Boulder Brewing: Killer Penguin Barleywine

Brian — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:36:05 +0000

I wish I had a cool story about how I scaled a 14′er in Colorado and at the summit I was greeted by the Dalai Lama, Vishnu, Buddha, Jesus, and the pope and we all sat down and put a few back and talked about life, but alas my story is not that cool. I split from work early to take my parents to the airport, and stopped at the store on the way home. It was, however, the first time I’ve ever seen this beer. While I’m not always sold on the beers from Boulder Brewing, I figured I’m always up for something high AC, and potentially bitter. The Killer Penguin, thus called my name. In Spanish, you would call this, “El matador pengüino”, but alas, they would never have anything like this in Mexico, and beer like this is uncommon in Spain, at best.

El matador pengüino pours a clear copper, with a thin head that leaves plenty of itself on the rim. It smells sweet and malty, with a hint of alcohol, and a hint of spontaneous fermentation, although I can’t testify if that is in fact the case. As for the taste, it’s very sweet, with a definite presence of alcohol. As far as I’m concerned, there aren’t enough hops to make this truly interesting. Although my idea of a barleywine is that it should be considerable hoppier than any standard ale and that it should also be considerably sweeter, this beer does not necessarily qualify under those pretenses. It does however, qualify quite easily as strong english style barleywine.

I’ve got to admit that this is not my favorite beer, nor is it my favorite style, but I’ll try not to let that cloud my judgment. This beer does have several positives, but they tend to not come out until the beer has sat a bit. There is a great malt flavor, and when it warms up, it really gets a nice alcohol burn. However, there is nothing distinct about this beer that really takes me for a loop.

6.5/10

-brian

A list, for when I can drink beer again

Brian — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:19:36 +0000

Since I was so wise this year, and seemingly gave up all carbonated beverages for lent (soda and beer, specifically), I am looking for suggestions of beers to have after Easter. As per right now, I have a Founders Devil Dancer, and New Holland Night Tripper waiting for me in my refrigerator. I also have a special Tripel mad by Jeff, for a brewoff between us. I have already admitted I enjoy his more… his choice of the abbey ale yeast over the Trappist was really quite smart, however mine fits within the stylistic guidelines as set by the bjcp a bit better.

Anyway, I have a short list of beers I still need and want to try once my Lenten sacrifices are finished:

Mendocino Imperial IPA
Lienenkugel Big Eddy imperial stout
Erie Brewing Co Fallenbock
Boulder Brewing Co Obovoid imperial stout
Unibroue 17

Anything else people insist i must try, i will. Unless, once again, it is Jolly Pumpkin’s bam bier (worst beer EVER) or Stone’s Oaked Arrogant Bastard (oak aged gym sock). Also, please feel free to buy me any of the beers you insist I must try. I’ll even let you take me to Crunchy’s and buy my a glass if you want. Better yet, I’d let you take me to my former employer, Oade’s Big Ten, and buy me a mix six pack.

Seriously though, I really do welcome suggestions, it is my prerogative to do so, and report fairly, and honestly about each.

Beer and Comics » Boulder Brewing

Boulder Brewing: Killer Penguin Barleywine

A list, for when I can drink beer again