Budweiser Project 12: 2nd Edition - First Sampling

I brought you a peek at these beers back in July, and we even released the official press release from Budweiser this morning….so it was a nice surprise to have an early sample of these three beers arrive at BeerBuzz headquarters today.  This second version of the Budweiser Project 12 Variety Pack includes:

• Batch 94534 (Fairfield, Calif.):Brewed with a unique blend of North Pacific hop varieties, including Cascade and Palisade, this bold, hoppy lager is 5.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) and offers a distinct taste of the American Northwest.
• Batch 23185 (Williamsburg, Va.):Aged on a bed of bourbon barrel staves and vanilla beans, this light amber lager indulges the sweet side and features a 5.5 percent ABV.
• Batch 43229 (Columbus, Ohio): Brewed with chocolate and caramel malts for a rich auburn appearance and finished on Beechwood chips for a crisp, clean taste, this deep amber lager is 6 percent ABV.

I had a chance to chill and sample each beer and I’m excited to say that much like their first Project 12 Variety Pack, this 2nd version includes some really unique beers.  I started sampling with the 94534 (aka North Pacific Style Lager) and I was honestly surprised how much the hop-character of this beer managed to shine through.  This beer uses hop varieties like Cascade and Palisade that a traditional Pale Ale or IPA drinker will recognize, however the beer finishes clean and a tad dry in the mouthfeel.  I liked the citrus and floral notes in the nose and at 5.5% ABV, this one is really drinkable.

Next up was 43229 (aka Beechwood Bock) and purely based on the name, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  This beer carries a big malty backbone and I wasn’t surprised to find caramel and chocolate malts on board.  I was expecting a sticky sweet finish at first sip, but I was surprised to find it finishes pretty crisp and clean.  I suspect that’s the Beechwood-aging’s contribution to the mix, and at 6% ABV, this one will get your attention, but it still feels very drinkable.

Finally we hit the third beer in the sequence 23185 (aka Vanilla Bourbon Cask).  I’ll admit this beer was the one I was looking forward to sampling based again purely on it’s name.  23185 will greet your nose with a pleasant vanilla whiff and just a touch of bourbon.  Early sips yielded more carbonation that I expected, but that quickly gave way with a little temperature to a more pleasant mouthfeel.  The bourbon is there, but subtle in the flavor, even when warmed.  The vanilla was not as prominent in the flavor as it was in the nose, but the balance was nice.  I’d love to see a little more bourbon-aged flavor in the beer, but again the balance was nice and the finish was clean and a bit sweet, so at 5.5% ABV you can sample a few to be sure.

A big thank you to Budweiser for sending along this early sample of all three beers.  I’m excited to see the variety and experimentation coming out of the Project 12 editions, and I’m already anxious to see what will come next.
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