I Have a Brother?!

Yards ESA... In a Bottle:

This Extra Special Ale is brewed in the cradle of Liberty, Philadelphia, PA. I had to run out and grab a six pack of Yards ESA in a bottle so I could compare it to the cask ale I had at Standard Tap. I have to say that the bottled version is (very)slightly less magical than the hand-pumped.

Remember our review of Anchor Liberty Ale? The bottle vs. glass controversy rages on, but Yards ESA is equally good either way. Keep in mind the subtle differences: Aeration from the glugging of the beer through the bottle's neck and lip breathes a little life into the texture. Remember, however, that the flavors open up when the olfactory system is truly involved. So the glass-poured Yards ESA is a little creamier but loses a bit of hoppiness.

Anyway, the flavors are bouncy but not explosive, if that makes any sense. In other words, I like the style because it is distinct without the overpowering bitterness of hops or sweetness of malt or liver-tickling alcohol kick. Not too dry, with a clean finish. Medium body, creamy mouthfeel, and extremely drinkable at 6% abv.

You know, it has come to my attention through several meetings in the Orval Office with the Cabinet that my executive orders on the rankings may seem a bit too martial. Should I be a little more understanding? Are those ratings too tough? Well, there is a whole world of beer out there that this FermentNation needs to colonize. But even still, there are plenty of movies that get four stars even though not everyone loves them. And plenty of students ahcieve a 4.0 grade point average in one area of study, but may not even be able to pass in another. So I guess I'll have to call 'em like I see 'em but I will try to keep in mind that it's ok to put something out there with an awesome score. If you don't see anything stand out, you may never venture into unchartered territory. So, in keeping with the mutable nature of the Constitution, I may even go back to re-score some previous entries. If I do, I will mention those in future postings. So with a kinder, gentler heart I give you...

Yards ESA Bottle:

Representation: .90
Accessability: 1.0
Style: .90
Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.7 Flags

The Whole Nine Yards - Yards ESA Cask

Yards ESA Cask:

One of the beers I had whilst at the Standard Tap was the Yards Extra Special Ale --Cask Conditioned and hand-pumped. Holy Crap! This is the Nation's first perfect score. What I'm wondering is how did Yards find King Arthur's brewmaster? This ale is fit for the once and future king along with his band of valiant knights. Creamy and smooth but not flat! Drinkable? Ask not such an unworthy, nay, blasphemous question. This ESA is so drinkable that if it weren't for some watchful Round Table Knights, your loving president would have ended up wounded full sore and dumped in a moat. I think I even witnessed Excalibur being extracted from the stone.

This brew is the best I've yet tasted from Yards. But Yards has always ranked highly, and when the dust settles from some civil unrest, hopefully the nation will be strengthened with two wonderful Philadelphia brewers.

The taste of this beer is sublime. It's bold but not bonkers. A true winner. It's What I imagined "cream ale" to taste like when I heard of it as a kid but had not yet tasted beer. Dreamy. Go forth on a quest for this Holy ... well, you know.

Yards ESA Cask:

Representation: 1.0
Accessability: 1.0
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: A perfect 4.0 Flags!

Not Your Standard Fare - Standard Tap, Philadelphia

Standard Tap 901 N. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19123

This past weekend I went to the Standard Tap in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. The atmosphere is supremely cool and a little funky. The crowd is pretty laid back, like they probably don't frequent trendy "spots" or "clubs". Too many times the dudes you run into are hard guys looking for action of some kind, but I don't think I spotted a single jabroni in the crowd.

But onto the beer! The selection is exceptional. There is a wide range of styles on hand, from dry stout to weiss and even TWO hand-pumped cask ales. All this variety and get this: It's all REGIONAL. Straight out of the Beermuda Triangle come brews from Victory, Weyerbacher, Flying Fish, Sly Fox, Troegs, and many others.

