The 12 Beers of the Apocalypse

I am at a loss as to how I could have possibly not heard about this. It's not only the very wheel in my wheelhouse, but is a somewhat local item as well. I speak about the 12 Beers of the Apocalypse from Elysian Brewing. In a celebration of the end of the world, as predicted by the Mayan calendar, Elysian Brewing is releasing a beer a month. Each one is to get its own release party at the brewery in Seatle complete with apocalyptic entertainment and stamps in a Survival Guide. 12 stamps (means you have attended each one of the release parties) grants a super special prize at the brewery's specular world-ending party to be thrown December 20th where the final beer will unleashed. As I am just now hearing about it I will be unable to get rewarded at and participate fully in the shindiggory.

With all the talk of the end of the world, Elysian Brewing & Fantagraphics are celebrating the demise of existence with a series of 12 beers.  Each beer will arrive on the 21st of each month.   The label artwork is done by Charles Burns, based on his book – “Black Hole.”

January : NIBIRU

NIBIRU, named for the mysterious planet X supposedly on a collision course toward earth. Nibiru is a Belgian style tripel flavored with an infusion of yerba mate. Combining the yeasty esters of Belgian yeast and the compelling tea-like flavors of the South American herb mixture, with German Northern Brewer, Czech Saaz and American Amarillo hops round out the uniqueness of this first beer of the Apocalypse. 7.6% ABV

February: RAPTURE

This 7.65% ABV ale has 1 lb. of heather tips per barrel.  The brew’s malts used are pale, Munich, and Patagonia Especial and the hops are Magnum and Northwest Glacier. Heather Ale. A sensual brew to take your mind off the coming apocalypse.

March: FALLOUT

A pale ale with cardamom. Add a little spice to what's left of your life.

April:  Peste Chocolate Chili Ale

 

Peste Chocolate Chili Ale will plague you with the rich flavors of cocoa, chilies, and cinnamon in a beer of 7.5% ABV. A blend of Peruvian cocoa, Ceylon cinnamon, and chipotle, guajillo, pasilla, and cayenne peppers make this beer a unique distraction from the approaching end of the world as we know it. Brewed with Pale, Munich, C-77 Crystal, and Chocolate malts with roasted flaked barley, and nominally bittered with Magnum, this is the fourth of our 12 Beers of the Apocalypse heralding the winding down of the Mayan calendar. Infectiously good -- pass it on.

May: Ruin Rosemary Agave IPA

Brewed with agave nectar and lemon peel. There may be nothing left but you and this beer.

June: Wasteland Elderflower Saison

Our Apocalyptic Adventures are hitting the half-way point this month. Join us on 6.21.12 as we turn Elysian Capitol Hill into a Wasteland. On Thursday, June 21st from 5-8pm come toast the release of the sixth of our 12 Beers of the Apocalypse: Wasteland Elderflower Saison.  It’s the perfect nuclear winter summer seasonal.

As I write this I am enjoying a growler of Ruin IPA. It is strongly hopped with a good malty backbone. It avoids being overly sweet and has no hint of caramel to the finish even taking into account its alcohol content. I only wish that I had heard about this sooner. I am however in time to make it to at least one release party at the brewery. I recommend you get them while you can still find them.

Ruin is indeed a fantastic IPA. When Wastelander sang "Armageddon at last is here, break out the guns and beer" this was almost certainly what they would have consumed.