Elysian - Dragonstooth Stout

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Dragonstooth Oatmeal Stout
Elysian Brewing Company
1221 E. Pike Street
Seattle, WA USA
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. 1996
www.elysianbrewing.com


Brain Damage Quotient = 7.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0


Postmortem Brew Review
Deep black color on the pour.
Carmely and roasted malt nose; nicely malty. Good presence of hop aromas.
Short, stout, tan colored head with strings of lace.
Smooth flavors of caramel, chocolate and oats.
Soft carbonation.
Full bodied. Rich, full flavored.


Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I picked this one up on the west coast. Not gonna' lie, the dragon artwork really caught my eye. It is actually done by a Seattle tattoo artist named Joe of Pierced Hearts Tattoo Parlor. According to the label, he's a good friend of the brewery.

Also not gonna' lie, I was in search of a good oatmeal stout. Pretty sure I nailed that quest. This stout uses Crystal, Chocolate and Munich barley along with rolled oats to achieve a sultry smooth and roasty stout. A really great ale to curl up with in the dead of winter. Don't you think so too? Muaaahaahaa!

The bottle lists Fort Collins, CO as an additional location, but I don't see much in the website's credits to match that info. Also, the folks at Elysian have three locations to choose from while in Seattle. That's nice.

And what about the name Elysian? According to Mirriam Webster, it means "blissful, delightful". I agree. Each sip brought me to a state of enjoying the oatmeal stout with elysian ease! With a bit of exploration on their website, I found many of their ales and beers belie the tranquility of their company name. Titles such as Loser, Perseus, Dark o' the Moon and Men's Room, along with above mentioned Dragonstooth conjure up fiercer imagery. But again, I'm not gonna lie...I dig it! After all , I am The Reaper! Muahaaha mUUaHaaHAAA!

Okay, enough of that. Get some of this stout and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's seriously good stuff.

New Belgium - Trippel

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Trippel
New Belgium Brewing
500 Linden Street
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. 1991
www.newbelgium.com 


Brain Damage Quotient = 7.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 


Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy bright golden color.
Lemon and spice aroma with some sweet apple notes.
Delicate foamy, bright white, one-finger head.
Slightly spotted lacing on the glass.
Light spice taste with touch of apple-like sweetness.
Moderate carbonation.
Light to medium bodied. Alcohol is masked.


Grim Reaper's Eulogy
We don't get this one around these parts, so when offered a chance to try, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do so. New Belgium's Trippel is on the mark for the style, but not as bold or brilliant as other Belgian Tripel's that I've tried. It lacks the more typical banana note elements, but does impart a nice bouquet that includes a sweet apple fragrance. Although there is a definite spice component, it is just not as punctuated as other Belgian Tripel's I have sampled.


I have had the opportunity to enjoy a few of these at the New Belgium Brewery on a couple of occasions, in Fort Collins, CO. From the tap, this is a very refreshing and delicious Tripel. Sadly, it seems the bottle conditioned version wasn't what I remembered it to be from those past tap room experiences.


I have been spoiled by drinking too many of this style that are direct from Belgium lately. But on the other hand, the thought of how my palate has developed over the past several years has shown me how to discern the nuances. Still, this is a solid Tripel to enjoy and I would not hesitate recommending it to someone who has yet to try the style.

Ska - Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Modus Hoperandi India Pale Ale
Ska Brewing Co.
225 Girard Street
Durango, CO USA
Est. 1995
www.skabrewing.com


Brain Damage Quotient = 6.8 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0


Postmortem Brew Review
Golden amber color.
Sweet malts, then a copious amount of pine hops aromas.
One and a half finger of off-white head.
Rings of sticky lacing down the glass with each sip.
Malt sweetness with citric zinging hops element.
Medium amount of carbonation.
Medium bodied, medium mouth feel with a slight oily hops finish. 


Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Modus Hoperandi IPA is a bang-on pine/citrus sticky hops ale. It is very flavorful and well balanced with sweet malt that rounds it out, but rest assured the hops are there from start to everlasting sticky finish.


This is probably one of the best dozen or so west coast American IPA's that I've come across. Fun too, cause' The Reaper likes the skull dude - this time leading the pack in a snazzy suit and tie combo. As he takes the pony-tailed bobby-soxer into a dip, the words "Lip Up Fatty" are emblazoned above the dancing couple. It pays homage to the ska band "Bad Manners" which managed to bust a record into the UK charts back in 1980.


