Oskar Blues - Old Chub

Here's another Oskar Blues brew that hails from Lyons, Colorado. Old Chub is a Scottish Ale served in a can. Oskar Blues is famous for selling their craft brews in cans; it was a suggestion made by one of the men behind Oskar Blues that was met with scrutiny and plenty of laughter. They found out, though, that cans don't impart flavor on the beer they hold because of a water-based liner inside the can. That's right. If it's good enough for Mountain Dew, it's good enough for a hearty ale. Actually, it's funny. As I look at the can and its color scheme and majestic mountain scene in the background, I can't help but to think of it as an older, more sophisticated Dew for the beer drinkers of the world.

Lowdown
Style: Scottish Ale
Price paid: Donated from blog partner B. Hatch! Around $10.50 (Ten FIDY?!) for a six-pack.
ABV: 8.0%
Bottled: 01-13-10
BA URL: Beer Advocate page

Appearance: Can't see it too well 'cause it's in a CAN!

Smell: Taking a whiff brings memories of Mom's molasses cookies around Christmastime. Very dark and malty with a subtle sweet aroma something akin to brown sugar. The alcohol can be smelled here, but it is a very pleasant and deep scent that begs the soon-to-be drinker to imbibe.

Taste: Delivers on the notes mentioned above. As you sip, a dark chocolaty flavor slips over the tongue. I really can't get over the smell and taste of molasses; it really gives the beer a unique flavor combined with the roasted flavor and the dark malt. It warms you up with the nuanced and well-balanced flavor of the alcohol, but doesn't overpower. Love it.

Mouthfeel: Feels stout-like, but with slight carbonation --- more than a stout --- that gives it an extra little boost. Something about the font on the can and the name...something...enhances its viscosity and gives me the impression of drinking from an oil drum, but in a good way! The texture is smooth on the tongue and it has some density to it; it is very thick. My mouth feels perfectly lubricated after a swig and I really enjoy that feeling.

Drinkability: Very good drinkability. It is such a unique taste, smell, and tactile experience that it isn't hard to pay too much attention to your drink. Old Chub begs you to slow down and enjoy its deliciously intriguing contents. Whether you listen is up to you. Probably not a good long term or session beer because of the weight and alcohol content of the libation, but it is a great treat and something to savor on any occasion.

Bappr Index: 8/10

Oskar Blues - Ten FIDY

Today I introduce to you one of the most unique beers currently sold. It's made by Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons, Colorado. What make it so unique? How about the fact that it's an Imperial Stout in a can. And not one of those widget cans that you'll find in the likes of Boddington's Pub Ale, just a plain old soda-style can.

From the get-go you can tell it's made with love. On the bottom next to the canning date, it reads: "canned with care" and "lite as night". Above the name of the beer reads "Cross-eyed. Cyclopean. Cancupiscent."

But enough about the packaging, here's the lowdown:
Style: Imperial Stout
Price paid: $15.29+CRV for 4-pack of 12oz cans
ABV: 9.5%
Canned: 11-16-09
BA URL: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/2681/34483

Appearance: Pours thickly like engine oil. Dark and syrupy.

Smell: Sweet coffee smells. Full-bodied. You realize as soon as you've popped the tab that this is serious business.

Taste: Mocha and chocolate tastes, smooth in but with the sweet tanginess of a high ABV beer. Very rich.

Mouthfeel: Smooth and thick. Low carbonation

Drinkability: Delicious but a little too potent for an everyday beer, especially when drunk without food. Would go great with some pub grub.

Bappr Index: 9/10