The Reverend: Belgian-Style Quadruple ale

Eamon and I got this from the Ludington, MI beer fest a couple weeks ago. It sat in the fridge since then since we could never arrange to try it. Finally got around to it this past Wednesday while hanging out at Jeff's after my shift.

Appearance: Mahogany amber with a rich muddy haze prominent throughout. The head is a pale off white cream color of magnificent stature, while consistency of the bubbles constituting the head vary from micro to medium. Lacing is segmented but stick and wet along the sides of the glass. Very fine carbonation bubbles can be acknowledged with a close look.
Aroma: A potent fruit presence dominates over all else. Figs and dates, specifically, while notes of banana and clove tale not too far off. Belgium spicing along with a candi sugar sweetness run in paralleled balance to eachother. One might even be able to draw some cocoa and salt water caramel in the not too far off distance.
Taste: Just as complex as the aroma, but with the added bonus of malt sugar, candi and spices all swirling around the tongue. Up front I get a lot of the fruit, while the malted caramel and toffee come secondarily. Midtaste is represented by a lot of Belgium yeast characteristics, with a developing spice of clove, and savory reduction. Finally with the accompaniment of the alcohol, which, by the way is nothing too aggressive, but infact amazingly subdued, the beer finishes in a medley of it all with the Belgium candi sugar taking the last say. As the beer warms up more of the fruit comes through. Figs, and eventually so plums.
Mouthfeel: Large, boasting a mouthful of body and texture. With the carbonation at a perfect minimum, it leaves much of the chemical composition of the beer for the tongue to decipher. A bit oily even on the front roof of the mouth at first, while the alcohol dries things out and the remaining residual sugar coating the back roof of the mouth with a slick cloy. Warming.
Overall Impression: Magnificent. This is a beer that could really get me used to the Belgium style ales. Alcohol is subdued, while the figs and dark fruit flavors blossom over all else. Belgium yeast character is present, but doesn't overwhelm in a drying finish.

Mephistopheles

Thanks to Mike from 8th Street Grille for giving me a bottle of this a couple weeks ago. The thought passed my mind of letting it sit and cellar for another year, but that idea was quickly abolished. Eamon, Andrew and I (and Pat) tasted this on Friday afternoon in the lab after dry hopping one of the tanks of Hatter (and while the rest of the crew was at the golf outing). We all brought to the table (or lab bench if you will) a rarity to share. Eamon brought a Bourbon County Stout from Goose Island, and Andrew provided a KBS. This beer however was a beast of its own.
16.5% ABV

A loud spritz introduces the beer.
Appearance: Even after a vigorous pour, the beer produced a very minimal head, if that. Black in the glass, but a clear brown color as it streams into the glass. Still looking with a slight cream ring.
Aroma: A rich biscuit chocolate aroma perfumes from the glass with a vengeance. The front of the beer is choked full of sweetness with notes of molasses, toasted wood as well as chicory and a touch of burnt toast. The finish rounds out with a chocolaty liquor and ethanol burn, though not overwhelming.

Taste: The front again is consistently sweet with a thick syrupy maltiness. The taste is encouraged by a backbone of sugary maple and further, chocolate. Mid way through more of the complexities emerge, especially as it warms. Similar to the aroma, chicory and roast are prominent, but balanced by a sweet base. The second half merges with toasted grain and varieties of roasted coffee, chocolate, and spice. A burn rounds out the end but mellows as it warms the throat going down. The bite from the hops and grain tannins remain in the back of the throat for the aftertaste.
Mouthfeel: It's what to be expected, the carbonation is thin and light, while the body is syrupy while the mouthfeel seems thin in some way, probably derived from the high alcohol content. The finish is drying and leaves a resin on the tongue.

Overall Impression: I'm surprised at the balance this beer displays. For 16.5% ABV Mephistopheles is drinkable, but in no way gulp-able. The taste is one that is never worn out and consistently provides a robust flavor experience at every sip. A winter warmer and dessert beer. Again, I'm incredibly grateful to have had a chance to try this, a beer that came out as I was still in my first term of college!

Mephisopheles Double Imperial Stout

Thanks to  at 8th St Grille for giving me a sample of this upon my arrival Monday morning (11am). I again have the second brewing shift at New Holland today, so it provided a free morning/afternoon to get in some beer reviews!
16.5% ABV

