Weekly ALEment

Old Stock Ale (2009 Cellar Reserve)

Quick Facts

Brewery: North Coast Brewing Co.

Beer Style: Old Ale

Origin: Fort Bragg, California, USA

ABV: 12.5%

IBU: N/A

Glassware: Pint Glass / Tumbler

Serve Temp: 40°-45°

Brewer’s Profile: Oak, Burbon, Malty

Summary

Color poured is a dark brown with a slight hint of copper. Very thin, light head that dissipates quickly. You don’t have to bring the glass too close to your face to get a good smell. The aroma is very strong, almost booze-like, with some hints of sweet malt and caramel.

I've read a lot of hype on this beer, but to be honest, it’s definitely not something I would put on my favorites list. From the first sip, the only thing that came to my mind was, “this tastes a lot like whiskey!” I expected some burbon or alcohol flavors, but I guess I just didn’t expect it to be that strong. Any other flavor of the beer was overpowered by the intensity of the alcohol on my lips. Not that I dislike whiskey or any other liquor, but when I’m drinking a beer at dinner I would like for it to be a little less “boozy.” I even tried to pair this beer as recommended with a cheese assortment. The cheese is supposed to balance out the flavor of the beer. I found myself eating more cheese than sipping, however. None the less, my boyfriend loved this ale, and proceeded to drink what I could not finish with the rest of our dinner  J

Weekly ALEment

Snicklefritz         

Quick Facts

Brewery: The Bruery (Provisions Series)

Beer Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Origin: Orange County, CA, USA

ABV: 10%

IBU: N/A

Glassware: Snifter / Tulip

Serve Temp: 50°-55°

Brewer’s Profile: Spice, Ginger, Citrus

Summary

Color poured is a light brown with a golden hue and a medium golden head. Beer was cloudy with some noticeable sediment. With the first sniff, impressions of honey and malt come to mind; it’s a very sweet and inviting aroma. Citrus and honey are among the first brief tastes that you get when you first start to drink. The secondary flavor is full of spice and it stays with you for quite some time. Medium carbonation seems to help pass along the complexity of the sweet and spicy flavor.

This was another beer from The Bruery that grabbed my attention. As part of their Provisions Series, it’s a special brew among a variety of small batch beers that are only made once. The name is also intriguing and kind of fun to try to say. It’s true to the style of the Belgian Strong Pale Ale, with the emphasis on “Strong.” With the ABV of 10%, this is one beer that’s recommended to share. After one glass, you could definitely feel the effects of this Belgian beer. As far as flavor, I loved the complexity and balance of this beer. It starts off smooth and finishes off with a pleasant aftertaste. This beer had many flavors to enjoy, and I’m sure you can keep finding a new flavor each time you have this beer. However, you may want to have this one along with a pretty hearty dinner!