Seen it before, but never bought it. I am a bit skeptical on Widmer Bros., I guess because I have never been a big fan of their Hefe. I am sure they make some good stuff though.

 

It was pretty damn good...can't wait to have another cappuccino stout.

 

I figure its along the style of Deschutes Abyss (which is monumental....) but didn't feel like dropping $13 along with the case of Guinness Draught....

 

OH! Forgot to tell you, when I was in NYC the last time I found this totally kick-*** bar called Dewey's Flatiron Grill which is right across 5th Ave from Madison Square Park. They had Magic Hat #9 on tap which is stellar for reasons that no forum post can properly express, but anyway... When I walked in the 3rd time, the bartender was like "oh he'll try it - do you want to take the beer challenge?" I was like, "does the Pope **** in the woods, hell yeah!!!"

Which doesn't make sense I know, but it's still funny.

So she had me turn around and she poured 3x beers and had me guess them. She said they were all cheap crap beers... I guessed 2 out of 3!! It was coors light, bud light and amstel light. I don't drink those beers and in fact have never had amstel light before then. My wife and I did the "cheap beer pepsi challenge" years ago to find the best beer to take camping after our beer supply had outgrown our camping gear... I think that's why I won the challenge but it had me pretty excited to do this thing in the future.

And I must say Matt - your beers are awesome. I think I started homebrewing around the same time you did but you have gone far and away past my own skills. Your IPA was really good and I drank it all quite quickly... I finally have a Hop Henge for you - it's in the fridge. I will do my best to not drink it.

Some thread content: I have to admit I really like 21st Amendment's "Session Ale" AKA The Bitter American. I LOVE bitters, like traditional English bitters as in go to Reading, England, find "the Hobgoblin" and drink pints of "Doctor Hexter's Healer" for the real deal. Anyway it's good stuff... Little more hoppy than a traditional bitter, but the fact that it's called The Bitter American excuses this. Second to that, Deschutes' "Red Chair NWPA" is the closest to a homebrew tasting beer that I have had. It has that yeasty twinge to it.. So good. I really want to make my "Murky Pond" again - that was my favorite so far of my own.

 

Had 3 new beers tonight.

#1. Anderson Valley Anniversary Imperial IPA. I fully enjoyed the beer. It had a bit of the typical Anderson Valley Sweetness. Not too hoppy. Quite smooth. Deceivingly smooth for 8.7%. (7/10 on the personal scale)

#2. Green Flash Brewing Barleywine. Did not taste at all like a typical barleywine. Had a chocolatey taste to it. Very smooth. Almost like a stout, just not quite as dark. Side note. It will knock you on your feet; 10.9%. (8/10 on the personal scale)

#3. Deschutes Red Chair NWPA. not an overwhelming flavor (that could be the other 2 large beers before that not helping), but again, smooth, but just a hint of sweetness. ( I forget who is the spokesperson on here for the Deschutes, but I have a feeling you won't be disappointed. (7.5 on the personal scale)

 

Kyle, where can I get those in bottle?

 

I got those at Whole Foods.

 

Every time I pull an unnecessary sample of the imperial stout it tastes more and more like Abyss, and it doesn't even have the bourbon and oak yet! The molasses in it is just, wow Once that thing is carbed in the keg I need to bottle it ALL so that I don't pull too many "samples." I want to see if I can age a few bottles for multiple years. Also, I plan on brewing it every February.

I like how on the third time in the bar tender already knew your beer personality! 'atta boy Jacob!

Thank you very much for those comments on my brews. Don't forget though, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be making them!!!! I really think it comes down to being able to brew whenever my fermenter is empty. Brewing that often, I feel, increases your skills exponentially because everything builds off of previous knowledge. That, and of course the brewing podcasts that, besides from drunken ramblings, have some pretty usefully information, as well as the forum www.homebrewtalk.com. Although just like i-club.com you sometimes have to week through the BS and infer the common consensus rather than just taking everything at surface value.

Also, I must admit, that I have this weird addiction to completing every tasks to its fullest. I wont publish a photo that I don't feel is up to snuff for my skill level, and I wont disregard brewing info that can aid in turning out a tasty brew.

 

I wasnt aware that in the english language that "beer" and "unnecessary" could be used in the same sentence

...thats pretty awesome! I cant wait for some "unnecessary tasting" of it and the IIPA

 

Haha, I mean there is no need to collect information. There is still visual signs of active fermentation so there is no need to measure the gravity other than to appease my curiosity.

 

That's just your brain talking.. Clearly your taster and your tummy disagree.

 

A quick tidbit of information. Whole Foods in Campbell has some Pliny the Elder in stock right now. Lady i was talking to said that they will probably sell out of their supply in another day, so act fast. I picked up 2 bottles myself and am currently enjoying 1 of those.

 

As of 2 minutes ago, I am a big fan.

 

Oh man.. Of all the times in the world, I don't think I will be able to even sample any of this. GAH!!

http://beertaptv.com/Deschutes-Brewe...co-March-22-25

 

I'll be leaving on Thursday for Portland, OR for a 4 day beer binge. Definitely stopping by Deschutes.