April Fools! No really..it's snowing here outside of Boston right now. But unlike most of the Debbie Downers around here..I actually like the snow! Not like I had a choice where to be born and raised..but those of you capable of deciding where to live...don't complain about the snow, you chose here, dumbass!
With snow on the ground again and the leaves just barely beginning to bud, I better review the winter brews I accumulated this past season. First up... Brooklyn Brewery!
Brooklyn Brewery's Black Chocolate Stout (Winter 2010-2011). A monster at 10.0% ABV and 70 IBUs and one hell of a pour! This thing poured liked dirty motor oil! Huge head, but very short-lived, and man...the chocolate and coffee on the nose of it, WOW! If I could imagine a bitter dark chocolate syrup, this is how it would smell..throw in some freshly ground dark roast coffee (French or Seattle roast, perhaps?) and BAM! You've got Black Chocolate Stout! It felt like it poured..this is one thick and heavy beer. No sign of carbonation despite the head. But the deep black chocolate flavors and rich coffee overpower the taste, very very smooth. Drink it a bit too quick, or more than a sip at a time and the alcohol kicks you square in the teeth! Fades into some bitterness, but not the hoppy sort as the IBUs may imply...a bit of a roasted malt aftertaste with the coffee notes as the final lingering taste. Definitely a sipper..but if you like darker, heavier beers, or highly flavorful..pick this one up! Fairly cheap, averaging $8 or under for a 4pk!
Magic Hat Winterland Winter Seasonal - Howl Black-as-Night Lager!
YAY more super-dark beers! 32 IBUs and 4.6% ABV This one poured just as black, if not more so, than the Black Chocolate Stout..less bitter of a nose. More sweet malts and some major coffee notes, hints of maybe vanilla? roasted nuts? Again, less bitter, burnt coffee, and more of a sweet, iced coffee. and wow..this was super light for a beer this dark..there was almost a sparkling carbonation to it, wonderful coffee tastes mixed with the roasted malts hints of maybe a milk chocolate. Sweet lingering taste, slightly hoppy bitter, but very pleasant, and only a bit. Technically a Schwarzbier..tasted like some Porters that I've had. A great seasonal offering..incredibly smooth and light..but unbelievably flavorful.
The IPA on Tour's contribution to the Winterland pack....ENCORE! 6.0% ABV and 45 IBUs..bit low for an IPA. However, tons of citrus and pine hops on the nose and an underlying sweet malt..a bit like graham crackers. Taste hinted at the lower IBUs..not an overwhelming hop profile, definitely citrus..grapefruit, orange, lemons..but quick and rather dry. Big kick of a sweet malty taste to the finish, but again, very quick. Nothing outstanding about this IPA, but if you're not a huge hop fan, you may enjoy it. Expected more from Magic Hat..then again there's only so many variations on an IPA you can brew, without adding a ton of weird extra ingredients.
Finally for the sampler..the ODD Notion '10..an American Red style with 22 IBUs and at 6.0% ABV, stated to be brewed with hibiscus petals....very odd indeed! gorgeous copper pour with a thin, short-lived head. Slight caramel malt aroma and something floral kickin around...must be the hibiscus, if I knew what the hell hibiscus smelled like! Taste is a full on malty rye red ale..cherry notes, a bit dry but nice and sweet. Starts off with a little floral taste (again, must be the hibiscus?) with a bit of an earthy hop taste that pokes through from time to time, rather medium bodied. Nice bready-sweet finish, somewhat creamy. A great alteration to a standard red ale, very flavorful, interesting sweet and malty notes along with the (apparent) hibiscus taste. Nothing near a standard winter seasonal like some would expect in a winter variety pack, but it can definitely hold its own against the cold winter nights!
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