The Target: The Bruery’s 5 Golden Rings

Brewed by: The Bruery
Placentia, California USA
Style: Belgian Golden Strong Ale
ABV: 11.5 %

Commercial description: 5 Golden Rings is the 5th verse in our ’12 Days of Christmas’ winter seasonal ale series. This is the only golden ale in the bunch but it definitely packs a holiday punch. We spiced up this 11.5% ABV ode to winter with cinnamon, allspice and ginger along with some delicious sweet and tangy pineapple.

APPEARANCE (4/5)

Pours a slightly hazy marmalade color with peachy highlights with a finger’s worth of ivory head that didn’t persist. A minimal amount of patchy islands of lace are left behind as I drink.

AROMA (10/10)

In the aroma I’m getting a slighly tart and funky Belgian yeast notes, along with some winter spiciness… allspice, cinnamon and ginger. Waves of pineapple, lemon, grapefruit, and a little boozy sweetness are also noticeable. As the pour warms a bit I’m getting more and more of the ginger.

FLAVOR (17/20)
No surprises here. Much like the nose, I get some tart yeast notes, along with huge lush pineapples. A sweet and sour thing going on here. Finishes with the slight warmth of booze and spices. Allspice, cinnamon and ginger as noted on the nose. I like the use of spices here; however the whole taste profile seems a bit disjointed. Maybe time would help balance it out.

MOUTHFEEL (3/5)

A slightly thick and syrupy body with moderate carbonation which had a sweet, mild fruity, spice, herbal, slightly grainy and crisp/slightly dry finish.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (8/10)

Not bad, but it seems like this beer has a lot of potential to improve. It’s a bit too sweet and the flavors don’t mesh well. The alcohol is spicy, but not quite hot and the malt is just a bit too thick for my taste. I would take a chance in buying it and laying it down for a while. Age this one for sure.

FINAL SCORE (42/50)

The Target: Stone Enjoy By 11-9-12

Brewed by: Stone Brewing Company
Escondido, California USA
Style:Imperial/Double IPA
ABV: 9.4 %

Commercial description: You have in your hands a devastatingly fresh double IPA. While freshness is a key component of many beers- especially big, citrusy, floral IPAs- we’ve taken it further, a lot further, in this IPA. You see, we specifically brewed it NOT to last. We’ve not only gone to extensive lengths to ensure that you’re getting this beer in your hands within an extraordinarily short window, we made sure that the Enjoy By date isn’t randomly etched in tiny text somewhere on the bottle, to be overlooked by all but the most attentive of retailers and beer fans. Instead, we’ve sent a clear message with the name of the beer itself that there is no better time than right now to enjoy this IPA.

Batch List:
Enjoy By 09-21-12
Enjoy By 11-09-12

APPEARANCE (5/5)

Pours brilliantly clear pale gold body capped by a big frothy head. Perfect transparency and two fingers of off-white froth that lingers for a few minutes, eventually receding in a rocky head. Lots of lacing.

AROMA (10/10)

Strong Nelson hop aroma; very floral, pineapple, mango, lemon, orange, grapefruit.  Light malts, and some yeasty sweet sugar aroma at the end. There is a deep, dank smell which adds a bit of charm without being unpleasant. There’s even a bit of hop spice aroma to even things out. There is a good amount of sweet malt, but there’s no mistaking it – this beer is all about the hops.

FLAVOR (19/20)

Tastes follows the nose. Extremely dank hops dominate, with a few citrus notes in the beginning. Citra and Nelson Sauvin goodness dominate. Notes of lemon zest and orange midway through the taste, and the hops seem to linger in the background, but are very well kept under wraps until the swallow finishes, and then you can taste that dankness. As you drink it, the complexity heightens, and that lemony citrusy goodness comes through until you finish it, never really losing any momentum. Hints of lavender, onion, chive and basil? Awesome.

