AleDog

I was a little skeptical of this beer when it was first announced.  The batch from the year before did not differentiate itself much from OB’s normal Java Stout.  Not saying that is a bad thing, I just wanted something different this time around.  This year the Brewberry Java Stout is truly a great stand-alone beer.  The first taste is just like the Java Sout, however as you finish the drink there is definitely a blueberry flavor that compliments the coffee taste perfectly. This is the best seasonal so far this year for Oaken Barrel, one I’m not sure Apple Buzz will even be able to beat.

Grade: A

Sorry, not the best picture for this review.  Just Google it.  To start, I’m a big fan of Abita, particularly their Amber and Pecan Harvest.  In fact, Abita Amber was probably the first craft beer I truly enjoyed.  I say this because I am probably a bit jaded with this review.

There really wasn’t a strong smell to the beer, just a slight vanilla sweetness to it.  However when you take a drink you get quite a strong vanilla taste.  Normally so much flavor would be a bad thing, but you quickly get to taste the delicious porter flavor.  I saw that it was listed at 7% abv, which seems about right.  Very good and I could easily down a couple pints without it getting old.

Grade: A-

Starts off with a spicy smell, but the first taste is a lot of cinnamon flavor.  There is a nice finish of a little heat.  Overall I liked the beer, but there is a bitter aftertaste that is more noticeable as you finish the bottle.

Grade: B+

This next review comes from my friend Sean Colleran who you will see here with more reviews in the future.

Recently cracked open a Goose Island Bourbon County Stout Rare, and was a little disappointed.  It’s a fantastic beer, but it’s maybe 10% better than the regular version, and it’s 500% more expensive.  It’s a little smoother than the standard version because it’s a few years old, and the bourbon aftertaste is slightly better because they used barrels from a better whisky.  Otherwise, it’s the same as any other Bourbon County Stout, and still not as good as the Vanilla or Coffee versions, which are also way cheaper and (ironically) rarer.  While its insane price and over-hyped release make it a very poor value, it’s still one of the best barrel aged stouts around.  Pours as thick as motor oil, lots of great flavors (chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, and oak), and a nice warming feeling from the high alcohol.  A+ beer, but not worth standing in line outside in minus six degree weather for the privilege of shelling out more than $50 per bottle on a beer that is rare in name only and not as good as some of their other offerings.

Grade (due to price): B

A big strong taste to start with the rye flavor.  Ends with like a traditional but solid porter. When first looking at the beer I thought I’d be able to have 1 at most, but much more drinkable than anticipated.
Grade: B+

My Friends Jay and Kal told me about this beer after they had tried it.  Both of them said it tasted a lot like a Irish Car Bomb(which I love), and I’d have to say I agree 100%.  It wasn’t really until probably 2/3 of the bottle that I noticed the alcohol taste.  Pretty decent but I could only take in small quantities.

Grade: B

It’s finally that time of year again when Oaken Barrel releases its popular Apple Buzz.  For those who have not been lucky enough to try the beer, it tastes like a mix between a white ale and apple cider.  The alcohol content comes in at about 7.5% abv which gives the beer a nice kick.

I will say that I’m not quite as high on this year’s batch as I am typically.  The taste is a a little more tart this year.  However, I do think this year’s Apple Buzz is getting better over time, so I’m not sure if they released it a little to early.  When I first had it on Oct. 10th I would have given the beer a B- ….however as of Tuesday October 18th that grade has definitely improved.  With that being said…I could very well have a Part 2 of this review when I (hopefully) can grab another Apple Buzz early next week.

Grade: B+