Kev's Beers of the Week - The Bruery!

I recently took a trip to Southern California for a wedding and flew out a day early to visit The Bruery down in Placentia (near Anaheim).  Here are my notes on the beers I had:

The Bruery A Stein's Throw

Kev Rating: B+
Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 8.50%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Part of the Provisions Series
Had: On Tap at The Bruery
Region: Placentia, CA

Malty, maple sweetness, a bit acidic.  Nose was super sweet and had mild hops throughout.
 

The Bruery Humulus Lager

Kev Rating: B
Style: Imperial Pilsner
ABV: 7.20%
IBUs: 70

Availability: Year Round
Had: On Tap at The Bruery
Region: Placentia, CA

Dank, hoppy nose, strong lager malts and then a really nice lingering piney hop.

The Bruery Loakal Red

Kev Rating: C+
Style: American Red / Amber Ale
ABV: 6.90%
IBUs: 35

Availability: Year Round
Had: On Tap at The Bruery
Region: Placentia, CA

Earthy, nice balance of malt and hops - smooth red.

The Bruery Old Richland

Flight of great beer!

Kev Rating: B
Style: American Barleywine
ABV: 9.00%
IBUs: 80

Availability: Part of the Provisions Series
Had: On Tap at The Bruery
Region: Placentia, CA

Big boozey nose, a bit tinny, sweet malts into a nice citrus hop.

The Bruery Smoking Wood Rye Barrel Aged with Espresso

Kev Rating: A-
Style: Smoked Rye Ale
ABV: 10.00%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Special limited brew
Had: On Tap at The Bruery
Region: Placentia, CA

Big chocolate, licorice, smokey nose.  Rye malts again with heavy smokey malt. Strong rye barrel presence...reminded me of Georgia Moonshine Whiskey. 

The Bruery Sour Rugbrod

Sour Rugbrod

Kev Rating: B
Style: Sour Rye
ABV: 8.70%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Special limited brew
Had: On Tap at The Bruery
Region: Placentia, CA

Dark cherry, funk, nice underlying rye malt presence.  One of the better Sours I've had (yet).

Kev's Beer of the Week(s) - Beer Camp Series

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 8/10/12

 

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp #53 Floral IPA

Kev Rating: B-
Style: English IPA
ABV: 5.90%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Limited
Had: Purchased a mix pack from a store in Vermont
Region: Chico, CA

I saw these Beer Camp beers at a nice beer store in Vermont and decided to purchase a few of them as I've always enjoyed Sierra's beers.  

The Floral IPA was the first that I tried.  It started out grassy and floral (shocking I know).  Some malt came through to balance it out a bit (still a hoppy IPA) and then finished pretty well - crisp.  While I enjoyed this IPA, I definitely expected more as Sierra Nevada does hops so well.  

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 8/17/12

 

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp #65 Red-oric Imperial Red Ale

Kev Rating: C+
Style: Amber/Red
ABV: 8.00%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Limited
Had: Purchased a mix pack from a store in Vermont
Region: Chico, CA

I saw these Beer Camp beers at a nice beer store in Vermont and decided to purchase a few of them as I've always enjoyed Sierra's beers.  

Next up, I tried the Imperial Red.  It was a bit bitter with some lemon or grapefruit coming through.  Then it had a bit of a caramel or candied aspect to the middle.  Red/Amber ales are not my favorite style, but this one was definitely tasty and packed a punch at 8% abv.

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 8/24/12

 

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp #43 Sticke Pilsner

Kev Rating: B
Style: German Pilsener
ABV: 5.60%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Limited
Had: Purchased a mix pack from a store in Vermont
Region: Chico, CA

I saw these Beer Camp beers at a nice beer store in Vermont and decided to purchase a few of them as I've always enjoyed Sierra's beers.  

