He'Brew Jewbelation Fourteen - Shmaltz Brewing Company

Boto

Connecticut

4.35/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz. bomber: This one pours an inky, bark brown color. There was a bit of a brown head on it that leaves some lacing. Decent enough nose. Lots of malts to the nose. Chocolate, caramel, dark fruits are most prevalent. Also getting some citrus and pint hops. Also a bit of alcohol. The taste is pretty good. Some caramel and chocolate malt sweetness. Raisins, vanilla, molasses, hints of coffee. Lots going on here, but a pretty decent mix.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 21:27:37 | More by Boto

sweemzander

Illinois

3/5  rDev -26.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

12oz. bottle from the 2011 Holiday Pack

(A)- Pours a very very dark brown color with some reddish highlights. Some tan froth too.

(S)- A deep malty and rich profile. Bits of booze and raisin.

(T)- Similar to the smell. a deep/rich malt profile overall with noticeable raisin.

(M)- A mellow carbonation level. A good balance even though it is quite hefty in the malt department; almost a bit too much actually.

(D)- Overall, it is solid, but easily the booziest of the lineup.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2012 14:04:33 | More by sweemzander

jsulko

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle poured into a snifter glass

Been saving this one. The 15 is next.

Pours a dark black with hints of brown. Slight off-white/brownish head.

Smell is carmel and sweetness with strong dark fruit notes.

Taste is heavy on the dark fruit with little of the sweetness ifrom the malt. Finish reminds you a bit of the high alcohol content.

A very excellent beer in a category I am not always a fan of. Bought the 15 without ever having this off of a recommendation and am glad I finally cracked this one.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2012 03:11:46 | More by jsulko

jmdrpi

Pennsylvania

4.18/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle from the reissue 2010 Box set

appears a dark mahogany color, 1/4" khaki color head. great head retention.

awesome aroma of tobacco, black cherry, spiced rum. taste is similar. bold flavors- a bit boozy, caramel, toffee, figs. nice thick smooth sticky body. drinks appropriate for the style, and great for the taste.

overall - the series continues and gets better it seems as the years go on

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2012 02:21:23 | More by jmdrpi

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle from wordemupg, 12oz bottle into a tulip.

Pretty much black in colour with a finger or so of light brown head. Huge lacing, and quite nice retention. Lots of chocolate in the nose and fruity, dark malts. Some molasses and licorice, and a touch of alcohol. Taste has more chocolate, dark breads and fruity dark malts that evoke some Fruit Loops grape flavour. Syrupy and some molasses. Dense body, some alcohol but doesn't suggest 14% by any stretch. Low carbonation and thick. A good beer, but I wasn't blow away.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2012 03:45:55 | More by liamt07

ngeunit1

California

4.33/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours a dark brown with a hint of brown around the edges with a thin finger of frothy khaki colored head. The head fades down fairly quickly leaving behind some lacing.

S - Aroma is a mix of dark caramel malts, dark fruits, coffee, caramelized sugars, with some grapefruit and pine hops and some booze.

T - Starts off with dark sweet caramel and caramelized malts, with raisin and other dark fruit, molasses, and some grapefruit and citrus hops. Through the middle, some coffee flavor comes through with some vanilla, pine hops, and a bit of bitterness. The finish is a mix of sweet caramelized malts, dark toffee malts, dark fruit, molasses, a bit of coffee, and some booze.

M - Full bodied with moderate carbonation. Feels smooth and a bit syrupy with a warming and sweet finish.

D - Very drinkable. Good strong malty base with enough body and alcohol to balance.

Serving type: bottle

08-29-2012 04:13:08 | More by ngeunit1

MrOH

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 2 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Black with some brown around the edges, then brown head that recedes quickly.

Raisin, burnt sugar, a whiff of peat, slight herbal hops, and some alcohol in the nose.

Toffee, burnt sugar, ash, dark stewed fruits, dried cherry, and raisins coat the palate and a subtle yet firm and lingering bitterness to finish.

Very heavy and low carbonation.

