Buffalo Rising Online

Aug 4th 2007, 10:56am By Adam Fix

Last week, Beer in the City took a look at some of the hoppiest beers from the breweries that will be participating in the '07 Buffalo Brewfest. This week we'll look at a few premium high ABV beers- a style that can really show the true quality of a brewery.

A quick trip to Premier Gourmet can net you a nice “Brewfest preview” variety pack (note: they are not pre-packaged this way but easy enough to assemble yourself). Mine included a few brews that pack a heck of a punch, at around 10% ABV.

Each of the following ales will improve with age if stored properly, similar to wine. Each, in fact, is aged at least three months before distribution. The high alcohol content allows for the graceful aging process and also allows each beer to establish flavor characteristics different from its peers. Also, each is more malty than hoppy, producing a powerful punch of flavor and alcohol with little bitterness.

First up: Brooklyn Brewery's Monster Ale, a Barley Wine-style ale boasting a 10.8% ABV. Brooklyn's website describes it as “vivacious when young, but will age gracefully for many years, becoming more complex over time.” Unfortunately I couldn't wait more than a day to drink it so I can't confirm that statement from personal experience. I can, however, confirm the vivaciousness! The alcohol is very apparent upfront; this beer is not for light beer drinkers. Hints of raisin and citrus complement a malty, medium-bodied taste. This beer would be a great after-dinner treat with dessert, or a nice snack with some cheese.

Next, one of only five varieties produced by Brewery Ommegang, is Three Philosophers (which can also be purchased at Wegman's). This interesting brew is a mixture of Belgian Quadrupel and cherry lambic. It is rich, sweet, and malty and the alcohol content, though close to that of the Monster Ale, is more well-hidden. It was surprisingly not as dark as I had expected, and overall quite enjoyable. It isn't my favorite from Ommegang (that would be Rare Vos), but in the Beer Universe it is certainly top-notch. Similar to the Monster Ale, it would be a great after-dinner treat, but also would pair well with rich, hearty foods.

Finally, I had to depart Brewfest-land for a short while to sample Flying Dog Brewery's Horn Dog, a beer which will not be featured at this year's festivities. I couldn't resist, in my high ABV/Barley Wine trance, and given the cool artwork (see feature photo) on the label, created by Gonzo artist Ralph Steadman. It is dark and delicious, with a fruity malt taste. Definitely go out and grab yourself a four-pack of this one, since you won't be able to try it at the 'Fest.

We are three weeks away! If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get them now!

Premier Gourmet, 3465 Delaware Avenue, 14217, 716.877.3574, www.premiergourmet.com
Wegmans, 601 Amherst Street, 14207, www.wegmans.com