Justintoxicated. - Vancouver, BC

~'cause life is too short to drink the same thing twice~
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Posts tagged "beer"
Texas Ranger BARREL AGED (Speyside Edition), 6.6% ABV, (Denmark) On the back label: “Danish: En Porter brygget specielt til Texas på: vand, malt (smoked, maris otter, cara-crystal, brown og chocolate), ristet byg, humle (zeus, saaz og centennial), gær og chipotle chili. Lagret på Speyside Whisky Barrels i 3 måneder.” My notes: My Rating: A Why I like it: suuuuuuper smooth mocha Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $10 (after 10%), 37.5cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: yes, I’d buy a half case Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: yes Tasting notes: pours coffee black, small head, micro CO2 ringed retention. Coffee and heavy malts on the nose. Roasted coffee hits your first, followed by mocha, sweet chocolate, vanilla, cocoa nibs, chipotle chile, soy sauce, all mixed with a creamy mouthfeel, and 5/10-level sweetness and coffee-like viscosity. Finish is soft and bittersweet with a mild spicy hot kick. Medium-high complexity, high depth, excellent transitions, great carry, excellent drinkability. Sourness is expertly controlled leading to a smooth drinking and very sippable experience.

Texas Ranger BARREL AGED (Speyside Edition), 6.6% ABV, (Denmark)

On the back label:

“Danish: En Porter brygget specielt til Texas på: vand, malt (smoked, maris otter, cara-crystal, brown og chocolate), ristet byg, humle (zeus, saaz og centennial), gær og chipotle chili. Lagret på Speyside Whisky Barrels i 3 måneder.”

My notes:

  • My Rating: A
  • Why I like it: suuuuuuper smooth mocha
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $10 (after 10%), 37.5cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: yes, I’d buy a half case
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: yes

Tasting notes: pours coffee black, small head, micro CO2 ringed retention. Coffee and heavy malts on the nose. Roasted coffee hits your first, followed by mocha, sweet chocolate, vanilla, cocoa nibs, chipotle chile, soy sauce, all mixed with a creamy mouthfeel, and 5/10-level sweetness and coffee-like viscosity. Finish is soft and bittersweet with a mild spicy hot kick. Medium-high complexity, high depth, excellent transitions, great carry, excellent drinkability. Sourness is expertly controlled leading to a smooth drinking and very sippable experience.

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Mikkeller fruit beer (Denmark) 1) Spontancranberry - Mikkeller, 7.7% ABV My notes: My Rating: C+ Why I like it: distinct cranberry flavour Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $10 (after 10%), 37.5cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: no Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: no Tasting notes: pours red wine red, massive thick foamy head with long retention. Ultra strong 10/10-level tartness, 9/10-level sourness, clean cranberry flavour, 3/10-level sweetness, traces of barnyard funk. Low-medium complexity, medium depth, okay transitions, good carry, average drinkability. It’s so darn tart and sour I’m not sure how to enjoy it. 2) Spontangrape - Mikkeller, 7.7% ABV My notes: My Rating: C+ Why I like it: drinks like a champagne-beer Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $10 (after 10%), 37.5cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: no Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: no Tasting notes: pours clear filtered apple juice yellow, nice thick head, thin-foamy retention, micro CO2. Sour apples and grapes on the nose. Tastes of champagne, vinegar, 9/10-level sourness, 3/10-level sourness, some barnyard, puke, and finishes slightly malty. Medium complexity, medium depth, good transitions, good carry, decent drinkability. I like this a more than the Spontancranberry, due to it’s controlled sourness.

Mikkeller fruit beer (Denmark)

1) Spontancranberry - Mikkeller, 7.7% ABV

My notes:

  • My Rating: C+
  • Why I like it: distinct cranberry flavour
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $10 (after 10%), 37.5cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: no
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: no

Tasting notes: pours red wine red, massive thick foamy head with long retention. Ultra strong 10/10-level tartness, 9/10-level sourness, clean cranberry flavour, 3/10-level sweetness, traces of barnyard funk. Low-medium complexity, medium depth, okay transitions, good carry, average drinkability. It’s so darn tart and sour I’m not sure how to enjoy it.