MOUTHFEEL (5/5)

On the lighter side of medium, this feels light and bright with an almost silky smoothness in the mouth – carbonation is plentiful but not harsh; begins smooth but then has some bright, nearly sharp edges near the back of the tongue. Finish is on the dry side with some slight hop oils on the palate.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (9/10)

The complexity of hops here is beyond description – huge citrus notes, floral and herbal hop and just enough sweetness. Your mouth will be alive after each sip. One great DIPA! The entire experience was enjoyable because no one aspect dominated; it’s bitter and hoppy while being sweet and tropical at the same time.

FINAL SCORE  (48/50)

Beertography and Review: Sierra Nevada Imperial Red Ale (2012 Beer Camp #65)

Brewed by: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Chico, California USA
Style: Imperial Red Ale
ABV: 8.1 %

Commercial description: This imperial red ale takes the intense hop profile found in traditional double IPA and turns up the malt. It has big aromatic hop notes of grapefruit, peach, and melon–balanced by a smooth and surprisingly robust malt body.

APPEARANCE (5/5)

Clear dark amber with slight ruby highlights, topped with a two-finger fluffy khaki head. Head is long lasting and generous sticky lace.

AROMA (8/10)

The aroma was very good and surprisingly well-balanced. The aroma is full of caramel from the crystal malt. There is a nice note of floral hops in the nose as well.

FLAVOR (16/20)

The flavors started out with a bit of malt sweetness, then the hops came on strong The hops were tart and citrusy with a tangy finish. Finish is a slight hop bitterness being washed away by sweet sugar and toasted caramel malts and them a final bitter hop bite to close things out. It is an odd finish, not unpleasant but odd.

MOUTHFEEL (2/5)

The body is a bit heavy with good carbonation. A tad sugary and sweet in the back of the throat. That goes with the style but it is not my favorite feeling on the palate. Overall this one is mediocre. It’s fair enough, but my least favorite so far of the beer camps.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (7/10)

This is an easy to drink red ale. It’s solid and balanced, but unfortunately it’s not very flavorful. It’s malty with some light hoppiness. It’s good and worth trying,  but I don’t think I would purchase it again..

 FINAL SCORE  (38/50)

Beertography and Review: Sierra Nevada Imperial Pilsner (2012 Beer Camp #43)

Brewed by: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Chico, California USA
Style: Imperial Pilsner
ABV: 5.6 %

Commercial description: Produced especially for the OBF, Beer Camp’s golden color and medium bodied sweetness comes from pale, Europils, Munich and acidulated malts. Magnum, Crystal and Pacifica hops provide a distinctly American bittering and hop flavor profile without going over the top. The result is a refreshing, balanced, crisp pilsner, easy to drink on a hot summer festival day – or to take with you to beer camp.

APPEARANCE (5/5)

Pours a crystal clear golden yellow color with a two-finger head that slowly falls to spotty foam. Minimal lacing present.

AROMA (9/10)

Aroma of pils malt and noble hops with a touch of lemon. Backed by some zesty, slightly grassy hops as well.

FLAVOR (17/20)

Overall, the taste reflects the aroma, but more subtly, which is appropriate. The taste has mellow bready malt character. This quickly turns into zesty spicy hops with some decent grassy character. Sweet malt base, grass, some biscuit, and a bit of lemon zest is nicely balanced by a moderate bitterness.. Ends with a touch sweetness similar to raw honey.

MOUTHFEEL (5/5)

Medium bodied beer. Crisp throughout with a bit of dryness late. Short lasting aftertaste. Alcohol is well hidden.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (8/10)

This is a first rate pilsner. The feel is smooth, subtle and easy drinking.

FINAL SCORE  (44/50)

Beertography and Review: Sierra Nevada Oatmeal Stout (2012 Beer Camp #45)

Brewed by: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Chico, California USA
Style: Imperial Stout (Oatmeal)
ABV: 9.0%

Commercial description: This big oatmeal stout is midnight black in color–with a big roasty, mocha-like aroma. It has a silky body from the use of rolled oats, and a round and lasting finish. Perfect as an after dinner treat.

