#craftbbeer

[bossburgernbrew-blog]

Introducing the newest member of the boss beer team... coconut porter maui brewing and bumble berry fat heads brewing #craftbbeer #beerday #crafthialeah #standup (at Boss Burger & Brew)

[bossburgernbrew-blog]

Don't say we didn't warn ya!! #bossburgernbrew #teacherswelcome #yatusabe #craftbbeer #crafty (at Boss Burger & Brew)

[stormyskiesahead]

The Bruery Sucre, 16.9% abv

The attractively presented beers from Orange County's The Bruery are a rare sight on these shores, so imagine my delight when I stumbled across this vision of loveliness at a local apothecary (amongst the healing elixirs donchaknow). I immediately decided had to have it despite the rather extortionate amount of groats they were asking, and soon I was cycling the penny-farthing home with a weighted basket and light wallet.

Sucre is The Bruery's 6th anniversary ale. It's loosely based on an English old ale, fermented with their own Belgian yeast strain, and blended using the solera method whereby each anniversary ale is added to a blend of those that came before it (and has been barrel aging all this time). This is then aged again, mine in bourbon barrels though there are other varieties out there, and some will be put aside for next years anniversary brew in order to continue its beery evolution. Sounds pretty special right? 

Time to try it then, after I've battled my way through that lovely waxed top that is. The pour is dark, almost black until held to the light whereby its beautiful, deepest of red colouring becomes apparent. The aroma is already making me sigh and I haven't even performed my nose hole exercises! Huge fruity notes erupt from the glass, plums, dates, raisins, there's an unmistakable bourbon kick, lashings of caramel, just spectacular. 

A sip. Crikey. it's like bourbon caramel sauce poured over stewed stone fruits. It's certainly sweet, but not at all sickly, those massive fruity notes from the plums, raisins, and dates are joined by rows of fig newtons and an entire slab of rich, all butter toffee, there's whole vanilla pods and a deep woodiness, the bourbon pulling no punches. The level of complexity is extraordinary, layer after layer of intense fruity magnificence unveils itself in all it's glory upon my tongue. That generous amount of alcohol is certainly noticeable but never overpowering.

A half hour has passed in what seems like a minute. This is a beer to warp the very fabric of time, or at least my perception of it. It's no secret that I find big, complex barrel aged blends rather special, but this is as delicious and intoxicating as any beer I've ever had. That next years Anniversary ale from The Bruery will somehow improve on this I have no doubt, and that thought makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I just hope I can find a bottle. Cheers!

[triedandtruebrew-blog-blog]

The Market Garden Brewery* Cleveland Ohio This is an awesome brewpub right next door to the World Famous West Side Market. They have a fun menu with a large and killer beer list. The MGB recently did a collaboration with Grandmaster Beer Judge and BJCP President, Gordon Strong. I was fortunate enough to try this tasty strong ale. Things like this, make me excited for MGB's future. If you ever want to check this place out, here is the address. Also, click on the photo to be directed to their site. 1947 West 25th Street Cleveland, OH 44113 If you needed another push to go and check this place out... Great Lakes Brewing Co is right around the corner. *this is a back view of the brewpub where the brew house is located.