I try to never miss the (512) Anniversary Party and I always have a great time. This year was no exception. It was a great way to kick of Austin Beer Week and turned into a really well done and organized event. You could easily get a core beer at any one of their numerous tents, and while the line for the “special beers” got long it moved quickly and efficiently. I really enjoyed the selection at the “Special Beer” tent with the highlights being the Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter 2012 and 2013 on tap and the Stingo.
(512) FIVE - Their Anniversary beer was an Imperial Stout and it was tasty. It was full of heavy roasted malts and a bit of chocolaty goodness and dark fruits to boot. Underneath it all I kept thinking I tasted some similarities to the Pecan Porter, but definitely bigger and bolder. Well done!
(512) Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter - They had the 2012 and 2013 versions and I opted for the 2012. So good. Just a perfect beer that highlights their Pecan Porter. Nutty, chocolate, vanilla and whiskey barrel goodness.
(512) FOUR - On Firken with something added, but I didn’t catch what it was. I really liked their FOUR from last year, but this was just OK for me. It could have been because it had to follow the Barrel Aged Pecan Porter.
(512) Stingo - I was looking forward to the Stingo. It’s their FOUR barrel aged for a year on American Oak and dry hopped. Wow! It was good. Lot’s of woody barrel character with a dry finish. Tart and tangy with wine like flavors and some vanilla smoothness. Unique and complex.
(512) THREE - I am a sucker for a good trippel and this one was great. I little different than most of their offerings but just as good nonetheless. I wish it was available more often so I could drink it again and again.
(512) Pecan Porter with pumpkin spices through a pumpkin keg. It was surprisingly good as I didn’t think I would like the pumpkin spices. They caramelized the inside of the pumpkin then added cranberries and spices. Very good way to finish the day.