It's the Most Wonderful Time For Beer: The 12 Beers Of Christmas (Part 2)

It's that time again: December has not yet hit and we decided to finish the Twelve Beers of Christmas. Snow is on the ground and did we mention that we like Christmas like beers? Well, anything is a decent excuse to drink the tasty beverages of the season. Once again we have our good friend Nick with us to help with the blind beer tasting and to make sure we wouldn't pass judgement on the brew because of the label on the bottle. Our choices of the night were: Magic Hat Roxy Rolles, Rogue Santa's Private Reserve, Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale, Troegs Mad Elf Ale and Breckenridge Christmas Ale.

The ratings and guesses:

Sample 1: Smells festive, starts well and finishes well but lacks body.
Oz Scale: 5.5 (Breckenridge)
Mike Scale: 5.5 (Breckenridge)
Nick Scale: 5.0

Sample 2: Strong smell, great head. Sweet but not overpowering. The light tingle to the tongue leads to a great finish.
Oz Scale: 7.2 (Corsendonk)
Mike Scale: 7.3 (Corsendonk)
Nick Scale: 7.2

Sample 3: Starts weak, finishes with a strong unsatisfactory aftertaste. Dark in color with hits of spices.
Oz Scale: 4.8 (Magic Hat)
Mike Scale: 5.1 (Thirsty Dog)
Nick Scale: 3.9

Sample 4: Strong smells, hint of pine in the taste. Strong hoppy flavor, finishes like an IPA but doesn't linger quite as long.
Oz Scale: 7.1 (Troegs)
Mike Scale: 6.7 (Troegs)

Sample 5: Well balanced beer: taste, smell and color come together well. Initially sweet, but when you get the actual flavor, it will appease most enthusiasts.
Oz Scale: 7.9 (Rogue)
Mike Scale: 7.4 (Corsendonk)
Nick Scale: 8.0

Sample 6: MMM hops, hop pa MMM hops dib it dat ta MMM hops. Whoah! Great smell, taste and finish. Would work well as a year round IPA.
Oz Scale: 8.2 (Rogue)
Mike Scale: 8.4 (Rogue)
Nick Scale: 9.11 ("There's an emergency in my mouth!-- Too soon?")

Actual Brews:
Sample 1: Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale (Averaged 5.3)
Sample 2: Corsendonk Christmas Ale (Averaged 7.2)
Sample 3: Breckenridge Christmas Ale (Averaged 4.6)
Sample 4: Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (Average 7.3)
Sample 5: Troegs Mad Elf Ale (Averaged 7.8)
Sample 6: Rogue Santa's Private Reserve (Averaged 8.6)

Oz and Mike did worse this round with only guessing correctly twice. Oh well, even the titans lose sometimes. Then again this is beer; you are always a winner when you drink good beer.

This finishes our Beers of Christmas blogs and leaves us with the final rankings:

12: Breckenridge Christmas Ale (Averaged 4.6)
11: Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale (Averaged 5.0)
10: Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale (Averaged 5.3)
9: Blue Moon Full Moon (Average 6.3)
8: Summit Winter Ale (Averaged 6.7)
7: Corsendonk Christmas Ale (Averaged 7.2)
6: Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (Average 7.3)
5: Troegs Mad Elf Ale (Averaged 7.8)
4: Bell's Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.0)
3: Great Lakes Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.1)
2: Rogue Santa's Private Reserve (Averaged 8.6)

and the best seasonal we have tried this year:

1: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Averaged 8.8)

Here is another look at this blogs contestants:

Founders Centennial IPA

India Pale Ale (IPA:) A special type of pale ale originated in England. It is brewed with extra hops therefor it is more bitter than most styles of beers. Hops are a bittering agent as well as a preservative that the English used when exporting their beers to India beginning in the late 18th century. American craft breweries typically make their IPA's with higher alcohol content (7.0+) and IBU's (International Bitterness Unit) above 40 where Bud Light has an IBU of just 6.2.

