Damnation Ale

When selecting the beers to take on our annual fall camping trip, I immediately included the bottle of Damnation Ale.  I thought it would be an appropriate beer to enjoy while toasting my tootsies in front of a raging campfire.

I was right!

Damnation (7.0% ABV) is a strong golden ale brewed by Russian River.

It pours a hazy straw color with a moderate head that leaves behind tight lacing.

The aroma a sharp citrus and sweet fruits.

The taste was wonderful. Gently sweet; some fruit with a hint of spices. This is contrasted by tart citrus that compliments the flavor but doesn't overwhelm the palate. There is a touch of hoppy bitterness that lends balance but is quite subtle.  The alcohol is nicely concealed. The finish is dry and crisp.

The mouth feel is medium with brisk champagne-like carbonation. The alcohol can be felt as a tingle in the mouth.

Damnation Ale is delicious and dangerously drinkable. An excellent example of the style.  I like it! A lot!

Overall: very good!

Conntucky Lightnin'

I've heard rumblings about Conntucky Lightnin' in the brewery.  Two Roads has had a great track record with introducing new and wonderful beers.  So, this is a beer I've been waiting for.  

Conntucky Lightnin' (8.50% ABV) is a moonshine inspired American strong ale brewed with corn grits and aged in bourbon barrels. 

Poured straight from the tap into a snifter glass, it is a rich copper red with a wispy layer of foam.

The aroma is distinctly bourbon-ish without being boozy.  Malt and grains add depth and character.

The taste is slightly sweet and malty.  The bourbon presence is more subtle than expected, but it adds complexity without overwhelming the brew.  The corn grits are noticable and are kind of smelled in the back of the throat more than actually tasted.  The alcohol is well concealed.  The finish is clean.

The mouth feel is medium and smooth.  

Conntucky Lightnin' is a much lighter tasting beer than I expected.  I had anticipated something bolder.  I would have liked a stronger corn presence and a little more boost of bourbon.

Overall:  good.

Lagunitas Lucky 13.alt

I am of the opinion that Lagunitas is one of the best micro breweries around.  Their beer is diverse and consistently good.  To me, Lagunitas is like the west coast equivalent of my beloved east coast Dogfish Head.

It's pretty much a no brainer for me to snag a Lagunitas brew when I'm in the mood for beer - when am I not? - especially something with a hoppy bite.

Lucky 13 .alt (8.9% ABV) is a big beer.  And so it should be for an anniversary release brew.  

Don't be confused by the '.alt' in the name, this isn't a reference to the beer style  Lucky 13 .alt is not an altbier; it is actually an American strong blonde ale.  Hence the blonde hotty on the label.  The 'alt' in the name is to differentiate it from Lucky 13 (sans alt) which is a American Strong Red Ale; i.e. it's an alternate version.

The Lucky 13.alt pours a crystal clear amber with a wildly bubbly head that hangs around for a while leaving behind some glass grabbing lace.











The aroma is all hoppy goodness - citrus and pine.  Oh wait!  There's some breadiness in there, too.  Drooool.

The taste is initially of juicy grapefruit with the vague presence of pine.  There some tropical fruitiness and a touch sweet caramel malt to balance out the bitterness a bit.  But this brew leans far to the bitter side of bittersweet.  Lucky 13.alt finishes crisp and bitter.  A hint of malt lingers.

There's a decent amount of carbonation.  It's not hugely effervescent but there enough bubbles to tickle the tongue.The mouthfeel is medium with nice smooth drinkability.  Be careful, this blonde bombshell will kick your butt with her 8.9% ABV.

This beer gave me some warm, fuzzy Lagunitas love.  

Overall - very good.

Visit Lagunitas at their website  or on Facebook 

A couple of Bastards

When I think bastard I think of my husband.  Not my current husband, of course!  He's just big lump of sugar . . . yes, I said sugar.   Actually, the bastard I prefer to think of is the bastards from Stone Brewing.  And, I must say, I haven't met a bastard I haven't liked - beerwise, that is.

The other night I sat down to share a couple bastards with my hubby.  We started out with Arrogant Bastard.  The label says that I'm not worthy, but I have enough confidence in myself to know that I am certainly worthy enough to drink this beer. The label goes on to say,  "You probably won't like it.  It is doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this fine quality and depth."  Oh yeah?  Well, who do you think you are, you silly beer.  You are, indeed, arrogant.  

So I popped the cap off the bottle and sent it sailing across the room.   Arrogant Bastard is an American Strong Ale (7.2% ABV).  I poured the beer into my finest glassware - a mason jar.  It pours a rich amber color and builds a fluffy, thick head that you might as well drink through because it's going to take it's good ol' time dissipating.  The aroma is a of malt and piney hops.  The flavor is an explosion.  A controlled explosion.  At first there is a caramel maltiness with a touch of spice that progresses into a hoppy bite.  It finishes a little sweet with a lingering bitterness on the back of the tongue.   There is so much flavor that you almost want to chew it.  This is a great beer, certainly a sipper and definitely not sessionable.  Overall - excellent!

One bastard down, one more to go.

Next up with Double Bastard.  This is also an American Strong Ale, only more so, coming in at 10.5% ABV.  Like it's suppositious little brother, Double Bastard is a reddish-brown with a dense rootbeer-like head.  The aroma is a mouthwatering combination of sweet dried fruits and tangy hops.  The flavors evolve on the tongue starting with an interesting combination sweet caramel and dark coffee notes.  All this maltiness is backed up by grapefruit and piney hops.  It finishes crisp and bitter.  It goes down smooth but you can feel the alcohol burn.  This is a BIG beer, no doubt about it.  “Ye shall know the Bastard, and the Bastard shall set you free.”  I did and I liked it!  Overall - excellent.

Visit Stone Brewing's website for more information about their many great beers or check them out on Facebook