Liquid Solutions

Lot 71 Chimay Grand Reserve 1994
Lot 72 Rogue Old Crustacean 1993,1995,1996

2006 Imperial Evil Dead Red Ale. Big, malty, sweet, complex with just the right amount of hop to tie it all together.

This is a fine (and rather fruity) ESB. A brilliant copper color with a foamy but a tad thin head. The smells of fruit, caramel, and floral hops come off the top of the glass. The flavor is malty with a hoppiness that most likely comes from goldings and or Fuggles. As the glass warms the caramel tones come forward to give you an even smoother ad slightly sweeter ESB.

This Belgian golden ale pours (appropriately enough) a deep gold. The head is frothy and hangs around a while before settling into a dense layer. The aroma is fruity with peach and banana tones along with a touch of grassy hops. The flavor is lightly malty sweet with a fruity hit and a bitter finish that is rather unexpected. I think it is the hops (both aroma and bitterness) that makes this more of an American spin on the Belgian style.

Last chance to get in on the 10% discount.

These items must be ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time in order to get the discount and the product will arrive at Liquid Solutions Mid October and ship soon after that.

Baladin “Xyauyu” 750ml
Teo Musso produces three versions Gold, Silver & Copper label which differ from each other in terms of degree of oxidation allowed and fruity perfumery aromas created. Our Xyauyu was brewed in 2004 and bottled in September 2006.
Brewing process:
Primary fermentation for 25 days The maturation/aging follows the Method Solera ["adjusted by Teo"], which was developed centuries ago by the Spanish and Portuguese to perfect the aging of their sherry and port. Teo’s objective is to allow Xyauyu to perfectly oxidize during the aging process of 2.5 years {oxidation plays a critical role in aging port, sherry, as well as our vintage beers - too much oxidation will ruin the liquid - too little will not optimize the change in flavor / aroma during the aging process} .Here’s how Teo's system works: Xyauyu is transfered to a steel vessel with transparent membrane and a "oxygen hat". After several tastings during the 2.5 year aging process Teo decides when it's time to bottle (it all depends upon the oxidation velocity).
** Pre Buy - $38.70 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $43.00 **

Lurago “La Fleurette” 1L
La Fleurette has an amazingly unusual character and complexity. Just check out this ingredient list.
- Malts: pilsner and rye
- Hops: Kent Goldings
- Yeast: Saccharomyces Cerevistiae
- Whole Roses & Violets
- Citrus Bee Honey
- Elderberry
- Black Pepper
** Pre Buy - $18.35 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $20.38 **

Montegioco “Draco” 750ml
Draco has a dark red color and a persistent head. It is full bodied and has a moderate level of carbonation. The nose shows a great complexity with aromas of honey, caramel and forest fruits. The hops brings out pepper and plum. The initial taste confirms the nose with notes of caramel and initial sweetness. The finish is a fine balance of hops and bitter notes. Draco is produced using a mix of select malts. The beer is fermented three times. During the second fermentation the blueberries are added along with the yeast and malt sugar. The alcoholic content obtained from the fermentation of the malt is of 8.5% by volume, while the final one is 11% by volume.
** Pre Buy - $20.14 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $22.37 **

Montegioco “Demon Hunter”
Demon Hunter an intense beer with great complexity. It is of amber color with a persistent head. the nose has notes of chestnut trees, mature plums, grapes and caramel. The pepper compliments the light herb notes from the hops. The flavor starts with a taste of honey and is finishes on a beautifully hop note. Demon Hunter is brewed using malt and hops. The alcoholic content obtained from the fermentation of the malt is of 8 % in volume, while the final one is 8.5 % in volume. Demon Hunter is matured for 15 weeks.
** Pre Buy - $17.23 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $19.69 **


Franche Montagne “La Dragonne”
After primary fermentation honey, cinnamon, anise, orange peel, cloves, cardamone, coriander and juniper are added to the maturation tank. The beer is then heated to 167 F to get all spices consummated in the liquid.
La Dragonne does not have any carbonation and is to be enjoyed only hot to enjoy the intensity and balance of all flavors & aromas.
Serving Instructions:
1. Open the bottle of La Dragonne
2. Heat a bain-marie (Water bath) up to 140 degrees F
3. Place the open La Dragonne in the water bath
4. Carefully pour the hot La Dragonne.
5. Caution: Make sure that the beer has slightly cooled before consuming.
** Pre Buy - $17.50 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $19.44 **

