Farewell, 2011

Yeah, yeah.. I know it's only Dec. 30th.  But like the majority of you, hopefully, I'm gonna be at a party tomorrow night (shocking, I know! I actually get out!)  Therefore, good times, good beers, great people and great cheers..  nothing new (probably) and no way in hell would it be smart to let me in front of a computer!

What better way to bid farewell to the year than with a beer that will not exist come 2012....

Dogfish Head - Squall IPA.   "Bottle conditioned, naturally fermented 90 Minute India Pale Ale" according to the label..  a beer/clothing collab with Rogues Gallery of Maine..  word is it's a re-envisioned 90 Minute IPA, bottle conditioned, super limited availability and dry-hopped with a crazy SIX hop varieties.  This beer came to life in 2009, for East coast states, and was announced to be killed off in November..  9.0% ABV, just like the 90 Minute.  Amazing head on this one with the signature Dogfish Head IPA aroma..  slightly more boozy than regular 90, still malt heavy to cover up the insane amount of hops (and dry hops in this one), and those come through as intensely floral and grassy.  Super boozy taste with some lighter caramel malts, a somewhat earthy/crisp woody-type taste.  Slightly spicy and actually a bit minty...  Hops most likely present in the initial spicy bite as well as a super pleasant lingering pineyness..  Definitely takes a while to get used to, but as it warms and smooths out, this is one stellar beer...

With that I bid adieu to 2011.  The ups, the downs, the great beers, the not-so-good..  It's been a trip for sure, but I wouldn't trade the memories and lessons for anything, even the shitty ones.  Thanks to you all, whomever you are, for following, enjoying, maybe despising my writings and hope to see y'all in 2012!