Here is my look at Old Rasputin from the North Coast Brewing Company which is a 9% ABV Russian Imperial Stout. It pours out a nice pretty much jet black color on appearance, and is capped by a nice foamy tan head. Notes of aroma that were present were caramel, toffee and a nice roastiness. The taste was highlighted by a nice creaminess and along with flavors of coffee bean and chocolate. The beer had a nice decadent quality, which also made it appealing as a possible dessert beer. Much more is included on my review, so check it out and let me know what you think of this beer if you have enjoyed it as well.
This week Craft Beers Gone Wild looks at somewhat of a wildcard show. Each person will look to bring a beer that best exemplifies their favorite style.
Feeling a little romantic? If so then maybe the Romantic Chemistry IPA from Dogfish Head is a beer calling your name. This IPA comes in at a nice 7.2% ABV and packs a decent and not too overbearing 40 IBU.
The beer itself is highlighted by that of mangoes, apricots and ginger. It pours out a nice dark orange-copper color reminiscent of that sunset on a beach as one gazes across the ocean. Its head is a nice off white, pretty much bone color, which packs a good amount of foaminess and looks to leave a veil of lacing as it dissipates.
The notes of the aroma came out of the glass easily during my session with this ale. The mango climbed out of the glass and punched me in the nose, and was quickly followed up by the apricot. It was like a fruit bowl of notes, and then on the back end there was the dankness that I often expect from an IPA. The one thing that wasn’t as noticeable though was the ginger.
As far as the taste, I tended to really catch the Apricot that really came through. There was also some tangerine like qualities, but the apricot really stood out. There was that initial bitterness on the tongue, but the beer also offered a nice refreshing and crisp break, with no bitterness on the back end, and did have a good amount of juiciness. I also enjoyed how the flavors opened up in the mouth and the carbonation proved to be very palatable on this medium to full body beer.
From 3 Floyds Brewing Company comes the beer called Zombie
Dust, a 6.2% ABV American Pale Ale of pure goodness. This 50 IBU beer is one
that is sought after by many whenever it arrives, and I finally was able to get
my hands on a bottle. What did I think?
The beer itself poured out a nice soft golden orange color
with a slight bit of a chill haze. It’s appearance capped by a nice foamy white
head, but the aroma. Without even trying, notes of orange and grapefruit just
climbed out of the glass and drew me closer into the beer. The balance between
the notes of citrus and tropical was mesmerizing, and these were followed by a
nice dankness.
And then there was the taste, which offered a nice bouquet
of flavors on the initial mouthfeel. There was that initial bite to the tongue,
but the beer then settles down nicely ended with a crisp and refreshing break
on the back end. Harshness was nil and astringency was not an issue, it proved
to be a great medium body beer with a mouthfeel that had me wanting more. In
the end what was left was a nicely laced pint glass showing that it had once
been filled with a quality beer. This is one not to be missed for sure,
especially for any American Pale Ale lovers.
I decided to go local here with Braxton Brewing Company and introduce their Lumber. This Scotch Wee Heavy Ale is part of their Garage Series and comes in at 8.5% ABV along with a 30 IBU.
The beer pours out a dark brown color that is capped with a nice tan head. What can be expected from the aromas is a nice sweetness that carries notes of caramel and toffee, as well as a bit of creaminess. And the taste provides a malt forward sweetness and a bit of a caramelized creamy texture. Behind that comes a well carbonated beer that is loaded with a nice duration of the flavor.
From Samuel Adams comes their Belgian Session, a well-balanced
Belgian Pale Ale that is highly sessionable at its 4.3% ABV. This beer is one that could be perfect for a
warm day or just when you want to kick back and relax. It pours out a nice amber
color with a good amount of clarity and nice foamy head. The carbonation is
easily illuminated, and the aromas just climb out of the glass. The texture of
the beer does feature some thinness, but the taste of some of the other
qualities makes it worth a try.
