Barb on Beer | Craft Beer Review

Paulaner Salvator Beer Review | Barb On Beer

2012-02-24T16:19:00.009-08:00

Paulaner Salvator is a tasty treat on a long winter night! A Doppelbock (a stronger, maltier, sweeter and darker version of a Bock), Salvator is 7.9% ABV with very low IBUs – somewhere between 15 and 20. It’s color is dark amber to mahogany and translucent. We found minimal lacing with head that disappears quickly. We loved the aroma – satisfyingly sweet with burnt sugar, caramel, malty bready tones along with mild yeast in the form of spice and banana nodes. The taste is worth lingering over – toasty bread and caramel with some honey and almost a molasses flavor. The finish leaves you with spice, mostly clove along with overtones of apple, raisin and plum. The warmer it got, the more the spice and fruit prevailed. Salvator is lightly carbonated with a medium mouth feel (lighter than it looks in the glass). Truly delicious and memorable!

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Paulaner Salvator Dopple Bock details:

7.9% ABV

20 IBU

Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F

Glassware: Pilsener Glass

Drink Now or Cellar

Beer Advocate Overall: 88

Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA Beer Review | Barb On Beer

2011-08-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Eighth Annual Bend Brewfest was a roaring success. Held over three days in the Les Schwab Amphitheater, this event took place on a cool grassy field next to the Deschutes River had over 50 breweries, 100 beers, and 20,000 visitors! I counted over a dozen food vendors too.

But enough about this great event, let's talk beer. The first beer I tried at the BBF was the Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA, brewed in Seattle, Wa. With an ABV of 6.3 and a mild IBU of 40, this would not be my typical beer. But the Jasmine put something special in the flavor profile. I liked it. And so do the Alstrom brothers from BeerAdvocate - who gave it a B+. So for something interesting and unique, pour yourself Elysian's Avatar Jasmine IPA.

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Elysian Avatar Jasmine IPA details:

6.3% ABV
40 IBU

Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F

Glassware: Pint Glass

Drink Now

Beer Advocate Overall: B

Kona Castaway IPA Beer Review | Barb on Beer

2011-05-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

We went to Kona Hawaii and sampled Kona Brewery Co.s brews, including the Kona Castaway IPA. What we found was a brewery in an industrial neighborhood, a few blocks from the pier that magically transformed their eating and drinking area into a lush tropical setting. For most beer drinkers this would be enough, but for an irreconcilable craft beer aficionado, alas it was not. The Castaway IPA suffered from an aluminum-like flavor, a lack of hops, and an all-around unspectacular taste. The addition of exotic fruit flavors, like mango and pineapple, could not overcome these deficits. Would I go back again? In a heartbeat!

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Kona Castaway IPA Details:

6.8% ABV
65 IBU

Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F

Glassware: Pint Glass

Drink Now

Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Kona Castaway IPA at Kona Brewery, Kona HI

Double Mountain IRA Beer Review | Barb on Beer

2011-04-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Double Mountain India Red Ale is a beautiful dark copper pour, with enticing lacing. The aroma is dry and hoppy and the taste is a very enjoyable and rich. The Double Mountain IRA is hop forward, but malt centered - a very balanced ale. Double Mountain produces consistently well-made craft beers from it small brew-pub in Hood River, Oregon. Enjoy their pizza and a beer next time you are in the neighborhood.

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Double Mountain IRA Details:

6.4% ABV

Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F

Glassware: Pint Glass

Drink Now

Beer Advocate Overall: B+

Double Mountain India Red Ale at the
Abbey Pub in Bend Oregon

Pliny the Younger Beer Review | Barb On Beer

2011-03-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

As much as I love Pliny the Elder, Pliny the Younger set a new benchmark for a flavorful big beer. Beautiful nose, lovely lacing, intense apricot color, and the taste of Pliny the Younger is as rounded and complete as I have had the pleasure of tasting. Russian River Brewing - you are one amazing craft beer producer! I have only one negative comment and that is the scarcity of Pliny the Younger - available once a year with a very limited distribution.

This is a wonderful beer to have, as we did, midday on a beautiful weekend, after a great morning of skiing. When things go right ...

