The 2013 Commander was actually designed for cellaring, not immediate drinking. So for many who drank it before a year of aging, the flavour was too intense (some like it that way), which is the case for many imperial stouts and barley wines. A year later, the Commander has mellowed and the flavours have nicely integrated. You will notice a big change!
This year's Commander has been modified to make it drinkable earlier by reducing the amount of molasses and star anise, increasing the amount of brown sugar. Nevertheless, it was still designed for cellaring. Like a lot of wines, it will improve with age.
Dead Frog produces a wide variety of beer styles — from our light, brisk Citrus Wit to our strong, intense Super Fearless Imperial IPA. We don't expect everyone to like all our beers. However, with new brews being released on a regular basis, there is a good chance people will enjoy at least one.
We hope you will reconsider Dead Frog. You are most welcome to pay us a visit for a tour of the brewery and to have a chat about craft beer. Please contact us if you wish to do so.
Rick Green Craft Amabassador Dead Frog Brewery #1 - 27272 Gloucester Way Aldergrove, BC Canada V4W 4A1 1-888-856-1055
Hello Rick! Hi yes, thank you so much for your unexpected comment. Unexpected because my wife and I were keeping this blog as just a personal record of the beers we have tried (before we found a good app last Decemeber) so we would remember our favorites and not re purchase beers we hadnt enjoyed. Im glad you did though, as it changed my mind and makes me want to go out and try it again now that I know more about it. When I read "Imperial Stout" on a bottle, I expected similar flavours to Howe Sounds Pothole Filler or since you added anise, perhaps the Ursus Spelaeus Belgian Style Imperial Stout (both delicious). I hope your Commander has mellowed because the flavours were nothing I expected in a stout. Please add me to the list of people who thought it was too intense. But like I say, I am willing to try again. Thanks again, Christopher
Thanks for reconsidering us, Christopher. Indeed the 2013 Commander has matured nicely. The 2014 is just hitting store shelves this week and I expect people will find it more drinkable if they open it immediately. They should also buy at least another two to have over the next two years to see how it develops with age.
Our Uber Nutter Imperial Nut Brown Ale is also a bold-flavoured brew, but not as assertive as a young Commander. At 9% ABV, it can also be cellared. With time, the alcohol you notice on the palate will mellow, becoming even more delicious.
I have also found that while people may not enjoy drinking a particular beer on its own, it can still be thoroughly enjoyable when paired with the right food. Now, one could say, "Why bother? A beer should be good on its own!" True, but "good" is a subjective thing. Experimenting with pairings helps develop a better understanding of beer and is part of developing one's palate.
I have found that once you get into craft beer, it becomes a never-ending journey that can take you to interesting places. Bon voyage!
Curious as to why you felt that way.
ReplyDeleteThe 2013 Commander was actually designed for cellaring, not immediate drinking. So for many who drank it before a year of aging, the flavour was too intense (some like it that way), which is the case for many imperial stouts and barley wines. A year later, the Commander has mellowed and the flavours have nicely integrated. You will notice a big change!
This year's Commander has been modified to make it drinkable earlier by reducing the amount of molasses and star anise, increasing the amount of brown sugar. Nevertheless, it was still designed for cellaring. Like a lot of wines, it will improve with age.
Dead Frog produces a wide variety of beer styles — from our light, brisk Citrus Wit to our strong, intense Super Fearless Imperial IPA. We don't expect everyone to like all our beers. However, with new brews being released on a regular basis, there is a good chance people will enjoy at least one.
We hope you will reconsider Dead Frog. You are most welcome to pay us a visit for a tour of the brewery and to have a chat about craft beer. Please contact us if you wish to do so.
Rick Green
Craft Amabassador
Dead Frog Brewery
#1 - 27272 Gloucester Way
Aldergrove, BC
Canada V4W 4A1
1-888-856-1055
Hello Rick! Hi yes, thank you so much for your unexpected comment. Unexpected because my wife and I were keeping this blog as just a personal record of the beers we have tried (before we found a good app last Decemeber) so we would remember our favorites and not re purchase beers we hadnt enjoyed. Im glad you did though, as it changed my mind and makes me want to go out and try it again now that I know more about it. When I read "Imperial Stout" on a bottle, I expected similar flavours to Howe Sounds Pothole Filler or since you added anise, perhaps the Ursus Spelaeus Belgian Style Imperial Stout (both delicious). I hope your Commander has mellowed because the flavours were nothing I expected in a stout. Please add me to the list of people who thought it was too intense. But like I say, I am willing to try again. Thanks again, Christopher
ReplyDeleteThanks for reconsidering us, Christopher. Indeed the 2013 Commander has matured nicely. The 2014 is just hitting store shelves this week and I expect people will find it more drinkable if they open it immediately. They should also buy at least another two to have over the next two years to see how it develops with age.
ReplyDeleteOur Uber Nutter Imperial Nut Brown Ale is also a bold-flavoured brew, but not as assertive as a young Commander. At 9% ABV, it can also be cellared. With time, the alcohol you notice on the palate will mellow, becoming even more delicious.
I have also found that while people may not enjoy drinking a particular beer on its own, it can still be thoroughly enjoyable when paired with the right food. Now, one could say, "Why bother? A beer should be good on its own!" True, but "good" is a subjective thing. Experimenting with pairings helps develop a better understanding of beer and is part of developing one's palate.
I have found that once you get into craft beer, it becomes a never-ending journey that can take you to interesting places. Bon voyage!
Cheers,
Rick.