Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Bière De Mars (365 Day 143)

By scot in 365 Days of American Craft Beer, Beer on Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

Jolly Pumpkin bière de mars

Waiting for some of your favorite American craft beers each season can be pain staking. This is the case for me and Bière De Mars by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. It comes out each spring and I have been on the edge of my seat for a good month or two anticipating.

Last year I purchased three bottles, thinking that it would be enough to last until my next fix this year. You want to talk about gross under estimations, that took the cake. Of course I had to have a bottle as soon at I bought it, while the other two were going to be spaced out evenely to see how well it ages. The last two were gone less than a month later.

I purchased four as my 2011 stash. Why not more? On sale, they are still $13.00 a bottle. I do have a budget and according to my wife I have already spent on beer this year what is budgeted for the entire year. Go figure.

Bière De Mars has everything you would expect in perfect doses and levels. The oak it is aged in adds nice wood aroma and flavor, drying the palate subtley. There is an amount of funk that doesn’t pucker, but adds nice complexity with a bit of barn yard in there too. I could go on, as this is top 10 for me.

Now I only have to figure a way to make the last three bottles last for another 12 months. Enjoy!

Aroma: 10, Taste: 9, Look: 9, Drinkability: 9, Overall: 9.3

Useless Fact: In 1875, the director of the United States Patent Office sent in his resignation and advised that his department be closed. There was nothing left to invent, he claimed.