Barleywine - American - The Beer Thrillers

Sweet ‘n’ Savory

AmyMWolfe — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 16:07:47 +0000

Being Able to Find the Perfect Mix of Sweet and Savory Feels Like a Miracle

Being able to find the perfect mix of sweet and savory feels like a miracle. This necessarily doesn’t mean that it must include something spicy but that is always an option.

I’ve been told recently that spicy doesn’t have to be scary, so be daring with me if you tend to shy away from the heat. But I won’t be doing that this evening, ha!

Homer drooling over a hamburger

I’m writing on here about paring foods from time to time. One thing I get stuck on is either find flavors that are matchy or find flavors that are complimenting but different. One random night after work. Ya know, when your exhausted but just need some sort of nourishment. We grabbed Pillar of Beasts from 3 Floyds Brewing at West Connection Beer Vault (we had picked this up in a mix a six, alongside several others, including the recent pumpkin beers I had with Grandma SueAnn) to have with burgers and onions from the grilled and garlicky sauteed green beans.

It. Was. Amazing.

I legit wasn’t picking this out on purpose. It was an evening where we grabbed beer and some food to shove down our tired gullets to try to make it through the week. First of all; barleywine. It’s a favorite so we knew we couldn’t go wrong. It was the perfect combo of sweet and savory. The flavors mixed so well until I realized they were all gone.

This comes rocking in at a 13.7% ABV according to Untapped. This definitely qualifies as a BIG DAMN BEER! #BDB

Homer Drooling over beer and food

Pillar of Beasts has a 4.21 overall rating (on Untappd) and is described as “Our latest Barleywine Ale brewed with Salted Caramel, vanilla beans, and cocoa nibs then aged for 12 months in bourbon barrels. Taste the scrumptiousness.” You can see our post on Instagram about the beer here: Pillars of Beast – The Beer Thrillers on Instagram. (Please be sure to give us a follow on Instagram. Thank you!)

Pillar of Beasts by 3 Floyds Brewing with dinner

Pairing the sweet barleywine with a savory burger and garlicky green beans was one of the best decisions I’ve made since I decided to date the creator of The Beer Thrillers.

Drink More Beer!
- Amy

Amy’s Column Series

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Pillar of Beats by 3 Floyds Brewing (photo courtesy of Untappd)

Troegs Brewing Releases Perpetual Darkness

B. Kline — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 14:29:00 +0000

Perpetual Darkness – Barleywine (by Troegs Independent Brewing) (photo courtesy of Troegs Independent Brewing Company)

Troegs Brewing Releases Perpetual Darkness

What if? Thats a question that gets asked a lot around Troegs Brewery in Hershey, PA. Answering these What If questions is how many of your favorite beers from the brewery have been made. Perpetual Darkness is no different.

Releasing today – December 7th, 2023 – Perpetual Darkness makes its return. An American style Barleywine, its one of the better barleywines in the Central PA area.

As per their Facebook announcement of it:

What if? It’s a question we often ask around here. What if Perpetual were a sort of dirty blonde barleywine? What if we toned down the bitterness but turned up the sticky citrus notes? Enter Perpetual Darkness, a hoppy candy bar gone wild with a silky body and an herbal, resiny finish. We taste: overripe grapefruit, grassy herbs, candied orange. Only available here at the brewery this Thursday in 16-oz cans. troegs.com/visit #Troegs #PerpetualDarkness #Barleywine
Tröegs Independent Brewing – Facebook Post

Personally this is an absolutely fantastic Barleywine, and a great beer all around. I always look forward to its release and try and stock up on it when it comes out. Not enough breweries do barleywines, and its one of my absolute favorite styles.

For more information on Perpetual Darkness, lets check Untappd:

Perpetual Darkness

Beer: Perpetual Darkness
Brewery: Tröegs Independent Brewing
Style: Barleywine – American
ABV: 9.4%
IBU: 54
Untappd Description: What if? It’s a question we often ask around here. What if Perpetual were a sort of dirty blonde barleywine? What if we toned down the bitterness but turned up the sticky citrus notes? Enter Perpetual Darkness, a hoppy candy bar of an IPA gone wild with a silky body and an herbal, resiny finish. We taste: overripe grapefruit, grassy herbs, candied orange
Untappd Ratings: 2,200+ (as of 12.7.23)
Global Untappd Rating: 3.92 (as of 12.7.23)
My Untappd Rating: ****.5

Other Releases

Troegs Independent Brewing is also releasing two more beers today as well. They are releasing Scratch 506 – Lager, as well as the Ales for ALS beer. Look for all three of these at the brewery at 200 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey PA.

For More Information on Troegs Independent Craft Brewing

According to Untappd, Troegs Independent Craft Brewing is a regional brewery with 157 unique beers listed (despite their being over 500 Scratches). They have 2.3 Million ratings and as of 12.7.23 have a global average rating of 3.79. Their Untappd bio reads:

“Founded in Pennsylvania in 1997 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, Tröegs Independent Brewing is driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity. Our brewery has been built by family, friends and kindred spirits who share a love of great beer. Together, we all make Tröegs. You might know our Perpetual IPA, the best-selling IPA in Pennsylvania. Or the dark, malty and crisp Troegenator. You may have come across such iconic beers as Nugget Nectar or Mad Elf in your beer travels. Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to try one or two of the hundreds of experimental Scratch Series beers we’ve brewed over the years. Whether you’re already a member of our extended family or you’re just getting to know our brewery, there’s always something new to discover with Tröegs.“

You can find them at the following social media pages:

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You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

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Figgy Pudding Yearly Release – This Friday

B. Kline — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:20:23 +0000

Figgy Pudding Returns

Its that time again! A glorious barleywine loving time! This Friday – November 17th, 2023 – Figgy Pudding returns at The Alementary Brewery in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Figgy Pudding week is upon us! Our indomitable English barleywine is co-fermented with figs, prunes, apricots and dates before being aged for a year in the finest Jamaican rum barrels. The result is absolutely perfect for holiday parties and pairs delightfully with the foods of the season. As usual, this one is pretty limited since finding rum barrels of sufficient quality for this beauty is very challenging. The official release is Friday, 11/17. It isn’t required, but you can order your bottles in advance on our website if you’d prefer. We are also raising Blake and Mike’s personal stash for a re-release of the 2022 Figgy since you’ve all long since “accidentally” consumed them. Let’s get Figgy!

#digthefig #craftbeer #beer #alementary #njbeer #beerporn
The Alementary – Facebook Post

A Beer Thrillers Favorite

Figgy Pudding is one of our all time absolute favorite beers here at The Beer Thrillers – for many reasons. Firstly, its a wonderful and delicious beer, but secondly there’s a lot of sentimental reasons as well.

The Alementary was one of Amy and Ben’s first dates and we split a bottle of Figgy Pudding and spent nearly the entire evening at the brewery chatting and having a wonderful time together, getting to learn and grow and know each other.

We took a bottle to go, and kept it cellared, and after Amy got pregnant with Scarlet Emma, it ended up becoming her “push present”:

Scarlet Emma and Figgy Pudding

So we cracked it open there at the Harrisburg Hospital (don’t tell), and Amy got to enjoy her first few sips of beer in a very long time. (Don’t worry, I made sure the bottle didn’t go to waste. –Ben)

Our Instagram and Facebook post covered it:

Cheers to Scarlet Emma! We saved this bottle from our visit to @alementary and its aged just as long as she is (give or take a few months).

This is the one beer Amy waited and wanted her entire pregnancy, and she can now finally get a few sips of it.

Cheers Scarlet Emma! Can’t wait to take you home tomorrow!

#thealementary #thealementarybrewingcompany #thebeerthrillers #figgypudding #barleywine #aged #craftbeer #njbeer #baby #newbaby #pushbeer #pushgift #scarlet #scarletemma
The Beer Thrillers is in Harrisburg (Facebook Post)

The Alementary was so kind that they reached out to us and told us to stop by the brewery and they would gift us another bottle of Figgy Pudding, and so in January of this year we made the trek back out to Hackensack New Jersey and picked it up, getting to also watch the Bengals defeat the Bills in their playoff game at the brewery, and enjoy a nice beautiful snowy day in New Jersey – and it was Scarlet Emma’s first trip to the brewery as well!

We certainly know we’ll be coming back out to New Jersey soon to get this year’s vintage of Figgy Pudding and we cannot wait!

Cheers to Figgy Pudding, cheers to The Alementary, and cheers to all who get to try it. Its an extremely delicious beer!

For More Information on The Alementary

The following information comes from Untappd. The Alementary is a micro brewery from Hackensack, New Jersey. They have 299 unique beers and over 66,000 ratings with a global average rating of 3.79 (as of 11.16.23). Their Untappd description reads: Our mission is simple: Create approachable and uncomplicated world-class beers in a brewery experience that gives our friends and neighbors a brewery that they are proud to call their own.

You can follow them at these social media pages:

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If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

Beer Review: Schlafly Reserve Barleywine (Vintage – 2009)

B. Kline — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 01:15:49 +0000

Barleywines – The King of Ales

Barleywines, often referred to as the “king of ales,” represent a regal and robust beer style characterized by their high alcohol content and complex malt profiles. Originating in England, barleywines have evolved over the centuries into a diverse category that includes both English-style and American-style variations. These hearty ales are typically brewed with a substantial amount of malted barley, resulting in a full-bodied and sweet brew that boasts a higher alcohol by volume (ABV) than most other beer styles. The malt bill contributes rich caramel and toffee notes, creating a luscious sweetness that can be complemented by undertones of dark fruits such as raisins, figs, and plums.

