Notes on beers brewed by
I've known this beer for many, many years and usually I've enjoyed it immensely, but this is the first time I've had it in the bottle and seems like a very different experience than all of my previous draught encounters. The color looks fine, but there are a HUGE amount of yeasties in the pour. Bottle-conditioned in the extreme, apparently! Really nice, mid-golden color once the beer clears and I can actually see what's going on. A nice sized head and some very good lace and retention when...
750 mL wine bottle bomber from Laura Alberts, Charleston, SC, USA. $7.50 for the mini-growler/bomber/wine bottle. Another of my favorite styles from another of my favorite brewers. Pour is a very distinct, clear golden body with a small amount of pure white head. Not much retention and a little lace. Smell is very boozy. Some nice malty notes too. Tastes reflect the nose. This drinks easily though, at least considering the presence of alcohol in the taste. To be honest I was getting nervous as...
You never know what you might find! So, I take a completely unplanned trip up to Asheville, NC for the weekend and while I'm hanging out in Brusin' Ales, one of the customers (Scott) says that the Mellow Mushroom (a few feet away) has just tapped their keg of Sexual Chocolate! Happy coincidence. After all the hype surrounding this beer, and all of the trouble that people have gone to in order to get it, I found it a little perplexing/strange/amusing that it should be sitting there and being...
On tap, Tyler's Taproom, Durham, NC, USA. $4.25 for the 16oz "pint". Classic look, with a deep garnet hue and a good half-inch of solid, foamy head. Head disappeared quite quickly, some lace. Very solid offering from a reliable brewer that consistently hits the spot in terms of styles and drinkable beers. Nice hop/malt balance, but the most important attribute for a Red is the finish. This hit the spot with a characteristic, dry note and left a subtle and pleasing aftertaste. Lots of (partial)...