4/5

Dec 1 Beer, Pilsner Urquell

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I was actually not in the mood to open the first beer today, but I felt obligated to do so.
Got the Pilsner Urquell from Plzen, Czech. 4.4% Alc./Vol.
I’ve had this beer many times, and today it tasted surprisingly good! 4 out of 5.

The bottle say:
In 1842, the Citizen’s Brewery of Plzen brewed the world’s first golden pilsner and never stopped. We make it in the same way, in the same place, with 100% of our ingredients from the same farming regions in Czech, as always.
The original pilsner.

Dec 24th, Russian Imperial Stout

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I was excited about this one! Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout from North Coast Brewing Company, Fort Bragg, California. 9% alc/vol. A little to strong for my taste. A 4 out of 5.

The label says:
Brewed in the tradition of the 18th century English brewers who supplied the Russian court of Catherine the Great, Old Rasputin develops a cult following wherever it goes. It’s a rich, intense brew with big, complex flavors & a warming finish.

Dec 23rd, Karl Strauss Amber

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I have a feeling I’ve had this one before. Amber from Karl Strauss Brewing Company, San Diego, California. 4.5% alc/vol. A 4 out of 5.

The label says:
A session amber with crisp toasted malt flavors and smooth, clean finish. Share it. Cheers.
Keep our beaches and ocean beautiful. Recycle.
Karl spent his life making beer. He believed that behind every beer recipe was an inspiration, and behind every pint was a story waiting to be told. Karl Strauss Amber was his story, a story that challenged and inspired a new generation of brewers. Today we brew our own stories, while raising a pint to the man and the beer that started it all.

Dec 22nd, Skull Splitter

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This one is cool! Skull Splitter Rich Ale from The Orkey Brewery, Quoyloo, Scotland. 8.5% Alc/Vol. A 4 out of 5.

The label says:
5000 years in the making, hand crafted in small batches.
Skull Splitter, takes its name from Thorfinn Hauskaluif – the 7th Viking Earl of Orkney. Sophisticated, satiny smooth with a deceptively light character, it is a tribute to our colorful forebear.
On The Nose, this robust beer has a fruity malt character, with hints of dark fruits, spicy hop, dates and figs.
On The Palate, the sweet toasted malt creates a rich, and complex character of molases, fresh and dried fruits with hints of warming spices.

Dec 20th, Firestone DBA

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This is a classic! Double Barrel Ale from Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, California. 5% Alc/Vol. A 4 out of 5.

Dec 19th, California Lager

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Todays beer was California Lager from Anchor Brewing Co, San Francisco, California. Another strong 4 out of 5!

The label says:
Anchor Steams roots go back to the Gold Rush, long before icehouses and modern refrigeration made traditional lagers a viable California option. In 1876, thanks to an ice pond in the mountains and a belief that anything is possible in the Golden State, a little brewery named Boca created California’s first genuine lager. Anchor California Lager is our re-creation of this historic beer.
Made in San Francisco with two-row California barley, Cluster hops (the premier hop in the 19th century California), and our own lager yeast, this all-malt brew is krausened and lagered in our cellars. Its golden color, distinctive aroma, creamy head, balanced depth of flavor, and smooth finish make Anchor California Lager a delicious celebration of California’s unique brewing heritage.

Dec 17th, Goose Island Sixth Day

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The beer of the day was Sixth Day, a festive brown ale, from Goose Island Beer Co, Chicago Illinois. 8.3 alc/vol. I give it a 4 out of 5.

The label says:
Serve sixth day in a nonic pint glass. Improves in the bottle for up to 1 year.

Sharing is Caring!

Dec 16th, Chocolate Stout

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I can see a new trend in organic beers, that’s cool!

Organic Chocolate Stout from Bison Brewing, Ukiah, CA. 5% alc/vol.
This is a really good beer, I can taste a little smoked flavor which is always welcomed! 4 out of 5!

The label says:

Stout brewed with Peruvian Cocoa.
One need not sacrifice the pleasure of everyday living to be green. 
In the ancien Aztec kingdom, cocoa beans were considered so precious that they were used as money. On special occasions, Montezuma himself served his palace guests chocolate in goblets of beaten gold. Cheers, Dan

Dec 13th, Denver Pale Ale

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It seems like this year, it’s either a hit or a miss, nothing in-between. Today was another hit, that makes me happy!
Brilliant English-Style Balanced Denver Pale Ale from Great Divide Brewing Co, Denver Colorado. 5.5% alc/vol
Another good 4 out of 5!

The label says:
Great minds drink alike.
DPA is a world-renowned, classic pale ale with a malty middle and an equally hearty compliment of hop aroma, flavor and bitterness.
Suggested food parings:
Spicy shrimp tacos, beer battered fish & ships, Italian sausage, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, Humboldt Fog goat cheese, strawberry shortcake.

Dec 12th, Hullabaloo Winter Beer

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I’m a little sad we’re already halfway through the beer calendar.

Hullabaloo Winter Beer from Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Redlands, California. 6.5% alc/vol
I like this beer a lot, it has a bitter aftertaste which really hits the spot, but I feel there is something missing for giving it a 5, it’ll have to be a strong 4 out of 5.

The label says:
Experience a world of hearty flavors and aromas with this special winter beer. This brew starts as a scottish ale featuring European and domestic malts, giving Hullabaloo intriguing caramel and roast nuances. A blend of American and English hops delivers ample bitterness & unique hop profile. This is a big, rich beer with a nice underlying complexity – Toast to the season!
Seasonal.