beer because of the sweet bottle. I mean, considering everything on the label is in German, I was clueless as to what it was except for it being an Alt-Bier. So, I purchased it and brought it home. I was not going to do a write-up on it, but then the aromas hit me. The aromas coming off of this guy are huge. Sweet malts, toffee, brown sugar, even some sort of barrel. To be honest, it smells a lot like the Lost Abbey Angel Share that I had aged in Brandy barrels. That's the closest I can come to comparing the way this brew smells. It's amazing. Upon further analysis, the label says this: "Bottled on 06.04." Knowing that months and years are reversed (from the way we do it here in the United States) in Europe, I'm assuming this beer was bottled in April 2006. So, pretty much 5 years ago this thing has been sitting and aging. Amazing news considering I spent $6.00 on it.

The beer pours a murky brown, as expected. There was little head that quickly disappeared to leave nice lacing around the inside of my glass. If I had known that I would be reviewing this guy, I wouldn't have used this style glass. Either way, it does not matter to me as I am dying to try it.

Immediately I get alcohol on the tongue with lots of carmelized malt characters (toffee, caramel, brown sugar) like in the aromas and a slightly bitter finish. The finish actually has some dark espresso bitterness to it. Honestly, it smells a lot better than it tastes. Yet, it is still a great tasting beer. It is an extremely easy-drinking beer, especially for something that started out at 8.5% ABV. I can guarantee that it is higher in ABV in 2011 for the alcohol is not hidden at all. You can definitely taste it, but this is a great beer for the beer lover who is searching for something different. Will I buy it again? Probably. Do I recommend it? Absolutely. Go get yourself a DoppelSticke and throw on some Wizo while you enjoy it, schweinhund!

Stone Brewing Co: Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine Style Ale

I know what you are all thinking: "Why does this guy review so many Stone brews?" Honestly, there's a simple answer to that question. Here in Southern California, Stone is quite popular, even to those that are not crazy about craft beers. I brought a bottle of Lukcy Basatrd to work and my manager said something like, "I've had some of those 'Bastard' beers before." Whenever Stone comes out with something new, it's exciting. There was a lot of controversy around this beer as well. Stone has been brewing their Old Guardian (OG) and their Imperial Russian Stout (IRS) for years upon years, and they wanted to shake things up this decade. This OG is made with Belgian yeast, which quite honestly has already changed the aroma as I cracked the bottle open. Stone decided to make these two staple, seasonal brews, into something different on the odd years (2011, 2013, etc). People like me were excited, while others were outraged that they wouldn't be able to get the yearly release of the traditional OG or IRS. So, because of this, Stone has decided to make both. What do I have to say to these people? I appreciate your passion for certain brews, but if you are passionate about craft beer, you most likely know a number of liquor stores that have great selections. In turn, they will most likely have last year's OG or IRS (already aged a year!). With that being said, I want to get to the beer considering this is the second review of the day.

I cannot remember the last year I had the OG out of a bottle from that specific year. Right now my favorite liquor store still has the 2007 OG for a decent price, so I have been purchasing those. I have some 08s, 09s, and 10s in my "cellar," which will most likely come out soon to make room. Anyways, the beer pours a nice, deep amber gold with about an inch of khaki head and minimal lacing. Malty aromas with powerful fruit characteristics. Apple, pear, and banana aromas mixed with caramel maltiness. Needless to say, I'm pretty enthralled with the complexities already present in this brew.

Now it is time to be honest with the flavors in this guy. It's huge and packs a punch for sure. Immediately I get the caramel malt flavors and even some of the fruity notes, but then suddenly these flavors clash with an excess of bitterness, dryness, and even slightly sour notes. The finish is all alcohol. At 12%, I was hoping this wouldn't be the case. I must also remember that I am used to having OGs aged a year or two already, so a fresh OG may very well have the strong alcohol on the finish. I might buy this year's traditional OG just to see. Either way, this is a young beer that for sure needs a year or two under its belt to mature into the brew I am hoping it will be. I'll put my other bottle that I purchased away in place for one of the older OGs. My recommendation goes as follows: Buy two, try one, and set the other aside for next spring.

Green Flash/Pizza Port Carlsbad/Stone: Highway 78 Scotch Ale

Yesterday was quite a big day for Stone. Coming off of their Winter Storm week-long festival, they followed it up with the release of two new brews. The first is an "Odd-Year" Release of their Old Guardian Barley Wine. The second is a scotch ale, the first in their line of collaborative efforts in 2011. I knew heading to the Walnut Liquorette would guarantee acquisition of both brews. I was correct.