2) Spontangrape - Mikkeller, 7.7% ABV

My notes:

  • My Rating: C+
  • Why I like it: drinks like a champagne-beer
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $10 (after 10%), 37.5cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: no
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: no

Tasting notes: pours clear filtered apple juice yellow, nice thick head, thin-foamy retention, micro CO2. Sour apples and grapes on the nose. Tastes of champagne, vinegar, 9/10-level sourness, 3/10-level sourness, some barnyard, puke, and finishes slightly malty. Medium complexity, medium depth, good transitions, good carry, decent drinkability. I like this a more than the Spontancranberry, due to it’s controlled sourness.

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L’Affriolante - Brasserie Bilboquet, 7% ABV, (Quebec, Canada) On the side of the label: “Sometimes it teases you, sometimes it charms you. One does not know how to approach it. A beer which is both strong and mild, slightly sweet, with a touch of spice. L’Affriolante will enrapture your evenings and enliven your days. All you ever wanted to do is to touch it with your lips and let yourself tucked in. Cheers!” My notes: My Rating: C+ Why I like it: drinkable, but that’s it Where I got it: Keg n Cork How much: $8, 50cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: no Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: nah Tasting notes: pours dark brown with minimal head, ringed retention, micro CO2. A rather muted nose. Tastes of demerara sugar, medium malts, caramel, cola, 8/10-level sweetness, half-creamy/half-watery, sharp aggressive bitterness in the transition to the finish. Honey is difficult to detect, mildly peppery. Medium depth, medium complexity, okay transitions, good carry, okay drinkability. Not terribly special or exciting.

L’Affriolante - Brasserie Bilboquet, 7% ABV, (Quebec, Canada)

On the side of the label:

“Sometimes it teases you, sometimes it charms you. One does not know how to approach it. A beer which is both strong and mild, slightly sweet, with a touch of spice. L’Affriolante will enrapture your evenings and enliven your days. All you ever wanted to do is to touch it with your lips and let yourself tucked in. Cheers!”

My notes:

  • My Rating: C+
  • Why I like it: drinkable, but that’s it
  • Where I got it: Keg n Cork
  • How much: $8, 50cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: no
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: nah

Tasting notes: pours dark brown with minimal head, ringed retention, micro CO2. A rather muted nose. Tastes of demerara sugar, medium malts, caramel, cola, 8/10-level sweetness, half-creamy/half-watery, sharp aggressive bitterness in the transition to the finish. Honey is difficult to detect, mildly peppery. Medium depth, medium complexity, okay transitions, good carry, okay drinkability. Not terribly special or exciting.

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Seduction - Ommegang, 6.8% ABV, (Cooperstown, NY) On the side label: “Ommegang seduction is a temptingly roasted ale brewed with five dark barley malts, Belgian chocolatier Callebut provides the chcolate , while Liefmans cuvee brut brings the cherries. With alluring aromas and flavors of fine Belgian chocolate and an underlying flavor note of tart cherries, Ommegang seduction is an ale to be lovingly emvraced . Undeniably rich and smooth , seduction is also true and warm-hearted. Lightly hopped, it harbors no bitterness, leaving only a lingering glow.” My notes: My Rating: B Why I like it: nice chocolate coffee Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $24 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: no Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: no Tasting notes: pours dark cloudy brown with sediment and a massive creamy head, sticky lacing. Thick malts on the nose. Tastes of roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, malts, red cherries, and a invasive alcoholic backdrop. Pretty good, once is enough.

Seduction - Ommegang, 6.8% ABV, (Cooperstown, NY)

On the side label:

“Ommegang seduction is a temptingly roasted ale brewed with five dark barley malts, Belgian chocolatier Callebut provides the chcolate , while Liefmans cuvee brut brings the cherries. With alluring aromas and flavors of fine Belgian chocolate and an underlying flavor note of tart cherries, Ommegang seduction is an ale to be lovingly emvraced . Undeniably rich and smooth , seduction is also true and warm-hearted. Lightly hopped, it harbors no bitterness, leaving only a lingering glow.”