APPEARANCE (5/5)

Pours a viscous dark brown, nearly black with a thin mocha 3/4-finger head and no lacing.

AROMA (8/10)

I’m getting a good amount of roasted malts and baker’s chocolate. Hints of toffee, molasses and deep plum as well. A faint, pleasant roasted character. Pretty nice aroma overall.

FLAVOR (18/20)

The taste pretty much follows the nose. Some hints of vanilla with slightly sweet caramelized sugar notes on the front., Deep plum and dark fruits in the mid briskly transitions into a distinct roasty bitterness. Seems about right.

Light carbonation entices the.. Good!

MOUTHFEEL (3/5)

This would be my biggest criticism for this beer. Mouthfeel seems a bit light for the style. I wanted a touch more creaminess and weight. Soft carbonation. Alcohol is well-hidden.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (9/10)

An excellent example of an oatmeal stout…silky smooth! My only concern was the mouthfeel but that’s just a personal preference. One thing is certain – one would never guess this is a 9% beer.

FINAL SCORE (43/50)

Beertography and Review: The Bruery Saison Rue

Brewed by: The Bruery
Placentia, California USA
Style: Saison
ABV: 8.5%

Commercial description: Belgian Style Ale Brewed with Rye and Brettanomyces Our rustic, deep golden California farmhouse ale is brewed just a few times a year to celebrate the change of the season. Enjoy!

APPEARANCE (5/5)

Pour results in a beautiful golden honey/amber hue with slight haze presents. The head an enormous fluffy and creamy three finger head with excellent retention.  The lacing is also amazing, some of the best I’ve ever seen on any beer clinging all the way to the rim of the glass.

AROMA (10/10)

Nose is complex, and so delicious! Brettanomyce funk lands the first lab squarely on your nose. Old wet hay…classic barnyard funkiness.  Brett is followed by sharp, zesty lemon, banana and bubblegum. Some biscuit and toasted bread, with a subtle spiciness. An orangey marmalade note and a hint of sweet vanilla lingers at the end.

FLAVOR (18/20)

Taste is equally fantastic. The traditional phenols of a classic Saison are there along with some very slight undertones of earthy, brett character. A crisp but lightly sweet pale malt body, with light, sharp lemony citrus notes and a hint of barnyard funk overlaying the peppery yeast and sweet orange notes.  Just a bit of crisp hop bitterness towards the finish. The spiciness of the rye really comes alive as it warms up. Amazing.

MOUTHFEEL (5/5)

Mouthfeel is appropriate for the style. Nicely dry, effervescent and clean–though perhaps just a bit too hoppy to be as clean as a great Saison should be.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (9/10)

Overall, one of the most interesting Saisons I have ever tried. It is complex. Brewed with the unique elements of rye and brettanomyces, this beer is so well balanced, it takes the Saison style into a richer, more complex direction

FINAL SCORE (47/50)

Beertography and Review: Stone Ruination IPA Tenth Anniversary

Brewed by: Stone Brewing Company
Escondido, California USA
Style: Imperial/Double IPA
ABV: 10.8%

Commercial description: And as Stone Ruination IPA turns 10, we thought we’d make ourselves a nice little birthday present to celebrate. But what kind of selfish jerks would we be if we didn’t share?! Behold, the Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA. (Clever name, eh? That’s why us folks in the Marketing Dept. get the big bucks!) It’s an amped-up version of Stone Ruination IPA, with a bit more malt to bring the ABV up from 7.7% to 10.8%, and a very heavy dose of hops. “Classic” Ruination uses 2.5 pounds of hops per barrel–which is more than double the amount we use in any other of our core beers–but for Stone Ruination Tenth Anniversary IPA, we went double again, using an impressive 5 pounds of hops per barrel, including about a pound each of Citra and Centennial in the dry hop. (Hell. Yes.)

APPEARANCE (5/5)

This beer pours a clear golden color with amber highlights and is crowned by a big fluffy two finger head with good lacing and retention.

