Beer – #890 – Yeastie Boys – Her Majesty 2016

Arrived very late in the year the Yeastie Boys Her Majesty – the 2016 version. I’m going ladies first, because it’s polite and because to be honest I’ve already had some of the His Majesty tap.

A beer of 45 IBU things and 7% ABV in the big bottle, that’s about 210 calories in a serve size. this is 4.1 standard drinks.

Brewed by Yeastie Boys this is in the style that is English Strong Ale and they do all that in Wellington, New Zealand

old boy with a Yeastie Boy

The second of two results from a Yeastie Boys’ shareholder blending sessions in September 2016.

We’ve blended a fresh young dark ale with a combination of wine barrel-aged vintage ales (three year old wild PKB and two-year old Cherry Ghost).

So, What could possibly go wrong?

Rich deep almost chocolate like aroma on opening, actually yes chocolate rich. Interesting.

Pour is a black as pitch thing with a giant head of brown/white that looks a bit like a milkshake. Aroma in the glass has something like ash about it, and an underlying richness.

Taste is interesting. First it feels very full and rich, then it washes away to something bitter and lingering. I know this is barrel aged and that also might explain the sense of the woodiness in this.

I poured a second glass, it’s as lively and full of head as the first, it’s an excitable beer.

As it warmed up It regained some more body and filled out a little in the bottom part, which was welcome.

It is though a beer that you don’t quaff, and that you wrestle with a bit, It carries that ‘strong’ label into some of the tastes, and it struggles to maintain balance. It’s nice beer in an unusual style for all that, and it might be that that brings the awkwardness in really enjoying it. There are however more up things than down things, and I had no real problems finishing it off with a smile on the old dial.

The pdubyah-o-meter rates this as 8 of its things from the thing. It is far from perfect, and there are some jarring things in this that make a beer that is perhaps just out of balance . I wonder to myself if it’d age and mellow up more, but I think that the underlying notes that this carries might win the day.

The double dip review

Where did I get it? Good old Liquorland brought some up from the deep south.
Am I enjoying it? I always enjoy the annual beer from Yeastie Boys, this one because of tradition.
Would I have another? I don’t think I need another to know that this, although ok, isn’t a keeper.
Would I share with a friend on a porch and set the world to rights? Of course it’s a celebration beer, and only for that, as beer goes it’s ok, and despite that I think this is very good, I don’t think it’s very good for everyone.

Music for this: ”Next Stop: Horizon” and ” The Grand Still” on Spotify

ENGLISH STRONG ALE

Malty, with complex fruity esters. Some oxidative notes are acceptable, akin to those found in port or sherry. Hop aromas not usually present, due to extended age. Medium amber to very dark red-amber color. Malty and usually sweet. Alcoholic strength should be evident, though not overwhelming. Medium to full body alcohol should contribute some warmth. An ale of significant alcoholic strength, though usually not as strong or rich as barleywine. Usually tilted toward a sweeter, more malty balance. Often regarded as winter warmers, and often released as seasonal beers.