Appearance: Pouring a deep dark black/brown color with a rubied/brown hue when held to the light. The head was extremely dense and well sustained with a creamy mocha color. Stature of the head was phenomenal, standing well over 5 minutes and throughout the taste. Lacing coats the glass entirely.
Aroma: Rich and chocolaty with a huge malt base. Lots of caramel and toast, alongside a featured yeast scent and earthiness. Faint undertones of licorice and molasses are present, followed by an ever prominent woodiness. An incredible display of malt based aromatics.
Taste: Worthy of a drop per taste is enough to blossom a huge flavor that rushes over the palate. The very beginning produces a faint woodiness at the tip of the tongue. The middle is full of malt, and thick syrupy sweetness. Maple, and brown sugar are alternative flavors that easily come through the thick chocolate/toasted malt bill. Alcohol is a nice complement to the huge body and enormous malt bill. Some vininess also appears at the midpoint, and transcends into a oaky finish with hints of roast and vanilla. I could also pick out subtle hints of licorice and liquor. The aftertaste is a breath of warmth with the re-emergence of the woodiness that was picked up in the beginning.
Mouthfeel: The body is comparable to the alcohol...large and in charge. The oily thickness and velvety texture are the perfect compliment and what I would expect from a beer so big. Obviously a slick cloying coating is left throughout the palate with a stickiness on the lips. Alcohol is strong, but evenly balanced into the beer. Dryness is felt at the front roof of the mouth
Overall Impression: I think this is the largest stout I've ever had (I have yet to try the World Wide Stout by DFH). Nevertheless, everything is in sync with a balancing character on all fronts.Best tried under an over the tongue for a complete flavor experience. Best enjoyed in small portions and shared. This isn't to say this isn't an incredibly delightful treat for special occasions.

Joe's Premium American Pilsner

Thanks to Jen Misewicz for bringing this beer back from the Plainfield Binny's during Thanksgiving. In CANS!

Appearance: Can was filled absolutely to the top. Excruciatingly brilliant with a bubbling carbonation reminiscent of that of soda. Looks almost of water with the absolute pristine clarity. Lacing is silhouetted as the beer falls after each sip. Mellow yellow. White rimmed head.
Aroma: Corn husk and middle toned notes of floralness (noble hops?) complemented with rice hulls. Some yeasty pungency and alternative yeast characters. Quite clean.
Taste: Nice balanced malt flavor, probably of corn. more acidity to this beer but the clean drying second half really fulfills the beer. Still something tells you it's a micro-brew. Perhaps this may be rice based because it is a lot drier and crisp. Hops are very prominent characterized by a strong noble presence.Little bit of saltiness at the finish. Still some nice sweetness is a fantastic part of this beer from beginning to end.
Mouthfeel: Crisp, dry and light. Everything you'd get from the basic American Pilsner.
Overall Impression: Pretty much the craft beer take on the the over-produced, underwhelming Pilsner. Just with a hint of craft to it. For that, I say bravo. Definitely difficult to construct with the smaller tank space, proper water, and yeast. Generally I wouldn't congratulate this, but I understand the work that probably went in to make it just that clean.


84/100

Karma - Belgian Style Pale Ale

Tasted in the evening on Monday night after a humorous talk with Kevin, our land lord. Thanks to my roommate Josh Schipp for getting a six pack of this a couple weeks ago from the Rock Island Hy-vee.

Appearance: Coppered Amber with a thin white soapy ring in place of a head. A whitish film sets in the center. Microbubbled carbonation rises in a thinned  line. I found it strange such a Belgian style beer could maintain such a clarity.

Aroma: Some fruit is present (apricots and plums) along side a biscuity malt bill. Belgian yeast presented in a bit of a phenolicy fashion and a tapered hop profile. Perhaps even some grape-like compexity and tartness. Otherwise, there really isn't much to the aroma.

Taste: Foretaste starts of a basic pale malt dimension only to emerge with a fruity/tannic release, reminiscent of pears, plums and cherries...whichever direction one would like to take and hone in on. Nevertheless the malt emerges again to encourage a bouquet of appealing flavors in which even I have difficulty putting a description to. Nutty, citrus, pepper, and even orange could take a reasonable description. In fact, however, as the beer warms, more of a tangerine and orange flavor develops. My guess, Coriander. Palate cleans out after several seconds leaving not very much to an aftertaste, aside for a dry feeling
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a very fine carbonation that only tickles the tongue, nothing harsh. The finish is textured. dry while a stickiness remains on the lips. Pretty crisp and refreshing.
Overall Impression: Interesting. I liked it a lot more the longer I took to think about what I was getting. Multi-layered complexity that can easily be overlooked and called insufficient if the time isn't taken to think about it. Nevertheless, I think Belgian, yet it was too clean and filtered. Worth a try, but not for my tastes.


79/100

Ellie's Brown Ale

Purchased at my first visit to the Highland Park Binny's. Sat down and opened after my trip back from the "real" burbs and finishing a good novel.

Appearance: Clarity is at its max. No head upon pour, but slowly formed a thin layer of cream colored bubbles after 5 minutes. Color is a gorgeous dark chestnut brown with a touch of red. No lacing exists.
Aroma: Hints of chocolate and roasted nuts at the nose. Slight notes of brown sugar, and a woody undertone.
Taste: Flavor is a combination of chocolate, mild roastiness, and maybe some hints of caramel. Malty start and finishes with a vanilla and toffee flavor. Mild bitterness from tannins arises a few seconds after the foretastes. Well toasted coffee. Quite nutty with a biscuity sweetness. Brown sugar becomes very prominant as the beer warms.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and easy to drink, even as it warms up. Carbonation is very active and plays on the lips after sipping but primarily contributes to the flavor. Crisp finish and somewhat resinous from nut-like tannins.
Overall Impression: I thought this beer was well balanced and each sip contained a multitude of flavors. The taste progressed and evolved from start to finish. Yet as it reached room temperature, I noticed it developed more bitter characteristics that I wasn't a huge fan of. Still, I will be enjoying the rest of the six pack.