I haven't yet mentioned the jukebox -- its a great eclectic mix of non-traditional rockin' and groovy stuff. Haven't tried the food, but I'll let you know next time. Til then, bear in mind that the Standard Tap is anything but. So go and check it out for yourself. Highly recommended!

Wheat Beers...Breakfast of Champions - Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer

Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer:

Sierra Nevada is just one of those breweries. They're big enough to stand the test of time, day after day producing a consistent product. The name alone means quality. They are small enough and conscientious enough to take the utmost pride in their craft. Maintaining this level of quality can't be easy, and in my opinion they share some elite company -- Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head, Anchor, Oregon, and a few others. Some local breweries (see the Beermuda Triangle for geography) like Victory, Weyerbacher, and Troegs are well on their way.

So onto the Wheat Beer. This is a classic unfiltered wheat with a clean, American taste. The wheat and hops blend together in a pilsner-type way. It's not as crisp as a pilsner because of its unfiltered nature (go ahead and pour the sediment into the glass -- so says Sierra) but not as citrusy as a hefeweiss.

Not terribly stylish, but extremely drinkable. Sierra Wheat cruises in at a tame 4.2% abv and since it is unfiltered, the natural vitamins in the yeast and barley and hops can work with your body to deter a hangover. Yes, I said it. Now remember, this is not a free pass to overindulge but if that's your M.O. you could do way worse for yourself than Sierra Wheat. You can stand by this beer all night long and it won't let you down.

Sierra Nevada Wheat Beer:

Representation: .80
Accessability: .90
Style: .75
Personal Preference: .80

Total Score: 3.25 Flags

Show Your Pride!

My Fellow Fermentarians,

There are many ways to show your love of great fermented beverages. One great way is to proudly wear gear from the vaults of FermentNation. Just click on the icon and choose from the array of t-shirts available from Cafe Press. Also keep your eyes open for new and exciting logo designs available on other cool gear.

Thank you for supporting the freedom of imbibery!

Your Loving President.

Weizenheimer - Sam Adams Longshot Weizenbock

Samuel Adams Longshot Weizenbock:

The other winner of 2007's homebrew contest, Mr. Rodney Kibzey of Illinois, has done something pretty special. This Weizenbock gets into your chest and warms your whole body.

I can picture this complex and fruity and wheaty and alcoholy brew bringing feeling back into the bones of some poor avalanche victim on a ski trip. There he sits, shivering, wondering if he will ever see the beaming faces of his loved ones again as he freezes to death. Away slips his consciousness when from out of the mist bounds a Saint Bernard rescue dog with a cask around his neck. With the skillful dexterity that only Saint Bernards have, the rescue hound pops the cork and pours a shot of Rodney Kibzey's weizenbock.

This lifegiving ale has a deep fruit and wheat flavor, rich and a little spicy with noticeable cloves. The alcohol essence gives it a brandy-like quality. You know what this reminds me of? Mince pie. Goodness, if this beer is still around next Thanksgiving, it's a no-brainer.

That settles it. I'm going to get a few cases of the Longshot combo. Since Lili Hess's Grape Pale Ale will be greatly refreshing this summer and Rodney Kibzey's Weizenbock is a warming winter gem, it would serve to have some waiting for a special occasion. Both of the Longshot brews push the boundaries of beer, incorporating different elements and bringing together the different states of this FermentNation. Both of the home brewers should be commended on their efforts. Maybe your home brew will be the next Longshot to make it.

Samuel Adams Longshot Weizenbock:

Representation: .90
Accessability: .80
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.45 Flags

Longshot Wins Big - Sam Adams Grape Pale Ale

Samuel Adams Longshot Grape Pale Ale:

Sam Adams' homebrew contest winners get a batch of their winning creations produced in limited release by the brewmasters of Sam. The first one I had was the Grape Pale Ale created by Lili Hess, a Samuel Adams employee from Hawaii. Look for her face on the label, smiling proudly as well she should. This ale is pale as advertised and grape as promised.

