Cocoa Psycho

by BrewDog

Company Description

Welcome to the world of Cocoa Psycho, a liquid dimension where pure indulgence reigns. Originally brewed some 250 years ago to celebrate the Russian Royal Family, this 10% Imperial Russian stout borrows from the decadence of the time with its extravagantly smooth blend of crushed coffee beans, cocoa nibs and dark malts. But continue to dig a little deeper, past the infusions of vanilla pods and toasted oak chips, and eventually you'll come face-to-face with the madness required to make this beer; a kind of insanity that would have made Rasputin himself proud. To fully unleash the aromas and bittersweet luxury of this stout, we recommend drinking it from a stemmed beer glass before taking a sledgehammer to a Faberge Egg.

Appearance

Almost the color of used motor oil, for those of you who are not gear heads (shame on you) it's, well, BLACK. The head of the beer was even black.

Taste

It has a bitter taste with a slightly chocolate flavor.  There's a slight smooth vanilla flavor. It definitely has the Imperial Russian Stout flavor. Somewhat smokey.

Summary  

They both agree it's a chewy beer. (Cue Cody making the wookie sound.) Not chewy and dark like molasses. It's a good beer, and if you can find it decently priced, we suggest you try it.

Cody: 82/100

Derek: 74/100.

Black & Goldings

by 3 Notch'd and Oskar Blues

Company Description

A black ale hopped with first Gold, U.S. Goldings and East Kent Goldings. Dave Warwick and Tim Matthews became friends in Pittsburgh, PA in 2006 when they were both assistant brewers in crosstown brewpubs. Dave, now Brewmaster for Three Notch’d, and Tim, now Brewmaster for Oskar Blues, created “Black and Goldings” as a nod to the beloved city where their friendship and brewing careers began. Their experiences in Pittsburgh have left their mark on Dave and Tim, and now they’re teaming up to leave their own Mark with this delicious collaboration brew!

Appearance

Dark, perfectly fitting a black IPA. Fairly fluid, did not cling to the glass as much as the Cocoa Psycho, and the head was a decent tan color.

Taste

There was a good balance between the nature of the IPA and the dark ale. Bread-y, a bit sweet, and the taste of the hops came through. Derek says it was a nice, interesting combination of the two styles. 

Summary

A pretty decent beer. The brewery is near us in Charlottesville, VA. Even though it's dark colored, the flavor is light. It's more a good Spring beer. It's a good in between of a dark ale and an IPA.

Cody: 72/100

Derek: 84/100

Gose Blood Orange

by Anderson Valley

Company Description

Our Blood Orange Gose is a tart, refreshing wheat ale that is kettle-soured with lactobacillus and brewed with sea salt and coriander. However, unlike traditional versions of the style, ours features liberal additions of blood oranges during fermentation. This imparts tangy citrus notes that complement the champagne-like flavors, creating a complex and sessionable ale perfect for any occasion.

Appearance

Looks like a light cider. Slightly cloudy. The smell is definitely Gose, and has a citrus scent on the tail end of the smell. 

Taste

Very tart, and very much a citrus flavor. Overall, it is very dry and salty. It is not as salty as the majority of Gose beers.

Summary

A slightly warmer month beer. Light and refreshing, the citrus taste compliments the fine carbonation. At the bottom, flat ends of the beer, it starts to go bland and slightly weedy. 

Cody says he likes the beer, however he's not quite sure why he likes it so much. It reminds him of the traditional beer of the Frankfurt area in Germany.

Derek says he likes the way the sweet and tartness of the orange helps offset the saltiness of the beer. 

Cody: 87/100

Derek: 81/100

Grand Arbor

by Southern Tier

Company Description

Grand Arbor is hazy pale straw in color with a thick rocky white head and persistent lacing. Aromatically earthy with distinct fruity esters and low to moderate noble hop character. Balanced fruity character blends into crisp biscuit notes with a dry tart finish. Interestingly, although we add maple syrup it adds an earthy/woody character rather than an overt sweetness.

Appearance

Light, amber, with a nice white head. The lacing is persistent. 

Taste

No maple.  There's more of a pepper flavor in the initial taste. There's a bit of sweetness towards the middle of a sip, however the beer will hit you with a bushel of wheat before you're really able to savor the sweetness of the syrup. 

Summary

Thanks to our friend for coming and joining us for a tasting and for being our scribe.