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 - 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.