Brewery: Alesmith Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
Brewery Description: “This is the AleSmith incarnation of a Belgian Strong Ale. Horny Devil is an authentic Belgian Style ale, from the Belgian candi sugar right down to the yeast, a Belgian strain from a Trappist monastery in Belgium. In addition to the malts, candi sugar and fresh hops, there is also a little added twist from coriander seeds, which impart a refreshing citrus flavor to an outstanding ale. Belgian ale lovers around the world have raved about Horny Devil, and you will too. Multiple Awards, including Gold in its category at the California and Colorado State Fairs, Silver medal at the World Beer Championships, and People’s Choice at the San Diego Strong Ale Festival.
Brew Style: Belgian Strong Ale, 11% ABV
Recommended Glassware: Tappist, Flute, Tumbler
The Ugly Truth: The long awaited post of the WORST BEER I HAVE EVER DRANK. The category Brew of Death just found its chief. We covered Alesmith’s Horny Devil in the podcast, but I always like to preserve these things in print for those who don’t listen to the podcast. I pray, and I mean pray, that I just got a bad bottle because if I didn’t I have completely lost faith in humanity. This ale recieved a 3.6/5 at Ratebeer.com, it got a 3.8/5 from Beer Advocate, and a 8.5/10 over at The Man Room. Either I and those of my friends who tried this just got a bad bottle or people are insane. It was horrible. It poured with absolutely no head, NONE, and as well all know that is just a bad sign. The color was this clear brownish color that really just wasn’t appealing. The taste was horrible. I’ve read about 5 other reviews for this and I didn’t taste what they did because I was too busy concentrating on not biting my tongue off during the convulsive fits the horrible, horrible taste sent me into. I have backup on this one, because just about everyone who tried it hated it as well. We ended up dumping it down the sink. I shouldn’t start sweating after I drink a beer; it was just that bad. That being said, I may be forced to try it again sometime to see if I did in fact get a bad bottle. I also urge others to try it as well, because I want to know if that was the case. If you do try it and it was good, please let me know. Sadly, we don’t have a rating that truly describes the depth of this ale’s awfulness, so I’m just going to hold off for now and leave you with the Verdict written below.
Verdict: I swear I heard this when I opened the bottle: “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;“. It gets a 1 out of 10 bottlecaps.
I forgot to add that I will be in San Diego next fall, I may have to go to the brewery and ask “WTF?”. I do plan on trying to visit what may be my beer Mecca, the Stone Brewery makers of Arrogant Bastard. Of course I would have had some while in Boston, but SOMEONE LIED TO ME!!!!
The downside to trying it again, is that you’re going to be in such revulsion from this bottle that you’re almost going to gag trying to get down that first swallow of the “re-do”. I only thank you for dumping it before I got there. BTW has Colin reported if his drains are emptying much faster now?
Damn, I know I should have saved some for you.
Oh that reminds me. Loyal readers prepare yourself because on September 29th, there will be the first ever, special edition Home Brew Review of a beer brewed than by none other than Russtopher. I have three bottles of it, which I was allow to age to three different points and try it.
Does that stuff have a name by the way?
um…… “Russ’ Bastardized Chocolate Stout”?? I have no idea.
I had one last night and it wasn’t bad, the aroma was very nice, good thick head, the taste needs to smooth out a little more though. So I think by the end of the month it’ll be quite nice. And if it’s not, I’m sure you’ll let the world know
I will treat it with the same respect I give all beers here.