December 24 - Hardywood's Gingerbread Stout

Well another 24 Days of Beer are in the books.  For all of those that blogged throughout, you're on the nice list.  For those that did not blog, it's the naughty list for you.  I hope all of you enjoyed the journey again.  This Christmas Eve beer should end our journey on a great note.  This beer gets excellent reviews.  Merry Christmas everyone!!!  I hope you are sharing it with friends and family.  Oh yeah, and virtually with all 48 members of the 24 Days of Beer!!!

Why we picked it:  It's supposed to be awesome.  Received a perfect rating.  It was a little more massed produced this year compared to years past.  Virginia beer.  Enjoy!

About Hardywood's Gingerbread Stout:  Brewed with baby ginger from Casselmonte Farm and wildflower honey from Bearer Farms, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout captures the terroir of central Virginia in a rich, creamy libation with a velvety mouthfeel and an intriguing evolution of flavors from milk chocolate and vanilla to honeycomb and cinnamon to a snap of ginger in the finish. Deep, dark chocolate in color with a mahogany tint and a frothy, caramel colored head, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout offers aromatics of holiday spice originating from the ginger, and balanced with a generous dose of whole Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans and Vietnamese cinnamon. Milk sugar (lactose) contributes to the full body of this stout and tames its roasty character, while oats lend a silky quality. Enjoy fresh, or cellar for a special occasion. We hope Hardywood Gingerbread Stout contributes to your merriment this season.

Best With: Hardywood Gingerbread Stout is exquisite as a dessert pairing beer. An absolute wonder with crème brûlée or fresh chocolate pudding, rich desserts with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla or chocolate really bring out the flavor of Gingerbread Stout, and vice versa. By itself, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout also makes a fine digestif while enjoying a cold night by a crackling fire

Beer style: Imperial Milk Stout Brewed with Fresh Local Ginger and Honey

Beer Advocate Score: 94 and 100

ABV: 9.2%

IBUs: 55
OG: 1.100

Case Cost:  $10 a bottle

*website: http://www.hardywood.com/content/hardywood-gingerbread-stout

December 23 - Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale

Why we picked it:  I've heard that everything from Samuel Smith's is excellent.  Thought we would try a couple.

About Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale:  Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground); best barley malt, yeast and aromatic hops; fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’ to create a relatively dry ale with rich nutty colour and palate of beech nuts, almonds and walnuts.  Best served at about 55°F (13°C).  Registered with The Vegan Society; suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Beer Advocate Score: 91 and 100

Ingredients: Water, malted barley, yeast, cane sugar, hops, roasted barley

ABV: 5.0%

Case Cost:  $60 ($11 a four pack)

*website: http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/site/product/nut-brown-ale/

December 22 - Duclaw's Devils Milk

Why we picked it:  Duclaw is a Maryland Brewery and this is one of there seasonals.

About Duclaw's Devils Milk:  Each year since it was first brewed in 1998, Devil’s Milk, the Brewer’s Association of Maryland Governor’s Cup gold medal winner in 2006, 2007 and 2008, has used a different blend of hops to flavor and bitter the beer, making each batch of Devil’s Milk a unique experience. The 2014 vintage of Devil’s Milk epitomizes the American Barleywine. A medium bodied, amber ale with a thin, persistent, off-white head and a complex flavor profile with an assertive hop bill. Mesmerizing citrus flavors and aromas of the palate dominating hop finish and warming alcohol presence (11.5% alcohol by volume). Devil’s Milk is best served in a snifter, both to accommodate its alcohol content and allow the complex flavors inherent in the beer to emerge as it warms in the glass.

Beer Advocate Score: 85

Style: American Barley Wine
Color: Copper
Hop Variety: Centennial, Citra, Galena
Grains: Pale Malt, Wheat Malt, Aromatic Malt, Crystal Malt, Special Malt
 

ABV: 11.5%
IBU:  66
Plato: 23

Case Cost:  $46 ($13 a six pack)

*website: http://duclaw.com/beer/devils-milk/

December 21 - Chaos Mountain's Cocoborealis

Why we picked it:  Virginia Brewery

About Chaos Mountain's Cocoborealis:  Indulge your senses in swirling layers of rich chocolate and coffee. Then ask yourself, how many chocolatey things can you add to a stout? We found three that we love. First we start out with two chocolate roasted malts. Then during brewing we add a big dose of rich cocoa powder. Finally we age this stout on (organic) cocao nibs. The result is a decadent dark chocolate “Liquid of the Gods” we like to call CocoBorealis: Triple Chocolate Stout.

