Big Boss Hell's Belle

I was very pleased to discover, on a recent trip to Tryon, NC, that the local IGA carries Big Boss (@bigbossbeer), among several other great craft brews. Big Boss only distributes from Raleigh west, and only in North Carolina, so it is good to know that the distribution area includes at least one city that's an easy drive from upstate South Carolina. Keep it coming, Big Boss.

Now, about some beer- I picked up a sixer of Hell's Belle, an easy-drankin' Belgian-style ale. It's light on carbonation, but has a great body, and features both Belgian yeast and malt. I'm not up on my Belgian malts, but I will check on it. Hell's Belle is 7% ABV, and to be so light, it still has punch. A great inclusion in any ice chest as you head to the lake this spring and summer.

Mini review - Big Boss Big Operator

Big Boss (@bigbossbeer) is a Raleigh brewery that produces very well-reviewed beers. Unfortunately, Big Boss is not yet available in South Carolina (that I'm aware of, anyway). I recently found myself in Charlotte, and paid a visit to the Flying Saucer location near UNCC. I was pleased to find Big Boss Big Operator on tap, and I took full advantage.

 

Big Operator is a Belgian black ale, brewed with cacao and aged with raspberries. It comes in at 8% ABV. This ain't no Purple Haze, though - it would be an excellent black without the raspberries. I found the fruit to more impart a pleasing aroma than any sweetness to the taste of the beer. All in all, a fantastic find. It's only available seasonally ( Big Boss' website says kegs only, January and February only), so move fast.