Less oxidized than the others in the series. Almost like a bittersweet liquor. I liked it a lot more than the Amaro that some guy bought me a couple of weeks ago.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2012 00:48:11 | More by MrOH

BostonHops

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle served in a snifter glass.

pours a deep, dark brown/borderline black (opaque) with a solid finger-plus of a creamy mocha/khaki colored head. respectable retention as well as lacing.

really impressive nose on this one. notes of molasses, coffee, roasted malts... yet also an evident hoppy presence. wow, flavor is something, exceeding the aroma in terms of complexity. there's the coffee, molasses, roasted malts; also maple, raisin, and maybe a touch of brown sugar... earthy/floral hoppiness - maybe a bit of citrus - opens up mid palate and carries some hops bitterness through the finish. my only knock is the alcohol presence, which, at 14% you obviously have to expect some, but it's not quite as hidden as i'd prefer. that said, a very complex and tasty beer.

rich, creamy, coating mouthfeel; full bodied with medium carbonation. this is a huge beer in every sense... a classic sipper.

originally reviewed: 01-11-2011

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2012 22:41:16 | More by BostonHops

mactrail

California

4.48/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The massive malt that the Jewbelation series is notable for. Thick, rich, powerful, dark, and delicious. Beautiful mahogany color in the Orval chalice. Nice swirling foam, pleasing sudsiness.

The mouthfeel is exceptionally full without being sticky. The creamy carbonation adds to the pleasure. Even going back to a bottle opened yesterday, the carbonation is good. All the roasted malt flavors, from sweet caramel to bitter burnt. An assertive hop bitterness carries the end. Plenty full of sugar, but nicely balanced with the hot alcohol and the hoppiness.

A great strong beer that combines the best qualities of a barleywine and a RIS. From the 22 oz bottle.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2012 04:32:13 | More by mactrail

champ103

Texas

3.25/5  rDev -20.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A: Pours a dark brown, nearly black color. A one finger tan head is slow to rise, and gently recedes. Nice lace is left behind.
S: Big roast up front. Chocolate, cream coffee, sweet toffee. Lots of nondescript hops linger that leaves a strong bitter finish.
T: Lots of roasted malt, coffee, chocolate. Tons of sweetness. Sticky toffee. A bit under under attenuated. Lots of bitterness in the finish.
M/D: A full body that is slightly sticky. Though good carbonation and smooth. A monster ABV, and harder to sip on than I would like.

This needs more time. Just to big, to sweet, and to bitter of a finish. Something to hold on to for years, but not that accessible right now.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2012 00:33:26 | More by champ103

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

4.05/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bomber from Big M Potsdam NY for 6.99

Appearance - Dark brown colour with a large size frothy beige coloured head. There is a low amount of carbonation showing and there is some fantastic lacing. The head lasted for over 5 minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Malts, chocolate, dark fruits, toffee

Taste & Mouth - There is an average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, chocolate, and very light hops. There is also some dark fruit flavour - either cherries or raisins and a bit of caramel/toffee. It ends with a sweet malty aftertaste.

Overall - I was really surprised how well the alcohol was hidden in this beer. The taste was delicious and the feel was perfectly velvety. I'd like to have a few more bottles of this to keep for winter nights.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 17:55:26 | More by spinrsx

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.95/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Review from 1/2011 notes. Poured into a He'brew small shaker pint. Pours a very deep reddish brown amber. Thin light tan head and lacing. Aroma of dark and light fruit, roasted malt and booze. A sweetish dark fruit and malt start, malt, molasses and caramel middle and coffee malt finish. Fairly mellow for the high ABV, complex with flavors shifting during the drink. Seems somewhat understated, but pleasant and interesting.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 03:16:15 | More by LiquidAmber

chugalug06

Colorado

4.6/5  rDev +13%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

WHOA! Dark thick rich brown with TONS of black hues. head pours delicately, slowly rising thick compacted toffee colored foam. One finger head stays around for quite some time. Clarity looks to be 100% intact

Holy heavy Malt Bomb scent! Nice hop background backs up tons of rich caramel, smokey, and chocolate malts. Nice grape-pine resin stands out, even with a year or two in the cellar, impressive. By far one of the most complex scents i've ever experienced with beer. Very unique.

Tons of red massed grapes engulf your taste-buds with strong arms and flavor. Very strong vanilla mash also takes over. Very thick and syrupy. Drinks a lot like a Port. Very suagry, but in a non-offensive way. No off flavor, but there is a *slight* dry bitterness on the back end of the brew along with mild heat from the high ABV. Perfect carbonation.

This brew has tons of thought and love put into in, you can taste it... this brew could easily have held up for many more years in the cellar. This brew embodies what a great brew should look, smell, and act like, a (near) perfect brew, IMO. This is one sweet brew, but is not a sugar bomb, just very sweet and well done at that. Highly recommended, if you find one, let me know; I'll trade, heavy.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2012 03:12:32 | More by chugalug06

CHickman

New York

3.58/5  rDev -12%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours black with brown around the edges with a massive 2 finger foamy tan head that faded slowly, leaving OK lacing.