One distinguishing feature of barleywines is their aging potential. Much like fine wines, these beers can benefit from extended cellaring, with flavors developing and maturing over time. Young barleywines often showcase a pronounced hop bitterness that balances the sweetness, while aged versions tend to mellow, allowing the malt complexities to shine. This aging process transforms barleywines into cellar treasures, with vintage releases offering beer enthusiasts the opportunity to embark on a flavorful journey through time. Whether enjoyed fresh or aged, barleywines are a testament to the brewer’s artistry and the capacity of beer to mature into something truly extraordinary.

Barleywines are one of my absolute favorite styles; and I can drink them year round, regardless of temperature. At the 2022 Atlantic City Brewfest, after just having won a 5K to get into the brewfest, in upper 80 degree temperature – the first beer I got was an 15% barleywine from Broken Goblet Brewing – and I promptly chugged it down, and then got a refill to enjoy.

Schlafly Brewery

Schlafly Brewery, based in St. Louis, Missouri, has been a stalwart in the craft beer scene since its founding in 1991. Founded by Tom Schlafly and Dan Kopman, the brewery has been a pioneer in bringing quality craft beer to the heart of the Midwest. With a commitment to traditional brewing methods and a passion for innovation, Schlafly has become a beloved name among beer enthusiasts.

Schlafly’s dedication to brewing excellence is exemplified in their Reserve Series, a collection of limited-edition releases showcasing the brewery’s expertise and creativity. The 2009 Reserve Barleywine is a shining example of their commitment to aging beer to perfection. Known for their attention to detail and respect for beer styles, Schlafly has garnered a reputation for producing beers that stand the test of time.

Brewing Process

The Schlafly Reserve Barleywine 2009 is a testament to the brewery’s meticulous brewing process. Crafted with precision and care, this barleywine begins with a foundation of quality malt, carefully selected to impart the rich and complex flavors that define the style. The use of traditional brewing techniques, combined with a keen eye for detail, results in a beer that can withstand the aging process and emerge with enhanced depth and character.

The decision to release a barleywine as part of the Reserve Series speaks volumes about Schlafly’s commitment to providing beer enthusiasts with unique and memorable experiences. This particular vintage has been patiently maturing in the brewery’s cellars, allowing the flavors to evolve and develop into something truly special.

Community and Innovation

Beyond their dedication to brewing exceptional beer, Schlafly Brewery has been an integral part of the St. Louis community. They actively engage with local initiatives, events, and charities, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the beer itself. Schlafly’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility also adds an extra layer of appreciation for their contributions to both craft brewing and the world at large.

In conclusion, Schlafly Brewery’s Reserve Barleywine 2009 not only reflects the brewery’s passion for crafting exceptional beer but also invites beer enthusiasts to partake in a piece of brewing history. As you savor the nuances of this vintage barleywine, you’re not just enjoying a beverage – you’re experiencing the culmination of decades of brewing expertise and a commitment to quality that defines the Schlafly legacy. Cheers to the brewers who have patiently shepherded this beer through time, delivering a truly exceptional drinking experience.

Beer Review: Schlafly Reserve Barleywine (Vintage – 2009)

Schlafly Reserve Barleywine (Vintage – 2009)

Beer: Schlafly Reserve Barleywine (Vintage – 2009)
Brewery: Schlafly – The Saint Louis Brewery
Style: Barleywine – American
ABV: 10.2%
IBU: 40
Untappd Description: Our Oak-Aged Barleywine has a deep copper color with intense malt flavors and assertive hops for balance. Fermentation with American ale yeast allows the caramel-flavored malt to shine. After fermentation, the beer is infused with American-made Oak chips, where it is aged for several more months to develop its smooth, luscious character. The higher alcohol level in the beer allows the flavors to develop and mellow over time. Aging also creates raisin and port-wine characteristics in the finished beer.

Schlafly Reserve Barleywine 2009 – A Vintage Delight for Connoisseurs

Welcome, beer enthusiasts! Today, we dive into the cellars of brewing history with our review of the Schlafly Reserve Barleywine 2009. This vintage gem has been patiently aging, promising a sensory journey for those lucky enough to savor its rich complexities. Join us as we uncork the past and explore the aged wonders of this barleywine masterpiece.

Appearance

As we pour this 2009 Reserve Barleywine into a glass, the deep amber hue immediately catches the eye. Its clarity is impressive, and a subtle effervescence hints at the carbonation still present after all these years. The modest but persistent off-white head adds an elegant touch, showcasing the beer’s longevity.

Aroma

The nose is a symphony of aged malt sweetness, with caramel and toffee leading the way. Layers of dark fruit, such as figs and raisins, emerge, intertwining with hints of vanilla and oak. The aromatic journey takes us back to the roots of traditional barleywine craftsmanship, promising a decadent experience.

Taste

Upon the first sip, it’s evident that time has been kind to this barleywine. The malt backbone is robust, offering a velvety texture that coats the palate. The caramelized sugars have matured, bringing forth a delightful sweetness that’s balanced by subtle bitterness. Dark fruit notes dance on the taste buds, revealing the beer’s evolution into a complex elixir. A gentle warmth from the alcohol emerges, adding a comforting touch to each sip.

