[El_Doug]

Quote:

Normally I do not like Belgian beer that much to be honest. Often they are too thick and dark for me. Back in the old days I used to like Chimey and some trappist beers were my favorites. But now I prefer weissbier, pilsner and wheatbeer types. But this Belgian wheatbeer is one of my favorites.  
 
By the way I was given two bottles of Westvleeteren 12 by a Belgian friend a few weeks ago. I have to admit they were VERY good!!! 

 
belgian whits kick the ass out of the german varieties   if you dont like the big belgian dubbles and quads, have you considered trying out the triples?  theyre essentially strong pale ales.  I bet youd love them! 
 
I friggen hate the westvleeteren 12, and not simply because I find it overrated.  it is way too sweet, the mouthfeel is somehow too thick while still having the carbonation of soda, and besides sugar plums, there is really no complexity to it.  I do NOT understand the hype. 

 

[FullPuku]

Paulaner Oktoberfest 2012. 4 stars out of 5.
 

 

[Joshatdot]

Deschutes - Chasin' Freshies, Fresh Hop IPA
- Very light hops aromatics .. I can barely smell anything
- Mmmm .. creamy, lightly malty, lovely fresh/flowery hoppy goodness
- Medium, creamy bodied, very lightly CO2 feeling
- Ohh man .. this is AWESOME! I can drink this all night .. 9/10

 

[rasmushorn]

Quote:

 
belgian whits kick the ass out of the german varieties   if you dont like the big belgian dubbles and quads, have you considered trying out the triples?  theyre essentially strong pale ales.  I bet youd love them! 
 
I friggen hate the westvleeteren 12, and not simply because I find it overrated.  it is way too sweet, the mouthfeel is somehow too thick while still having the carbonation of soda, and besides sugar plums, there is really no complexity to it.  I do NOT understand the hype. 

I did like the Westvleeteren but I it not one I would collect and drink lots of. There are lots of other great drinks to be enjoyed. Thanks for the recommendation. I will keep looking for some good Belgian wheat beer. 

 

[beatn1k]

Quote:

Deschutes - Chasin' Freshies, Fresh Hop IPA
- Very light hops aromatics .. I can barely smell anything
- Mmmm .. creamy, lightly malty, lovely fresh/flowery hoppy goodness
- Medium, creamy bodied, very lightly CO2 feeling
- Ohh man .. this is AWESOME! I can drink this all night .. 9/10

I'm a fan of the "Chasin' Freshies" seasonal. I was bummed when the "Hop in the Dark" seasonal went off but this one filled that hole well. My normal beer of Choice is "Ranger" by New Belgium, if you live in an area that their brews are available and like floral hoppy beers then do yourself a favor and pick up a bomber or a six pack. btw this is my first post
 
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/new-belgium-ranger-ipa/108325/

 

[sharkz]

I had a pretty great new years eve. The local tavern had Bourbon County Stout, Dogfish Head Bitches Brew, Goose Island Nightstalker, and Terrapin Liquid Bliss (think Hershey's Peanut Butter Cup in a glass) all on tap. My girlfriend and I split these four glasses and really enjoyed ourselves. The only one I didn't love was the Nightstalker, but it was still a tasty beer.
 
I was surprised how much I liked the Bitches Brew, it really was a great tasting beer. For me though, it doesn't get any better than the Bourbon County. It was a little better on tap (if possible). I really enjoy this beer and am glad I have a reserve of 10 bottles in my closet.
 
Now hopefully I can get off work on time on Monday. They will be tapping a keg of 2011 vintage Dogfish Head World Wide Stout. I can't wait to try that on tap!

 

[daigo]

Quote:

I had a pretty great new years eve. The local tavern had Bourbon County Stout, Dogfish Head Bitches Brew, Goose Island Nightstalker, and Terrapin Liquid Bliss (think Hershey's Peanut Butter Cup in a glass) all on tap. My girlfriend and I split these four glasses and really enjoyed ourselves. The only one I didn't love was the Nightstalker, but it was still a tasty beer.
 
