Avery “Hog Heavan” Barleywein Style Ale
This is a sipping beer, not recommended for the feighnt of heart. With a complex layer of Banana, Spice, and creamy goodness, this beer deserves to be drank with a special cuisine. Or, just by itself. Being a “Barley Wine” means that this big boy will be chock full of hops and medium roasted malts. Full bodied and high in alcohol, be careful both drinking and cooking with this beer. Here’s some fellow appricianados reviews:
“The first thing on the nose are big resiny hops. Also some candy sugar, which is faint but still noticeable.”
“2 finger beige head. Rocky like the mountains. Color is maple/amber. Very classy looking. The beer is fairly clear, although I don’t see a ton of life inside. “
“Wow the bitterness is HUGE in this one, although I’m not surprised at 104 IBU. Me likey. This hopped up bomber coats every part of your mouth and sends tingles to all your nerve endings. I can feel the caramelly malt trying to make an appearance but it is getting shoved aside by the hops. Still there is enough to distinguish this beer from a DIPA.”
“I like it, but don’t love it. I’m really glad I finally got to try an Avery beer as I’ve heard alot about them. Looking forward to their other products.”
“Braised meats, pulled pork, and even heavier sushi/sashimi will work with this. But it pairing with fish, take note of the “perceived sweetness” and fruity complexes of this beer.”
First try the beer alone, then start mingling it in with cheese and other foods. Since this big boy does so well on its own, there are endless possibilities that can work with this most special of beers…
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
One of my favorite sayings among winemakers is “It takes a lot of beer to make great wine.” Yup, wine folks love good beer too. And here’s one of my favorites. Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware brings funky, robust beers meant for sipping. And these guys know what their doing.
Their “60 Minute IPA” bottling is like an IPA on steroids. IPA stands for “India Pale Ale,” and falls into the broader “pale ale” category of beers. IPAs typically have a light amber to copper color, with a good dose of hops. Hops bring the bitter flavors to beer, and there are many different strains (hops is genetically related to Marijuana). This beer is made from NorthWest hops varieties.
The name “60 minute IPA” comes from the continuous addition of hops for a period of one hour. The beer is full bodied with hoppy citrus and grass notes. I recommend drinking this one out of a pint glass (definitely not the bottle). Just like wine, beer should be able to breathe and release its aromas.
For the truly adventuresome, they also produce their “90 Minute IPA” and “120 Minute IPA.” Be warned– these beers are for serious beer drinkers. If you’re a fan of Budweiser or Coors, this probably isn’t for you 