American Strong Ales

Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam returns

Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam has returned to the Portland, Oregon based taproom this week. This weekend, you can buy bottles to go once again.

Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam is the brewery’s Adam, an old ale, aged with Continue Reading →

Boulevard Chocolate Ale with Raspberry released

Boulevard Chocolate Ale with Raspberry has joined the brewery’s 2016 Smokestack Series lineup.

For most, the base recipe is familiar. Boulevard Chocolate Ale has been a popular part of the Smokestack Series for a few years now. Boulevard collaborated with chocolate genius Christopher Elbow in Continue Reading →

Spotlight: Hi-Wire Tropical Fruit Golden Strong Ale

This 11.3% fruited beast is Hi-Wire Tropical Fruit Golden Strong Ale. It ships mid-December, 2015.

Jonathan Parks, Hi-Wire’s specialty head brewer grew up in Miami, where mangos and papayas out number the people in the city. (Completely made up fact, btw)

Continue Reading →

Pontoon Freedom Bird American Strong Ale

Pontoon Freedom Bird American Strong Ale has returned to tap handles in Georgia. The strong has

 

Freedom Bird American Strong Ale is a uniquely brewed American Ale that has cocoa and smokey malt flavors offset by earthy Chinook hops. The color Continue Reading →

Posted in Ninkasi Brewing, Coming Soon, Headlines

Ninkasi N10 celebrates 10 years with a big blend

Ninkasi N10 celebrates the Eugene, Oregon brewery’s 10th Anniversary. You’ll be quite impressed with the blend.

Instead of making a whole new beer to cross the 10 year mark, the brewery is blending some of their more epic offerings. Ninkasi N10 breaks down like so:

  • Imperial Stout, 50% of final blend
    Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, 10% of final blend
    Imperial Total Domination IPA, 12.5% of final blend
    Imperial Maiden the Shade IPA, 12.5% of final blend
    Critical Hit Barleywine, 15% of final blend

The result looks to be a boozy, blend of two IPAs that are the cornerstone of much of the Ninkasi’s hoppy style, a touch of caramel from the barleywine, and chocolate and roasty notes from the imperial stouts. A fun way to celebrate indeed.

Ninkasi N10 will be available in July, in 22 ounce bottles.

Style: American Strong Ale
Availability: 22oz Bottles. Limited release.
Debut: July, 2016

10% ABV, 100 IBUs

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Green Flash Brewing, Don't Miss This, New Releases

Green Flash Lustrous Frumento with Coffee debuts

Green Flash Lustrous Frumento with Coffee will join a new, elite Barrelmaster’s Reserve Series on May 21st.

The Cellar 3 facility currently houses over 1000 oak barrels, including four, 50-Barrel foudres. Brewmaster Pat Korn thought it was time he dipped into his personal stash at the facility and give the public a taste. Thus, the debut of the Barrelmaster’s Reserve Series.

Green Flash Lustrous Frumento with Coffee is a 100% bourbon barrel-aged “black ale” (as Green Flash describes it), featuring coffee from San Diego based Mostra. The beans are Sumatran and and Brazilian, chosen to compliment the oak barrel-aging.

The beer has rested in the barrels for 30 months, gaining plenty of spicy oak, vanilla and caramel notes. After being deemed “ready” by the Barrelmaster himself, a beautiful cold brew coffee made from a blend of Brazilian and Sumatran beans from San Diego coffee roaster, Mostra, is added to intensify and compliment the rich caramel and vanilla from the barrels.

Green Flash Lustrous Frumento with Coffee is a limited, 750 milliliter bottle offering at the Cellar 3 Facility in San Diego on May 21st. The brewery tells Beer Street Journal that a limited amount of this beer will hit distribution.

Style: American Strong Ale (w/ Coffee. Barrel Aged. Bourbon.)
Availability: 750ml Bottles
Release: 5/21/16

13.1% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, Hair Of The Dog Brewing

Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam returns

Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam has returned to the Portland, Oregon based taproom this week. This weekend, you can buy bottles to go once again.

Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam is the brewery’s Adam, an old ale, aged with Oregon black cherries. The beer is subsequently aged in both bourbon and sherry casks.

The fruit lends a sweet tartness to the finish, melding with the wood and adding a new dimension of complexity.

