Wolpertinger - Urban Chestnut Brewing Company

ABV: 11.5%
Bottled: 1/2016

Description from brewery:
To celebrate our 5th Anniversary we captured Wolpertinger 2015 and held him for several months in stainless steel cage before determining that this year's Bavarian Beast is a triple fermented ale (three unique yeast strains) that is spicy and Belgian-like.   He then went through a hibernation period in bourbon and Burgundy oak barrels, absorbing the flavors of his environment-growing, changing.  We then unleashed this five year old wild beast into the world.  Prost!

Pairs with: None mentioned

MOBeerGuy Thoughts:
Wolpertinger pours clear dark golden brown with a white head.

The beer has a prominent smell of dried fruits followed by bourbon and then finishes with caramel malt.

When sipping, this brew was very complex. The dried fruit (that was in the aroma) first hit the front of the tongue then changed to a dry bourbon-y caramel finish at the back of the mouth with a bit of spice.

I am not a big fan of strong ales, but I really appreciate the art and effort that was put into this beer. This high percentage beer didn't have a strong alcohol taste. Due to the triple fermentation, the beer had a nice dryness to it.

Pairs with: Dark Chocolate, Bratwurst, Cigar

I give this beer a 4 out of 5

Saison - Crane Brewing

ABV: 6.8%
Bottled: 11/11/2015

Description from brewery:

A farmhouse-style field beer brewed to finish dry and refresh. This Belgo-French style ale’s flavor begins with toasty malt, followed by fruity yeast and ends lightly bitter and crisp.

Malt: Pilsner, Munich and Wheat
Hops: Magnum and Styrian Golding
Yeast: French and Belgian Saison Yeast

Pairs with: None mentioned

MOBeerGuy Thoughts:
Crane's Saison pours golden with a white head.

The smell of yeast first arrives to the nose with the citrus notes following quickly after, and ending with a hint of malt.

When sipping, this brew holds true to its style, it is crisp yet yeasty and bready with hints of citrus.

This beer does take you to a barn out in the country in the midst of a mid summer evening.

Pairs with: Funky cheese, spicy curry, rotisserie chicken

I give this beer a 4 out of 5