As Follows - Stillwater Artisanal Ales

Kendo

New York

4.23/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

A: Poured from the bomber into a Piraat tulip/snifter-type glass. Body is hazy light-golden-orange with a big (2-finger-plus) bubbly white head that settles slowly and leaves rings of foamy lace.

S: Vinuous with some lighter fruit (grapes, pears, apple skins) and a touch of biscuity/bready malt.

T: Bready doughy malt foundation is followed by a touch of spice and the skins of fruits - grapes and apples come to mind. Some faint yeastiness too. Finishes with a modest lemony bitterness that provides a nice balance or offset to the yeasty/doughy stuff.

M: Real nice - tinkly effervescence makes it drink pretty light. Call it medium in heft, though it really drinks lighter.

O: Really good stuff.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2013 23:27:04 | More by Kendo

beagle75

Iowa

3.75/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a tulip glass.

A: Hazy, medium golden color with over one finger of white foam head. Moderate lacing remains on the glass.

S: Bread and mild phenolic yeast stand out, with lemon citrus and ashes in a supporting role. No alcohol is detected.

T: Begins almost dry, with cardboard and bright fruit. Hops are earthy but muted, seeming stale. Late flavors are nuanced and unctuous, buttery at times, overlapping into the texture. No alcohol is detected.

M: Medium to thick viscosity, creamy on the palate, with moderate carbonation.

D/O: Fairly light and refreshing for a strong ale, this beer is strange perhaps because of the way that is retains levity in the face of what ought to be burdensome flavor and texture. The combination of stale and creamy is not one often encountered.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2013 21:13:44 | More by beagle75

bashiba

Iowa

3.95/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a milkey yellow with a huge and frothy white head, sticky lacing and good retention.

The smell had an almost lactose dairy quality to it mixing in with the nice notes of musty farmhouse yeast.

The flavor has the lactose here as well with an almost white cheese quality. A bit funky with a light creamy sweetness and a big shot of fennel in the finish along with a touch of juniper.

The mouthfeel is rich and creamy with just a touch of warmth.

Very nice, has a great farmhouse quality to it.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2013 23:01:09 | More by bashiba

Chrysostom

Ohio

3.85/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

As always, this beer is reviewed live - not from notes. Authentically. Hipster-approved.

As always, I review to style (ala BJCP), modified by personal taste (contra BJCP), not to personal taste alone. If I reviewed to personal taste alone, certain excellent exemplars of styles I do not prefer would receive lower marks than poor exemplars of styles I love.

This is called an "Eschatological Ale" - I'm a Catholic seminarian-monk and theologian, so I couldn't not buy it (eschatological, adj. theology dealing with the end times and the consummation of all things, from root eschatology, n. the study of the last things). The label looks like a 1920's tattoo, like Sailor Jerry's. The name reminds me a bit of "Arrogant Bastard: Can You Handle The Bastard?" advertising.

Without further ado, a review.

P: $9.99 750mL bottle, crown capped (under a plastic-backed foil that took a wine key to remove), poured at around 40ºF, warming as I write the review, in to a Chimay goblet/chalice (I forgot my Duvel tulip again). Thank you to Blacklick Wine and Spirits in Columbus, OH.

A: Dark yellow, almost golden colour, almost cloudy. A bit cloudier than Duvel, but, overall, similar in appearance with a similar head, creamier, with less (but still strong) retention and slightly less (but still strong) lacing. The head recedes very slowly to a thick cap which, as mentioned, leaves a good deal of lace, indicating a strong hopping in such a high-ABV brew. Highly active carbonation - at least three or four separate streams of bubbles.

S: Straight English IPA in the nose, modified by some Orval-esque barnyard funk. Way outside of style. Heavy amounts of citrus fruit and citrus-y hops come through, and nothing much else. Kind of like an American take on Duvel Tripel Hop. Some Belgian funkiness, but it's subdued. Alcohol is surprisingly subdued (almost non-existent) in the nose. As it warms, it smells of heavily-hopped and alcoholic Orval.

T: A big wallop of citrus followed by a big kiss of hops. Hopping in this beer is higher than most English IPAs, and heads towards the middle of the American IPA spectrum. No sweetness here. There's a strong malt backbone, though, which more than holds up to the hopping. There is a thick maltiness up front, where the hops keep in and keep going, and going, like the Energizer bunny. Strong bitter finish.

M: Tight carbonation folding and fading in to a bitter, somewhat smooth, tart and lingering finish which coats the mouth thoroughly, (more than) reminiscent of an English-style American IPA like Great Lakes' Commodore Perry. It reminds me a bit of Great Lakes' Pale Ale, Burning River, as well.

D: Moderately-low to Moderately-high, depending on your taste for IPA. IPA is not my style of choice, but this is still a pretty good beer.