Beer Camp's third entry for me was the Imperial Pilsener.  Recently I've been expanding my foray into Pilsener's as they're typically not my favorite style.  However, this one was crisp, clean, and refreshing without that typical Pilsener aftertaste.  It had some really nice citrus hops up front and then was crisp throughout - really nicely done!

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 8/31/12

 

Sierra Nevada Beer Camp #45 Snowed-In Stout

Kev Rating: B
Style: Oatmeal Stout
ABV: 9.00%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Limited
Had: Purchased a mix pack from a store in Vermont
Region: Chico, CA

I saw these Beer Camp beers at a nice beer store in Vermont and decided to purchase a few of them as I've always enjoyed Sierra's beers.  

The last of my Beer Camp beers was the Oatmeal Stout.  I saved this one for last and opened with a clean palate as I really enjoy a good stout.  The Snowed-In stout was strong up front with rich dark roasted malts.  Then it mellowed a bit with some nice chocolate notes.  I really enjoyed this small batch Oatmeal Stout and would definitely seek this one out again!

Kev's Beer of the Week - Indie Pale Ale

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 8/3/12

 

Cisco Indie Pale Ale

Kev Rating: B+
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6.50%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Rotating during Summer Months
Had: Most recently purchased from Liquor Locker in Southwest Harbor, ME (a great spot, btw)
Region: Nantucket, MA

A great canned beer for the Summer, while the ABV is a bit high for a truly session-able beer, it's still an easy drink.   I picked up a few 12 packs of the Indie Pale this Summer to enjoy with friends and all were pleased.

The Indie Pale Ale is a pretty balanced IPA, resiny hops up front with a bit of grapefruit, then some malt coming through in the middle, and finally to a nice crisp dry finish.  

You can't go wrong with this one at a BBQ, party, Beach Day, or just backyard gathering.  It wont knock your socks off, but it will be a solid crowd pleaser!  CHEERS!

Kev's Beer of the Week - Stone IPA

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 7/27/12

 

Stone IPA

Kev Rating: A
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6.90%
IBUs: 77

Availability: Year round
Had: Most recently purchased from Gordon's in Waltham
Region: Escondido, CA

One of my favorite year-round IPAs is from Stone Brewing Company.  There are a few go-to beers I rely on when going to a friend's place or when I'm really just not into the selection of untried craft beer, Stone IPA is one of them.  George turned me on to Stone Pale and Stone IPA a while back and I can't thank him enough.  

This IPA pours a crisp orange/amber color with a nice foamy head - beautiful.  Taking a whiff off the top you can get big notes of citrus hops and a bit of earthiness.  First sip is always a bit of a shock, bitter and clean from all the aggressive hops.  Then it mellows (or your palate simply defends itself) into a fantastic full bodied IPA - more citrus, pineapple, and pine touched so slightly by some malt just for a bit of balance...so good.

I highly recommend this IPA for any IPA lover out there, it WILL become part of your normal rotation!

Kev's Beer of the Week Smoked Porter w/ Vanilla Bean

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 7/20/12

 

Stone Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean

Kev Rating: B+
Style: American Porter
ABV: 5.90%
IBUs: 53

Availability: Limited
Had: Most recently purchased at Gordon's in Watertown
Region: Escondido, CA

The Stone Smoked Porter has always been a delicious offering from Stone - good in the bottle, great on tap!  It's a nice bridge between a Porter with smokey notes and a German style Rauchbier.  If you have been on the fence about trying something with "smoked" in the name, don't be, it's worth it.  

That brings us to the two variations Stone recently released in the bottle - Smoked Porter with Chipotle and Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean.  Because I'm a week behind in my Beer's of the Week I'm doing a rapid fire - Chipotle for 7/13 week and Vanilla for 7/20 week.

Second up is the Smoked Porter made with Vanilla Bean.  I enjoyed this one a bit more than the Chipotle, but that shouldn't surprise too many of you.  It hit me more with the sweetness of the vanilla bean with some coconut which really enhanced the coffee and chocolate notes of the original porter. 