I was surprised how much I liked the Bitches Brew, it really was a great tasting beer. For me though, it doesn't get any better than the Bourbon County. It was a little better on tap (if possible). I really enjoy this beer and am glad I have a reserve of 10 bottles in my closet.
 
Now hopefully I can get off work on time on Monday. They will be tapping a keg of 2011 vintage Dogfish Head World Wide Stout. I can't wait to try that on tap!

 
I thought Bitches Brew was pretty good, flavor wise, but a little too thin being on the lighter side of medium in body for what they call an imperial stout.  Perhaps that honey based alcoholic drink blended in lightens it up too much for me as I do like my imperial stouts with a bit more malt body and/or creaminess.  This was the first batch though, maybe the last couple have improved on that.

 

[santacore]

Went to the store hoping to get some Deschutes "Chasin' Freshies" referenced above, but couldn't find it. Luckily they did have this: 
 
The Hop Trip was very enjoyable with a great fresh hop taste, beautiful golden color, and wonderful white head. Very tasty!!

 

[daigo]

Went to a Bay Area bar, The Trappist, a couple of nights ago to try something unique and somewhat rare, De Struise Black Damnation V: Double Black. 
 
Really never expected a keg of this to make it out of Belgium, but it is De Struise's attempt at the German eis method for fortifying beers by freezing it under controlled conditions to remove water content.  So they take their bourbon barrel aged imperial stout, Cuvee Delphine that sits at 13% abv, ice it, and out comes a 26% abv imperial stout.  Surprisingly drinkable, though, with a rich and thick consistency and a good amount of creamy chocolate colored head.  Big bourbon soaked dark fruit and fruity dark chocolate aromas and flavors and definitely another nice beer from De Struise. 

 

[FullPuku]

Very rare in New Zealand it's always a good day when this is available. 
 
 

 

[Joshatdot]

OakShire Brewing - Overcast Espresso Stout, oatmeal stout with coffee (5.8% ABV, 37 IBUS, OG: 14.5* Plato)
- Light, dark roast espresso aromatics
- Dark, rich, thick bodied .. soft, creamy feeling
- Oh Wow! Creamy, rich, coat your tongue coffee goodness
- Not very malty at all .. nor hoppy .. just rich, creamy coffee-ness
- Love it .. 9/10

 

[Joshatdot]

Quote:

I'm a fan of the "Chasin' Freshies" seasonal. I was bummed when the "Hop in the Dark" seasonal went off but this one filled that hole well. My normal beer of Choice is "Ranger" by New Belgium, if you live in an area that their brews are available and like floral hoppy beers then do yourself a favor and pick up a bomber or a six pack. btw this is my first post
 
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/new-belgium-ranger-ipa/108325/

 
I've had the Ranger before .. its a nice IPA .. I can't find my taste review of it .. but from what I can remember, it was a little off tasting.  I'll have to try it again soon.

 

[Joshatdot]

Midnight Sun Brewing - Artic Rhino, Coffee Porter (5.0% ABV, 20 IBUS)
- Very very light roasted malt aromatics
- Medium/heavy bodied & mouthy feel .. not creamy-smooth, not light-dry either
- Hmm .. oddly nothing really stands out or is overpowering
- Not quite coffee-y at all .. kinda like a balanced light porter
- Not very malty/alcholy, not bread/grains tasting, I can't taste any hops
- This is an odd one .. but I kinda like it .. 6.5/10

 

[Joshatdot]

Midnight Sun Brewing - Kodiak Brown Ale (5.0% ABV, 24 IBUS)
- Very light bread like aromatics
- Dark brown color, lots of head, mix of big & tight bubbles
- Medium-smooth mouthy feel, light CO2 feeling on the tongue
- Mmmm .. very nice well rounded brown ale
- Not too malty, not to grain/bread like .. hardly any hops (if any really)
- Almost a light, balanced brown ale .. I'd get it again, 6.5/10

 

[daigo]

This year's batch of Hopslam from Bell's Brewing is pretty darn tasty.  You guys that get Bell's distribution should definitely try to get some.