Name: Big Bear Black Stout
Brewed In/Type: California / Imperial Stout
Bought at/Price: Binny's / $4.99
Dennis: One of the first bear republic brews I think we've tried, this definitely sets a good tone for the brewery. The smell of this stout when opened is perhaps a little sweeter than expected (molasses perhaps) but the taste is a bit more mellow. Nicely hopped, there's just a twinge of bitterness on the swallow (probably where that 8.1% alcohol is hiding) but over all everything is nicely balanced to make a pretty darn good stout.
Jen: I am very impressed with this stout. It starts off with a nice toastiness to it with hints of chocolate and coffee. It is followed by a mouthful of malts and roasted nuts that is quite delicious. It ends with a bit of hop bite, but nothing too overwhelming or detracting from the rich malts. It is creamy and smooth with a good balance of a good thick body and a vibrant finish. This stout is a bargain and is definitely necessary for a stout lovers fridge.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Posted by Jen at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name: Duvel
Brewed In/Type: Belgian / Strong Ale
Bought at/Price: Woodman's / $5.99 750 ml
Dennis: Duvel, translation: Devil, is one of the best examples of a belgian triple ale you'll probably ever have. Incredibly carbonated, the taste at first delivers a flash of tart yeasts and deep candied fruits...that is assuming you'll be able to pour a full glass on the first attempt. At 8.5% after a few sips you won't be feeling any pain, but the alcohol never takes over the simple tastes that are blended so well.
Jen: I would have to say that the second time around with this brew is better (or maybe it is the sudden heat wave that makes it so refreshing). It is light and bubbly, with a bit of tartness at the end. It is smooth with an almost creaminess to it. This brew is well crafted and quite easy to drink, but be careful, it is 8.5%!
Rating: 4 out of 5

Posted by Jen at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On 5/10 around 4pm the hard drive that hosts this site gave up the ghost.

I've managed to restore everything up until 5/1 thanks to some luck, but if things are a little out of whack for awhile please be forgiving.

We'll be back up and working soon

Posted by Dennis Judd at 06:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name: New Holland: Dragon's Milk
Brewed In/Type: Holland, MI / Ale
Bought at/Price: Binny's / $6.99 22oz
Dennis: Definitely one of the most unusual beers I've had in a while, this beer is a success if for no other reason than the fact that I will probably never forget it's taste. The aroma is almost non existent, but the taste. The first sip is like the first Dorito of the bag, always over powering but you quickly get used to it. There is a tart sourness at first that I can only attribute to the reclaimed bourbon barrel it was aged in. You warm up to the taste as you progress, or it could be the 10% alcohol numbing you, either way this is definitely unique beer.
Jen: I find this brew to be rather interesting, and tastey. It has a slight sour taste to it that is quickly followed by a mild caramel flavor infused with vanilla. It has a bunch of little bubbles in it that accompanies this unique taste well. It is quite smooth and is easy to drink. I find this to be a very interesting and well done; I think that if I were to actually taste a "real" dragon's milk, this may be what it would actually taste like.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Posted by Jen at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)