Mo beer, mo words, mo nyuk nyuk nyuk.
The third meeting of the beer club highlighted selections from Southern Tier Brewery from upstate NY. They've been a perennial classic over the years and quite frankly have yet to disappoint on any levels. Despite only being an active brewery for 7 years they've made some big bold moves and have a bomber line of imperials that serve the name well. not bad for 2 former Goose Island rebel brewtechs.
Sampled last night were the Harvest (an aggressively hopped harvest pale style, odd for the time of year, but not bad by any means), Pumpking imperial pumpkin ale full of spice, hop and a metric assload of nutmeg without the crap of extra sugary sweetness. screw pumpkin pie in a bottle, just eat the effin pie. this however was quite pleasant with a flavor most distinctive.
The 2xIPA was a decent beer, though their goal was a more modest balanced IPA without the blast of a Ruination per se. Very nice aroma and moderate bitterness. The Oak Aged Unearthly however was a beast of hop power and oak sweetness. In no particular order, aromas and flavors of hop, smoke, vanilla, burbon, more hops all come out to play in a rather powerful full flavored full bodied brew.
The stock porter was as described, stock. Good roastedness but with a body a bit more thin than I prefer for Porter, yet still fits within style. doesnt try to overdo it which is nice. The Mokah however was the usual beast the dark imperials aim for. Deep and rich, belgian dark chocolate nibs, arabian coffee beans, and all the goodness that comes when brewing such things. Aftertaste is a dead on starbucks mocha flavor profile without being too sweet. Powerful alcohol warm on the backside makes for a supreme winter finishing beer.
All in all some very nice brews, friendly folk, a small child that had quite a distinguished palate and a free pint glass.
What a country!
-C
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