Franche Montagne “Cuvee du 7eme”
This amazing beer was created the day we commemorated the 7th anniversary of the Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes. The opening days, held every year on the first Saturday of November, are the opportunity for the brewer to devise a new recipe.
This one-off impressed B. United International Inc.'s boss so much that he asked for it to be brewed again just for you lot across the Pond. It is brewed using a combination of 6 aroma hop varieties, which give it a moderate bitterness and a complex bouquet evolving over time. Yes, because Cuvee Du 7eme will improve over time, you should stash it away in a cellar.
** Pre Buy - $17.50 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $19.44 **

Lot 69 1998 Northcoast Ann X
Lot 70 95,96,97,98,99,2000 Anchor Chistrmas

We are going to try a new buying program for some of the special order beers we will be receiving. We will issue a 10% discount on product ordered by a certain date. This allows you to save some money and reserve what will usually be limited items. This allows me to have tighter control over purchasing and inventory.

These first items must be ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time in order to get the discount and the product will arrive at Liquid Solutions Mid October and ship soon after that.

Xyauyu was brewed in 2004 and bottled in September 2006.
Brewing process:
Primary fermentation for 25 days The maturation/aging follows the Method Solera ["adjusted by Teo"], which was developed centuries ago by the Spanish and Portuguese to perfect the aging of their sherry and port. Teo’s objective is to allow Xyauyu to perfectly oxidize during the aging process of 2.5 years {oxidation plays a critical role in aging port, sherry, as well as vintage beers - too much oxidation will ruin the liquid - too little will not optimize the change in flavor / aroma during the aging process} .Here’s how Teo"s system works: Xyauyu is transfered to a steel vessel with transparent membrane and a "oxygen hat". After several tastings during the 2.5 year aging process Teo decides when it"s time to bottle (it all depends upon the oxidation velocity).
** Pre Buy - $38.70 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $43.00

This amazing beer was created the day we commemorated the 7th anniversary of the Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes. The opening days, held every year on the first Saturday of November, are the opportunity for the brewer to devise a new recipe.
This one-off impressed B. United International Inc."s boss so much that he asked for it to be brewed again just for you lot across the Pond. It is brewed using a combination of 6 aroma hop varieties, which give it a moderate bitterness and a complex bouquet evolving over time. Yes, because Cuvee Du 7eme will improve over time, you should stash it away in a cellar.
** Pre Buy - $17.50 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $19.44

After primary fermentation honey, cinnamon, anise, orange peel, cloves, cardamone, coriander and juniper are added to the maturation tank. The beer is then heated to 167 F to get all spices consummated in the liquid.
La Dragonne does not have any carbonation and is to be enjoyed only hot to enjoy the intensity and balance of all flavors & aromas.
Serving Instructions:
1. Open the bottle of La Dragonne
2. Heat a bain-marie (Water bath) up to 140 degrees F
3. Place the open La Dragonne in the water bath
4. Carefully pour the hot La Dragonne.
5. Caution: Make sure that the beer has slightly cooled before consuming.
** Pre Buy - $17.50 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $19.44

Demon Hunter an intense beer with great complexity. It is of amber color with a persistent head. the nose has notes of chestnut trees, mature plums, grapes and caramel. The pepper compliments the light herb notes from the hops. The flavor starts with a taste of honey and is finishes on a beautifully hop note. Demon Hunter is brewed using malt and hops. The alcoholic content obtained from the fermentation of the malt is of 8 % in volume, while the final one is 8.5 % in volume. Demon Hunter is matured for 15 weeks.
** Pre Buy - $17.23 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $19.69

Draco has a dark red color and a persistent head. It is full bodied and has a moderate level of carbonation. The nose shows a great complexity with aromas of honey, caramel and forest fruits. The hops brings out pepper and plum. The initial taste confirms the nose with notes of caramel and initial sweetness. The finish is a fine balance of hops and bitter notes. Draco is produced using a mix of select malts. The beer is fermented three times. During the second fermentation the blueberries are added along with the yeast and malt.
** Pre Buy - $20.14 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $22.37

