James Bollen

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Old Jubilation Ale Review: A Winter Warmer Delight by Avery Brewery

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Old Jubilation Ale Review

Avery Brewery’s limited release winter ale is a standout in the world of craft beers. This winter warmer is part of a limited bottle number release from the well-known brewery located in Colorado. Winter ales are a beloved category, and Old Jubilation stands out for its rich flavors and complexity.

Winter Warmer Wonders

Old Jubilation falls under the category of winter warmers, known for their heavy malt and spice profiles. This particular brew boasts a gorgeous mahogany hue, and the label proudly states, “Our winter ale has a gorgeous mahogany hue, hints of hazelnuts, and a finish reminiscent of mocha and toffee. No spices, just a perfect blend of five malts. Cellarable for 3+ years.”

The Sensory Journey

  • Nose: The first step in enjoying this ale is the aroma. It greets you with notes of clove, kitchen spices, vanilla, nuts, and malt, setting the stage for the sensory adventure that follows.
  • Body: Avery’s Old Jubilation Ale is a full-bodied beer with a robust 8.3% alcohol by volume. This places it on the higher end of the alcohol content spectrum for beers, making it a warm and comforting choice for those cold winter nights.
  • Palate: The taste journey begins with subtle notes of maple syrup, followed by a delightful explosion of flavors. Nuts, cloves, vanilla, mocha, and spices intermingle harmoniously on your palate, creating a symphony of taste that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
  • Finish: The beer concludes with a smooth, satisfying finish that leaves behind gentle hints of spices and mocha, encouraging you to savor every last drop.

The Perfect Pairing

A winter ale like Old Jubilation deserves a perfect pairing, and it’s no surprise that it complements cigars beautifully. If you enjoy a fine cigar, consider pairing it with a full-bodied Nicaraguan maduro or criollo cigar. A few excellent options for this pairing are CAO Brazil, CAO Criollo, Tatuaje IV, and Rocky Patel Decade.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Avery’s Old Jubilation Ale is a true gem for lovers of full-bodied beers. This winter warmer is a testament to the artistry of brewing, delivering a smooth, complex experience that combines the richness of malts and the warmth of spices. If you’re looking for a beer to savor during the winter months, Old Jubilation should be at the top of your list.

Grade: A

Enjoy the winter season with a glass of Old Jubilation Ale and experience the joy of a well-crafted, full-bodied brew.

Beer Review: J.E. Lees Harvest Ale (Lagavulin Whisky Cask)

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I recently moved to Denver, Colorado or, one of the beer capitals of America. For my first craft beer review, I have a limited edition beer that is aged in Lagavulin’s single malt whisky barrels. Lagavulin 16 year is one of my favorite single malt’s so, out of curiosity, I could not resist picking up the final bottle at my local liquor store.

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Brand: J.E. Lees Harvest Ale (Lagavulin Whisky Cask)
Origin: United Kingdom
Style: English Barley Wine
Abv:11.5% (22 Proof)
Price: $10.99
Size: 9.6 ml bottle
Glass Type: Tulip

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Appearance: An excellent off white head of foam begins at two fingers before it dwindles down but foam remains still on the surface. This English barley wine has a nice bronze color that contrasts the foam making the barley wine have a pleasing appearance in the glass.

Aroma: The first whiff is smoke, dare I say peat, followed by dried fruit, vanilla, and wood from being aged in a whisky barrel.

Flavor: The flavor profile follows the aroma. This barley wine begins with peat, lots of smoke and seaweed, before moving into sweet flavors of caramel and vanilla balanced by a bitter coffee note from the hops. J.E. Lees Harvest Ale ends with wood and a very light floral note. I am very impressed with this beer to say the least.

Mouth Feel: The texture is very smooth and creamy on the palate with very little carbonation.

Cigar Pairing: I recommend a medium to full-bodied cigar that can stand up to the peat in this fine beer. Here are a few options that I think would pair nicely: CAO Criollo, Tatuaje Original Brown Label, Don Pepin Blue Label, My Father, and Casa Magna Colorado.

