This ‘68 is the official Volkswagon touring vehicle, but there’s the front and the back of another one inside the brewery. Photo by Bob Moffitt

This ‘68 is the official Volkswagon touring vehicle, but there’s the front and the back of another one inside the brewery. Photo by Bob Moffitt

Episode 41: The Red Bus Beer Lab Is A Ride With Style

The official Red Bus beer wagon is a 1968 Volkswagen. Erik Schmid is the thoroughly-entertaining tour guide at the controls, rumbling through the countryside bringing smiles and confusion to the people who are lucky enough to have him pass by. So hop on board the bus, Gus and let’s get down to some outstanding vanilla and an engine-blowing sour stout. Warning, check the coolant reservoir for leaks and CLICK HERE for the PODCAST.

Red Bus “Vanilla Night Sky” Sweet 8.0% abv

Erik: Madagascar vanilla beans, and sea salt. This is Moonraker-inspired. English ale yeast. Not a ton of roasted barley. No donuts. No candy bars.

Bob: I’m leery of vanilla but I Love this. Chocolate comes in at the end. EXCELLENT.

Cigar City “110K+OT” Imperial 10% abv

Erik: Raspberry . I can’t see for nothing. I got all raspberry. I like the port aspect of this. Bob’s palate is focused elsewhere. Add a cigar and some ice cream. This is VERY GOOD.

Bob: Bob’s palate is narrow-minded. I got all whiskey at first which I like and then the fruit which I…? GOOD/VERY GOOD

Bravery Brewing “The Shroud” Russian Imperial 10% abv

Erik I get bread. I like bread. Very clean. No flaws but not really standing out. GOOD. Imperials are supposed to be high in flavor.

Bob: What is that aftertaste? Coffee? Barley? Starts off nicely and then the everlasting aftertaste. FAIR.

Joseph James Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial (2015) 10% abv

Erik: Bourbon, oak. a little vanilla, good balance and flavor. Hits the mark. VERY GOOD.

Bob: The bourbon is really nice on this. It’s VERY GOOD. The lingering aftertaste brings it down. Definitely wax-top worthy.

Red Bus “Kombi Black” Barrell-Aged Foreign Extra 8.3% abv

Erik: Buckle up. It’s gonna be sour. Jack Daniels barrel. Then lactobacillus and cherries. You gotta take three sips It helps bring people from wine into stouts.

Bob: Give yourself a day to wrap your head around this. Erik has been talking about something eating something. and carbohydrates and PH. I think he’s insane. Sour, fruity, crazy town. Absolutely drinkable which is magic unto itself. But it’s damn close to wine. Our rating system does this no justice. I’m at a FAIR for enjoyment. But if you wish stout were wine, you’re gonna love this.