If you were slightly disappointed with the Maine Beer Co Mean Old Tom - less and less vanilla with each batch, then this one may remind you that you can put a bit more vanilla and not lose the original malt & chocolate notes you're looking for.  I even picked up another bottle to age for a bit to see if it matures.

Kev's Beer of the Week Smoked Porter w/ Chipotle Peppers

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 7/13/12

 

Stone Smoked Porter with Chipotle Peppers

Kev Rating: B
Style: American Porter
ABV: 5.90%
IBUs: 53

Availability: Limited
Had: Most recently purchased at Gordon's in Watertown
Region: Escondido, CA

The Stone Smoked Porter has always been a delicious offering from Stone - good in the bottle, great on tap!  It's a nice bridge between a Porter with smokey notes and a German style Rauchbier.  If you have been on the fence about trying something with "smoked" in the name, don't be, it's worth it.  

That brings us to the two variations Stone recently released in the bottle - Smoked Porter with Chipotle and Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean.  Because I'm a week behind in my Beer's of the Week I'm doing a rapid fire - Chipotle for 7/13 week and Vanilla for 7/20 week.

First off is the Smoked Porter made with Chipotle Peppers.  Now, most of you that know me know I will eat anything...except for spicy food.  I've had a few pepper beers before and some have been way too spicy for me (looking at you Throwback Brewery) and some have been great (Left Hand).  However, the Chipotle is there yet not the highlight of the show.  The always tasty Smoked Porter is still the main attraction but is balanced nicely with a bit of heat on the back wave of the sip.  You can still taste the chocolate and coffee notes from the Smoked Porter and as it warms get a bit more of the heat from the Chipotle peppers - really nice variation on the original. 

For those of you out there that want big bad pepper notes (looking at you JP & Nick), this one may disappoint, but for the rest of you that just want a hint of the Chipotle, this one hits the mark!

Kev's Beer of the Week - MO Pale Ale

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 7/6/12

 

Maine Beer Company Mo (Madeline & Oliver) Pale Ale

Kev Rating: A-
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 6.00%
IBUs: ?

Availability: Rotating in small batches
Had: Most recently purchased at Gordon's in Watertown
Region: Portland, ME

If you've been following along, and I know you have, you'll know that I have enjoyed the small batches of beer being produced by the Maine Beer Company (Lunch IPA, Zoe, Mean Old Tom, Peeper, and MO).  MO is an American Pale Ale named after head brewer Daniel's twins (Madeline & Oliver). 

After I opened it up, it was a beautiful orange/red hazy color with a full white head.  The nose was full of citrusy goodness.  The first sip was way more hoppy than I had anticipated...but still balanced.  Most Pale Ales are more balanced with the malt & hops, but this one definitely leans in the hops favor.  The malt is there and provides balance, but the citrus is strong with pineapple and fruit.  The finish was incredibly dry & crisp - a great way to end this fantastic beer.

If you have a chance to pick up a MO, I highly recommend doing so.  I've sent one out to California to my friend Morgan (MO) and brought one recently to a BBQ.  They're still hard to come by, but hopefully the more we all support the Maine Beer Co, the more batches they'll be able to make!

 

Kev's Beer of the Week - White Oak

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 6/29/12

 

The Bruery White Oak

Kev Rating: B+
Style: Wheatwine (50% bourbon barrel aged)
ABV: 11.5%
IBUs: 20

Availability: Limited
Had: Purchased at Gordon's in Watertown
Region: Placentia, CA

Notes from The Bruery: "White Oak is a blended beer-- 50% wheatwine aged in Bourbon barrels (we call it "White Oak Sap"), and 50% Mischief (our Golden Strong Ale). Vivid caramel, coconut and vanilla flavors blanketed in a crisp yet robust wheat ale, White Oak is an exercise of balance."

