Gouden Carolus Noel with Santa hat

Beer Potluck

Beer Tastings, craft beer, , , , ,

Just a Few Bombers Makes a Party

We had some friends come over. Everyone brought a random beer and we had an instant party. I provided a beer, snacks, and tasting glasses.

Glassware

I prefer tulip glasses because they hold the aroma in and help form a nice head

Tulip beer glasses
Tulip glasses

on your beers. You can really get to know a beer by just sticking your nose in and taking a big whiff. Because they have a stem, the glass does not leave a ring, so no need for a coaster. Also, you can hold your beer either by the stem to keep it cold or cradle it in the palm of your hand to warm it. And the shape of the glass is perfect for swirling your beer to reform your head. I find myself constantly swirling and sniffing. It does help that I have a wide variety of glasses from all my pint nights. Everyone can have their own unique glass.

 

The Beers

Three beers accompanied my guests. The Canadian3 pot luck bCaroluseers, Maudite, Heavy 21 and Carolus Noel Maudite from Unibroue is one of my all-time favorites. It came in a 750ml bottle (a seven-fifty). The Bros from Beer Advocate actually call it world-class and rate it a perfect 100. It is an 8% Belgian Strong Dark Ale, subtle for the style, with hints of many complex flavors like raisins, chocolate, and bread to name a few. I find it velvety rich.

Heavy Seas 21 Anniversary Ale, Imperial Rye ESB aged in rye whiskey barrels came in a 22 oz. bomber.  This big, 10.5% rye beer celebrates Heavy Seas 21st anniversary. Heavy Seas Brewmaster, Christopher Leonard says, “To celebrate our 21st anniversary, we have fashioned an Imperial Rye ESB brewed with imported UK Maris Otter malt, Crystal Rye malt, local Domino brown sugar, and a blend of spicy, herbaceous British and American hops – to the tune of 65 IBU’s. 21 will be aged for sixty days in locally sourced, single use Sagamore Spirit rye whiskey barrels.” I enjoyed the whiskey taste of this big, spicy ale.

The Gouden Carolus Noël by Het Anker is another Belgian Strong Dark Ale. I’m glad it came in a large seven-fifty because we all fought over this unusual winter beer. Christmas spices of cinnamon, cherry, brown sugar, molasses, and cloves were dominated by anise. I personally enjoyed this black licorice, liquid treat.

So, to combat the blahs this winter, invite some friends over and tell them to bring a bomber, a seven-fifty or even a six-pack of a random craft beer. You never know what might happen.

Cheers,

Warren