The 2-4 Beers of Christmas 2018 Edition Day 22 B: Bonus 11.05 2016 Edition 2 Years Can Conditioned

Bonus11.05 2016 Edition 2 Years in my Basement!

Brewery: Sawdust City Brewing Company

Type: Independent Microbrewery Est.:  2014

Location: Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada

Brewery: Nickel Brook Brewing Company

Type: Independent Microbrewery   Est.: 1992
Location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Beer Style: Flavoured Belgian Quadrupel

ABV: 11.05%      IBU: 28

Format: Aluminium Can  Size: 473 ml

Cost: $6.50 CAD     Purchased At: The Brewery

sawdustcitybeer       nickelbrookbrewing

    @Sawdustcitybeer    @NickelBrookBeer


 So this is actually the third time I've tried this beer. I tried it when it came out, (here) at, 1 year old (here) and finally at 2 years (this post). So I've kept this in fairly ideal conditions in the basement in the #FridgeofFame. 

Onto our beer...

Pours a cloudy light honey colour with a huge fluffy white head made up of small and tiny bubbles. The aroma is Apple and hard cider with hints of hard candy and bubblegum. First sip is effervescent and alive with soft hints of brett sourness and toasty wheat notes. The mouthfeel is super smooth, almost silky. Alcohol builds as you sip. It is the smoothest belgian sour I've ever had. Aeration gives us grassy notes with mild hops.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 


Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS
Beer Style: 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL
Re-Order:  5/6 PASS
Experience: 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL
Christmas Cheer 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL


Final Thoughts:

I am actually quite sad that there is no more of this beer. It's been quite an adventure seeing how this beer developed over time. I can't wait to see what the come up with next year.


CJT

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The 2-4 Beers of Christmas 2018 Edition Day 22: 11.05 2018 Edition by Sawdust City

Beer # 481 11.05 2018 Edition, Belgian Quad with Cherries Collaboration

Brewery: Sawdust City Brewing Company

Type: Independent Microbrewery Est.:  2014

Location: Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada

Brewery: Nickel Brook Brewing Company

Type: Independent Microbrewery   Est.: 1992
Location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Beer Style: Flavoured Belgian Quadrupel

ABV: 11.05%      IBU: 28

Format: Aluminium Can  Size: 473 ml

Cost: $6.95 CAD     Purchased At: The Brewery

sawdustcitybeer       nickelbrookbrewing

    @Sawdustcitybeer    @NickelBrookBeer

Well, it seems to be a Christmas Tradition that I talk about Sawdust City and Nickel Brook's yearly collaboration brew celebrating the shared birthdays of their two brewmasters. Sam Corbeil of Sawdust and Ryan Morrow of Nickel Brook were both born on November 5th so every year they select a new style of beer and brew it to 11.05 % ABV. The resulting beer is always an interesting experiment in producing great tasting high alcohol beers. This year they selected a Quad which is typically a higher alcohol beer, to begin with, and added cherries and oak spirals

Let's try this one out.


Pours a deep chestnut with an off-tan head made up of small bubbles. Nose is very oaky with hints of chocolate and cherry. Deep malt notes with earthy hints and a touch of mushroom. First sip is deeply roasted malt with a fair amount of sugar. Tart cherry comes in through the middle with hints of grenadine and cherry candy. Aeration gives off some raw wood and caramelised sugars.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 


Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS
Beer Style: 5/6 PASS
Re-Order:  5/6 PASS
Experience: 5/6 PASS
Christmas Cheer 5/6 PASS


Final Thoughts:

This year's edition was a good beer, but I had an issue with it and it took me a while to figure out what it was. It ended up being the "Oak Spirals." They left an interesting raw wood taste that, while it wasn't unpleasant it was very distracting to the overall flavour.

CJT

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The 2-4 Beers of Christmas 2018 Edition Day 15: Let's get B.I.S.A. by Sawdust City

Beer # 474 Let's Get B.I.S.A.

Brewery: Sawdust City Brewing


Type: Independent Microbrewery    
Est.:  2012

Location: Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada

Beer Style: Belgian India Session Ale

ABV: 4.2%      IBU: 25

Format: Aluminium Can  Size: 473 ml

Cost: $4.25 CAD     
Purchased At: The Brewery

 sawdustcitybeer

    @sawdustcitybeer

Sawdust has been B.I.S.A. ( I mean Busy...) this Holiday season and has put out a large number of brews. This Belgian session ale was released a couple of weeks ago, but I just got around to picking one up, when I got Sawdust's special winter stouts. I decided to add it to the list as it is quite a festive can and named with a terrible pun. I have a weak spot for puns.

