I’ve been having quite a bit of Colette over the last few days. I would agree that it is excellent, especially when you consider that it is only $10 for a 6-pack. I can’t think of a better value saison. Any others out there is the same range, value-wise?
Goose Island “Pepe Nero”
Listed as a Saison, but a black Saison? I’m not sure what to think about this. Lots of spicy roasted malts that cover up most of the belgian yeast, but it still has a bit of a belgian flavor to it. I would call it a Porter lovers Saison. I’ll reserve judgement until I try another.
Has anyone else had this?
I’ve had a bomber and then a 4 pk and it’s OK but I’m not a repeat buyer unless it goes on sale.
I did pick up one bomber of the GI “Big John” the new Imperial Stout (clocking in at 11.2%)
not sure when I’m going to get to it but I’d like to try it soon so if I like it I can find more…
I knew I could count on you Mel. Reminds me a lot of an Alaskan smoked porter, pretty bland. I don’t get the Saison label.
Agreed on the Nero–brewed with black peppercorns IIRC–an interesting beer, but has to strike me at the right moment to grab it.
I’m going to have to look for Big John…didn’t see that on shelf when I hit up the Binny’s LP location on Sunday, but being a fan of Night Stalker makes me think I’m going to love this one.
Two Brothers Reprieve. Malted, light brown-scented nose. Light on the palate with darker–almost root beer-esque–flavors. Soft touch of refreshing hops is sensed buried deep beneath the effervescence and toasty malt flavors. Very much displays what I like about well done Schwarzbiers…all the flavor, without any cloying weight. Drinkable, clean, flavorful. On the list to grab a few more.
Half Acre Over Ale. Lately, my go-to drink to unwind. Malty & brown, but light enough on its feet to be enjoyable. No deep thoughts, just a great ale to sip & soak in. Not extremely bubbly; not notably hoppy; not the kind of density that reminds of syrup (ex.: Flossmor’s Pullman, although I enjoy that too) this is a brown that is done in a middle-of-the-road style that excellently executes what it set out to do: be a drinkable, brown beer. For fellow brown ale lovers looking for a session beer, this is an upgrade over Moose Drool or Bell’s Best Brown, IMO.
Cantillon Cuvée Des Champions (bottled in 2010)
Just drank & reviewed this sucker last night.
A Great 2 year, unblended, DRY-HOPPED Gueuze.
I’m IN LOVE! Been looking for a brew like this since I first tasted Gueuze & Lambic brews 15+ years ago.
Thanks to the Gueuze & Cantillon Gods, I AM worthy!
Cheers!
![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
Green Flash Imperial India Pale Ale over 9% etoh super bitter not my favorite double IPA
One sniffer was plenty with lunch!
Marston’s - Oyster Stout
Burton Bridge - Top Dog Stout (good lord, this stuff is delicious!)
Copper Dragon - Golden Pippin’
Boon - Oude Gueze L’Anciene (2007-2008)
Theakston - Dark Mild
John Courage - Directors Bitter
Long Trail Pollenator Spring Ale - pretty light amber color; nose is citrus & fresh grass; on the palate, it’s on the hopper side with an assertive bitterness and some grassy notes. Would have wanted more malt to balance it out. Not exactly what I expected when I picture “Spring”. A somewhat forgettable session beer but would fill in nicely enough after a day of yardwork.
Update: doing a bit of yardwork today so decided to finish up the last bottle of the six pack. In this content, much better. Still hop-dominated and lightish in body but nicer in mid 70s weather.
Random recents:
Anchor Small Beer - Aggressive carbonation that was off putting. Seemed to be made with lager yeast like the Steam but just not as interesting. Meh.
Great Divide 17th Anniversary Wood Aged DIPA - The wood is very strong on this as are the hops. Unfortunately they do not work very well together nor do they meld and there isn’t much more to this beer.
Anchor Christmas Ale 2010 - Found some on sale. Still like this. Found some mags on sale a couple months back for aging.
Sierra Nevada 30th Barleywine - Still like this. If anything more focused and balanced than before. Really nice and goes down very easy for a 10%'er. ![[drinkers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/8/82916bed5ad74ac8470bc04089d9758b0c80c9fa.gif "drinkers"){kind=small}
Great Divide Espresso Oaked Aged Yeti - Flatter than I remember. Strong coffee characters. Really dense. I like something like this occasionally.
Killed at Churchkey in DC.
Fantôme Pissenlit
VAPEUR COCHONNEn 1996
Vapeur en Folie
Melchior Oak Aged Calvadoe Barrel
Wharfebank - “Wispa” IPA
More flavour than many of the beers out here, and at 5.1% abv it’s a good deal more alcoholic, too. It was a “good beer.”
A gift from my wife’s cube neighbor’s husband
it is on deck.
I’m sending a BCS rare his way…
The Bruery " Saison Rue"
I love these!!!
Nice score on the Dark Lord Mel!
Nostrodamus Belgian Brown Ale - 9% - This had a chemical/plastic smell that kinda stuck around. Plenty of caramel malt with a bit of sweetness lingering. Definitely darker and bigger. Seems to be flawed and not very together but maybe that is why it is cheaper that most Belgians. ![[wink.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/04707e6a7bbb03e0153e349d8a9270d30e1e9525.gif "wink"){kind=small}
St Arnold’s Devine Reserve #11 - A DIPA
They are brewing some fine stuff here.
Where are you Jason?