Ox Strong Brewing Co.

Tonight’s tasting session began with a 22oz. bottle of 2011 Sierra Nevada Hoptimum, a whole-cone, 10.4%, 100 IBU American Double / Imperial IPA purchased locally from Kevin at Grape & Gourmet.

I will post my Beer Advocate review below (along with final score), but I just want to preface this post by saying that this beer was an absolute treat. Definitely make the trip to G&G (or The Birch when they get it) before it’s sold out; it was the equivalent of opening gifts on Christmas Day — surprise after surprise.

Served from a 22oz. bottle into a snifter.

A — Beautiful! Super clear, like a Kristall Hefeweizen; cloudless amber; very minimal, fingernail-width light-brown head; appears to be slightly carbonated; little-to-no lacing throughout the drink.

S — More hoppy than malty, but hops still very subdued; Simcoe hops not as profound on the nose as would expect; slightly taken aback because of; intrigued!

T — Wow, there’s that whole-cone! Decent amount of carbonation for a Double IPA — a pleasant surprise! Explosion of bitter hops (Magnum) on the finish; sweetness that segues into hints of pine, earth and evergreen; pinch of caramel; very profound linger with little-to-no heat.

M — Medium bodied; slightly-syrupy, coats your mouth; more carbonation than would expect in an IPA, tingles in your mouth / beard - fun! Resonates with a very subdued, sweet tartness.

D — Full points for drinkablility, despite limited availability.

A / 4.55
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | drink: 5

So there you have it, a rock-solid rating for a damn good Imperial IPA — and I’m very critical in my reviews! From the moment I poured this into my snifter, I was taken aback time and time again by this super fun, complex brew. Gratz to Sierra Nevada; it’s clear to me that they had a fun time building this recipe. Fully recommend this beer.

The following is Jesse’s review of Trappistes Rochefort 6…

Chilled Rochefort 6 (bottle) poured into a Kasteel chalice. Dark brownish-orange in color, with a decently-thick and frothy medium-beige head (two fingers). Head appeared “splotchy” on top, with portions appearing a darker beige. The nose was very subtle, with hints of dried fruit and the taste was similar, with a touch of malt. The finish was very pronounced, with hints of more fruit, malts and caramel. Mouthfeel starts great, a light-to-medium body with a cool carbonation that tingles on your lips. No lacing and head continues to dissipate. Drink ends very hot, and with a good amount of sediment. Drinkability is questionable vis-a-vis price point, availability and overall appreciation; would drink again if it was purchased for me.

Look: 2.5
Smell: 3
Taste: 3
Feel: 4
Drink: 3 

Overall: C