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel of Schlafly Reserve Barleywine 2009 is luxurious and full-bodied. Despite its age, the carbonation remains lively enough to lift the flavors, creating a silky-smooth texture. The beer’s viscosity contributes to a lingering finish that invites contemplation.

Overall Impression

Schlafly Reserve Barleywine 2009 is a testament to the magic that occurs when patience meets craftsmanship. This vintage beauty delivers a sophisticated and well-rounded drinking experience. The interplay of malt sweetness, dark fruit, and nuanced oak character makes this barleywine a treat for seasoned beer aficionados and those new to aged brews alike.

Food Pairing

Pair this barleywine with equally rich and robust flavors. Consider indulging in a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses, prosciutto, and fig preserves. For a decadent dessert pairing, try it alongside a slice of dark chocolate cake or a creamy blue cheese cheesecake.

Final Thoughts

In the world of aged barleywines, Schlafly Reserve Barleywine 2009 stands as a beacon of timeless craftsmanship. Whether you’re a collector seeking to unearth a forgotten gem or a beer lover eager to experience the evolution of flavors, this vintage brew is a must-try. Embrace the past, savor the present, and let the Schlafly Reserve Barleywine 2009 be your guide through a taste of brewing history.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 3.96 (as of 11.2.23)

Upcoming

This weekend we’ll be up in State College for Amy’s Walk to End ALZ. Hopefully we’ll be hitting a few breweries while we’re up there, but not sure how many as we will be very busy with the walk. We will most likely be eating at Ottto’s Pub and Brewery on Friday night. Not sure if we’ll get a chance after the walk on Saturday to visit any. Hopefully we will. Or at least maybe hit one on the drive back home.

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If you like this article, please check out our other many articles, including news, beer reviews, travelogues, maps, and much much more. We greatly appreciate everyone visiting the site!

Cheers.

MAPS OF BREWERIES

You can check out our different directories here: Beer Reviews, Hike Reviews, Book Reviews, Brewery News, Brewery Openings, Brewer Interviews, and Travelogues.

The Beer Thrillers on LinkTree can be found here: The Beer Thrillers LinkTree.

The Beer Thrillers are a blog that prides itself on writing beer reviews, brewery reviews, travelogues, news (especially local to the Central PA brewery scene), as well as covering other topics of our interests – such as hiking, literature and books, board games, and video games which we sometimes stream with our friends over at Knights of Nostalgia. We are currently listed as #7 on FeedSpot’s “Top 100 Beer Blogs” and #8 on FeedSpot’s “Top 40 Pennsylvania Blogs”. (As of January 2023.) Thank you for reading our site today, please subscribe, follow, and bookmark. Please reach out to us if you are interested in working together. If you would like to donate to the blog you can here: Donate to The Beer Thrillers. Thank you!

If you would like to reach out to us for product reviews, beer reviews, press release writing, and other media – please contact us at thebeerthrillers@gmail.com. Thank you.

Beer Review: Tenebris (GHOST Tenebris) (Adroit Theory)

B. Kline — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 14:03:26 +0000

Tenebris – A barleywine by Adroit Theory

Adroit Theory

Adroit Theory is a craft brewery based in Purcellville, Virginia. Known for its experimental and bold approach to brewing, Adroit Theory specializes in a wide range of beer styles, particularly focusing on high-ABV (alcohol by volume) beers such as imperial stouts, IPAs, and barrel-aged brews. The brewery is also notable for its distinctive and often dark and gothic-themed artwork and packaging.

Gaming Time

I usually find myself drinking IPAs and DIPAs (or even TIPAs) while doing some gaming, but switched it up with Tenebris by Adroit Theory tonight. This was a fantastic beer to sit back and do a “gaming sesh” (as the cool kids call it). The 10.7% slowly crept up on me as I played and provided a perfect buzz for the gaming. And as Josh would say – “Its a Damn Big Beer”.

Beer Review: Tenebris by Adroit Theory

Tenebris (or GHOST Tenebris) is a Barleywine, in the American tradition. The stats for it are:

Beer: Tenebris
Brewery: Adroit Theory
Style: Barleywine – American
ABV: 10.7%
IBU: 60
Untappd Description:

We haven’t made this beer in over 6 years, but decided to re-address it in the style of an American Barleywine. Full, semi-sweet, and chewy body with a sticky texture offering malt driven notes of honey, toffee, and stone fruit with just enough bitterness for balance.⁠

Brewed with Amarillo + Centennial Hops

Appearance:

Tenebris pours a deep amber to mahogany color with a slight haze, topped with a thin, tan head that dissipates quickly but leaves a delicate lace on the glass. The viscosity is evident, hinting at the rich, high-alcohol content within. Swirling the glass reveals the beer’s thick legs, a visual testament to its bold and syrupy nature.

The clarity of the beer allows light to catch and reveal ruby highlights at the edges, adding to its visual appeal. The minimal head retention focuses attention on the beer’s rich color and inviting appearance, setting the stage for the sensory experience that follows.

