Category Archives: Rated B

It takes confidence to step up to the bar and order a delicious Big Red Coq, a surprisingly hoppy red ale. That’s right, a hoppy red ale. Brewery Vivant’s Brewer’s Reserve Limited Release series is always something to pick up if you see it. A hoppy Belgo-American red ale, Big Red Coq is one of the most delicious red ales ever to grace these lips. Go ahead and laugh, the jokes are endless — as is this beer’s flavor.

After pouring into a nice tulip glass, the color is an opaque red to copper, with a hint of gold and a nice inch-high head to top it off. What is most surprising is the nose and flavor, more of a borderline IPA than a red ale. Again, it’s very floral, very hoppy, and slightly bitter with a good amount of citrus fruit that shines through and creates a great aromatic red ale.

The initial taste is very malty, a total juxtaposition to the nose of this beer. At 6.25% abv, the follow-through is a bit citrusy and only slightly hoppy. Truly the only downfall to this beer is the lack of hops in the body, especially for something with such a great aroma. With every sip, remembering that this is not an IPA is difficult. This deceptively floral nose leaves you wanting more, with a flavor profile more malty, slightly bitter and a bit more citrusy than you would expect. I do suggest tasting this Big Red Coq, if you can get your hands on one. It’s quite delicious and aptly labeled as a “Hoppy Belgo-American Red Ale.”

B / $3.50 per 16 oz. can / breweryvivant.com

This seasonal English Dark Mild Ale slipped through the holiday cracks at Drinkhacker HQ, but we’re trying to atone and get a quick review up while it’s still on the market. (It should be readily available for at least another month or so.)

Surprisingly mild-bodied, it’s somewhat woody on the nose, exhibiting some mild baking/Christmas spice — a touch of cinnamon and clove, but very restrained. The body offers roasted nuts, a rounded maltiness with a restrained bittersweet finish. Surprisingly easygoing, with only a touch of cocoa powder and coffee grounds in the end to recall anything to do with Guinness as most of the world knows it.

5.6% abv. Sold in 11.2 oz. bottles (that’s generous?).

B / part of the Guinness Winter Variety Pack ($14 per 12 bottles) / guinness.com

Our third look at Sam Adams’ Utopias — we also reviewed it in 2007 and 2011 — brings fresh eyes and fresh palate to one of the world’s most extreme beers.

A blend of ultra-boozy liquids, some aged up to 20 years old, this wild brew is a mixture of Triple Bock beers, sweetened with maple syrup, aged in Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks, and finished — unique to this 10th anniversary edition — in a combination of Tawny Port, Ruby Port, and Nicaraguan rum casks. It’s bottled — at 29% alcohol — in a one-of-a-kind decanter.

This year’s Utopias has a distinct Tawny Port character to it, on the nose and the tongue. Malty undertones are also hefty as you sniff this potent concoction. The body, as with other Utopias bottlings, is difficult to describe. It’s unlike anything else — and not akin to any beer you’re likely to have encountered. Huge malt, syrupy in consistency, is the driver, backed by deep raisins, roasted nuts, maple syrup, and chewy mushroom notes. My notes are similar to prior years, but I think the special barrel finishing has given this year’s version something unique — better balance, more nuance, and a clearer direction. However, that said, comparing this to the 2011 release (which I still have on hand in small quantities), I find the less syrupy 2011 somewhat more fulfilling.

Either way, it’s a one of a kind experience… at least ’til next year.

15,000 bottles made.

B+ / $190 / samueladams.com