Shmaltz He’Brew Jewbelation Sweet 16

YUM!  This one poured up a rich black colored body and sported an enormously creamy tan colored head that slowly dissipated to a thin, fine, foamy ring.  The lacing was minimal but that in no way detracts from the taste!  Aromas of alcohols is ever-present along with dark fruits and sweet Vermont syrup!  Flavors are much the same but add in some powdered cocoa and fresh-brewed Arabian coffee.  Medium bodied with an ample amount of carbonation.

Pair this one up with some spicy wild boar fritters and some rich, thick, spicy salsa!!

Beer-Nerd Details:

• Bier Style – Strong Dark Ale
• Brewery – Shmaltz Brewing Co. | New York, USA
• ABV – 16.00%  (yeah baby, yeah!)
• Food Pairings – beef, buffalo, bison, poultry, salmon, shellfish, venison, wild boar, wild upland fowl, wild water fowl

Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout

What a nice brew… poured up a rich black with an unending tan colored head (what out how ya pour this one!).  Intense retention and lacing on the glass.  Aromas packed full of roasted malts and robust coffee.  Flavors pretty much the same but the cocoa comes through like one wouldn’t believe!  Slightly bitter but very well balanced nonetheless.  The finish is amazing; one that is very rich and robust that just keeps the sipping going on all evening long.  The alcohol is very subtle so sip with caution and stand up veeery slowly!

Pair this one up with some decadent molten chocolate lava cakes (preferably the mini-bundt style cakes).

Beer-Nerd Details:

• Bier Style – Imperial Stout
• Brewery – Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. | California, USA
• ABV – 10.20%
• Food Pairings – dessert, wild water fowl

Stone Lukcy Basartd Ale

Stone does it again! Poured up a dark amber colored body with a thick creamy tan-colored head; great retention and wicked lacing on the glass.  Big hoppy aromas of citrus and spice and all that is nice!  Also picking up some caramel and a light whiff of alcohol way in the background.  Flavors are true to the aromas: hoppy, sweet caramel, and a light flavor from the alcohol. Good medium-bodied brew with a good amount of carbonation. A very enjoyable brew to be savored.  Again… and again… and again…

Pairing:  A spicy meaty pasta would do very well with this brew.

Beer-Nerd Details:

• Bier Style – Strong Pale Ale
• Brewery – Stone Brewing Co. | California, USA
• ABV – 8.5%
• Food Pairings – beef, buffalo, bison, brats/sausage, pasta (meat), poultry, salmon, shellfish, small game, venison, wild boar, wild upland fowl, wild water fowl

Great Divide Old Ruffian

These barley wines are sure some tasty brews and this one from Great Divide won’t disappoint in any way! Poured up a hazy orange-red colored body sporting a thick, foamy head with good retention and amazing lacing effects on the glass. Aromas of sweet bread (I’m reminded of bread from Hawaii), warm caramel, citrus, and herb-y hops.  The malts and hops are so well balanced it’s insane!  Flavors of warm caramel, toasted bread, some fruitiness mixed in there, with a long-lasting, slightly bitter aftertaste mixed with just enough sweetness to make one fight whether to savor the flavor or take another sip!  The warming effects from the alcohol are wonderful and leaves a wonderful sting on the tongue.

Pairing: I wouldn’t pair this up with anything!  It stands solidly all by itself.

Beer-Nerd Details:

• Bier Style – Barley wine
• Brewery – Great Divide Brewing Co. | Colorado, USA
• ABV – 10.20%
• Food Pairings – desserts, desserts, desserts, or have as it’s own dessert!

Lagunitas Maximus

Definitely one of my go-to IPAs now.  My utmost thanks to the one who helped me along in the education of my taste preferences to come to enjoy such a wonderful brew style!  This one poured up a rich amber colored body with orange hues and sporting a remarkable off-white colored head with some amazing retention and lacing. Aromas of citrus, grapefruits, pineapples, yeast/warm bread, and a faint hint of alcohol in the background. Flavors of orange, warm bread, hoppy resins, spices; with a slightly bitter finish and aftertaste that is nice and hoppy.

Pair this one up with some steamed mussels that are finished off on the grill and topped with pico de gallo, tequila, and Thai chili sauce for a memorable feast!

Beer-Nerd Details:

• Bier Style – Imperial IPA
• Brewery – Lagunitas Brewing Co. | California, USA
• ABV – 8.20%
• Food Pairings – beef, buffalo, bison, brats/sausage, fish/seafood, pasta (meat), poultry, salmon, shellfish, small game, venison, wild boar, wild upland fowl, wild water fowl