At the August Predators Brewday, Yooper gave me a bottle of homebrew. It was supposed to be a Bourbon Oak Soaked ale. She warned me against drinking it too early, so I stashed it in the fridge until recently. I wanted to try it before now, but sinus problems kept me from having the ability to taste much.
Well, yesterday I cracked open that bottle, and sampled while escorting a friend to a new area in WoW. I took pics and everything (of the beer).
Here it is:
Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? This is one of the best beers I've ever had. No, it's not just a "good" homebrew, I would pay good money to buy this from Founders, if they offered it.
I've only had a couple of Bourbon beers before, and while they were good, they were a bit strong to be enjoyed fully. They were nice for special occasions. Yoopers recipe, on the other hand, is somewhat lighter. Still a potent brew, but taste-wise, it has more drinkability (pardon). Plenty of flavor, but not hot or harsh, like some others I've had.
The Bourbon and oak were definitely noticeable, but not overwhelming. Plenty of hop aroma and flavor to satisfy hopheads, without being too bitter IMO.
I got a large glass, expecting to pour it straight in, but unfortunately I was not careful enough, and I had to stop before it was full. After a drink or two I added the rest and got a lot of yeast in the glass. I normally do not mind this, but in this case it did affect the flavor. Still an enjoyable beer by all means, but from now on I will try to be more careful when pouring. The first pour was crystal clear, as you may be able to see in the picture.
I looked at Yoopers recipe list and did not see this on in there. I imagine that she is keeping this for her secret weapon at the next competitions, because I honestly think that it would win an award.
Seriously, you all need to bug Yooper to give you the recipe.
Well, yesterday I cracked open that bottle, and sampled while escorting a friend to a new area in WoW. I took pics and everything (of the beer).
Here it is:
Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? This is one of the best beers I've ever had. No, it's not just a "good" homebrew, I would pay good money to buy this from Founders, if they offered it.
I've only had a couple of Bourbon beers before, and while they were good, they were a bit strong to be enjoyed fully. They were nice for special occasions. Yoopers recipe, on the other hand, is somewhat lighter. Still a potent brew, but taste-wise, it has more drinkability (pardon). Plenty of flavor, but not hot or harsh, like some others I've had.
The Bourbon and oak were definitely noticeable, but not overwhelming. Plenty of hop aroma and flavor to satisfy hopheads, without being too bitter IMO.
I got a large glass, expecting to pour it straight in, but unfortunately I was not careful enough, and I had to stop before it was full. After a drink or two I added the rest and got a lot of yeast in the glass. I normally do not mind this, but in this case it did affect the flavor. Still an enjoyable beer by all means, but from now on I will try to be more careful when pouring. The first pour was crystal clear, as you may be able to see in the picture.
I looked at Yoopers recipe list and did not see this on in there. I imagine that she is keeping this for her secret weapon at the next competitions, because I honestly think that it would win an award.
Seriously, you all need to bug Yooper to give you the recipe.