2015 Advent Day 24

DuClaw Brewing Co.

Sweet Baby Jesus! Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter (6.5%)

The name says it all.  Wow!

The combination of flavour for me is like Nutella as I pick up a definite Hazelnut flavour.  I am suffering from a cold but that was unable to mask the great flavour of this beer.  Since this one is not unique to the calendar I might be able to find more?

2015 Advent Day 19

Back Forty Beer Company

Trade Dsy Cuban Coffee Stout (6.3%)

Poured black with. Thin head.

This was a very pleasant Coffee Stout.  Surprising well balanced and not bitter at all as I was anticipating.  Too bad it's a one of.

2015 Advent Day 18

Black Oak Brewing Company

Neck of the Woods Vintage Ale (8.5%)

Poured brown with a medium head.

A very drinkable strong ale.  The alcohol was more noticeable than even stronger beers I have had.  A little bitter on the finish but well within my tolerance level.

2015 Advent Day 17

Black Market Brewing Company

Cherry Sour Ale (3.8%)

Poured light red with a medium head.

I like sour cherries, especially in a sour cherry pie, but I didn't really get a strong cherry flavour with this beer that you would expect with sour cherries.  Instead, the combination of flavours cried out crabapple to me.  It was tart.  I will rate it a try if you enjoy sour beers.  It is not my favorite category, so for me it is a don't buy.

2015 Advent Day 16

Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery

Baltic Porter (9%)

Poured black with a small head.

A sharp molasses flavour dominates this porter.  A bit too much.  I wouldn't want a second one.

2015 Advent Day 15

West Sixth

Christmas Ale (9%)

Poured muddy brown with a medium head.

Nicely spiced.  Cinnamon definitely fits the season.  This one went down easy.

2015 Advent Day 14

Saugatuck Brewing

Blueberry Maple Stout (6%)

Poured black with no head.

This beer tastes like a waffle with blueberries and maple syrup.  It could even be a little sweet.  Surprisingly great.

I have also enjoyed the Neopolitan Milk Stout, also surprisingly good.  Try it if you come across it.

2015 Advent Day 13

Evil Twin Brewing

The Cowboy Smoked Pilsner (5.5%)

Highly carbonated.  Poured cloudy gold with a large head.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of Pilsners, I generally find them skunky.  This one covers that with the smoke somewhat, but I just feel it misses the mark for me.  I wouldn't seek this one out.

2015 Advent Day 12

Flying Monkey Craft Brewery

Saint Beatnik Chocolate Stout (7.7%)

Poured black with a generous head.

This is exactly how a stout should taste.  Nice chocolate flavour and even a hint of mint I think.  Not hoppy, not bitter, really nice.

I really really enjoyed this one.  😃

2015 Advent Day 11

Grizzly Paw Brewing Company

Ursa Major Brown Ale (7.2%)

Poured dark with a light head.

Grizzly Paw is a favorite stopping place for us.  This brown ale is well done.  I'll be stopping in Canmore soon.

2015 Advent Day 10

Bridge Brewing Company

Sleigh Booster Imperial Red Ale (9%)

Poured a deep red with a medium head.

This one is a little on the hoppy side for my palette.  It isn't over the top, so I can finish it, but it isn't a beer I would look for in the store.

2015 Advent Day 9

Iron Fist

Spice of Life (6.5%)

Cloudy with small head.  Nicely balanced with citrus notes and just a slight hoppiness.  Very refreshing.  Can I have another?

2015 Advent Day 8

Spider Bite Beer Co.

Boris the Spider Russian Imperial Stout (10%)

Poured black with a thin head.  Taste is primarily strong coffee and a bit on the bitter side.  Not surprising for an imperial stout.  It's good, but I wouldn't want two in a row.

2015 Advent Day 7

Cameron's Brewing Company

Into the Shade Saison (5.2%)

Definitely highly carbonated, and produced a sizeable head when poured.  I find it a little on the tart side and bready yeasty.  I won't be looking for this one in the stores.

2015 Advent Day 6

Big Sky Brewing

Biere De Noel (10.13%)

WOW, Now we're talking.

I really like strong Belgian Ales, and this quadrupel represents the category really well.  This beer is full of flavour, well balanced, and obviously high alcohol content.  Love it.  I wonder if Sherbrooke has some more of this.

2915 Advent Day 5

Aviator Brewing Company

Devils Tramping Ground Tripel (9.2%)

Poured bright gold, clear, with a medium head.  Very fruity with that unmistakable Belgian yeast smell.  It represents the category well.

2015 Advent Day 4

Strathroy Brewing Company

1815 Peacemaker Traditional Ale (6%)

Poured black with a thin head.  A little burned caramel unusual for a traditional, almost a porter or stout.  Well balanced hops not too bitter.  The bottom of the glass came too soon.