Conclusion: I wanted my first beer review to share a facet that is normally associated with cigars: spirits. If you are a beer fan and you enjoy a good single malt, particularly an Islay scotch like Lagavulin, please do yourself a favor and run to your phone right now to track down this excellent craft beer before all the bottles are completely gone.

Grade: A+

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Rum Review: Vizcaya VXOP Cuban Rum Formula

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I came across Vizcaya VXOP Cuban Rum Formula Cask No. 2a1 about a year ago. After finding a bottle in New York and trying a dram, I wanted more details about the rum. Vizcaya provides an excellent description on their website:

Made in the Dominican Republic, Vizcaya VXOP starts with sugar cane harvested at the peak of freshness, then quickly pressed to collect its fragrant juice. The juice is fermented and distilled in small batches, before being aged in selected oak barrels that formerly held bourbon. This process, known as methode agricole is the unique distilling method that infuses Vizcaya VXOP rum with its exquisite bouquet, smoothness, and delicately refined taste.”

The rum sounds appetizing from the description. Now time to see if this rum’s can stand up to its high reputation.

Product Specifications

Name:  Vizacaya VXOP Cuban Rum Formula Cask No. 21

Producer: Ron Vizcaya

Type: Age Rum (Aged in bourbon oak barrels)

Website: http://www.vizcayarum.com

Country: Dominican Republic

Proof: 80 proof (40% abv)

Bottle: (750 ml)

Price: Around $40

Appearance

Bronze. When swirled around the glass the rum develops legs before slowly rescinding back down.

Nose

There is vanilla and caramel concluding with a faint hint of spice.

Palette

The palette follows the nose closely. Upon making contact with the palette, the rum opens with vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch before proceeding to an intricate floral note. There are hints of bourbon and woodiness from aging the rum in bourbon barrels adding complexity. The rum finishes with a light spice that complements the prior delicate flavors.

Finish

Smooth and velvety. There is no burn.

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Cigar Pairings

I would recommend the Chateau Fuente, Guillermo Leon, and Zino Platinum for pairing with Vizcaya VXOP.

Conclusion

The award given to Vazcaya VXOP, best in show and double gold, display the craftsmanship that went into creating this exquisite rum. If you enjoy rum then I suggest you track down this rum.

Grade: A

 

 

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Rum Review: The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

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Kraken Spiced Rum

After the forecasting of Hurricane Sandy to hit the east coast, I stocked up on necessary supplies as well as dark spiced rum to wear out the storm. I picked up a bottle of Kraken Black Spiced Rum.  The Kraken is a black molasses based rum infused with various spices. This rum is able is priced around $20.

Product Specifics

Producer: Kraken

Country: Trinidad

Type: Spice Rum

Website: www.krakenrum.com

ABV: 94 Proof (47%)

Bottle: 750 mL

Appearance

The bottle is interesting with a white background with a black squid reaching its tentacles up to bring down a ship on the ocean. The rum is a dark mahogany that is almost black. Very little light makes it through the rum.

Nose

The initial whiff is alcohol but clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple, and molasses begin to open up.

Palette

Medium body with kitchen spices from the nose in addition to dried fruit.

Finish

The ending is smooth with molasses.

Cigar Pairing

This rum would pair nicely with a medium to full-bodied cigar with a maduro or habano wrapper that is Nicaraguan. I would recommend a Camacho Triple Maduro, Rocky Patel Decade and 15th Anniversary, and Illusione f9.

Conclusion

Kraken Spiced Rum is a welcome addition to the spiced rum market. This rum is a great value that is versatile. I found this rum worked well neat, on the rocks, but was particularly a great mixer. I found it worked well in coke and made an excellent Dark N Stormy.

Grade:

B+

Zino Platinum 10th Anniversary

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Zino Platinum, owned by Davidoff of Geneva, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Zino is releasing a limited collectors edition of the Platinum. The artwork on the boxes designed by “urban artist UR New York.”  The cigars are 5 ½ inch by 60 ring gauge and are sold in an urban inspired box of ten. These cigars feature Dominican and Peruvian filler, Dominican binder, and a Nicaraguan wrapper. Look for these at your local Davidoff of Geneva tobacconist. You can read the complete details by Gregory Mottola in Cigar Aficionado,

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