I don’t usually buy variety packs unless I am really jonesing for a specific beer that I cannot get anywhere else. But this…
…pack from Duvel, is all bangers. Old and new.
Belgian Day – Devilish Variety
A Variety of Pride
It seems like the beer world is challenging my now shakier stance against variety packs. I skew more towards single sku’s. But Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker amongst others have me shifting. And that shift is even more evident in this cool box from Hop Culture / Untappd / Halftime that features a Prideful group of beers. Check out the list HERE.
Smaller Variety
I am usually hesitant to buy a variety pack. One reason is that I am usually buying for one beer in four that is new. The second reason is that it is usually a twelve item purchase. So I have to commit.
Which is why I like the Greatest Hits 4-pack from Common Space Brewery. Not buying for a hype new beer, buying their best sellers. Not buying a fridge full either.
Featured Review – Luponic Distortion 13 from the FW Hoppy Lion Variety Pack
Pina Colada. Key Lime. Nectarine. Those are the three descriptors for the 13th version of Luponic Distortion from Firestone Walker. For me, I do get lime peel on the nose, so that is one down. This is a sharp IPA. Almost more of a margarita like flavor profile to me, so add a 1/2 point. Sparkly carbonation. Little bit of pineapple in the back and as it warms a touch of stone fruit so add a 1/4 point. All told 1.75 out of 3. I would rate this lower on the scale of 13 but still an interesting set of flavors.
Atomize
Not exactly sure what Full Sail’s “Atomizer technology” is other than branding but I would say that the Amber and Lager versions would be the first two out of the hop infused box for me.”
Atomizer IPA – “Since earth has become overrun with IPAs, Full Sail Brewing developed a high-tech, top-secret, hop-infusion method for this unfiltered, hoppy brew. A blend of pale and wheat malts, along with a healthy addition of oats, create a light golden base allowing Cryo Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe and Ekuanot hops to shine. Juicy aromas of tropical fruit, citrus, and melon pop in this ultra-balanced beer.”
Atomizer Pale – “Pale and light crystal malts, along with a small addition of toasted oats, add subtle complexity to this refreshing hop bomb. Bright notes of guava, papaya and citrus from Mosaic and Simcoe hops are enhanced by Full Sail’s high-tech, top-secret, hop-infusion method. This well-balanced Atomizer Pale Ale is ingeniously flavorful and super-drinkable.”
Atomizer Amber – “Brewmaster Greg Doss has always wanted to make this beer – a hoppy version of Full Sail’s flagship Amber Ale. The proprietary Atomizer technology made it achievable by delivering a pure hop note to pair with the classic malt backdrop. The combination of subtle chocolate and caramel character with citrus-forward hops makes a compelling beer. This go-to, anytime beer is the best of all worlds – complex and interesting, not bitter, not sweet, and flat-out drinkable.”
Atomizer Lager – “Atomizer Lager is an interesting concept – add tropical hop character to a light international lager. Using proprietary Atomizer technology, we did just that. Simcoe hops lend delicate citrus, tropical, and melon to this ultra-clean, super-drinkable lager delivering an increased aroma that makes Atomizer Lager stand out in a crowd.”
4 New Experiments
Looks like Sierra Nevada is keeping the pedal down on hops. A new variety pack is in the pipeline…
No trade names just FZMR2, HBC 472, HBC 438 and HBC 520, Nug-033 and Steiner 04190 are ones to look for.
Dreamers
http://brewingtheamericandream.com/collabpack
You may consider Sam Adams a bit passe but they never seem to stop putting new beer out and even better in 2008, they got more involved in the industry with their Brewing the American Dream program. The program provides “microloans, coaching, and other resources to people who are pursuing their unique craft.”
Now they are combining those two aspects with a new variety box AND “all profits from the collaboration pack will be donated to program partner Accion to support future small business loans to food and beverage entrepreneurs across America.”
Here are the beers:
Boston Tea Party Saison
Brewed in collaboration with Jim Woods of Woods Beer Co.
from San Francisco, CA
“Boston Tea Party Saison is a bi-coastal twist on the classic Belgian style, combining Woods’s yerba mate-infused saison with Sam Adams’ wild yeast blend, Kosmic Mother Funk. Mate’s earthy spice plays on the rippling, fruity haze of KMF’s funky bacteria, and gives a signature snap to the amber saison’s traditional dry finish.”
ThreeNinety Bock
Brewed in collaboration with Chris Spinelli of Roc Brewing Co.
from Rochester, NY
“ThreeNinety Bock is a slightly roasted Maibock with a sweet toffee and light caramel flavor, crafted from four hop varieties, combined with rye malt and oak smoked malt. Mosaic and Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops provide the balance that gives this dark golden bock a big, juicy character and slightly sweet and dry finish. ThreeNinety is a nod to the distance in miles between Boston and Rochester.”
Time Hop Porter
Brewed in collaboration with Grant Fraley and Marta Jankowska of ChuckAlek Independent Brewers
from San Diego, CA
“Driven by co-founders Grant Fraley and Marta Jankowska’s mission of creating “Old School Beers for New School Palates,” Time Hop Porter utilizes Zeus, Chinook, Cascade and Goldings hops and is 5.3% ABV. The hop character is balanced by three malt varieties: Sam Adams pale two-row blend, Crisp Brown, and Black malt. This porter has strong notes of citrus and pine that are balanced by a smooth, roasted malt character.”
Oats McGoats
Brewed in collaboration with Rick Abitol of Brewery Rickoli
from Wheat Ridge, CO
“Oats McGoats is an American stout brewed based on founder and brewer Rick Abitbol’s commitment to brewing full-flavored, gluten-reduced beers (if they didn’t say it, you wouldn’t know). At 6.5% ABV, the full-bodied, moderately carbonated beer is accented by earthy, spicy flavors and a hint of roasted coffee notes.”
Desert Kaleidoscope
Brewed in Collaboration with Bosque Brewing
from Albuquerque, NM
“Desert Kaleidoscope, pays homage to the Albuquerque balloon fiesta and features a mixture of flavors including citrus, tangerine, pine and honey malt to create a brew with a bold, hoppy aroma. With a 7.0% ABV, Desert Kaleidoscope is a deep amber, medium-bodied brew that leaves a clean touch of lingering bitterness on the palate.”
…and of course a bottle or two of Sam Adams lager.
Sierra Nevada – Beer Camp pack
Even though I am still a bit bitter about not winning the Beer Camp contest, it will not stop me from sampling the proposed variety pack of Beer Camp beers that Sierra Nevada may be distributing.
Expect really unexpected beers. The Beer Campers have not hesitated to be extremely creative. Maybe we will see Hop Secret 393, Juniper Black Ale, Biggar Beer and Knightro packaged together?