Beer  #17: Parallel 49 Psychopz India Pale Lager 6.5% ABV
Rated: 7 out of 10

This beer is somewhat unusual, being a hop heavy lager rather than the more usual hop heavy ale. The Psychopz is smoother than what you would find in a typical IPA, with more muted floral notes on the nose. There is a slight tang in the aftertaste, but it is cleaner and crisper than its ale cousins while still maintaining bitter undertones.

Beer #18: Central City “Gary’s Gourd” Squash Ale 9% ABV
Rated: 4 out of 10

This beer has me somewhat apprehensive. A squash ale? With 9% alcohol? Can it possibly be any good? The first thing you notice is the rich dark velvety red colour that seems to absorb light like a black hole. Then there is the subtler than expected squash aromas, and the surprisingly good head retention. Then you take a sip. And your first thought is “wow, that’s not too bad.” And then this sickly sweet, bizarre, unholy flavour creeps up on you and fills your entire mouth. Good god the aftertaste is bad. I’m not even sure what flavour it is, but its not good. [Kiri tried some and reckons the aftertaste is a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whatever it is, it shouldn’t be in a beer.]

 

Beer #19: Parallel 19 “Please Sir” S’more Stout 10% ABV 45 IBU
Rated: 5 out of 10

For the Australians out there who aren’t sure what a s’more is, think of marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between arrowroot biscuits. Now, why would you put this in a beer? I don’t know. This beer pours an extremely dark black, and has very little carbonation. It has a sweet chocolate nose, with an underlying hint of the strong alcohol content. The underlying beer is a very heavy stout, which helps to provide balance to the sweeter s’more notes. But, it is still a very sweet beer. I know some people like these novelty beers, but they are not really for me. We’ve been brewing beers for over 500 years, we’ve generally got it figured out pretty good. No need to get too fancy with it.

 

Beer #20: Red Racer Imprial IPA 9% ABV
Rated: 6 out of 10

It appears that the high alcohol beers are coming out close to christmas this year. This one is a little more standard than the last couple though, being a reasonably standard IPA. The high alcohol content makes it a bit of a novelty, but the alcohol does seem to dominate a little too much. I think the flavour profile of this beer would be greatly improved it was around 6% ABV instead of 9%. The beer does have a nice amber colouring and reasonable head retention.

 

Beer #21: Parallel 49 “Sahti Claus” Finish Sahti  7.5% ABV 35 IBU
Rated: 6 out of 10

This beer was also in last years advent calendar, so this is the second time I’ve had a Sahti. Traditionally, this type of beer is flavoured with juniper berries, and often has a banana ester flavour. Last year I found, in particular, the juniper overpowering and said “I would certainly not have another.” But I actually like this years version… the juniper flavour is very understated, as is the banana ester taste. They underline the flavour of this rye and barley beer nicely, and the ester is also noticable in the aroma. A remarkable turnaround from last year – is it my palate or the beer that has changed?

Beer #22: Central City “Thor’s Hammer” Barley Wine 11.5% ABV
Rated: 6 out of 10

This beer is referred to as a barley wine because of the high alcohol content. It was conditioned in bourbon barrels, and the distinctive flavour of bourbon underlies this beer. But the overwhelming flavours here are sweetness with some malt. The sweetness is a bit overdone, with the aftertaste consisting of a mix of bourbon and honey. I’m not sure that this is a particularly good beer, but it if you consider it as more of a nightcap or desert wine then it is quite reasonable. I recently purchased a bottle of the Granville Island barley wine, and it will certainly be interesting to compare the two.

Beer #23: Parallel 49 “Vow of Silence” Belgian Strong Ale 10% ABV 25 IBU
Rated: 7 out of 10

This is another strong barrel aged beer, and is my favourite of the stronger beers so far. A rich malty flavour with an oaky finish, the alcohol in this beer complements rather than overwhelm or detract from the flavours as with some of the other beers this year. It has a deep golden brown colour, and a complex flavour profile. These extra strong beers are not my go to, but this is a fine example of the genre.

