Evil Twin Yin. American Imperial Taiji Stout. Danish Brewery but brewed in Connecticut with Two Roads Brewing. 10% ABV.

Served chilled from a 12 oz bottle and poured into a snifter. Pours a pitch black color with one and a half finger tan foam head. Smells are of coffee, chocolate, roastiness and hints of raisins or figs. The carbonation is medium to light with a full body. Taste is of strong espresso. I concur with some other reviews I've seen about this one where people feel like they are drinking pure black coffee. Some of the other flavors like chocolate and dark fruits are also there. It finishes relatively bitter and boozy, but does not linger.

Two days in a row for Evil Twin reviews (and two ET stouts too!) This was a great beer. I still have I Love You With My Stout ahead of it, but this was excellent as well. Don't be surprised to see another Evil Twin review very soon.

93/100
$3.99/bottle

Sixpoint RAD. Fruit/Vegetable Beer. Brooklyn, NY. 3.2% ABV.

Many people complain that my ratings are too high. Hopefully this will bring the average back to a normal level.

Served chilled from a 12 oz can. Consumed straight from the can, though I did pour out about an ounce just to see the coloring, which was somewhat pink. It could easily have been confused for grapefruit juice. Smells were of lemon and grapefruit. Carbonation was moderate to high with a relatively light body. Taste was of grapefruit, lemon and other sour/tart fruits. Aftertaste was, again, mostly grapefruit (see a pattern here), but with a strange metallic and funky taste. 

So if you just read my review you would think that I found this to be an average.



I love Sixpoint but my readers know not this style of beer. I love RESIN, Hi-res, Crisp and others but this missed for me.



However I appreciate the ingenuity.



On another note I am happy to announce we have 7500 hits in less than 3 months! Thanks to all of my readers! It's been a fun journey so far. There are plenty of great beers to look forward to it the coming weeks so stay tuned!

Evil Twin I Love You With My Stout. Danish brewery but brewed in Connecticut. Imperial Stout. 12% ABV.

I saw this beer on the tap list at Upright Brew House a few weeks ago, but unfortunately never made the trip down while it was still available. Fortunately, I was able to pick up a single bottle at Whole Foods in Columbus Circle (tremendous beer slection there!) as well as a few more Pumkings. Evil Twin has been hitting it out of the park lately with an incredibly diverse mix of products. This is the second ET beer I've officially reviewed (Imperial Biscotti), though I have tried several others, including Imperial Doughnut Break, Hipster Ale, Bikini Beer, Yin, Yang (reviews coming soon), a collaboration with Jack's Abby and a few more. If you find their stuff, pick it up, especially if it is available by the individual bottle.

On Evil Twin's website, the founder of the brewery says this about the beer:


“When I copied the famous Even More Jesus, I had to ask myself as an artist, why am I doing this? I         didn’t honestly know. It was just an instinct about beer as pure form… in a sense this stout is like a metaphor for freedom - the sum of all the beauty that surrounds me and my perfect contemporary existence.” 
- Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, Brewer and founder of Evil Twin Brewing
http://eviltwin.dk/I-love-you-with-my-Stout

Served chilled from a 12 oz bottle and poured into a brandy snifter. Pours a deep black color with a one and a half finger tan foam head. Smells are malty, roasty, and boozy with hints of chocolate, caramel and coffee. Carbonation is light with a full body. This beer tastes incredibly boozy and sweet, with roasted malts shining through. You can taste the espresso, caramel and chocolate. Finishes somewhat bitter and boozy. This beer is really intense!

Buy this beer immediately.

96/100
$4.99/bottle

Flying Dog Dead Rise Old Bay Summer Ale. Herbed/Spiced Beer made with Old Bay Seasoning. Frederick, Maryland. 5.6% ABV.

I wrote only a few short days ago during my review of Flying Dog's Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout that I was anxiously looking for their beer made with Old Bay Seasoning. It so happens that I found it that very evening at Carmine Street Beers in the West Village. I was able to buy a single bottle of this, as well as The Kimmie, the Yank and the Holy Gose from Friday and the Pumking from Saturday's review and a few other upcoming ones. On to the review.

Served chilled from a 12 oz bottle and poured into a pint glass. Pours a hazy straw/golden color with a two finger white foam head that disappears rather quickly. Smells are of the Old Bay seasoning, though had I not known it was in there would have been impossible to distinguish from another spice variety. Mouthfeel is moderately carbonated with a medium to light body. Taste is very bready and spicy, with the Old Bay seasoning shining through. It is actually nicely balanced, and finishes crisp and salty. 

I am a big fan of Old Bay, and put it on practically everything. In NYC, it has become readily available at most grocery stores, but before it did, I tended to use Tony Chachere's. I would love to try a beer made with that as well! (Homebrewing idea-stay tuned).

Overall this is a very drinkable beer. I would rebuy this, and can see why it has been flying off the shelves. Next time I'll pair some crab cakes with this-would be perfect!