But don't fret -- It doesn't taste like the unnatural grape flavor that makes your tongue turn purple. That strange grapeness is unwelcome here. Rather, a mildly sweet yet delightfully dry white or green grape flavor pushes back against any bitterness in this ale. In fact, the sweet and dry elements hook up for an almost champagne-like experience.

Lili's Grape Pale Ale stands strong among fruit beers (although Dogfish Head seems to have perfected the art). Sweetish and dry-like, I bet it would make a great half-and-half with Guinness. Even better, this would be great right out of the bottle. Chill this light and fruitish brew in a cooler full of ice and take it to a tailgater or a barbecue. This pale ale will appeal to beer folks as well as grape folks so go ahead and try it. It's a winner for a reason.

Samuel Adams Longshot Grape Pale Ale:

Representation: .80
Accessability: .90
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .85

Total Score: 3.4 Flags

I Knew It! - Sierra Nevada Bigfoot

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale:

I knew Bigfoot existed ... I just couldn't prove it. Your commander-in-chief had been informed by his advisors that Bigfoot was prowling the unsettled territories of this FermentNation. I could hear the yell of this majestic man-beast but had never encountered him until now.

Finally face to face with Bigfoot I can say that it is the missing link between barleywine and beer. I had previously heard that this beast from the Sierra Nevada brewery was a bit on the mellow side, so I was prepared for something and got something else ... something better. The aroma is fruity and hoppy with an almost undetectable alcohol vapor. The flavor is bold and dry, smooth and spicy. Pour it just right and witness the head rise from the depths of your glass. Look out for the bitter finish lurking at the end of that trail you've been following.

Not the barleywine-est barleywine ever, but a bridge; so Representation points will seem a bit low. But everything else about this brew is a serious treat.

2008 marks the 25th expedition for Bigfoot. I finally found it in the store (only $9.99 for a six pack). Hopefully my personal quest will prove less elusive: To capture this natural wonder on tap. Keep in mind, though, at 9.6% abv the hunter could become the hunted if he nods off by the campfire.

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale:.

Representation: .80
Accessability: .85
Style: .90
Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.45 Flags

• Looking back, I may have given Old Horizontal a bit of a short shrift. Comment if you demand a recount!

Never Say Die - North Coast Old Rasputin

North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout:

The legend of Rasputin is alive and well at North Coast Brewing Co. Dark and mysterious? Check. Gets in your mind and controls your thoughts and actions? Check. Hardier than normal? Refuses to die? May very well be immortal? Check, check, and check.

Old Rasputin is dark as night and just as infinite. Where does the bitterness come from? Coffee, cocoa, and deep roasted malt lurk there in the depths of this black beer. The beige head pours thick and lingers for a good while.

Each sip is mesmerizing. Give yourself over to the multitude of flavors going on in the swirling darkness of the glass. Bitterness, dryness, more bitterness. Then your breath is stolen by the phantasmal alcohol kick. You may ask, "What am I drinking?" Ask him yourself. Pick up the bottle and look at the label. Now gaze into his eyes. "Take another sip," says the monk, "9%abv will not harm you..."

What was I saying? Oh yeah, drink Old Rasputin. It's great. The flavors are bold and bitter and strong. This stout is imperial, alright. It has a never-say-die attitude. The only way to conquer the very bitter finish is to have another sip. I really recommend this beer. But only if you're in the mood for a dark and rich experience. Old Rasputin is the scary second cousin that North Coast Old No. 38 never talks about.