Aroma:

The nose is an inviting blend of caramel, toffee, and dark fruits such as raisins and figs. Subtle notes of molasses and brown sugar are present, accompanied by a mild hop aroma that adds a layer of complexity. As the beer warms, deeper aromas of oak and vanilla become more pronounced, hinting at its barrel-aged pedigree.

Inhaling deeply reveals additional layers of aroma, including a faint earthiness and a hint of spice, likely from the interplay of malts and hops. The aromatic profile is rich and complex, drawing you in and encouraging a slow, deliberate tasting experience.

Taste:

The flavor profile is intensely rich and multi-layered. Initial sips reveal a strong malt backbone with pronounced caramel and toffee sweetness, balanced by a robust presence of dark fruit flavors—dates, raisins, and a touch of cherry. As it warms, additional nuances of vanilla, oak, and a slight nuttiness come to the fore, likely influenced by barrel aging. The finish is warm and slightly boozy, with a lingering bitterness that prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.

Each sip uncovers new subtleties, from hints of chocolate and roasted nuts to a whisper of smokiness. The balance of sweetness and bitterness is masterfully executed, making each mouthful a harmonious blend of flavors that evolve on the palate. The complexity and depth of Tenebris ensure that it remains interesting from the first sip to the last.

Mouthfeel:

Full-bodied and smooth, Tenebris has a luscious mouthfeel that coats the palate. The carbonation is moderate, adding a slight effervescence that helps balance the beer’s richness and high alcohol content. The viscosity of the beer provides a satisfying, almost chewy texture that enhances the drinking experience.

Despite its high ABV, the alcohol warmth is well-integrated and adds to the overall enjoyment without overwhelming the other flavors. The mouthfeel is robust yet elegant, making it a pleasure to sip and savor. Each sip leaves a lingering, velvety finish that invites you to take another.

Overall:

Adroit Theory’s Tenebris is a standout example of a barleywine. Its depth and complexity make it an excellent choice for slow sipping and savoring over time. The well-integrated flavors and warming alcohol presence are perfect for cooler weather, making it a great companion for a cozy evening. This beer pairs wonderfully with rich foods such as roasted meats or a decadent cheese platter and can also be enjoyed on its own as a dessert beer.

For fans of the barleywine style, Tenebris is a must-try, showcasing Adroit Theory’s expertise in crafting bold, flavorful brews. Its ability to evolve and reveal new flavors as it warms makes it an engaging and memorable experience. Highly recommended for those looking for an indulgent and memorable beer experience.

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Average Untappd Rating: 4.12 (as of 11.21.21)

Adroit Theory Beer Reviews

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MAPS OF BREWERIES

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Multiple Beer Review: Barrel Aged Barleywine, You Think Darkness is Your Ally?, 3rd Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout, Cinn-A-Bun (Ever Grain Brewing Co.)

BKline — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 20:42:43 +0000

Ever Grain Brewing Co.

Its been a hot minute since I’ve been to Ever Grain (the brewery), so I figured it was about time and I was due to try some delicious beers from them (absolutely always love their beers). They have such a fantastic brewery and a lovely place that is just so inviting (inside and outside) that I always love going there. Sadly, it just feels “so far away” from the Hummelstown area. Its really only a 18-22 minute drive (Google Maps flips and flops on this, depending on time of day, traffic, local events, etc.), so in actuality its not REALLY that far away, more like it just feels that way (due to having to cross the river I suspect) so its kind of a mental impediment.

Saturday while at work a co-worker mentioned about how she saw the Cinn-a-Bun and the other beers that Ever Grain was posting on their Instagram. You can actually check out our first post on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/B24Mt-FgJD8/ . Hopefully as I figure out more about it, we’ll be posting more on there (I know a lot of people use Instagram rather than FaceBook or Twitter or even Untappd or ….. Myspace?!). But needless to say, she saw the post on their Instagram about it and got excited about it and was talking about how much she loves pastry stouts and such, and to be honest, I definitely do too. And over this past weekend (Saturday and Sunday, the 21st and 22nd of September) Ever Grain celebrated their 3rd Anniversary. (Feels like they’ve been open much longer, especially with the quality of their beers!). So I had to stop and get her a crowler of the Cinn-a-bun, plus, I definitely wanted to try out all these lovely delicious sounding beers myself. So… thats just what I did!

The brewery has undergone a few changes since I was last there (probably back in maybe October or November of LAST year). They now have a side-bar and restaurant (ran by Kurt, and its called Little Bird at Ever Grain) and their main bar area now opens up in two different directions. On a nice (and still warm) September night like Tuesday was, it was lovely. I chose to sit out in the patio area and read while drinking (like I usually do) and watched a cornhole tournament (or at least a cornhole competition) unfold.

