Apparently, this started as an offshoot of Rogue's Old Crustacean barleywine. Rogue brewmaster John Maier mixed this with an Imperial IPA to make a brewpub special creation only available at Rogue's taproom. It caught on so much that they decided to make it into a special release beer and bottle it up. It comes in a cool blue opaque bottle with a stoned-looking crab on the front. I like the color and shape of the bottle - kinda like Rogue's Voodoo Doughnut that I reviewed in '12. Except, unlike that beer's bottle, this one doesn't look like Pepto-Bismol.
Definite barleywine-style alcohol notes in the aroma. Other than that, pretty clean. Time to take a taste.
The beer has the texture of the barleywine, but is missing out on the syrupy sweetness that most barleywines have. Here is where the IPA heritage comes into play; the beer has a serious, strong (but very pleasant!) hoppy taste with just a little bit of wood bitterness on the finish. The main taste here is apricot - pleasingly floral and strong.The aftertaste is still pleasant and floral, retaining a bit of that wood I mentioned.
What I like most about the beer is its strength. 11.6% ABV is nothing to scoff at; and a higher alcohol content can really carry the flavors well. As a result, this beer really engages your senses as you drink, taste and breathe. And the great thing is - this beer is readily available, so seek it out. Yes, you, Jon Roberts and Dave Slavick. Rogue has some shortcomings, as noted, but this isn't one of them. I've seen it in a lot of places now - D'Vines, Whole Foods, Irving Wines and Spirits...so small shops carry it, as do big supermarkets. It's $12.99 and worth it for sure!
No comments:
Post a Comment