Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout

Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout
Style: Oatmeal Stout

Alcohol Content: 5.8%

From: Boonville, California, United States of America

Purchased From: Real Ale Shop, Richmond-Upon-Thames

https://avbc.com/

Whenever I drink a stout, I am always reminded that we are currently in the depths of winter.  If you live in the UK, I am sure you can see and hear the wind lashing down outside, effecting everyone’s journey home for Christmas (Emma’s included). I however, am tucked up nicely in the flat, drinking craft beer. Hopefully, the alcohol will warm me up whilst I dream about my upcoming holiday to Cuba and another Christmas jumper from my auntie Christine. Oh it’s a hard life!!

Anderson Valley Brewing Company was founded in 1987 by David Norfleet and Kim and Ken Allen. At the time, it was one of just 20 craft breweries in the United States. The original 10-barrel brew-house was designed and installed by owner and original brewer David Norfleet (and the 10 barrel brewery is still used for R&D brewing today). The original brewery was located in the lower level of the brew pub, The Buckhorn Saloon.

In 1996 when the demand for the award winning beers exceeded the capacity of the 10-barrel brewery below the pub, a 30-barrel facility was installed just a mile from down-town Boonville at the corner of Highways 128 and 253. This brewery saw them through a dramatic period of growth, which included the introduction of a 12 ounce bottling line. By 1998 production had reached 15,000 barrels annually and construction began on a three-story Bavarian-style brew-house. The new brew-house went on-line and started producing beer once again in August 2000.

Colour: On the pour you will be presented with a thick, dark, ink black liquid topped with a luscious leather coloured head. This beer looks extremely thick and the head will stay around for the duration of the beer.

Aroma: As soon as you pop the cap, rich milky chocolate notes will swam over you. Also present are subtle notes of coffee which develop as the drink warms in the glass. That being said, the nose on this beer is not overly pronounced which is a real shame.

Body: Very smooth and thick as a good stout should be to start with but once brought up to room temperature, the beer seems to become thinner taking on a more watery complexion.  Each sip will coat the mouth nicely which in turn leads to an extremely enjoyable drinking experience.

Taste: Your first sip of this beer will be one you will remember. Rich, silky milk chocolate juxtaposed with bitter coffee grinds dominate this beer. The sweetness delivered from the oats helps to add a real sense of depth and richness to this beer. The slight burnt, mild bitter espresso finish provides a sumptuous end to each sip. This all helps to mask the strength of the beer .To be honest, this drink reminds me of a lighter version of Glastonbury Ales Thriller Cappuccino Porter, which I reviewed earlier in this blog. 

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/glastonbury-ales-thriller-rare.html

Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/moor-beer-company-merlin-magic.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery or like me on Facebook at Beefsbrewery

Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA

Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA

Style: IPA

Alcohol Content: 7%

From: Healdsburg, California, United States

Purchased From: Utobeer, London Borough Market, UK

http://bearrepublic.com/

The Bear Republic Brewing Company is an American microbrewery located in Healdsburg, California, USA. It was established by the Norgrove family in 1995, with Richard G. Norgrove as brewmaster. The name is said to refer to California's 1846 Bear Flag Revolt. In 2006, Bear was named Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brewer of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. The this review i will be reviewing there Racer 5 IPA. I first came across this beer during a "craft beer festival" at Bryon burger. I was presented with a choice of five beers and i decided to go with the racer 5 (mainly due to its name and the style of beer). Quite frankly it blew me away and now i will review it for you on my blog.

Quite like the old school Instagram look on this pic

Colour: Once poured into the glass you are presented with a bright orange/yellow liquid with a minimal head. This head will settle down and leave a very small amount of foam in the glass. This foam will stay around for the duration of your drinking experience. Lord this drink looks amazing i just want to dive write in.

Aroma: Once poured into the glass you are absolutely bombarded with scents and aromas. You can pick out a boutique of  aromas such as grapefruit, elderflower, lemon peel, grass and fresh pine. After drinking craft beer for two years there is only one other beer that i have tried that matches this boutique and that is the Kernel Brewery IPA Columbus. Which like this beer is also truly divine.

Body: As this beer is heavily hopped with Chinook, Cascade, Columbus and Centennial hops, the bitterness actually makes this beer feel heavier than it actually is. It strikes the perfect balance for an American IPA; easy drink-ability (due to low levels of carbonation) with a slightly stickiness in the after taste.   

Taste: There are sour notes such as pink grapefruit and lemons mixed with pine. There is also a ever so slight bitter aftertaste which come from the blend of hops used in the making of this brew. This helps to round the flavor off very nicely. If you warm the beer in your mouth, the flavor will actually change quite drastically. Rather than a fruity beer, you are presented with notes of caramel and hobnob biscuits. Its like a drink of two halves. In my opinion, this is one of my favorite beers and i will go back to it again and again.

Similar to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/kernel-brewery-ipa-columbus.html
Different to: http://beefsbrewery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/meantime-chocolate-porter.html

For the latest news on reviews follow me on twitter @beefsbrewery