Jen: 86/100
T1: Tim: 83/100
T2 (4/8/11): 85/100

Avery India Pale Ale

Enjoyed following practice with a steaming hot bowl of sauteed vegetables with turmeric, salt pepper and garlic. Served in my Maudite snifter.

Appearance: Completely transparent amber with minimal micro-fizz carbonation visible within. A white soapy head consumes the top of the snifter, but quickly dissipates. Lacing is very sticky and fulfilling.

Aroma: Herbaceous and citrusy with a clean malt backbone. Some grassiness, but more so floral.

Taste: Sweet, but not overwhelming. Bitter, but likewise not overdone. The ultimate definition of balance. Sweet citrus finish complements a smooth biscuit and caramel malt. These flavors really permeate through the pale base malt. Floral undertones with some hints of grapefruit zest. Little complexity, but the simplicity of the flavor is enjoyable in and of itself.
Mouthfeel: Carbonation flows with the liquid making it a little less dense and more smooth. The finish is dry, and leaves a lasting grass/bitter finish, that may be unappealing to some. Otherwise this beer is very refreshing.
Overall Impression: A great go-to IPA. If ever you're looking for a basic, but flavorful IPA, this is the one. It exhibits all the necessary flavors and aromas, that aren't overwhelming or left out. It fulfills the style almost to perfection.


90/100

Old Jubilation Ale (2009)

Picked this up at the Plainfield Binny's in their single bottle purchase section.

Appearance: Right from the pour I could tell this one was very thick. Exemplary of a really chalky milk chocolate brown with an off white/tan, incredibly foamy head.

Aroma: Very rich and carameled with notes of chocolate and mocha. There are also some distinguishable yeast tones as well. Finishing is some sweet holiday spicing and an aromatic ester quality.

Taste: What a kick. The beer is really choked full of cocoa-caramel sweetness at the tip of the tongue which then graduates into a subtle, lingering bitterness, followed by a hot...booziness. Date like fruitiness with some other spices that help mask the surging alcoholic finish. Biscuit and roasted notes of baked holiday treats. Above all it is the chocolate at the foretaste and the high alcohol finish that are most prominant in the flavor.

Mouthfeel: Very tacky and thick with full body that coats the tongue and cheek. Slight pinch of carbonation, but that's really all it needs. Creamy texture.

Overall Impression: Definitely not a beer to be taken lightly. Label was an absolute bitch to take off. Nevertheless this beer is ambitious in flavor and leaves a lot in its wake. A great holiday ale. I can't wait to see how different the 2010 beer is.

89/100

White Rascal

Tried following a day of making Pumpkin Rye ale and an 11 mile run. Thanks to Jen’s parents Dave and Suzanne for getting me this for my birthday.

Appearance: Yellow straw. It looks like a normal hefeweisen but slightly lighter in color. Some head, but not much. The beer is especially hazy.

Aroma: Very bready and yeasty with a splash of citrus and orange peel

Taste: There is a slight tropical tartness combined with a bottle conditioned pungent yeast flavor. The sweetness is hands down of wheat and orange zest. There are touches of cloves too. I taste brief notes of pilsen malt, and even some lemon. This is very similar to a Silly Saison I had in Australia. Breadiness takes an undertone throughout the sweet flavor. There is little bitterness aside from the subtle resin zest aftertaste

Mouthfeel: Smooth and extremely drinkable. Though the carbonation aggressively bites the tongue, it maintains a crisp clean refreshing texture about it

Overall: Totally different from most wheat, wit, weiss, and hefe’s. More complexity and more of a balance between all the flavors.

86/100

Out of Bounds Stout

Tried this earlier Friday Evening but wasn't able to log it until now. Tasted after my Soc exam Monday afternoon preceding a long run at practice. A tough week started out with a big stout.

Appearance: Maudite Snifter poured (the one given to me by RibCo). Coal black without any transparency. A foamed ring around the glass that is well retained. 

Aroma: A beautiful bouquet of roasted chocolate and coffee. This is the most delectable aroma that I've ever found emitted from a stout. Chalked full of toasted biscuits and warm melted chocolate with notes of sweet caramel undertones. Wow!

Taste: Starts elegantly sweet but ends with a dry, swift finish with the hotness from alcohol and the bitterness of roasted coffee beans. What an amazingly paralleled accompaniment of the two. Burnt molasses, and over toasted bread fill the gaps. Gradually the alcoholic finish dissipates into a strict coffee bean bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Carbonation makes this beer bigger than it is, meaning it fills in the hole and making this liquid greatness into a frothy cream dessert. Medium body made lighter by the alcohol.

Overall Impression: Though the alcohol/booziness may be the biggest deterrent from the taste, the Aroma was phenomenal! The flavors were well into complex standards with interestingly worked balance here and there. I think this is one of the highest quality stouts I've tried. Nice.

90/100