Beer Advocate Score: not rated

Malts: 2-row Pale Malt, Crystal 60L, Chocolate Malt, Chocolate Wheat, Flaked Oats
Hop Variety: CTZ
Yeast: Wyeast 1318 London III
Style: Triple Chocolate Stout
Flavor: Dark Chocolate, Coffee, Roastiness
Color: Black, opaque
 

ABV: 6.0%
IBU:  31

Case Cost:  $43 ($12 a six pack)

*website: http://chaosmountainbrewing.com/beer/cocoborealis/

December 20 - Anderson Valley's Barney Flats

Why we picked it:  We usually have Anderson Valley's Winter Solstice in the lineup.  This year we decided to try a different offering from them.  Hope it was not a mistake.

About Anderson Valley's Barney Flats:  The deep ebony color, voluptuous mahogany head and bold, roasty flavors in our Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout are what serious beer drinkers expect from this style.  Aromas of freshly baked bread, espresso, and dried cherries meld seamlessly with rich toffee flavors and a creamy mouth feel to create an unparalleled drinking experience.

Food Pairings:  French onion soup, pulled pork sliders, smoked meats, chocolate desserts

Cheese Pairings: Smoked Gouda, Havarti

Beer Advocate Score: 91 and 100

Malts:  Pale Two-Row, Crystal (40L & 80L), Roasted Barley, Munich, Chocolate, Oats 
Hops:  Columbus, Northern Brewer
Dates Available:  Year-round
 

ABV: 5.8%
IBU:  14

Case Cost:  $43 ($12 a six pack)

*website: https://avbc.com/our-beers/barney-flats-oatmeal-stout/

December 19 - Bells' Expedition Stout

Why we picked it: Bell's Brewery is a staple in the 24 DoB.  We will to try one of their beers each year.  Never had this one before, but I'm sure some have as it is widely available.

About Bells' Expedition Stout:  One of the earliest examples of the Russian Imperial Stout in the United States, Expedition Stout offers immensely complex flavors crafted specifically with vintage aging in mind, as its profile will continue to mature and develop over the years. A huge malt body is matched to a heady blend of chocolate, dark fruits, and other aromas. Intensely bitter in its early months, the flavors will slowly meld and grow in depth as the beer ages..

Beer Advocate Score: 94 and 98

Original Gravity:  1.11
Shelf Life:  Unlimited
Dates Available:  Winter
Available Packages:  Bottle and draft.

 

ABV: 10.5%

Case Cost:  $61 ($17 a six pack)

*website: http://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/15-Expedition%20Stout%20

December 18 - Samuel Smith's The Famous Taddy Porter

Why we picked it:  I've heard that everything from Samuel Smith's is excellent.  Thought we would try a couple.

About Samuel Smith's The Famous Taddy Porter:  Brewed with well water (the original well at the Old Brewery, sunk in 1758, is still in use, with the hard well water being drawn from 85 feet underground), malted barley, roasted malt, yeast and hops. Fermented in ‘stone Yorkshire squares’.  Best served at about 55°F (13°C).  Registered with The Vegan Society; suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Beer Advocate Score: 93 and 100

Ingredients: Water, malted barley, yeast, hops, roasted malt, cane sugar.

 

ABV: 5.0%

Case Cost:  $60 ($11 a four pack)

*website: http://www.samuelsmithsbrewery.co.uk/site/product/taddy-porter/

December 17 - Ommegang's 3 Philosophers

Why we picked it:  Great Brewery.  We try to have a different beer from Ommegang in the 24 DoB each year.  Hoping this is a good one!

