Yeastie Boys Pot Kettle Black 2009

on tap at Beervana. It has been a while and I didn’t write any notes but I recall this being really good. Roasty, bready notes and big citrusy hoppiness balanced perfectly. I recall ithaving some savoury qualities, reminding me of liqorice, especially the aroma. Really good stuff!

Duffman had this bottled at the brewery and then snail mailed to Canada. He said to drink it quick. I was nervous at a very small sound as I popped the cap but very happy when I got a thick heavy light brown head on a very dark beer. Dark black roasted nose, cofee and very dark chocolate and a hint of sourness I only link to "orange" because of the description. That first sip makes you want more! Thick body with a bit of an oily residue. Lots of chocolate. I notice the hops but do not find them overly strong; tasty but not attention seeking for my hop loving palate. Enjoyable long lasting aftertaste; citrus and bitter chocolate. Glad I’m drinking this alone ’cause I don’t want to share!

Handpull at the Malthouse on Launch night. Pours very dark with brown tinge. Very complex. Hoppy bitterness followed by toasty malt with a big dry finish. Adjectives fail me.

Earthy hop aroma with a little spicy-ness. Initial sweetness, followed by some citrus and spicy hop, with a firmly roasty and bitter finish. Staunch flavours but balanced well with nothing OTT.

Currently one of two guest taps at Invercargill Brewery (the other being Tuatara IPA). I ave been really excited to try this beer, and in my minds eye I’ve envisioned a New Zealand version of Black Toque (which I love). This pours a near-black with a rocky tan head. Equally present in the aroma are rich dark chocolate, maybe some coffeeish char, and full-on spicy citrus oil hops. The palate delivers the same in generous portions and in perfect balance. Very malty, very hoppy, and very very good. Rich smooth mouthfeel. Wow this is a tasty brew! I wish I could bring some of this back to Canada when we go.

Richer mouthfeel and a better balance than last year. Chocolate to the fore, a light peppery nose. Orange pith and styrian character to finish, leaves your mouth feeling like a dusty antique shop. Well done chaps

Handpull (proper like, from a bag) at the Malthouse on launch night.
Pours black, brown edges. A bubbly tan head.
Aroma is full of fruity, resinous hops. Hard to get much in a crowded bar, but suffice to say it smells great.
The flavour is all about the bitterness. A massive cloying bitterness hits the tongue with resiny hops, which is offset by chocolaty coffee roast malt. Hops are so fresh and strong that they verge on peppery.
A very warming beer, perfect for winter. The finish is massive and lasts for ages. Very dry finishing due to the huge hops.

Nom.

Pint from Tonic, in Dunedin. Pours very black with a nice brown head that dissipates slowly. Aroma is full of resiny/piny hops mingled with coffee and strong dark chocolate. Some spice like aniseed. First mouthful reveals delicious hops, quite resiny - reminds me of snow peas! I can tell it’s full of good hops, as my burps are full of them, haha. Has a nice peppery spice. Toasted malt with some burnt notes. A bitterness like cocoa from the malt and piny hops comes through in the middle, and finishes smoothly. Finish is full of pepper and aniseed, with some alcohol warmth. Just awesome. I want more.