87/100
$2.19/bottle

Today I want to write about my favorite TV show of all time: Cheers. Cheers ran as a series for 11 seasons during the 1980s and early 1990s. Many of the actors on the series got their start here, and several went on to do big things, including several spinoff shows and successful movie and tv careers.

The show was set in a local watering hole in Boston, a place where "everybody knows your name." The bar was based off a real Beantown bar know as the Bull and Finch Pub on 84 Beacon Street. I had the chance to go last winter and loved it. The bar still somewhat resembles the show stage, at least in terms of the front door and some of the decor. The sign from the show still hangs out front, and memorabilia adorns the walls.

When the show first aired in 1982, it finished dead last in the ratings week one. The network considered cancelling, but decided to keep it. Good thing they did, because the show would go on to win 28 Emmys on 117 nominations. 

The premise of the show was a local bar where people of all backgrounds, ages and social statuses could come, enjoy a pint, shoot off their mouths and make some good friends. The bar is owned by Sam Malone, a former Red Sox relief pitcher (modeled after Jim Lonborg) and recovering alcoholic. He bought the bar during his heavy drinking days, but kicked the addiction and continues to run it. Cliff and Norm are two daily barflys, posting up at the bar and always getting into crazy situations. Cliff is a proud and dedicated member of the United States Postal Service, and Norm a recovering accountant. Frasier Crane makes his first appearance in season 3, and went on to play that character for 20 years. His spinoff "Frasier" was wildly successful and was on tv for 11 seasons as well. 

Diane chambers was Sam's girlfriend and a waitress up until season 5. An intellectual, most of the things she said went right over the rest of the patrons heads. However, her character showed the incredible depth of the writers, and this type of writing made Frasier what it became. Kirstie Alley joined the show after Diane's departure, and divided Cheers loyal fans. She was a huge contrast to Diane, and many didn't like it. Carla was another hotheaded waitress played by Rhea Perlman (formerly married to Danny Devito), who got her start on Taxi (made by the same writers. George Wendt and Ted Danson also got their starts there).  Nicholas Colasanto played a bartender for 3 seasons before passing away just before season 3 ended. Instead of rewriting the character, Woody Harrelson joined the show, launching a wildly successful acting career. He spent 8 seasons on Cheers and was widely loved. There were many more great characters (Lillith, Paul, John Allen Hill, Phil) but I will stop here-don't want to spoil all of the fun!

Many celebrities made cameos during the shows duration. Tip O'Neill, John Kerry, Kevin McHale, Spanky from the Little Rascals and many more made appearances. The show also tackled many social issues of the time, many debates of which are still going on today. 

What does this show have to do with a beer blog? Sure the characters were most of the time imbibing beer, wine or spirits, but it is a glimpse into the social aspect of the tavern. In all of my posts, I write from an analytical point of view and focus on more of an informative nature. I like people to see the variety of flavors, tastes and styles of beer. However, I tend to leave out the social aspect of being able to share a pint with friends. Almost always, I share these beers with friends who have the opportunity to sample and analyze these beers on their own. I would love to start doing some joint blog posts to show the diversity of opinions even when sampling the exact same bottle of beer. 

The tavern setting in Cheers was a safe haven for the characters America came to love. All of them had their faults, and one could argue that many came to the pub to run away from the rest of the problems of the world. Hiding under the veil of drinking is not a proper excuse, but is reflective of many in today's society. Many at Cheers were social outcasts, awkward individuals or those with no close friends or family. As the song says, "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name." Such a simple thought, but a beautiful one.

The show was truly a magnificent piece of art, and one that I have watched and rewatched and rewatched again. Watch it in pieces, binge watch it, but at least check it out. Such a fun show that anyone can enjoy. And it so happens all 11 seasons are on Netflix!

Cheers!
Scott

Disclaimer: All photos were taken by me, except for the daytime photo of the Cheers sign. Thanks to my Dad for taking this one. The Youtube link is live, and plays the intro theme to Cheers, written by Gary Portnoy.

Additionally, the theme has been rated as the best TV theme song of all time by numerous outlets. Here are a few articles about the song: http://www.tvguide.com/news/greatest-tv-theme-songs-60-1064098.aspx
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2008/11/the-20-best-tv-theme-songs-of-all-time.html?p=10

Southern Tier Pumking. Pumpkin Ale. Lakewood, NY 8.6% ABV.

It seems way too early to start thinking about pumpkin beers, but fall truly is right around the corner. Additionally, breweries seem to be putting out seasonal beers earlier than ever, with summer beers coming in March and fall beers in August. However, a beer as highly regarded as Pumking will likely be sold out completely by mid-September, so I made sure to stock up now. I suggest everyone here do the same.