Onto our beer...


Pours a cloudy brassy gold with a white head made up of small and medium bubbles. Aroma is mainly malted wheat with hints of spice and green hops. First sip is light bodied airy and refreshing. Notes of wheat hints of banana spice and green hops. Aeration brings out some grapefruit and vanilla and a touch of wheat toast.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 


Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS
Beer Style: 5/6 PASS
Re-Order:  5/6 PASS
Experience: 5/6 PASS
Christmas Cheer 5/6 PASS


Final Thoughts:

A very solid Belgian session ale. Warming, spicy, but still quite bright and green. I would enjoy sipping this under the Christmas tree, I'm sure you would too.

Cheers

CJT

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The 2-4 Beers of Christmas 2018 Edition Day 1: The Ugly By Henderson and Brewdog

Beer # 458

The Ugly
Collaboration with Brewdog PLC

Brewery: Henderson Brewing Company


Type: Independent Microbrewery    Est.:  2015

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Brewery: Brewdog PLC

Type: Independent Microbrewery    Est.:  2015

Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland United Kingdom

Beer Style: Dark Belgian Strong  Ale

ABV: 8.4%      IBU: ?

Format: Aluminium Can  Size: 473 ml

Cost: $3.70 CAD     Purchased At: LCBO

@HendersonBrewing

    @HendersonBeerCo

In the 1970's, In Toronto (as in other cities) there was a huge Punk movement that took over the clubs of the entertainment district. Strangely, Toronto was almost as influential as New York for churning out hard rocking, loud and entertaining bands. This beer pays homage to one of those bands, coincidentally named "The Ugly." This Belgian strong was done as a collab between Toronto's Henderson Brewing Company and Brewdog from Scotland, the latter of the two is most noted for their delicious "Punk IPA" which explains why they chose an iconic Toronto punk band to name their beer after.

The Ugly: Stranded in the Laneway of Love

I hadn't heard of The Ugly prior to this, but I read a bit about them and checked out their music on YouTube and I really like them... Give them a listen especially if you are an old Ramones fan like me. I've always wondered if I should incorporate more music into the blog. Maybe I should work up a list of my Top Ten Beer Drinking songs and pair them with beers... Hmmmm. Thoughts.

Onto our beer.


Pours a very dark chestnut almost black with tints of red. With a generous head made up of small reddish-brown bubbles. Aroma is very warming nutty and sweet. Very fruity with hints of brown sugar and smoke and charcoal. First sip is nutty and molasses. The body is light and fruity, hints of dried fruit and plums. There is a slight "bubbling" of effervescence on the tongue. Aeration brings out fruitiness, liquorice and spikes of alcohol. Has hints of chocolate and dried fruit.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 


Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS
Beer Style: 5/6 PASS
Re-Order:  5/6 PASS
Experience: 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL
Christmas Cheer 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL


Final Thoughts:

Wonderful collab. Rich and flavourful, awesome aromas. I don't think it revs up the anarchist in me... But I could enjoy one or two of these by a fire, listening to some punk music (before I fall asleep in my chair...) If you can find it get it in you, and do yourself a favour... play The Ugly really loud while you sip it.

Cheers

CJT

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The 2-4 Beers of Christmas Day 3: 1 year (plus a few days) Aged 11/05 2016 Edition

Aged 11/05 Can Conditioned Sour Belgian Tripel

Collaboration with Nickel Brook Brewing Company

Brewery: Sawdust City Brewing Company

Type: Independent Microbrewery/Brewpub    Est.:  2012

Location: Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada

Beer Style: Belgian Sour Tripel

ABV: 11.05%      IBU: 

Format: Aluminum Can Size: 473 ml

Cost: $6.50 CAD     Purchased At: The Brewery

Nickel Brook Brewing Company


Type: Independent Microbrewery Est.: 2012
Location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada

nickelbrookbrewing        sawdustcitybeer

    @NickelBrookBeer    @SawdustCityBeer


Ok, yes, I know... I was supposed to do this beer 6 months ago... Better late than never. So this can has sat in the Fridge of Fame for a little over 12 months. Long ago I would, like many others, would have thought this beer would be bad, and throw it out (or more likely drink it later into the night after I have already had a few. Yes. I have no shame.) However, I have come to realise under certain conditions, that bottle ageing (or can ageing in this case) is not only possible but very intriguing in its results. What beers can be aged? Well, that depends.Higher alcohol beers are good candidates, heavier styles like porters, quads, and the like fair very well. Anything bottle conditioned usually because they have active yeasts that keep the beer "alive" and continue to change the flavours over time. If you want to try ageing I may do a more in-depth article soon, but when in doubt... ask your local craft brewer. tell him or her you are interested in ageing some beers at home and could they make a few suggestions. I'm sure they will be happy to oblige.

