(C.R.A.F.T.)
Award Winning Beers
ProMash
Club COC 3rd Place award winner February 2006
daTubbleWiDubble (on tap)
The Trouble with some of these Belgian beers is that they can be a bit sneaky. This one started as a Dubble and finished at 1.005 (a bit low) but it kicked up the abv, just a bit sneaky.
“Hey it Smells like Coffee” -- Sweet Stout 3.7% (bottled)
Second Place Stout Michigan State Fair 2005
On bottling day, Jodi stopped over and proclaimed “Hey, it smells like coffee”. It appears that Jodi has a nose for beer, even if she prefers wine. Now Jodi is a girl who likes her coffee, so this may be a beer for her. The “coffee” aroma comes from the deeply roasted barley. There really is no coffee in this beer.
Contrary to common oppinion, dark beers are not the biggest beers. This is the smallest beer, the lightest beer, the beer with the least alcohol, and the fewest calories being offered at this occasion. It has a mild roasted grain aroma, with coffee and/or chocolate notes (do I have Jodi’s number here?). An impression of cream-like sweetness often exists. Usually very dark brown to black in color, it can be opaque with a creamy tan to brown head. Dark roasted grains and malts dominate the flavor as in a dry stout, and provide coffee and/or chocolate flavors. A very dark, sweet, full-bodied, slightly roasty ale, it often tastes like sweetened espresso. Stouts go great with chocolate and ice cream (yes I said ice cream). Try a stout float someday, you will be amazed.
Club COC 1st Place award winner July 2005
Les Deux Bonjours - the Two Bonjours Biere de Garde - 8.5% abv (bottled) Biere de Garde is a beer to keep. I don’t know about the beer but Jodi is definitely a keeper.
Yes, the French can make good beer as well as wine. The name literally means "beer which has been kept or lagered." Now brewed year-round, this traditional artisanal farmhouse ale from Northern France was brewed in early spring and kept in cold cellars for consumption in warmer weather. Related to the Belgian Saison style, the Biere de Garde is rounder, richer, sweeter, malt-focused, and often has a "cellar" character, but lacks the spicing and tartness of a Saison. This style is characterized by a smooth, sweet, fruity, and earthy taste with a color which can range from a deep blond to a reddish brown.Typically, bičres de garde are corked in wine bottles, and then aged from several months to several years. They are best when served at (50-55 degrees F). .
Club COC 1st Place award winner October 2005
Borders Porter, a Baltic Porter, 7.6% abv (on tap) This beer is dedicated to my new family, the Borders and all their siblings. Speaking of siblings, this beer is a sibling of the Imperial stouts. Baltic porters come from countries winding around the Baltic crescent and deep into eastern Europe from Sweden to Poland. These descendants of English porter range in color from mahogany red to inky dark, and pack a substantial dose of flavor and alcohol.
Baltic porters are deep, dense and thoughtful beers that borrow much from other, more familiar styles. These strong beers can approach barley wines in fortitude, Imperial stouts in complexity, and liqueurs in after-dinner contentment value. Their sweet, soothing maltiness is akin to the finest German bocks. Rummy, raisin and licorice notes similar to an old ale reside in the profile. The character also has hints of chocolate and coffee, and at times, a roasted background. All co-mingle into a smooth, silky flavor that is contemplative but robust. Satisfying indeed.
Kilt Lifter, A Scottish Wedding Ale Strong Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy (bottled)
First Place Scotch Ale Michigan State Fair 2005
May 28th, 2005 -- Brewers brew big beers to celebrate special occasions. This beer was brewed to celebrate the marriage of Andy and Jodi Bonjour. Andy had talked about wearing a kilt (Douglas Tartan) to his wedding. Well obviously that didn’t happen, so we put the Kilt on the bottle.
Wee Heavy’s or Strong Scotch Ales are overwhelmingly malty and full bodied. And yes, at over 31 proof this beer is stronger than many wines. Historically, hops were very expensive so a minimal amount was used resulting in a very low hop bitterness, flavor and aroma. Color ranges from deep copper to brown. The clean alcohol flavor balances the rich and dominant sweet maltiness with a touch of smoke in flavor and aroma.
This is a “BIG” day and this is the big boy of tonight’s selections coming in at 15.3% abv (Alcohol by Volume) or 31 Proof. This beer goes down easy and does not taste as big as it is so please drink responsibly.
Honorable Mention Michigan State Fair 2005
Club COC 1st Place award winner Sept 2004
'lil bit o' Kentucky a Bourbon-Oak Aged Barley Wine 11.2% abv (bottled) Available in very limited supply, this is an English style Barley Wine, similar to the Malted Bliss, but aged with Bourbon and Oak. The oak brings with it a moderate vanilla flavor. Brewed in October of 2003 and still good, this is by far the oldest beer here.
A full bodied beer, it exhibits some additional alcohol warming from the bourbon. Although it is a big beer, this beer is smooth, flavorful, well-balanced and well-aged. Overall Impression: A harmonious blend of the Barley Wine with characteristics from aging in contact with wood and bourbon.
2nd Place IPA - 2001 Over the Mill
1st Place IPA - 2001 St. Louis Happy Holidays Homebrew Comp.
MCAB IV Qualifier