About Ommegang's 3 Philosophers:  Three Philosophers is a unique blend of a Belgian-style dark ale and Liefmans Kriek, an authentic cherry ale from Belgium. Cherry chestnut in color, it's opaque but not cloudy with full carbonation topped by a smooth, tan head. Flavors and aromas of roasted malt, molasses and brown sugar, dark fruits, brandied raisins and chocolate, Three Philosophers has notable sweetness with low hop bitterness. The mid-palate shows a soft malt center which gives way to a dry, warm, wine-like finish.  The complexity of this beer make it a good candidate for ageing gracefully, as spicy sherry and port notes should intensify.

Chef's Tasting Notes & Recipes: When simply pairing this it is important to keep in mind that you need a dish that is going to stand up to the big alcohol, rich malt, and subtle cherry. Think hearty; stews, fatty meats, gooey, stinky cheese, and you cannot go wrong. Try this beer as a marinade or in a sauce. In a marinade, the alcohol naturally breaks down the proteins in the meat, tenderizing it, while the flavor of the beer is absorbed. For a sauce, simply reduce over low flame with some additional sour cherries, wait till half is reduced, season with salt, pepper and sugar plus a touch of cream and you are ready to go.

Beer Advocate Score: 91 and 92

Malts: Pils, amber, caramel, Munich, Xtra Special
Hops: Spalt Select and Styrian Golding
Spices: none
Blended with: 2% Liefmans Kriek
Yeast: Ommegang house yeast
OG: 21.5 Plato
FG: 3.9 Plato

ABV: 9.7%
IBU: 19

Case Cost:  $86 ($16 a four pack)

*website: http://www.ommegang.com/#!beer_three

December 16 - Flying Dog's Naughty

Why we picked it:  Naughty and Nice...how could we not pick it?

About Flying Dog's Naughty:  You’re Naughty if…you came out of the womb knowing that the jolly fat man and his goddamn list is all a hoax to hold you down. Not only do you eat pieces of shit like Kimye for breakfast, you gorge on those bad boys for lunch, dinner and a midnight snack. You stand close to the fire because you like to get burned.

With this beer, we were a little Naughty, too. Go nuts with this Belgian-Style Dark Ale brewed with cinnamon, star anise, orange peel and habanero peppers for a bold mix of heat, citrus and spice.

Beer Advocate Score: Not rated yet

Specialty Malts: Pale, Cara Vienna, Special B
Hops: Northern Brewer, Hallertau
Yeast: Belgian

Food Pairing: Brewed with habanero peppers and orange peel, Naughty packs heat and subtle citrus sweetness. Aunt Judy's fruitcake will never taste the same.

ABV:  9.0%
IBU:  35

Case Cost:  $39

*website: http://flyingdogbrewery.com/?beers=nice

December 15 - Flying Dog's Nice

Why we picked it:  Naughty and Nice...how could we not pick it?

About Flying Dog's Nice:  Your niceties have not gone unnoticed. Now it’s time for you to receive. Nice is a Golden Ale that pays homage to its Belgian predecessors with a fruity aroma (from both hops and yeast) and a sweet, yet crisp, finish.

Beer Advocate Score: Not rated yet

Specialty Malts: Pils
Hops: Perle, Saaz
Yeast: Belgian

Food Pairing: Toasty and sweet, this beer will be quite nice with light proteins, cream-based soups and all of your favorite holiday desserts

ABV:  8.3%
IBU:  30

Case Cost:  $39

*website: http://flyingdogbrewery.com/?beers=nice

December 14 - Mendocino's Eye of the Hawk

 

Why we picked it:  No specific reason for this one.  We are trying two beers from this brewer.  This beer got mixed reviews...an 82 and a 90 on the beer advocate site. 

About Mendocino's Eye of the Hawk:  An excellent, rich bodied ale that is brewed to perfection. "Eye" is coppery reddish-amber in color and its unique taste is the result of a judicious mix of caramel and pale malted barley, balanced with Cluster, Cascade and Saaz hops. This gives the Eye its luxurious flavor, substantial mouth-feel and that slightly dry finish. Eye of the Hawk has garnered a cult following that is enviable.

Beer Advocate Score: 82 and 90

ABV:  8.0%

Case Cost:  $30 ($8.5 a six pack)

*website: http://www.mendobrew.com/collections/select.html

December 13 - Deschutes' Jubelale

Why we picked it:  A winter warmer that we have not tried before.