Before we head onto our beer tonight I want to remind you about my notes for the beer way back in November of 2016:

Pours a cloudy gold colour with a fluffy white head made up  of small bubbles. Aroma is a warm sweet and sour nose with lots of yeasty bread, nuts, honey and fruit, with hints of grapes and wine. Alcohol is up front and warming. First sip is tart, but still slightly closed in flavour. Very bready, and nutty with hints of brandy. Aeration gives us a full and creamy mouthfeel with notes of spice, hints of black pepper and apricot.

The beer was a late release last November. While the beer is usually ready for November 5th, Sawdust was can conditioning it and it was not quite ready. So the cans came with a band on the top and you had to "pinkie swear" not to open until the 21st of November. I did mine around the 25th so the initial can conditioning was done. However, there is still active yeast in there working on the beer. So the band also advocated trying it again in 6 months. I did buy a second can to try in 6 months. However, I didn't get to it until now. Interestingly, the beer is still on sale in the brewery (I may have picked up another can to try next year!). 

Onto our beer.


The colour is still bright gold but it has taken on a slightly more cloudy appearance. The can nearly exploded when I opened it and the fluffy white head was MASSIVE. The nose is incredible with bright citrus notes, some breadiness, a little funk from the Brettanomyces and a small amount of nuttiness. First sip gives us a very smooth slightly funky beer. Definitely, still, wine-like taste although the grapiness is more muted. Hints of oak, light caramel, a little more woodsy, and earthy. The finish has a little black pepper and hints of liquorice. Aeration brings out the alcohol with a boom. My cheeks warmed right up! It also brings out hints of banana and clove. Interestingly the brett fades as the beer warms.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 


Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS

Beer Style: 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL
Re-Order:  5/6 PASS
Experience: 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL
Christmas Cheer 6/6 EXCEPTIONAL


Final Thoughts:

Phenomenal experience. Ageing this beer was a wonderful experiment and it is great to compare it to its younger self. There are a still a few of these left in the brewery. I would suggest grabbing at least two and trying one now and one maybe next year!


CJT

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Beer # 367 First World Problems Stewart Brewing

Beer #367 First World Problems Belgian IPA

Stewart Brewing Company

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Independent Microbrewery
Established: 2004
Belgian IPA
6.2 % ABV IBU: 80
330 ml Brown Glass Bottle
$3.85 (Canadian) At the LCBO

Twitter: @StewartBrewing

I admit it. I bought this beer for the label. The Lichtenstein inspired cartoon caught my eye even before the clever name and witty "I ordered Sourdough, and they brought me brioche..." punchline. So naturally, this beer had to come home with me. It wasn't until I got it home that I discovered it was from Scotland, and a Belgian inspired IPA. Stewart Brewing is an award-winning craft brewery in the heart of frenetic and cosmopolitan Edinburgh. It's a wonderfully big welcoming city very friendly and ready to party at the drop of a hat. I learned valuable lessons about drinking while I was in Edinburgh and actually how to pronounce Edinburgh and not sound like a tool. Locals pronounce it ED-in-BURR... only foreigners pronounces it Ed-in-Boro or Ed-in BURG. I also admit it is easier to pronounce after a pint or two or 14 in my case.

Onto our beer tonight...

Pours a cloudy honey amber with a scattered thin head made up of various bubbles. Nose is sweet with nuts and toffee, clover honey flowers and some dried fruit. First sip is warming, with dried fruit and cooked pineapple. Hints of bright green hops. Slightly syrupy, reminiscent of a late harvest wine, leaves a sticky lips sensation. Fresh and bright with lingering hints of spice at the end. Aeration gives us a pump of alcohol as the full height of the 6.2% ABV stands up. Finishes warm toasty notes,  hints of treacle and caramel.

Impressions: Fail, So-so, Pass, Exceptional 


Cost: 5/6 PASS
Colour: 5/6 PASS
Beer Style: 5/6 PASS
Re-Order:  5/6  PASS
Experience: 5/6 PASS


Final Thoughts:

Very good IPA from Scotland. Well balanced and full of subtle little flavours. One you should give a try while you can.
Cheers

CJT

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