Exquisite 2014 bottled version increases integral sweet bourbon whiskey influence for more affluent fudgy brown chocolate malting. Dry hop roast deepens tertiary black cherry, red grape, green raisin and fig illusions at mighty oats-sugared mocha finish.
(ALLTECH) KENTUCKY OLD FASHIONED BARREL ALE
Busy barrel-aged elixir (with feisty 10% ABV) contrasts sweet bourbon vanilla elegance against dry Scotch niche. Sweet orange peel, tart red cherry and dried fig adjuncts never gain enough strength to fully integrate with whiskey-bent bourbon sugaring.
BOON KRIEK (2012)
Durable oak vat-aged lambic spreads loads of sweet ‘n sour cherry tartness above lemony green apple pucker, vinous green grape acidity, sparkling champagne spritz and raspy strawberry-raspberry conflux. Light grassy hop bittering validates dry oaken cherry midst. Cherry-wined rosé, pink moscato, riesling and white merlot illusions deepen candied cherry conviction.
TIMMERMANS OUDE KRIEK LAMBICUS
Only true sour heads will appreciate spontaneously fermented pink-headed garnet-bodied lambic. Pungent mouth-puckering cherry vinaigrette bittering and sour lemon-limed acidity dominate ultra-dry gueuze-like Belgian. Leathery green grape tannins and tart oaken cherry musk pick up mildewed cellar mustiness. Tertiary crabapple, cranberry and raspberry rasp adds further sourness. Brash sour ale complements sea crustacean and shellfish.
ST. BERNARDUS EXTRA 4 BELGIAN ABBEY ALE
Sunny Belgian singel will brighten anyone’s day. Zesty lemon-spiced crisping picks up juicy pineapple-orange tang to contrast white-peppered herbal nip above lightly buttered biscuit spine. Tart banana-clove-coriander ascendance adds further dimension to dazzling summertime moderation.
CARTON THARSIS CHILE SAFFRON SAISON
On tap at Poor Henry’s, daringly complex hybridized saison tosses light buttery saffron pungency at green chili pepper burn, obscuring stylish lemony orange souring but not at the expense of good taste. In deep recess, cayenne-peppered ground cinnamon, curry and cumin wisps increase chili heat.
DC BRAU THE CORRUPTION INDIA PALE ALE
On tap at Poor Henry’s, moderate piney bittering freshens surging grapefruit, lemon and pineapple tang. Slight navel orange zest hidden by oncoming dry-hopped astringency. Pulpy citrus finish retains crisp briskness.
GREEN FLASH SILVA STOUT
Admirably complex bourbon-aged Imperial Stout betters whipped-creamed mochaccino with a whiskey shot. Milky brown and dark chocolate malting picks up cappuccino, espresso and dark-roast coffee influence as well as cocoa powder, burnt caramel, molasses cookie and toasted coconut nuances. Anise-seeded black licorice undertones sidle oaken vanilla wisp and hesitant wood-smoked tarring. In the deep recess, sour black cherry tartness and light port notes contrast bruised cherry sweetness. A chocolate-covered malt ball alternative with a rummy bourbon kick, perhaps.
SOUTHERN TIER SONNET
Ambitious stylistic depth marks expressively melodic ‘sonnet.’ Everything’s in harmony. Moderate lemongrass adjunct influences zesty tropical fruiting, herbal honeyed saffron spicing and mild white-peppered hop bittering. Candi-sugared Belgian yeast sweetens curacao orange, peach, pineapple, mango and tangerine tang. Delicate French breading underscores ascending banana overtures, creamy vanilla caress, distant butternut squash snip and wispy cologne-laced alcohol sway at spritzy citrus finish. Recommended.
THE BRUERY OR XATA
On tap at Poor Henry’s, beautifully designed blonde ale hybrid (2015) re-creates delicious rice-milked, almond-sugared Mexican dessert drink known as horchata. For such an easydrinking lightweight, its complexities abound. Fudgy vanilla soaks into banana-creamed rum cake sweetness, soothing cinnamon spicing, honeyed citrus splendor and mild coconut tinge. Sharp citric hop pep provides brisk carbolic thrust for fabulous one of a kind elixir. Try in lieu of rice pudding, coconut custard, fruit pastry or doughnut.
BALLANTINE INDIA ALE ALE (PABST)
Is this America’s first great ‘craft’ beer? Brewed since the 19th century, it’s not overly aggressive or too hop-forward, allowing a wider range of palates to explore. Like most modern IPA’s, juicy grapefruit-peeled orange, peach, mango, tangerine and pineapple tang contrasts crisp piney hop bittering. Further sweetness derived from almond, praline and pecan nuttiness as well as creamy crystal malting and honeyed cereal grain spine. Standing up to newer microbrew recipes without overstating its piney citric bittering, ale connoisseurs of every stripe should enjoy the radiant medium-to-full-bodied classic.
HOPPIN’ FROG BARREL AGED OUTTA KILTER SCOTCH-STYLE RED ALE
Outré Scotch-sweetened barrel aged wee heavy picks up yeast-enriched bourbon influence over brown-sugared caramel malting, bruised apple spicing, dry-hopped rye affluence and cocoa-sugared marzipan creaming. Dark-toasted oaken vanilla backdrop reinforces tertiary rum, brandy and sherry boozing. Betters brewers’ original Wee Heavy Red Ale.
