Indulging in Chocolate Indulgence

Brewery Ommegang, Reviews, Stout 2 Responses »
Feb 022010

I like stouts. I like chocolate. I love chocolate stouts. Brewery Ommegang is one of my favorite breweries out there. They make readily available and fairly inexpensive beers that are damn good. I’ve been wanting to try Chocolate Indulgence for a while, and during a trip to the brewery this past October, I picked a bottle up. It’s been sitting in the cellar since, and I’m ready to drink it now. What am I expecting? With a name like Chocolate Indulgence, I want it to be like eating a chocolate bar while drinking a very good stout. I am ready to begin.

Into my pint glass (I have a Chocolate Indulgence chalice, not sure why I didn’t pour it into that) the beer pours a pitch black, with a really nice cascading two finger tan head. Aroma is not really strong, some roasted malts are present. No chocolate. Uh-oh. Unfortunately, chocolate seems to be lacking in the flavor department. Flavor is sweet, with a slight roasted taste.  Other than that, there isn’t much else. Body is medium to full. Carbonation is low.

Overall, the beer itself isn’t bad. I think where Ommegang went wrong is the name and the style. First off, Chocolate Indulgence invokes visions and dreams of delicious chocolate syrup pouring from a bottle. I can’t detect a hint of chocolate. Secondly, I don’t consider this to be a stout. To me, it is more like a porter. It’s not that heavy, it doesn’t have that roasted, burnt flavor often found in stouts. Even on BeerAdvocate it’s listed as a Belgian Strong Dark. It’s a good beer, just change the name. C’mon Ommegang! You guys make great beers, tweak this recipe, give everyone the Chocolate Indulgence they crave and deserve!

Posted by Greg at 8:50 pm

If it Kwaks like a duck...is it a Belgian?

Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Brouwerij Bosteels, Reviews No Responses »
Jan 202010

Hello to all my friends. This is Clubby with a review of a brew!

I was going to start off by talking about the Mets being snubbed by an old and fat catcher…Let’s call him Mengie Bolina to prevent outrage by the masses. But, I won’t bore everyone, or one with Mets news because no one seems to care about the Mets. You lucked out Mr. Bolina.

Tonight, I planned on writing a nice review about a nice Belgian Strong Ale. All day long I watched my calories and worked out to prepare for this beer review where, in a perfect world, I would drink the entire 1Pt 9.4 Oz. However, this world is far from perfect… (Insert dramatic gopher music here)

I poured the Pauwel Kwak, by Brouwerij Bosteels into some wine glass because my normal drinkin’ glass went a missin’….Was this an omen?! So, as you see, it had a beautifully huge head and was golden like the wonderfully tasteful jewelry of Mr. T. So far so good. But, as I went in for the first sip it filled my nose with an overly sweet, fruity-alcohol air. It was far from a turn off. However, I was expecting something totally different. The taste was extremely malty, fruity and with some alcohol burn. Not reminiscent of any Belgians I have had. Nice carbonation and tasty but, I was really in the mood for something else. Drinkable, yet I didn’t want to drink it. For now, I think still stick to getting my Belgians out of a great brewery in New York.

Screw you Mengie Bolina! We have better beers than California…Actually, I really like Green Flash….But, you’re still old and fat.

Posted by Clubby at 4:55 pm

Trois Philosophes Deuxième Partie

Brewery Ommegang, Quadruple, Reviews 1 Response »
Jan 172010

French translation courtesy of Google. Blame them if it’s wrong. Welcome to the second part of the review of Brewery Ommegang’s Three Philosophers. Part 1 can be read here, written by Clubby. At the time, I never thought I was going to review this beer. Tonight, however, I decided, hey, it’s in the fridge, I’m thirsty, I need to review something, let me tell everyone my take on this beer. I’ve had it before. It is wonderful. I can’t wait. But I must, I need to let it warm a bit before I begin to drink. While I am waiting I’d like to tell you a bit about this beer. As you may have read in Clubby’s review, he talked about a painting by Giorgione. While they do share the same name, it is not what the beer was named after. I recently took a trip to Ommegang, and during the tour they said the three silhouettes on the bottle were the current and former brewmasters of Ommegang, and the brewmaster of  Duvel. I think. I could be slightly off, I drank a lot of samples that day. But I am definitely more accurate than Clubby. Three Philosophers is a blend of a quadrupel, which is a full bodied malty Belgian ale, and a Kriek, which is a cherry lambic. The two blended together create a wonderful ale. OK, the beer is a good temperature now. First, the obligatory picture that I haven’t included in a while, then the review.