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Pliny the Younger Details:

11% ABV

Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F

Glassware: Tulip Glass

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Beer Advocate Overall: A+

Old Schoolhouse Imperial IPA & Stout | Barb on Beer

2011-02-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

The Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop Washington is a great winter destination if you love to cross-country ski. We were in Winthrop and took advantage of the revamped Old Schoolhouse Brewery by trying both their Imperial IPA and their Imperial Stout. While not in the top tier of craft beers, this is a small brew pub to watch. We enjoyed both Imperials and would definitely recommend a stop in the classic old schoolhouse building when you visit the interior of Washington.

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Old Schoolhouse Imperials Details:

9.6 and 10% ABV for IPA and Stout respectively

Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F

Glassware: Tulip Glass

Cellar or Drink Now

Beer Advocate Overall: B-

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale | Barb on Beer

2010-12-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

A dark red, Belgian strong dark ale. The strong comes in part from its 10% ABV. The St Bernadus has a nose that hints at the nutmeg, spice and banana flavors. The first taste of this Christmas Ale opens to vanilla, raisin and cherry flavors. The cherry hangs on and gives this beer its unusual finish. Medium mouth-feel. A nice bitter and sour flavor adds to the complexity. The perfect beer for the holidays.

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Details:

10% ABV
Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
Glassware: Tulip Glass
Cellar or Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Boneyard Armored Fist | Barb on Beer

2010-11-24T07:43:00.000-08:00

Boneyard Brewery in Bend Oregon is a relatively new brewery. However they have already made some impressive beers. Their Imperial Cascadian Dark Ale (CDA), Boneyard Armored Fist, is another fabulous achievement. A great nose, dark color, and a nice lacing give it great sensory appeal. The taste is what I love in a CDA - light, non-syrupy consistency, balanced roasted malts and hops, sweetness in the middle, and a bitter finish. This beer lingers in the month nicely.

Boneyard collaborated with Three Floyds Brewing of Chicago to produce this excellent craft beer. Good job.

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Armored Fist Details:

10% ABV
80 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
Glassware: Pint Glass
Cellar or Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: Limited Reviews

Bonyeard Armored Fist Imperial CDA

Bend Brewing Co. HopHead | Barb On Beer

2010-10-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

HopHead from Bend Brewing Co. is one of my favorite Imperial IPAs. I place it in the rarefied company of Pliny the Elder. Piny with Juniper overtones on the nose. Copper-apricot in color. Taste welcomes you with a hop front, then a wonderful malty, bread middle, followed by a long hoppy and spicy finish. Very smooth. Deceivingly non-alcoholic in flavor. Definitely worth a try if you come to Bend Oregon.

Head Brewmaster, Tonya Cornett, won the 2008 World Beer Cup Small Brew-pub and Brewmaster of the Year award.

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HopHead Details:

9.2% ABV

100 IBUs

Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F

Glassware: Tulip Glass

Cellar or Drink Now

Beer Advocate Overall: A-

HopHead Imperial IPA from Bend Brewing Co.

Oakshire Belly of the Beast | Barb on Beer

2010-09-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

Oakshire Belly of the Beast, from this continually improving Eugene Oregon brewery, is a delight. Belly of the Beast is part of Oakshire Brewing's "Single Batch" series - only 25 kegs were made. This big Imperial Red craft beer delivers. With an ABV of 9.0% and IBUs of 100+, this craft beer is meant to be taken seriously. Dark in color, rich in lacing, big in nose, bigger in flavor - the chocolate malts marry well with the bitterness of this well-hopped beer. A good choice of malts and hops allow for this unusually satisfying Imperial red.
Thanks for joining us on Barb On Beer, craft beer reviews.

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Oakshire Belly of the Beast Details:

9.0% ABV

100+ IBUs

Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F

Glassware: Tulip Glass

Cellar or Drink Now

Beer Advocate Overall: NA

Oakshire Belly of the Beast on Tap

Jack and Ken's Ale Review | Barb on Beer

2010-09-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Jack and Ken's Ale is a collaborative effort by two of America's brewing pioneers - Jack McAuliffe of the now defunct New Albion Brewery, and Ken Grossman founder of the famous Sierra Nevada Brewing in Chico, Ca. This American barleywine is big and complex. With an ABV of 10.2% this beer is meant for sipping, preferably on a cold night by a fireplace. The taste is reminiscent of a port or cognac. Smooth, malty with caramel and raisin flavors. There is a background of clove spice, and a slight hoppy finish. Overall an excellent barleywine.