I also found many other "Easter Eggs" on the can.  The word 'recycle' is listed not once, not twice but three times around the can neck. Subtle word choice such as 'walk', 'kite', 'hide', 'seek' even 'shower' are reminders to do good and have fun along the way in life. Something that this beer and brewer, seem to be all about. After all, even the name Modus Hoperandi is a play on Modus Operandi. Hops is how they roll, down in Durango. And having fun seems to be in their nature.


The best hidden word gem was found on the ingredients list. It seems the folks at Ska have found a way to get around the German Purity Law of 1516 by adding a fifth ingredient and still keeping it Reinheitsgebot. What's that fifth ingredient? Love.


No German Brewer would fault them for that brewing addition. Thanks Ska!

Avery - Eighteen 2011

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Eighteen 2011 Dry Hopped Rye Saison
Avery Brewing
5763 Arapahoe Ave.
Boulder, Colorado USA
Est. 1993
www.averybrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.12 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 (4 oz. sample) 

Postmortem Brew Review
Amber to orange in color.
Roasted malt and spice nose. Wet grassy aromas and orange peel/zest.
Fairly long lasting near-white head.
Some spotty lace on glass.
Malt taste, some chocolate hits. Has a dry, rye finish.
Light mouth feel. Subtle complexities throughout. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I was treated to a sample of this recently. It is interestingly complex. Lots going on, since it is a Saison by nature and then it has rye and hops additions. The eight percent alcohol is barely noticeable and makes for a fairly easy to approach, higher alcohol brew. If you get a chance, give it a try.

I am now looking to dig up more of this anniversary ale in my local stores.

New Planet - Off Grid Pale Ale

Dead Soldier 

Danielle Quatrochi - New Planet

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Off Grid Pale Ale
New Planet Brewery
3980 Broadway
Ste. 103 – PMB 116
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 2008
www.newplanetbeer.com


Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 (3 oz. sample)


Postmortem Brew Review
Deep amber color.
Smell of citrus and spicy hops on the nose.
Off white head, about one finger high, covers to wisp.
Minimal lacing down the side of the glass.
Gluten free. Light bodied mouth feel.


Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #4
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session. 

Blue Moon - Vintage Blonde Ale 2011

Dead Soldier

Lisa Zimmer - 12th & Blake

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Vintage Blonde Ale 2011
Blue Moon Brewing Company
Coors Brewing Company
13th and Ford Street
Golden, CO USA
Est.1995
www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com


Brain Damage Quotient =8.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Slightly cloudy, unfiltered golden/orange amber color.
Grapes, yeast and coriander aroma.
Wheat and dry spice taste, tastes similar to a chardonnay.
One finger, white fluffy head that leaves decent lacing.
Light body with full flavor.


Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Round #3
This blog post was done live at the 2nd Annual Beer Blogger's Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. 95 bloggers were in attendance, from over one thousand identified blogs. Luminaries of the craft beer world also attended to serve as presenters and keynote speakers for the event. A "speed round" of blogging was held by brewers, each bringing an exemplary brew to blog. Great craft beers, 12 blogging tables and 60 minutes were allotted in a fun, free-for-all session.

Great Divide - Rumble Oak Aged IPA

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Rumble Oak Aged India Pale Ale
Great Divide Brewing Company
2201 Arapahoe Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.greatdivide.com


Brain Damage Quotient = 7.1 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 


Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy orange/honey color.
Smell of citrus hops. Nice oak aroma imparts from glass.
Firm but short lasting, off-white head.
Lace clings tightly to the side of the glass with each sip.
Oak taste and hops flavor pretty much dominate the muted malt tones and a vanilla finish.
Medium bodied and modestly complex flavors. 


Grim Reaper's Eulogy
What can't Great Divide do with an India Pale Ale? It is easier to say that they can do pretty much anything. If you are an India Pale Ale fan, strap it on, because Rumble is one not to miss.


This one is a fairly sessionable IPA at a tad over 7%, unlike its big brother Hercules at 10% (yet to be obducted by yours truly.) And it's safe to say that Rumble is unlike its other sibling, Titan, a similar in ABV ale, but does not have Rumble's vanilla nor oak conditioning. Then there's the 17th Anniversary that combines more, more, more of everything as a DIPA, but that is not Rumble either. Oh yeah, there's also Belgica, Rumble's European cousin, a Belgian style IPA.


