So this week a number of new brews hit the shelves including a couple of new breweries starting distribution in the state. First on the list, Founders Doom. Doom is a barrel aged version of double trouble and the sixth beer to appear in Founders Backstage Series.More importantly Dark Horse Crooked Tree variety-pack hit the stores. I have been a huge fan of crooked tree for well over a decade. So when I heard rumor of the variety-pack I was pretty excited. It includes FF DEKOORC EERT, a single hop variety of Crooked Tree using Falconers Flight hops, ARTIC DEKOORC EERT, with Citra hops (of course), EDACSAC DEKOORC EERT, and regular Crooked Tree. Released on 4/20, it was any hops heads dream come true. Normally I am quick to share this news with the world and send them a bottle. But this ones for me. Good luck prying a bottle from my wet cellar - yes there was a bit of an aquatic element to the beer cellar this week - I was just trying to get in the spirit with the rest of Grand Rapids.
Tonight I am drinking the Falconers Flight. On top of my list was to check for sediment in the bottle. This is the one evil nemesis of their ales, sludge a mile deep. Minimal sludge, first good sign. It pours a beautiful light amber, the bouquet is awesome and it's just freaking amazing. First class. Wow. So Good. Given the impressive distribution of Dark Horse around the world, there is a decent chance you will get an opportunity to pick up this variety-pack. Do it.
Oh yes and the other new brews to hit shelves? Who really cares - I am drinking Crooked Tree.
King of the Forest pours black with minimal head. The nose presents ketchup, barbeque, maple, and a slight sour apple tang. Medium to full-bodied - maple, sour apple, tart cherry, and balsamic vinegar - fill the palate. This is a very sour brew. Overall I would rate this as a very good sour. It does not manifest any of the off characteristics reported with last years version. While I enjoyed the tartness, the overt sourness and acid burn in the finish are a bit much for me. Something this sour is more welcome on my salad, than in my snifter. I would prefer a more balanced sour, such as one of the many Russian River offerings. That said I do think it's a rather solid ale. 