About Deschutes' Jubelale:  Warm spiciness and tradition grace this bold winter ale. Intriguing, layered flavors unfold to reveal chicory, dried fruit and toffee notes with a hoppy kick to finish. The deep garnet color pairs perfectly with holiday celebrations.

Beer Advocate Score: 89 and 97

Malt: Pale, Crystal, Extra Special, Carapils, Roasted Barley
Hops: Bravo, Cascade, Delta, Tettnang, East Kent Goldings

ABV:  6.7%
IBU:  65

Case Cost:  $40 ($11 per 6-pack)

*website: http://www.deschutesbrewery.com/beer/jubelale/

December 12 - Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale

Why we picked it:  Anchor Steam is a staple in the 24 Days of Beer.

About Anchor Steam's Christmas Ale:  This is the forty-first annual Christmas Ale from the brewers at Anchor. It is sold only from early November to mid–January. The Ale's recipe is different every year—as is the tree on the label—but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons, appears born anew.

Our tree for 2015 is the Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), better known as the California Christmas Tree. Native of the Himalayas, it takes its name from the ancient Sanskrit devadaru, meaning timber of the gods. This coniferous evergreen, with its gracefully droopy branches and blue-green needles, has been a San Francisco favorite for over 150 years.

The annual search for the perfect tree for our Christmas Ale label usually takes us far afield. This one began and ended with the search for a parking space near the Brewery! Getting out of the car, we couldn't help but notice the way the late-afternoon sun danced amid the branches of two lovely Deodars just half a block from Anchor's front door.

Our longtime label artist Jim Stitt—who has been drawing trees for us since 1975—loved "our" Deodars and, like us, was amused that they were about as local as local gets! His charming illustration evokes the radiant beauty of our arboreal neighbors as well as the spirit of the season. Cheers from the Anchor brewers!

Beer Advocate Score: 85

First Brew - 1975
First Bottling - 1975
Availability - Nov.-Feb.
Malt - Top Secret
Hops - Top Secret
Dry Hops - Top Secret

ABV:  varies

Case Cost:  $44 ($12 a six pack)

*website: http://www.anchorbrewing.com/beer/christmas_ale

December 11 - Great Divide's Titan IPA

 

Why we picked it:  Highly rated IPA.

About Great Divide's Titan IPA: TITAN IPA is a big, aggressively hopped India Pale Ale brewed for hop disciples. It starts out with piney hop aromas and citrus hop flavors, and finishes with a nice rich, malty sweetness that is balanced with crisp hop bitterness.

Beer Advocate Score: 91 and 100

Food Pairings: Grilled lamb burger, Thai green curry, roasted zucchini & pesto, Cabot sharp cheddar, carrot cake.

ABV:  7.1%
IBUs: 65

Case Cost:  $36  ($10 a six pack)

*website: http://greatdivide.com/titan-ipa/

December 10 - Ballast Point's Habanero Sculpin

Why we picked it:  A little something different.  This could have some heat with it.

About Ballast Point's Habanero Sculpin:  Our popular IPA, with a punch of heat.  Our Sculpin IPA with Habanero Pepper began as a crazy experiment that’s taken on a life of its own. While its bright fruit notes and hoppy bite has made the original one of our favorites, this version takes that balance of flavors to the next level with the citrusy, floral heat of habaneros. Sculpin are known to sting, but this one’s got a kick.

The Sculpin IPA is a testament to our humble beginnings as Home Brew Mart. It showcases bright flavors and aromas of apricot, peach, mango & lemon. The lighter body also brings out the crispness of the hops. The Sculpin fish has poisonous spikes on its fins that can give a strong sting. Ironically, the meat from a Sculpin fish is considered some of the tastiest. Something that has a sting but tastes great; sounds like a Ballast Point India Pale Ale.

Beer Advocate Score: 85 and 96.

Food Pairings: Coconut Basmati Rice, Jamaican Jerk Chicken,  Tropical Bread Pudding

ABV:  7.0%
IBU:  70

Case Cost:  $54 ($15 per 6 pack)

*website: http://www.ballastpoint.com/beer/sculpin-with-habanero/

December 9 - Tröegs' Blizzard Of Hops Winter IPA

Why we picked it:  We usually have Troegs' Mad Elf in the 24 DoB.  This year we passed on the Mad Elf and added Troegs' seasonal, Blizzard of Hops.

