Sometimes a beer becomes one of your favorites the moment it first hits your lips. So was the case for Don when he first laid buds on Troegs Nugget Nectar. He was instantly smitten with the sweet peach-like hoppiness of the beer, and even left with some in his suitcase last time he visited New Jersey. You see Don lives in Idaho and can’t get his hands on the goodies brewed by the Trogner brothers. So I imagine that this review of Troegs Flying Mouflan ale is really going to bother him.
Why? Well check out how Troegs describes this 9.3% ABV limited-release ale:
We classify this beer as pushing Nugget Nectar off the side of a cliff. It is bold and intense–think hops dipped in candied sugar and rolled in dark chocolate nibs. Over time, the Flying Mouflan transforms into lush raisin and chocolate overtones as the hops subside and the rich barley flavors come out in the beer.
So there you have it – in some ways this is Nugget Nectar turned up to 11. Too bad Don can’t get his hands on one. But in the spirit of sharing, allow me to describe the flavor of Flying Mouflan in excruciating detail…
This beer is so deliciously fragrant, that it begins to fill the room with a fruity aroma even before you bring it to your nose. The pour was a deep mahogany color, with a finger or two of tan foam that would keep the glass laced for the duration.
Bringing it to your nose, you are treated to an enticing blend of hops (reminiscent of Nugget Nectar, but a little less sweet), dark fruit and a mellow malty undertone, bolstered by cane sugar. It is a promise of pleasure for sure.
Upon the first sip, you are greeted by an aggressive-yet-sweet hop profile that stops short of “too much” and nails “just right” for someone like me who loves hops but thinks double IPA’s are often over the top. This hoppy start is quickly reeled in by a broad and sweet maltiness, and the tastes of grapefruits and orange zest begin to share the stage with the flavors of peaches, succulent dark fruits, and caramel. Alcohol is a major player here as well, as it integrates with the other flavors to add sparkle and satisfaction to this wonderful beer.
This brew has a perfect body for its flavor and intensity, a satisfying weight and smoothness that makes it a perfect sipping companion. It’s classified as an American barleywine, and like it brethren, it will cellar well if you can resist popping it open. Good luck with that.
So to sum it up, this is another wonderfully flavorful, well-crafted offering from the Trogner boys and their merry elves. These folks have a knack for making brews that are delicious, original and supremely accessible, even to folks who aren’t into “big beers.” I know this is one Don would savor every sip of, from the first aromatic hop blast to the final chest-warming ounce. It’s just too bad he can’t get his hands on it in Idaho. Really, really too bad.
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Poor Don…I’m sure there’s a ton of beers he can get that we can’t. I thought this beer came out mid-May? I was at Boonton Liquors over the weekend and did not see it there.
I picked this up on Boonton, Rob. It was with the other Troegs bombers on the shelf. I’m not sure if Kevin ran out -I hope not!
I didn’t see it so maybe they’re out. Thanks for the info.
Rob, I don’t think you were looking at the right spot… it’s only on the shelf. But, come Wednesday, I very well could stack the additional cases I have coming in.
I must have missed the bottles as I know exactly where you keep your Troegs stuff – BTW, love your store – you guys have a great selection!
Keep kissing up – you’ll get a discount!! just kidding (but you never know). Kevin has the aisle sorted by loose geography, which is awesome. Nothing like staring at Pennsylvania, then darting over to New York. Just wish there was more Michigan, specifically Bell’s.
I never made that connection about the geography sorting on his shelves other than the foreign beers. I hope to meet Kevin one day – I usually stop in there on Saturday mornings when its quiet and I can spend time perusing the aisle at a nice, slow pace but I’ve never seen him.
He is Mysterious that Dark Lord of the Stout….
Well bring your Visa or Amex when you do – the Dark Lord of the Stout will sell you a lot of very good beer. He’s introduced me to all sorts of great stuff (much of it reported here), and I find it hard to resist his enthusiasm. Besides, you get a 10% discount when you buy 12 or more bombers, which is like free beer, right?! Anyway, you’ve been warned.
