Sugar Crash!

Going, Going, Gone. At least in my area. If you haven't secured your necessary allotment of Boulevard's latest release, you may be fresh out of luck. Boulevard's Chocolate Ale hit local shelves today and, according to all my local spots, sold out in a few hours. Around 1pm, my brother-in-law called from Portland to have me grab him a bottle for my brew trip to his neck of the woods this weekend. I figured if word of this local concoction could create a buzz in the micro brew capital of the northwest, I better get my butt in gear. I left work early to nab my few bottles (sorry if you're reading this, boss). Given this is a limited, one-time collaboration brew with local chocolatier Christopher Elbow, there was a maximum of two bottles per customer. Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits on State Line decided to take that down to one bottle per person. BOO!! I decided to exploit the process a few hours later and hit a few more stores to get a reserve selection of the Chocolate Ale aging in my cellar. No dice. I visited three local spots and called three others, and they were all fresh out. Lucky for Portland and my partner in crime, Yum! Beer, I just may have a bottle for them...but only if they share.


Imbibilicious, out.

Denver Pale Ale, The Everyday Brew

I wasn't the greatest at the analogy sections of most standardized testing platforms, but I've managed to put together this little gem for you. Take a gander and see if you agree.

DPA : brews :: Bruce Willis : late night channel surfing

Great Divide's Denver Pale Ale (DPA) is the Bruce Willis of brews. No matter which movie is on, you end up finishing it satisfied. You could be flipping through channels, find Die Hard just starting and before you know it, you're 3 brews in, 10 bad guys down, and quoting Willis one liners. Heck you may even stay up for the encore performance of The Last Boy Scout. Much the same is this brew. You pop open the fridge, not sure what you are in the mood for and see a couple DPAs in the back. All of a sudden, you find yourself at the local brew shop searching for more. English style pale ale with an American micro brew spirit. Gorgeous copper color, simple light aroma, crisp flavor, citrus and just enough hops...the perfect everyday brew.

Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho.

Imbibilicious, out.

Serving Type: bottle, 12 oz, appx. $10 /6 pack

Glassware: Tulip

Color (hue and head): Copper w/ white foamy head

Taste: Hint of malt, citrus and hops, crisp, clean finish.

Grade: 87/100 (B+)

Musical pairing: Metric - Gold Girls Guns (not enough for Bruce)
Alternate Musical pairing: Bruce Willis - Respect Yourself (Yes, this is the 1st single from Bruce Willis's 1986 album, The Return of Bruno. MUST check out!)

Surroundings: Eating a late dinner, channel surfing, working late

Mikkeller - I Beat yoU

Yes, that's what it's called and it does what it says. For those unfamiliar with Mikkeller, he's a Danish "gypsy" brewer, moving from brewery to brewery, forgetting the rules and creating some of the most unique beers around. He's like that friend we all have that is just good at anything...you know, he can wax the floor with you at your best game, and had never even played the game before. In this case, the aforementioned Dane has brewed an american imperial IPA, at Brewdog in Scotland, and then gave it the name "I Beat yoU"!!  ...bold, very bold, sir.

Pours creamy, gold with a hearty, ivory head that lasts and lasts. Buttery up front and pine in the back, the flavor is strong, but gentle on the tongue. I like very much. It reminds me of Avery's Maharaja...which is in my top 10 list.

Touche, Mr. Mikkel Bjergso. You have won this round. The brew name speaks for itself. Your fine ale beats most of the imperial IPAs i've had enjoyed to date from some of the best craft brewers in the states. I will continue to seek out your creations for further analysis.

Imbibilicious, out.

Serving Type: bottle, 11.2 oz, $6

Glassware: Tulip

Color (hue and head): creamy, gold, cloudy. Thick, ivory head.

Taste: Buttery pine, maybe some honeysuckle

Grade: 95/100 (A)

Musical pairing: Land of Talk - Hamburg, Noon

Surroundings: Wrapping presents, enjoying beverage(s).