North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout:

Representation: .85
Accessability: .75
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: .85

Total Score: 3.45 Flags

Rock Out With Your Double Bock Out - Tröegs Troegenator Double Bock

Tröegs Troegenator Double Bock:

There's only one way to begin reviewing Tröegs's beers: You gotta grab the elderly bearded gentleman by the horns. Wow! This double bock appears to me (although it's dark in here and I'm kind of colorblind) to be ruby red. Poured from bottle to glass, the clean and mellow taste of Troegenator won't let me put it down. There's a bit of dryness to Troegenator that other double bocks usually lack. There is less wheatiness in this Pennsylvania beer than its German counterparts, which changes up the scoring a bit. Just a tad dry with medium body, Troegenator is a smidge easier to drink than say, Celebrator. Style points may register a bit lower, however. The American signature is stamped on this, one of the Troegs brothers finest selections, but the old world spirit lives on in this seductive American craft brew.

But don't get too Troegenated: Look at that guy on the label. He's telling you, "Drink up, my friend. 8.2% abv isn't that much. And my satyr friends won't do anything to you when you pass out...honest."

The Cabinet and I went on a "Beercation" this past fall. On a whirlwind tour of the Beermuda Triangle, Tröegs was a magical step along the way. Troegenator was naturally one of the highlights. I suggest drinking it straight out of the horn. That's how I roll.

Tröegs Troegenator Double Bock:

Representation: .85
Accessability: .90
Style: .80
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 3.55 Flags

Dopple Vision - Ayinger Celebrator Dopplebock

Ayinger Celebrator Dopplebock:

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... I'm a double bock kind of guy. Celebrator is a classic rendition of the style. The aroma is toffee-like and malty, but not overpowering. Quite inviting, as a matter of fact. The flavor has toffee notes as well as roasted malty goodness. The cool thing about dopple bocks is the wheaty undertones that wait until the finish to really come out to play.

Celebrator sounds like a party beer. Well, citizens, it should be just that. Not necessarily a rave-type party -- more like an anniversary dinner or a graduation. The festive nature of this dark and toasty (yet surprisingly crisp) brew is a good way to invite someone into the family of true beer lovers. So smooth in every way, and a reasonable 6.7% abv, Celebrator makes the perfect gift. And besides the celebratory nature of the beverage itself and the handsome label so lovingly illustrated, each bottle of Celebrator comes with a memento: a charm depicting the label's cover critter. See it for yourself.

P.S. I don't think I've ever seen a Celebrator without the goat charm. This attests to the class of Celebratorians as well as the respect it commands from others. Use this talisman to ward off foul taste. It seems to work for the folks at Ayinger.

Ayinger Celebrator Dopplebock:

Representation: .90
Accessability: .85
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.5 Flags

This Sounds Dangerous - Orkney Skullsplitter

Orkney Brewery Skullsplitter Orkney Ale

This comes right off the bottle:
"Orkney -- a small group of islands off the northern tip of Scotland, shrouded in magic and mystery, was the home of Thorfinn Hausakluif (Skullsplitter) 7th Viking Earl of Orkney, around 1000 AD. Now, the Orkney Brewery invites you to step back in time."

I really couldn't have said it better myself. This ale is fit for barbarian and nobleman alike. Drink it out of a chalice or straight out of the bottle. Hell, I'll bet it tastes great right out of the cask. Just grab an axe and crack that baby open!

With just a bit of sweetness and warming alcohol, Skullsplitter has a smooth mouthfeel and deep fruit essence. Red pear, maybe? Grapes? There are some wine-like qualities to it, but Skullsplitter finishes dry like a true ale.

When I tried this beer about 7 or 8 years ago I wasn't a raving fan. I suppose my taste buds weren't manly enough to handle anything this bold. But upon tasting it again for the first time, I'd ransack an entire village just to get my hands on one. Careful, though: Skullsplitter goes down easy at 8.5% abv. If you are prone to hangovers, I'm sure this headache is a doozy, considering the name and appearance of the guy on the label.

