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.