So where does this Oak Aged India Pale Ale fit in? Rumble tucks neatly in the middle of the pack, yet stands on its own. A fairly easy drinking, modest ABV India Pale Ale with an oaky and vanilla character that hits the taste buds like, well - like WHAM!


A very interesting and unusual India Pale Ale that satisfies and surprises.

New Planet - Off Grid Pale Ale

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Off Grid Pale Ale
New Planet Brewery
3980 Broadway
Ste. 103 – PMB 116
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 2008
www.newplanetbeer.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 5.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0


Postmortem Brew Review
Deep amber color.
Smell of citrus and spicy hops on the nose.
Off white head, about one finger high, covers to wisp.
Minimal lacing down the side of the glass.
Gluten free.
Light bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
The second New Planet I've tried. I must say that for gluten free, this is a fairly tasty specimen. As you may know, some people have a gluten sensitivity which does not allow them to consume foods that contain wheat barley or rye. Those with more serious and complete intolerance to gluten are usually diagnosed with Celiac disease.

To give the beer the body needed, sorghum and brown rice extract, molasses, tapioca maltodextrin and caramel color are used to replace the traditional malt. Additionally, this beer has an enjoyable hops profile. Not bad for a beer that is modified to help those seeking a gluten free alternative.


Stone Cold Fact: As with all of New Planet's beer, the name is a give away to an important cause. "Off Grid" refers to the use of alternative sources of renewable energy. New Planet donates a portion of their proceeds from the sale of Off Grid Pale Ale to non-profit organizations promoting alternative energy education.

Those of us without gluten intolerance can enjoy too!

Boulder Beer - Sweaty Betty

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Sweaty Betty
Boulder Beer Company

2880 Wilderness Place
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1979
www.boulderbeer.com


Brain Damage Quotient = 5.9 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0


Postmortem Brew Review
Unfiltered golden yellow color.
Some presence of clove spice, banana and wheat. Citrus aromas also present.
Two finger, off white head on pour.

Not a lot of lace in the glass.
Hops and wheat are well balanced. Clove and banana are mild and enjoyable.
Light bodied. Easy to drink.


Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Boulder Beer's Looking Glass Series, Sweaty Betty, is another of the popular American Pale Wheat Ales. This style seems to give other wheat ales such as Hefe's, a run for the money. Both are found in spring/summer as low alcohol, refreshing quenchers, but in reality, they are two completely different styles.

I have had several American Pale Wheat Ales this summer and find them curious as a style, but refreshing nonetheless. Sweaty Betty is one of those pauses that refresh, and she does so without breaking a sweat. (Didn't think I'd go for the pun?) Sweaty Betty is the fifth of the aforementioned  'Looking Glass Series' from Boulder and was introduced in 2004. She is done in the Bavarian style, according to Boulder's website.

When it's hot out, put your arm around Betty. She can handle the humidity, just fine.

Breckenridge - Summer Bright Ale

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Summer Bright Ale

Breckenridge Brewery
471 Kalamath Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1989

www.breckbrew.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.5 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review

Straw yellow in color.
Some bitter hops, citrus zest notes and wheat.
Near white colored, one finger head. Dissipates rather quickly.
Not much lacing down the side of the glass.
Dry wheat, hops and lemon/ginger taste.
Carbonation is fairly pronounced.
Light bodied. Tart mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Summer Bright is a refreshing Pale Wheat Ale. They have the hops and citrus for tartness. There is a dryness to it, not unlike ginger ale. Even though there may not be ginger in the ale, it remains crisp, dry and refreshing. A super sipper on any hot day. It is one to light up your taste buds time after time with its tight, tart finish.

Left Hand - Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout

Left Hand Brewing Company
1265 Boston Avenue
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1994

www.lefthandbrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review

Dark mahogany color. Brown with reddish tones.
Mostly chocolate, roasted coffee. Faint whiffs of oak on the nose.
Thick, two finger tan head that lasts quite a while.

Thin string lacing down the side of the glass.
Roasted malts and dashes of vanilla in the taste. Some oak, but not much.

Lightly carbonated.
Light to medium bodied. Thin and slippery mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Imperial Stouts are usually a bit on the dark side. Aggressive malting will make them pour with the color spectrum of used motor oil all the way to jet black. This stout was - - - not so much. It was a dark brown, at best. On the other hand, the alcohol will be noticeable. At 10.2% ABV, Wake Up Dead was on the boozy side, so good points for that. And it did give forth a luxurious frothy head. Another point added.

