Last night, we meet for a little beer and food pairing tasting. For the food end of things, I brought my Honey-chipotle jerky. This was paired with the Stone Brewing Smoked Porter. And for dessert, Sam made homemade ice cream with from-scratch butterscotch and caramel sauces, which was pair with the John John Ale for Rogue River Brewing. I did forget my camera…absent minded. So, here is a middle review of the John John Ale.

Appearance: The thinnest of heads atop a rich honey color. Somewhat hazy as it is bottle-conditioned.

Aroma: Malty caramel and vanilla tones from the oak barrels.

Taste: Wow, great complexity. Up front there is a significant floral and pine. It is amazing that this beer is only 40 IBU. The mid-palette has honey and caramel highlights. Then, the surprise…this wonderful vanilla-oak that arises from the throat with the swallow.

Mouthfeel: Silken and smooth. Very little carbonation

Overall: This paired with the vanilla ice cream and butterscotch…hedonist, indeed. This was in my top 10 beer experiences.

Redneck Grade: Slap your momma, your sister, and your wife!