Interlude: 6.5 – This is a slightly tamer version than the short-batch FV-13, it has a wine like character but also some nice tartness. It certainly is an interesting beer, and if I had a complaint it’s the price.
Google Shop Average: Interlude $20
Website: http://www.allagash.com/
Ridge Runner: 7.0 – Tastes great, less filling. In seriousness though this beer tastes delicious and it goes down smoothly. This is a beer I want in a can for a shower year-round.
Google Shop Average: Ridge Runner $9 for 6-Pack
Website: http://www.rockartbrewery.com/
Alright now that the holidays are over, time to review my gifts. Specifically two very lovely bottles of Laphroaig, the Select this week and the Triple Wood next week (and some Oban the week after). This week we start with the lower cost scotch, but it is by no means a bad scotch in any right.
St. Bernardus Christmas Ale: 7.0 – This is a delightful tasting beer, and while I had this in prep so you lot could see it for Christmas, it makes a fine Christmas beer.
Google Shop Average: St. Bernardus Christmas Ale $13
Website: http://www.sintbernardus.be/
Gift of the Magi Ale: 5.5 – (We normally do a post Wed/Thurs, but we lift this a bit later for Christmas theme) Anyway we come to the Gift of the Magi, and while I have no idea what Frankincense and Myrrh taste like, I suppose the dark and sweet fruit is meant to represent that somehow. Either way while this is a nice beer, I’m just not sold on the taste.
Google Shop Average: Gift of the Magi Ale $10
Website: http://lostabbey.com/
If this whiskey could have an intro song it would be “Let me tell you bout my best friends” or “Come Together”. It’s a beautiful collaboration of a whiskey made from barrels that were used to make beer, where the beer was made with the same whiskey’s barrels. It’s the pinnacle of the trend of ‘upcycling’ so hard it almost hurts.
Merry Monks: 6.0 – There is a nice sweetness to the tripel, and it makes a good Christmas beer (actually enjoyed this whilst setting up decorations). Aside from the pleasant sweet taste though it doesn’t do much to distinguish itself.
Google Shop Average: Merry Monks $9
Website: http://weyerbacher.com/
Your Father Smelt of Elderberries: 4.0 – Figured I would give another try for Stone, and again I am disappointed. I’m sorry, because while I have never tried elderberries on their own – this is not what you taste. You get the medieval style ale alright, and then you recall why we got out of the dark ages. This isn’t bad – but when you buy a Monty Python beer you expect more.
Google Shop Average: Your Father Smelt of Elderberries $9
Website: http://www.stonebrew.com
