Topic: 2014 Craft Beer Advent Calendar

[Hound]

So it begins!

Day 1 of 24:

Nogne 0 - God Advent

250ml bottle.

[jackal]

Looks dark.  I'll like it I'm sure.

[Hound]

Looks dark.  I'll like it I'm sure.

It has a dark copper colour to it.  Not dark enough?

[jackal]

It has a dark copper colour to it.  Not dark enough?

I'm really into Imperial stouts and Porters,  but I'm excited for all the new flavours.

[Jessica]

So it begins!

Day 1 of 24:

Nogne 0 - God Advent

250ml bottle.

Day one is not bad. I had it without the cheese, and found it a bit malty, but nommed on some smoked Gouda and it was fantastic after.

[GrantC]

I found this "nogne 0" smelled way stronger (like brown liquor) than it tasted (like friendly malted-ness)...

I tried to not disturb the bottle too much, because of the big lump of yeast on the bottom.  But the end of the glass still tasted like chewing yeasty agressiveness.

Note, I had it _after_ the Phillips beer for the day.

[Hound]

Day 2 of 24:

Hippa Heikki - Voimakkaasti Humaloitu Ale

That is a mouthful to say.

[Cagare]

My wife thought it was Japanese when she took it out of the box to put it in the fridge.

[Hound]

My wife thought it was Japanese when she took it out of the box to put it in the fridge.

I think it's from Finland. 

That's not even the full name.  It's a Teerenpeli - Hippaheikki Voimakkaasti Humaloitu Ale.

[Hound]

Enjoyed this beer more than yesterday's.  I feel like they stepped up their game this year.

[GrantC]

Yea, this one was tasty.  Nothing hugely special, an amber/mild hoppy beer.

[jackal]

Finally had the Nogne 0 tonight.  I thought it was lovely.  I liked the crispness to it, despite it being an Amber.  I didn't get the lump of yeast at the end though because i gently swirled it into my pour. Near the end is when I liked it the most.

Between this and the Phillips,  I am behind 5 beers already. (tomorrows are already pulled)

[Hound]

Day 3 of 24:

Penpont Brewery - Chateau Civrac Old Ale

I can't find it listed under Penpont's offerings.  Must be another specially made for the calendar beers.

[jackal]

Enjoyed this beer more than yesterday's.  I feel like they stepped up their game this year.

Meh.  Two sips in,  and I find it bland,  boring and safe.  All things I tend not to like in a beer.

[Hound]

Meh.  Two sips in,  and I find it bland,  boring and safe.  All things I tend not to like in a beer.

I found it to be heavy on the roasted malt flavour with a hint of oat and a slight wine aftertaste.  Enjoyable.

Would drink again.

[Hound]

Day 4 of 24:

Peak Organic - Hop Blanc

From Peak Organic:  Hop Blanc is a heavenly White IPA.  Local wheat and Belgian yeast give this beer a soft mouthfeel, while Centennial, Simcoe and Citra hops provide a bright rush of tropical and citrus flavors up front.  This beer is the cheery, angelic cousin of the more sinister Hop Noir.

SUGGESTED FOOD PAIRINGS: Shellfish, Kale Salads, and most mexican dishes.



We had the Hop Noir in last years calendar.  I don't recall if I enjoyed it or not.

Review:  IMO, it's more of a wheat beer than IPA which means an easy drinking IPA.  I enjoyed it.  Barely any hint of bitterness. 

[Hound]

Day 5 of 24:

Birrificio Del Ducato - Krampus Speciale

From Birrificio - High fermentation beer fermented in the bottle. Deep amber color with reddish reflections, has cream-colored foam, fine grain. Bouquet: complex aromatic notes with hints of candied fruit (citrus, orange), spices (pepper, anise, nutmeg) and balsamic notes. The taste is warm, full and with a noticeable sweetness.

If the brewery sounds familiar to you it's because we had two of their beers(Golden Ale & Chimera) in the first advent calendar.

[GrantC]

If the brewery sounds familiar to you it's because we had two of their beers(Golden Ale & Chimera) in the first advent calendar.

The cap was very familiar to me, and I was glad to see it!

(Corso32 has their Verdi Imperial Stout on their menu.)

[greenturbo]

so i had 1 sip and poured it out.
either mines gone bad. or this beer is uckfaying awful.
it had no fizz , skunky smell, and a taste like a berliner weisse gone super wrong.
barf...

[Hound]

so i had 1 sip and poured it out.
either mines gone bad. or this beer is uckfaying awful.
it had no fizz , skunky smell, and a taste like a berliner weisse gone super wrong.
barf...

Mine was very carbonated.  It fizzed over when I opened the cap.

It's a sour beer that's supposed to taste funky.  Loved it.

[GrantC]

Review:  IMO, it's more of a wheat beer than IPA which means an easy drinking IPA.  I enjoyed it.  Barely any hint of bitterness. 

And I, meanwhile, found it very grapefruity & IPA-ish.

[GrantC]

so i had 1 sip and poured it out.
either mines gone bad. or this beer is uckfaying awful.
it had no fizz , skunky smell, and a taste like a berliner weisse gone super wrong.
barf...

Mine was very carbonated.  It fizzed over when I opened the cap.

It's a sour beer that's supposed to taste funky.  Loved it.

Mine was also effectively uncarbonated, and tasted like a mix of vinegar & sadness.

Pass.



I mean, due to this apparent inconsistency I might try it again... _might_.

[Hound]

I mean, due to this apparent inconsistency I might try it again... _might_.

I was talking with the Yukon Brewing rep last week and he said they had to have their beer shipped to the craft warehouse 7 months before the calendars where shipped out. 

No wonder people are finding inconsistencies in the beers.

[BradM]

Mine was also effectively uncarbonated, and tasted like a mix of vinegar & sadness.

Mine as well.

[Hound]

Day 6 of 24:

Bridge Road Brewers - Fat Man Red Suit Big Sack Red IPA

Description:  Originally brewed for export to Canada this red IPA showcases some of our Aussie Hops. Galaxy Topaz and Enigma.

Love the name, don't think I've ever had a red IPA before.