When one drinks an India Pale Ale the first thing you would notice is the hops. With Founders Centennial IPA, the hops are well balanced for a good introductory IPA. Not that IPA's are an introductory beer at all, this is a good gateway beer to the ways of the hops. After all, several of our fellow beer connoisseur friends still fear the hops. With only 46 IBU's it seems weak to us hopheads (last night at the Willoughby Brewing Co., we drank two pitchers and brought home a growler of their Daisycutter IPA with a remarkable 115 IBU's.)

The unfiltered brew might scare away those not used to seeing yeast in their brew, but a 7.2% ABV might calm their nerves. Its flavor is above most IPAs in balance, where the finish does not cover up the aftertaste. This is a beer for everyday, any occasion and a six pack would not be that difficult to incinerate through.

Oz Scale: 7.1
Mike Scale: 7.3

It's the Most Wonderful Time For Beer: The 12 Beers Of Christmas (Part 1)

The first snow of the year and six
blind tasting beers sat before us. The colder it becomes outside, the better the seasonals seem to be. Ah, yes winter. Thicker, more robust ales come our way and we couldn't wait to share some with you. Being the label whores we are, we wanted to prove to our beer knowlege was up to snuff with a good old fashioned taste test- wine style. Our choices of the night were: Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Ale, Blue Moon's Winter Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co's Christmas Ale, Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale Summit Winter Ale and Bell's Christmas Ale. Our good friend and guest judge Nick helped us make sure we did not pass judgement because of the logo on the label.

The ratings and guesses:

Sample 1: Malty, Toffee flavor. Finishes average, taste does not linger.
Oz Scale: 6.0 (Summit)
Mike Scale: 6.7 (Summit)
Nick Scale: 7.5

Sample 2: Hints of ginger and cinnamon. Slight hops aftertaste. Swims down your throat.
Oz Scale: 7.9 (Great Lakes)
Mike Scale: 7.9 (Great Lakes)
Nick Scale: 8.4

Sample 3: It hits well but fails to finish close to expectations. It's a blue balls beer (you get all excited on the first sip but in the end you just find yourself holding yourself for comfort.) Could pass as a fall seasonal.
Oz Scale: 6.2 (Sierra Nevada)
Mike Scale: 5.4 (Blue Moon)
Nick Scale: 3.4

Sample 4: Sweet smell, average finish. Could pass as a spring seasonal or even a year long brew. Has a surprising slight kick. Slight malt finish.
Oz Scale: 6.8 (Blue Moon)
Mike Scale: 6.6 (Sierra Nevada)
Nick Scale: 5.4

Sample 5: Great kick, powerful finish. Sweet but sour. Malt and hops are balanced. Spices are subtle but welcomed.
Oz Scale: 7.7 (Flying Dog)
Mike Scale: 7.4 (Bell's)
Nick Scale: 9.0

Sample 6: Powerful taste in all the right ways. Hop aroma and taste. Slight sweetness.
Oz Scale: 8.2 (Flying Dog)
Mike Scale: 8.3 (Bell's)
Nick Scale: 10

Actual Brews:
Sample 1: Summit Winter Ale (Averaged 6.7)
Sample 2: Great Lakes Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.1)
Sample 3: Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale (Averaged 5)
Sample 4: Blue Moon Full Moon (Average 6.3)
Sample 5: Bell's Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.0)
Sample 6: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Averaged 8.8)

Both Oz and Mike guess correctly on half the six beers. Surprisingly Flying Dog (being one of Oz and Mike's favorite brewing companies) did not live up the their standards.

Here is a look at the brews resting on the fresh snow:














And here is a look at them as the snow starts to melt (20 hours later, the next day and the following day)

Death By Beer: Bell's Expedition Stout

What will $16.99 get you? A trip to the seventh layer of hell thanks to Bell's. 10.5% of pure Beelzebub's ball sack. Or rather a hefty kick to Beelzebub's ball sack. Bell's Expedition Stout is (to quote Winking Lizard) "not for the faint of heart." Therefor those with a heart condition or pregnant women must consult a physician before attempting to drink.