O: This is an IPA modified with some characteristically Belgian funk. On the whole, it reminds me a bit of a more-hopped version of Steenbrugge's Tripel. Recommended for lovers of Duvel Tripel Hop, and recommended for lovers of IPAs - either English or American - to try. Everything pulls together well, and the mouthfeel is a highlight. Not exactly Belgian - as a BCJP "Recognized" Beer Judge, I'd reject this for "out of style" (granted that Belgian IPAs fall under the same category as Quads in BJCP... [what?!]... so, maybe not), but a pretty damned good Double IPA with less hopping than is customary.

This fits in so many of the pale ale/IPA style it's ridiculous:

To style: 60/100.
To English IPA style: 76/100.
To American IPA style: 72/100.
To American Pale Ale style: 75/100.
To American Double IPA style: 64/100. (Marked down only due to absence of extreme hopping.)
To taste: 68/100.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 06:50:02 | More by Chrysostom

AlexFields

Tennessee

3.79/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Pours a cloudy golden wheaty color with a monster of a bubbly white head.

Smells of white grapes, dry yeast (brett?), bananas and pears and apples and other sweet fruit.

Taste is pretty dry at first, fades into sweeter fruit flavors similar to the nose, lots of dry white wine like flavor. Pretty good!

Mouthfeel is very nice, tons of carbonation obviously, nice full body and really drinkable.

7.6/10

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2013 01:48:26 | More by AlexFields

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.98/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Very saison, yet it is not. Golden ale smell. Very good for the style. A tasty spicy fruity apricot peach creation, with white pepper. Big head. Smooth above average mouthfeel. Nicely hopped. Yeasty but it is well integrated. Very drinkable.Bottle from Premiere.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 05:26:30 | More by northyorksammy

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.8/5  rDev -8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Greenish gold color with a decent level of haze. Large head with plenty of large bubbles. Yet, it settles in a rocky fashion. Spotty and chunky lace on the glass as it settles.

Sour with a bit of earthiness to it. Good dose of Belgian yeast aroma as well.

Sour flavor start with a bitter finish. Good lemon rind and peppery hop finish. Short aftertaste that is a blend of the hop and the soured malt. Less Belgian in the flavor than in the smell. Thinnish body with ample carbonation. Overall, a classic Belgian pale ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 21:07:01 | More by smcolw

spointon

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I poured this one from a 750ml brown bottle into a stemmed Belgian tulip glass.

A= This ale poured a very pale yellow color, initially clear but increasingly hazy with each pour. The head was very lively and initially poured out at 2" of snow white foam. Settled to a rocky surface and left a lot of stickage behind.

S= The aroma was full of sweet pils malt, candi sugar, Belgiam yeast, esters, and hops.

T= Started off slightly sweet with a nutty/biscuit character that I found appealing and very much like the best Belgian examples of this style. Surprisingly but pleasantly hoppy flavors all through the middle. Finished dry and hoppy.

MF= Effervescent carbonation under a medium body. Crisp. Palette cleansing.

D= The alcohol stays well hidden, making this a dangerous beast. I would gladly drink this again, and again.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2012 03:12:52 | More by spointon

ngeunit1

California

4.23/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a hazy golden yellow with a big finger of frothy white head.

S - Sweet grainy malts, Belgian yeast, coriander, spices, lemon zest, a bit of funk, fruity esters, hint of booze.

T - Grainy malts, lemon zest, coriander and other spices. Belgian yeast, a bit of farmhouse funky, bready malts, some more spices and fruity esters. Sweet bready malts, Belgian yeast, a bit of funk, spices, lemon zest, a hint of booze.

M - Medium bodied moderate-plus carbonation. Smooth with a dry, estery, and spicy finish.

D - Nice balanced BSPA. Good mix of spices, yeast character, and malt flavors.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 06:20:17 | More by ngeunit1

drabmuh

Maryland

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Beer is hazy and golden with a white head, small bubbles, some lacing, high carbonation.

Aroma is yeasty and sweet with a nice malt backbone to it, interesting aroma.

Beer is a little spicy with a nice floral character and an almost champagne like yeastiness to it. A very effervescent beer with a nice finish. Decent saison.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2012 16:18:52 | More by drabmuh

flexabull

California

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle courtesy of joshdykema, thanks again!

Pours a cloudy gold color with a huge bright white head.

Aromas are of champagne, dust, some floral notes, and some lemon citrus. Pretty nice nose.

Taste is peppery up front. Some notes of lemon zest, sugar, bready, champagne, earthy, with a bitter mineral like finish.

Mouthfeel is crisp, and clean with good body.

