Beer Review: Victory – Wild Devil Ale
Aug0
Only slightly wild...
Amount of brew in bottle: 22 fluid ounces
ABV: 6.7%
Type of brew: IPA
Price: ~$6
The first thing I noticed when pouring this beer was the thick white head that occurred. I am fairly practiced at pouring beers so I am doubtful that it was a bad pour 
. Not saying that a large head makes the beer bad, it was just the first thing I noticed. The beer is a nice amber color and it has carbonation similar to Belgian beers. Looking at the back of the bottle they said they used a yeast that is commonly used in Belgian ales so go figure that the carbonation is similar .
I do find this beer to be not too hoppy. Supposedly it is an IPA but the hop taste is a bit weak for me or maybe I am just not sophisticated enough to pick up on the subtle notes. It is nice to have an IPA that isn’t crazy strong though. Since this IPA weighs in at 6.7% ABV it is a nice beer to have on a hot summer night. However, my wife thought the beer tasted exactly like an IPA. So, as with any beer review it all depends on the person’s tastes and what they normally drink.
Overall this was a nice beer and if you get a chance to pick one up I would suggest it.
The good: A mellow IPA that is a nice everyday beer
The bad: Could be really easy to pour it horribly
Beer Review: Brewdog Paradox Smokehead – An imperial stout matured in islay whisky casks
Aug0
Was that a hint of sock I tasted?
Type of beer: Imperial Stout
Wallet Thinning Factor: $16
Warm and Fuzzy Factor: 10%
Size: 330mL
I guess I should list off a few of the caveats that might affect my review of this beer.
1. Beer guy and I just moved to Dallas, Texas. Some might not consider this to be the beer/coffee/good food/nice people capitol of the world… And they would be correct.
2. Smoke beers and I haven’t really found our common ground.
3. Whisky and I haven’t really found our common ground. I think that is a losing battle.
4. Only after opening the beer and trying it, did I read the website which kindly points out that this beer is better with aging.
Other than that, this is just a plain, ol’ beer review.
The first thing to notice about this beer is the price. That is right, we paid $16 friggin’ dollars for 330mL of beer. The second thing to notice about this beer is the brewing company. Brewdog is known, and wants to be known, for making unique and non-mainstream beers. They achieved that lofty goal with this beer. The brewers also nicely made sure to tell people that this beer should be served at room temperature, unless you “live in an igloo.”
When I poured it, it was still a little cooler than room temperature. At first smell, all I could think of was Liquid Smoke. Beer guy thought about cleaning supplies. With the first taste, the first words were “smokey old socks.” Beer guy made a frown-y face and said that it had a “funny aftertaste.”
I can’t really taste any whisky notes, but I am guessing that the barrels added to the smokey flavor of the beer. Islay whisky is known for having a smokey taste because of the peat. A reasonable conclusion is that some of the smokey flavor is from being aged in the barrels.
As the beer has warmed up, it is starting to taste more like a stout and less like old socks. The smokey flavor is mellowing out. I could definitely see how this beer would taste better as it ages over the years in the bottle. Unfortunately, I just didn’t realize that it should age before I got my grubby paws on it and a glass.
Good: A great beer for someone with a specific hankering for a smoked beer.
Bad: Not for people who lack patience or that don’t like non-mainstream beers.
Overall: 
Bitterness:
Smoothness: