beer review Archives | FactoryTwoFour

Three Philosophers by Ommegang

Nick True — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 17:35:10 +0000

Three Philosophers by Ommegang is an amazingly full bodied and satisfying Quadrupel ale and Kriek blend that is brewed in the traditional Belgian style. This ale has an identity crises but unlike other blended beers this one successfully pulls it off in every way imaginable. Ommegang used the trusted Belgian brewing style to perfectly marry two styles in a way that leverages the strengths of each in one unified front, creating a brew that is not to be missed.

I poured the Three Philosophers 25 ounce bomber into a tulip glass where a large caramel-white head formed quickly and extremely thick. The head dissipated into a much smaller yet equally dense cloud that insulated the ale well and allowed for the nose to blossom. The nose at first was filled with floral overtones but then gave way to a yeasty base that has a hint of cherry and other dark fruits. The taste is spicy and floral on the front end and leads to a malty and yeasty base that ends with an alcoholic finish that is subtle and does not dominate.The stronger aspects of the Quadrupel are balanced and even leveraged with the much sweeter and accessible Kriek notes making this big ale astonishingly accessible and drinkable. Many times when fruit is added to the brew process the fruity aspects dominate the entire palate of a beer but Three Philosophers intelligently used 98% base ale and 2% ale brewed with cherries; this results in only a hint of fruit which acts to further balance the beer and give it added flavor depth.

The stronger aspects of the Quadrupel are balanced and even leveraged with the much sweeter and accessible Kriek notes making this big ale astonishingly accessible and drinkable. Many times when fruit is added to the brew process the fruity aspects dominate the entire palate of a beer but Three Philosophers intelligently used 98% base ale and 2% ale brewed with cherries; this results in only a hint of fruit which acts to further balance the beer and give it added flavor depth.

Three Philosophers is an impeccable ale in which Ommegang has beautifully used the Belgian style to blend Quadrupel and Friek styles in a way where each of individual aspect works together seamlessly create a big 9.7% abv brew where all is balanced and extremely drinkable. This beer is best experienced sipping slowly with a loved one as the snow accumulates outside your window.

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Polestar Pilsner from Left Hand Brewing

Nick True — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 22:05:30 +0000

Left Hand Brewing in Longmont Colorado never ceases to amaze me; they brew in a way that modifies classic recipes in order to make amazing new creations that are extremely innovative yet hold true to the classic styles that inspired them. Polestar Pilsner is not any different, they took the world’s most popular brew style and made it a bit more robust and flavorful while still retaining the classic refreshing and crisp quality of a classic Pilsner. This beer is the only Pilsner that I drink in my regular winter beer rotation because it is a titan that is wrapped in in modest clothing. Subtle complexity is hidden within a light and refreshing demeanor yet it has a depth that allows it to compete with even the best Winter and Black Lagers.

I enjoyed Polestar in a classic Pilsner glass where it pours a pale and clear golden yellow with small bubbles and uniform carbonation. The light and airy white head dissipates quickly into a thin cloud that still aerates the beer yet does not compromise the flavor in any way. The nose is characterized by a hint of floral notes and a lingering essence of hops. The taste is light, crisp and balanced with the final impression being much more complex and flavorful than the body would indicate. The aftertaste is mildly skunky but this is a good thing with the slight bitterness and a hint of hops finishing this beer quite well. The Pilsner Malt and Pale 2-row grain help balance this beer in a way that makes it possible to drink this all day as you are cooped up in a warm house by the fire while the snow piles up outside.

Left Hand Brewing’s Polestar Pilsner is an amazingly well balanced beer that is at the pinnacle of its style and can be enjoyed year round: whether it is cooling you down after a hot day or keeping you warm in the depths of winter.

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Long Table Farmhouse Ale from New Belgium

Nick True — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:59:40 +0000

The Long Table Farmhouse Ale from New Belgium is a classic style that is seeing a renaissance as of late in the craft brew industry. The Farmhouse style originated from the practice of 19th century farmers using their excess crops to brew their own beer to share with family and friends. Since crops and what was available varied year to year, region by region, and even between homesteads, the original Farmhouse Ales would many times use different ingredients for each batch, making each one singular and unique.

New Belgium seems to honor this tradition with one of their newer brews, Long Table. After pouring in to a classic tulip glass there is a fair amount of light density head that is multifaceted; it contains many sizes of bubbles and dissipates fast leaving a beer that is a clear golden yellow. On the nose is a discrete floral scent that is very subdued and quite elegant. On the first drink you notice light and perky citrus notes that are slightly complex, but in no way overpowering. There are a few tastes all working together that start from an earthy base and move to a citrus finish, but they all balance well and no single flavor profile dominates.

