Finally! Barleywine season is upon us once again! Of course, the relatively high alcohol content may explain why I’ve been doing more drinking than reviewing of late. The dry spell ends now! Let’s have a look at Killer Penguin from Boulder Beer Company, shall we?

The room temperature pour on this beer is fantastic and results in a clear, burnt caramel beer with a creamy khaki head. The nose is full of fruit, raisins, and a hint of Hershey’s chocolate. Ah, but let’s not linger! The best part is yet to come when your sip strays into gulping territory on a 10% ABV beer you know you’ve found something special. The flavors are round and remarkably well balanced. I pick up bitter orange peel, cranberry, and a base of sweet, but not cloying malt with a bashful-yet-beautiful hop appearance.

There is some alcohol heat and a very slightly astringent quality that’s not off-putting, but serves as a reminder that this is no ordinary beer. Frankly, it reminds me more of a domestic tripel or quad than a barleywine. In fact, that’s probably where I’d put it if I were to sample it blind. Still, the line between quad and barleywine is a precarious one indeed and I won’t fault this beer for dancing on the edge.

Score: A

Posted on Nov 06 2008 in Reviews by Brewzebub | Comments (0) | Permalink

As announced by MNBeer.com, Surly’s Darkness will be launched at Stub and Herb’s on October 30th. I’d like to get a group together to crash the party. I mean, seriously, how can beerocalypse NOT represent at the launch of a beer named “Darkness”? Interested? Let me know!

Posted on Oct 17 2008 in by Brewzebub | Comments (0) | Permalink

Looking for the biggest freakin’ plate of nachos, an awesome chicken cordon bleu, or sweet pulled pork sandwich? Looking to enjoy that great food with one (or two or three) of 50+ beers? Then head on over to the Muddy Pig in St. Paul! This is a great little beer bar that everyone that’s in to beer and living in the Twin Cities should check out. Go. Now.

Posted on Oct 16 2008 in by Brewzebub | Comments (0) | Permalink

Brother Joel has been gracious enough to supply me with a sixer each of DR6 and DR7. I now have at least one example each of every Divine Reserve that Saint Arnold has ever released. I sampled DR6 with Sean and, ummm… the other guy at The Four Firkins last week and it was fucking fantastic. If you’re really, really good (or evil) maybe you can convince me to share a bottle with you!

Posted on Oct 16 2008 in by Brewzebub | Comments (0) | Permalink

Occasionally, I’m lucky enough to score a fairly obscure beer. Bierreria Troll’s Shangrila Fume certainly qualifies. It’s an Italian, ummm… beer. If I’m forced to categorize, I’d probably call this a dubbel. At 7.5% ABV with a slightly sour note, I’d say it qualifies. However, Bierreia Troll makes no attempt to put this offering in a category and so I’ll refrain as well.

Popping the unique cap with a strange, plastic insert results in a distinct “pop” and a gush of sticky foam. The pour is a cloudy amber with lots of sediment in suspension. A rocky, eggshell-colored head develops quickly, but quickly dissipates leaving a coarse lace. The aroma is subtle, slightly sour, and hints of the smoked peat that awaits.

I get prunes and apricots, sweet and sour malt, and a subtle peat flavor. There’s a little spice… perhaps ginger… but it’s subtle enough to provide balance to the malt. All-in-all, I really like this beer. Sure, it’s not cheap, but it’s certainly worth checking out if you can find it.

Score: A

Posted on Oct 16 2008 in Reviews by Brewzebub | Comments (0) | Permalink