Beer of the Week

The beer: Strike a Chord

The brewery: Idiom Brewing Company, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "This Dunkel Bock boasts a robust malt character, caramel and toasted notes with a touch of dark fruits. A smooth, medium-body makes this complex brew approachable for all."

Would I buy it again? Not quite a dobbelbock, but close enough. It's got 90% of the flavor and feel of one, which pretty much automatically puts it into "I'll buy it again" territory. Just, not outside on a hot afternoon. Then this becomes a little tough to drink. 

Beer of the Week

The beer: Phrased #22

The brewery: Idiom Brewing Company, Frederick, Maryland 

Description (from Untappd): "A juicy and hazy Double New England IPA loaded with tropical intensity. Brewed with Citra, Meridian and Lotus hops, this 7.6% ABV brew delivers vibrant notes of mango, orange creamsicle, and fresh berries, all wrapped in a pillowy-soft mouthfeel and smooth finish."

Would I buy it again? It isn't very often at all that I get in the mood for an IPA. I haven't reviewed one in 8 months, if my reckoning is correct. Considering how many IPAs there are, going that long takes work. But I was out, it was a nice day, and it felt right. Luckily, my decision to purchase a hazy double NEIPA worked just as I hoped, and I got something nice, juicy, and refreshing rather than a over-hopped monstrosity. I'm never going to rush to buy an IPA again, but I'll give this as much of an endorsement as I can. It has its place.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Off Your Gourd

Brewed by: Idiom Brewing Company, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "A delicious tribute to the season, but with a twist. Healthy doses of baked pumpkin, brown sugar, candied ginger, Saigon cinnamon and fresh ground nutmeg are intertwined with a silky smooth Oatmeal Porter base. Delightfully devilish!"

Would I buy it again?: This was by far the best of the Frederick pumpkin beers that I bought recently, so yeah, I'd buy it again. The pumpkin worked well with the porter, so much so that I'm honestly curious why pumpkin porters aren't more common.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Milk & Honey

Brewed by: Idiom Brewing Company, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "This milk stout has a lot going on. Layers upon layers of milk chocolate, roasted coffee, sweet cream and honey. Delicious and deceptive."

Would I buy it again?: Now this is how you do a milk stout. It's got that milk taste in amongst the beer, but it's also mildly sweet, not bitter. Unfortunately I don't think this is on tap anymore at Idiom, so I don't think I can get more, but if I could I would.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Nut Case Brown Ale

Brewed by: Idiom Brewing Company, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "East Kent Golding hops – Malty and smooth with touches of toffee and a slight nuttiness."

Would I buy it again?: As you may have noticed, this particular beer isn't sitting in my kitchen. I went to the driving range and I felt like having a beer afterward. It was one of those days. And since it was so nice, I decided to actually go to one of Frederick's many breweries. I'd never been to Idiom, and it was close to where I parked, so I stopped in for a quick beer. A brown ale may not have been the most appropriate choice for a warm September evening, but it was really good. If I ever visit again, I'd definitely consider getting it again.