2004 time yet?

[fretlessman71]

So, when can I cast my vote for fff dreadnaught? So far it's the best beer I've had... but there are so many left to try! The battle is coming up pretty soon, isn't it?

[chazwicke]

I have two bombers of the Dreadnaught in my fridge. I think I'll open one now.

[chazwicke]

WOW! Awesome stuff!! I had not had this before. When I popped the cap I could already smell the hops. It poured cloudy with a small head which dissappated quickly. The cloudy appearence is due to it being bottle conditioned. I was expecting this to be a total hop blast but was pleasantly suprised to find just how balanced this beer really is. Don't get me wrong, the hops are there in a very big way but there is also a malty sweetness that along with the warmth of the alcohol balances and takes the edge off the hops. I have finished half of the bottle even though I am trying to wait for it to warm a bit more. The smaller amount of carbonation from the bottle conditioning really does remind me of a nice cask ale. I am not actually sure of the alcohol content either. Part of the label was peeled off. But you can taste it and I suspect it is fairly high. A very fine Imperial Pale Ale. I guess I should have posted to tasting notes.

[b3s]

maybe this time we can go by category? i'd hate to try and vote against two truly great beers from different categories!

heh, and maybe a special trade board specific to the battle fo the beers so that more people have better access to the beers?

[b3s]

oh, and fret...we gotta work on this trade a bit...i think i need a dreadnaught added, what can i get you for it since i haven't mailed yet?

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by chazwicke
WOW! Awesome stuff!! I had not had this before. When I popped the cap I could already smell the hops. It poured cloudy with a small head which dissappated quickly. The cloudy appearence is due to it being bottle conditioned. I was expecting this to be a total hop blast but was pleasantly suprised to find just how balanced this beer really is. Don't get me wrong, the hops are there in a very big way but there is also a malty sweetness that along with the warmth of the alcohol balances and takes the edge off the hops. I have finished half of the bottle even though I am trying to wait for it to warm a bit more. The smaller amount of carbonation from the bottle conditioning really does remind me of a nice cask ale. I am not actually sure of the alcohol content either. Part of the label was peeled off. But you can taste it and I suspect it is fairly high. A very fine Imperial Pale Ale. I guess I should have posted to tasting notes.



A Postscript: As the beer warmed the hops did eventually become more assertive as did the alcohol. The sweet maltiness took a back seat to the hops although were still noticable.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by b3s
oh, and fret...we gotta work on this trade a bit...i think i need a dreadnaught added, what can i get you for it since i haven't mailed yet?

Unfortunately, the only dreadnaught I've had was the result of a trade. If only I could get fff down here..... ohhhh...... :(

[fretlessman71]

So, back to my thread... who knows about BOTB 2004 and what do you think is going to win?

[hops99]

If I remember, the 2003 brackets came out around mid-February last year. 2004 should be right around the corner...?

This year, it's going to be an all-midwest Final Four:

Three Floyds Dreadnaught
Great Lakes Edmund Fitz Porter
Bell's Cherry Stout
Schlafly Barleywine

:)

[studentofbeer]

only 1 3f dreadnaught left in the fridge. :mad: but ever since the price went from $3.79->$7.49 i've been much less inclined to purchase more.

good beer, but ouch! i like the all midwest theme, tho i didnt get a cherry stout this year (wonder if there are any left?) and don't know Schlafly Barleywine.

is this botb thing something or just something made up on this board? enlighten me.

[steveh]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
is this botb thing something or just something made up on this board? enlighten me.

It's an annual poll on beers from around the world, organized by Realbeer.com. Sort of a popularity contest, but it's fun to watch and discuss the results.

As well, it's pretty much, what got a lot of us involved with this board.

S.

[jlttb]

Well now I'm curious -- do you take nominations? When can we begin?

[steveh]

Originally posted by jlttb
When can we begin?

Okay, the unofficial scuttlebutt, from unimpeachable sources, is that we can look for a Marzen Madness theme for the Battle of the Beers this year. Possibly paralleling the college hoops tournament...of a similar name...

S.

[hops99]

I think it would be fun if either:

a) The regions were based on beer styles (Pale Ale, Stout/Porter, Lager, etc.), or

b) The regions were based on, well, geographic regions. How about an East, West, Midwest, and maybe a South? That could be cool.

Although, I'd be perfectly happy if it was the same as last year, too. :)

[Beaver]

I think that is a great idea hops!