Close Encounters

I called Elizabeth Station this afternoon to find out if the Monday night sour beer was all gone. Sadly, Emily informed me it had all been consumed, but she suggested that I go there this evening for Brewer's Night. When I told her that I wasn't very impressed with the products of the featured brewer, Samuel Adams, she assured me that they would be bringing some interesting new beers. How could I resist that promise?

I went, and was glad I did. I tasted each of the four beers on tap, and they were all good. The two that I preferred were Griffin's Bow and New World,. I would have liked to have had a schooner of each, but they were both 10% ABV, and I was driving, so I had to choose just one. The winner was Griffin's Bow:

Deep golden, bold and vibrant

From the aroma and notes of sweet honeysuckle, pineapple, and grapefruit, to richer hints of burnt sugar, and toffee, this intriguing brew is full of complex flavors. The distinct character of toasted oak adds depth and contrasts the light fruit sweetness. This unique take on a barleywine ale surprises with its smoothness and balance of fruit, hop citrus, and warming strength.

I was playing with my new camera and took the blip photo on the way home. You can see a few other shots here, including a half-second hand-held exposure at Lake Padden, and a photo Pensioner might have taken.