Little Bird at Ever Grain

I unfortunately didn’t have a lot of time to spend (pretty much just enough time to grab the flight, sample it, read about 15 pages in the process, take in the ambience, and get the crowler to go), so I didn’t get anything to order from Little Bird. I also got there at 8:50 and the place was due to close at 10PM, though when I left at 9:20-9:30 it was still hopping and the tournament/competition was just ending. But all I’ve heard is amazing things and seeing Kurt’s posts on Facebook, the food looks absolutely phenomenal and delicious.

I was quite surprised by how busy they were at even 930 at night, on a Tuesday, especially given that their Google Maps, Untappd, and Hop Plotter, listings all had them scheduled to close at 10PM.

Ever Grain Brewing Co. (at 930PM on Tuesday September 24th, 2019).

It was a fun, loud, jovial atmosphere both inside the brewery and outside, especially in the grass area between Ever Grain and the boxing studio and the oyster restaurant. This is what is so great about breweries – bringing communities and people together. All kinds of groups of people hanging out inside at the bar area, at the tables, families with kids, guys watching sports on the TV, outside people playing cornhole and having a blast together, and I think the couple at the table near me were on a first or second date (a lot of new questions about each other), possibly even met there at the brewery.

My dark and heavy and boozy flight from Ever Grain, with Haley’s crowler of Cinn-a-Bun in the background.

Looking at the extensive (13+) beers they had available, I decided to go the route of dark, heavy, boozy, and I definitely loved the flight I picked out, and would highly recommend it to everyone making a one-time stop in at Ever Grain. My flight consisted of a (barrel aged) barleywine, a porter, a (barrel aged) Imperial / Double stout, and a milk / sweet / pastry stout. So it was definitely a heavy, boozy flight, and also a very dark one. It was delicious! Let’s break it down.

BA Barleywine (or Barleywine, or Barrel Aged Barleywine, depending on what sheet or screen or app you’re looking at).

Beer: Barrel Aged Barleywine
Brewery: Ever Grain Brewing Co.
Style: Barleywine – American
ABV: 14%
IBU: No IBU
Untappd Write-Up: Smooth, lively & fruity we barrel aged this beer in Buffalo Trace barrels for a year. On a cold evening, you will be warmed from the inside out!

This was an absolutely wonderful barleywine, and as anyone who knows me knows, I love barleywines. The bigger, the bolder, the higher the ABV, the better. And this matches all of that. This is what a barleywine should be, and its definitely everything I love in a barleywine. Aged in Buffalo Trace barrels; which gives it an edge and a kick that just adds to the beer and puts it over the top.

Aroma is strong malt, strong notes of the boozyness before you even dive into the taste. It has a spicey and stone fruit smell that is heavy and stays in your nostrils.

Appearance is light to dark brown, an earthy brown one might say (or tobacco spit coloring if you’re feeling for an apt and disgusting coloring description). Its mostly on the light-brown spectrum moving upwards. Not a whole lot of head nor does there ever need to be for this. (I was also granted this for free since someone had ordered a taster of it and then didn’t want it, so even though I picked this for my flight, I didn’t have to pay for it, so it might have sat for a few minutes.)

Taste is splendid. Immediately heavy booze, heavy traces of the wood and barrel aging process, bourbon-scotch notes. Dry finish but nothing too dry and nothing bitter. No cloying, no off flavors, no astringency, no sourness. Mouthfeel is heavy but in the right ways.

This was definitely the right beer to start off this flight with!

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Untappd Rating: 4.18 (as of 9.26.19)

You Think Darkness is Your Ally? (Porter by Ever Grain Brewing Co. in collaboration with H.L. Horse)

Beer: You Think Darkness is Your Ally?
Brewery: Ever Grain Brewing Co.
Collaboration: H.L. Horse
Style: Porter – Baltic Imperial / Double
ABV: 8%
IBU: No IBU
Untappd Write-Up: You like dark beers? You’ve merely adopted the dark; this beer was born in it. In the cold, dark lager cellar it grew strong & emerged a deep, complex porter slightly roasty with a rich malty sweetness.

Didn’t realize it until after I checked it in and saw that it was a collaboration beer (no mentioning it on the sign or anywhere else). The Untappd page lists it as a collaboration with a “home brewery” named H.L. Horse. The page on H.L. Horse has no description or information, and lists them as having 18 unique beers to their name and 31 ratings (so no total global rating). So not sure the history on this collaboration.

Aroma is roasty, malt forward and heavy. It has a complex nose but generally speaking its more malt forward and roasty then it is anything else that I can fully distinguish.

Appearance is jet engine fuel black. Its sucking in light and not letting any of it return, ala a black hole. For a taster glass, it had a nice head to it, a nice simple foam with varying bubbles and a creamy look to it. This is the abyss that Nietzsche talks about, and if you keep staring at it, you will fall in.

Taste is a complex matter on this one. It is very dry, very bitter, at times too bitter, and at times too dry, but ultimately as a whole, it tastes alright. It tastes like first sip is overly bitter and dry, but middle sip is ok, and last sip the dryness and bitterness kind of even out. Hard to explain in that. This is heavy too, you can feel and taste some of that 8% that lurks in the depths of this dark beer. You get the roasty malts and even possibly a slight smokiness but that is very subliminal and very limited.

