Curieux (pronounced cure-e-oh, and french for curious) is a remarkable brew from Allagash, and was their first endeavor into barrel aging.  I have to say, for a first attempt, they nailed it.  They start with their already outstanding belgian triple and age it in Jim Beam barrels for eight weeks.  Now, despite the aging process, obvious aspects of the original ale shine through, while still creating a new and unique product.  It pours a little hazy (from the yeast left in when bottling) and…

First, a funfact history lesson, then Hopslam.  The IPA style originates from a time when the English Empire still had control over India.  To keep moral high among the troops stationed there, England sent regular shipments of beer, specifically pale ale (England's #1 style at the time). Due to the lengthy trip the beer had to make, it was constantly arriving spoiled or flat.  To combat this issue English brewers altered recipes.  They packed these new brews full of hops, in turn solving the…

Wow!!! Burton Baton from Dogfish Head is now on tap!! This is a great beer! one of my favs to be sure.  10% ABV, 70 IBU, this barrel-aged Imperial IPA will blow you away.  Deep orange in color, it pours with a thick rich head.  This is definately more caramelly than most IPA's, but still retains its hop character.  The barrel can be tasted near the end of the sip by way of whiskey and caramel notes.  This is a very limited release, so come down and have one today!!

Those of you who know my beer tastes know I tend to lean toward the hoppy side of beers.  That's why I brought in the Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA.  It's truly an American style IPA, topping out at 7% abv and at 75+ on the IBU scale.  Light in color for the style, It certainly does not lack flavor.  Big floral hop notes lean more toward the pine side rather than the grapefruit flavors. A crisp finish leaves me very happy with this beer choice.  Beer Advocate sets this one at a 94, a very high…