The Brü Revü – (512) FOUR

It seemed fitting that I would christen my new Whole Foods growler with a beer from (512) Brewing.  They have to be my favorite local Austin brewery and since you can only get their beers on tap (save for very infrequent bottles of their FIVE and Whisky Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter) it was a perfect beer to get a fill.  My local Whole Foods had their FOUR which is an English Strong Ale and was their fourth anniversary beer and re-released seasonally.  It poured a hazy golden amber with a huge white head and great lacing.  The aroma was caramel sweet and biscuity with a hint of orange or grape but not from hops more from the sweetness.  The taste was a solid malt and toffee with more of the orange or grape fruitiness underneath.  The FOUR had a nice bitter hoppy finish that lingered on my palate and was a pleasant surprise given the more malt forward aroma and taste.  While I do not drink many English Strong Ales I found that I was really enjoying the FOUR.  I think it was the bitter hoppy finish that really rounded out the toasted malty sweetness that kept me coming back for more.  Another great beer from (512). 

(512) FOUR 

The Brü Revü – (512) Brewing Company 5th Anniversary Party

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) Pecan Porter on Nitro - The only way to drink the Pecan Porter.  Thick, creamy and delicious.

(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.

The Brü Revü – Avery Old Jubilation Ale

Old Jubilation Ale is a Holiday beer from Avery which is another fantastic craft brewery.  This beer leans more on the malty side and says it has no spices, which is a big plus for me.  Most of these holiday beers are so heavily spiced I can’t get through even one, so I usually avoid them.  The Old Jubilation was definitely big on the malt both in the sweet aroma and the initial caramel, dark chocolate taste.  It was a nice big beer with a hint of booze that will easily keep you warm during these cold winter days.  This is definitely a beer to look forward to each Holiday season.

Avery Old Jubilation Ale