Working my way through Christmas Gifts

I decided to go to the back of the fridge and grab this Anderson Valley Brother David's Triple.  This was a Christmas gift from my co-worker, and as it is 20 degrees outside, and we have Anchorman on the television- I felt it would be a good night to pop the cap.

The beer poured and orange (maybe burnt orange) color, with a small quarter inch head (I had to work to get that much).  Aroma is entirely based on sweetness and the belgian yeast.  No expectation of hop aromas, none found.

The initial taste (out of fridge,  cool/cold) was a sweet beer but showcasing a lot of the fruity yeast flavors.  The alcohol is well hidden, even though it clocks in at 10 percent.  Hopefully as it warms, it will bring forth a little more.

Second taste:  Leaving the beer warm a bit, the sweetness remains, as the yeast mellows.  Whether it is candy sugar or whatever, but the sweetness really tries to overpower the beer. 

The carbonation is perfectly in order, cutting through the sweetness to make this a very drinkable beer.  The beer is smooth, yet has a great body to it.  Even though the beer had no head retention, it is viscus enough to cling to the sides of the glass- resembling what would be looked for in a fine wine.*

Overall, I feel that this is a very drinkable beer.  Very enjoyable, and might be considered dangerously drinkable.  The only reason I would not suggest this beer, is if you are not a fan of sweeter Belgian beers.  Other than that, I would give it a try.

*I know very little about fine wines, but I think this is true.

Anderson Valley is being sold

According to the North Bay Business Journal, Anderson Valley Brewing Company is being sold to an "industry verteran".

Anderson Valley Brewing Co., maker of craft beers Boont Amber Ale and Hop Ottin’ IPA, today announced it reached a definitive purchase agreement with HMB Holdings LLC, new company led by a former beer marketing company executive.

Anderson Valley was started by Ken Allen, who build the brewery from the ground up to what it has become today.  I love some of their offerings, even giving Brother Jacob Dubbel a spot in this years Beer Bracket.  Hop Ottin' IPA is also considered a favorite by many IPA fans.

About HMB Holdings LLC: (From DraftMag.com)

HMB Holdings LLC is owned and managed by Trey White, a fifteen year veteran of the alcoholic beverage industry. Through his role as executive vice-president at United States Beverage, Mr. White worked with a variety of fast growing successful American craft beers including Goose Island, Rogue, Ipswich and SLO as well as selected imports including Grolsch from Holland. HMB will retain the current brewing and production facilities at Anderson Valley Brewery while expanding the sales and marketing capabilities.

Best of luck to both Ken Allen and HMB Holdings LLC!

dreary day beer stop

I would like to say everyone should take a moment today to think about those serving the country.

I had off today, but had a lunch meeting for a committee that I work with.  After the lunch, I ran up the Well's Discount Liquors to use a gift card I received last christmas (most people wouldn't be able to hold onto it as long as I have).  I came away with a couple of things that I can look forward to, and another that I thought I would give a shot.

I gave Anderson Valley Brewing's Brother David Double a go.  I didn't know much about the brewery or the beer, but thought I would try it.  If you have had it, let me know.

Next, I grabbed a bottle of Wild Devil from Victory Brewing.  I loved this beer when I had it before, and wanted to make sure I had a bottle for another time.

I then saw the bottles of the Stone Vertical Epic 09/09/09.  One to drink this winter, one to save for the future.  This is one of the few porters that I like, so maybe I should have grabbed a bunch of them.

Finally, I was able to grab a bottle of the Autumn Maple from The Bruery (last one on the shelf or I would have grabbed a couple).  I have been looking forward to trying this beer, and this was the first opportunity I had to get one.

Overall, I feel that I had a good go at the store.  I didn't spend too much money, and was able to being home some good stuff.

Have you picked up anything lately?