Bruery - Bois

I usually have drank/shared this over Christmas or Thanksgiving meals. This year? Sunday afternoon wild card football by myself. 

Sneaky abv. Tons of dark fruit flavor. The bourbon barrel agin isn't overpowering. Some vanilla and oak notes. Alcohol burn is pretty high, but not that bad for being 15%. For how much I bitched about this beer in previous years, this was pretty great. Not sure whether it's the vintage or not being buried after numerous other drinks. I'll definitely pick up another bottle next year. 

Bruery - Fruet

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This could probably use a few years on it. Very strong alcohol burn (even though its at least 6 months old). No need to drink the entire bottle (although I did). Any dark fruit or barleywine-like flavors are just buried under the bourbon and heet. I actually liked the previous versions that weren't 100% barrel aged better. I'd get another bottle in the future, but I'd give it at least two years.

Smuttynose - Really Old Brown Dog

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This is actually more enjoyable than expected. A touch of smokiness to it? A little thinner than I expected. Still nice and rich & malty. I'd get another bottle.

Founders - Curmudgeon's Better Half

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Its been a while since I've had Old Curmudgeon, so I don't really have a comparison point. This is tasty though.

Bruery - Cuir

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Shared over a Christmas dinner. It was enjoyable. I'd consider getting a bottle of the next anniversary release.

Souther Tier - Old Man

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Not as heavy as I thought it would be. Slight almost rye taste to it. Nicely hopped.

Great Divide - Hibernation Ale 2010

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Bottled November 4, 2010 and saved in a closet/cupboard for a year.

Sort of light chocolatey? The hops have completely faded away (compared to the 2011 bottle I had earlier in the day). It seems very thin now.

It's okay, but I liked the fresh one today better.

North Coast - 2011 Old Stock Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

I thought I had reviewed this previously, but I guess not. This is pretty darn enjoyable. Lots of malty caramely goodness.

Heavy Seas Plank I

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This was pretty enjoyable. It didn't have a typical wood-aged flavor. A slight roasted, burnt molasses flavor to it. I'd drink it again.



Bonus Mandy Thoughts:
I don't like the smell. And I don't like the taste.

Great Divide Hibernation Ale

I like this about ten times better than Founder's Curmudgeon Old Ale (at least the non-aged version).

Nice malty flavor, but the hops really shine. Slightly piney and bitter.

Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale - 2010

Non-aged.

Its slightly bitter and has another slight off taste that appears at the end. Still slightly sweet. I think I liked it aged a lot better, the bitterness was a lot more subtle.

Bonus Mandy Thoughts:
Smells liquory. Do not want.

Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale - 2009

Random Notes:
(1) This was part of a birthday four pack from last year that I stuck in the back of the fridge.
(2) I thought it was Old Curmudgeon Ale, not Curmudgeon Old Ale

I think time was kind to this beer. Its still pretty sweet, but I don't think the alcohol comes through as much as it did last year. Slight caramel and dark fruit taste. Good times.

I meant to buy a new four pack to compare to this one but instead picked up a bunch of other beers. Woops.

Bell's Third Coast Old Ale

Hmm. This had an unexpected taste. The smell was really familiar but neither Mandy or I could place it (and not one of those "oh, it smells like raisins!" comments). The taste is um... a slightly fruity. Not too thick. I guess this was okay? For being 10.2% abv, it doesn't really show.

I also looked up the batch number (9385) on Bell's website. Turns out it was bottled on my birthday last year. Happy One Year Aging beer I am currently drinking! Sorry you will not survive to see two years.