New Years Eve 2011 - Siberian Night

I decided to dust off the beer blog as a remembrance to brother Ned, who provided much encouragement during the year I did it, and going back and reading his comments was bitter sweet, kind of like the dark beers he favored.

So I found a stout that I hadn't tried before, though from a brewer that makes a tasty palie. This has that classic "roasted malt battles dark molasses and destroys Tokyo" taste. Yep, it is heavy, sweet and thrashes around the tastes buds, and yet somehow comfortable like a warm fleece blanket. No, it isn't enough to turn me from my favorite IPAs, but on a cool night and for a change of pace, I would drink it again. Hum, it probably would even make a good black and tan for those that go that route.

On this last day of 2011, I raise a bottle in honor of my little brother, and with fond memories, try and look forward.

Day 365 - Fraoch

So how do you chose the last beer? Well, odds are pretty darn good this won't actually be the last beer I drink, but blogwise, this is it. I had a couple of choices, but it seemed fitting to go with one that claims tha the style has been brewed since 2000bc.

The color of a wheat field ready for harvesting, and a floral aroma (guess cause it steeps in heather for an hour before fermenting...), and no surprise, a kind of slightly sweet, spice-infused taste akin to a wheat beer.

Specs:

Full Name: Fraoch Heather Ale
Brewed by: Williams Bros Brewing Co
From: Scotland
ABV: 5%

Alas, this was not my favorite, but does get credit for it's uniqueness, which at the end of the day, was what this past year was supposed to be about. All in all, I came pretty darn close to my goal of a different beer every day, and not only gained weight, but wisdom as well. Now to lose the former, and while I will need to cut back on the beer a day, will continue my search for the best beer available. I had purchased a six pack of Hazed and Infused for our get together last night, and did end my night on that one. Ah, that is one good beer.

Thanks to everyone that read this, commented on occasion, and generally provided support through the year, and I encourage everyone to take this pilgrimage if they can. It is worth it.

Cheers!

Day 364 - GAR Pale Ale

Ok, for one day short of 365, we had a gathering of good friends, and the drinks flowed freely. In this case, the beer was a micro-beer pale ale from a local restaurant, and it was both good and long gone....

Also in the mix was a very dark beer from Tony and Jane (New Holland "dragon brew"), and some VA white Lighting Corn Whiskey from Uncle B/Aunt C, and finally, a Hazed and Infused.

But back to the original, as long as I can type and remember.. It was quite good, decent color and aroma, and smooth flavor. It was popular amongst the attendees. At $8 for slightly less than a 6-pack, the price isn't horrible.

The specs will have to wait...

Day 363 - Imperial Iniquity

Yea, friday night....

So a bit of change, but staying on the good beer track firmly. Dark as Dr Pepper, malty aroma, and just a darn drinkable malted beverage. A very good beer for a change of pace on a cold night, and in a big bottle, so easy to relax and not worry about finishing too quickly or before the blog is over.

Specs:

Full name: Imperial Iniquity Black Ale
Brewed By: Southern tier Brewing Co
From: Lakewood NY
ABV: 9%

Ok, so this one didn't quite make the 10% club, but it is close enough. What makes this beer so good is that you get the roasted malt flavor, with a dry finish, not sweet. That is quality baby....

Only a couple more nights left...sniff, sniff

Cheers!

Day 362 - Double IPA

So Ellie got home at 2 am, making it a 10 hour commute, and I got to spend quality time with Liz having a Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon while waiting....

For some reason, I thought I had drunk this one before, but no dice, so here goes. A comforting burnt orange color and citrus aroma set things up for a total hops explosion. This is a half court shot with nothing but net. Being a bit picky, it might be a tad on the dry side and linger overly long, but I'd drink this over the vast majority of others beers that have passed down this throat.

Specs:

Full name: Double IPA
Brewed By: Stoudts Brewing Co
From: Adamstown PA
ABV: 10%

Like the streak of high ABVs that I'm on, and.... I lost steam last night on the WoW as I was too tired and whisky should be consumed whilst relaxed, not unable to move from shoveling snow, so now can go do that.....

cheers!

Day 361 - Bittersweet Lenny's R.I.P.A.

Given the fact that after shoveling 8 inches of wet snow I can't move, and poor Ellie is stuck in gridlock over in Fairfax trying to get home for the last 6 hours, I really needed a good beer. This one works.

A deep russet brown color, and that tantalizing hoppy aroma gets you ready for the full on flavor this one has. My only critique is that it is a bit much on the malt, though the hops are not to be ignored. I'm thinking that the rye in this imparts an extra sweetness it doesn't really need, but hey, that is just me.

Specs:

full Name: Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA
Bewed By: Smaltz Brewing Co
From: Sarasota Springs NY
ABV: 10%

So if you like your hops, and don't mind a bit of maltiness, this a worthy choice.

Now I have to go do my whisky of the week comments. Another sacrifice...;>)

Day 360 - 90 Minute IPA

A glorious sunset color, clear and sparkling orange, yet it pales next to the taste that you experience when you drink this. This beer was worth waiting 360 days to drink, and I can guarantee that it won't be another 360 days before I have my 2nd of these...


The specs don't matter, nothing else matters, this is a great beer, but should only be drunk if you truly like high hops palies. Ok, a teaser, the ABV is 9%. I'm celebrating (if that is really the right word for it...) my 50th in a few days, and perhaps should have on hand a selection of my favorites. This one will be there, and it could be interesting to compare my top picks head to head, so to speak.

Not sure if any of the rest I got today will be this good, but many thanks to Dean Baker for reminding me I needed to get this in!