Orkney Brewery Skullsplitter Orkney Ale:

Representation: .90
Accessability: .85
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .90

Total Score: 3.5 Flags

Victory Twelve

Victory Twelve

Oh, that's Twelve alright. Twelve what, I'm not sure. This beverage has a golden Belgian Tripel feel as well as the taste, at first. Distinctive yeasts have a candy-like essence and honey and fruit notes rein in the sweetness with an earthy, organic punch. But the alcohol will not be denied its rightful place in this equation. The alcohol taste is present (aha-- twelve percent! 12% abv) but it didn't overwhelm me personally though it could overpower some. The first lady for example. She is a fan of Victory's Golden Monkey (pretty formidable at 9.3%) but Twelve is simply too much for her. So be prepared. I kinda get the feeling that if the Golden Monkey spent a little too much time lounging in the French Riviera and had gotten a deep tan, Twelve would be just like that.

The label of this beer tells the pourer and the drinker to leave the dregs in the bottle. This is a departure from my conventional procedure. Victory also remindes us on the label that the beer changes as it warms. Very specific temperature recommendations are made by the Victory guys themselves. These gentlemen know what they're talking about, so heed their advice.

By the way, Twelve does change a bit while warming. A more earthy, wine-like quality will emerge. But you probably won't notice if you're drinking an entire 750 ml bottle by yourself. But that does enhance the watching of Superbad. Cheers.

Victory Twelve:

Representation: .9
Accessability: .75
Style: .9
Personal Preference: .85

Total Score: 3.4 Flags

Sri Lanka?

Lion Stout

Citizens, this stout receives high marks. The Lion is known as the King of Beasts and Lion Stout brings honor to the table with a dark, rich complexity. Coffee and chocolate work together for an incredibly smooth flavor. Not sweet... actually a little dry. Sometimes dry beers can lose out on body when the hops overtake the malts. I have to tell you, Lion is well balanced in every way. Chocolaty but not sweet; dry but not vapid; coffe essence without bitterness. This brew is complex without being complicated.

But Sri Lanka? Seriously? I don't think I've ever eaten or drunk anything from Sri Lanka in my life. But what a way to start! I'm smitten. The alcohol isn't too evident, although it is a sophisticated adult beverage for the most discerning of palates. Bear in mind that Lion weighs in at 8% abv. Porter lovers as well as stout officianados will appreciate the richness of Lion Stout. t's a great way to get started if you have a long night ahead of you. Mellow yet assertive.

Lion Stout:

Representation: .9
Accessability: .85
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .9

Total Score: 3.5 Flags

Man Bites Dog - Flying Dog Double Pale Ale

Flying Dog Double Dog Double Pale Ale

Well, well ... what have we here? Double Dog is twice the beer that Snake Dog is. Hoppy, dry, and bitter, this pale ale packs a punch. The aroma is light and citrusy. The flavor plays out the same in the middle of the sip, when the beer is on the back of the tongue, ready to go down. Finally, the finish is extra hoppy. The dryness and hoppy bitterness hide out for a second then materialize like they were just beamed up from some distant planet.

But wait, we're not done! The citrus notes come back at the very end and clean things up. The hops can then call out to the taste buds, "Hey, remember me? Hops. Go ahead, have another sip. I'll take care of things." Which is cool considering some hoppy ales tell your taste buds, "Shut up and sit down."

Alright, Flying Dog is back on my list. I was a bit disappointed in the past but the Double Dog is on the right track. When things aren't going the way you thought they would, double up on the hops. Success! This beer is for intermediate hop-heads and advanced drinkers. Double Dog is friendly, but he nips if you pull his tail. 10.5% abv gets your tail to waggin'.

Flying Dog Double Dog Double Pale Ale:

Representation: .85
Accessability: .75
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .85

Total Score: 3.3 Flags

Flying Dog Snake Dog

Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA:

Flying Dog Snake Dog is not bad. Straight out of the bottle, it starts off a little too mellow for my tastes. Which might make one think that it would be a good beer to try if you've never had an IPA before. But just then, the finish hits: really dry and kinda hoppy with a slight bitterness. The finish sort of lingers on the back of the tongue. Be advised: I didn't know that the abv is 7.1%. The alcohol is very well masked, so don't get a false sense of sobriety when you kick back more than one.