Beer #24: Central City “Jitter Buzz” Coffee Stout 9% ABV
Rated: 7 out of 10

This beer features Been Around the World cold brew coffee, and it really is almost as much coffee as beer. The aroma is a mix of coffee and malty chocolate, and the creamy white head has good longevity. I like the underlying beer here, but the coffee leaves a bit to be desired (like most North American coffee in my opinion). I wonder if this beer would work with a more delicately flavoured Australian coffee, or whether the coffee would be lost in the rich stout. In the case of this beer, the coffee creates an overly bitter aftertaste that somewhat detracts from an otherwise good, and very interesting, beer.

This is the second part of this year’s beer post. The first part can be found here.

Beer #9: Parallel 49 Bodhisattua  7.5% ABV
Rated: 5 out of 10

The Bodhisattua is a dry hopped sour beer. Sour beers are super trendy at the moment, but I’m still yet to find one that I really like. This one is the closest so far though. A lot of sour beers taste more like a warhead than a beer, but this one is a bit more understated. Like most sour beers it has absolutely zero head retention, and is carbonated more like a soft drink than a beer. Not bad, but just not my style of beer.

Beer #10: Red Racer Copper Ale 5% ABV 23 IBU
Rated: 6 out of 10

There is only way to describe this beer: malty. If you’ve ever taken a brewery tour, you’ve probably been given a bit of malt to chew on. If you can remember that smell and that taste, then you have this beer. It’s not exactly a terrible thing, but I think that the maltiness could be offset with a bit more hops. I’ve had this beer before, and seem to remember liking it more than I do at the moment. Not sure if it is a batch thing, or if my palate is still shocked by the hot green curry I had for dinner.

Hockey game #2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=108&v=w6JaDUeH8A8

Once again, I’ve borrowed this game from the Pass it to Bulis blog. This is a highlight clip from a 2003 game where Marcus Naslund put up 6 points. I enjoy watching older highlights of sports, and even though 2003 wasn’t that long ago it is from before I had ever seen a game of ice hockey.

The thing that really stands out to me is the goaltending. This is during a period when goalies were still perfecting the butterfly technique. Now, this goalie was the fourth string goalie on one of the worst teams in the league, so maybe he’s not the best example. But, the side-to-side transition is much weaker than the current crop of NHL goaltenders. A more modern goalie will push across his net while staying down in the butterfly position, while the goalie in this clip partially stands up to move across. The modern setup is much more compact and also much quicker.

 

Beer #11: Parallel 49 “The Toques of Hazzard” White IPA 9.2% ABV 76 IBU
Rated: 7 out of 10

This beer is an interesting contrast to the previous beer. This one is all hop. Because the beer is a white IPA, there isn’t much body to contrast with the bitters that clock in at a rather large 76 IBU. The high alcohol content is, however, reasonably well balanced but does finish a little bit on the heavy side. The one place this beer lets itself down in the aroma department – there really isn’t much to talk about. Overall it is a reasonable but not particularly special drop.

 

Beer #12: Central City Getoff Maibock 5% ABV
Rated: 7 out of 10

This maibock is a heavily flavoured lager. It has a smokey finish, and is rich in hoppy bitterness. While the beer has a rich golden colour, it is light on carbonation and aroma. It is a pleasant enough beer, but doesn’t really have any standout features that might draw you in, and the smokey finish is a little bit overbearing as you approach the end of the beer.

 

Beer #13: Parallel 49 Mr. Needles 5% ABV
Rated: 6 out of 10

This beer is a fir pale ale. Unfortunately, the label is missing and there is not much information about it online. It does, however, taste similar to a couple of spruce tip beers that I have had before. It is certainly a christmas beer, as it tastes vaguely like you might expect eating a christmas tree to taste. It is sweeter than most beers, although the aftertaste is dominated by the fir. It’s an interesting beer, certainly worth trying once, but I’m not sure you would really want to drink it on a regular basis.

