Second Meeting

Tonight we've got a mix and match set of beers with no discernible theme. As I'm writing this, we're not sure of what we're going to try yet, and the meeting starts right... now. Derek isn't here, so we'll be drinking an extra 20%. Hooray.

First, we have Boulevard's Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale. Corked and caged! First impression: Joe- "It's spritzy." It's carbonated, light, and delicious. The 8% ABV is hidden by the presence of floral hops and carbonation. Shazaam, I could drink a couple bombers of this on a hot day, and end up falling asleep in the inflatable pool I'm sitting in. Overall, good saison.

The second beer we're trying is Victory's Baltic Thunder; a baltic porter. This one comes in at 8.5%. There's a story on the back of the bottle, which adds to the charm. This is quite drinkable, despite the ingredients. Mouthfeel is light, with strong coffee and chocolate flavors. We all agreed it wasn't what we were expecting. A roasted octoberfest? We'll go with that.

Our third sample is Goose Island's Demolition. It's a Belgian Style Golden Ale that features 7.2% ack-ahol. It's not yet listed on BeerAdvocate, and Alvey says they just got it in at the Firkins. Brent's first impression was "Fucking Nummy." I agree. I can taste the hops, as well as the Belgian candied sugars. Overall, a pretty good beer.

The next beer is Town Hall Brewery's Wine Barrel-Aged Wee Heavy Scotch Ale. The style is a strong Scotch Ale, but aged in Pinot Noir barrels. The smell is definitely grape-y. The taste is like nothing we expected. Heavy wine tastes, with some taste of Scotch ale that eventually shows up. Chest-feel: Similar to red wine. Overall, we're in agreement that it's really, really good.

Lastly, we have Town Hall's Wine Barrel-aged Double IPA. I've been looking forward to this since I bought the growler. It pours a dark orange, hazy color. Man-o-man, it's definitely hoppy. Wine and fruit and the beginning, tangerines fo sho, then follows with a dry, hoppy finish. Welcome to flavor country, Golden Valley.