Angela would kill me if I ever spent that much money on beer…at one time that is.
Yeah, Kathy is a counter too. I think it is because She doesn’t enjoy it too. If she was more like Caryn(Jim’s Wife) I would be better able to spend a lot at once. about $30 is my limit for any one outing, unless you are talking Whiskey, then it doubles! 😉
maybe Kevin can do a layaway plan…You can age your beers right there in the store!
In that case, I would have the best selection in the area as every beer would be on layaway!
There you go – you’re the king of beers! Wait, there’s got to be a better way to say that…
OK, This is NOT funny! See last night I finally drank the Nugget Nectar I brought back from Jersey, and I am pining for another. Now you tell me of this awesome treat they just invented! Well, I guess I’ll just have to go get a growler of Sublimely Self Righteous, back that with some Leafer Madness and finish with a little Black Butte XXI or maybe the Lost Abbey Brandy Barrel Aged Ale I have in the bunker. That might begin to assuage my longing for the Troegner Brother’s amazing beer confections.
Funny, I have a bomber of Sublimely Self Righteous in the fridge…
Oooh, thats good stuff. By far the best black IPA I’ve ever had.
And by the way Jim, this brew is not “Accessible” as you describe, or I would be able to go get some!
Ha ha! That’s a pretty good point, Don. Easy to enjoy and easy to find are indeed two entirely different things…
Speaking of stuff you can’t get, BrewYorker @BasicallyRed asked me if I wanted to do a trade. Never done one, actually. But trying to think of something that she’d enjoy but can’t get in New York. Any thoughts, guys?
Monks Blood is the first thing that comes to mind. It’s a beer that Don has sent that I’d love to get more of.
Hmmm … that’s a good call, Jim. Have to see if there’s still some on the shelves around here.
thanks for the recco!
Anything by Russian River…never had their beers but read a lot of good things about them and they are not distributed in NY or NJ.
Rob, no Russian River in Idaho. 😦 I so wish there was, though!
Russian River has the oddest distribution – California and then Philadelphia, that’s it. My bad not finding out where you live before adding my two cents.
Chad, Rick had some Consectation and Temptation at one point, but they were $25 a bottle, so I never picked them up. Not sure if he can get them or not any more. Also, they don’t seem to have much from Lost Abbey in Jersey, not sure about New York, but not in Jersey. Also Jubel and The Abyss might be good choices as well. Plus there is a lot of less expensive or regional stuff too like Leafer Madness (one of my favorites) or some of the lips of faith stuff from New Belgium.
That is a few thoughts.
I’m right there with you, Rob. If I’m ever anywhere I can get Russian River, I’m gonna get a lot. I’ll probably be disappointed, too, as I’ve built it up in my head at this point.
Now you have me jealous! Troegs is one of my favorite breweries. I used to spend a lot of time in Harrisburg, PA and had the pleasure of drinking fresh out of the brewery. Now, I have to travel from Southern Indiana to Columbus, Ohio to pick up my fix.
I only have 3 Nugget Nectars left in my basement bar fridge…and I’m freakin’ out! You can check out our blog, http://www.knightsmsa.blogspot.com and share more thinking, drinking and being merry! McGrath’s Pub, in Harrisburg, is one of our Sacred Watering Holes, and is also the location where I met my English partner in crime. They also carry all Troeg beers on draft.
Cheers!
Sir Hook of Warrick
Founding Father, the Knights of Moleskine, Spirit and Ale
Savor those Nugget Nectars, David! My facorite Troegs offering is Mad Elf, and i still have two stashed away from last year. I’m planning on havng a “Christmas in July” moment with them.
Christmas in July…I’ll have to remember that as I have one Mad Elf left.
It’s an idea whose time has come (or at least in two months from now).