Many years ago, one of the premier locations for specialty bottles in my area was Capone’s in Norristown, Pennsylvania. I have since found many competing bottle shop options,  yet despite the hour and a half drive, I will still visit Capone’s on occasion for special releases.  One of my prized finds there was Gratitude by East End Brewing Company.

The packaging for the bottles is spectacular and some of the most elaborate and interesting I’ve seen from any bottle released by any company.  The packaging alone practically dissuades one from ever opening it. But, should one give in to temptation, as I did but once, the delicious liquid contained inside is a barleywine delicious by world class standards.  As I have but one remaining bottle I shall refer you to a google image search to appreciate the visual, rather than dig through my extensive stash to locate my hoarded prize.

This gem has left me with a superb impression of East End.  Yet sadly, the availability of East End’s beer is surprisingly limited in my area, despite being only a few hours of East End’s home.

So, when a delivery of specialty bottles from East End showed up at local favorite Pizza Boy Brewing company, I excitedly stocked up on several options.

First to be reviewed is……

Old Knobby Stock Ale – East End Brewing Company – My good friend Dave provided me with the excellent Jackie O’s glassware to house this decadent liquid.  It pours a beautiful, caramel/copper color and is topped with a wispy, light head. It smells sweet and sugary like cotton candy and caramel, and has hints of bourbon, banana, light oak, and vanilla.  The body is very lightly carbonated yet syrupy and tastes of candied sugar, vanilla, caramel, plums and figs, and predictably, bourbon.  Very minimal heat on this suggests a lower abv but I can’t locate an exact percentage so I will estimate no higher than 9%.  Each sip is smooth and flavorful and reminds me of sipping on a high quality bourbon, but without the burn.  Great offering East End.  I’m hoping there are still a few more bottles remaining tomorrow when I go back to Pizza Boy.  8/10

Humbly yours,

J