Beer Rant

This one definintely interesting to say the least, Camomile and Ginger are typically two ingredients you don't usually hear associated with beer. That is unless you are really into a combination of beer and tea, and I hope your not because you may have some severe alternate issues going on. Epic Ales LLC is the maker of this brew, and I have not been to this one yet, but if google maps is correct it lies on one of those back streets just off of 1st ave near the West Seattle Bridge. It's a paper bottle cover with yellow print, so those of you who haven't memorized the surgeon general's warning, well good luck you better have some damn fine eyesight! As for alcohol percentage, I have no idea they don't print it, but if I had to judge off the top of my head I'd say it's about 6-6.5%. Fairly decent and standard as far as a microbrew goes. The basic ale itself seems to be a pale ale base, with which the ingredients have been mixed. I have had one similar from trade route that was also a ginger pale ale, and that one definitely had some sting to it. This one not as much, and I believe the camomile has a lot to do with it. Initially when it hits your mouth it has a strong upfront tart flavor, and a kind of stinging sweetness typical of ginger. The camomile does a good job of mellowing out this strong flavor to make this an enjoyable drink versus something that tastes more like a dare. Where did I find it? Bottleworks in Seattle is the only place I've ever found this beer, other than that it may just be the brewery given that it does not seem to be a big brewery yet. It definitely has a lighter flavor so anyone who enjoys those kind of drinks, plus a little extra tartness will enjoy this brew, otherwise it may not be your thing. For all those who want a little slap of change in their brew though kick back and enjoy.

Beer Rant

Oof it's been a little while, I'm sure I can still round off about any beer for at least a healthy page or two. Why don't I start with one that was a scattered array of flavors, Brouwer's Imagination Ale. For this one I don't think your going to be finding it anywhere, but Bottleworks in Seattle who knows though it may pop up here an there. Since my camera isn't great enough to pick up some of the smaller wording on the bottle allow me to quote, "Ale aged in bourbon and red wine barrels with rosemary, raisins, and honey." What does that mean, well each section of your tongue is going to be doing a healthy search to figure out just exactly what flavor is hitting it next. The overall flavor is that of a sour ale, though not a strong and hard as others that have been brewed specifically for that purpose. For those of you who have not yet sampled sour beers are exactly what they sound like, and usually pretty damn intense. For those who have been to Brouwer's before, you are probably well aware they love sours there, they even have a festival at the end of May. There is also a nice aftertaste of bourbon, which on many types of ale are all but untraceable. The honey helps to soften the drink with a nice sweet taste up front that kind of braces you before the full effect of the storm you are about to drink. The other big flavor that pops up is that of the brandy barrels. A brandy taste in this ale is definitly distinct, and it really keeps you on your toes as brandy flavor is present the whole time as the drink seemingly morphs from sweet to sour as it swishes around the confines of one's mouth. Overall I found this one very interesting, distinct, and definitly unique, and if you are not a fan of strong flavors I would probably avoid it, as you will most assuredly become aggravated with it. Bottleworks does a lot of other work with breweries for their own specialty brews for their store, for this one they worked with Lost Coast Brewing for most of the barrels with which to create this extraordinary ale. Lost Coast does a large variety of Belgians, and extreme ales (high alcohol content, high flavor), thus they are also one of the breweries in the U.S. labeled as an extreme brewery (ex. Avery, Dogfish Head). And the Angel's Share ale they make with Brandy barrels are the same used in this, which is good for all of us who love a damn fine beer. I would recommend this one in a snifter, you'll actually be more suited towards figuring out some of those distinct flavors I mentioned, and avoid the confusion your tongue is going to endure. The sour smell will knock you on your butt alone. For those of you looking for something pungent, bold, and unique I would definitly step-up and show just how strong your taste buds are, for all the wusses who don't well don't worry I'm sure there is a lovely blonde or lager available on the beer rack at the local supermarket. Probably not but man-up and try this one if your in the Bottleworks area of Seattle.

Beer Rant

Well I guess it's been a while so I decided to make up for it by ranting about a very special beer. Just about everyone in the northwest is aquainted with Deschutes Brewery (originally out of Bend, OR) in one way or another. Beer coniseurs will recognize their special ales they crank out into bottle form sometime during the year at differing points depending on the ale. Some examples of them are the Abyss Stout, XX Black Butte Porter, etc. and all with a wonderfully fancy wax top for some ambience I guess, or a simple little visual catch to tell us there is something wonderful and yummy on the inside of said bottle. Well the beer that is pictured here is one that has been bottled for the first time, and as it states it's a once a decade beer. That's right once a decade! It's fashioned after a bungled robbery in Bend that left a keg of Jubelale to freeze all night. The after effect of this was a juiced, concentrated, absolutely roided up version of Jubelale. And after a lengthy, standardized brewing process, us beer lovers are treated oh so rarely to this wonderful interrpretation of that glorious event. For those of you not in the no, Jubelale is Deschutes offering for a winter warmer, and in my own opinion one of the better standardize ones. You can get that one just about anywhere, Jubel however is only going to be had at specialty stores most likely, mine was purchased at 99 bottles. I'm sure it may be available at Bottleworks, and maybe the occasional Top food, or QFC perhaps. Down to business, what is the flavor like? Pure awesomeness, take the standard taste of Jubelale, and multiply that exponentially. The same great malty/chocolaty taste is there, and very apparent witht the first sip. The flavors are much more pungent to the nose, and an incredibly strong and bold taste intensifies these regular flavors. There is a sweet, almost molasses like flavor that comes out as you let it settle on the tongue. That sweetness is obviously a stronger alcohol content than the regular Jubelale, coming in at about 10% as the bottle says. As usual Deschutes has included a best after date on the bottle, a touch that's nice to see. Most of the time your merely told it will get better with age. It's a nice touch that let's people not as familiar with the process, know when the flavor has reached it's peak by for maximum enjoyment. Having never tried it before I grabbed up two bottles, so in a year I'll get to taste how much better this beer will truly taste. For those of you who can't wait I suggest the same, hell even without aging this is a damn fine, well crafted ale. Then again what else would you expect from Deschutes, whose specialty beer regulary wins national awards. I have heard of this showing up on tap here and there, but every time I've been to the alehouse to have some it's already gone. I'm aching to try it straight out of there as well, anyone in the know please tell me where! Well enjoy the last great push of the winter ale before we break into the springs, Jubel is an awesome way to close out the season trust me.