Winter Brew and Swap - Tropical Stout

[samale]

Last night I had @samale ’s offering.

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My neighbour picked this up whilst away so I’ve let it settle in the garage for a week before bringing it in to warm up.

It opened with a nice hiss and poured with a nice tan head, mine didn’t dissipate quickly lasted half the glass. Got hints of chocolate and fruit from it and sweetness, this was the sweetest out of the ones I had but like mine lacked a bit of body, also my mouth became dry about 5 minutes after drinking it, making me want another. Crafty that thanks for sending it I enjoyed it very much.

Not the best beer I have ever made. Thank you for the review

 

[Begbie]

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Tonight I'm drinking @Begbie's Tropic Thunder.

Fortunately, having been warned about gushing I was able to open carefully and avoid the worst.

The beer pours ink black with a large tan head, that unfortunately slowly dies back before ultimately fading away.

The aroma is fairly restrained. A few fruity notes but none of the roasty chocolate or coffee.

The fruity notes dominate the flavour with a slight chocolate background.

Mouthfeel is good but as you know the carbonation is too high which detracts a bit.

Overall, it's a good effort at the style although I'd personally prefer a bit more malt character and obviously lower carbonation.

Definitely a theme going on with my brew! Thanks for the feedback @Stu's Brews - I think I know what to do for my next effort!

 

[Stu's Brews]

Last, but most definitely not least is @pilgrimhudd's beer.

Faint hiss on opening and immediately picking up a few fruity aromas. Pours jet black with an invitingly dense tan head. Head retention is good with some decent lacing on the glass.

Aroma is dried fruits, with some light coffee and chocolate background notes.

Flavour is dominated by fruity notes but with some smooth chocolate too. Initially its dried fruits but then becomes more plummy on the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is full but also lovely and soft, helped by a well balanced carbonation. A little bit of sweetness on the finish, with some of the warming alcohol character that the style guides suggest should be present.

It's an absolute cracker of a beer. Really enjoying it.

 

[pilgrimhudd]

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Last, but most definitely not least is @pilgrimhudd's beer.

Faint hiss on opening and immediately picking up a few fruity aromas. Pours jet black with an invitingly dense tan head. Head retention is good with some decent lacing on the glass.

Aroma is dried fruits, with some light coffee and chocolate background notes.

Flavour is dominated by fruity notes but with some smooth chocolate too. Initially its dried fruits but then becomes more plummy on the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is full but also lovely and soft, helped by a well balanced carbonation. A little bit of sweetness on the finish, with some of the warming alcohol character that the style guides suggest should be present.

It's an absolute cracker of a beer. Really enjoying it.

Thanks, I'm enjoying it too, I'm just sorry I only did a 10l batch!

 

[SMP Brewery]

It's an absolute cracker of a beer. Really enjoying it.

That does look nice, in comparison mine looks a bit insipid.

 

[samale]

Am I the only one still waiting on a beer to be delivered

 

[Stu's Brews]

Am I the only one still waiting on a beer to be delivered

I think it's both yourself and @pilgrimhudd that are waiting for a bottle from me.

If they don't arrive by Christmas then I'll assume Evri have pilfered them and send replacements next week with Royal Mail.

 

[samale]

I think it's both yourself and @pilgrimhudd that are waiting for a bottle from me.

If they don't arrive by Christmas then I'll assume Evri have pilfered them and send replacements next week with Royal Mail.

My Santa beers are still floating about somewhere with royal mail.

 

[Stu's Brews]

My Santa beers are still floating about somewhere with royal mail.

I have a bit more trust that Royal Mail will eventually deliver even if it's late. Seeing a few horror stories about Evri parcels turning up in many places except their I am tended destination.

 

[Stu's Brews]

@samale and @pilgrimhudd - I assume Evri never appeared with your parcels so will send out fresh bottles tomorrow with Royal Mail. Have also put a bonus beer in to make up for the long wait!

 

[pilgrimhudd]

@samale and @pilgrimhudd - I assume Evri never appeared with your parcels so will send out fresh bottles tomorrow with Royal Mail. Have also put a bonus beer in to make up for the long wait!

Thanks mate! I'm sure i'm on the blacklist with Evri!

 

[samale]

Nice one

 

[samale]

I think it's both yourself and @pilgrimhudd that are waiting for a bottle from me.

If they don't arrive by Christmas then I'll assume Evri have pilfered them and send replacements next week with Royal Mail.

Beers landed today, much appreciated

 

[Stu's Brews]

Beers landed today, much appreciated

Phew!

 

[pilgrimhudd]

@samale and @pilgrimhudd - I assume Evri never appeared with your parcels so will send out fresh bottles tomorrow with Royal Mail. Have also put a bonus beer in to make up for the long wait!

Apologies, these arrived the other day safe and sound, my wife put the box on the spare bed and neglected to tell me!

 

[Tess Tickle's Brewery]

Apologies, these arrived the other day safe and sound, my wife put the box on the spare bed and neglected to tell me!

Do you think that's a subtle hint?

 

[Stu's Brews]

Apologies, these arrived the other day safe and sound, my wife put the box on the spare bed and neglected to tell me!

Glad to hear it has arrived safe and sound! My debts have finally been cleared...

 

[Donegal john]

Longest swap in history

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

Longest swap in history

The thread that keeps on giving . There were only half a dozen of you involved and there’s been more drama than for the Secret Santa swap!

 

[Stu's Brews]

The thread that keeps on giving . There were only half a dozen of you involved and there’s been more drama than for the Secret Santa swap!

And they've not even drunk them yet!