Episode 77: Brewcaipa Talks Great Beer and What Ails The Craft Brew Industry

Bob Moffitt and Brewcaipa head brewer, Hunter Gagne, throw caution to the high desert in California and try several offerings, a couple of which just might make the Stoutcast Best-of List. The boys also talk the issue of availability, industry health, and throw metaphorical hands over whether a golden stout is actually a stout. Get ready to road trip!. These kids are available on-site only. Go mid-March through Lancaster and catch the super bloom! Click HERE for the PODCAST!

Brewcaipa “South Fork” Dry Irish 4.5 abv

Hunter: Chocolate, wheat, rye, USO5 yeast. I wanted it a little sweet. The grains are the thing. Nitro also helps.

Bob: Yes, that’s “Footloose” on the radio and so is this beer. Super tasty. The aftertaste is non-existent. Smoooothe and a little sweet. Excellent

Brewcaipa “Diablo” Imperial 8.7% abv

Hunter: 2Row pale ale malt, specialty grains, chocolate wheat, molasses and brown sugar.. You can get the booze without having all of the booze. Trust me. EXCELLENT

Bob: He’s right. Chocolate wheat? How come no one’s mentioned that before? Comes in waves. EXCELLENT

Brewcaipa “Diablo” Anniversary Imperial

Hunter: Got some oak chips, soaked them in bourbon, and then put the Diablo on it. GOOD

Bob: Good/Very Good but not nearly as good as the base. Here’s Bob’s public service announcement about stouts in summer time.

Clown Shoes “Snow on the Maple Tree” Imperial/Pastry 11% abv 45 IBU

Bob: Love the can art. Love the taste. Super mapley. I’m not getting any beer, though. It’s maple bourbon water. Enjoyable. VERY GOOD

Hunter: Whoooo. Maple and whiskey up front. Is my wife listening? Not too harsh. This is fun. I would definitely go back for another….some day. VERY GOOD

Founders “KBS Chocolate Espresso” Imperial 12% abv, 45 IBU

Bob: someone’s believing their own press. What is this flavor? And why did it just hit me in the face. Bourbon-lovers rejoice. But, for me, FAIR. And, yes, that’s Pearl Jam in the background. $28 for a four pack? Probably the last one of these we try.

Hunter: I get chocolate and then alcohol mixed, but then alcohol. GOOD

Boulevard “Bourbon Barrel Quad” Quadruple Ale 12.2% abv

Hunter: Not a stout. Amber and sweetness are confusing. GOOD, Dry at the end. FYI, golden stouts are a stout.

Bob: Hunter is now dead to me. Who bought this non-stout? Fired! Caramel. Very red. Kind of sweet. Very nice taste, Hides the alcohol well. EXCELLENT, but not a stout.