Now, as I sit here watching the Tottenham v. AC Milan Champions League clash with a 0-0 scoreline at halftime, I have decided to go ahead and get to tasting at least one of these beers. Considering I have to head to work tonight, I chose the smaller of the two (in reference to fluid ounces). This collaboration scotch ale is 8.8% ABV, so by no means do I expect this beer to be small in any way, shape, or form. Scotch ales, historically, spend a long time boiling which results in the wort caramelizing. They tend to be sweet, roasty, malty, full-bodied, and decently high in ABV.

I chose to use the Double Bastard glass for this beer, mainly because it seems to fit it better than a goblet or pint glass would. The beer pours a dark mahogany with red translucence. When held up to the light, it's a beautiful amber-red. There is little to no head on this ale, and lacing along the glass is non-existent. In terms of aromas, I get lots of sweet maltiness, candied notes, caramel, and even some smokiness. Flavor profile is pretty stereotypical for a scotch ale. It kicks off with lots of sweet maltiness like in its aromas (toffee, caramel, even some raisin in it), but as I swirl it around the flavor profile changes to a subtly dry finish. I love when I have something that comes out of Escondido that isn't heavy on the hoppy bitterness. Don't get me wrong, I love that flavor profile in a beer, but I suppose what I'm saying is that I'm glad I don't have to describe this as a "hoppy scotch ale." Perhaps the 15th Anniversary? I'm joking, obviously. Whenever you get three excellent breweries together, the end result will always benefit the craft beer drinker.

I digress, this is a nice, sweet, malty brew perfect for a day like today. When it is overcast in Southern California, it is more likely than not still in the high 60s or 70s (ºF). Why not relax in this confusing weather by having something malty, sweet, but also very balanced and mellow? I would recommend everybody getting their hands on a couple of these. Drink one now, put one away and drink it next year. I'm eager to see how this beer would change with age, and for only $3.49, why not grab a couple extra?  Well done, Green Flash/Pizza Port/Stone. You guys made, yet again, a helluva brew.

Mikkeller: 1000 IBU

The stage was indeed set. I had some money in my wallet, I was going to Hollingsheads for lunch, and I was not going to browse the bottled beers. This is pretty much standard as I walk into that establishment just so that I can save money here and there. I'm excited to get a nice, homemade sandwich and a brew to go along with it. I get a glass of Lagunitas Brown Shugga and sit down at a table to await my sandwich. All goes as planned. My card gets called, I pay for my beverage and lunch, and sit down and begin eating. As I'm talking to my buddy about the state of WWE and how I feel they could improve in their creative department, I spot a green-wrapped beer with, printed across the front: "1000 IBU." My eyes widen and intrigue gets the best of me. I excuse myself, go grab it, and bring it back to my seat at the table. I have had many beers by Mikkeller, but I haven't even heard about this one. Their Beer Geek Breakfast was absolutely amazing (and I did, indeed, have it for breakfast one day). Their Beer Geek Brunch was next on my list for them, but this got the best of me. I had to buy this. At $15.99, it was quite steep, but I live life on the edge and I knew this beer would be worth it. I haven't had a bad beer from Mikkeller, so I knew this one wouldn't fail me...

Transport yourself to now. As I sit here and contemplate how this beer is going to taste, I am struck by something that has caught my attention a couple of times in the past. This beer is brewed by Mikkeller, a brewery in Belgium. Belgium, obviously, is historically quite the beer mecca. This beer is an "American Style Imperial India Pale Ale." To have breweries from distinguished locations around the world brewing an "American-style" anything is a true testament to how far we have indeed come in terms of beer. No longer are we scoffed at, mostly by ourselves, by our basic America light lagers. We are truly making a name for ourselves in the world of beer, and I couldn't be happier about it.

IBUs are, simply, International Bitterness Units. The number attributed relates to flavor and bitterness of the beer through the hops used during the brewing process. In traditional American light lagers (Bud/Miller/Coors) the IBUs are somewhere around 5-10. There you have it. The big 3, in each of their beers, have .01% of the IBUs that this beer possesses. Traditional IPAs fluctuate in terms of IBUs, but they are usually around 30-40 for a basic IPA. Obviously, Double IPAs are higher. Even stouts are up around 50 or so, but the bitterness is usually leveled-out by the roasted malts. These are just basic, traditional numbers. Obviously, different beers have different IBUs, but now you must also see how astonishing a beer with 1000 IBUs is! This is just another interesting fact about beer that is quite often overlooked. Next time you see the Miller commercial that claims the beer is, "Triple-Hops Brewed," ask yourself what that really means. Anyways, let's get to the beer.