That’s a big picture! Upon popping the cork, a sweet aroma with cherries emerged. An off white, 1 finger head was present. Color is similar to a Coke, with a reddish tint. Aroma was the same that came from the bottle. Taste is everything that was expected. Very sweet and malty, with a tart cherry flavor. Cherries are more of a background flavor, which is great. The quadruple is allowed to come through as the star. Every sip amazes me how the cherry is not there, but there at the same time. It is definitely full bodied, medium to high carbonation.

Absolutely awesome. What makes this better is the whole 750ml is mine. Like Clubby said in his review, some beers out there overdo it with the cherries. Ommegang found the perfect ratio of quad and Kriek, creating a myriad of flavors in one’s mouth. I must go now, for I have about half of the bottle left. Good night world!

Posted by Greg at 10:36 pm

"Any fries come with that shake?"

Reviews 5 Responses »
Jan 112010

The “short-beer”,  as it is known to some,  is like a vanilla milkshake in your mouth.  The combination of “Licor 43″ (Cuarenta Y Tres), a spanish liqueur flavored with vanilla and various aromatic herbs, and a splash of heavy cream is as much a delight to savor in your mouth as it is to adore visually.

The name short-beer obviously refers to the similiarity of a frothy mug of suds waiting to be guzzled by the burley, hardworking, man’s man. (Not any of us by the way)

There isn’t much to the “shot.” 1 oz. of “43″ and approximately 1 tablespoon of heavy cream.  Pours easy and consumed quite easily.  A yummy taste of vanilla heaven.  A sure way to intoxicate your female of choice at the local and non local pub.  A few of these ”McShots” and she’s sure to be making you breakfast the next morning. And when I say this I’m referring to the fact that getting laid is quite possible if you play your cards right.  Now…I just want to clarify “playing your cards right.”  C’mon fellas!  You gotta treat these women with the uttermost respect.  That is how you get your pickle tickled.  A gentleman is always sought after.  So, lets review. 4-5 short-beers, gentle, urbane behavior, and of course…MONEY TO PAY FOR THE DRINKS!!!  That, my friends, is the key.

I encourage all of you to sample this delicious shot of vanilla goodness.  But remember…drink your beer and eat you steaks!  So long, suckers!

Posted by Dave at 10:28 pm

Stone Imperial Russian Stout

Reviews, Russian Imperial Stout, Stone Brewing Company 1 Response »
Dec 212009

#23. That’s what this beer is rated in the world. Is this spot deserved? I will tell you. I am drinking Imperial Russian Stout by Stone Brewing Company. The bottle is Spring 2009 release. It’s black, huge, and beautiful. Which is exactly how Clubby likes his men (payback for the grotto facer comment). In the words of my uncle, “REVIEW THE BEER!”

I popped the cap off the 22oz bomber, and was greeted immediately with one of my favorite aromas. Sweet, chocolately goodness. I poured into my snifter, and was entranced by the nice cascading. There wasn’t much head that didn’t last very long, but when it was there it was a tan color. Color is pitch black that doesn’t allow any light through. Smelling it reveals a chocolate, mocha aroma. In my mouth it feels heavenly. Thick, rich, sweet, bitter. Extremely well balanced. It’s got a chocolate taste mixed with an extra bold coffee. It is very smooth and creamy. Alcohol hides behind the rest of the big flavors. Carbonation is very little, which is fine. There’s enough where you don’t feel like you are drinking pure syrup. It’s definitely full bodied.

A fairly short review because I want to enjoy the rest of this beer in quiet solitude. I love stouts, and this is definitely one of the best. It is so well balanced, almost perfect in everything that you would expect in a beer. For 10.5% ABV, it is very deceptive. Aside from the buzz that I am getting, there’s no indication of the alcohol whatsoever. I wish I picked up two bottles so that I can cellar one, but luckily this is easy to find. Go out, buy it, drink it slowly, savor it.

Posted by Greg at 9:14 pm

Howling, for what?!

Magic Hat Brewing Company, Reviews, Schwarzbier No Responses »
Dec 182009

Hello,

I just drank a beer and I had to tell you people all about it. It was Howl from the Winter ’09 Feast Of Fools Variety pack from Magic Hat. The pack included #9, the Winter’09 Odd Notion, Lucky Kat, and Howl…

Well, first off, the entertaining case stated it included a “hoppy fireside IPA” . I thought, ‘fantastic, something new and possibly delicious’. I was only half correct. It was the same old Lucky Kat I have had many times before. While, this is a wonderful IPA, it is hardly new or anything different. At least to people who have purchased these variety packs before. As for advertising it as a “hoppy fireside IPA”, there is nothing that would make me drink this by a fire, I would enjoy it just as much during a spring or summertime BBQ. Now, as for the wonderfully decorated case, why wouldn’t it just say that it included “Lucky Kat”? It only stated libelous claims of including a “hoppy fireside IPA”.