About Tröegs' Blizzard Of Hops Winter IPA:  We created this Winter IPA to toast hop growers around the world for another successful harvest. This storm of hoppy citrus and pine notes is a bright reminder the end of the Hop Cycle is only the beginning.

Beer Advocate Score: 85

Malt: Pilsner, Unmalted Wheat, White Wheat
Hops: Centennial, Chinook, El Dorado
Dry Hops: Chinook, Galaxy
Yeast: Ale
Color: Deep Gold
Serving Suggestions: Tumbler, 45-50 degrees


ABV:  6.4%
IBU:  80

Case Cost:  $36

*website: http://www.troegs.com/beer/blizzard-of-hops/

December 8 - Schlafly's Black Lager Schwarzbier

Why we picked it:  We like Schlafly's brewery...we always have a Schlafly in 24 DoB...it's their seasonal.

About Schlafly's Black Lager Schwarzbier:  Our Schwarzbier is a traditional German-style black lager with a refreshingly light body.  The dark chocolate malts contribute color and hints of roasted coffee balanced by the delicate aroma of German Noble hops.  Translated from German, Schwarzbier means black beer.

Schwarzbier originated in the 16th Century in southeastern Germany where it is still brewed today. The style enjoyed a heyday in St. Louis in the late 1800s, but large scale production of dark lagers failed to resurface after Prohibition. In 2007, the beer community of St. Louis honored St. Louis Dark Lager as the official beer of the inaugural St. Louis Brewers Heritage Festival, an annual tasting event that celebrates the many breweries thriving in St. Louis today.

Beer Advocate Score: 83

Appearance: Black
Process: Traditional Lager
Hops: Mittelfruh, Tettnang (DE), Marynka (PL)
Grains: Pale, Europils, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel
Yeast: German Lager
SRM: 45

ABV:  5.0%
IBU:  25

Case Cost:  $33 ($9 per 6-pack)

*website: http://schlafly.com/beers/styles/black-lager/

December 7 - Union's Balt

 

I think we just had a pretty good run of good/interesting beers.  Wooky Jack, Samichlaus, and Celebrator is a pretty decent 1-2-3 punch.  The next few beers will allows us to explore some different styles.

Why we picked it:  Local beer out of Baltimore...that's about it.

About Union's Balt:  This German-style Altbier is our nod to an old world, old school ale. The word “Alt” is German for “old”, and refers to the traditional style of brewing before lager yeast was discovered. Balt is a dark, copper colored brew with a creamy head, a gentle bitterness and a clean, dry finish. Prost, Hon!

Beer Advocate Score: 85

Color: Copper/Amber
Malt: Pilsner, Munich, Cara Munich, Carafa
Hops: Perle, Tettnang
Yeast: German Alt

ABV:  5.6%
IBU:  45

Case Cost:  $39 ($11 per 6-pack)

*website: http://www.unioncraftbrewing.com/project/balt-altbier/

December 6 - Ayinger's Celebrator Doppelbock

Why we picked it:  Highly rated and recommended.

About Ayinger's Celebrator: A beer that has a dominant malty taste. This beer’s origins in a monk’s recipe are reflected in its heartiness. The Pope of Beers, Conrad Seidl, describes it as: “Almost black with a very slight red tone, a sensational, festive foam and truly extraordinary fragrance that at first summons up visions of greaves lard. The first taste is of mild fullness with an accompanying coffee tone, which becomes more dominant with the aftertaste. There is very little of the sweetness that is frequently to be tasted with doppelbock beer.” The Ayinger Celebrator has been ranked among the best beers of the world by the Chicago Testing Institute several times and has won numerous platinum medals.

Celebrator has a creamy head of tight bubbles contrasting beautifully with its profound dark robe. It is full-bodied and velvety from half a year’s aging. Although it is strong, it is not overpowering. There is a wonderful and complex balance between the various malts, the alcohol and the subtle hops. A complex fruitiness of roasted malt and whole hop flowers make Celebrator great as a party drink with friends and family at celebrations. Despite its richness, it has a faintly smoky dryness in the finish.

