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The Brewery – Hoppin’ Frog
The Beer – Frosted Frog (Barrel aged)
The Details
“Barrel-Aged Frosted Frog Christmas Ale has a familiar and satisfying combination of carefully blended Christmas spices in a flavorful nut-brown ale, its like a Christmas cookie in a glass! The extended barrel aging in oak Bourbon casks adds a vanilla-like flavor, creating a smooth character that perfectly compliments the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, unlike any other Christmas beer.”
As part of the 50 States challenge, I knocked Ohio off the list with B.O.R.I.S the Crusher. We return to Hoppin’ Frog for today’s seasonal ale, the Frosted Frog.
Here is what the label trumpets: “The essence of Christmas is captured in this very bottle you are holding. Perfectly blended spices compliment Frosted Frog’s rich malt flavors, creating the ultimate Christmas experience. Celebrate the holidays as you savor this very special seasonal offering.”
I am a fan of the spiced winter warmers.
Great Divide 16th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA
“Based on our most award-winning beer, Denver Pale Ale, this copper-hued treat is a celebration of everything Great Divide does best. Plenty of malty sweetness provides a backdrop for earthy English and American hops, while French and American oak round off the edges and provide a touch of vanilla.”
from the brewers at the Old Lompoc….
BOURBON BARREL AGED LSD
Save the date for the next big party – we’ll be releasing our Bourbon Barrel Aged LSD at Lompoc Sidebar on Friday, February 5th from 4 to 9 pm. Brewed in May of last year, this beer was aged in Bourbon barrels for five months and cellared for an additional three. It has a malty body with slight raisin and vanilla flavors. Look for it in bottles and on tap – 8.5% ABV.
“Firestone Walker Brewing Company announced the release of their much anticipated anniversary beer, “13” today. This annual release will go on sale for the first time at noon on November, 14th at the Firestone Walker Brewery in Paso Robles and the Firestone Walker Taproom Restaurant in Buellton.
Firestone’s anniversary series, a unique blend of barrel aged beers, has become quite a phenomenon each year as beer fans from all over the U.S. seek out this special limited release. In years past releases have sold out at the brewery in just a few weeks and these beers have garnered a hefty price tag in the market.
“These unique barrel aged beers have really changed the public’s perception of beer,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “The care and time that went into this blend is more akin to wine than beer,” he added.
Brynildson again enlisted the help of Paso Robles area wine makers to assist in the blending of several barrel-aged beers into the final product. Barley wines, imperial stouts and an imperial brown are just a few of the beers making up the final blend. Many of the component beers have spent over 2 years aging in a combination of retired bourbon, rye, and wine barrels. This process contributes unique and one-of-a kind flavors not typically found in beer.”
Wow! I had the pleasure of sampling this on Sunday and I was blown away. I am not a big fan of the whisky/bourbon aged beers. To my palate the vanilla and oak tastes tend to obliterate the actual beer. But this was something else. It is a mix of Old Foghorn, Liberty Ale and Anchor Bock. And it is almost like dessert. Roasty and whiskey notes dominate but not overpower and at around a skosh over 8% abv it is not going to drop you under the table.