 

I've been looking forward to bringing this beer to share with some friends and finally had an opportunity this past weekend.  Nick & I popped it open and poured it out.  It had a beautiful hazy orange color with a thick white head.  The nose was definitely bourbon with some gentle wheat coming through.  First sip was more wheat and malt than bourbon for me.  It then opened up nicely with the caramel and vanilla notes.  

 

While I've had many Barleywines, this is only my second Wheatwine (Boogoop being my first).  I definitely think this one is worth a purchase, especially when sharing with a group.  It goes down nice and easy, but has those really nice bourbon notes to keep it really interesting!  

 

Cheers & Happy 4th of July to all of you out there on the Interwebs!

Kev's Beer of the Week - Perpetual IPA

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 6/22/12

 

Troegs Brewing Perpetual IPA

Kev Rating: A
Style: Imperial Pale Ale
ABV: 7.5%
IBUs: 85

Availability:  Now part of their year round lineup - moved from 22oz to 6packs!
Had: Purchased 6pack at Gordon's in Watertown
Region: Hershey, PA

I've been a fan of Troegs beers for a few years now.  They have some good offerings and some spectacular offerings.  Perpetual and Nugget Nectar are their two most sought after brews.  While I love both, Perpetual is the beer of the week this week. 

I first had Perpetual as a 22oz bomber and loved it.  While it flew off the shelves I was lucky enough to have it a few times.  Well, it seems everyone loved it because Troegs added Perpetual IPA to their year-round lineup!  This is great news for IPA fans.  

Perpetual starts off nice and earthy and opens up into really smooth grapefruit and citrus notes.  This IPA is crisp, clean, and goes down super smooth (careful it's almost 8%).  It finishes with a bit of caramel malt and a touch of bitterness.  

I struggle to only have one of these at a time as they're just so damn tasty.  A perfect example of an IPA that leans to the grapefruit/citrus side vs. the piney, resiny side.  I highly recommend Perpetual and am so excited it's now in 6 packs!!!

Kev's Beer of the Week - Uncle Jacob's Stout

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 6/15/12

Avery Brewing Uncle Jacob's Stout

Kev Rating: A+
Style: Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels
ABV: 17.42%
IBUs: ?

Availability:  Limited, 2nd in their Annual Barrel Series (the 1st was Rumpkin)
Had: Nick found me a bottle @ Marty's in West Newton
Region: Boulder, CO

I'll take the description from the Avery website to give you an idea of why they brewed this one.  "Jacob Spears, our 6th Great Grand Uncle, is credited as the first distiller to label his whiskey “Bourbon.” He built his distillery in Bourbon County Kentucky in 1790 – 203 years before we began brewing.  While obviously a bit too late to produce Uncle Jacob’s wash, we’ve instead created something far more complex.  In his honor, we present this robust, silky smooth, full-bodied and altogether extremely American rendition of an Imperial Stout aged for 6 months in the very finest Bourbon barrels.  This explains a lot about our penchant for big brews!  It’s in our blood!"

This barrel aged stout is not for the weak of heart.  If you don't like stouts and specifically, barrel aged stouts, then you will probably not appreciate this one as much as you should.  I love barrel aged stouts, especially when they're done this well.  I would put this stout in the top of my barrel aged stouts, along with KBS, Black Tuesday, BCBS series, Black Xantus, Parabola, & Black Ops.

Big whiff of bourbon on the nose, beautiful dark thick pour with a small caramel colored thin head.  I let it open up a bit before taking my first sip (about 10 minutes) and then was greeted with a decadent, robust malt with chocolate and coffee.  It was sweet enough from the bourbon to bring the typical vanilla notes, but wasn't overrun by the barrel aging (at least for me).  

I hope to someday find this again, as I'd like to have two more - one to drink/share and one to age!  My buddy Nick found this for me and I really hope to find it again.  I highly recommend this one for anyone that can get their hands on it.  I'm already sad it's gone & that I don't have any more.