Served chilled form a 22 oz bomber and poured into a snifter. Pours a cooper to light brown color with an orange hue and a thin white head. Smells are of pumpkin, brown sugar and nutmeg. If I were blindfolded I could easily confuse this for pumpkin pie or pumpkin bars. Carbonation is moderate with a medium body. Tastes are like the smell. Pumpkin, cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg and ginger are evident. Aftertaste finishes spicy and with plenty of pumpkin.

This beer is hands down the best pumpkin beer in my book. I am a big fan of Dogfish Punkin, but this beats it. The smell alone is one of the best smelling beers, and the balance is tremendous. I would highly recommend picking up several bombers for the fall and winter season. I personally purchased 3 to store away for a crisp, autumn evening and may grab another few.

One final story-when I turned 21 and my friends took me out for my birthday dinner, this was the first beer I ordered. Granted I went out on the actual day and ordered a Stella, but I would like to think this was the first one! In any case, this truly was my first craft beer. Years later, it still does not disappoint. 

94/100

$7.99/22 oz bomber

Anderson Valley The Kimmie, the Yank and the Holy Gose. Gose Style Beer. Boonville, California. 4.2% ABV.

Served chilled from a 12 oz can and poured into a pint glass. Pours a clear golden color with a two finger white foam head. Smells are somewhat sweet and tart with hints of wheat, malt and salt. Carbonation is moderate with a lighter body. Taste is tart up front, with coriander and wheat noticeable and a vinegary taste to it. The finish is quite salty, and overall the beer is incredibly balanced.

I have been looking for this beer for several months, and have been anxiously trying to find a gose style beer. It seems that like sours, this is the new hot style in craft beer. It did not disappoint! There was an incredible combination of sweet, sour, tart, funky, vinegary and salty. Nothing was overpowering, but mixed into an excellent, and very drinkable beer. I plan on going back to the store I bought it at and purchasing a six pack. 

Gose beers originated from Germany, and were characterized by using salt water in the boil. Additionally, a souring bacteria was added to give the beer a sort of "funk" and vinegary taste as well. Very few breweries do them, and even fewer do them well. I have read that Kimmie and Yank are actually Boontling dialect (check out the Wikipedia) and is a combination of several languages, including Gaelic, Irish, Pomoan and Spanish. It is only spoken in this area of California. Kimmie and Yank roughly translate to man and son (you can read into the whole meaning of the beer.)

91/100

$12/6 pack

Green Flash Hop Head Red. Red/Amber ale. San Diego, CA. 8.1% ABV.

Served chilled from a 12 oz bottle and poured into a pint glass. Pours a dark amber color with a one and a half finger foam head. Smells are of caramel, citrus and a bready malt. Carbonation is moderate with a medium body. This beer is incredibly crisp and refreshing. Taste is sweet, malty and has some spices. Crisp aftertaste with little lingering flavors.

This beer was amazing. I have always enjoyed Green Flash, but amber ales tend to be hit or miss for me. This was an immediate hit. The beer was very refreshing right from the start, and finished nicely as well. Would absolutely buy this again, and I'll be on the lookout immediately.

93/100

$3.59/bottle

Flying Dog Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout. Frederick, MD. English style stout. 5.5% ABV.

Yes you read it right. This is a beer actually brewed with oysters. A risky buy for someone who really does not care for seafood. I didn't let this one sit in the fridge as long as the mint chocolate stout, and I really wanted to try to go into it with an open mind. I was pleasantly surprised.

Served chilled from a 12 oz bottle and poured into a pint glass. Pours a dark black color with a two finger tan foam head. Smells are of roasted malts and chocolate. No oyster yet. Carbonation is moderate with a medium body. Taste is of chocolate, a bit of nuts, and roasted malt. There is a slight bit of oyster in the finish, but in no way is this fishy. More of the fattiness from the oyster comes out and complements the bitter chocolate quite nicely.

Overall I was shocked how it turned out. Would I buy again? Probably not. But it was still a pretty good, and lighter stout with a unique ingredient.

75/100

$2.19/bottle

Goose Island Pere Jacques 2012 Edition. Belgian Style Dubbel. Chicago, IL 8.7% ABV.



Found a 2012 bottle at my local store and had to pick it up. Served chilled from a 12 oz bottle and poured into a snifter. Pours a light brown and slightly purple color with a very thin head. Smells are of fruits-cherry and grape mostly, and a hint of booze, molasses and caramel. Carbonation is pretty light with a medium body. Taste is fruity and yeasty, with a bit of a funk as an aftertaste.



I'm happy that I bought it (and one other to store away) but this was nothing special. I don't know if it was stored properly. It still is surprising that my grocery store still had this on the shelves. I typically enjoy Dubbels, but not this one



77/100

$3.99/bottle




EDIT: I spoke with a beer shop owner in the West Village after writing this post and was informed that Goose Island will stop producing this beer. They shipped out all of the inventory they had, including many 2012 bottles. I have seen the beer at numerous locations, so the place I initially purchased it had stored it properly. I have two more bottles in my inventory, but plan on aging them another 2-3 years.