Smells of sweet caramel, syrup, molasses, roasted malts, brown sugar, floral hops, grains, biscuit, dark fruit like raisin and alcohol like rum or bourbon. A lot of sweetness in the nose that is quite powerful and reeks of booze.

Tastes of sweet caramel, syrup, molasses, roasted malts, brown sugar, toffee, burnt coffee, floral hops, grains, biscuit, cocoa, dark fruit like raisin and cherry,alcohol like rum or bourbon and light burn from the ABV. Very sweet, bready, fruity and complex, the sweetness rules as this beer has so much going on that the sugary sweetness just dominates.

Mouthfeel is heavy and chewy, with little to no carbonation, a thin feel and sweet burn that trails off malty.

Very dynamic and more drinkale than expected considering the 14% ABV, but this is a slow sipper that is best to share. A nice barleywine that's worth a try; to me this is a barleywine and not a strong ale, so that's how I see and taste it.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2012 05:05:13 | More by CHickman

neckbracesub

Indiana

4.53/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is an outstanding barleywine strong ale. One of the darkest colored of its kind and certainly one of the best tasting/after-taste.

I experienced it on tap at the superior Heorot Pub in Muncie, Indiana, and out of the 4 beers I had in the two hours spent there, this was the best. The aroma has equal amounts of caramel and fruitiness, the head is more apparent than any barleywine I have tried in the past, and there is the least amount of bitterness in the after-taste of this strong ale.

Bravo!

Serving type: on-tap

03-09-2012 01:00:43 | More by neckbracesub

mdfb79

New York

4/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 01/15/12 notes. Thanks to nmann08 for sharing this one. Haven't had it yet due to a mislabeled keg at FireWorks.

a - Pours a dark brown color with one inch of tan head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of caramel malts, roasted malts, alcohol, sweet dark fruits, and molasses.

t - Tastes of caramel malts, oak, sweet dark fruits, sugar, molasses, and alcohol.

m - Medium body and moderate carbonation. A little thick and while not overly hot, you can tell the alcohol is there.

o - Overall a very nice beer; probably one of the better Jewbalation's I've had. A sweet and strong beer I'd recommend sharing with people. Would have it again.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2012 20:41:11 | More by mdfb79

Hopdaemon39

Massachusetts

3.93/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22 oz bottle into a pint glass- little to no head with no retention or lacing. Poured a deep mahogany color that looks very syrupy.

The smell is what you would expect from a beer with 14 different malts and 14 different hop varieties- it's a menagerie of scents; some coffee, some citrusy hops, some breadiness, a touch of alcohol. It's a lot to take in.

The taste is very similar to the smell- very rich flavor, almost like a watered down single malt scotch. The malty sweetness and breadiness is omnipresent and is punctuated by hops and some spice. Alcohol is well hidden for being 14% ABV but it is definitely apparent that this is a very high alcohol content beer.

Mouthfeel is very thick and syrupy- almost no carbonation except a hint towards the end of the sip. Obviously not something to pound down. This is certainly an interesting brew and hats off to He'Brew for managing to balance so many different ingredients as well as they did. Not something I would seek out however...

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 23:06:09 | More by Hopdaemon39

55bob

California

4.53/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a dark brown chocolate color.

Medium head with light lacing.
Over sweet but I like that and the slighty bitter balances the sweet.

Aroma is lots of carmel and honey.

Flavor is also carmel, honey and coffee, toffee and dark cherries. Wonderful!

The thick body hides any alcohol burn that could have been there with a 14% ABV beer.

Overall, excellentt balance of hops and malts.

Considering this is 14 malts and 14 hops they did a great job formulating this beer.

If I can find more I will buy lots of this.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 08:37:41 | More by 55bob

megahurts4

Louisiana

4.22/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

He'Brew Jewbelation 14

Appearance: dark brown, small head, and good lacing.

Smell: hops, toffee, caramel, and dark fruit.

Taste: roasted malts, hops, chocolate, and a faint dark fruit.

Mouthfeel: heavy.