So really what we have here is a jokester. Ha ha, I'm easy drinking. No, wait, I'm for advanced hop-heads. Nah, not really.

I don't want to bash this beer because it's not straight up stinky. But goodness, there are so many better ones out there, I can't rightly throw this one a parade. I'm not deporting Flying Dog just yet. I feel that they're putting forth an effort so I'm willing to try them again.

If you're searching for an IPA with even flavor and clean finish, here are a few which will be reviewed in the not-too-distant future: Victory Hop Devil (the ultimate), Troegs Hop Back, Lancaster Hop Hog, and Stone IPA.

Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA:

Representation: .70
Accessability: .75
Style: .70
Personal Preference: .70

Total Score: 2.85 Flags

A Word About IPAs

India Pale Ales are hopped the way they are because of a very practical origin: The English ales that were transported to faraway colonies needed to be preserved for their l ong journeys... especially when they were going all the way to India. The hops acted as a preservative to keep the ale tasting fresh even after travelling so far. Today's IPAs are mostly good if you like hops. They're really good when the hops excite your taste buds without burning them off. Very few are spectacular, so when you find one that makes you smirk just thinking about it... that's an IPA.

Woooo Woooo!

North Coast Old No. 38 Stout:

Roasty, toasty, coffee-liscious, Old No. 38 is a medium-bodied stout. I really never drink stout out of a bottle (unless I'm drinking THE stout, which can be drunk in any way, shape, or form), so I poured it into a pint glass. The aroma is fairly mild and the head starts off really pretty. Coffee is clearly present but not bitter. This stout is dry, especially in the finish. Clean and flavorful! Really nice stuff.

The label features a steam engine barreling toward the unsuspecting drinker. But a dastardly villain with a greasy handlebar mustache does NOT have you tied to the tracks. At a less than deadly 5.5% abv, Old No. 38 is extremely drinkable. Not over the top by any stretch. Accessability points boost up the score and wake up the overall mellowness of this California craft beer.

Some stout fiends love the extravagance of imperial stouts. Old No. 38 is the understated version for those of us who like to shovel coal on the fire for a steady journey across the Ferment Nation.

North Coast Old No. 38 Stout:

Representation: .85
Accessability: .90
Style: .70
Personal Preference: .80

Total Score: 3.25 Flags

FermentNation Runs on Dunkel - Warsteiner Dunkel

Warsteiner Dunkel:

This beer is what we call a "gateway beer." Lure innocent victims to the Dark Side with this dunkel. Some stubborn scaredy-cats may shy away from the Dunkel. "But I don't like dark beer," they whine. Well quit being a pansy and try Warsteiner. It has a roasted malt flavor and a little bit of body -- it's a dark beer without extremes in any category. Leery beginners peer into the dark alley and the shady characters lurking there welcome them with open arms.

This brew is quite drinkable out of the bottle, but poured into a glass, Warsteiner Dunkel opens up a bit. It goes down smooth... perhaps too smooth. The taste is clean with a slight dryness to it. Brewed according to the German Purity Law of 1516 W.D. saunters in at a chill 4.8% abv so drink away.

Another bonus: Warsteiner Dunkel can be found at really reasonable prices (I paid $10.99 for a 12-pack). Its smoothness and drinkability give it a universal appeal, which makes it a no-brainer when you need to bring a lil' sumpn-sumpn to a party. Those partygoers who don't already like a decent dark beer are about to be welcomed into the family. The first one's on me. You gotta pay next time.

Warsteiner Dunkel:

Representation: .75
Accessability: 1.0
Style: .70
Personal Preference: .75

Total Score: 3.2 Flags

Midnight Ride

Anchor Liberty Ale:
I open this beer at midnight in keeping with Liberty Ale's tradition. Originally brewed on April 18th, 1975 to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of Paul Revere's midnight ride, Liberty still rings the bell of freedom. Even though Anchor is on the wrong coast, I pretty much love everything they make. Liberty Ale isn't their ultimate effort, but it's pretty darn good.