 

Beer #14: Red Racer Super Sonic IPA 6.5% ABV
Rated: 8 out of 10

This beer is a classic Pacific North West IPA. Like a bearded kangaroo, it’s both hoppy and hipster as all get out. It has a strong, classic hoppy aroma with nice floral undertones, and an upfront kick in the face of bitterness. The only real fault with this beer is that it doesn’t hold its head very well, but otherwise it is very well put together. Among a very wide variety of craft IPAs this one certainly sits towards the top.

 

Beer #15: Parallel 49 Ugly Sweater Milk Stout 5% ABV 30 IBU
Rated: 7 out of 10

This is an interesting beer. I think it would probably make a great stout without the lactose but, being a milk stout, it has had lactose added. Does the lactose improve or detract from the beer? I’m not sure. I think it helps with the nose and smooths the foretaste, but the lactose comes to dominate the aftertaste. If you are the type of person who thinks they don’t like stout, then this is probably one to try as the lactose adds a sweetness that cuts through the malty stoutness. Almost gave this one an 8, but ended up going with 7.

Beer #16: Red Racer IPA 6.5% ABV
Rated: 8 out of 10

This IPA is out there on the floral end of the IPA spectrum, it’s chock full of flowery hops.  One of the best things about this beer is that it pours with a great head and also does a great job of retaining it – which is a little unusual for a pacific north west craft beer.[1] This is also a very drinkable beer given it is 6.5% ABV, so you might to pace yourself a little. It’s not as sophisticated as the Super Sonic, but it is a nice bold floral IPA.

 

 

[1] One thing that really sucks about drinking beer in Vancouver is that the beer can’t hold a head and all pubs are table service. Which means that by the time the server picks your beer up from the bar and brings it to you, all you have is a headless alcoholic liquid. Every now and then you just want to get a nice old hit of foam in the ‘stache, but it’s not going to happen in Vancouver.

 

So, Kiri purchased me another advent calendar of beer this year. And I’ve decided I’ll do some more beer reviews. But this year I’ve going to mix it up with some classic hockey games that you might want to watch while drinking some good beers. I’m going to piggyback off the Pass It To Bulis blog, who are showcasing 20 of the best games throughout the month of December.

I’m going to link directly to the videos, rather than their posts, as I think they give away a bit much in their posts. Given that most of my blog audience (meagre as they are) will be Australians and Australians living in Canada, they may not know how the games finish, and I want to preserve the mystery. If you have always wanted to watch some hockey, these games are probably are a great place to start.

After the month is over I’ll compare my beer ratings with the ratings of last year’s beers

 

Beer #1: Parallel 49 Rock the Bells 7% ABV 12 IBU.
Rated: 4 out of 10

In the 90’s in Australia there was an iconic ad for Cranberry juice that ended with the line “Where’s the cranny, granny?” Well, I finally found the cranny in this sour cranberry ale. I think I also found the granny (or at least the grannies old bath water). This beer is very sour, has a nice amount of cranberry, but also has a slightly skunky aftertaste. Not a favorite.

Beer #2: Central City Red Racer India Session Ale 4% ABV 12 IBU.
Rated: 8 out of 10

I’m pretty sure I had this beer for the first time in last year’s beer calendar, and it has since become a semi-regular for me. It is a good IPA by any standards, and becomes very good when you consider that it is only 4% ABV. The flavour to alcohol content is quite possibly the best of any beer out there — a good beer to have a couple of while you watch some hockey.

 

Hockey Game #1: Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames April 10 2010.

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

This game is the Canucks final game of the 2009-10 regular season. They have already qualified for the playoffs, having guaranteed themselves top spot in their division. So why are we watching a dead rubber? Because of the Sedins and, specifically, Henrik Sedin[1]. Henrik Sedin enters this game 1 point behind Alex Ovechkin in the Art Ross Trophy race, which is awarded to the player who leads the NHL in points (goals + assists) . Alex Ovechkin is playing his last game the next day, so Henrik needs to put a few points on the board. Can Henrik build a big enough lead? You’ve gotta watch the game to find out!