Kev's Beer of the Week - The Crisp

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 6/9/12

 

Sixpoint The Crisp

Kev Rating: A-
Style: German Pilsener
ABV: 5.40%
IBUs: 42

Availability:  Year round offering
Had: part of a mix 4-pack of Sixpoint Cans purchased at Crossroads Beer & Wine in Burlington, MA
Region: Brooklyn, NY

I've been trying a bunch of the Sixpoint Brewery beers over the last month or so.  It all started with Resin and has continued from there.  Resin, a Double IPA, had been my favorite from their lineup until I had The Crisp.  I don't typically love Pilseners, but this one...was really good.

 

First sip was creamy and smooth.  I went, huh, this isn't "The Crisp", it's "The Cream", but then it jumped into a floral, hoppy, bready, and CRISP finish -- I was sold.  I will definitely be purchasing this one again, and at 5.40% I see myself bringing a 4 pack to a BBQ here and there this summer!

 

Even if you're like me and don't typically love Pilseners, this one is a must try for all beer lovers!  Cheers 

Kev's Beer of the Week - Rye on Rye

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 6/2/12

Boulevard Rye-on-Rye

Kev Rating: A
Style: Rye Beer
ABV: 11.00%
IBUs: 47

Availability: Limited Release, part of their Smokestack Series
Had: 750ml bottle, purchased at Glendale Liquors in Waltham
Region: Kansas City, MO

Boulevard Brewing started showing up on shelves in Massachusetts pretty recently (less than a year).  I've had the pleasure of trying a lot of the beers they send our way and have always been satisfied.  One of their best offerings to date has been the Rye-on-Rye.  

This Rye Ale was aged on Oak Rye Whiskey Casks to really enhance the flavor profile.  I'll be honest, I'm not a big Whiskey drinker in general and am not too familiar with many Rye Whiskey's.  However, I'm always a big fan of a barrel aged beer; when done nicely.  

The Rye-on-Rye poured a beautiful dark color with a big foamy off-white head.  I let it settle for a bit and was rewarded with a delicious first sip - oak, woody earthiness, spicy rye malt.  As it warmed up a bit, the Rye Whiskey came through nicely and was definitely not overpowering.  I thought it was nicely balanced with the sweet vanilla from the oak and the spiciness from the rye malts...YUM!

I enjoyed this one a lot and look forward to snagging another bottle before they're all gone; yes they're still on shelves at most Craft Beer stores. 

Kev's Beer of the Week - FlagRaiser IPA

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/25/12

Slumbrew FlagRaiser IPA

Kev Rating: B
Style: American IPA
ABV: 7.50%
IBUs: 80

Availability: Year Round offering from this new local brewery
Had: 22oz bottle
Region: Somerville, MA

Slumbrew is a local brewery out of Somerville, MA.  Currently, they have about 6 beers that they're brewing & bottling.  In honor of them releasing a new beer today (Rising Sun) at the Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont (1-3pm), I will post my review of the FlagRaiser IPA.  

FlagRaiser is a hoppy, no nonsense IPA.  Slumbrew calls it a Double IPA, but it drinks more like a solid IPA to me...maybe due to the dry-hopping process.  Either way, this IPA started out with nice tropical citrus on the nose...pronounced, but not overpowering.  As it opened up, it was a nice balanced blend of the pale malts and the strong hops.  I found that as it got a bit warmer (not WARM) it really opened up nicely and was an easy drinker.  

This IPA is a GREAT way to start off your Summer Season.  I look forward to buying more and bringing it to some BBQs - it would be great with a burger! 

Kev's Beer of the Week - Hog Heaven

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/18/12

Avery Hog Heaven Barley Wine

Kev Rating: A
Style: American Barleywine
ABV: 9.20%
IBUs: 104

Availability:  Year Round - I've seen it at a number of local craft beer stores
Had: Picked up a 22oz bottle at Berman's in Lexington
Region: Boulder, CO

I've been enjoying Avery Brewing Co's beers for a few years now and have (stupidly) passed up the Hog Heaven Barley Wine more than a few times.  I mentioned this to my brother George recently and he said I really should pick it up...it's worth it.  So, as a good younger brother should, I listened.  