I can easily imagine drinking this brew with close friends and family as we share a hearty meal under the night sky around a table that has been handed down through the generations. This is a very well balanced beer that I could see drinking for a long time.

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Beer Snobs United: Bourbon Barrel Aged Narwhal

Anthony Bowlin — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 22:05:50 +0000

This deliciously dark treat is our bold Narwhal Imperial Stout aged in oak Kentucky bourbon barrels. Black as midnight, this intense stout is incredibly complex with notes of dark chocolate, rich roasted grains, and espresso seamlessly blended with hints of vanilla and toasted coconut with a slight touch of honey from aging in the oak spirit casks. Nearly as rare as its nautical namesake, try it out while you can because, like the creature itself, it will disappear into the blackness soon and leave nary a trace behind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lljnJ2Si4bE

Partnering with Beer Snobs United, FactoryTwoFour will be bringing you weekly beer review videos for you to enjoy. Subscribe to Beer Snobs United’s YouTube for more great reviews and to stay updated.

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Beer Snobs United: Snake Dog IPA

Anthony Bowlin — Fri, 13 May 2022 22:19:35 +0000

More cunning than a snake in the bush…Snake Dog India Pale Ale is a Colorado-style IPA, power hopped with specialty hops from the Pacific Northwest. This is the brewery’s hop monster, and the citrus fruit aroma will hypnotize the senses of the most hardcore of craft drinkers. 15 Plato, 60 IBU, Crystal Malt, Warrior and Columbus hops, and dry hopped with Columbus.

https://youtu.be/YSnSgjjgPYU

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Beer Snobs United: Damn It Feels Good to be a Gangsta

Adam Kaslikowski — Fri, 06 May 2022 02:02:02 +0000

Heavy in Roast, Chocolate, and Special B malts this beer comes off with a unique and unexpectedly dry profile. Combining two Brettas lends a milder barnyard, but heavily funky character accented by an apparent ‘natural cork’ flavor. Aging the beer on French oak Barrels and allowing it to properly develop, attenuation is high revealing a light body and notes of astringency. Balance is created by the addition of three special golden ingredients: Honey, Golden Raisins, and Mustard Seed.

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Beer Snobs United: Thump Keg Rye IPA

Anthony Bowlin — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 17:16:42 +0000

The Thump Keg Rye IPA incorporates the same underlying grains used in the distillation of George Dickel Whisky, adding a subtle spice and bursts of smoky vanilla to the hop forward IPA. And it is amazing. Never have I seen a brew capture the magic of whiskey so perfectly. If only it was a touch hoppier. Still though, there is something about this beer.

http://youtu.be/RtOdPQ6GLiY

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Beer Snobs United: Pliny The Younger Triple IPA

Anthony Bowlin — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 21:31:11 +0000

I have reached the hop Mecca. Is there an IPA out there more sought after? Is there no bitter brew with such a legendary stance? I’ve reached the top of the hop covered mountain, and I’ve seen the other pale ale’s lingering around the base. Too bad it didn’t taste up to its hype.

Pliny the Younger, the man, was Pliny the Elder’s nephew and adopted son. They lived nearly 2,000 years ago! Pliny the Elder is our Double IPA, so we felt it was fitting to name our Triple IPA after his son. It is almost a true Triple IPA with triple the amount of hops as a regular I.P.A. That said, it is extremely difficult, time and space consuming, and very expensive to make. And that is why we don’t make it more often! This beer is very full-bodied with tons of hop character in the nose and throughout. It is also deceptively well-balanced and smooth.

http://youtu.be/IlCNkqhBf2E

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Beer Snobs United: Entangled Hopfenweisse

Anthony Bowlin — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:46:04 +0000

Entangled is a new seasonal release from Victoria, BC’s Driftwood Brewery. The Hopfenweisse style marries two flavour profiles: tropical hoppy flavours typical of a West Coast IPA and the banana and cloves that are typical of a Heffenweisse. Hired Guns Creative provided the product naming, branding, and packaging design for this truly seductive craft beer experience.

http://youtu.be/N7nxPJ-s6Nk

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Beer Snobs United: Snorkel Farmhouse Ale Review

Anthony Bowlin — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:03:11 +0000

Today, we are drinking Snorkel Farmhouse Ale from Jester King, one of the most renowned sour beer brewers in the country. With a strong following for all their unique brews, this is one that definitely lives up the claims of the fan base. Check out the video below to see just how it all comes together.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=l9GiY_lumM0

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