So Ed finally missed his first beer. Holidays are hectic, and Ed was driving back home and couldn't handle such a big beer. He leveled with me, but I had already missed Wee Heavy, so no hard feelings. I'm impressed we made such good time in holding to schedule except for just the two slips
Heavy Seas Peg Leg Imperial Stout:
Missed this date for reasons beyond my control so i decided to regroup on December 23rd at around 11am with my mom over lunch. Whew this lit me up pretty good on an empty stomach, so much so my mom had to actually intervene and drive my car on errands shortly thereafter.
It is not an overpowering Imperial Stout, that's not to say it isn't potent because afterall it is still an Imperial Stout. Clocking in at 8% there was little to no boozy undertones, just delicious imperial stoutnicity. Yum. Surprised at how thin the the head was, as sometimes the visucal cascade after the pour of a stout is half the enjoyment.
What a nice little Christmas present this was.
Great Divide Yeti Imperial Stout Review: My apologies to Avery's Ellie's Brown Ale and Weyerbacher's Winter Ale, who went from contenders for the best beer of beer advent to distant seconds. I've wanted to try this for a while, and it lived up to my expectations. It was dark, roasted and toasty, and it got better as the glass warmed up. It was high in alcohol, but didn't taste overly sweet or alcoholy. I love Great Divide's bottles too.
This unfortunately came prematurely at a winter party. It was in the fridge, and Ed tried it. So as much as I was excited for it to be a fun Christmas Eve beer, New Belgium is trendy, so beer stores have been playing this beer up to inquiring customers. I was disappointed that it was prematurely dropped, but still excited that even though we didn't have snow on Christmas Eve, Ed was having a Snow Day.
New Belgian Snow Day Winter Wheat Review:
Winter warmers seem like they are a dime a dozen come early November. Put em all in a pile and I think this one would shine through a little brighter. Slightly hoppier than most winter brews but well balanced with some caramel and some bitter chocolate vibes that arrive at the finishline of each taste. This is New Belgium after all. I've had a couple more since this.
Anderson Valley Brewing Company Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout Review:
So in our quest to try more smoked beers, Ed and I had been on the lookout for this beer. We had missed out on it being on tap at the Big Hunt once, even though it was still on the website. Two trips to Total Wine had left it out of stock. I got the last bottle on the shelf while there for beer advent buying. What a relief, because I'm not sure what I would have gone with Big Bottle wise otherwise.
We tapped into this during pre-game festivities before heading out to Churchkey for some beers with some friends for Ed's birthday.
Stone Smoked Porter Review:
Ahh the Holy Grail has arrived. My birthday. Yes I am old as shit. I am also now wise as hell with a developed and respectable palate for brews. (Too much? meh) But for real. Smoke is in. I love it. I credit my future brolo/cunado Ryan for the introduction to the style and get all antsy in my pantsy for a taste of a RauschBeer whenever the occasion presents itself. Stone does not disappoint. This is a great brew. I wish i wouldn't have amped it up so much because i do feel it could be smokier. The smoke is subtle and not overpowering, i just wish it was a bit more aggressive. I feel like i could drink this all night and if i had it at my disposal (does this come in 1/6 kegs?) i most certainly would. Kudos to Kevin for creating such a fine finish and a truly enjoyable red carpet ride leading up.
How bittersweet, the last of lasts. Beer advent is over. Ed and Lex came over before we headed into DC to the Big Hunt for 15 cent wings and a nice beer selection.
Southampton Cuvee des Fleurs Review: I never would have guessed this beer in a million years. It was very enjoyable. Ed said he picked it out because of the rose water and flowery description. He thought it reminded him of the Chai Tea Wheat Beer I homebrewed a little while ago. In honesty, it did taste similar to it. The beer was just a little sweet with a flowery taste and scent. This wasn't a beer I would have bought for myself, but I'm sure glad Ed picked it out.