Hair of the Dog Cherry Adam is a limited draft and 12 ounce bottle offering.

Style: American Strong Ale (w/ Cherries. Barrel Aged. Bourbon. Sherry.)
Availability: 12oz Bottles, Draft. Limited.
Return: 2/12/16

10% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Boulevard Brewing, Don't Miss This

Boulevard Chocolate Ale with Raspberry released

Boulevard Chocolate Ale with Raspberry has joined the brewery’s 2016 Smokestack Series lineup.

For most, the base recipe is familiar. Boulevard Chocolate Ale has been a popular part of the Smokestack Series for a few years now. Boulevard collaborated with chocolate genius Christopher Elbow in order to get the chocolatey nuances right.

Here in January, 2016,  the brewery has released a fun spin on the popular chocolate recipe, this time with raspberries.

We’re always looking for playful new ways to approach the art of brewing, so we invited back celebrated chocolatier Christopher Elbow  to reimagine our very popular collaboration, Chocolate Ale. Elbow has earned a worldwide reputation for his ability to harmonize all kinds of flavors with chocolate. For this exciting new version has has paired the bright flavors and aromas of raspberry for a fresh take on an old favorite.

Boulevard Chocolate Ale with Raspberry is a 750 milliliter offering. A limited part of the brewery’s ongoing Smokestack Series.

Style: American Strong Ale (w/ Chocolate, Raspberry)
Availability: 750ml Bottles, Draft
Release: Mid-January, 2016

9.1% ABV

Read More: Boulevard Smokestack Series 

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Don't Miss This, Hi Wire Brewing, New Releases

Spotlight: Hi-Wire Tropical Fruit Golden Strong Ale

This 11.3% fruited beast is Hi-Wire Tropical Fruit Golden Strong Ale. It ships mid-December, 2015.

Jonathan Parks, Hi-Wire’s specialty head brewer grew up in Miami, where mangos and papayas out number the people in the city. (Completely made up fact, btw)

“I love bright tropical fruit flavors,” said Parks. “I grew up in Miami where mangos and papayas grow everywhere. When I smell this beer, it reminds me of home.”

Hi-Wire Tropical Fruit Golden Strong Ale is ready to drink now but the does mention proper cellaring will smooth the edges of this beer. Available in 22 ounce bottles mid month.

Beer Street Journal tasting notes: This beer maybe be 11.3% alcohol by volume, but it drinks like a 6% beer. Mango and papaya is subtle, but a nice touch to the finish. Pre-game hard with this one. 

Style: American Strong Ale (w/ Mango, Papaya)
Availability: 22oz Bottles, Draft.
Release: December, 2015

11.3% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in Avery Brewing, Don't Miss This

Avery Double D’s, #32 released, some states see distribution

Avery Double D’s Barrel-Aged Spiced Ale will mark the 32nd release in the brewery’s ongoing Barrel-Aged Series.

Double D’s is aged in bourbon barrels with ginger. Presumably brewed by folks of the red haired persuasion, judging by the description below.

No. 32, yes even lab geeks of the ginger variety can be creative.

Avery Double D’s Barrel-Aged Spiced Ale is a 12 ounce bottle offering. Bottled in December, 2015.

Style: American Strong Ale (w/ Ginger. Barrel Aged. Bourbon)
Availability: 12oz Bottles
Release: 12/20/15

Distribution: CA, CO, IL, KY, MA, NC, PA, TX, VA, WA.

10.3% ABV

by Reid Ramsay
Posted in New Beers, Pontoon Brewing

Pontoon Freedom Bird American Strong Ale

Pontoon Freedom Bird American Strong Ale has returned to tap handles in Georgia. The strong has

 

Freedom Bird American Strong Ale is a uniquely brewed American Ale that has cocoa and smokey malt flavors offset by earthy Chinook hops. The color profile is a dark reddish molasses tint and topped with a medium-bodied biscuit head. The initial aroma is a mixture of sweet cocoa with a hint of grassiness. The Special B malt delivers a cocoa sweetness and finishes with a smoky, earthy/grassy, Chinook hop flavor.  Although the beer is 7.5% ABV, the mouth feel is relatively light and refreshing.

by Reid Ramsay