Rogue - Santa's Private Reserve Ale

Tonight I'm drinking another winter seasonal from a mighty brewery out on the West coast.  Rogue has been brewing beer and distilling liquor since 1988.  I reeeeeeeeally want to get myself a bottle of their whiskey.  One of our local beer stores just started carrying it.  When I get a bottle, you will know about it.

This Rogue brew is one of many within their extensive line-up.  I think you'd be hard pressed to walk into a beer store and only find one variety of Rogue beer.  Santa's Private Reserve is also one of many Rogue beers to have won an award.  Multiple awards, actually.  It has won the 2011 and 2009 Gold medal at the World Beer Championships as well as a 2010 Silver medal at the same competition.  Three years in a row in the top three is pretty dang impressive.  It certainly lends credence to Rogue's top-notch reputation.

Like that little seasonal flare I threw in there tonight?!

Santa's Private Reserve Ale is an American Red Ale style.  Not necessarily your typical winter spiced ale like we saw yesterday with Duns' review of Anchor's Christmas Ale.  I'm a fan of winter seasonal's simply for the fact that they can come in so many different styles.  Whether it be a stout, barley wine, double IPA, winter spice ale, it doesn't matter! As long as you feel cozy on the couch while drinking it, that's all that really matters.

The color is a hazy burnt amber.  A frothy tan foam sticks to the rim of my glass as it recedes, giving way to a full-on rush of Northwestern hops.  A very mild hint of caramel pokes through but is quickly subverted by Chinook, "Rogue Farm Revolution" and Freedom hops.  I have no idea what those Rogue hops are like, but my guess is that lupulin-packed monsters, just like Rogue likes 'em.  The flavors here are noticeably clean.  That Pacman yeast Rogue uses allows the hops and malt to take center stage, leaving virtually no residual yeast flavor.  A piney hop bitterness is at the forefront, supported by a thin, roasty caramel malt.  Mild carbonation and a muted alcohol bite finish Santa's special brew off nice and dry.

Overall - This was a very enjoyable brew.  Definitely not your standard winter seasonal.  No spice, gingerbread, nutmeg or otherwise.  Santa's Private Reserve Ale is simply a well brewed American Red Ale.  One that Santa should be proud of.  Full of piney hops and malty malts.  My only gripe is that I'd like a bit more body to support the bold hop bitterness.  But that won't keep me from picking up another bomber of this tastiness.

Deschutes - Jubel 2010

Tonight I'm reviewing a brew that I'm very excited about.  I purchased this beer close to 18 months ago when it was originally released by Deschutes in late 2009.  They call it their "Once a Decade Ale".  And its felt like a decade since I purchased it!  Its nice to have a place in my house where I can just hide bottles like these.  If I didn't, they would have been too much of a temptation in my fridge to be able to resist.  And yes, I said they, because I have two!  Hopefully I can resist for another year on my other bottle and see if its changed at all from this review.

Deschutes classifies this as a strong ale.  And the stats back it up - 10% ABV, bold malt profile, and a best after date of January 29th, 2011.  When you have a best after date, you know you are in for a big, bold experience.

This strong ale starts out darker than I had originally anticipated.  A deep, ruby color shines through when I hold my glass up to the light.  Without the incandescent assistance you are unable to peer through to the other side.  A frothy tan head builds up nicely as well.  An impressive trait considering the amount of alcohol and age this brew has accumulated.  The aromas are potent with candied dark fruits and caramelized malt immediately noticeable.  Undertones of bourbon and vanilla blend in nicely to dispel and presumption of sweetness.  My first sip yields more bourbon characteristics than anticipated.  I like it!  Hints of vanilla, figs, spiced plum all come together to create a very complex flavor profile.  A welcomed alcohol warmth and low level of carbonation help to accentuate this strong ales bold repertoire.

Overall - I'm blown away by this strong ale.  Hands down, my favorite within this style, period.  I love the bourbon and vanilla characteristics that blend together with the dark fruits.  Its not so overly thick or viscous that you don't want to go back for another sip.  Although the alcohol will easily sneak up on you if you get a little carried away.  At this time, I'd be surprised if you can find this at your local store.  But if you still have a bottle of it aging somewhere I'd highly recommend cracking it open.  I know Ill have a difficult time keeping my hands off of my other bottle!

Full Sail - Session Black Lager

Tonights brew of choice is from Full Sail brewery out of Hood River, Oregon.  Typically you will see their beer in your standard 12 oz long neck bottles.  But this beer, along with their Lager, are branded under their 'Session' line and packaged in 11 oz stubby bottles.  Per their website, these two beers are for the everyday craft beer drinker.  It is neither a macro nor a micro brew.  Just a brew that everybody can agree on as a good, go-to beer anytime throughout the year.

The color is a very clear, rich caramel brown.  A thin white foam quickly builds up as I pour into my glass and recedes just as fast as it came.  The aromas are immediately present; roasted barley with a hint of caramel-malty sweetness and a bit of dark fruit.  Hardly any hop aromas to be found.  The first sip is very smooth with subtle roast characteristics as the primary player here.  A light carbonation and mild flavor profile make the entire beer an enjoyable sipping experience.

Overall - Full Sail accomplished what they set out to achieve - create a dark, flavorful session beer where you wouldn't feel full after drinking just one or two.  Session Dark Lager is a refreshing, roasty beer to enjoy throughout the summer, winter, or anytime you don't want to feel like you just consumed three chocolate shakes.  Dont buy this expecting crazy bold flavors like most dark beers.  Come to this twelve pack of slightly smaller bottles knowing that you will enjoy an easy drinker.

Deschutes - The Abyss 2010

Deschutes Brewery is located out in Oregon right along the bank of the Deschutes River.  The brewery started out in 1988 as a small brewpub with their flagship beers, the Black Butte Porter, Bachelor Bitter and Cascade Golden Ale.  I've tried Black Butte Porter and a couple other beers from these guys, and most of them have been pretty tasty, so I have high hopes for this bottle of The Abyss.

The Abyss is an Imperial Stout that registers at 11% ABV and 65 IBUs.  The bottle says "The Abyss:  Stout brewed with Licorice and Molasses with 33% aged in oak and oak bourbon barrels".  Uh oh.  Licorice is vile, disgusting, reminiscent of sewage.....I can't believe they actually make candy out of that garbage.  I'm a little worried they brewed with that stuff, but I'll try to reserve judgement. 

I'm pouring this beer into a pint glass - it pours out a thick, heavy very dark brown/black.  The head billows out thick and chunky, I had to cut my pour short because the foam wanted to bust out all over my counter.  Lots of lace holds onto the glass.  The aroma is roasty malts early on, along with chocolate, wood, and alcohol.  This looks and smells fantastic.

And looks are definitely not deceiving.... Wow!  first sip is rich and smooth roasted malts, with a little bit of smokey wood and coffee flavors dancing around.  Also some dark chocolate bitterness.  Despite the rich texture, I can't say there's any sweetness, just 100% roasty oaky goodness with a slight bitterness.  I'm struggling to find a good way to describe it....the best I can come up with is 'sharp'.  The alcohol is only present in warmth - doesn't make an appearance in the flavor profile. It has a smooth, silky feel to it from start to finish.  It's thick, but not syrupy. 

Overall Rating:  (5.8 out of 6.00)  Ladies and Gentlemen, this beer is delicious.  This is one of those bottles of beer that you never want to run out.  Hands down one of the best Imperial Stouts I've tasted.....ever.  Pick one up if you haven't tried it yet - I'm heading to Lee's shop to pick up another 2010 and put it in the cellar for a year.  There isn't much room for it to get any better, but I'd like to give it the opportunity.