The History of Celebrator Doppelbock - Doppelbocks ("double bocks") were probably first brewed in the 17th century by monks in Bavaria - a stronger version of bock beers that originated in Einbeck, Germany. Doppelbocks are usually rich, malty lagers; usually dark-colored; the names often end with the suffix "-ator." Ayinger Celebrator is probably little changed from the doppelbock first brewed at Ayinger in 1878; Ayinger's doppelbock was once called "Fortunator" but this global classic is called "Celebrator" around the world now.

Taste - A rich, dark elixir with cascading layers of malt complexity balanced by elegant hops. Notes of toffee, caramel, graceful dark-malt roastiness, and the essence of barley. Lager fermentation leads to clean flavors and pinpoint conditioning. Semi-dry finish.

Serving Suggestion - Pastries and desserts, roast goose, cured ham, smoked duck, wild turkey, filet with Dijon sauce, chanterelles, Tournedos Rossini, Châteaubriand. Enjoy with a fine cigar after dinner. Serve in stemmed tumbler at 50 °F.

Beer Advocate Score: 96 and 100

OG: 1.074            
Ingredients: Water, barley malt, hops, yeast.

ABV:  6.7%
IBU:  24

Case Cost:  $75 ($14 for a 4 pack)

*website: http://en.ayinger-bier.de/?pid=118&par=82

December 5 - Eggenberg - Samichlaus

Why we picked it:  This should be an unique beer.  14% ABV...brewed once a year...beer advocate gives it a rating of 89 and 100.  This is what 24 Days of Beer is about, trying beers like this.

About Eggenberg's Samichlaus:  The once strongest beer in the world is back! Brewed only once a year on December 6. Samichlaus is aged for 10 months before bottling. This beer is perhaps the rarest in the world. Samichlaus may be aged for many years to come. Older vintages become more complex with a creamy warming finish. Serve with hardy robust dishes and desserts, particulary with chocolates, or as an after dinner drink by itself. Brewed under the exclusive licence of Feldschlösschen-Hürlimann-Holding, Switzerland.

Samichlaus is one of the strongest lager beers in the world, at 14% alcohol by volume. The name means Santa Claus in Swiss German. It was originally brewed by the Hürlimann Brewery in Zürich, Switzerland.  Hürlimann's founder Albert Hürlimann was a world leader in the scientific study of yeast, and the brewery has a long history of yeast development. The Samichlaus Christmas beer was first brewed in 1979 for sale in 1980. Production continued annually until 1997, when the brewery closed. In 2000, it returned, this time produced by Schloss Eggenberg in collaboration with the original Hürlimann brewers, using the original Hürlimann Samichlaus recipe. The beer is only brewed once a year, on December 6 (which is the day of Saint Nicholas), which makes it a relatively rare brew. It is in the style of a Bavarian Doppelbock, and undergoes unusually long fermentation by traditional cold lagering over a ten-month period, leaving very little residual sugar in the final beer.


Beer Advocate Score: 89 and 100

Style: Doppelbock

ABV:  14.0%

Case Cost:  $110 ($20 for a 4 pack)

*website: http://www.schloss-eggenberg.at/de/unsere-biere/samichlaus-classic

December 4 - Firestone's Wookey Jack

Why we picked it:  Firestone Walker is a great brewery and this beer rated very well.  Plus I like the name "Wookey."  Similar style to yesterday's beer except this is a Black Rye IPA.  I'm going to guess a lot of people will like this one more than yesterday's beer.

About Firestone's Wookey Jack:  A riff on the familiar Black IPA style, Wookey Jack is gnarly on the outside yet refined on the inside. Malted Rye and a dash of Cara Rye impart a spicy grain quality to the palate, while double dry-­hopping with Citra and Amarillo hops brings a citrusy dimension to the aroma profile. The brewing team also claims to have incorporated a bit of “Wookey Dust” into the recipe. The beer is black in color, but if you close your eyes and taste it, you’ll say it’s a true IPA. Wookey Jack is unfined and unfiltered to retain its woolly natural texture and character.

