O-Trap;806160 wrote:I've gotta be honest. I never thought these words would be uttered.
However, as I've never tried it, I'll have to do so before I make any judgments. Just can't see myself considering a Sammy Smith the beer of the night.
You and me both Brother Trap. I never thought I'd say that either. I like most of their beers as they are traditional ales. Sammy makes some Solid beers, and in true British fashion/styles, but this one was way out there and tasted like nothing I've ever had. I'd never heard of it before and only tried it since the person running the Beerfest told us about it in person, and to make sure we try it. He said that the Rep from Merchant Du Vin, the distributor of Samuel Smith, was shocked that it was going to be poured for this event. I think it retails at 9 - 10 dollars for a bottle at the Jungle. I've heard as high as $13.00 a bottle at other stores...when you can find it. He said at our Beerfest we drink great beers no matter what the price. Besides some people never had or will ever have some of the beers again, so let them enjoy the experience. Basically meaning it's not so much about the money, but the celebration of Beer. (unlike some Beerfests)
It comes in at 8% which is very high for a British Ale and is a seasonal with limited production, so it can be hard to find. It's made in Yorkshire Squares then it's aged in barrels from previous ales, some that are over a 100 years old, so it picks up a lot of flavor from them. The best way to describe it is a Barley Wine Style Light. Great aroma and flavor, but not the heavy mouth feel and huge alcohol finish of a Barley Wine. Of course most Barley Wines are higher in ABV, so that should be right. It's bottle Conditioned, so it pours a hazy, dirty brown and the aroma is very strong. Nice smooth and creamy with caramel, raisin, and plumish taste. It had a just a little bit of bitterness and sourness in it and the alcohol comes through a little. Very complex. There are a couple of You tube videos describing it.
We did have Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout...awesome as always. The Brew Kettle White Rajah and Sierra Nevada Ovila Dubbel, all 3 on tap. My favorite shirts for the night that I saw was a guy wearing one that said "In dog beers I've only had one" and the lady pouring the Stone Beers had one that said "It's not too expensive, your just too cheap"
I heard it from Jungle Jim himself that next year it will be a 2 day event. They wanted to it this year, but the event center was already booked. Plenty of Hotels in the surrounding area so come on down next year. It's usually Fathers Day weekend.
I told The Wife every time she goes to get beer get 2 bottles each time until they run out.
