Scaldis Noel, also known as Bush de Noel - Brasserie Dubuisson Freres, 12% ABV. Didn't feel like a 12% beer, but definitely a little boozy, though well wrapped up in flavors of caramel and dark fruits. I feel like I've said that a lot about all these holiday belgians, but this is one of the best I had. Easy to sip, very enjoyable.
Noel de Silenrieux - Brasserie de Silenrieux, 9%ABV. aroma of figs, peaches, plums, and a hint of spice. sweet maple syrup aftertaste. The alcohol is well wrapped in the flavors, but you can tell it is there. You want that in holiday beer, which is like a portable replacement for a fireplace. Unlike the Scaldis, the flavor of the beer is more subtle than the aromas, perhaps leaving some disappointed. Did go quite nicely with some sausage, rye bread, and slightly sweet beer mustard.
Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Monday, January 3, 2011
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Founders Brewing Co. - Dirty Bastard Scotch Style Ale
Brewery: Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan
Name:Dirty Bastard Scotch-Style Ale
Style: Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 8.5%
Bitterness: 50 IBUs
Dirty Bastard calls itself a Scotch-style Ale, which means it aims to be the strongest level of beer originating in Scotland, a Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy. The Scottish take drinking very seriously, as any single malt scotch drinker will tell you. Dirty Bastard (we at OMG Beer! admit a bias toward beers with bastard in the name) pours a deep garnet, with a creamy tan head reminiscent of cappucino foam. The aroma lacks much of a hop presence, instead evoking toffee, caramel, bittersweet chocolate, and perhaps even almonds and other nuts. There's not a big roasted aroma, like a stout, but beyond chocolate, alcohol, and a nice malty sweetness, there's definitely roasted barley in the flavor, and a hint of smokiness that probably comes from one of the "seven imported malts" Founders use to concoct this brew. It has to be emphasized though, just how subtle that smoky/peaty flavor is. Just right.
In many ways this is the Scotch cousin to a Russian imperial stout, with hops used to keep the beer balanced or even bittersweet like its accompanying chocolate and coffee flavors, but not flowery or citrusy. There's a big dessert/apertif angle to the flavors and alcohol strength. The beer itself isn't too heavy, but you certainly aren't going to drink a lot when it comes in at 8.5% ABV. Excellent after dinner beer, and excellent winter one as well.
Name:Dirty Bastard Scotch-Style Ale
Style: Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Origin: Scotland
ABV: 8.5%
Bitterness: 50 IBUs
Dirty Bastard calls itself a Scotch-style Ale, which means it aims to be the strongest level of beer originating in Scotland, a Scotch Ale or Wee Heavy. The Scottish take drinking very seriously, as any single malt scotch drinker will tell you. Dirty Bastard (we at OMG Beer! admit a bias toward beers with bastard in the name) pours a deep garnet, with a creamy tan head reminiscent of cappucino foam. The aroma lacks much of a hop presence, instead evoking toffee, caramel, bittersweet chocolate, and perhaps even almonds and other nuts. There's not a big roasted aroma, like a stout, but beyond chocolate, alcohol, and a nice malty sweetness, there's definitely roasted barley in the flavor, and a hint of smokiness that probably comes from one of the "seven imported malts" Founders use to concoct this brew. It has to be emphasized though, just how subtle that smoky/peaty flavor is. Just right.
In many ways this is the Scotch cousin to a Russian imperial stout, with hops used to keep the beer balanced or even bittersweet like its accompanying chocolate and coffee flavors, but not flowery or citrusy. There's a big dessert/apertif angle to the flavors and alcohol strength. The beer itself isn't too heavy, but you certainly aren't going to drink a lot when it comes in at 8.5% ABV. Excellent after dinner beer, and excellent winter one as well.
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