1. I loved magic drip. Had low expectations but man it delivered
2. How do you guys feel about Schmoojee

I had the Mango Cart by Golden Road brewing on draft.Was pretty good,i thought.

lol

I enjoyed that beer! Seems to be popping up everywhere.. had one in KC a couple weeks ago and have seen it mentioned on untappt a few times here.

Not a huge fan myself but they sell the shit out of it here in Missouri.

'13 and '14 are drinking great right now.

Not sure how often you're here but Revolution is filling the barleywine void. Right now they have 2019 A Midwinter Night's Jacket which is their base barleywine aged 12 months in High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram ex-Port barrels.

I split a crowler earlier this week and was blown away.

I found some Schmoojees in the wild. Will report later.

Good to hear, I have a 4 pack in my kitchen that I haven’t tried yet.

On point. They've done a strong ale or two with cinnamon and it works really well. In terms of peach cobbler, it could use more peach, but very well done nonetheless.


https://i.imgur.com/m27i9pK.jpg

When's the last time you boys had your A1C checked?

Wowzers!

Heh... I'm pretty low carb outside of beer, but this is a good reminder!

One of their better stouts... thick, heavy chocolate.

https://i.imgur.com/SapMilp.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/lkRyAU1.jpg

Got the last 4 pack of Magic Drip the other day and the Prairie stout really opened up the coffee in it, both aroma and taste.

Okay lewdog, no diabetes stout tonight... toning it down with a 12% ale, and I've heard pumpkin is good for my gainz!

https://i.imgur.com/VENha5y.jpg

<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/q0vEPDANK527lTsZzy" width="480" height="400" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/theoffice-episode-5-the-office-tv-q0vEPDANK527lTsZzy">via GIPHY</a></p>

Well that looks legit!

Surprisingly and sadly, it aged poorly... no barrel, tastes like drinking nutmeg and spices.

This one is much better.

https://i.imgur.com/M3zEz5P.jpg

Tried the Magic Drip tonight. One of the best ones they've put out in a while.

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I was browsing the beginnings of this thread and noticed a couple of things...
- Reaper hasn't posted in this thread in 4.5 years and is still 4th on the list of most posts.
- People were very excited about a Boulevard Imperial Stout in 2011, which I had to Google to remember what the label looked like... and before Magic Drip, that was probably the last time I was excited about a Boulevard stout.

https://thepitchkc.com/content/uploa...t-1024x747.png

Oh my lord

Not beer but Standard Meadery in Chicago is killing it

Watermelon pina colada session mead

Picking up a pineapple/orange/coconut and a caramel apple next weekend

https://i.imgur.com/sVb4FRW.jpg?1

FYP

OZNR notifications

I'm about 50/50 on their releases

Found 4 packs in Phoenix... shit's getting real.

You were in Phoenix?!?!?!

We should try for another CP meetup, or just a Ground Control date.

Had to steal a photo, as I forgot to take one before scootering to the couch (damn ankle surgery), but drinking this right now:

https://untappd.akamaized.net/photos...ba8b3c_raw.jpg

BA English Barleywine that's damn ****ing good. Nice barrel flavor, incredibly smooth for 13% - not a bit of harshness.

I should drink more barleywines.

Explain this. I see that term a lot but can't say I know what it is or a comparison for if I'd like it.

For the most part they're just stronger/higher ABV ales... made with more malt/barley and in turn with more hops for balance. I generally get a toffee/caramel vibe from them that's even better if it's bourbon barrel aged.

If you like Boulevard's Bourbon Barrel Quad, I would guess that you'd enjoy a BBA barleywine... or if you ever drink a strong ale.

It's also worth noting that English vs American barleywines are significantly different. American barleywines are much more hopped, which despite being a giant hop head, I don't love - I much prefer an english barleywine. They're sweeter and smoother, and much easier drinking.

My all-time favorite BA barleywine is Sucaba, from Firestone Walker. If you have access to FW, see if you can find one.

I had a friend give me one of those a few years ago! It was awesome and I forgot about it.

Barleywine Is Life

In the world of beer and bourbon overlap, Revolution here in Chicago is part of the new WhistlePig Sasquatch series, a one off cask finished project.

Rev sent them 3 barrels of freshly dumped Cuvee de Grace for the project.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUqw8TEg..._web_copy_link

Looks like they're using WP Rye, too - would love to try that. Wonder if they'd ship me a bottle...

