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| Northside's Winterfest, 12/12. |
Met a friend in OC for dinner. Surf has been flat. No opportunity has presented itself yet. So I work on enjoying the Christmas preps. Hush the rush. Lay back and avoid letting the stress of the season get the beast in me... uh, best of me. It is the time of year to appreciate what we have. Appreciate the world around us. That's the secret to abundance. Gratitude and appreciation. Makes miracles happen.
To aid in my hush I have chosen two brews this time around:
21ST Amendment Brewery puts out a pretty good seasonal English Warmer known as Fireside Chat. Named as such to give a kick in the butt with 7.9% ABV, but give a hug with it's subtle spices and cocoa much like FDR's "Chats" of the Depression-era. Pours a dark reddish-brown with a finger sized tan head. Nice lacing. Aromas of nutmeg, clove, and allspice with a defined chocolate taste. Medium body balance with a 45 IBU hop finish. Nice beer. I rated this a B.
The next was Flying Dog's Natural Selection Genus 3. A collaboration with Evolution Craft Brewing, this bad boy was awesome. An Old Ale that poured a muddy, hazy brown with a finger and a half head. Great lacing and carbonation. Aged in cherry wood barrels and dry hopped, this has the aroma and taste of toasted malts with a caramel sweetness up front balanced by a grapefruit and berry finish. I've had Evo's version, and this one outdoes it. 7.6% ABV and 35 IBUs. Little more hops may be perfect. Rated this an A-.
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| "'Do not open 'til Christmas' should never apply to beer!" -DM |
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