I don’t always drink beer out of it’s breweries glassware, but when I do, the photo turns out halfway decent. Ok, I’m just going to come out and say it…Union Jack is better than Double Jack. I know hopheads probably consider me a treasonous bastard, but Union Jack is still well hopped, balanced and has zombie-dust-drinkability. I love it that more and more west coast ipas are showing up on midwest shelves; I’m spoiled!
Firestone Walker XV
Tons of barrel complexity (that’s the point, right?), chocolate, vanilla, coconut, raisin all up in my palate. I do appreciate that his blend is ready to drink now and probably won’t have a lot of aging potential. When I’m impatient, which I was when I opened this, this hit the spot. 15 isn’t quite as good as I remember 13 or 14 being, but it’s still no slouch.
Almost round 2 of a BA barleywine tasting - we subbed Blighs for Mother of all Storms. Also pictured is our handy lambic-basket-bowl to the left.
I’m not entirely sure what I was going for here, but while we’re on the subject; Freetail Bandito was pretty tasty. So was Woodicus, though Fortuna Roja tasted like fish. Anyone try a Witicus yet?
I love that Rare keeps making appearances at tastings. Many speculated that this was at it’s sweet spot when released after spending 2 years in a barrel, but it’s still getting better. More chocolate, vanilla and coconut than I’ve ever had in a beer before. 13 & 14 were nice as well; the heavy barreled characteristics are shining.
