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. 

Marshall Wharf / Three Tides - Can't Dog

Part of the haul from Maine. Purchased at the Bier Cellar. The beer dude said he liked it best with two or three weeks on it. 

Nice enough. Fairly balanced. More of a traditional west coast IIPA. Pretty bitter with lots of citrusy notes. 

I wouldn't go out of my way to get it but it's certainly tasty. 

Rising Tide - Hesperus

Another beer picked up at Rising Tide. The folks working at the brewery have been really nice both times we've stopped by. I'd definitely recommend stopping by for a tasting. 

I had this on draft while we were at the brewery and liked it enough to pick up two bottles. I think I left one up in Maine. We'll see how it does with some age on it. 

Decent carbonation. Isn't too thin or thick for the style. Lots of brown sugar and vanilla from the barrel aging, some raisin. A little harsh finish.

Allagash - Old HLT

Stored in the cellar at the in-laws in Maine. Purchased sometime in 2012 and has a Nov 2011 bottled date. 

There is barely any cherry taste left. Mildly tart and finishes with barely any aftertaste. Carbonation is still good.  Should have drank them all last year. I have one bottle left and may leave it to see what happens for another year. 

Rising Tide - Zephyr

Purchased at the brewery. 

Fruity. Mildly bitter. The aroma is a strange mix of alcohol and the centennial and calypso hops. Decent brew.