[1] The Sedins are absolute freaks. They are identical twins, born in Sweden, who both play for the Canucks. Henrik wears number 33, and Daniel wears number 22. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two sportsmen, in any sport, who have better chemistry than these two. Their instincts are amazing, and it leads to some incredible no-look passing.

 

Beer #3: Parallel 49 Jerkface 9000 5% ABV 37 IBU.
Rated: 7 out of 10

This beer has an ugly label, a stupid name and…. a surprisingly not bad taste. Maybe it’s even good. The only clue on the label as to it’s character is the ugly character (he is one disturbing dude) and the tagline “North West Wheat”. I usually associate the pacific north west with bold, heavily hopped beers, while the modal wheat beer seems to be a poor imitation of Hoegaarden. So I wasn’t expecting much — surely those things can’t work together? But this does seem to work, somehow. I can’t quite put my finger on it — perhaps a hint of grapefruit that ties it all together? In any case, if you are like me and have seen this one in the bottle shop before, but never bought it, I say give it a try. You might just be surprised.

 

Beer #4: Central City “The Dominator” Brett Saison 6.5% ABV
Rated: 7 out of 10

I’m often a little sceptical of saisons. They are a fairly trendy beer right now, and that means that a lot places are trying them, and they are often hit and miss. This one counts as a hit. The saison nature of the beer is more apparent in the nose than the flavour, although it does also have that distinctive sourish saison aftertaste. But it is the foretaste where this beer stands out – a good solid whack of flavour that is almost like a lager with a hit of citrus.

 

Beer #5: Parallel 49 Salty Scott 7.5% ABV 17 IBU
Rated: 8 out of 10

The Salty Scott is a sea salted caramel scotch ale. Again, the first time I had this beer was last year’s calendar and it is now in my regular beer rotation. The saltiness is understated, but noticeable, and the caramel is smooth and not overwhelming. But the highlight of this beer is the nose – a nice smooth hit of caramel. A great beer to drink on a cold and rainy night, like tonight. Plus there is a Canucks game on CBC at 7pm!

 

Beer #6: Red Racer Northwest Pale Ale 5% ABV
Rated: 8 out of 10

I poured tonight’s beer into an old Chimay glass that I have, and that was a good choice. The wide glass really helped bring out the fruity aromas of this pale ale. This beer sits somewhere in between a more traditional pale ale and an IPA – it starts fruity, and finishes with a strong kick of hops. It is a good beer, but not the type of beer that you would want to drink a lot of – the sharp taste seems like it might get overwhelming after a couple.

 

Beer #7: Parallel 49 Filthy Dirty IPA 7% ABV 70 IBU
Rated: 7 out of 10

I’m a little torn about this beer; I can’t quite decide if I think it is a good beer or just an average IPA. Perhaps it can be both? In any case, this is not really your standard IPA, being heavier on the fruit and lighter on the bitter than most. Which is somewhat surprising given that it clocks in at 70 IBUs. It also holds head very well for a north american beer, which is a positive in my books. It’s certainly a decent beer, but there are at least a few other north west style IPAs that get the nod ahead of this one.

 

Beer #8: Central City “The Fabulator” Rauch Bock 6.5% ABV
Rated: 6 out of 10

Rauchbier is German for smoked beer, and a bock is a strong lager. Naturally, this beer is a smoked, higher alcohol lager. This is the second Rauchbier that I’ve had, and it is by far the best of the two. But I’m not a fan of the style. The smokey flavours completely overwhelm the nose of the beer. For this particular beer, the initial taste is of a smooth well-built lager, but the after taste is a bit smoke heavy for my tastes and leaves a bit of an unfinished feel to the beer.