 RblWthACoz (959), Brooklyn, New York, USA
Sep 10, 2007
This is a side by side review of a 750 ml bottle and ratings a 12 ounce bottle to compare differences between the two.
Interesting start already. The 12 ounce bottle almost began to foam over the top of the bottle. The 750 ml smoked quite a bit instead.
Holy head. Maybe this 12 ounce is over carbonated. But the head poured massive, even though I did my best to pour gently. Head is very white with small bubbles compared to the 750 which poured just a little head with much larger bubbles. Color is a cloudy gold, but the 750 bottle seems to be just a touch darker.
Nose on the 12 ounce seems a bit more pronounced with a higher tone towards sweet, though there is a strong yeast presence as well. The 750 ml seems more muted, though I think matured might be a better term for it. I think I actually just got a whiff of strawberry?? Yeah. I think so. Strawberry and strawberry stems, and wet ones at that. I can see the same base for that smell on the 12 ounce, but it just hasn’t "developed" to that point yet I think.
Taste. The real test. The 12 ounce is smooth and yeasty with a touch of sweetness. Damn that is good. The 750 is muted. I am wondering if this is a bad bottle. Between the two, the 12 ounce seems to have a stronger flavor. The first thing that comes to mind is a 16 year old driving his first car (12 ounce bottle) and a 30 year old driving the love of his life to the place he is going to propose to her (750 ml bottle). Yeah. The 12 ounce is the hyper active kid, and the 750 is the more mature of the two.
Mouthfeel on the 12 ounce is thick with carbonation and the 750 seems to be just a touch thinner.
Drinkability. I think they are both on the same level.
Overall this was an interesting expirement. I do however have to wonder if my 12 ounce bottle was overcarbonated and if that would effect this kind of "test". As the 750 bottle warmed, I have to say the flavors became more pronounced and overshadowed the 12 ounce bottle. Bottom line though - still a damn good beer.
RedSox2004 (158), Pacific Palisades, California, USA
Aug 29, 2008 Pours hazy golden yellow with a thick white head that held on, eventually leaving a solid cover and excellent lacing. Strong, complex aromas of sugary ripe fruit - peaches and pears come to mind. Also some alcoholic esters and yeast are evident. Fantastic taste of peppery clove and other spices, aforementioned fruits, and sweet malts on the finish. Slight hops bitterness brings it all together in the end. Medium to full bodied, very nice caqrbonation, soft pillowy mouthfeel, and the alcohol is exceptionally warming. This is terrific.
timbeer (4), Rosemount, Minnesota, USA
does not count  Aug 29, 2008 750ml bottle. NIce white head- not rocky but firm and lacing stays on glass nicely. Nicely carbonated, lots of bubbles, straw coloring. Mild and pleasing aroma, spicy with some mile hoppyness. NIce taste with a mild bite of bitterness.
A nice beer for the price.
09maso3 (4), vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
does not count Aug 28, 2008 cloudy and light colour with a big head. Complex fruity and bready flavours. Interesting aftertaste, almost tasted like baked beans, in the best possible way. A very good beer.
Indulgence (70), Ajo, Arizona, USA
Aug 27, 2008 Another exquisite brew from these guys, I have enjoyed all of these so far... I also get the TJ versions too... starts with a sizable head that settles to a 3/4 finger head/lacing with fine champagne like effers, very nice aromas of candied dried apricots, citrus zest, baking spices and some bready yeast, almost white ale like but with heavier malting and fruitiness... this may not be the traditional triple but go for it anyways, it won’t dissappoint... flavors are a complex balanced creamy blend of apricots, peaches, citrusy zest some ginger and nutmeg like spices... the fruits expell themselves on the light creamy finish... I like this one a lot.
mwa423 (10), , Ohio, USA
Aug 26, 2008 Poured out of a bottle created a head so big I only got 3/4 of the bottle. The head died down to a solid finger that stayed throughout the rest of the glass. The color is a very attractive cloudy dark maize.
Very complex and smooth aroma, with an alcoholic warmth to finish.
Taste is fantastic. Very complex fruity flavor up front with clove and spice on the back end and I can’t taste the alcohol, which is quite impressive for its 9% abv.
Palate is also fantastic, it is very thick, rich, and dare say creamy. It goes down exceptionally smoothly and leaves your mouth watering for the next sip.
Overall this beer is fantastic. With the ratings so high for everything else, how could my overall score be any less?
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