Got some goodies today and a rather big impulse buy.

Zymurgrafi · 01-23-2009, 08:35 PM

Hopefully it is good. If not the book looks like it at least has some interesting photos...

Here are the goodies...

We have a 4 pack of DFH Palo Santo Marron, a 6'er of Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout and a bomber of Smuttynose Really Old Brown Dog ale.

here is the impulse buy...

An 18 pack of "historical" American beers in a cool galvanized steel crate with a coffee table book about the history of brewing in America. Bit pricey if the beer is bad at $26, but like I said, an impulse buy. Had to pull a bottle out to see who actually brewed it. All it says is brewed and bottled by MDII Rochester NY. No idea who that is. I'll try and look it up in a bit.

There are the following from left to right:
Tejas- A bock
Berkshire Springs -Stock ale
Barbary Coast- "A gold rush style beer" (Steam beer perhaps?)
Hole in the Rock - Marzen
Rock River - Lager (early American lager?)
Piedmont brand Porter.

Hope they are good. If not, oh well, the book looks at least somewhat amusing.

Rezilynt · 01-23-2009, 08:44 PM

I would have had a problem staying away from the impulse buy as well. My curiosity always get's the best of me. Cool pick-up. I hope it's good.

ArcaneXor · 01-23-2009, 09:10 PM

I picked up an earlier version of the "Beers of America" kit about three years ago, and I recall them being ok to pretty good, but back then I didn't know anything about beer styles other than Pils, Koelsch, Alt and American Lagers.

Minhas Craft Brewery - Beers - BeerAdvocate has reviews.

Zymurgrafi · 01-23-2009, 09:19 PM

Well, sampling the Barbary Coast "gold rush style" now. I noticed it also mentions "ice-less fermentation" further evidence it is supposed to be a steam type beer.

I enjoy a good steam beer. This is not a good steam beer.

It is not undrinkable, just not very steam beer like.

Very caramelly a touch on the sweet side with no hop bitterness or flavor. A bit buttery (diacetyl) as well. Fairly clean nonetheless. Not much head and no lace but good color and clarity.

Guess I'll go read the book a bit...

Rezilynt · 01-23-2009, 10:04 PM

Hope they don't all turn out that way. At least you have a book...and a magazine holder

Zymurgrafi · 01-23-2009, 11:45 PM

okay, outlook not so good. Actually, they are all turning out to be very similar.

Read the review of the "steam" beer and that describes the others I have had so far with minor differences.

The Marzen is very similar even in color (bronze coppery) with the addition of a metallic copper twang.

The Stock ale. My wife had this but I tasted it. Similar caramelly sweet, buttery diacetyl with a touch more hops present. Just a touch. Pale straw in color. Not head at all.

Ah well. The book is pretty good for a coffee table type book. Covers up to fairly recently. The crate is useful for holding beer...

Thankfully I have the yummy beers from the first photo. Had a Black Chocolate stout first and it was yummy. Maybe not as good as last years but still very nice. I think if I can hang on to a couple they will age nicely. Probably won't try any other of the good beers tonight as I think my palate is wrecked by the others.

Zymurgrafi · 01-24-2009, 01:02 AM

Changed my mind. Decided to try a Palo Santo Marron.

Oh Marron! Thar' be some wood by gar! I could smell it as soon as I opened the bottle, very fragrant.

Nice! Stout like in appearance no light getting through. Creamy thick head that lasts.

Again very aromatic. Smooth flavors for something so big (12%)

Man, I hope I can hang on to a couple to age. I bet they will age very gracefully!

BrewinJack · 01-24-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zymurgrafi

Changed my mind. Decided to try a Palo Santo Marron.

Oh Marron! Thar' be some wood by gar! I could smell it as soon as I opened the bottle, very fragrant.

Nice! Stout like in appearance no light getting through. Creamy thick head that lasts.

Again very aromatic. Smooth flavors for something so big (12%)

Man, I hope I can hang on to a couple to age. I bet they will age very gracefully!

Look at the bright side, you can keep the bottles from the other stuff ... hey care to zing on of those my way??? the everclear is making me hitch and i could use a good beer to settle me stomic before bed. I like the look of the crate... but i could have put a sampler like that togather for you... "Brewin Jack american sampler"... i like the sound of that

cheers

**nvr2low** · 01-24-2009, 01:40 AM

i almost bought something similar yesterday but it was in a wood crate and no book. i didnt have $25 to spend on beer though.

Zymurgrafi · 01-24-2009, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvr2low

i almost bought something similar yesterday but it was in a wood crate and no book. i didnt have $25 to spend on beer though.

Well, you can save your money if you see it again. The book is pretty good but the beer is not!