They're $174.99 and will be purchased direct through WhistlePig's e-commerce platform and delivered to your door. Here are the states that they can't ship to:

AL, AK, GA, KS, KY, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NC, ND, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WV, WY

Boulevard must have got tired of hearing they suck at stouts, they're on a roll lately! This one isn't quite as good as the Magic Drip imo (because I love coffee stouts) but still very tasty and almost as strong @ 13.3%

I meant to post a link to that the other day... saw it on FB and then promptly forgot about it. Will definitely pick up a 4 pack once it makes it here.

Forever respect for Boulevard, they got me into craft beer and its what's in the glass that ultimately matters but they have some of the least exciting packaging and formats.

Anytime I see Boulevard try and do something fun

https://i.imgur.com/pqnazee.gif

I'd still try them all though.

LOL... I do appreciate the consistency in that you know exactly what you're buying at first glance. Some of the minimalist designs or abstract art, etc, leave you searching the can for any kind of pertinent information like you're standing in O'Reillys trying to figure out if you're buying the right oil filter.

There's of course a lot of middle ground between those though.

On my second one...this shit is VERY sweet, if you don't like pastry/dessert stouts don't waste your money. I'm enjoying it very much though.

They’re a very mature brand by craft beer standards, partnered with a mature Euro brand, in a Midwest market so it’s to be expected, but man, I’m mid-40s and that looks like my dads pastry stout line.

Bearcat checking into the Bourbon and Beer threads in the same afternoon.


https://i.imgur.com/LNKXaRD.jpg

How is it? Surly will always have a soft spot in my heart, as they really pioneered the craft beer scene in MN when I was living there, and some of my favorite memories were at Darkness Day with good friends.

Interesting I will look for it.

It's really good! Just straight up maple syrup, really.

It's not thicccc, but a very enjoyable stout. Think I've had their Darkness maybe once and it was 'good'... might still have one around.

Way to go hard in the paint!

Its a school night for me but I made the trek out to More this afternoon for a chocolate churro release

https://i.imgur.com/Z4a10z2.jpg?1

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/c...pg?format=750w


Had this "sour Smoothie IPA" this weekend. Holy shit its as thick as it looks, not really sour and tasted like juice. About 1/2 of one is all you need.

So sad I missed their (at the time) latest stout release by like 48 hours, their other beers were fantastic.

I have a TG Fresh Batch S'mores in the queue though.

Chocolate churro sounds amazing, cheers! :toast:

Seriously. LMAO

It looks like a "ALL THE PULP" orange juice containers (well, maybe more tangerine-ish).

All of it.

Funky can, but a tasty double IPA with a real punch of citra hops.

This is one of a plethora offerings from Bearded Iris. This is the first beer of theirs that I have tried, but I will keep my eye out for this brewer going forward.


https://i.ibb.co/0FQr2BH/attention-please-1.jpg

Another brewery who thinks they can slap "pastry stout" on a beer and that makes it a pastry stout (of course, had low expectations at 8.5%).

Not bad though, definitely get the strawberry.

https://thorn.beer/assets/RosaNegra-...t-1024x576.png

Revolution's Deth's Tar got the stovepipe treatment for 2021. Super boozy this year.

https://i.imgur.com/czNfN0d.jpg?1

Something new, Nightmare Brewing... heavy, thick, not quite there taste-wise for a $30 four pack (fortunately only bought one can).

Chuckled at the can though, one of those great designs where I was searching a minute to figure out who the hell makes the beer, as it was an afterthought in fine print at the bottom.

https://i.imgur.com/S6Szghz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/tt478zw.jpg

Has anyone even met you? :hmmm:

I met KCU in Chicago about 6 weeks ago!

Before that... OTWP for some beer and bourbon.

Before that... would probably have to go back to the 2018 AFCCG tailgate (as I didn't find the 2019 tailgate).

A nod to Kansas' best half of football in like 10 years, White Wedding Wheat by Rickety Cricket out of Kingman, Arizona. Nice white chocolate flavor to it.

https://i.imgur.com/1auh0hl.jpg

My palate didn't appreciate following up a 5% wheat with a 13% stout, but what started out as an unfinished, boozy stout is growing on me..... agreed, not as good as Magic Drip, but still pretty solid.

For the style, I've also been drinking TG Fresh Batch Smores lately, so in that regard it's just unfair.

Back to a lottery system at the major retailers here.

Wrangling you into buying that cola variant.

https://i.imgur.com/5HSvpLX.jpg?2

Not terrible at $20/bottle for that second list... the last 4 or 5 of the first list might warrant the $30/bottle.

That's how I bought a bottle of Blanton's (not BCS) not long ago... reduced price, but had to pay for some mediocre bottle of bourbon with it.

Thanks to OTWP for a bourbon and beer trade! PBJ

I could have put more effort in the beer department (did a bit of research on Perennial and Side Project), but Cherry Fandango was at the top of the list, and simply filled it out with even more TG deliciousness.

https://i.imgur.com/c3s3xqz.jpg

I won 2 prop days packages.

