#beersoftumblr

Block 15 Hypnosis 10.75% ABV

Light [======7===] Dark Hoppy [========9=] Malty Fizzy [========9=] Flat

This is actually a barleywine, and it states it was matured for 12 months in “...specially emptied french cognac barrels...”  Mind you, I had to go look up to find out what a barleywine is, and it basically amounts to a dense, strong beer that uses specific yeasts. This particular one has a strong bready flavor and comes in a single pint. I also was proud to recognize It also has a bit of a fruity hint, and after reading the label, it says there are notes of plum, flame raisins, and some orange marmalade.

I was able to pick it up from Block 15, a brewpub in Corvallis, Oregon. I happened to be out here for the eclipse, visiting family and having delicious beer. 

This is definitely a sipping beer, and had the eclipse been more in the afternoon, I think I would have been happy to sip it through the eclipse. The flavor is intense, and everyone I offered it to was surprised at its lasting aftertaste.

Elysian Dark o’ the Moon 7.5%

Light [=========10] Dark Hoppy [=========10] Malty Fizzy [====5=====] Flat

Black as my soul and just as spicy, this pumpkin stout is really a remarkable brew, and probably one of my favorites of the year (so far). The folks at Elysian are not shy with the chocolate and cinnamon, and the stout is certainly all the better for it. The strong flavors and slightly higher abv keeps you engaged and it’s heavy enough that one is plenty. 

Light [====5=====] Dark

Hoppy [===4======] Malty

Fizzy [======7===] Flat

This sweet, spiced pumpkin ale really stands out above the other pumpkin ales that are common this time of year. The clove is really strong, hiding the pumpkin flavor at first, but that comes through after the first sip. Take your time with it to savor its complex flavors.

This came in a 12 pack of mixed Elysian ales, so I’m looking forward to sharing the other 3 types with you.

(this one didn’t have an ABV value)

Light [====5=====] Dark Hoppy [===4======] Malty Fizzy [======7===] Flat

This beer has a fairly sweet malty underlying flavor, but it also has a strong, almost sour flavor leading the charge. The strong flavor aside, this gluten free beer. Yes, today I learned that most beers (anything brewed from barley or wheat) has gluten.

It comes in a bottle uniquely and faithfully copied from a bottle design from around 1777, and adds a fun bit of design to the beer. St. Peters beers have not yet disappointed me and this beer is no exception.

Lead Dog Cookies ‘n Cream Stout 7.2%

Light [=========10] Dark

Hoppy [======7===] Malty

Fizzy [======7===] Flat

This serious beer is dark and sweet and flavorful. It definitely has hits of cookies and the smoothness of cream. It’s heavy, not so much as say, some oatmeal or other stouts, but definitely not a summer lager.

It will warm your heart and fill your need for a good winter stout, just in time for the holidays

Spoiler-Free Review: Star Wars Rise of Skywalker

A lot of hash has been made about this movie. Much ink spilled, opinions shared.

A lot of anger, disappointment and more anger.

The whining angry fanboys mad that, I dunno, there’s still a woman Jedi leading it and there are brown people depicting heroes.

The Social Justice crowd mad that certain characters were effectively sidelined and the other reasons (because spoilers).

Look, I get it, everyone is mad they didn’t get what they want. But I’m over here like...

It was a good movie. They wrapped up questions I had. They showed cool things happening. The space battles were neat, the lightsaber fights were cool. The actors acted well. The effects were good. Space Nazis got what they deserved. Heroes won. None of this is a surprise.

Narratively, the did everything they needed to do. They tied it back to the previous movies. They brought resolution to the series.

I’m glad it’s over. Relieved, even. Disappointed? Sure. But honestly, the series started over 40 years ago. It’s time.

Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout 10.2%

Light [=========10] Dark

Hoppy [========9=] Malty

Fizzy [======7===] Flat

Dang, I didn’t realize this beer was 10.2% ABV - explains why I was perfectly fine with stopping after the first one.

St. Peter’s Cream Stout 6.5%

Light [=========10] Dark

Hoppy [========9=] Malty

Fizzy [=======8==] Flat

This stout is the classic, dark beer, steeped in history and tradition. It’s bitter, with hints of dark chocolate, and the malt makes it subtly sweet enough that it’s quite enjoyable. Smooth and not very fizzy at all, I think adding more carbonation would be a mistake. It’s fragrant enough that it doesn’t need the effervescence to help you enjoy its scent.

I picked this one up at my local Sprouts (well, it and its friend, which is coming up in a future episode), and since it’s an English import, it comes in a pint bottle, so it’s just a hair too large for my American beer glass.

An interesting note: the bottle itself is a reproduction of a bottle from around 1770, a fact I find entirely fascinating - why did we switch to round bottles? Dangit.