Hop King or Storm Wallop?

Victory Black and Tan

Inspired by a recent topic at Beer Advocate and having plenty of time to 'just hang out' this weekend, I got creative and poured myself a Black and Tan that was 50% Victory Storm King and 50% Victory Hop Wallop.

Tasty stuff, almost like a Black IPA but much more body and much more chocolate-coffee flavor.

Pretty cool that it almost looks like a latte art pour on the head.

The Nectar has Arrived!

Hoorah, its time once again for the yearly release of Troegs Nugget Nectar, truly one of my favorite. beers. ever. But wait, its not the end of February, is it?

This year Troegs released the Nugget early, way early. A scheduled release of February 1, but its in Pittsburgh on Monday and hear in Indiana, PA on Thursday January 17? I'm not sure if this is time travel trickery or what, but I'm not complaining. Its just as good as I remember and oh so fresh, having only been bottled about a week ago.

So whats this brew all about?

Troegs says:

Squeeze those hops for all they’re worth and prepare to pucker up: Nugget Nectar Ale, will take hopheads to nirvana with a heady collection of Nugget, Warrior and Tomahawk hops. Starting with the same base ingredients of our flagship HopBack Amber Ale, Nugget Nectar intensifies the malt and hop flavors to create an explosive
hop experience.

That sums it up quite well. Speaking of explosive hop experiences, am I right that the bottle neck label this year is a little different, more of a fireworks of flavor feel to it?

Photo evidence, as well as tasting notes coming soon.

Bottom line, go! Get some now!

Linkage: How to Drink a Bottle of Beer.

Essential instructions, provided by Clipper City' Hugh Sisson. (Link via BA.)

Pour the beer straight down the middle of the glass, intentionally creating a thick collar of foam, degassing the beer a bit, and releasing the subtle aromatics. You will probably have to let the beer settle for a few minutes before you can fill the glass completely, but such patience will definitely be rewarded when one progresses to the next step – smelling.

This part is interesting, since I've always (except with pilsners) done the angle pour to the straight pour, as I've always thought that was a proper pour. Maybe I am just being impatient?

Res-ale-utions

East End Snow Melt Winter Ale

or... Happy New Beers!

Things to do for 2008:
Post more.
Brew more.
Take more 'artistic' beer photos