My notes:

  • My Rating: B
  • Why I like it: nice chocolate coffee
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $24 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: no
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: no

Tasting notes: pours dark cloudy brown with sediment and a massive creamy head, sticky lacing. Thick malts on the nose. Tastes of roasted coffee, bitter chocolate, malts, red cherries, and a invasive alcoholic backdrop. Pretty good, once is enough.

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Dominus vobiscum Brut Sainte-Reserve 2010 - Microbrasserie Charlevoix, 11% ABV, (Quebec, Canada) On the back label: “Our Sainte-Reserve refers to the sacred receptacle where sacramental bread is stored, or reserved. It is also the name of our special series of Dominus Vobiscum vintages, all brewed in limited quantities. Disciples of divine beers should be delighted by this communion of otherworldly flavors. This Saint-Reserve Brut is an exceptional beer inspired by the grandest of sparkling wines. Brewed according to the “Method-Charlevoise”, which includes the careful riddling and disgorging of each bottle, this sumptuous strong ale pushes the flavor envelope, challenging the world of traditional brewing. Purity, liveliness and refinement abound in this exquisite elixir.” My notes: My Rating: A- Why I like it: strong, smooth, and balanced honey-fruit Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $28 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: yes with friends Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: yes Tasting notes: pours dark golden yellow, with a massive thick pillowy head, long lasting retention, micro CO2. Light malts on the nose. Drinks with sharp 8/10-level sweetness, silky mouthfeel with burp, tastes of apple cider, cinnamon, chamomile, honey, light malts with alcohol detection creeping up in the background. Finishes aggresively alcoholic and 4/10-level soft bitterness. Medium-high complexity, medium depth, good transitions, good carry, great drinkability for the ABV.

Dominus vobiscum Brut Sainte-Reserve 2010 - Microbrasserie Charlevoix, 11% ABV, (Quebec, Canada)

On the back label:

“Our Sainte-Reserve refers to the sacred receptacle where sacramental bread is stored, or reserved. It is also the name of our special series of Dominus Vobiscum vintages, all brewed in limited quantities. Disciples of divine beers should be delighted by this communion of otherworldly flavors.

This Saint-Reserve Brut is an exceptional beer inspired by the grandest of sparkling wines. Brewed according to the “Method-Charlevoise”, which includes the careful riddling and disgorging of each bottle, this sumptuous strong ale pushes the flavor envelope, challenging the world of traditional brewing. Purity, liveliness and refinement abound in this exquisite elixir.”

My notes:

  • My Rating: A-
  • Why I like it: strong, smooth, and balanced honey-fruit
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $28 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: yes with friends
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: yes

Tasting notes: pours dark golden yellow, with a massive thick pillowy head, long lasting retention, micro CO2. Light malts on the nose. Drinks with sharp 8/10-level sweetness, silky mouthfeel with burp, tastes of apple cider, cinnamon, chamomile, honey, light malts with alcohol detection creeping up in the background. Finishes aggresively alcoholic and 4/10-level soft bitterness. Medium-high complexity, medium depth, good transitions, good carry, great drinkability for the ABV.

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Innis & Gunn Triple Matured (99 days), 7.2% ABV, (Scotland) My notes: My Rating: B+ Why I like it: sweet smooth caramel Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $5.50 (after 10%), 33cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: yah this is solid Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: yes Tasting notes: pours cola brown with barely any head, thin ringed retention, micro CO2. Medium caramel malts on the nose. Super clean and balanced taste of sweet caramel malts, cola, light coffee, toffee, amaretto, cocoa, and ends with a light bittersweet finish. Medium complexity, medium depth, great transitions, good carry, excellent drinkability. An excellent beer and a definite go-to as a recommendation.

