2beerguys beer blog

Beer Release: Two Tortugas, Big Barrel Double IPA and Fullsuit Belgian-style Brown

#beerrelease, @karlstrauss

Here are upcoming releases from Karl Strauss Brewery:

Two Tortugas—the 2nd installment of our 12 Days of Christmas with a San Diego twist!

San Diego may not top the list for birdwatchers but it certainly tops the list for beer-drinkers. And while you’re more likely to spot a Sea Turtle than a Turtle Dove, tracking down a world class beer is easy. Two Tortugas is the 2nd addition to our less than literal “Twelve Days” series of holiday ales. This Belgian-inspired Quadruple Ale has a delicate union of toffee, dark fruits, and warming spices that will continue to develop with age. Raise a glass to 2011 or save a bottle for 2021, this turtle’s got legs.

• Specs: 11% ABV, 35 SRM , 25 IBU
• Malts: Pale, White Wheat, CaraBelge, Cara Munich II
• Hops: Bravo, Willamette
• Yeast: Belgian Abbey
• Adjuncts: Dark Belgian Candy Sugar
• Available: 22oz and on draft mid November, 2011

Big Barrel Double IPA – the original installment of Karl’s Coastal Reserve Series is back!

When we kicked off this series of intense hoppy beers, we wanted to go big. Imported New Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops provide a vibrant tropical aroma that raises eyebrows and expectations. Aggressive amounts of Warrior and Ahtanum hops produce an assertive bitterness that stands out against a firm malt backbone. Balanced even at 90 IBUs, Big Barrel leaves a considerable first impression that serves as a prelude of things to come.

• Specs: 9.0% ABV, 15 SRM, 90 IBU
• Malts: Maris Otter, Caramel 10, Ashburne Mild
• Hops: Warrior, Ahtanum, Nelson Sauvin
• Yeast: Chico
• Available: 22oz and on draft beginning September 1, 2011

2Beerguys.com Review: (June 2010)

Pours a light cloudy amber color that quickly brightens up, and the active carbonation generates a very healthy two finger head with a chunky, frothy white head with excellent retention. Super-sticky lacing clings tightly to the glass and doesn’t let go. Settled body color is sort of a dark, murky golden hue. Initial aroma gives off floral/grassy notes of moderate to harsh strength. Citrusy grapefruit and mango and passion fruit come through with tenacious force, and the balance from the biscuity soft malts in the beer gives no warning of the high ABV. Initial taste is insanely fruity without cloying with notes of kiwi, lemon, and grapefruit. Towards the finish, it is a bit more balanced by the malts with a nice… Read More..

• Style: Double IPA
• ABV: 9%
• Source: 22 oz bottle
• Overall: 25/30

Fullsuit Belgian-style Brown Ale—our winter seasonal!

Fullsuit is brewed with the changing seasons in mind. Firm toasted malt and roasted nut flavors are underpinned by a hint of vanilla that comes from aging the beer on French oak. Belgian ale yeast adds a peppery, fruity character to the beer’s slightly dry and warming finish, making it perfect for the (kind of) cold Southern California winter.

• Specs: 6.3% ABV, 35 SRM, 24IBU
• Malts: Pale 2-Row, Carapils, Caramel 60, Brown Malt
• Hops: Magnum (bittering), Saaz (aroma)
• Yeast: Belgian Ale
• Adjuncts: Rolled Oats, French Oak
• Available: 12oz and on draft beginning November 1, 2011

2Beerguys.com Review: (June 2010)

Fullsuit pours a deep amber/copper hue with a very large, healthy off-white pillowy head with excellent retention. Lacing is thin with minimal cling on the glass. Body is very still with minimal activity. Even after a few minutes, there is still a decent film of head resting on top of the brew. We initially detected a nice sweet sugary aroma, sort of maple sugar like – we were very pleased. After the large, foamy head settled, the aroma became increasingly complex, with notes of raisins, cloves and very soft roasted malt notes. Over time, the roasted malt aroma increased in strength. This beer was very inviting. Initial taste is chock full of rich malts with some raisins in a silky smooth body. The back end reveals …  Read More

• Style: Belgian-style Brown
• ABV: 6.3%
• Source: 22 oz bottle
• Overall: 21/30