Good brews 2014 begin with this find from Siren Brew. What do I hanker for in 2014 in a brew that's going to truly excite and astound? Martial artist, black belted and mega hopped? A Five Alive of Tropical punch? Judicious balance of malt and hops and good water source? Henry, the mild-mannered janitor - could be!
Following 'Broken Dream' are truly memorable finds from 2013, ales that share a commonality of having had their flavour spiked (Narwhal exempt), and herein lies the alchemy for the most adventurous brewers.
'Broken Dream' Breakfast Stout by Siren Craft Brew 6.5%abv
lovely weight without being a wrestle with Big Daddy, tonal smokey notes (smokey jumper, kindling), autumnal sous bois, coffee walnut cake, cocoa nibs, smooth creamy malty finish. given the reference point as to the diurnal, a food match would be Dorset Cereals Chocolate Granola with Macadmia Nut - but hey, drink responsibly - over the yard arm, if you please!
Grade A, Probably the most stunning ale of 2013
'Three Philosophers' by Ommegang 9.7%abv -
unique Belgian style blend of Ommegang Quadruple Ale & Liefman's Kriek (from N.Y. Duvel family of brewing, no less). Results of the highest order, Bruges froze over! sometimes brevity of notes is reciprocal to astonishment!
'Lugene' Chocolate Milk Stout from Odell 8.5%abv -
beginning to appreciate the restraint from Odell. Like someone's spiked your glass of cold chocolate milk - a grind of pepper, some mulchy earth, some twiglets...
Hardknott 'Rhetoric Edition II' 10.2%abv -
serious gear! astonishing sweet cored stout, viscosity+ like a good linctus, cherry knobbled coffee/prune cake, sous bois, rich mocha and marzipan on the finish. A length until 2014. awesome+ I'm 99 points on that!
'Narwhal' Imperial Stout by Sierra Nevada 10.2%abv -
hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again...
a glorious head like an espresso martini, roast coffee, bitter chocolate, prune tatin, earthy peaty aromatics, black jacks liquorice, fathom deep malty richness, the kind of brew to reflect on Captain Ahab & the Pequod's missions... Call me Ishmael!
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