Once you begin the pour, you know you are in for some serious business (check the video below.) The color and texture are reminiscent of motor oil that should have been changed 5,000 miles ago. The aroma foreshadows the 10.5 ABV kick. We both agree that this brew should be enjoyed out of a bottle so that you don't get the full on wind-knocking-out-of flavor. The taste isn't bad, just a bit much. Maybe a lot bit much.

If you are a six-pack drinker, godspeed. We wish you the best because we couldn't kill this monster between the two of us. This is the little rabbit that could. Expedition Stout is a brew to start a night or to finish a night. If you aren't careful enough, then this brew will finish you.

Considering this got us drunk,.....

Mike scale: 6.6
Oz Scale: 6.9

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Bam Bière

While eighty-four miles away for work, Mike entered a fine beverage establishment seeking enlightenment. Glowing on the first shelf sat Bam Bière. Having fond memories of Calabaza Blanca from Beertoberfest and Winking Lizard's World Tour of Beers, Mike purchased the 6-pack of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Bam Bière.

Upon opening this beer one must be careful due to the high carbonation and bottle conditioning. It is to be poured like a fine bottle of wine. This beer will give you a great amount of head... and it is great head. With a sweet smell and a slightly tart taste, this Farmhouse Ale only has a 4.5 ABV. This beverage is meant to be sipped and a six-er can be split between a friend with ease. It is a borderline dinner/desert beer that could be easily paired with white sauce pastas. Oz suggests a mango demi-glazed pork chop accompaniment. The finish is delectable but weak, it does not linger, however, bubbles chase the brew down your throat to a racing finish in your stomach.

Mike suggests that the brew could have more of a kick and a stronger finish. Being an Artisan Ale, one would expect more punch for the buck. Oz agrees that the finish lacks but feels that the sweetness and wheat taste pairs well with the kick.

Men's Journal ranked this beer 21 of their top 25 best beers in America:

Mike Scale: 6.8
Oz Scale: 7.3

P.S. Check out Adam Forman (the artist behind the labels) website Oliphanthouse.com

Oz 'n' Mike's Beertoberfest '08

36 delictable beverages of health and happiness overflowing two fridges kicked off our first annual Beertoberfest. Good friends shared good times, good food and good beer. Spirits rang high as we offered beer tasting of ten select brews as the rest were fair game for our guests to try on their own.

An estimated $350 was spent on the chosen varieties and our money was well worth the effort. Founders Breakfast Stout, Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre, O'Hara's Celebration Stout, Stone Smoked Porter, Golden Draak Ale, Hitachino Nest Weizen and Samual Smith Taddy Porter went over the best amongst our friends. While all of these brews were shared and enjoyed, Oz and Mike found the following to be the highlights of the evening: Bells Hell Hath No Fury, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Founders Breakfast Stout, Stone Ruination IPA, Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA and Hitachino Nest Weizen.

We'd like to thank everyone who came out and helped contribute to the enlightenment of our taste buds. We hope to continue the tradition of Beertoberfest for many years to come. Who knows, maybe a Marzenfest is in our future. Expect more in depth reviews of the aforementioned beers. Many thanks again to those who helped make our Beertoberfest a success.


Our 36 Selections:

1. Founders Breakfast Stout- 8.3 ABV (Tasting)
   
2. Barbar Blonde Ale - 8.0 ABV
3. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA - 9.0 ABV
4. Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre - 8.0 ABV
5. Great Lakes Blackout Stout - 9.0 ABV
6. Great Lakes Commodore Perry - 7.5 ABV
7. Delirium Tremens - 8.5 ABV
8. O'Hara's Celebration Stout - 6.0 ABV (Tasting)
   
9. Flying Dog Dogtoberfest - 5.3 ABV
10. Bells Hell Hath No Fury Ale - 7.5 ABV
11. Kulmbocher Eisbock - 9.2 ABV
12. Victory Golden Monkey - 9.5 ABV
13. Paulaner Salvator Double Bock - 7.9 ABV
14. Northcoast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - 9.0 ABV
15. Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard - 7.2 ABV
16. Stone Smoked Porter - 5.9 ABV (Tasting)
    