Some of the flavors that you would expect in an Imperial Stout were there; roasted malts, licorice and coffee. But overall, there were some flavors that I couldn't derive. Even the oak was a bit more of a suggestion than fact.  It did slowly work its way into the profile late, late, in the glass.

A good ale? Yes. An Imperial Stout? All things considered, I had high hopes for what should have been a slam dunk write-up, given my macabre nature and the name of the stout. But, my fellow pallbearers, we will have to bury this one for now. I will say that while it was enjoyable, it wasn't my expectation of an Imperial Stout.

Left Hand - Good Juju

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Good Juju

Left Hand Brewing Company
1265 Boston Avenue
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1994

www.lefthandbrewing.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 4.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review

Clear (filtered) and light amber in color.
Mostly a nose of ginger. It tends to mask other notes.
Off-white, half finger head that disappears quickly.

Thin string lacing down the side of the glass.
Crisp ginger taste.

Lightly carbonated.
Light bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
I may have asked this before, but when is a Ginger Ale not a gingerale? When it's a Good Juju. This simply refreshing ginger flavored ale from Left Hand is just the thing for switching up your taste buds.

I found several things refreshing about this ale. First off, the taste. It is certainly different than anything out of the ordinary. But that is overstating the obvious. More importantly, Left Hand has recently begun changing up their branding and the labels are looking quite awesome. I would be remiss as The Reaper if I didn't point out that the crazy quilt of art on the label forms a skull. Me likey!

Equally refreshing is the addition to the neck label proclaiming, "Brewed on the banks of the mighty St. Vrain." Uh, a bit of an overstatement there (grin) as the St. Vrain "river" is technically listed as a creek. You've got to admire their pluck!

Tip of the hat to Left Hand for showing an off beat sense of humor along with an off beat brew. As always, there's plenty to enjoy from this brewer.

Breckenridge Extra ESB - 471 Small Batch

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Breckenridge Extra ESB- 471 Small Batch

Breckenridge Brewery
471 Kalamath Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1989

www.breckbrew.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.8 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review

Somewhere between a burnt amber and red color.
Some bitter hops, caramel and brown sugar notes from the toasted smelling malts.
Tan colored, one finger clinging head.
Good amount of lacing down the side of the glass.
Scotch flavor, hops and then malts present in that order when tasting.
Carbonation is surprisingly zippy.
Medium bodied mouth feel.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Oh, the Small Batch! Strong beer with equally strong characteristics. The IPA was surprisingly high at over 9% ABV. This ESB is a bit more manageable though it still pushes nearly 8%. It hides that fact well, I might add.

With a Scothch style ale taste up front, tingling hops in the middle and malts on the finish, I found this to be a fairly easy drinker, regardless of the ABV. Sessionable? That depends. An uncommon Extra Special Bitter in a Scotch style ale.

Oskar Blues - Gubna Imperial IPA

Tin Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Gubna Imperial IPA

Oskar Blues Brewery LLC

1800 Pike Road

Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1997

www.oskarblues.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.0 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Dense color with burnt orange hues.
Sweet malts and floral citrus hop aromas.
Slow dissipating, sticky head that leaves great lacing.

Viscous feel on the tongue with good amount of carbonation.

Bracing; great hops bittering.

Full flavor, medium bodied, slightly viscous.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
What I drank for my birthday this year...and with great anticipation, as this stuff is the shizz. The Gubna was once a seasonal release, but conventional wisdom and a great fan base have moved this to a year round brew. Oskar Blues has yet another hit in a can, as are all their beers.


Stone Cold Fact: While visiting the brewery, the staff pointed out the machine that imprints the freshness date on the bottom punt of the can. Along with the date is one of several snappy sayings that the machine will also imprint. See what yours says next time you have an Oskar Blues. It's like a beer fortune cookie!

Boulder Beer - Mojo

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Mojo IPA
Boulder Beer Company

2880 Wilderness Place
Boulder, CO USA
Est. 1979
www.boulderbeer.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.2 % ABV

Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear, brilliant light copper color.
Strong presence of citrus hops and light malts detected in aroma.
Two finger, off white head on pour.

