February: A few wonderful beer-related excursions, including the Pliny the Younger release at Russian River Brewing Co., where we stood in line, drank, ate, and waited on growlers for a total of 4 hours. It was worth every second. I had a great time with friends, and was excited to send my growler off to my bud Jason in Connecticut. I picked up a corked and caged bottle of Supplication for myself, and have been saving it for the celebration I’ll hopefully be having after I get accepted into a school I really want to go to. Updates on that to come. February also included a Sudwerk release at the Grad. The beers weren’t memorable at all, and someone stole my free pint glass. But alas, ’twas a blast! Also had a nice little tasting with Neil. We had some bomb.com beers, and we had some decent beers. Here are a few pictures from the aforementioned events, plus a few reviews.
standing in line with Kern, Maggie, and Chris
Yum!
TILBURG’S DUTCH BROWN ALE – Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven B.V.; Berkel-Enschot, Netherlands
5.00%ABV
A: A small frothy head fades quickly but leaves a ring of retention throughout the session. Gorgeous gorgeous ruby and mahogany in the light. Just a tad bit of lacing.
S: Nothing overwhelming, but it works. Fig and raisins, among other dark fruits that I can’t quite pinpoint. Then a tangy aroma that plays around with a toasted malt backbone.
T: There’s that heavy tang and toastiness, right up front. Well-balanced, with a mild astringency. Tons of citrus…more than I expected from the aroma. The malts are sweet without being dominant. My last few sips are zapped with burning alcohol, but that warm feeling at the back of my throat only lasts a few seconds.
M/D: Light body and low to medium carbonation. I can imagine sucking back this entire 4-pack in one sitting.
Tilburg’s – B+
MOYLAN’S DRAGOONS DRY IRISH STOUT – Moylan’s Brewery; Novato, CA
5.00%ABV
A: A nice thick, tan head over a black body. No light pulling through. Just a bit of retention and some tan lacing sliding slowly down the glass.
S: Bitter dark chocolate and roasted coffee dominate. So huge, pleasant, and inviting!
T: Smoky. Lots of smokiness up front. Sweet chocolate malt with a light citrus hint. Wonderfully balanced and just bitter and delicious.
M/D: Lighter body, but high carbonation. Easy to down, and can I have another, please?
Dragoons – A-
