Beer Review - Double Brown Stout

Deep Ellum Brewing Double Brown Stout- 7% ABV

"....and lo, the gates of heaven opened and light shone down on the unwashed masses."  - Me

For years I have been preaching the gospel of how no one in Texas seems to know how to make a full flavored beer.  Oh sure, we have had brief shining moments of brilliance, like Rahr's Whiskey Warmer, but I have never found a production beer that could hold my interest for even half a pint.  Then, during lunch a couple of weeks ago at the Twisted Root, I saw that they had DEBC's Double Brown Ale on tap.  *Sigh*  "Oh well, may as well get my disappointment over with", I thought to myself.  But then lo and behold, the angels began to sing.

I am not going to mince words, this frigging stout is terrific.  Stout?  Or is it an ale?  The server at the Root was quite adamant that it is an ale, my mouth, however says it is a Baltic Porter, but hmmmm, it could be an ale.  Let's assume, for now that we have a stout.  The tan head expands 1/2" on the dark brown, cloudy (and highly reflective) brew and hangs around for a while.  You will smell chocolate, molasses and malts (like a good stout should).  As the smoooth textured brew flows over your tongue you will taste semi-sweet dark chocolate and with coffee following along at the end of the swallow.  A bit of molasses comes through as you drink and perhaps some dark fruitsw way off in the background.  Bitterness is delivered by the roasted malts and coffee with hops not really shining through. 

This is an easy drinking beer that will give you a surprise buzz after a couple of pints.  My friends, this is one of the finest beers produced in Texas.  Could it be....?  Can it possibly be ... that Texas brewers have finally come of age?  God I hope so.  I cannot wait to try the IPA and Darkest Hour.  Bravo John Reardon et al.

Deep Ellum Brewing Company
2821 St Louis St
Dallas, TX 75226
Ordinarily I would insert their web address here and while they do have a website, for some reason they have chosen to share news and information through Facebook and by blog.  *shrug*

Booze News

Greetings Snobs.

Heather Lange, a marketing rep for the Centennial Beverage Group, has asked me to pass this information on to the gang. Good hunting. - Bon
CENTENNIAL BEVERAGE GROUP, LLC CONTINUES 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH SAVINGS ON SPIRITS, BEER, WINE AND RETAIL STORE PROMOTIONS
Dallas, TX, January 11, 2012 – Centennial Beverage Group, LLC (“CBG”), North Texas’ leading merchant of spirits, beer and wine, today announced a series of promotions and customer initiatives as part of the Company’s 75th anniversary of serving the region. CBG, which operates under the brands Centennial, Big Daddy’s , Majestic, Doc’s and Fat Dog will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a series of events and promotions throughout 2012, all of which are intended to reward customers for their loyalty while highlighting CBG’s commitment to providing the best service, selection and convenience to North Texas.
"For over 75 years, CBG has established itself as the leading spirit, beer and wine retailer in North Texas,” said Tony Miller, Director of Marketing and Communications for CBG. “For the next several months, we will ensure our customers hear directly how appreciative we are for their support. At the same time, CBG is planning a series of new initiatives that will greatly enhance our customers’ shopping experience. We are proud of the connection, trust and loyalty earned over our 75 years in the area, and look forward to an exciting 2012.”
Specific Promotions Include:
1. 25% Off Entire Wine Selection: To kick-off the 75th anniversary celebration, Centennial, Big Daddy’s and Majestic will offer 25% off the entire wine selection at all stores, for a limited time. It’s a great time to stock-up for parties, the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day.
2. Save Money, Go Green: During the 25% off wine promotion, shop with your environmentally-friendly reusable Centennial Shopping Bag and earn an additional 75 cents off the entire purchase and ½ case discounts on like items.
3. 20% Off Tuesdays: Every Tuesday, we offer 20% off both select wine and spirit categories.
4. Spirit of the Week: Each week, CBG offers a “Spirit of the Week” at a deeply discounted price.
5. Spot the Dot: CBG shoppers can continue to “Spot the Dot” for huge in-store savings ranging from 50% - 80% off regular retail prices. This program has proved immensely popular and we are delighted to continue it in full force.
6. Loyalty Cards: CBG loyalty cards are good at all locations and offer our most loyal customers preferred discounts and information about special events, tastings, and promotions through our weekly e-newsletter. Loyalty cards include the following:
· Party Passport – Centennial / Big Daddy’s
· Crown Card – Majestic
· Rx Card – Doc’s
· Dog Tag – Fat Dog

