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.