Dogfish Head Red & White

This Belgian-style wit is brewed with coriander and fermented with pinot noir juice.  That's right, I said pinot noir juice.  Those crazt guys at Dogfish Head have done it again with this crazy concoction and it is drinking quite well I must say.  Some of the brew is aged in Oregon pinot noir barrels and the rest in oak staves.  The beer has that awesome bouquet of flowers and spring time with spices and grape juice on the palate.  The spices are balanced and not over the top.  The brew is expensive, but like everything else that they make it is worth it and I highly recommend it.  

Avery Brewing Co. Maharaja Imperial India Pale Ale

Avery releases this brew twice a year and we were lucky enough to have Peter from Avery bring us some at our first beer tasting.  The bouquet from this beer can be smelled many feet from your nose and it has citrus and grassy notes.  This beer has 10.54% abv and for all you hop heads out there this is one to sample.  It is SO drinkable that I may have to go back for another as it goes down smooth and finishes with some hoppy bitterness. This is IPA is right up there with the 90 minute from Dogfish and since this brew is coming out of Boulder you need to get some as it is limited and will sell out soon.

Deschutes Brewery The Abyss - Imperial Stout

I must admit that I am not much of an imperial stout drinker, but this brew is simply amazing.  I drank this in the hot tub and was amazed not only by the color, but the texture in the mouth.  And...let me tell you that you don't want to start with this one in the hot tub as it will simply put a whoopin' on you.  This beer is aged in oak and bourbon barrels and at 11% abv it let's know the alcohol is there.  Dark chocolate and oatmeal are present on the nose and in the mouth.  Wow!!  I am turning into an imperial stout fan as I attempt to finish this 22oz by myself.  The molasses, chocolate, and licorice flavors are quite impressive and make this one a true treat.

Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale

Thelonious Monk played piano like no one before him, virtually redefining the instrument. As a person and a musician he was as enigmatic as he was prodigious. In fact of his last tour his bassist Al McKibbon had this to say, “On that tour Monk said about two words. I mean literally maybe two words. He didn't say 'Good morning', 'Goodnight', 'What time?' Nothing. Why, I don't know. He sent word back after the tour was over that the reason he couldn't communicate or play was that Art Blakey and I were so ugly.” Luckily for us Brother Thelonious the Abbey style ale isn’t hard to figure out. This beer pours a rich mahogany, with a nose that is sweet and malty. The taste is malt up front with a dry and spicy finish. Suggested pairing? Uncork a bottle and play “Brilliant Corners”, Monk’s landmark 1956 album.