The beer pours a murky amber with a good amount of sediment. I did not pour this brew too quickly, for I believe it is just a case of sediment evenly distributed throughout the brew. There is absolutely nothing we can do about this one. I got almost no head on pouring the beer, but I can tell that it is off-white and doesn't last long. While it is a murky amber color, when held up to light the outsides have a ruby redness to them. That color is quite fitting, considering the citrus coming off the nose of this beer is astounding. Lots of grapefruit, orange zest, and sweet fruit aromas flood the nostrils immediately. I can also smell pine on the nose as well. Overall, I cannot wait to try it.

WOW. The beginning of the taste is sweet in flavor, but as the beer hits different parts of the tongue, it changes completely. The middle of my initial taste metaphorically socked me in the face with hops, pine, and extreme dryness. The aftertaste is so incredibly dry, bitter, and quite strong on the alcohol front. Yet, I really want another sip of this delicious brew. While the malt characteristics are short-lived (I can taste the malts in the beginning/middle and slightly in the aftertaste), I think Mikkeller accomplished what they attempted to do here with an American Style IPA. Quite honestly, this seems more like a DIPA or possibly even a TIPA. As I progressively drink more, however, the complexity takes a back seat and bitter hoppiness becomes the only thing you taste. I would, most definitely, call this a palate buster. There goes my palate for the rest of the night, but it is way worth it. I expected this beer to be bitter to the point that I would have to share it with someone else just to finish the bottle. I was wrong, obviously. For a beer that has 1000 IBUs and ranks in at 9.6% ABV, it is relatively easy-drinking. Would I give this beer to someone new to the craft beer world? Absolutely not. On the other hand, hopheads rejoice. This beer may put somewhat of a dent in your pocketbook, but it is well worth it for the experience. 1000 IBUs people! Go get one.

St. Sebastiaan: Grand Réserve

After grabbing a couple beers with my friend Chris at TAPS the other day, we decided to make the short trek over to Total Wine and explore their beer. I picked up this little guy just because the ceramic bottle with the Grolsch style/Flipper top and rubber gasket is pretty sweet. Considering my favorite growlers have the same system, I thought it was a neat little guy. I've seen them before, obviously, but I've never tried this one. The bottle actually does not say much about the beer at all, and I love that. In terms of reviewing beers, sometimes the words presented on the bottle shift the mind to taste or smell certain things that an individual may not pick up at all. Either way, let's get to the beer.

The "top fermented abbey ale" pours a wonderful golden color with a lot of slightly off-white head. I'd say the initial pour presented me with about two inches of foamy beer protection. As expected with Belgian-styled Abbeys, it pretty much fits the stereotype. The nose is fruity with apples, pear, spices, and even some caramelized sugars. It smells absolutely delicious; however, it also seems bold.

(The beer looks a lot darker backed by the Penguin Classics. I knew I should have gone with the Oxfords.)


Initially on tasting, I actually do not get much flavor out of the beer. This is, to be quite honest, disappointing to me. However, as it warms up more of the flavors come out. Just as it smells, apples, pears, spice, and even some slight raisin. The consistency somewhat surprises me as well. As I swirl it around in my mouth, it feels more like a cream ale or a beer on nitro. However, considering the size of the head and the bubbles still floating up from the bottom of my glass, I assume it is the carbonation. The finish is also disappointing as it is just a rather strong yeasty aftertaste. No bitterness (I didn't expect there to be) or lingering fruity notes. This beer does not have the ABV listed on the label so I really do not have the slightest idea what it is. Notice I didn't list alcohol in regards to the smell or the flavor. On the other hand, I am no fool and I know that beers from Belgium are, more likely than not, deceiving when it comes to alcohol content. I'm sure it is pretty high up there with the rest of them.

Am I enjoying this beer right now? Absolutely. After working tonight, nothing could be more enjoyable than a product of Belgium. Would I buy it again? Possibly. Do I want to try the other beers coming out of St. Sebastiaan? Absolutely. The real question is: would I recommend this beer to others? My answer is yes. I have certain friends who say they hate Belgian-styled ales (this statement baffles me in its entirety), and they are the only ones I wouldn't recommend this to. It's not too expensive, so go grab yourself one and pop it open. With the flipper top, you could drink half today and half tomorrow. It is the best way to save beer (if there is any way at all once oxygen has hit it).