Innis & Gunn Triple Matured (99 days), 7.2% ABV, (Scotland)

My notes:

  • My Rating: B+
  • Why I like it: sweet smooth caramel
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $5.50 (after 10%), 33cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: yah this is solid
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: yes

Tasting notes: pours cola brown with barely any head, thin ringed retention, micro CO2. Medium caramel malts on the nose. Super clean and balanced taste of sweet caramel malts, cola, light coffee, toffee, amaretto, cocoa, and ends with a light bittersweet finish. Medium complexity, medium depth, great transitions, good carry, excellent drinkability. An excellent beer and a definite go-to as a recommendation.

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Fou’ Foune - Cantillon, 5% ABV, (Belgium) On the back label: “Blend of real Lambic from spontaneous fermentation and of Apricots of Bergeron type (300gr of fruit per liter beer).” My notes: My Rating: D+ Why I like it: super sour yet still fruity and drinkable Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $25 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: nah Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: nah Tasting notes: pours dark orange with a nice foamy head, micro CO2. Sour apricots on the nose. Drinks with intense and aggressive 10/10 sourness, 7/10-level tartness, barnyard funk, some puke sourness (for real), apricot jam in the background, mild bitterness in the end. Can’t say I’m a fan of this one - too sour, too funk, not enough sweetness / fruity flavour to enjoy.

Fou’ Foune - Cantillon, 5% ABV, (Belgium)

On the back label:

“Blend of real Lambic from spontaneous fermentation and of Apricots of Bergeron type (300gr of fruit per liter beer).”

My notes:

  • My Rating: D+
  • Why I like it: super sour yet still fruity and drinkable
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $25 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: nah
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: nah

Tasting notes: pours dark orange with a nice foamy head, micro CO2. Sour apricots on the nose. Drinks with intense and aggressive 10/10 sourness, 7/10-level tartness, barnyard funk, some puke sourness (for real), apricot jam in the background, mild bitterness in the end. Can’t say I’m a fan of this one - too sour, too funk, not enough sweetness / fruity flavour to enjoy.

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Schofferhofer Hefeweizen, 5% ABV, Germany My Rating: B- Why I like it: very drinkable and refreshing Where I got it: Sobey’s (Southbrook) How much: $5, 50cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: nah Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: nah Notes: pours cloudy orange, small head, micro CO2. Banana+orange and light malts on the nose. Tastes of light bitter tangerine, medium malts, fizzy background, rather watery in the mids, 5/10-level sweetness, dry bitter finish.

Schofferhofer Hefeweizen, 5% ABV, Germany

  • My Rating: B-
  • Why I like it: very drinkable and refreshing
  • Where I got it: Sobey’s (Southbrook)
  • How much: $5, 50cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: nah
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: nah

Notes: pours cloudy orange, small head, micro CO2. Banana+orange and light malts on the nose. Tastes of light bitter tangerine, medium malts, fizzy background, rather watery in the mids, 5/10-level sweetness, dry bitter finish.

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Dark Island Reserve - Orkney Brewery, 10% ABV, (Scotland) On the front label: “Dark Island Reserve is a rich, robust ORCADIAN ALE. After a gentle fermentation at our brewery in Quoyloo, the beer is finished in old oak casks formerly used to MATURE FINE MALT WHISKIES. This unhurried process creates a timeless classic full of fruit, spice, oak and roast malt aromas. An Extraordinary ale.” Other notes: hand-bottled on 11th November 2011 2933 bottles produced in this batch great taste GOLD award 2011 My notes: My Rating: A- Why I like it: super depth of chocolate and coffee Where I got it: Sherbrooke How much: $27 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: maybe with beer-friends Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: for sure Tasting notes: pours jet black, minimal creamy head, ringed retention, micro CO2. Heavy thick malts on the nose. Drinks with minimal carbonation, slightly syrupy viscosity, starts off extremely bright fruity of bitter chocolate & orange peel, roasted coffee, toasted oak, figs & dates, vanilla, and lots of malt on the exhale. Drinks with 8/10-level slightly heavy sweetness. Medium-high complexity, high depth, great transitions, great carry, great drinkability. Its profile is similar to Ola Dubh scotch-barrel aged beer, however this is more fruity and more aggressive with the sweetness.

