This posting is for the groupies. I have never had groupies before - actually that is not true. In a previous life, my occupation was amateur DJ. The only groupie I had I married. We are still together 20 years later. Which reminds me: Valentine's day is tomorrow. It is awkward to have people say they really enjoy reading your blog.
There are usually two responses:
1. "Thank you for reading. I try hard and am pleased that you enjoy it."
2. "Whatever.. I am the only regular blogger in town so you have no choice."
I always go with #1. I once met Brookston Beer blogger at a beer fest; he went with #2. He certainly was a #2. All the new parents will get that joke. So thank you for reading and saying that I am the ****. Not a piece of ****.

The Hammer Barrel Aged (2012) by Phillips = 8/10


Is there a fire somewhere? Nope it is the nose of ashes, smoke, campfire, salty miso and roses? The mouthfeel is oddly thinner than expected but all the warmth is there. Flavours are a tad subdued but include perennial favourites: chocolate syrup, roasted coffee, campfire and pencils. You can actually taste the #4 HB pencil. This all coated the mouth with a sticky, toasted, syrupy chocolate goodness. Then again I like a sweet beer. If given the choice I would choose the unoaked version.

Taste +3
Aftertaste +2
Alcohol Content +1 8.3%
Value +1
Appearance +1 (I have always like this label)