Got to like a beer with a pinup on the label. Valley Brewing’s Decadent Evil Belgian Style Golden Ale is tasty, indeed. Golden and effervescent, with little-to-no lacing on the glass. Notes of caramel and honey (more honey flavor than many meads I’ve had). All-in-all, an impressive California Belgian. And, at 9.5%, it’s certainly “decadent,” though its “evil” has yet to be proven.
Will I see the green flash? At 10.9%, I just might. Citrus and hops. And hops and citrus. And citrus-y hops. And hoppy… you get the idea. Scrapes the roof of the mouth with initial hoppiness, but improves as you become accustomed to it. Green Flash Barleywine Style Ale is good, but no Olde GnarlyWine. For that matter, it’s not an Old Guardian, either. And I didn’t see any green flash.
Can a beer possibly be as good as a classic album? Alchemy! Dogfish Head Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew is a bold, black imperial stout fused with Tej (an African mead brewed with honey and gesho root). Complex and bitter, but with a honeyed finish. Notes of coffee, tobacco, caramel, bitter chocolate, and red earth.
