Comments on: Heavy Seas Winter Storm Beer

By: Scott-TheBrewClub

Scott-TheBrewClub — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:14:00 +0000

@platypotamus – thanks for that info. I know I read about it someplace, but there ya go! The local Bottle King seems to carry a good selection of their products – perhaps I’ll give the Peg Leg Porter a try (not a big IPA fan)
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Southern Tier Porter

By: platypotamus

platypotamus — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:49:08 +0000

stout… imperial stout. always just rolls off the tongue that way.
platypotamus´s last blog ..Caribou Slobber: Primary Fermentation

By: platypotamus

platypotamus — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:47:43 +0000

I haven’t had the chance to try this one yet, but I’m a fan of their Peg Leg Imperial Porter and Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale. Definitely give them a shot, if you get the chance.

Hugh Sisson is a huge figure in Mid-Atlantic / East Coast brewing. you can read a brief rundown of his contributions to the scene here ~ http://is.gd/9hPTB

Also, if you’re interested, here’s the official word on the new direction they’re taking with the brand name and labeling ~ http://is.gd/9hQWH

Hope I don’t sound like a shill. I’m not tied to the brewery in any way, other than being gonzo for great local brews. Cheers!
platypotamus´s last blog ..Caribou Slobber: Primary Fermentation

By: Scott-TheBrewClub

Scott-TheBrewClub — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:43:40 +0000

Thanks for all the input!

@Don, I read someplace that Clipper City was going to stop making beers under that name, and only make beers under the ‘Heavy Seas’ label. Maybe all their beers will be as you describe!

@Micheal, thanks for putting it into perspective. I would agree that this beer had more of an APA feel to it, and no buttery tones as you described. Actually, I think the Yards ESA I had recently is much closer to the Fullers ESB than this one was.

@Bob, I’ll have to get that book for my library – thanks!
Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Beer Review -Yards Extra Special Ale (ESA)

By: Michael Reinhardt

Michael Reinhardt — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:21:17 +0000

Not of fan of these guys! Just want to say that from the outset. As far as the ESB question. Extra Special Bitters from Fuller’s are light years different from this beer. Here is why I think the British and American versions are so different. First of all, even though you describe the hops as earthy, they are more than likely different hops than the classic British ones. Those add an entirely different tone.
Speaking of hops, we Americans tend to over do it. Even though the Extra Special Bitters are a term of degree, even the British ones are only bitter in comparison to other British beer. What I mean is this. A Mild is (among other things) mildly hopped/bitter. A Bitter is bitter by the comparison of a mild. An ESB is Extra Special only in the context of being compared to the normal/regular/ordinary bitter. Many of the US ones are more like half Pale ale half IPA.
British malts are more rounded and have more depth (in my opinion) than many of the American Barleys. The other thing to consider is yeast strain. I don’t know what Fuller’s is using but if they us an ESB yeast it can add quite a nice taste of Diacetyl (aka Butterscotch, Nut, Caramel tones). Did this beer have that?
Water table and type can play a role here, too. Some of the British ESBs and Bitters have a nice mineral tone from harder water tables, so that can play a role.
I’m simplifying some aspects of this but they are world’s apart because some, and sometimes all, of these factors play big parts. At least this is my understanding of the topic.
Michael Reinhardt´s last blog ..Beer Blogger Brewoff Tasting Podcast

By: Don

Don — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:46:10 +0000

Scott:

I’ve only had one brew by these guys, and it was their take on a Belgian Christmas Ale. It was ok, but not stellar. It had a weird metallic taste to it that did mellow a bit as I drank it, but that was the overall impression. It too was a heavier beer, I think it was around 10% ABV. Here is my review for comparison. http://beerandwhiskeybros.com/2009/12/28/overboard/

I guess their Heavy Seas line of beers is whare they let their brewers just kind of run wild and create whatever the mood strikes. That is where their biggest brews are placed.

Nice review.
Don´s last blog ..FREAKY FRIDAY! Whatcha Drinkin?

By: Bob the Brit

Bob the Brit — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:50:13 +0000

When I see a question like that I turn to Michael Jackson’s World Beer Companion, where he lists half a dozen or so ESBs.

Fullers describe their ESB as ‘Extra Special Bitter’ so I guess that’s as good a definition as any.
Bob the Brit´s last blog ..Pancake Day