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Jack and Ken's Ale Details:

10.2% ABV
84 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
Glassware: Tulip Glass
Cellar or Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Bend Brewfest 2010 | Barb on Beer

2010-08-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

It is a busy beer time in Bend Oregon. The 2010 Bend Brewfest is history, and the Little Woody barrel-aged beer tasting is in less than two weeks. It is also an active time for the local breweries as they are preparing their Fall beers. Yum.

The Bend Brewfest was a success measured by the large turnout. Over 35 breweries, most regional, provided over 50 brews. By the second day, the day we went, many of the more interesting beers were gone. In fact, 21st Amendment Brewery was no where to be found. Overall the summer beers we tried were light, tasty, but not exceptional beers.

The video should give you a good idea of the energy, crowds, and beautiful setting that this brewfest commands. Maybe we will see you next year. Barb On Beer.

Bend Brewfest Brews 2010

Oakshire Watershed IPA Review | Barb on Beer

2010-08-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Oakshire Brewing in Eugene Oregon is what every little brewery should be - friendly, tasty, simple, and pleasant. These adjectives do a pretty good job of summarizing the Oakshire Watershed IPA. This is an enjoyable Northwest IPA, that is light on the hop flavors, well-balanced, and completes with a long, dry finish. Worth a try.

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Oakshire Watershed IPA Details:

7.1% ABV
75 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
Glassware:Pint Glass
Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Le Freak Beer Review | Barb on Beer

2010-08-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

Green Flash's Le Freak is a composite beer. Half Belgium Tripel and half Imperial IPA. The nose is very light, and the lacing almost imperceptible. Le Freak tastes like two distinct beers, with the Belgium yeast banana flavor, cloves and black pepper coming on at the start, and the IPA with its hoppy, citrus, and piney flavors following at the end. Interesting, and it grew on me with each sip. I wouldn't drink this beer on a regular basis, but it is an interesting beer to discuss.

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Green Flash La Freak Details:

9.2% ABV
101 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 40-45 degrees F
Glassware: Tulip glass
Cellar or Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Pliny the Elder Beer Review | Barb On Beer

2010-07-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

Russian River Brewing Company's Pliny the Elder is an amazing beer. With a a huge pungent aroma of hops, pine, citrus, herbs and yeast. This beer smells special. The color is golden with a light-colored head and nice lacing. But it is the taste that places this beer in the Pantheon. Pliny tastes of honey and citrus that melts into a strong hop flavor, followed by malt undertones. This beer is amazingly well balanced, clean and smooth. It has a fresh taste that hides its dangerously high ABV.

This is what an Imperial IPA should be. Beer Advocate and Barb On Beer both rate this as an A+ beer. Go find some!

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Pliny the Elder Details:

8.0% ABV
100 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
Glassware:Snifter or Tulip glass
Cellar or Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: A+

Deschutes Brewery Barrel Aged Beer Tasting

2010-06-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Deschutes Brewery Barrel Aged Beer Tasting. This is a special edition video blog. We had so many fine beers and so much good food. This two minute video hopefully gives you a sense of the high level of beers Deschutes Brewery has to offer. The barrel aged beers served:

Jubel 2010 Barrel Select
The Abyss 2009
Black Butte XXI
Frosty the Snow Quad
Mirror Mirror 2009
Berliner Weiss
Scotch Ale
Pinot Twilight

Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale Review | Barb on Beer

2010-06-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

Interesting. This word would sum up the taste of Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. This Imperial Mild IPA is brown in color with an alcohol content that is barely discernible.

Sold by Lagunitas as a perfect summer Imperial IPA, this craft beer has a mild nose, with hints of citrus and caramel. Its taste matches its nose with a sweet, caramel flavor, a smooth bitterness, and a grassy finish. Undertones of malt and oak are also present. Unusually small bubbles reminiscent of a glass of champagne. A nice, INTERESTING, sipping beer.