Overall, a pretty tasty, complex and well done take on the style. Solid brew.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 04:07:20 | More by flexabull

atr2605

New York

4.25/5  rDev +2.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A-pours a hazy straw color with a massive white head with ridiculous retention that clings to the glass
S-orange, pepper, lemon
T-Citrus lemon up front met withn lots of hop bitterness(bit of pine) finishes earthy and peppery
M-medium bodied, light for abv
O-Well balanced and tons of flavor. Never head of the brewery before and was drawn in by the artwork. Look forward to trying more of their beers.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 00:26:45 | More by atr2605

MadScientist

New York

4.83/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: The beer pours a hazy light gold. The head is a massive three fingers of stick, mousse-like, white foam that takes a long time to settle to a half inch or so leaving a lot of Belgian lace.

S: Moderate orange and pear ester and peppery notes with a hint of vanilla and light honey-like malt sweetness. The aroma only gets better as it warms with tropical fruit like hop aromas.

T: There is a moderate pepper and moderately strong hops bitterness up front with just a bit more honey-like malt sweetness than it need for support. It's close to IPA like territory for the bitterness malt balance. There is esters of lemon peel, strong grapefruit and a touch of pine apple. A super dry finish with a bit of lingering bitterness and clove.

M: A light bodied beer with high carbonation. A touch of dryness on the the tongue

O: Truly a work of art, I am hard pressed to name a Belgian ale I've enjoyed more, even my beloved sours. The smell is fantastic, it's everything I want in a Belgian with excellent balance. There was so much going on in the first couple sips it took me a minute to get my brain around all that was going on with the flavor.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2012 22:46:07 | More by MadScientist

bluejacket74

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev -1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

750 ml bottle. Served in a tulip, the beer pours a gold color with a couple inch white fluffy head that stays around a long time. There's also a good amount of lacing. Aroma is nice and fruity, the brew smells like pears, lemon peel, bready malt/wheat, peppery spice, cloves, and a bit of tropical fruit. I think the taste is similar to the aroma, but I think the spicy and bready flavors are stronger than the fruity ones. There's also the addition of some green grapes and an herbal flavor to the taste. Mouthfeel/body is medium, with high but soft carbonation. I think it's a good overall brew, even though it has a bit too much carbonation for me. With that being said, I'd like to try it again in the future. $9.99 a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2012 22:16:22 | More by bluejacket74

emerge077

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a mini nonic, huge overflowing head of foam that lasts for a good while, leaving behind copious sudsy lacing. Great retention, head remains for the duration. Lightly hazed pastel yellow that glows a bit in the light.

Dry and spicy aroma, lemongrass and some sort of dried citrus peel.

Flavors are well integrated and the overall feel is very smooth. Moderate spice, dry herbal and bitter, light clover honey on the back end. Somewhat grassy, leaning toward hops but it could be a bittering spice instead, hard to pin down. Possibly some chamomile in there. Medium bodied with very charged carbonation. Nice with washed rind cheese or charcuterie.

Serving type: bottle

10-15-2012 02:02:42 | More by emerge077

WillCarrera

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22 oz bottle, no bottled-on date, poured into a tulip glass.

A- Pours an almost-clear golden color. A gentle pour produces 2 inches of white head, good retention and lacing.

S- Fruit (apples, pear and lemon) as well as some spice. Bready, doughy malt aroma and some clove as well.

T- Fruit, spice and bready malt. Pear, lemon and apple fruitiness blend with banana and clove. Mild booze and a bit of pepper towards the finish.

M- Medium-bodied, smooth and very creamy, with a dry finish.

O- A pretty solid BSPA, good work from Stillwater.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2012 09:19:26 | More by WillCarrera

zeff80

Missouri

3.93/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured out a hazy, golden-orange color with a rocky, three-finger, white head of bubbly foam. It left thin rings of sticky lace on the glass.

S - It smelled yeasty and spicy with some caramel notes.

T - It tasted spicy and yeasty with some sweet caramel and grain flavors.

M - It was crisp, sharp and smooth. A medium bodied ale with a dry finish.

O - This was a really tasty Belgian-style ale. Another great Stillwater brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2012 01:38:45 | More by zeff80

impending

California

3.95/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

B+

750ml into a tulip. Pours a mid hazed pale orange, froth continues to grow 2 minutes after the pour, excellent lacing.

Wonderfully vivid aroma, all high notes. Strong citrus, unripened light skinned fruits, pineapple, cedar all enveloped in sweet yeasty goodness. Bright clean pure.

