Endless Beers: Top 10 “Winter Rarities”

What’s a “Winter Rarity?” Well, you know those “seasonals” you like so much? Yes, they are great…but odds are they will be around next year as well. How about the ones that won’t be around? THOSE are winter rarities. The special treats that breweries bless us with once a year—only during that year. Next year, they’ll have at it with a tweak. I won’t waste my breath, but here’s one simple tip. These rarities are meant to be enjoyed, but not all at once. Save at least six and compare with the next year…and the next…and the next. Within six years, you’ll have six beers to compare against each other. Anyway…here it is.

10. Bell’s Black Note Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout (2013)

bells-black-note-stout

ABV: 11.5%

Bell’s brewery decided to combine the Exhibition Stout with the Double Cream Stout. The result is a delicious beverage filled with malty flavors of chocolate, coffee, and even some fruity flavors. As you can imagine, this is not for the faint-hearted. OH—did you noticed the whole “aged in Bourbon Barrels” thing? Yup. Find one…if you’re lucky.

(Bell’s)

9. Weyerbacher’s Althea (2013)

althea-final-outlines

ABV: 7.7%

With visions of the occasional sugar plum still dancing in your head, you’ll enjoy this brew. This is a dubbel style beer with notes of fruits coming through. Weyerbacher brewed this beer to raise Breast Cancer Awareness and donated one dollar per bottle to the cause.

(Weyerbacher’s)

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Hott Links: The Hops Are Comin’ To Get Ya

dc-beer-week

It’s finally arrived in the nation’s capital. No, not voting rights. Beer Week!

DC’s Inagural hops celebration started Sunday and culminates Friday as the Nats unveil the staduim’s new microbrews, including Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout and Stone Arrogant Bastard. It’s really all the Nats have going for them.

I was super jealous when TVFF bragged about Philly’s Beer Week, but now I’m overwhelmed! So many bars, beers and hangovers to be had! Where’s a blogger to start!

Well, I’m reading up on alternative beverages, just in case I can’t stomach a brew by the end of the week.

“Where political righteousness and a reverence for luxury items mix together as well as dry vermouth and gin” [SF Gate]

Near obsessive devotion to the art of old-time cocktails and decor”  [Budget Travel]

They found calm through the drink’s association with Britain and cultural icons such as the Queen” [AFP]