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Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale:

9.7% ABV
71 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
Glassware:Snifter or Tulip glass
Cellar or Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Hopworks Secession Black India Pale Ale | Barb on Beer

2010-05-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hopworks Secession Black India Pale Ale is a new style of beer popularized in the Pacific Northwest. They are alternately known as Cascade Dark Ales (CDA), Black IPAs, or IBAs.

This particular CDA from Hopworks brewery, which is an organic brewer, has aroma of coffee, pine and grass. The taste includes citrus, resin, and chocolate, with nicely bitter overtones. The finish is malty and slightly sweet. Overall a lighter beer than the color would suggest - more IPA than Porter. An unusual mix of flavors that is very enjoyable to drink.

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Hopworks Secession Black India Pale Ale Details:

6.5% ABV
70 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 45-50 degrees F
Glassware: Pint Glass
Drink Now
Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Full Sail Old Boardhead Barleywine Ale Review | Barb on Beer

2010-03-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Full Sail Old Boardhead Barleywine Ale is an American barleywine on the light side of the flavor spectrum The nose is woody, earthy with a bit of citrus. The taste has toffee overtones with a hint of nutmeg. Nice, but understated. Try cellering this 2009 beer.

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2009 Full Sail Old Boardhead Barleywine Ale Details:

9% ABV
91 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
Glassware: Snifter or Pint Glass
Cellar
Beer Advocate Overall: B+

Full Sail Old Boardhead Barleywine Ale

St. Bernardus Abt 12 Review | Barb on Beer

2010-03-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

Barb on Beer tastes one of the most renowned beers in the world - on tap! St Bernardus Abt 12. Learn what Jeanne d’Arc has to do with this beer. Barb on Beer suggests that this Western Flanders beer is somewhat sour, but drinkable, with a malty base and a rich cherry, allspice overtone. A great, big beer.

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St. Bernardus Abt 12 Details:

10.5% ABV
22 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50- 55 degrees F
Glassware: Snifter, Tulip, or St Bernardus Goblet
Drink now or Cellar
Beer Advocate Overall: A

St. Bernardus (r) flanked by Double Mountain Porter A-Go-Go (l)

Green Flash West Coast IPA Beer Review

2010-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Barb On Beer says the Green Flash West Coast India Pale Ale (San Diego, Ca) has lots of citrus, big on hops yet well balanced and smooth. She is enjoying this craft beer at the Abbey Pub in Bend Oregon - home to many craft beers.

Now watch, rate (stars below) and comment away.

Green Flash West Coast IPA Details

7.0% ABV
95 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 45 - 50 degrees F
Glassware: Pint Glass
Drink now
Beer Advocate Overall: A-

Green Flash IPA flanked by Terminal Gravity ESG(l) and Lost Coast 8 Ball Stout(r)

Deschutes Brewery Jubelale 2010 | Super Jubel Review

2010-02-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

Barb on Beer critiques Deschutes Brewery's Jubelale 2010 in the following video:

Barb on Beer discusses the rarity of the Jubelale 2010 and the raisin, earthiness, oak, and pinot overtones in this great beer. Barb on Beer also shares the following legend of the making of Super Jubelale:

Jubel was discovered by accident two decades ago when a clumsy burglar didn’t realize the weight of his stolen keg of Jubelale. He dropped it outside to freeze in the season’s sub-zero temperatures - only to be discovered the next morning by Gary Fish, Deschutes Brewery owner. More than half the liquid in the keg had frozen and the remaining beer was a very cold, highly concentrated “Jubelale on steroids.”

Super Jubel is aged in Oregon oak pinot barrels. A limited amount of Jubel 2010 is available in 22 ounce wax-dipped bottles and on draft starting February 2010.

Jubelale 2010 Details:

10% ABV
55 IBUs
Suggested serving temperature: 50-55 degrees F
Glassware: Snifter or Goblet
Drink now and cellar
Beer Advocate Overall : A

Barb on Beer, Big Beer Reviews