Ok, listen up: We need to talk for a moment about bottle vs. glass. We will have an open town hall meeting on this very topic in the future, so be on the lookout. But here are my thoughts: I like to sip a beer out of the bottle first before deciding on whether to pour it into a glass. True beer lovers acknowledge the difference since the amount of air in the beer, the olfactory system's access to the aroma, and several other factors come into play here. How much hits the tongue? What part of the tongue? And when?

Anyway, I'm not afraid to drink any Anchor brew out of the bottle. Sometimes I actually prefer it (as with the Steam). Liberty Ale is much drier and much hoppier out of the bottle. Poured into a standard pint glass, the flavors soften and open up. It's a little maltier and smoother, and therefore easier to drink. Beginners should pour it into a glass. If you're more of a hop-head, drink out of the bottle. They're not so different that I'll review them separately, but just be advised.

This beer is not blah. It has an American ingenuity to it that will make you proud to drink it. And at a fairly mellow 6% abv, you can treat yourself to a few. It would be dynamite at a barbeque.

My love for Anchor and their Liberty Ale's patriotic genesis should push me to stand with hand over heart and pledge allegiance to it. Anyone with some fermentnational pride would do the same. Liberty Ale is better than a lot of beers, but it falls a little shy of national holiday material.

DO try a sixpack before jumping into a case.
DON'T stop drinking or the terrorists will win.

Anchor Brewing Company Liberty Ale:

Representation: .8
Accessability: .8
Style: .75
Personal Preference: .75

Total Score: 3.1 Flags

Long Live the Storm - Victory Storm King Imperial Stout

Victory Storm King Imperial Stout

It's difficult to review this beer without crying. My most recent encounter was a bottle poured into a pint glass, but I've also had Storm King on tap. Victory is a national treasure! Consistency in all of their beers makes each experience better and better as some lesser beers come and go. Storm King is in rare air among stouts.

Storm King doesn't posess chocolate and coffee notes, he allows them to partake in his existence. The Storm King is benevolent enough to grant audience to smoothness. If I weren't so nationalistic, I may be tempted to pay homage to the crown.

Stout drinkers MUST try this beer. Everyone else MUST become stout drinkers.

Of course I realize that not everyone would be ready, willing, or able to drink more than one. And at a regal 9.1% abv, that may not be a great idea anyway. So accessability points are just shy of perfect, but check out the personal preference category. True Royalty.

Victory Storm King Imperial Stout:

Representation: .9
Accessability: .8
Style: .9
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 3.6 Flags

Get Sideways - Victory Old Horizontal

Victory Old Horizontal Barleywine Style Ale

Oh my. Victory does so many things right. Old Horizontal is a unique variation of the Barleywine style. The aroma isn't very powerful, but the taste is an outright slap in the buds. This experience starts off mellow with a comfortable barleywine-type familiarity. But wait... Here come the hops! Crisp on the tongue and a little bitter at the end, this barleywine kicks like an IPA.

One of my favorite things about barleywine style ales is looking down into the glass right before sipping. Actually suspending time in mid-sip is even better. The brew caresses your mouth like a lake laps the shore, the sides of the glass are slick as a glacier, and the ultra-thin head swirls like a galaxy of stars in search of the birthplace of all creation.

Sorry, miles away.

Victory Old Horizontal takes the style in a slightly different direction. Beginners may like the label, but be warned: The flavors of this fermented beverage are not sleepy in the slightest. The drinker, however, may end up playing the title character if he or she tries to have more than one. 1o.5% abv will get you sideways in a hurry, especially since the alcohol is fairly well masked.

Victory Old Horizontal Barleywine Style Ale:

Representation: .75
Accessability: .70
Style: .85
Personal Preference: .80

Total Score: 3.1 Flags