I scored one for only the 2nd time in 7 years of entering.

Too bad its still pick up only instead of the party. Hoping they do something special like the Mystery (coconut) bottle last year. 2019 extra was Double Barrel.

Two of my recent favorites.

https://www.americansolera.com/uploa...peg?width=1200

Crooked Stave / Omnipollo Double Blueberry Almond Cake Bianca Sour Ale

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/02...g?v=1622804990

I didn't read the fine print, and didn't realize I had to be in a vehicle at the time of pickup, lol. We were going to just fly out/fly back after a day or two.

ROAD TRIP!!

Ha yep. Lot of grumpy bicyclists here over that policy.

Fortunately for you, there's also a Revolution Deep Woods release that weekend you should be interested in. Public sales typically go on sale the Tuesday before the release on their website, but you can sign up for their newsletter or I can post the details here confirming.

https://revbrew.com/a-warming-winter-in-the-deep-wood

What's even better than their releases are the goodies they put on tap that weekend.

Half Acre's Benthic MIGHT also get released that weekend or thereabouts as well.

Chicago stout season man.

EDIT:

Smoke in the wind about the Maplewood BA Cuppa release as well.

Last year they were an Oznr lottery release around that same time.

They're not local to me, but I've made a few trades for them, and they've usually been top notch.

Are you local to them? If so, I'd recommend trying some hops from Southern Grist as well.

Hey Timbone! How you been?

Can I just PayPal you like $200/month and expect a box of stouts to show up at my door several days later?

Omnipollo puts out some great beer.

And on the I can't believe it's a Boulevard front, I've seen a couple of updates lately that now have my interest after Magic Drip...


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our brewers love sharing small-batch, experimental &amp; wild innovations. This year the BLVR&amp;D Pack liberates 3 of their most beloved creations: Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter, Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, and Barleywine Blend, and Bourbon Barrel Blended Imperial Stout. On shelves soon! <a href="https://t.co/UCc5owBtdv">pic.twitter.com/UCc5owBtdv</a></p>&mdash; Boulevard Brewing Co. (@Boulevard_Beer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Boulevard_Beer/status/1452728677624696832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Northeast meets middle east by way of Kentucky.”<br>Big maple &amp; bourbon aroma support the rich combination of pecan, whiskey, &amp; sweet honey malt flavors. Experience decadent baklava, minus the sticky fingers.<br>Find it hitting shelves starting next week in KC, other areas to follow. <a href="https://t.co/YdTEzyRymt">pic.twitter.com/YdTEzyRymt</a></p>&mdash; Boulevard Brewing Co. (@Boulevard_Beer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Boulevard_Beer/status/1453838716829585410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Good, man. Just busy with life the last year or so.

Hope you're doing alright, bud.

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Not to pile on as we start budgeting for November the following December here, but depending on when you come in, the best kept Chicago BA secret, imo, is the Cruz Blanca Luchador series which was just announced with pickups starting 11/20. Looks to be an Oznr release.

Its a brewpub conceptualized by Rick Bayless so their tacos are among the best in the city which often overshadows how fantastic the brewery side is.

The entire Luchador Barrel-Aged Series officially releases Saturday, November 20th. Pre-order your bottles for pickup or join us for a Luchador series tasting and grab your bottles afterwards.

PRE-SALE
Starting Wednesday, Nov 3rd at Noon, all bottles will be available for pre-order pickup on our release day, Nov 20th. Bottles will be sold via OZNR app. Bottle limits per person vary by Luchador. Pre-orders close at 11PM Nov 16th and pick up times will be chosen on Wednesday, Nov 17th.

Barbarosa | Imperial black and red raspberry ale aged in Heaven Hill bourbon and Cabernet red wine barrels | 11% ABV

Emerging from the fog is Barbarosa, a black and red raspberry ale that’s been forged by the darkness of Heaven Hill bourbon and Cabernet red wine barrels. A fighter who makes elusive appearances due to the scarcity of its ingredients. Get your hands on this one before it vanishes.

Escorpión | Imperial prickly pear and dragon fruit ale aged in Cabernet red wine and Barbados rum barrels | 11.5% ABV

Escorpión is a well-traveled Luchador. Showcasing prickly pear from the northern dessert of Mexico and Dragon Fruit from the southern tropical region. Crimson in color, aged in Cabernet red wine, and Barbados rum barrels. A fighter with plenty of sting but blooming with sweet fruit flavors.

