Hello everyone. I’m hoping to get one of these tasting updates banged out each week until I finally get current. It’s going to be a long haul, but I’ll get there.

In the meantime, I want to make sure everyone knows just how well the Le Merle from North Coast brewing has been doing - it’s AWESOME. Easily one of the biggest improvements I’ve seen in the cellar. Be sure to add this brew to your collection if you’re able to, I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Stone Old Guardian Barleywine ‘08 (Six Months) - Holding up well, still delicious! There is a hint of “old hop” flavor starting to develop, but it’s just contributing positively to the brews’ complexity for now.

Avery 14th Anniversary Ale (One Year) - Changes, changes, changes. This brew can’t stay still. Right now it feels like a porter - there’s definite notes of toffee, raisin, and light chocolate.

Avery Samuel’s Oak-Aged Ale (One Year) - All of the complexity of this brew has slipped right away. All that’s left is a thick, syrupy, oak-flavored sugar bomb.

Corsendonk Abbey Brown Ale (One Year) - No off-flavors to speak of. That’s good, right? Maybe - but unfortunately there are almost no flavors AT ALL to speak of. Definitely not a brew to cellar.

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale (One Year) - The pumpkin is pretty much all gone. There’s still some nice spice flavor, but this brew is just barely drinkable.

Weyerbacher Insanity (Six Months) - Much the same except for one major difference - the alcohol burn. It’s pretty much gone. This brew is definitely more drinkable now.

North Coast Le Merle (Six Months) - Just awesome. Awesome. Light and zippy, fruity with an earthy finish.

Stoudt’s Triple (One Year) - Bright and fruity, much like before. The big mystery here is that this tasting was actually sweeter then the six-month tasting, where I had found that the brew had noticeably dried up.

Jason

jason@brewbasement.com

www.brewbasement.com