17. Stone Ruination IPA - 7.7 ABV (Tasting)
    
18. Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA - 9.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
19. Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale - 6.0 ABV
20. Samuel Smith Taddy Porter - 5.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
21. Golden Draak - 10.5 ABV (Tasting)
    
22. Tommyknocker - Butt Head Bock - 8.2 ABV
23. Tommyknocker - Jack Whacker Wheat Ale - N/A
24. Tommyknocker - Ornery Amber Lager - N/A
25. Tommyknocker - Maple Nut Brown Ale - N/A
26. Tommyknocker - Pick Axe Pale Ale - N/A
27. Tommyknocker - Alpine Glacier Lager - N/A
28. McEwans Scotch Ale - 8.0 ABV
29. Leinenkugels Oktoberfest - 5.1 ABV
30. Sprecher Black Bavarian - 5.9 ABV
31. Hitachino Nest Weizen - 5.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
32. Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca - 4.8 ABV (Tasting)
    
33. Wittekerke Belgian Wheat - 5.0 ABV
34. Chimay Peres Trappist (Blue Cap) - 9.0 ABV
35. Warsteiner Premium - 2.9 ABV
36. Unibroue Quelque Chose - 8.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
    Here is a look at the aftermath:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    And check out our beer wall prior to the festival. 180 bottles of import and microbrew beers on the wall, 180 bottles of import and microbrew bottles of beer. You take one down and pass it around....

Atwater Block Brewery's Atwater Hell

Hell..... Well, hell, it caught our eye. How the hell could we resist? Sitting in the top righthand side of the north wall of Harbor Beverage sat our destiny. The bottom of the box read "Atwater Block Brewery is located in the heart of Detroit's Rivertown district on the banks of the Detroit River (at-water, river, get it?) It's full of good food, good people, (sic) and the best beer anywhere." LIARS! Well, at least the latter. We can not attest to the former.

The color looks like Mike's urine during a full blown stomach ulcer (coming soon to the color wheel at your local Home Depot.) Before we get to the bad stuff, i.e. the taste: let's get to the pour. More like the poor (hey-o!) If you want a proper pour, you'll have to go slower than the fermentation process. This brew will give you more head than Heather Brooks could ever imagine, I wouldn't touch this beer again with an 8-mile pole. Finishing the 6-pack was a chore, the only way we could justify about drinking the brew was "At least it's not Bud Light."

With a sweet start and no finish, this brew makes you want PBR for salvation. You will sip on this beer as if you were recovering a hangover. Seriously... THAT slow. The only thing postive we could say about it was at least it wasn't a d-12 pack. With that said, here is our ranking:

Mutual:
Better than Budlight
Worse than PBR

enought said.

Great Lakes Brewing Company's Oktoberfest

After a disappointing trip to Guitar Center, our mission had become clear: We needed to contribute to the beer and music blog. Our choice was marred by two delectable brews: Flying Dog's Dogtober Marzen or Great Lakes Oktoberfest. The choice soon became clear as the Oktoberfest was cold and it was a long journey home.

After a kiss to the lips, the dark amber lager crashes the deepest palettes of the tongue and lingers with malty sweetness on the sides of the tongue. The beer tastes clean and finishes so smooth that you are left with a difficult decision: Should I drink more or savor.... and then drink more? Let us be the first to tell you that drinking more always wins. We haven't ran into a brew that begs to be drank beer after beer in quite some time (see previous blog, we lie.)

Having been brewed under the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, (Reinheitsgebot) this brew is not without flaw. Its flavor begs the question: Why can I not relish this beer slowly? Is beer not meant to be enjoyed to its fullest extent? (Bud Light drinkers need not apply this question.) In our never ending quest to bring knowledge of fine brews, we are sad to say that the drinkability of this beverage outweighs the taste. Not that the taste is bad, it is just WAY too easy to guzzle. It is 6.5% ABV, by the way.

Overall:
Mike Scale: 7.5
Oz Scale: 7.6