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 4.01 (as of 9.26.19)

3rd Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout by Ever Grain Brewing Co.

Beer: 3rd Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout
Brewery: Ever Grain Brewing Co.
Style: Stout – Imperial / Double
ABV: 14.3%
IBU: No IBU
Untappd Write-Up: A complex Imperial Stout aged in Wolford Reserve & Apple Brandy barrels which impart rich bourbon, chocolate, and roasted flavors.

This one surprisingly clocks in higher than the barleywine on the ABV charts for this fun outing. Climbing all the way up to 14.3% (the barleywine was a 14%). And this one felt heavy, but not as boozy as the barleywine. Aged in Wolford Reserve and Apple Brandy barrels rather than Buffalo Trace. Their 2nd Anniversary Stout was an aged Dark Necessity stout and clocked in at 11.2%. Their first anniversary stout was an 11% bourbon barrel aged stout. So you may or may not be noticing a theme with their anniversary stouts.

Aroma is kind of your typical for a stout. Malt, some chocolate, a bit of coffee maybe, a richness and a creamyness to it, a little bit of bourbon from the barrel aging.

Appearance is just like the Your Darkness, very black, maybe not quite as dark as the prior, but definitely dark. The head is a white slight foam, creamy in appearance. Unlike the Porter (Your Darkness) which had a more dark brown / peanut butter colored head to it.

Taste on this one is a bit interesting, and I found it sadly lacking. Not completely and overly lacking, but just… not quite what my expectations were probably before going in. I definitely imagined it being their big, bad, best stout, especially with a 14.3% ABV and with it being their “3rd Anniversary Stout”, plus anytime I have a “barrel aged” beer, I expect just a bit more out of it. Primarily due to cost going up on it (cost both for us as consumer and cost by the brewer). But also because of all the added work that goes in, to the transferring, to the procuring, to the sampling, etc, etc, etc. Just to reiterate, I did like this beer, it just didn’t fit the description and didn’t fit with my mental head on it. It tasted a bit thin, not flat, but thin, almost going towards watery but not there. It didn’t have a concrete bourbon flavoring to it either that I really expected it to have. There was a sweetness to it, which kind of surprised me. Could be the chocolate? I don’t know, it definitely didn’t have the bitter chocolate or the cooking chocolate flavor and taste to it. Thats for sure. Some roast malt notes but very slight.

My gut reaction response when I had it (encapsulated on m Untappd check-in): ” Interesting stout, kind of a sweet taste to it. Tastes thin and light, but is 14%, no real bourbon flavor. I like it, but doesn’t exactly fit the description or seem right, not sure. I do like it though, can’t fully put my finger on it.”

My Untappd Rating: ****
Global Untappd Rating: 4.18 (as of 9.26.19)

Cinn-a-Bun by Ever Grain Brewing Co.

Beer: Cinn-a-Bun
Brewery: Ever Grain Brewing Co.
Style: Stout – Milk / Sweet
ABV: 5.6%
IBU: No IBU
Untappd Write-Up: A decadent dessert Stout brewed with milk sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, & dozens of fresh cinnamon buns from The Pennsylvania Bakery in Camp Hill. All of the rich flavors & aromas you’d expect from a cinnamon bun, conveniently infused in a Stout!

The purpose of the trip, to grab a crowler of this for Haley, my co-worker who saw this on Ever Grain’s Instagram or Twitter or whatever on Saturday (yea, I’m not very social media savvy but trying to get there for the sake of this blog). So I grabbed a crowler of this, got the flight for myself (can’t stop at a brewery without having at least one beer), and the total came to 19.25$ (well, 23$ after tip). So hopefully when I go back to work Saturday (yea… Saturday is my Monday) and I surprise her with it, she’ll like it. Fingers crossed. Always good to earn brownie points.

Interestingly, with the lead ingredient being fresh cinnamon buns from The Pennsylvania Bakery, it reminds me of the various cakes I’ve gotten from there in the past (ones for various parties and such like my moms birthday). Its one of the best bakeries around, an absolutely fantastic place.

So there is definitely a lot to unpack with this beer, and surprisingly its also the lowest ABV of my flight (by a fair margin, the other beers being a 14%, 8%, 14.3%).

Aroma is cinnamon heavy, bready, notes of vanilla and sugar. You can smell the cinnamon buns from The PA Bakery upfront and heavy. The cinnamon itself dominating most of all. But you can definitely get a bready quality there, and notes of the vanilla.

Appearance is like the last three, jet engine fuel black. (This is always one of my favorite descriptors, only followed up by “Razor Ramon hair black”, which maybe I’ll switch to using that more.) Nice small ring of head to this, whitish to slight cream colored.