As for reviewing this “Howl” beer. It had a one finger head that went away quickly. Smelled like almost nothing, and tasted the same. Almost like brown water that you would expect to taste like poop. Without the taste of actual poop. It left a slight lagerish film on the tongue that Greg would most likely describe,  “tastes like peanut butter”. But, I haven’t a clue what Greg is talking about because I taste burnt water and feel on my tongue what I think is phlegm.

I know this is a lager and should be light and refreshing. But, come on, advertising it as a “winter seasonal”? Why the hell would I like to drink this during the winter?? When I think of winter beer, I think of sweet, spicy, full, and warming. This was absolutely none of those.

Now, I love Magic Hat “elixers”. Roxy Rolles is one of my favorite beers. It just seems to me that Magic Hat is more concerned with making interesting labels, and cute sayings on bottle caps, than making good beer, for those who like actual beer, or labeling them seasonally, correctly, or at all on their variety pack.

Bring this crap back during the spring or summer and call it something else. Maybe I’ll have something different to say. Disappointing “winter” beer to say the least.

Posted by Clubby at 3:54 am

A Date With the Duvel

Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat, Reviews No Responses »
Dec 142009

Duvel. A name so simple. Duvel. A name so elegant. Duvel. A name of a kick ass beer. That’s right, one of the top beers in the world, this Belgian Strong Pale Ale is truly the quintessential example of the style. It is basic yet complex. Refreshing yet will kick your ass without even knowing it. At 8.10% ABV, it is so drinkable it’s scary. It is the Devil! But in a really good way. Like one of those cute baby looking devils. On the one hand it’s a devil, so you’re scared, but on the other you just want to squeeze it’s cheeks. What was I talking about again? Oh yeah, Duvel! A beautiful golden elixir that is good to the last drop.

Popping the top off of this bottle resulted in an eruption of sudsy beerness. Luckily not much was wasted. I licked the counter clean then poured into my glass. Beautiful bountiful bubbles of CO2 went soaring to the top of the beer, creating the fluffiest looking head I have ever seen. Much to my amazement, the head stayed throughout the duration of my beer drinking experience. Duvel was clear and golden, like a fine champagne. A fruity and spicy aroma permeated my nose. Let’s have a raise of hands here. How many of you have stuck your nose completely into the head of the beer when trying to smell it? I have multiple times, and tonight was no exception. As much as I would love to have Duvel sitting in a glass looking sexy all day long, I wanted to drink it more. A fruity, slightly tart flavor was there. It was refreshing! Mild hops were detectable, while the carbonation was so bubbly and perfect. It is most definitely not filling as it is light bodied. Also, as I mentioned before, it is extremely drinkable. And the lacing! My word the lacing, it stayed on the glass the whole time. That’s dedication.

All in all, an amazing beer. A great beer that is perfect for those times where you want to enjoy a beer, but don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of time analyzing the intricacies. Duvel is also one of those beers that you don’t want to finish,because you want to keep enjoying it over and over again. Duvel is now one of my favorites that I believe is perfect for drinking with people who are not necessarily beer drinkers. I think it can be a good gateway beer. Belgians rock!

Posted by Greg at 9:20 pm

Damned to be consumed by me!

Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Reviews, Unibroue No Responses »
Dec 132009

Muahaha. Evil at it’s best. This review is dedicated to my evil skull tattoo.

Maudite is a Belgian dark strong ale. In English, La Maudite means “the damned”. Its name refers to the story “Chasse-Galerie”, in which, eight woodsmen pledged their souls to the devil to be given the ability to go home for the winter. As they were traveling home through the sky in a canoe, one man invoked the name of God so their souls would be protected. This enraged the devil and he forced the canoe to the earth. None of the woodsmen were seen again. The lesson of this story is, if you ever strike a deal with the devil, follow through, or you will crash into the earth in a canoe. Bada-bing…you will never be seen again…damned.