Maravilla | Imperial blonde ale aged in Barbados rum and Woody Creek rye whiskey barrels with Mexican vanilla | 12.5% ABV

Our million-dollar fighter! Maravilla is draped in extravagance, luxury, and abundance. An imperial blonde aged in a blend of Barbados Rum + Rye Whiskey barrels with the star-studded addition of Mexican, Papa New Guinea, Tahitian, and Madagascar vanilla. This corner of the ring has spared no expense for its 2021 Luchador debut.

Carmelita Suave | Imperial stout aged in Barbados rum barrels with Metric coffee and dulce de leche | 12.5% ABV

A new player enters the ring this year. Fans find Carmelita Suave’s sleek image appealing. From the looks of her, you’d never know she’s an imperial stout that came up through the underground barrel rings of Barbados rum. Don’t let her charming single-origin Veracruz coffee and silky dulce de leche fool you – she packs some heat and strikes quick.

Coco Fantasma | Imperial blonde ale aged in Barbados rum and Woody Creek rye whiskey barrels with chocolate, coconut, and almond | 12.5% ABV

After training in Barbados rum + Woody Creek rye whisky barrels, Coco Fantasma was blended into a silky smooth, barrel-forward canvas. From there she earned her nickname “Coco” with the standout addition of Mexican cocoa nibs, softly toasted coconut, and slowly roasted almonds – her superstrength is that these ingredients amplify her complex barrel beauty. Coco Fantasma is a hauntingly harmonious combination of wrath and indulgence.

Señor Bandito | Imperial stout aged in Woody Creek rye whiskey barrels with cherries and cinnamon | 13.0% ABV

Señor Bandito runs the spicy, rye whiskey crime family. This Luchador gets its fiery heat from aging in rye whisky barrels, while a blend of Mexican cinnamon, black, Morello, and Luxardo cherries, and an undisclosed amount of secret spices seals the deal.

Rey Gordo | Imperial stout aged in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels | 13.5% ABV

All Hail the King! Rey Gordo is the icon of consistency. He is timeless. He is classic. This distinguished, larger-than-life barrel-aged stout is aged 10 months and has a smoky, leathery, dense, and mysteriously dark persona, that is loved by barrel-aged beer drinkers.

Rey Cuvée | 2018 + 2019 + 2020 Rey Gordo blended and double barrel-aged in Woodford Reserve barrels | 13.0% ABV

Rey Cuvée is the super heavyweight champion of the Luchador lineup. A blend of 2018, 2019 + 2020 vintages of Rey Gordo are double barreled for 10 months to make a burly, husky, brawling barrel-aged stout that is bigger than the sum of its parts. Rich with leather, licorice, tobacco, and dark fruit. This is a stout for the most avid of barrel aged stout connoisseurs.

When your kid is a shithead and you're ready to kick him out of the house.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCaK67QXIAgNnKM.jpg

Maplewood BA Cuppa variants announced. Non-BA Neapolitan was one of the best non-BA stouts I've had this year.

Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Almond - Blended from Cuppa aged in Blanton's, Eagle Rare, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Maplewood Whiskey barrels for 12 to 18 months. Conditioned on roasted almonds, cacao nibs, vanilla beans, a touch of sea salt, and coffee hand selected from our neighbors, Hexe Coffee. 13% ABV.

Neapolitan - Blended from Cuppa aged in Blanton's, Eagle Rare, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Maplewood Whiskey barrels for 12 to 18 months. Conditioned on cacao nibs, vanilla beans, freeze dried strawberries, and a light dose of coffee hand selected from our neighbors, Hexe Coffee. 13% ABV.

Cinnamon Dusted S'mores - Blended from Cuppa aged in Blanton's, Eagle Rare, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Maplewood Whiskey barrels for 12 to 18 months. Conditioned on marshmallow, graham, cacao nibs, cinnamon, vanilla beans, and coffee hand selected from our neighbors, Hexe Coffee. 13% ABV.

Official lottery rules, instructions, dates, and additional information will be announced Monday morning.

Proxies?

Looks like we'll find out on Monday.

First year was a shit show line.

Last year was an Oznr lottery with pickup only but can't recall if proxies were allowed. I wasn't selected last year but they were pretty easy to trade for.

Man, Chicago has an embarrassment of riches during stout season.

ISO: Chicago BA stout nectar
FT: Side Project wax top stouts/barleywines

Bro its ridiculous. I've decided to go big this year since it could be my last season here, so I'll be stocked with plenty of nectar.

I'm still baking in time and budget for hopefully a potential road trip to STL next month.

Having a Phoenix guy with some real beer credit is putting a wrinkle in my shorts!

Wife will likely be traveling back and forth to her office here with decent regularity so we'll have a mule in pocket as well!