A weekly review of Vas Foremost’s craft beer offerings.
In this week’s Vas Review, I drink a pair of offerings from a small brewery in Portland. This brewery does something I’ve never seen before. Gigantic Brewing Co. only has ONE regular beer offering. ONE. (Gigantic IPA is their one, year round beer). Every other beer they make and release is a one-time only offering. In other words, get it while you can. You may never see these again! I will cherish the memories forever of these two beers. O! Look! More beer in my fridge to drink! Bring it!
Hellion
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
ABV: 8.5%
Serving: 22 oz bottle (Bomber)
“The tall tree catches much wind,” the beer proclaims. And so does my girlfriend after I eat a burrito. Gigantic goes to the far east for inspiration on the outside and to Europe for inspiration inside the bottle. Hellion is #13 in their limited artist and artisan beers.
Pouring out a misty tangerine color, Hellion looks like it has something to hide. On a path of discovery, my nose leads me to a bold orange citrus aroma with a champagne-like feeling. Tangerine, melon, and dry grass are along for the ride.
I dare to take just one sip. The beer counters by showing its strength. A slight alcohol warming going toe to toe with a biscuit and fresh cracked grain taste. Moving on step by step I discover buckwheat, black pepper, lemon peel and a worn leather belt. Don’t try this in a blender folks. The finish is inching towards dry. Each sip I take, it gets closer and closer…
And then I remember I am of average height. Certainly not a “tall tree” that also has a rebounding advantage when we are on the court. Good thing this beer doesn’t have a height restriction. Although, I’d probably throw on some heels just to get a crack at it.
The Future is Now
Style: American Amber Ale
ABV: 6.4%
Serving: 22oz bottle (bomber)
“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.” There is hope for me after all…
Gigantic keeps the big beers rolling with The Future is Now, the #14 beer limited artist and artisan beers. Let the records show, this label is just as gorgeous as the last. And I am really a big fan of the quotes on the side of the bottle. Kudos Gigantic.
I literally interpret the label and make this beer my present. A dark, muddled copper colored ale pours out with thick off-white hieroglyphic lacing. A crunchy wafer and freshly finished toast greet the nose. West-coast inspired hops balance the scales with citrus and pine. A soft spiciness lurks in the background gently tickling your nose. 
The first sip starts off somewhat grassy reminding of a springtime drizzle. A slightly grainy taste punctures through bringing with it soft caramel, toffee, toasted nuts and a cherry throat lozenge. Citrus, evergreen needles and a pinecone linger in the background. Like a perfect line dance, all of these flavors boogie until the finishes brings a moderately dry toasted feeling.
A quick check to the bathroom mirror and its confirmed, I did get a little bit better looking after drinking The Future is Now. It is either the beer googles or this caterpillar is ready to fly!
Cheers Gigantic!
Stop in today to find other beers from Gigantic Brewing Co!
Next week in the Vas Review: THE CUSTOMER REVIEW!! Don’t forget to send in your submissions. The time is ticking away. Stop reading this now, go drink and write!
Steve Pasko is a Certified Cicerone® and the Beer Content Writer for Vas Foremost. Follow him on Twitter, Untappd or Instagram at Gardemybiere. Email him at Gardemybiere@gmail.com or Steve@vasforemost.com