Overall:
This brew is a heavy and chewy one. The flavors are potent without being overbearing. The initial aroma is hops, but they seem distant in the taste.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2012 05:03:01 | More by megahurts4

GPHarris

Alabama

4.53/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

a - poured a three-fingers coffee-colored head into a snifter that left great lacing and sheeting throughout. the body was dark black, it just looked heavy and dense.
s - sweet spices like cinnamon come through first then raisins and other dark fruits come out followed some semi-sweet chocolate.
t - dark fruits, cherries, molasses, chocolate with a hint of roastiness.
m - slick and creamy.
o - i aged this one for a year and it was worth it. a little boozy at first but that was enjoyable. a terrific beer and the jewbelation beers continue to impress every time i have one.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2011 15:09:22 | More by GPHarris

jayhawk73

Maryland

4.1/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at Churchkey:

Pours a super dark brown color w/ a thin chocolate head. Not much lacing, as excpeted w/ a 14% beer. In the nose, I get Malt, toffee, caramel, and a touch of alcohol. Really well balanced, and very pleasant smelling. The taste is really about the same as the nose profile- Maybe not quite to the level of the nose. Feel is full, syrupy, and a super smooth finish. Overall, a really nice beer- I would definitely have this again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-20-2011 02:09:05 | More by jayhawk73

alpineclimber

Alberta (Canada)

3.58/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A bottle brought back from NY this past spring.

A dark brown, almost black brew is poured into a chalice, a single finger head forms and then recedes.

Smell is of sweet dark malt. Alcohol is preceptible as well as a lactose sweetness, dark fruit and majule dates. The fourteen types of hops are not perceptible in the smell.

Taste is fairly sweet upfront and just like the smell suggests, dark malt, dark fruit and some sweet chocolate candy notes. A slight bitterness in the taste but this is a sweet malt forward beer. A fairly full mouthfeel, the alcohol is detectable but not overwhelming for a beer that is 14%.

American Stong Ale is what this beer is according to the style on this site. This beer is something like a very sweet imperial stout. I am not too sure about the fourteen types of hops, the hops certainly did not appear in the smell or taste. This is a single dimensional brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2011 00:27:37 | More by alpineclimber

alexgash

Connecticut

4.28/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. bottle.

Thick, dark maple syrup brown. Finger and a half of whipped, light cocoa head. Good lacing up the tulip. Rich, warming nose. Notes of sugary caramel, figs, toffee, bread pudding, and smaller doses of sherry, maple syrup, and vanilla. Nice.

Slight woody bitterness up front quickly gives way to intense malty sweetness. Big caramel, brown sugar, and toffee dominate. Rummy fruits mix in, along with some fig and even a little licorice. Herbal, woody bitterness gets pretty well hidden, but flashes again in the finish. The finish is long, peppery with rummy alcohol, warming, and plenty of lingering sweetness. Full-bodied with a thick, creamy feel. This is a big, sweet, malty, intense sipper, but still drinks pretty good for 14%!

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2011 01:37:28 | More by alexgash

JDizzle

Indiana

4.03/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 22 oz bomber that was almost a year old. Picked this up at a local store that had a case in the back and didn't know it until now-thanks!!

Super dark brown with a little ruby color. Even black looking at times. A nice medium brown head that expoded into a 2 finger froth. Nice!

It smells like dark fruit out the ass! Got some alcohol smell with the massive 14%er, but not like you would imagine.

Taste like prunes, dates, toffee, roasted malts, hoppy bitterness, and soy sauce. This may go on my next plate of fried rice to give me a buzz at lunch. Nothing really mind blowing, but a complex beer that is fun to drink.

The mouthfeel is heavy and slick on the tounge. Pretty bitter with all the hoppiness and the ABV catches up to you here. I would guess this is a 10% abv- well hidden.

Can't wait to try the 15 and 15:15. These He'Brew beers are really out there and fun to drink. Grab one if you can because they are a steal!!!! I payed $5.49 for this bomber from Whole Foods.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2011 03:18:23 | More by JDizzle

jera1350

Minnesota

4.1/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A solid black body with a short but supple looking head of dark khaki foam.

Very sweet smelling with nice complexity. Getting toffee and brown sugar with some dark fruit. Hints of vanilla and rum raisin with cereal grain.

Huge sweetness and quite warm from the alcohol. Sweet and almost syrup like up front with the warm alcohol and malt enveloping throughout. Very deep flavor that is tough to break down. Sweet fig, raisin, date and dried plum up front with burnt sugar, molasses, vanilla and dark rum through the middle. The end is quite toasty and hoppy, yet sweet. Complex this is.

Full bodied, a bit sticky, but very smooth. Lots of heat on this one.

I really like this one overall. It really is a pleasureful beer because there is so much going on, but it all works. Every sip keeps you guessing, but thankfully it's not a sloppy mess. The flavors work well together and really offer up a unique experience.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2011 01:27:02 | More by jera1350