The Brü Revü – Hops and Grain Greenhouse IPA, January

The Greenhouse IPA is Hops and Grain’s take on an IPA and in the true nature of their Greenhouse beers, they will be experimenting with each monthly batch.  The basic IPA recipe will remain the same but H&G will be showcasing the different hop varieties by dry-hopping post-fermentation with a different hop to create dramatically different flavors and aromas.  I know Hops & Grain have been experimenting with different IPAs in their Greenhouse since they began as a brewery and this is a great way to show their loyal supporters the fruits of their labor.  I am all for a different IPA each month especially at the skilled hands of Hops & Grain.  The first (January) release is highlighting Mosaic hops with a small amount of Meridian and Nugget hops to add some juiciness.  The Greenhouse IPA poured a deep golden amber with a large fluffy white head.  The nose was citrus and dank hops that had my mouth watering.  The taste was a grapefruit citrus and deep dank earthy hops that deftly dominated my taste buds.  There was enough of a sweetness to the malt profile to balance the hops and made this brew a dangerously drinkable IPA.  The Mosaic hops were a great kick-off to the series and the grapefruit and dank flavors really shine.  I will be looking forward to the next months iteration and hope I can get my hands on this again as with only 300 case a batch these will go quickly.  

Hops and Grain Greenhouse IPA

The Brü Revü – Stone / Farking / Wheaton WOOtstout

With the roll that Stone was on in 2013, I had to grab their WOOtstout collaboration with Drew Curtis and Will Freakin Wheaton.  It has to be good, right?  It’s a stout brewed with pecans, wheat and rye with one quarter aged in oak. I held on to this one for about 6 months trying to find the right time to drink this curious creation that clocks in at a whopping 13% abv.  It poured a pitch black with a minimal tan head which was to be expected.  Sweet caramel malts with dominant molasses notes and a light hint of sweet dark fruits emanated from the pitch black abyss.  The taste was an excellent melange of flavors with chocolate, roasted malts, vanilla, dark fruits, subdued molasses, oak, a subtle boozines with a tinge of the rye bitterness on the finish.  I kept getting different flavors accentuated with each sip.  There was definitely a lot crammed into this WOOtstout that was dutifully riding the full and creamy mouthfeel.   I expected nothing less from the brewing prowess of Stone and the WOOtstout was another wonderful drinking experience.

Stone / Farking / Wheaton WOOtstout

The Brü Revü – Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout

I remember trying the Sierra Nevada Narwhal fresh last year and I didn’t like it.  I thought it was a bit harsh and it just wasn’t doing anything for me.  At that point I decided to let the other 3 bottles sit in my fridge for a while and mellow out.  Fast forward a year and I finally decided to give it another try and whoa was I impressed.  I know palate’s can change, but I no longer detected that harshness from a year before as all the deep dark and rich flavors had melded and mellowed. To start the Narwhal poured a deep brown to black with a subtle tan head. The aroma was as deep and dark as the pour with rich notes of sweet chocolate, dark fruits, and hints of licorice.  The flavor followed the aroma with the chocolate and dark fruits as well as notes of molasses and roasted smokey malts.  I think initially the beer had a strong licorice tinge and alcohol that was off-putting to me, but those flavors have definitely mellowed and turned into sweet molasses and dark fruits that I didn’t detect before.  The Narwhal developed into an outstanding Imperial Stout with great depth and character.  Now I have to decide if I want to open one of this years to compare or just sit on them all until next year.

Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout

Beer Bums Meeting – January 2014 – Favorites of 2013

Our favorite beers of 2013.  Not always our complete favorites, but our favorite in a 6 pack, or one we found ourselves drinking with regularity.  Obviously some excellent selections in this group.  The Bishop’s Barrel 5 was a bonus, and what a bonus it was.  A bourbon barrel aged scotch ale that was phenomenal.

Ballast Point Sculpin

Hops & Grain The One They Call Zoe

Founders Breakfast Stout

Ballast Point Longfin Lager

Saint Arnold Bishop's Barrel 5

Next Month, February – Adelbert’s Brewery Tour

The Brü Revü – Lagunitas Sucks

I reviewed this beer back when it was first released as the Brown Shugga Substitute, and you can read that original review here: Lagunitas Sucks.  I wanted to update the review with better photos, or photos in general.  This beer is still fantastic and possibly one of the best Lagunitas beers.  I get loads of citrus, grapefruit and tropical fruit in the aroma and flavor that left a long lingering bitterness.  Sucks is an all around great Imperial IPA that increases the hop profile without totally overloading your senses.

Lagunitas Sucks

Pint Glass Nights - January 2014

Misc. pint glass nights around Austin for January.  Buy the beer, keep the glass.

Gingerman – Mondays, at 6 PM

Jan 06          Staropramen

Jan 13          Deschutes

Jan 20          Shiner White Wing

Jan 27          Gulden Draak

Zax Pints and Plates – Wednesdays, at 6 PM

Jan 08         Unibroue La Fin Du Monde

Jan 15         Karbach Brewing Kick-off

Jan 22         Duvel

Jan 29         New Belgium

Flying Saucer  - Wednesdays, at 7 PM

Jan 01         Bosteels Pauwel Kwak

Jan 08         North Coast Brother Thelonius

Jan 15         Brooklyn Monster

Jan 22         Staropramen .5L Mug

Jan 29         Uinta Brewing Tulip

Draught House – Wednesdays

Check their twitter page for glass updates

Red's Porch – Thursdays, at 5 PM, Check their events page for glass updates

Jan 09          Ballast Point
Jan 16          Boulevard
Jan 23          Sante Fe Brewing