Denver off the Wagon

With all the brew excitement of the past month I’ve definitely slacked on getting this post out for which I deeply apologize. But all’s fair in love and beer, especially when it’s a beer as outstanding and unforgettable as Buddha Nuvo from Rockyard Brewing Co.

Much to be said about this fourteen-brewer collaborated genius that brings to light the mindset reminiscent of ancient poetry, hieroglyphics, and a bask in the strokes of Angus Young.  I mean come on, the recipe breakdown is god-like:  Jason Yester, Jim Stinton, barrel-aged, 5 Saison yeasts, multiple strains of Brettanomyces, 12%ABV, pumpkin, peppercorns, christened by virgins by the light of the full moon… this is an amazingly well-crafted brew.

The pour is lighter in tone than I had expected, orange-gold through mild haze with a seductive amount of head by-product of the glorious, champagne-esk carbonation.  The nose is drop dead gorgeous with mature wild flower tones dancing on concentrated citrus ranging from orange pulp and lemon pepper to candied fig and underlying toasted almond, simply stated:  there is a lot going on with this brew.

The drink is a fantastic melody of fruit structure and sour flavors that linger long enough to be labeled “creeper” status, for 12% there is a surprising absence of volatile alcohol on the back.  This is a serious drinking brew and a result of many great minds expanding the mold for “collaboration beers.”

In expectance of this beauty aging as well as that dear old lady from Titanic;  retaining it’s youthful knowledge of citrus and funk while obtaining more tannic, complex, dark tones over the years, I have one set aside, yet with how amazing this brew drinks, now I’m not sure it will last long in my cellar….

Well done boys.

[Read more about this beer and the story behind it on the Westword, Rockyard's Blog, Focus on the Beer, and again on Focus on the Beer]

About Casey Capper

Casey, a purveyor of "Sea-Puppies," travels about indulging in all things wine, beer, and spirits. An avid scribbler, during the day Casey does the beer buying/social media/boobietrap placing at Argonaut while at night he works with Table31 Wine Imports designing labels, as well as consulting, and drinking copious amounts of Spanish wine all to his favorite Celine Dion Chirstmas CD.

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