Centennial Promotions and Tips on Facebook
Throughout its 75th Anniversary celebration, CBG will use Facebook to offer entertaining and gift-giving tips as well as special promotions. Be sure to become the first to learn about new promotions and party-planning ideas by becoming a fan at www.facebook.com/CentennialBG.
About Centennial Beverage Group
Celebrating its 75th Anniversary, Centennial Beverage Group, LLC is a Dallas-Fort Worth based merchant and local distributor of spirits, beer and wine with 70 stores and 5 warehouses throughout North Texas. The Company operates under five distinct brand names: Centennial, Big Daddy’s, Majestic, Doc’s and Fat Dog. The Company’s local ownership group and its affiliated companies employ over 1,000 people and support over 100 local charitable, educational and cultural institutions.
Additional information about Centennial Beverage Group, LLC may be obtained by contacting CBG President, Greg Wonsmos, or its Director of Marketing & Communications, Tony Miller, at CBG headquarters, 10410 Finnell St., Dallas, TX 75220, telephone number (214) 630-5000, or by visiting our website at www.centennialwines.com.
Contact
Mr. Tony Miller
Centennial Beverage Group, LLC
Director of Marketing and Communications
TMiller@centennialwines.com
214-630-5000

Beer Review - Whiskey Warmer

Rahr Brewing Company Whiskey Warmer - 8.5% ABV

Rahr's Winter Warmer is a dandy beer ... absolutley the best beer that Rahr produces.  Dark brown and cloudy.  Rich and robust.  Roasted malts, chocolate, a bit of hops.  A dandy, dandy brew indeed.

Then those sneaky bastards go and age it in a whiskey barrel.  Mother Goose.  Bourbon, vanilla, dark fruits, chocolate and a hoppy kick at the end.  It drinks smooth and creamy without much carbonation to slow you down, which is dangerous with this much alcohol.  Zero to sloppy in 10 minutes flat, a new record.

Not only is this the best Texas beer on the market, it is one of the best of the season.  Bravo to you Fritz.

Rahr and Sons Brewing Company
701 Galveston Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
http://rahrbrewing.com/

Beer Review - DeuS

Brouwerij Bosteels DeuS Brut Des Flandres - 11.5% ABV

What do you think of when you hear 'The Champagne of Beers'?  Miller High Life, right?  There is a second beer out there that is called 'The Champagne of Beers', so do you wish to guess which is better?  *Hint - it isn't the one that tastes like pee.* 














Brouwerij Bosteels in Buggenhout, Belgium already makes two of my favorite beers in the world, Kwak and Triple Karmeliet.  Now along comes one that they call a Champagne Beer or Biere Brut.  What arrogance, what nerve to name your beer after the most famous style of wine in the world.  But is there merit to their claim?  First, the bottle is a 750 ml bottle shaped much like a champagne bottle.  Second, they suggest that the beer be served quite cold (36 degreesish) and served in a champagne like flute.  Third, lots of carbonation, but not the same.  Whereas champagne bubbles are quite large and rapidy dissapate, DeuS' head is like meringue and persists...forever.  And lastly, the price.  This beer is priced quite high and the question would be is it worth the price?

The smell of the brew is quite complex. Malt, apple, cloves, citrus, ginger and a sourness that leads you to believe that this is going to be a sour Flemish broun ale.  Another difference between champagne and the champagne of beers is the texture.  Take a sip of champagne and the carbonation tickles your tongue with it's bubbly goodness.  Deus is as smooth as silk, gliding, not dancing across your tongue.  The sourness you smelled does not really manifest itself until the sip is gone.  Bready goodness from the malts and yeast, sweet candy ginger, cloves, allspice and a bit of underlying fruit are all apparent.  Also quite apparent is the 11.5%.  Fire, to balance the sweetness.  A truly magnificent beer, one of the top ten that I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.  Champagne?  Not really, more like a superb saison.  $35 per bottle?  Only you can say if DeuS is in your budget, but to me if is not really worth the price.  For $10 less I can get the Mahleur Brut which is still at the very top of my favorite beers list.

Brouwerij Bosteels
Kerkstraat 92
Buggenhout 9255
Belgium
http://www.bestbelgianspecialbeers.be/main_eng.html

Beer Review - St. Bernardus Christmas Ale

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale - 10% ABV

This is the latest offering from the monks at Abbey S. Bernardus in Watou, Belgium.  I cannot even begin to describe to you the magnificence of this brew and even though I will try, I know that I will fall short.  This deep, dark ale has a thick, creamy head and a velvety texture, which is kind of odd considering the high carbonnation.  The head will persist quite a long while, but be patient, let is slowly dissipate.  I assure you that it is worth the wait.  While you wait inhale the aromas.  Suble dark fruits, malts and a dose of alcohol ethers that will announce themselves a bit later.

Caramel malts, dark fruits, a bit of tangy Belgian yeast will tickle your palate.  Bready and much less sweet than I was expecting.  After you sip and taste all of those lovely flavors you will notice the alcohol burn as you exhale.  This one was even stronger due to that this one was purchased last year and allowed to concentrate the flavors and alcohol.  Simply magnificent.

Even if you don't celebrate Christmas you will want to celebrate this Ale.  Share it with your friends, or drink it yourself and crawl to bed like I did.

Brouwerij ST.Bernard
Trappistenweg 23
8978 Watouinfo@sintbernardus.be

http://www.sintbernardus.be/en/