Taste is a pastry stout bomb in your mouth going off. Everything you think about in a pastry stout is right there exploding immediately. Breadyness, sugary, creamy, vanilla, all sorts of flavors. Lactose. Bread. Vanilla. Smoothness and creamyness. The cinnamon is pretty heavy to going mild and adds a nice note to the beer. I think the cinnamon kind of overpowers some of the vanilla and creamy lactose notes, but not too much, and definitely not enough to offset the beer. This finishes just as good as it starts and it never gets bad at any point. Nice aftertaste of a cinnamon bun, just like it was fresh from Grammy’s oven.

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Untappd Rating: 3.93 (as of 9.26.19)

For those curious, the book I’m reading is “How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems” by Randall Munroe of XKCD fame. Very funny book and I highly recommend it (I’ll soon be done with it and posting a review of it on my GoodReads if you want to check it out.)

As you can see I’m getting better with linking things, and working harder to incorporate more links and pingbacks to our other articles and such, and will be combing back over some of our older articles to start adding in links and updating them.

We were recently approached by a brewery named MidWest Coast Brewing Company to cover their opening of their brewery and taproom. They are a new brewery in Chicago and they invited us to do a brewery tour (which won’t be a while due to travel issues) as well as to do a write-up and kind of an interview with them to help grab some attention for their opening of their new brewery and taproom. So expect to see that article soon.

Likewise, expect to see quite a few new beer reviews, and comb back through for some others that got date-logged backwards due to when I started writing them. Also, my event write-up for the Lititz Brewfest I attended Sunday should be completed tomorrow, and will be posted here, as well as submitted to Breweries in PA. So you’ll be able to read it in both places. (Likely our blog will contain a bit more than their version will, mostly personal stuff I’ll post here before posting there.)

Also, for the second week we stayed at #11 on The Top 100 Beer Blogs on FeedSpot. We’ve only been listed for 3 weeks, and we debuted at #120, and then went to #11 in week 2 and stayed there for week 3. So that is definitely a high honor for us.

Last night, spent a fair amount of time at D.Scott’s practicing and setting up stuff for the podcast we’ll be doing together. He is currently thinking of the name of “Off the Rails” and it will be the two of us playing old NES and SNES games and discussing everything under the sun, while drinking beer, and talking craft beer as well. I’ll be sure to plug that here when things progress. (As a heads up, it will be a bit more ‘edgy’ than this blog is.)

Thanks for the look, hopefully you liked the beer flight review, I highly recommend checking out Ever Grain soon before these leave the taps (and not likely to come back), and make sure you all keep clicking the like, the subscribe and follow, and comment whenever you want, we appreciate hearing from you!

-B. Kline

(PS: Check out our Instagram, Twitter, Pintrest, and other pages below:

* Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebeerthriller/
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Thanks!!)

Beer Review: Rye for an Eye (Southern Prohibition Brewing)

BKline — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 03:45:00 +0000

Rye for an Eye, a Barleywine by Southern Prohibition Brewing Company, out of Hattiesburg Mississippi.

It has been a long and tiring day, so I’m sitting in bed, doing a fantasy draft, watching the Chappelle special, and drinking an entire 22oz bottle of barleywine by myself. Welcome to being 34!

This was part of the beer mail package, and being a huge barleywine fan, I figured I’d save it for my birthday and plow through it. So thats exactly what I’m doing. And damn is it good!

This is going to be a quicker, breezier blog, than the previous ones in recent history (like yesterday’s), mainly because I’m starting to get tired, its the long end of a birthday, and I figure it’d be nice to write a short, succinct beer review, rather than a long one dragging on about all kinds of other things.

Beer: Rye for an Eye
Brewery: Southern Prohibition Brewing
Style: Barleywine – American
ABV: 8.8%
IBU: No IBU
Untappd Write-Up:
Big rich malt flavors interwoven with a heft dose of spicy rye. Notes of caramel, fig, and spicy pumpernickel bread are balanced by a punch of Simcoe and Centennial hops. Finishes with a smooth malt goodness with a slight grapefruit and pine bite.

This is a wonderful barleywine. It poured beautifully brown and then filled in nicely and with a terrific head. The aroma is rye with notes of spices and smelled heavenly.

The flavor is right on for a barleywine. It is exactly a barleywine, and it feels heavy, boozy, and honestly feels and tastes like it should be a 10%+ minimum, but only clocks in at 8.8% which is shocking. Still a bit on the heavy side (especially solo’ing a 22oz) but its not as high as the taste would lead you to believe.

The flavor is very heavy spice, malt, rye (obvious by the name). There is a bit of a late punch by the hops that adds a nice flourishing touch.

Definitely worth seeking out from Mississippi for this gem!

My Untappd Rating: ****.25
Global Untappd Rating: 3.86 (as of 8.27.19)

Keep on sippin sumpin!

-B. Kline

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Multiple Beer Review: Barrel Aged Barleywine, You Think Darkness is Your Ally?, 3rd Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout, Cinn-A-Bun (Ever Grain Brewing Co.)

Beer Review: Rye for an Eye (Southern Prohibition Brewing)