AROMA (10/10)

Outstanding aroma! Really fragrant and fantastic. Big, juicy and tropical. Pineapple, candied orange peel orange, grapefruit, peach, apricot backed by some dank pine, caramel malts, and a bit of biscuit. The alcohol is not very prevalent in the nose.

FLAVOR (19/20)

The palate opens bitter with rather pungent orange peel, grapefruit zest, orange zest, tropical fruit (mango and papaya.) The hop profile follows the smell and is seriously complex. Mild sweetness is present on the mid-palate, and is complemented (and then dominated) by the hoppy flavors. Some sweet malt sneaks through, followed by a perceptible, but clean alcohol. There is enough malt and booze to balance it out and help clean the palate. Alcohol presence is stronger in the finish and it gets to be a bit much when the beer warms up.

MOUTHFEEL (5/5)

Smooth texture, full-bodied, with medium carbonation and a super dry finish. Plenty of oily hop resins linger on the palate. Some alcohol warmth reveals the double-digit ABV.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (10/10)

For me, one of the best beers to come out this year. A very satisfying DIPA that is unfortunately a limited release. Complex, delicious, and rich. This is one of those rare beers that makes hopheads and non-hopheads happy. Buy this one before it’s all gone!

FINAL SCORE (49/50)

1,001 Beers To Try Before You Die

Russian River Supplication
Brewed by: Russian River Brewing
Location: Santa Rosa, California USA
Style: American Wild Ale
ABV: 7.0%
Serve in Snifter, Tulip, Tumbler
Serving temperature: 50-55°F

Commercial Description: Brown ale aged in Pinot Noir wine barrels for one year with sour cherries, Brettanomyces yeast, and Lactobacillus & Pediococcus bacteria.

Russian River Brewing Company was created in 1997 when Korbel Champagne Cellars of Guerneville, California decided to try their hand at brewing beer. Brewer Vinnie Cilurzo was hired as brewmaster. Korbel quit the brewing business, and sold the brewery to Cilurzo and his wife Natalie in 2002. Vinnie’s Blind Pig brewery changed names to Russian River, remodeled and expanded in 2004, eventually moving to Santa Rosa, at their current 4th Street location. Cilurzo is regarded as one of the most innovative microbrewers in the country and credited with inventing the beer style Double India Pale Ale, known alternately as Imperial IPA, when he was the head brewer at Blind Pig Brewing Company in Temecula, California.

From the Full Pint:

Russian River’s Belgian and barrel aged beers have a near legendary reputation as some of the best beers produced in this country. That reputation also means they are also some of the most sought after beers, making them difficult or impossible to find in most markets. I returned from an out of state trip a few months back with a few bottles of Russian River beers so I could try them out and see if they live up to the hype. This is the first bottle I’m reviewing, Russian River’s Supplication, a Sour Ale aged in oak barrels.

Supplication pours a fizzy orangish-red color and turns a dull cloudy red with brown highlights. Dispite all the fizzing going on when you pour the Supplication into your glass there is very little carbonation or head when this beer settles. There’s only a thin patchy layer of white bubbles and a soapy quality to the lacing left behind when you swirl the beer around your glass. Supplication is a very pungent beer and doesn’t require much swirling at all. This beer definitely smells like an oak aged cherry flavored beer. The oak doesn’t smell “aged” but rather, it smells bright. The combination of fresh oak and sour cherries gives this beer a very pleasant aroma.

My very first sip of Supplication was a bit shocking. This is true for all Sour Ales I try, I’m never quite ready for the tart flavor and these beers always catch me off guard. Supplication is definitely sour, but it’s not an extreme sour and it won’t make you pucker and recoil. Supplication has lighter than expected texture that packs a big sour cherry flavor with an oaky twang on the back end seems to round off the sour flavor.

Supplication is a very enjoyable straightforward oak aged Sour Ale. The flavors are sight and pleasing, the sour is solid but not intense and the oak is mellow rather than distracting. I’d recommend this beer to anyone wanting to try a quality Sour Ale, one you could safely judge all others against.

