GRADE: A
The Bruery is one of favorite American breweries right now. Based in California, these guys are known for their highly creative beers that, according to their website, push the "limits of what 'beer' is". The results are quality beers that are highly sought after. I also like the fact that they put a lot of attention on the aesthetics of their product with classy labels on their 750ml bottles. Case in point: I brought a bottle of their Mischief to backyard barbecue and EVERYONE wanted to have a sip just based on the look of the bottle (especially the ladies).
3 French Hens is a seasonal brew that they do based on the "12 Days of Christmas". This being their fourth year of existence, they have recently put out "4 Calling Birds" and I can't seem to get my hands on it. I got this bottle from a friend last year and almost forgot I had it until I did a reorganization of my cellar and found it in the back corner. I must say, it lived up to the hype:
Taste: Follows the nose. Dark fruits and figs with a slight alcohol finish. It's got a "sherry-like" quality and goes down a treat. As it warms, I get a bit of caramel.
Mouthfeel: Nicely carbonated. Almost creamy but not too heavy. The alcohol warms the mouth and doesn't burn.
Overall: I had this beer with family after our Thanksgiving dinner and it was a hit! A perfect way to finish our meal. It is a great sipper that took us from dinner to dessert without getting in the way. I wish I could have gotten my hands on two but I'm VERY grateful to have had this one. Now if I can get my hands on 4 Calling Birds...
3 French Hens is a seasonal brew that they do based on the "12 Days of Christmas". This being their fourth year of existence, they have recently put out "4 Calling Birds" and I can't seem to get my hands on it. I got this bottle from a friend last year and almost forgot I had it until I did a reorganization of my cellar and found it in the back corner. I must say, it lived up to the hype:
Appearance: Dark chocolate with hints of ruby in the light. My wife says "burnt sienna and caramel". I say that sounds good!
Smell: What hits me first is yeasty figs and dates, It's very appealing. I'm did not pick up a lot of oak at first but noticed more as it warmed. Slightly boozy but not overpowering.
Smell: What hits me first is yeasty figs and dates, It's very appealing. I'm did not pick up a lot of oak at first but noticed more as it warmed. Slightly boozy but not overpowering.
Taste: Follows the nose. Dark fruits and figs with a slight alcohol finish. It's got a "sherry-like" quality and goes down a treat. As it warms, I get a bit of caramel.
Mouthfeel: Nicely carbonated. Almost creamy but not too heavy. The alcohol warms the mouth and doesn't burn.
Overall: I had this beer with family after our Thanksgiving dinner and it was a hit! A perfect way to finish our meal. It is a great sipper that took us from dinner to dessert without getting in the way. I wish I could have gotten my hands on two but I'm VERY grateful to have had this one. Now if I can get my hands on 4 Calling Birds...
Nice! Your description of this beer is really compelling. You must have a really sensitive palate (something I'm jealous of, since my sense of taste is blunted by my host of allergies--dust, mold, trees, grass, etc.). Keep the reviews coming!
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