Spiderweb lace coating on side of glass.
Hops taste up front, but not as bold as the smell. Malt finish.
Medium bodied. Easy to drink.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Mojo as a term, is something that keeps you going. It's your groove, your vibe, your energy source. From the bottle's label it reads:

 Mo-Jo ('mO-(")jO) n.1: a magic spell or charm; magical power 2: herbaceous ale that summons hop attacks.

For an IPA, it resonates with that emotion, because you could session these all day and not get your over the top IPA burnout.It is an American IPA, done in the English style as the label reads. I had the good fortune to have some of this at the Boulder Brewery last fall, fresh from their taproom. In the bottle, it is nearly just as good.

Find your own Mojo, and see what it's all about.

Blue Moon - Grand Cru

Dead Soldier 

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Grand Cru
Blue Moon Brewing Company 
Coors Brewing Company
13th and Ford Street
Golden, CO USA
Est.1995
www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 8.2 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Hazy golden color.
Bread, yeast, orange and spice on the nose for aromas.
White head that has a frothy and chunky appearance; sticks around for a while.
Fair amount of lacing down the side of the glass.
Light fruit and coriander spice taste..
Light bodied, refreshing taste. Alcohol barely noticeable. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
Trying not to discount the taste of a macro craft beer, (is that an oxymoron?), this was good as any introduction into Belgian White style you'll come across. Is it the be-all-end-all of Belgian Whites? No, you can do far better elsewhere, especially if you look to the country of Belgium to begin with, during your search.

It is, however, a nice effort by a macro brewer (Molson/Coors) and serves those whose tastes have expanded beyond mass produced pilsener lagers that have been foisted upon the American scene for the past 30 to 40 years. Found it in the Super Duper Market near your town, did you? Then take it home and give it a try. You will do yourself a favor to try this mass produced Grand Cru, but this, I will tell you...there are a lot better Grand Cru's to explore once you have satisfied your curiosity.

Keep looking friends.

Ska - Euphoria Pale Ale

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Euphoria Pale Ale 
Ska Brewing Co.
225 Girard Street
Durango, CO USA
Est. 1995
www.skabrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 6.1 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0

Postmortem Brew Review
Burnt brown/orange in color.
Copious amount citrus hops; resiny to the nose.
Quickly foaming two finger slight white head fizzes out in about ten seconds.
No lacing present.
Big malted backbone. Well balanced hops and malts at play.
Medium amount of carbonation.
Medium bodied, medium mouth feel, dry finish. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
A fellow after my own heart, the Ska Skull guy.  Wearing the suit and ski cap complete with pom on top, this recently caught my eye, on a beer shopping expedition out west.  I have enjoyed their bottle beer and now see that they can as well. That is fortunate for me as it saves weight during the plane trip back, allowing a few more to slip into the travel coolers.

So, Mr. Ska Bones with his jazz hands is all up about the Euphoria Pale Ale. And for good reason. it is a delicious example of an American pale ale. Something about the western breweries that bring pale ales up to the level of IPA's and then the IPA's go so much farther. This has nice balancing of hops aromas that don't peter out in the taste. In all, it's an aggressive little pale ale, and that's fine with me. Very noticeable presence on the tongue that will make you happy if you like the hop.

Back to the can art...if you want to know how the Reaper feels about his beer, just look to this delightful fellow. That pretty much says it all about how I feel about this pale ale.

Odell - India Barley Wine

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

India Barley Wine
Odell Brewing Company
800 East Lincoln Avenue
Fort Collins, CO USA
Est. 1989
www.odellbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 9.7 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 25.4

Postmortem Brew Review
Light, hazy amber color.
A large amount of hops, followed by malt caramel and a touch of yeast aromas to the nose.
Short head disappears to a cover but leaves clingy lacing.
Soft, sweet malt taste, some bold hops and honey (?) sweetness.
Soft carbonation.
Full flavored, somewhat complex bodied. Even more flavorful as it warms. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy 
I have had this aging for nearly one year. It was brought out in the company of great beer lovers.  All agreed it was an excellent sipper. Not a heavy handed barley wine, as some tend to be. Not overly complex, nor difficult to consume.  In fact, it was deceptively easy to drink at over 9% ABV. And did I mention the hops? That is where it gets its double identity (a.k.a India) as there are 68 IBU's of hop heat neatly tucked inside this barley wine.

So glad I was able to share with those that appreciate a well made ale. Kudos Odell!

Breckenridge - Pandora's Bock

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Where to Dig Up More About This Beer

Pandora's Bock
Breckenridge Brewery
471 Kalamath Street
Denver, CO USA
Est. 1989
www.breckbrew.com 

Brain Damage Quotient = 7.5 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 12.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Clear brown color on the pour. Reddish tints.
Smell of malt, some caramel and a bit of hops.
Tan head, about one finger high, covers to wisp.
Fair amount of spotted lacing on the side of the glass.
A bit malty at the start in taste, but finishes with a touch of caramel sweetness.
Lightly carbonated.
Light to medium bodied mouth feel. 

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
It's that time of the year.

"Dead" of winter.

My time- - -Bock time.

Bocks used to be the staple winter alternate in the dark days before the craft/micro brew revolution. Every brewery had one to switch up from the summer lagers. Many of you might not be able to remember the stone age of beer, pre 1985. I'm a relic.

Generally speaking, in today's fanatic microbrew climate, most drinkers might tend to dismiss them out of hand. Admittedly, they are not for everybody.  Fortunately, they don't have a large learning curve of enjoyment to realize if they are for you.

This one is a sleeper of a Bock. Pretty standard as far as Bocks go. Maltiness you expect, nothing over the top, uh, ohh, wait! 7.5% ABV! Well, a little something over the top, indeed! Tastes good; no alcohol present in the way of your enjoyment. And that ABV boost helps nudge you closer to the warm springtime ahead.

Help herald the end of winter's doldrums. Open Pandora's Bock and see what flys out. Remember, there was hope in the end. Now you're curious, too.

Left Hand - 2009 Oak Aged Imperial Stout

Dead Soldier

Where to Dig Up More About This Beer
Left Hand - 2009 Oak Aged Imperial Stout
Left Hand Brewing Company
1265 Boston Avenue
Longmont, CO USA
Est. 1994
www.lefthandbrewing.com

Brain Damage Quotient = 10.0 % ABV
Fluid Oz. = 22.0 

Postmortem Brew Review
Solid black color.
Malt, deep fruits, chocolate/toffee and trace alcohol on the nose.
Creamy, foaming two finger tan head leaves spotted lace on the glass.
Malty, chocolate and rich fruits in the taste.
Modest amount of carbonation.
Full bodied. Complex flavors and mellow alcohol taste at end of sip.

Grim Reaper's Eulogy
This stout was a find. On a trip to Orlando, over one year ago, I noticed this bottle sitting on the floor in a corner of the bottle shop. There were other plain and ordinary beers around it; almost as if someone stashed it away with the intent of coming back for it at another time. Maybe they needed to get some money out of the ATM and didn't want anyone else to snag the last bottle in the store? Perhaps someone was going to buy it and found something else that caught their eye, so they jettisoned it at that point? No matter. It was mine, a-l-l mine, now!

This was one of the first beers I chose to put away with the intention of aging it for a year. Several others have followed since. And today was the day to de-cap-itate it and release the nectar held within. I took some time to look at other reviews prior to drinking this; something I almost never do. I don't like to know what is in it, or know what others experienced. Most times, I rarely even read the bottle label, lest the brewery notes influence my experience. But this time was different, having chosen to age the Left Hand Imperial Stout. Consider it 'research' necessary to see how the ingredients co-mingled in the bottle for nearly 18 months.

The bulk of the reviews I read from various blogs and beer gave it solid B to B+ ratings. As you loyal readers know, The Reaper no longer uses grading, (letters or numbers). You'll know from what I write if I like or dislike a beer, or even if I'm indifferent. Living within those parameters, I read beyond what might have given it off marks, in the areas of taste or complexity. Well, blah-de-dah, I'm not dragging it out any further. I found this extremely enjoyable.

This was super smooth and had a steady two finger head throughout the glass. Malty rich, with tones of oak shining through.  The bottle conditioning yielded modest carbonation and very herbal, earthy hop notes. Rich fruit flavors of raisin along with licorice notes were also detected. This was all served up nicely in my best tulip stem glass. It was a "wow" ale enjoyed on a cool winter's night. I think anyone would do well to age an ale such as this Imperial Stout. Give it a try if you can resist. Or better yet, buy two. Drink one early and take copious notes, then salt the other one away in a dark, cool spot for aging. You'll find the experiment fun and interesting, even rewarding.

As a closing note, I'm trying out something different on my blog today, by using dictation on my iPhone with an app called Dragon Dictation. Ironically, Left Hand Imperial Stout has a dragon on its label. Very cool when things come together like that!