UPDATE as promised:
Our special delivery of Drake's Brewing Jolly Rodger 2017 has arrived at BeerBuzz headquarters and of course we couldn't resist diving right in (or walking the plank) to sample it.
The beer pours a rich ruby red with aromas that lead with tropical fruit and subtle citrus. Caramel malt and a bit of spice follow on the nose with just a touch of smoke. The initial flavors lean into the malt side of the beer with a fairly prominent roasty and smoky presence. We liked the bitter finish and the touch of boozy flavor that sneaks in at the end. The balance is nice and the mouthfeel is really satisfying.
As the beer warms, you'll find a bit more smoke in the flavors, but the finish is clean with just a bit of bitter hops. The body and mouthfeel are big and you won't miss the 8.3%-AbV, but overall the beer is nicely balanced and really drinkable and satisfying.
For fun we paired it up with some sharp white cheddar cheese as well as some smoked gouda. Both worked really well, but we really liked how the sharp cheddar contrasted with the smoky notes of the beer.
Be sure to try Drake's Jolly Rodger 2017 for yourself, and when you do, be sure to let us know what YOU think.
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While I didn’t head out to hit the stores and chase down some deals on Black Friday, I did sit at home quietly and celebrate the return of one of my favorite seasonals from Drake’s Brewing.
Jolly Rodger is an imperial red ale and the beer made it’s annual return on Black Friday. The beer sails in big at 8.3%-AbV & 32 IBU and for 2017 it will return in 22oz bottles.
I’ll be sampling this beer this weekend or early next week, so stay tuned for my review. I’ll add it in below and bump this post back to the top.
Here’s the commercial description from Drake’s Brewing:
Redolent of deep caramel and rife with spicy tropical aromatics, Jolly Rodger Imperial Red Ale delivers huge flavor that will stand up to the richest of foods. It will sustain you for any and all winter activities.
FOOD PAIRINGS
- Smoked Almond and Goat Cheese Salad
- Shepard’s Pie
- Poached Pears with Caramel Sauce
FACTS
- Grains: 2-Row Pale Malt, Crystal Malt
- Hops: Waimea, Ekuanot, Centennial, Jarrylo, Chinook
- Yeast: California Ale Yeast
- Original Gravity: 17.3 degrees Plato
- Final Gravity: 2.3 degrees Plato
- Alc/Vol: 8.3%
- IBU- 32
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