La Fleurette has an amazingly unusual character and complexity. Just check out this ingredient list.
- Malts: pilsner and rye
- Hops: Kent Goldings
- Yeast: Saccharomyces Cerevistiae
- Whole Roses & Violets
- Citrus Bee Honey
- Elderberry
- Black Pepper
** Pre Buy - $18.35 if ordered by 9/28 12:00PM Pacific time, after that $20.38

Now this is what I can a pumpkin ale. Why, you may ask??? Because it tastes like pumpkin, that’s why. Many pumpkin ales that are out taste of nothing but cinnamon and clove while this beer has a light cinnamon clove aroma but the flavor is of pale ale with rich pumpkin. Brewed with both the pumpkin flesh and the seeds it is easily one of the best pumpkin ales I have tried.

Billed as an Imperial Oktoberfest, I was initially skeptical about it. I figured they would just get the alcohol higher and over hop it but that was just not the case. They did a fine job of pulling off an 9.3% Oktoberfest. A copper beauty that poured with a big head. The malt was big up front with a touch of fruitiness and the flavor moved on to an ample but not over done spicy noble hop character. The body was a little big for an Okt. but its not that surprising considering the amount of malt it takes to get to 9%. The finish is very clean as any good lager should be. A+

Lot 67 Thosam Hardy’s Ale 1996
Lot 68 Cantillon Vigeronne 750ml 1996

Like I said in the last newsletter I have been drinking sake for a few years. For the most part I was just “buying and trying” but in the last year or so I have been interested in learning more about the process, terminology, and the classifications. I’m by no means an expert but enjoy passing on the information I find. I will try and put the definitions and process data at the beginning of the review and the sensory evaluation at the end. That way if you are not interested in the classifications you can skip to the last paragraph for the flavors.

I am starting off with small bottles of Sake for you to try. If you are interested in larger format please shoot me an email as many of these come in 750ml.

This sake is classified as a Junmai, Ginjo 55 and is clearly stated on the label. Here is what that means. Ginjo is a government regulated term that denotes a sake as premium due to how the rice is milled. For a sake to be of Ginjo classification they must mill away at least 40% of the outer rice kernel. This mills off the proteins, fats, and amino acids that can produce unwanted flavors. The 55 stated on this sake means that the rice has had 45% milled off leaving 55%. The term Junmai means that this sake has not been fortified with distilled alcohol (more on that later). Enough terms, let’s get onto the review.

Watari Bune pours still and the palest yellow. The aroma is spicy with an earthy licorice (true licorice not the anise you find in cadies) and a light fruity (banana) whiff at the end. The flavor has a very light acidity up front, a spicy warming mid pallet (16%) in which the licorice comes through. As the acidity and spiciness start to fade in the finish you are left with a mellow smoothness left on the tongue. Most Ginjo is best served chilled like a white wine (not cold) and some people prefer room temp.

Zipang is a 7% sparkling sake that is light and best served chilled. I drink Zipang like I would drink a nice Belgian blond or an American golden ale, that is I drink it when I want something flavorful but not too aggressive as well as something not too strong (sake can get into 18%+). Zipang pours clear and effervescent, the aroma is slightly earthy, the flavor is lemony up front with an easy slight coconut like finish. This is a good one to try if you have never had Sake.

Labels: Sake

This back IPA is yet another fine commemorative brew from Stone. It pours black (really a very dark brown) with a medium head. The aroma is very hoppy with pine, and citrus rind, other scents include a light fruitiness and coffee from the dark malts. The flavor up front is of resinious hops then moves into the dark roasty malt. There is a bit of sweetness but the finish is of that Stone style bitterness.

Labeled as a “dubbel speciale” this beer pours deep brow/red color with a big head that settles quickly. The aroma is big and fruity with raisin and plum and a hint of sherry. The flavor is slight toffee with plum and grape skin fruitiness along with a simple hop bitterness. The body is soft and smooth right up until the hop bitterness at the end. There are not many beers I tell you to drink at room temperature but this is one of them. There is subtleness to this brew that will be totally wiped out if served cold.

