Paradox Speyside tasting

As noted, today's Advent beer is Brew Dog brewing's "Paradox Speyside" imperial stout aged in whisky barrels. This is a 10% beer, in an 11.2 oz bottle.

I mistakenly put this in the fridge this morning. I should've read the label instructions that told me to drink it at room temperature. Anyway, cold it's quite nice, the whisky notes are apparent but the underlying stout is still assertive and tasty too. I can tell plenty of the subtleties are missing. I'll update after it warms up...

Update: Somewhat surprisingly, it hasn't changed all that much after it warmed up a bit. There's definitely a more notable alcohol warmth, and everything might be just a bit "bigger" overall, but it really hasn't changed all that much from its cold state. It's a really nice imperial stout, aged in whisky barrels. The whisky notes are quite apparent, and very nice. It's a really pleasant beer, very tasty, and overall quite good. Good second day of Advent beers!

Today's beer

Tasting tonight after work.

Mikkeller Holiday Ale tasting

As noted earlier, today's the first day of Advent, so I get to start the Advent beer calendar my wonderful wife got me for xmas.

This beer is described on its label as "Holiday Ale Brewed With Spices" -- that may be, but it really tastes like kind of a strong chocolate/coffee stout or robust porter, with some extra caramel and almost cola-like notes.

It's a very tasty beer, great flavor, with a surprisingly crisp mouthfeel and clean finish. Doesn't feel like an 8 percent beer. Overall a great way to start the calendar!

Addendum: Just a quick update -- as I near the end of the (large) bottle, and have let it warm a bit, the flavor has become quite a bit more complex. Some subtle spice notes have come out, but most pronounced is a really nice touch of sourness. So, the beer's yummy cold, but great at about 60 degrees. I'd definitely buy this beer again.

First Advent beer

The first beer in the advent calendar is Mikkeller's "Holiday Ale Brewed With Spices" -- 750ml bottle, 8% alcohol. It's only 9:00 am, so a tasting report will have to wait 'til later. Should be a great way to start the calendar!

Beer Advent Calendar!

It's time for beer Advent! Definitely one of the best things about the holiday season. I'll post about all 27 beers as I get to them. Advent starts this Sunday, so that's when I get to open the first beer...

A great way to spend a lunch hour

Tuesday was a beautiful day for a bike ride. I wish we had more fall days like this.