The Beer-of-the-All Star Game is one that I picked up a few months ago when it was released to the Houston market. It’s from (512) Brewing Company out of Austin, TX. Hence the (512). It’s the area code for the Austin area if you didn’t know.
This is the Pecan Porter on steriods…like Ryan Braun.
(512) is well known around the TX craft beer scene for their outstanding Pecan Porter so for the All Star Game I thought I would go big with their barrel aged version. It’s named Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter. What a mouth full! What’s this beer all about? I may have been lax on keeping this blog updated, but I can still cut and paste like a champ. Watch this…
(512) Double Pecan Porter is a robust porter accented by locally grown roasted pecans and subtly enhanced by aging in recently emptied oak whiskey barrels. For the first ever bottling, only one 200L barrel was bottled. Notes of chocolate, coffee and pecan marry with the subtle flavors of vanilla and whiskey to make this a wonderful winter warmer worth sharing and savoring. We sincerely hope you enjoy every sip.
Bam!
Beer Review:
This beer is big and bold like Prince Fielder.
I took this beer with me to my in-law’s place to share while we watched the All Star game. I think they were all sufficiently impressed with the opaque black color and mocha colored head. We didn’t take our DSLR with us so I didn’t get the best pictures, but I think you get the point. The head on each pour was easily three fingers tall and as creamy as mousse. The beer was so carbonated that we had to wait a while for the head to settle before we filled each 8 oz taster glass.
The aroma wasn’t quite what I expected, but there were major notes of whiskey and dark chocolate. Although not quite as much whiskey as you would expect off of Josh Hamilton’s breath after an all-night bender. Minor notes followed of smoke and coffee, but I never got much of a whiff of pecan or vanilla. It didn’t smell infected at all, and that’s a great thing. I had heard several reports of infected bottles, but mine smelled just fine and dandy.
The taste is dominated by the roasted, chocolaty malts. I wished there was more of a bourbon taste, but I can’t complain too much. The finish is a little bit bitter, but it just helps make this big beer more drinkable. This beer is basically the same as the (512) Pecan Porter that I know and love with a touch of whiskey. The booze flavor shows up in the finish which is understandable considering this beer dials in a 8.2% ABV.
Overall, I could have easily taken my time and finished this bottle by myself. However, I am really glad I shared it. Even though this isn’t the best beer I’ve ever had it’s the type of beer that I love sharing. It’s so dark and “foreboding” when poured, but pretty darn easy to drink. I think everybody enjoyed their taste, and I enjoyed hearing everyone’s opinion as we tasted it. I will try to buy this again next year, because I don’t think this beer has reached it’s potential yet. This 2012 version I will give a Double!
All Star Game Review:
The National League won the game for the third straight year, but this time was by far the most crushing defeat. I never, EVER would have expected the AL to get shut out. Much less 8-0.
A few things that stood out:
1) Every single All Star pitcher throws 100 miles per hour.
2) Except R.A. Dickey
3) Jose Altuve was safe at first.
4) Jose Altuve is apparently so small that the camera crews and broadcasters didn’t even notice he was on the field.
5) Chipper Jones hasn’t been working out since he knows he’s retiring.
6) Bryce Harper tries too hard.
7) Kellie Pickler tries too hard.
8) Strange baseball cleats are starting to come in style. Not sure whether I like this development or not.
9) Bow ties still are not in style.
10) The AL will win the All Star Game next year, because the Astros are moving to the AL. Clearly, we are the difference makers.
Now on to the 2nd half of the season. It looks like there is a good possibility that a few more Astros players will be traded. It’s going to be very hard to win a lot of games with this young roster, but I am still encouraged by each and every move that Astros management is making. So win or lose I will keep saying, “Go ‘Stros!” and I will surely keep on Root Root Drinking my way through the year.
Go ‘Stros!