This Belgian Saison style brew pours a deep gold with a big durable head that laces well. The aromas are of powdery earth, with a touch of straw and fruitiness of pear and apricot. The flavor is lemony, grassy with orange and black pepper. The high carbonation makes it prickly and airy. Great traditional Saison flavors but a modern (7.5%) alcohol level.

This well carbonated triples pours a light straw yellow. The head is a nice bright white which settles into a rocky foam. The aroma is big and spicy with coriander and light clove, leafy hops and sweet malt. The flavor malty with a touch of candy sugar, tart in its fruitiness with apple and lemon and pleasant herbal hop.

Brown with a red tint, this brew pours with a bubbly head that settles down. Big toffee and nut aromas with hint of fruity ester and spice. The flavors are sweet and smooth with toffee and vanilla, a touch of wood, clove, and grape skins. The finish is of roasted malt and spice.

Labels: Scotch

Deep gold in color with a huge rocky head. The aroma is honey and floral up front with lemony ctrus peel. The flavor is tart with a good hop showing in the way of floral and resin flavors. The orange and coriander are there which is good considering that they are billing this as an imperial Wit. Light mouthfeel and creamy texture make for an easy beer with tons of flavor.

Labels: glazen

This is one of the most impressive beers I have had in a long time. Big, rich, complex and strong brew from Denmark. Baltic Porter style in flavor with tones of sweet chocolate, and molasses, heavy roasted and coffee tones as well. Hints of caramel, star anise and dark fruit add to the pantheon of flavors. A+ in my book.

This Norwegian Stout clocks in at a respectable 9%. Pours black with a cocoa-brown head. Flavors of roasted malt, licorice, chocolate with a nice fruity ester. The aroma gives hits to an overpowering roasty flavor but it belies its sweet smooth nature.

Labels: Nogne

The next big thing here a Liquid Solutions is the world of Sake’. Yes, that refined rice beverage from the east. For those of you who have never tried Sake’ or even for those of you who have only had the run of the mill stuff (that they serve hot) in most sushi joints, you will be in for a real treat. From subtle and sublime to strong and forceful; like a good beer, sake’ comes in a range of styles and flavors. From 5% up to 18, flavors covering a range of lemony, anise, banana, coconut, earthy to name a few; as well as fortified, unfiltered, still or sparkling. I have been a fan of sake for many years and am looking forward to delving deep and sharing what I find. I have a half dozen right now (Some I have had before and some new to me) and will be reviewing them and posting them to the site soon.

Lot #65 97,98,99,2000,01,02 Bigfoot
Lot #66 1994 Lindemans Cuvee Rene

A full-bodied, spiced brown ale brewed with real pumpkins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Dogfish Head Punkin" Ale is named after the annual Punkin" Chunkin Festival held near Lewes, Delaware the weekend after Halloween.
7.0 % ABV 24 IBU

Some true brewing classics now back in stock.

Amber brown in color with a light bubbly head that settles rather quickly. Lightly earthy and caramel in flavor with an acidic hop character and a clean finish for an ale.

Kolsch is typically lighter even than Pilsner in color and is often around 5% ABV with a slightly malty, fairly soft palate. The finish is decidedly dry due to its high attenuation and firm hop character. The cleanness is a result of a fairly long, cold maturation of two to six weeks. Nice web site, too bad it is only in German: http://www.reissdorf.de/.

This strong Belgian pale pours with a big rocky head. The aroma is of sweet orange and cotton candy. The flavor is of toffee with a crisp citrus flavor along with light tropical notes. Nutty, earthy tones come in late with a finishing spiciness. A great Belgian classic.

Light amber in color this exquisite triple pours with a big head and leaves a near perfect lace. Sweet in aroma with honey and spice in character. The flavor is a little sweeter than most with a tropical fruity ester and a touch of peppery spice. Light in the hops with a warming finish.

This is an excellent English Mild style brew that pours dark brown with a red tint. The aroma is quite fruity with hints of chocolate and caramel. The flavor is lively with base graininess with a lightly sweet cocoa flavor, a touch of toffee and roasty and light hop finish. At only 3.4% it packs a lot of flavor that you can enjoy a lot of.