1,001 Beers To Try Before You Die

Lost Abbey Deliverance
Brewed by: Port Brewing/Lost Abbey
Location: San Marcos, California USA
Style: American Strong Ale
ABV: 12.5%
Serve in Snifter, Trappist glass
Serving temperature: 50-55°F

Commercial Description: Our first release of the embodiment of good versus evil in a barrel-aged blend. Part bourbon barreled The Serpent’s Stout, and part brandy barreled The Angel’s Share, this is our most anticipated release of the summer.

Founded in 2006, Port Brewing Company produces a line of award-winning American ales and the groundbreaking Lost Abbey family of Belgian-inspired beers. Craft brewed under the direction of co-founder and World Champion brewer Tomme Arthur, five beers are issued under the Lost Abbey label year-round: Avant Garde, Lost and Found, Red Barn, Devotion and Judgment Day. Additionally, a number of seasonal and specialty releases are offered at various times throughout the year. As many of these are blended and aged for up to 18 months in French Oak, Brandy and Bourbon barrels, Lost Abbey beers are universally recognized for their complexity, unique flavors, and bold, boundary-pushing styles.

Since opening its doors, Port Brewing and The Lost Abbey beers have won more nearly 100 medals in regional, national and international competitions. Rate Beer ranks the brewery number three in the world, and six of its beers are among the 100 best beers.

Brewery / Brewer Awards

• 2008 World Beer Cup: World Champion Small Brewing Company
• 2008 World Beer Cup: Tomme Arthur, World Champion Small Brewer
• 2007 Great American Beer Festival: Small Brewery of the Year
• 2007 Great American Beer Festival: Tomme Arthur Small Brewer of the Year

**On a personal note my niece lives in Southern Cali and has completely let her dear uncle down by failing to send my any of the delicious beer. But I’m not bitter…

1,001 Beers To Try Before You Die

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
Brewed by: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Location: Chico, California USA
Style: India Pale Ale (IPA)
ABV: 6.8%
Serve in Shaker, Tulip
Serving temperature: 45-50°F

Commercial Description: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale represents a time honored tradition of brewing a special beer for the holiday season. There are generous portions of barley malts and fine whole hops of several varieties, creating a brew with a full, rich and hearty character.

Celebration Ale is, and always has been, an American IPA brewed with the first, fresh hops of the growing season (i.e. fresh hop ale.) The beer has been in production since 1981, and in its current form (recipe) since 1983. It was one of the first legitimate IPAs brewed in the “American” style and has never contained any spices; only hops, water, malt and yeast. Despite nearly 30 years of (roughly) the same recipe, they get lots of complaints each year from people who are expecting a spiced holiday “Winter Warmer” style of beer. And oddly, they also get lots of emails from people telling them how delicious the spices we used tasted…specifically nutmeg and cinnamon. This has never been the case. No spices are or were used in the beer. Sierra Nevada chose to highlight Fresh Hop Ale to clue people in on the real nature of the beer so folks know what they’re getting into.
They use a blend of Cascade, Centennial and Chinook hops to create an interesting citrus, pine and (kind of) spiced flavor, but all of the higher tones in the beer come from hops and yeast esters. The beer does change from year to year, but that is only because it relies so heavily on hop flavors, and hops can vary wildly from year to year and even from field to field.

Sierra Nevada’s Harvest Ale was really the beer that launched the wet hopped ale trend. Although some breweries use terms interchangeably, they take pride in noting the differences between wet-hops, fresh-hops and standard hops. Wet-hops being the green, un-dried hops fresh from the fields within 24 hours of picking, (used in Northern hemisphere Harvest and Estate Homegrown Ale) and Fresh Hops being fast tracked…picked, dried and shipped within 7 days of the fields. (Celebration Ale and Southern Hemisphere Harvest with hops from New Zealand.) The hops in Celebration, specifically with the first batches, can be very different than the hops used in later brews. They do their best to blend batches into a consistent flavor but as with any craft product there are definitely variations from batch to batch and from year to year. That said the recipe remains constant.