I always like to try a beer more than once, especially one I didn’t like. There’s always a chance that I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I tasted it the first time, and that it’ll be more pleasing the second time around.
My experience last night with Founders 2010 Nemesis was just like this, but exactly the opposite.
The first time I had the 2010 Nemesis, I really enjoyed its rich and sweet roasted flavor. Its tastes of vanilla and coffee reminded me of mocha ice cream. I even typed the word “nummy,” although in my defense I was quoting my wife.
But last night it was kind of awful, with an overwhelming hop finish that I didn’t remember from the first time I had it. It put on ugly edge on an otherwise sweet and smooth drinking experience. I actually grimaced as I drank it (I finished it – you don’t pour out a Nemesis!) and wondered what the hell had happened to it. I’ve kept it in its carton on top of the beer fridge in my dark garage (a cool and dark place) and there were no telltale signs of spoilage. It just wasn’t very enjoyable.
It’s a rare thing that I’ll have a beer and really enjoy it, only to go back later and be disappointed. Perhaps it’s due to the hype that surrounds this particular brew. It may have clouded my judgment the first time I had it, or elevated my expectations to unrealistic levels before I cracked it open last night. I dunno.
I have one more 2010 Nemesis left, so I’ll have the chance to see if it was my frame of mind last night, or if it’s the beer. Until then, my official position has changed from “nummy” to “yuck!”
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
Haven’t got to try it yet from a bottle…might just stick to the good draft version now.
Oh sure, rub it in!
Frame of mind is my thought exactly. While I don’t think I’ve gone from Love to hate, I do tell myself often “This sure seemed to taste a lot better the last time I had it”
Sometimes if you’re having a good time, that happiness clouds your flavor memory. But I had this beer in the same room under very similar conditions – weird!
I retried Dragons Milk (becasue of you and Don) and it went from Ehhh to Yumm. Sometimes we’re just not in the mood for a particular beer. No matter how good it is.
It’s true, frame of mind plays a big role – I just can’t remember a beer going from great to yuck like this. Usually it’s the other way around.
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I’m very surprised you’re still getting a hoppy finish off of this beer. It was definitely like that when it was first released, but I feel they should’ve mellowed out by now. Interesting. Maybe I’ll have to break out one of my bottles and try it again.
Funny thing is I missed it the first go round in the fall. It seemed a little rough, but still tasty. last night, all I got was the rough. 😦
I had mixed feelings on this one…so many delicious flavors intermingled with a disturbing hint of vodka.
I’ve not had it Alex, but I am pulling double duty for Jim today too, so I will say that it sounds a lot like the flavors Jim picked up on the second time he drank it. The first time he compared it to Ice Cream, and wondered if he could put it in a shake or something. Perhaps he would have been better off doing that than just drinking it straight the second time…
I am in total agreement of the frame of mind/mood scenario, but my second thought was the beer on top of the fridge. I know you said it was in a cool & dark garage but both my fridges are pretty warm on top from the back of the unit. Just wonderin.
It’s a good thought, but the top of the fridge never gets hot and the ventilation is good up there as well. This is especially true in the cooler months and I’ve had these up there starting in September.
Personally thought it was better fresh, but definitely not “yuck” even with a year of age. Review here: http://behindthebrews.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/founders-nemesis-2010-review-18/
I think I still have one of the hiding in the cellar, so I’ll have to see if the year has helped it…