Dark Island Reserve - Orkney Brewery, 10% ABV, (Scotland)

On the front label:

“Dark Island Reserve is a rich, robust ORCADIAN ALE. After a gentle fermentation at our brewery in Quoyloo, the beer is finished in old oak casks formerly used to MATURE FINE MALT WHISKIES. This unhurried process creates a timeless classic full of fruit, spice, oak and roast malt aromas. An Extraordinary ale.”

Other notes:

  • hand-bottled on 11th November 2011
  • 2933 bottles produced in this batch
  • great taste GOLD award 2011

My notes:

  • My Rating: A-
  • Why I like it: super depth of chocolate and coffee
  • Where I got it: Sherbrooke
  • How much: $27 (after 10%), 75cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: maybe with beer-friends
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: for sure

Tasting notes: pours jet black, minimal creamy head, ringed retention, micro CO2. Heavy thick malts on the nose. Drinks with minimal carbonation, slightly syrupy viscosity, starts off extremely bright fruity of bitter chocolate & orange peel, roasted coffee, toasted oak, figs & dates, vanilla, and lots of malt on the exhale. Drinks with 8/10-level slightly heavy sweetness. Medium-high complexity, high depth, great transitions, great carry, great drinkability. Its profile is similar to Ola Dubh scotch-barrel aged beer, however this is more fruity and more aggressive with the sweetness.

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Clouded Yellow - St. Austell Brewery (est. 1851), 4.8% ABV, (Cornwall) On the back label: “Clouded Yellow is a bottle conditioned British wheat beer full of character, with gentle spices, tangy wheat and a delicious soft vanilla flavour. True to European tradition, this golden beer can be served cloudy by gently swirling the last few inches in the bottle to rouse the natural yeast sediment. Alternatively, clear beer can be achieved by very gently pouring in to a glass and carefully leaving the sediment in the bottle. (Brewed with coriander seeds, whole cloves and vanilla pods.)” My Rating: B- Why I like it: clean spiced flavour Where I got it: Sobey’s (Southbrook) How much: $6.70, 50cl, May/2012 Do I love this enough to drink it again: nah Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: sure Tasting notes: pours almost clear brown orange, thin head, micro CO2. A very inviting bright nose of coriander, cloves, honey, and chamomile. Tastes of cloying malts up front orange, coriander, creamy vanilla (mild), clover honey, and chamomile. I don’t really like the watery-thin body up front but the flavour kicks in the mids and ends mildly dry bitter. Medium complexity, medium depth, good transitions, okay carry, quite good drinkability.

Clouded Yellow - St. Austell Brewery (est. 1851), 4.8% ABV, (Cornwall)

On the back label:

“Clouded Yellow is a bottle conditioned British wheat beer full of character, with gentle spices, tangy wheat and a delicious soft vanilla flavour. True to European tradition, this golden beer can be served cloudy by gently swirling the last few inches in the bottle to rouse the natural yeast sediment. Alternatively, clear beer can be achieved by very gently pouring in to a glass and carefully leaving the sediment in the bottle. (Brewed with coriander seeds, whole cloves and vanilla pods.)”

  • My Rating: B-
  • Why I like it: clean spiced flavour
  • Where I got it: Sobey’s (Southbrook)
  • How much: $6.70, 50cl, May/2012
  • Do I love this enough to drink it again: nah
  • Would I recommend this to beer aficionados: sure

Tasting notes: pours almost clear brown orange, thin head, micro CO2. A very inviting bright nose of coriander, cloves, honey, and chamomile. Tastes of cloying malts up front orange, coriander, creamy vanilla (mild), clover honey, and chamomile. I don’t really like the watery-thin body up front but the flavour kicks in the mids and ends mildly dry bitter. Medium complexity, medium depth, good transitions, okay carry, quite good drinkability.

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