For work related reasons I was over in Lexington and decided to stop by one of my hidden gem liquor stores on the way home.  After perusing the shelves for a while, I settled upon the Avery Hog Heaven Barley Wine...one of their Holy Trinity of Ales series (along with The Reverend and Salvation).  

The pour was a gorgeous amber color with a nice rich white 1/2 inch head.  The smell was outstanding - caramel, malt, fruit, spice.  I couldn't wait to take a sip.  After the first sip, I was sold.  It was an avalanche of malt, sweet caramel, dark fruit, some nice citrus hops, and into a nice earthy finish.  I've seen reviews of this beer go from moderate to pretty high...for me it was a home run.  I really really enjoyed this barleywine and can't wait to have it again.  Cheers!

Kev's Beer of the Week - Hoponius Union

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/11/12

Jack's Abby Hoponius Union

Kev Rating: A-
Style: India Pale Lager (like an IPA, but a Lager)
ABV: 6.70%
IBUs: 65

Availability:  A new brewery, but will be available year round
Had: part of a mix 6-pack I built at Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont
Region: Framingham, MA

As most of you know, I love to support local breweries.  Well, a few months back I heard of Jack's Abby out of Framingham, MA.  I had the chance to try one on tap at the British Beer Company out in Framingham.  I remember liking the Red Tape Lager, but not being wowed by it.  Well, over the last few months their beers have been showing up a lot at a few of my craft beer spots.  So far I've tried a few and have been really pleasantly surprised.  

The first thing you have to know about Jack's Abby I'll borrow from their website, "Jack’s Abby Brewing's goal is to create truly remarkable beer that combines the strict standards of traditional German brewing with the innovative approach of American craft brewers. Jack's Abby Brewing specializes in lagers. We think expanding craft brewing to include lagers is long overdue. Lagers, which are more difficult and take longer than ales to brew, yield rich flavors and smooth, crisp taste. All Jack's Abby lagers are unfiltered and preservative-free."

LAGERS - I can't remember the last time I actually sought out a Lager.  Well, that time is now.  The Hoponius Union is similar to an IPA as it's an India Pale Lager.  It was full of citrus and pine hops on the nose, more citrus on the first taste...maybe some grapefruit.  Then as it opened up, I could taste the nice bready malt and full bodied smoothness of a Lager.  It lost that hop-bite that you'd typically get from an IPA.  

I highly suggest seeking out Hoponius Union if you're into IPA's, you'll be surprised how close, yet different they are!  

Kev's Beer of the Week - Fred

Kev's Beer of the Week ending 5/4/12

Hair of the Dog Fred

Kev Rating: A+
Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 10.00%
IBUs: 65

Availability:  East Coast - impossible/West Coast - not sure how easily available but brewed year round
Had: Bex brought me a bottle from a California trip; yes I gave her a wish list
Region: Portland, OR

Quick note from the Brewery as to the name, "Fred was created to honor beer writer and historian Fred Eckhardt. This golden strong ale incorporates ten hop varieties from five different countries. Through the use of aromatic and rye malt, the beer achieves a unique balance of flavor. We hope that Fred will inspire you to share your knowledge with others as Fred has with us." 

I didn't know what to expect with this one as it's always been highly rated on BeerAdvocate, but I'd never had anything from the Hair of the Dog Brewing Co.  I was amazed at how deliciously complex this beer was.  When I poured it out, it had a beautiful white head that smelled of hoppy citrus.  When I tasted it, it was a great mix of rye, citrus, & caramel with just the right bit of prickly carbonation.  As it opened up, it just got better and better.  The only downside with this one was that I only had one bottle and cannot easily obtain more.  

If you're on the West Coast and can pick this up, you should.  It is very complex and doesn't exactly fit any beer style precisely, thus the "Strong Ale" moniker.   I HIGHLY Recommend this one!