Day 67: 03.08.10 Weyerbacher Heresy

Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Easton, Pennsylvania


Heresy


Style: Russian Imperial Stout
Availabillity: Limited - February Release
Format: 12oz - 4pk
ABV: 8.0%


Bottle text & Info:
"This is an incredibly intriguing ale is made by aging our Old Heathen Imperial Stout in oak barrels that were used for making fine Kentucky bourbon!  The result is an extraordinary, dark, and mysterious stout whose very essence has been enhanced.  The aroma is filled with vanilla, cocoa, and roasted coffee beans.  This silky-smooth brew has notes of oak, whiskey, roasted barley and vanilla that meld together on the tongue to create an incredible sensation.  Heresy is released in February."


Tasting Notes: 
Pours engine oil black with a mocha colored, half inch head that shows great retention. Smells of roasted barley and a hint of vanilla, sort of predictable, sort of unspectacular. Begins with a swell of sweet caramel and vanilla that unexpectedly gives way to some pretty substantial bourbon notes that dominate through a dry, roasty, coffee-note ridden finale. So the bourbon notes saved this one for me. It's the primary reason I found this so enjoyable. A great Imperial stout that was an enjoyable sipper. I would have really liked to see a heavier body and perhaps a stronger bite on the end of this one. This seemed a bit thin and muted, but all in all - this one had some nice qualities and is a great change of pace stout for RIS fans.

Day 44: 02.13.10 Weyerbacher Fireside Ale

Weyerbacher Brewing Co.

Easton, Pennsylvania


Fireside Ale


Style: Smoked Ale
Availability: Seasonal - Winter - January Release
Format: 12oz - 4pk
ABV: 7.5%


Bottle text & Info:
This fantastic brew began its life as "Charlie", the third installment of the Brewer's Select Series.  It is now part of our seasonal lineup and will be released in the month of January.  It is an intricate dark ale with a touch of smokiness.  The rich malt flavor, crisp bitterness and smoke reach perfect equilibrium in this brew. At 7.5% abv, Fireside Ale will warm you up as the temperature drops 


Tasting Notes:
Pours a deep, slightly hazy chestnut brown with a quarter inch light tan head that quickly dissipates to a light rim around the glass. Smells faintly rauch-like. Restrained smoke yet also some significant hints of chocolate malt like aromas. Significant carmel malt notes with molasses in the front with lingering smoke. Love the layering which is somewhat like smoke, malt, smoke, hops, smoke - with end carbonation being just prickly enough to encourage the quaffing experience.  Unending complexity as this warms and the alcohol is well hidden.