Now, I’m not totally sure where that ties into this delicious brew. But, it is damn good. It appears a hazy dark orange, and pours with a huge tan head that dies quickly. Dies…just like the poor woodsmen in the sky canoe, dropping to the bottom and disappearing, never to be seen again. It smells bready/yeasty and almost like a sweet dessert made with a light alcohol. The taste is awesome. It’s fruity, spicy and sweet with a little warming alcohol effect. And it was really interesting for me to find the hop finish as prominent as it was. It definitely hits all parts of the tongue. I give this 5 thumbs up. It’s drinkable in the sense that you could drink a lot of it and not realize how intoxicatingly good it is until you stand up. Bravo Unibroue! Your website sucks, but your beer is amazing!

We are beer drinkers. We are gluttonous and indulgent. Sin my friends, sin!! Drink this brew and I’ll see you  in hell, deliciously happy hell.

Posted by Clubby at 10:52 pm

Investigating the Nature and Principles of Reality and Knowledge. Yum!

Brewery Ommegang, Quadruple, Reviews No Responses »
Dec 112009

Yes, I know it has been a while since I have contributed to the website. I’m sorry Greg. I have been quite busy with my MLB 07 the Show. My player, Joe Random, was sent down to AA and I was far too upset to be reviewing beers for a silly old website. There are more important things in life. There is knowledge to be learned, and reality to be lived. Poor Joe Random.

Anyway, there is a beer I would like to review. The name of this beer is Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend by Ommegang. It is named after the famous painting by Giorgione. This painting, according to interpretation, did not show the three Magi facing Jesus’ grotto, as many in the homosexual community were hoping.  But, rather, represented the three stages of human thought. The Renaissance, the Muslim Expansion Age, and the Middle Ages.

This brew, as well, is art demonstrating different stages of delicious beer. A wonderful Quadrupel, a blend of a deliciously malty Belgian-style ale, and a classic Belgian cherry-lambic.

For the picture, I was trying to make amends for my absence. Considering there is one other person reading this, I made sure to include 2 big balls in the picture. You know you like it Greg, you grotto facer.

Poured into the biggest, yet most appropriate glass possible (see picture), with a 2-3 finger, extremely light tan head. Lacing was grand as we should expect from a brew of this caliber. The aroma was quite mouth watering. Easiest way to describe it would be, a spicy Belgian strong with a slight hint of cherry. The medium-heavy body is slightly filling (I’m fat…so it may fill others more quickly), but the slight warmth from the alcohol makes it hard to stop drinking on a chilly night such as this. It is spice, it is sweet but balanced, it is cherries and belgian grains! Yet, I hate to even mention cherries, as many beers I have had have overdone it with cherries, making it like childrens medicine. Ommegang does it to perfection. For a brew with a 9.8% ABV, it is scary how drinkable it is! It is absolutely delicious.BEER

Posted by Clubby at 1:42 am

Insanely Bad Elf. More Like Insanely Bad Beer! Zing! Bang! Boom!

English Strong Ale, Reviews, Ridgeway Brewing No Responses »
Sep 292009

So maybe this isn’t an insanely bad beer. I was really going for a catchy title. Mission accomplished. But I wasn’t even planning on writing anything on this beer when I started drinking it. However, after smelling it and tasting it, I had to. So follow along as I describe how this went from being a beer sitting in my cellar, to it’s journey to the fridge, to the pour into my glass, from my glass into my body, and then from my body out to my…Well, you know what happens to liquids after they are consumed. I’ll spare the details of that step.

Chapter 1

Insanely Bad Elf by Ridgeway Brewery began in my cellar sitting on my shelf and then I picked it up and stuck it the fridge.

Chapter 2

For a week it sat, waiting to be freed, to be enjoyed. And it was freed, but not really enjoyed. This was not the way it was meant to be for the Insanely Bad Elf.

Chapter 3

So I poured the beer into my glass, and noticed that the carbonation apparently did not exist. It looked like I was pouring brown water. I then took in the aroma. The first thought that came to mind was I was smelling nail polish remover. Maybe the flavor will be better. Eh, not so much I was quick to find out. Alcohol was very upfront and explosive. It is a very sweet beer, no carbonation, and very alcohol-y. Not much to enjoy about this. I was reading the label on the bottle, and it said “2007 Vintage”. This beer had 2 years to age, and it tasted like straight up alcohol? Damn, I can’t imagine drinking this fresh.

The one plus for this beer-11.2% ABV. Makes you loopy. Other than that, I personally would avoid it. I’m not into the overpowering alcohol. Some are. Try it for yourself. Thank you for reading my novel.

Posted by Greg at 6:51 pm
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