Surprisingly strong hop dominated flavor. Pine and grapefruit. Slightly dry, a bit more herbal bitter is the finish. Powdery yeast in the aftertaste.
Light to middln lively mouthfeel.
cheers
jd

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 04:43:40 | More by impending

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.23/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a Gouyasse tulip glass. Pours a light, clear golden amber with a massive slightly off-white head and pillowy lacing. A careful pour had half a glass of foam, which slowly formed large bubbles but had good retention. Aroma of apple, grape and pear juice, Belgian spicing yeast reminiscent of saison. Flavor dry, apples, pears, slight citrus, light bready malt, finishing with and interesting spicy herbal taste, similar to sage or rosemary. Bitter herbal and citrus peel aftertaste that had interesting enough flavor to be enjoyable. Light to medium bodied, but active carbonation gave this a pleasant mouth feel. Another interesting and off-the-main-road ale from Stillwater. These guys are great.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2012 03:59:48 | More by LiquidAmber

harrymel

Washington

4.18/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottled: unk

Pours a golden, diaphanous ale with a thick, three fingers of light cream. This falls slowly. Smells of hops, and strongly of fresh mint (never had this experience with hops, but I’ve heard tell of it). Hints of resin, skunk, Belgian yeast, earthy hay and soil. Flavor is exceptional: grain, measured bitterness, hints of grass and classy Belgian yeast character. Nicely balanced and tasty. Medium bodied with hi, sparkly carb, even a bit too high. Semi dry finish. A really fine beer. I questioned this brewery with its obscure labels and sudden appearance in my area, this is worth it.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2012 06:35:06 | More by harrymel

vfgccp

New York

4.18/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - Hazy banana pear; a light German hefe. Towering, creamy white head with stellar retention and sheets of lace.

S - Honey, banana, Easter bread, orange zest, yeast, candied ginger.

T - Pear, dandelion, white bread crust, cilantro bitters, honey and an edge of booze. Strong, tanniny plant stem finish.

M - Medium body with a backend that coats your palate. Nice fizz.

O - A really nice Saision that's semi-floral and on the sweeter side of the style.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2012 01:29:09 | More by vfgccp

cosmicevan

New York

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

big thanks to joefuzz for looking out for me and picking this up for me while on a beer run in NYC. mad props to you my man...VERY much appreciate it!!! enjoyed from my stillwater wine glass.

a - defoiled the bottle and popped the cap and filled my glass...brew poured a deep murky orange with three fingers of bubbly frothy almost soapy looking head. very foamy. slowly bubbled away leaving chunks of lacing.

s - belgian yeast and very earthy. some belgian spicing. pepper and tropical fruit and sour grapefruit.

t - taste resembles the nose. peppery spiciness crossed with clove-like bubble gum and belgian yeast.

m - mouth is tingly and the beer is a bit boozy.

o - overall a nice belgian strong pale ale. a bit on the spicy peppery side of things and earthy like a saison, but solid none-the-less. i tend to prefer a bit less spicing and more sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2012 02:27:19 | More by cosmicevan

siege06nd

Virginia

4.45/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A. Pours a very cloudy, pale gold color. Massive four finger eggshell white head explodes from the glass. The sides of the head fall off more quickly than the center, leaving a cool little volcano type formation. Lacing is sticky and consistent. The head is just a little soapy and loose for my taste.

S. Yum, lots of green apple, cider, pear, and grape flavors. Good amount of banana and yeast as well. A lot of phenolic character here balanced out with a muted coriander-like spice. Very nice.

T. Closely follows the nose with a lot of apple skin and some grape. On the mid, a massive dose of yeast and spicy character as the phenols take hold, almost medicinal. The finish is a nice flowery hop profile with some residual sugar and spice. Excellent.

M. Balanced, flavorful, and well-integrated. Carb may be just a little short of crisp/refreshing level.

O. A very nice Beglian Pale. The yeast, spice, hops, and sugars are balanced near perfectly. A very hoppy and phenolic finish without being overwhelming. Well-crafted, highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 17:54:59 | More by siege06nd

russpowell

Oklahoma

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours an effervescent & slightly hazed pear color with 4 fingers of ivory colored head. Insane lacing & head retention

S: Grassy with some hay notes, some lemon peel.

T: Grapefruit, pineapple, a touch of juicy fruit green apple skins & pears up front. Phenolic notes & dryness as this warms, sourness picks up as well, just a bit more grapefruit.
Finishes with much grapefruit, dryness, & touch of sourness

MF: Medium bodied firm carbonation, pretty warming

So drinkable, another winner from Stillwater. So happy to get this in Mizzou, they seem at least 3 bucks a bottle cheaper than what I saw in North Carolina

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2012 02:22:52 | More by russpowell

samie85

Illinois

4.23/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy yellow color with a finger and a half of white head.

Smells of light clove, heavy yeast and some hints of sweet grain.

Follows the nose with a light clove, an estery fruit character, some bubblegum and a nice bitterness on the finish.

Light mouthfeel with some dryness from the combination of hops with ample carbonation.

Very drinkable and more complex than most Belgo Strong Pales I've had, mostly due to this one not being all esters.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2012 17:06:12 | More by samie85