Beer Me - Namaste & Barrel Aged

It is with a heavy heart that I must acknowledge a sad fate. The Christmas beer season has ended. Winter seasonals are the worst. Absolutely dreadful as there's never anything particularly notable about them. But, at a tasting this past weekend, I did try a few that I wanted to pass along. They're not really seasonal offerings but nevertheless.

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This is Namaste by Dogfish Head. It's offered year round but this is the first time I tried it.

From the site: A witbier bursting with good karma. Made with dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, this Belgian-style white beer is a great thirst quencher.

The coriander was strong in this one which means my mother-in-law would despise it. But, John and I found it quite refreshing and a nice departure from all the dark, heavy brews of late. If you like a citrusy wheat beer, you'll like this one.

I don't have a picture of this one and neither does the site but Bean Gene is from Revolution Brewing Co. as part of their Deepwood series that does special things with their Eugene Porter. This was on tap at a local brewery/restaurant we went to on New Year's Eve and even though it was $10 for a glass, we had to try it.

From the site: "After months socked away in bourbon barrels, we steeped it with Dark Matter coffee beans prior to bottling. Smooth and well-balanced, with hints of vanilla and an in-your-face coffee flavor, enjoy it at breakfast, lunch or dinner."

Oh my stars. It's pretty much a given that if something is barrel-aged, no matter the type of barrel, that I'll love it. This was no different. The Woodford Reserve barrels sweetened the porter but offered other flavors that were deep. If you are a coffee lover, you will die over this one.

Last but not least, a beer with a name that is slightly rude.

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Backwoods Bastard is from Founders Brewing (one of my favorite breweries). Also bourboned so I'll save you the suspense. I liked this one a lot too.

From the site: "Expect lovely, warm smells of single malt scotch, oaky bourbon barrels, smoke, sweet caramel and roasted malts, a bit of earthy spice, and a scintilla of dark fruit. It’s a kick-back sipper made to excite the palate."

Let's be clear here. I don't like straight bourbon one bit. But when you add it to beer (or put it in chocolate) it becomes something of which I am a big fan. This had a great richness to it that was very warming. I didn't see a 6 pack for a price but it is a limited release so if you think you might enjoy it, snap it up while you can! Founders can be a bit pricey but it's worth it.

OK guys -- almost the weekend! We can do this.

Beer Me: Fistmas Holiday Ale

Ah, the Christmas beer season is in full swing! I have been drinking my old standbys for awhile now and I hope to do a Top 10 (or 5) post for you soon. I am running out of time though. Less than two weeks until Christmas. EEK! But, I do have one here for you today that is new to me this year.

This is Fistmas Holiday Ale from Revolution Brewing Co. Bonus points for the cool can design, right? Its rich amber red color is quite festive too.

From the site: "Red ale brewed for the holiday season with specialty malts to achieve a beautiful deep red hue and the aromas of fresh baked bread, caramel, and stone fruits. Steeped with ginger root and orange peel."

What I Thought: Well, this wasn't as Christmasy as I wanted it to be. There was really only the slightest hint of ginger and I like a bit more spice this time of year. I also detected a bit more hops than I like to come through. It was an okay brew at $9.99 for a 6-pack but I probably wouldn't try it again. If red ales are your thing, you'll probably like this. But if you crave dark, warming beer this time of year, skip it.