Bellegems Bruin: West Flanders Ale

Apologies are in order for my absence for almost a month. This past holiday season was filled with excessive growler consumption on a nightly basis. For example, we all enjoyed growlers from Taps, BJs (ugh), Inland Empire Brewing Co, Hangar 24, Packinghouse Brewing Co, Bootleggers Brewery, The Bruery, and Stone Brewing Co. T'was the season for growlers (and weight gain). However, all good things must come to an end and it is time to return to reviewing some brews and calming things down a little.

I purchased this beer on a whim. The glass was only $2.99 and I picked it up because I thought it was a pretty sweet goblet for such a cheap price. I then went and found the brew to match (every beer lover appreciates matching glassware). I've had it in my refrigerator for over a month now, and I think it is finally time to try it. I do know that a "Flanders-styled Ale" is usually a sour and from Belgium. This little guy seems to fit the mold perfectly.

It pours a dark amber with a red glow if held up to light. It possesses a nice khaki head that remains on top. This is a nice-looking beer if you ask me. Aromas: green apple, sweet malts, and candied notes. I know these aromas, and they usually mean I'm about to drink a sour.

While the range of sours is monstrous, just like the range of differences in any category, this is only slightly sour. It reminds me of Monks Sour Ale quite a bit, but it seems more relatable to Duchesse de Bourgogne. Anyways, the flavors are sour, acidic, malty, and oakie as I swirl it around in my mouth. The finish is clean with sour apple and those candied notes I mentioned earlier. Overall, this is a relatively easy-drinking beer and quite delicious. It is not too complex, nor is it too strong of a sour to turn off a first-time sour drinker either. This would also work as a nice palate cleanser if you are switching beer styles on a night of tasting.

At 5.5% ABV, it's not a monster but it does pack a nice collection of flavors. I will definitely buy it again and use my sweet goblet.

A lot of people have asked me why I do not "rate" the beers I review. Here is my reasoning behind the lack of ratings: whatever point scale I give to any sort of rating system would be misleading, considering that I am the only one who knows what the top of that scale tastes like. I personally think rating systems are often misused and relied on too much. In turn, my rating scale for beer goes as follows: I like it or I do not like it. It's that simple. It is up to you, the reader of this blog, to decide whether or not you want to try it on your own. The point of this blog, for me, is not to rate whether some beer is higher on my B.S. scale than another. The point is to let you all know what I taste when having a specific beer and whether it was worth my money or not. You will find no ratings on here, only my personal observations. Cheers!

Trader Joe's: 2010 Vintage Ale

I really want to review this beer but I cannot seem to get the cork out of the bottle. Come on Unibroue...

I've been a slacker when it comes to winter/holiday/Christmas beers this year. I love Anchor Steam's, Anderson Valley's Winter Solstice, Lost Coast's Winterbraun, etc. I just haven't bought those because I've been sick and not drinking. When I do buy beer, I want new ones. Ninkasi's Sleigh'r was delicious and I still have Full Sail's Wreck the Halls in my refrigerator...

Ok, got it open. I remember last year I really enjoyed the Trader Joe's Vintage Ale. This year, I have high hopes. I've always found it funny that a Canadian brewery brews this for Trader Joe's (a company based in the United States). Either way, as I said I have high hopes. My only qualms with last year's brew was that it gave me a weird indigestion feeling and/or heartburn about fifteen minutes after I finished it...every single time. I hope it doesn't do that this year. Anyways, let's get to the brew. It pours a deep, almost murky-looking, brown with practically no translucence. It possesses a nice dark tan head that remains and laces the glass as well.

It smells absolutely as I expected it would. Lots of spice and sweetness to the aromas. I get orange peel, lots of banana, nutmeg, a dash of cinnamon (only a dash), and sweet malts. It tastes just as it smells actually. Citrus notes, lots of banana, spices, and sweet malts. I understand that this is a rather short review, but I really do not have much more to say about it. Medium-to-slightly-full-bodied ale with a plethora of flavors. Luckily I bought three more of them. Two are aging until next year and I will probably open my last 2009 Vintage Ale and see how that has changed. I remember last year's had a lot of black licorice notes to it which seem to be absent this year. Major plus! Even established companies, such as Unibroue, recognize and make changes to yearly seasonal brews. These changes provide for a new experience every year with a beer you might not expect to change at all. This is also another reason why the world of beer will never cease to interest the beer lovers in us all. Go to Trader Joe's, spend the $4.99 and get yourself one of these boys. Ranking in at 9% ABV, this fella will warm you on that cold winter evening.

*****UPDATE******

Heartburn/Indigestion again in 2010.