Beer Advocate Score: 94

Style: Black Rye IPA

Malts: Pale Malt, Malted Rye, Dash of Cara-Rye, Midnight Wheat from Briess, De-Bittered Black Malt (Weyermann - Germany/Patagonia malting - Chile), Dash of Wookey dust

Hops: German Magnum (bittering), Citra & Amarillo (flavor/aroma and double dry-hopped)
Fermentation: 100% Stainless Steel

Color: 45SRM

ABV:  8.3%
IBU:  80

Case Cost:  $70 ($13 for a 4 pack)

*website: http://www.firestonebeer.com/beers/products/wookey-jack

December 3 - Mendocino's Black IPA

Why we picked it:  No specific reason for this one.  We are trying two beers from this brewer.  This beer got mixed reviews...a 79 and an 89 on the beer advocate site.  Thought a Black IPA wouldn't be a bad choice.  If I was nervous about any of the beers this year, this would be the one.  While it says seasonal on the front, it's a summer seasonal, not a winter seasonal.  This should be interesting...

About Mendocino's Black IPA:  A tantalizing twist on a unique style! This ale has a seductive ebony hue, with an aroma that is bold, full of fresh floral and citrus hops, with just a pinch of pine. The rich aroma blends delightfully into the enigmatic body of rich roasted malts with chocolatey, nutty flavors. Then ensues the tang of refreshing orange peel and a citrus hop finish that lightly lingers and then beckons you to revisit this most enjoyable seasonal ale.

Beer Advocate Score: 79 and 89

Style: Black India Pale Ale

Malts: 2-Row, Vienna, Munich, Wheat, Crystal Rye, Chocolate, Pale Chocolate

Hops: Summit, Pilgrim, Cascade
Serving Temperature: 45-50º F

ABV:  6.0%
IBU:  44

Case Cost:  $38

*website: http://www.mendobrew.com/home.html

December 2 - Saranac Immortality

Why we picked it:  Tommy picked it...Tommy picks good beers! It's a limited release as well. 

About Saranac Immortality:  Saranac Imperial Amber ale brewed with a portion of locally grown heirloom hops, this beer showcases big citrus and herbal hop character with a firm, resinous bitterness. German specialty malts provide a bold amber color and lend a balanced maltiness.  Available only on February 15th and October 1st.

This amber nectar is worthy of the gods, but it's all too human: people played a big part in making this beer. Several varieties of hops were used from this year's Hop Harvest at Wrobel Farms.  Notice the earthly notes from the heirloom varieties, balanced with a splash of floral and citrusy hops.

Beer Advocate Score: 87 and 89

Color: Medium Amber
Aroma: Floral and Citrusy
Mouthfeel: Medium
Style: Imperial Amber Ale

Malts: North American 2-Row, Vienna, Carastan

Original Gravity: 18° Plato

Hops: Centennial, Cascade, Brewers Gold,Heirloom

Food Pairings: Spicy fare, grilled meats, Mexican and Thai dishes

ABV:  7.5%
IBU:  75

Case Cost:  $42

*website: http://www.saranac.com/our-beers/high-peak-series/

December 1 - 21st Amendment's Toaster Pastry

Why we picked it:  It got a decent rating, it sounded interesting, and oh yeah...it's a 19.2 oz can of beer.  Let's start this 24 DoB off with a big guy! 

About 21st Amendment's Toaster Pastry:  Our first beer out of our new brewery is an homage to its former life as a toaster pastry factory.  Biscuit malts give the beer a slightly nutty, crust-like flavor, while pale and dark Crystal malts create the mouthfeel and flavors reminiscent of strawberry jam. Calypso and other experimental hops give this ruby ale a welcome bite, plus a few more in the hop back for a toasty-sweet aroma.  Toaster Pastry won a Silver medal in the Double Red Ale Category at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival

Beer Advocate Score: 89

Color:  Deep Amber
Flavor Hops:  Centennial, Ahtanum, Amarillo, Mosaic
Malts:  Two Row, Baird 70-80 Dark Crystal, Weyermann Munich 2, Weyermann Carafa III, Castle Biscuit
Bittering Hops:  Warrior
Yeast:  American Ale

ABV:  7.6%
IBU:  74

Case Cost:  $106 (usually sold as singles for about $5 each)

*website: http://21st-amendment.com/beers/toaster-pastry/