1001 Beers: General Washington's Tavern Porter

Beer Number 107: Yards Brewing General Washington's Tavern Porter

This beer found it's way to me right in time for me to watch last weeks Craft Beer Nations Friday Night Hangout: Porters, while I was not able to attend that hangout because I was out waiting for some lesser known bourbon barrel aged imperial stout, tonight, we are doing it big with a Drinkers Choice Hangout in DC... you can watch that later.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Philadelphia is the City Tavern, a modern re-creation of the colonial tavern where the Founding Fathers raised their tankards and plotted revolution. Just a short stroll from Independence Hall, the tavern's walls seemingly echo the toast that surely accompanied the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

So, here goes nothing.



Very dark, viscous liquid with a sweet and malty nose, deep and dark. I get the molasses character that they suggest from the addition to make up for a lack of ingredients back in Washington's day. A nice bitterness opens and you get a nice helping of dark fruits over your tongue and a touch of chocolate in the finish.

A very smooth and clean beer. One that I can see pint, or tankard after tankard going down with ease while formulating the perfect plan to take down opposing forces. I guess the 7% abv helps a bit, too. But you only know it is there based on feeling, not taste. There is a nice warming sensation. This is a fantastic porter. I could easily drink this one daily, especially since this is my favorite style... or brown ales... hard decision.

894 Bottles Of Beer To Go!

Cheers!

1001 Beers: Imperial Pumking

Beer Number 106: Southern Tier Imperial Pumking

This is the beer that I HAD to get my hands on. Apparently it is the King of all the pumpkin beers and nothing can beat it, no matter what... I was not convinced, especially after having Fermentation Without Representation, so we will see.

Pumpkin ale is an increasingly popular seasonal that is threatening to replace Oktoberfestbier as the favorite among U.S. microbreweries. Its recipe goes back to the colonial days when the American brewers, unable to obtain malt, used pumpkins as a substitute.

So, here we go. Can this really be the Pumpkin King?

Short lived white head that was very bubbly almost soda pop-esque. Orange/pinkish amber tint, aroma of pumpkin pie, cloves, nutmeg fill the air but a deep malt aroma sits right upon this beer. A candy corn sweetness as well. Thick full body, pumpkin spice, sweet syrup, still that candy corn taste, there is something I cannot describe but the spice level is very high, but not over done in this one. I get a ton of candy corn from it, no joke.

Not really something I am looking for but it is one of the better pumpkin beers I have ever had... Also, Pumpkin Ale is not a style... Just throwing that out there.

895 Bottles Of Beer To Go!

Cheers!

1001 Beers: Bear Republic

1001 Beers: Bear Republic Racer 5 & Hop Rod Rye

Racer 5 is one of the first IPAs that I was able to drink multiples of. Before this time the only IPA I liked was DFH 120 Minute... which is way extreme for anyone who hated the style to begin with. Though, time and tolerance changes I guess.

Beer Number 104: Racer 5

Racer 5 quickly became Ricardo's top selling beer, although Rocket Red Ale was the original flagship. The former is an IPA that packs a punch at 84 IBUs, but is as noteworthy for its aromatic blend of Northwest American hops--Cascade, Columbus, and Chinook.

I have not had this one since I visited the brewery way back when but I am glad to revisit it.



Racer 5 is quite enjoyable, though there is some flavor that I never noticed before that I pulled out today... I don't know how to describe it but, this beer had a light, very soft and mellow resiny nose. Pine also peeked through. A very malty, smooth bitterness, and a grassy finish on top of a medium bodied beer with a very robust hop flavor that lingers long after the finish. It really sticks to your tongue.

Beer Number 105: Hop Rod Rye

At 8 percent abv and with more than 90 IBUs, it is somewhere between an India Pale Ale and a double IPA. However, there is also 20 percent rye in the grist, which adds a rich, bready texture.

I love rye in beers and this one was no exception. This was actually the first beer I had had and checked into untappd!



Hop Rod Rye had that same light and fluffy nose but there is a whole new world of flavor when you dive into it. Nice rye character, some spice and a velvety, malty texture. Nice strong flavor and a fuller body it seems than Racer 5. Though, that new flavor is coming through in this one too... I have no idea how to describe it or what it is coming from...

896 Bottles Of Beer To Go!

Cheers!