2020 Beer Advent Calendar Review: Phillips Space Case

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 0: Phillips Brewing
I have managed to hold off starting this one even though my other advent calendar is turning out to be "very 2020" in that only about 25% is good. Recall that I bought two beer advent calendars this year because I couldn't find any for the longest time and when I did, I couldn't make up my mind, so I bought this Phillips one, as well. It only has 12 cans this year, but they are tall cans. So, I figured it shouldn't be started until (I suppose) December 13 so that the final one comes on Xmas Eve. I had to count that on my fingers, twice...
Here is a brief preamble about Phillips Brewing. They started in about 2001 right down the street (Government Street) from some True OG brewers called Vancouver Island Brewing who have been at it since 1984! This makes them "newer" to the industry but pushing a couple of decades, they have done extremely well.
Although West Coast, they understand that making beer isn't a like a hot sauce competition where hops are the active ingredient, and for that, I am grateful. They do still make some incredibly hoppy beer, but they are not a one-trick pony and I think that is how they have done so well. They are still very experimental and have always prided themselves on having neat artwork on their cans/packaging.
Do you remember the band Ween? I'll say that Phillips is like Ween in that they have an extreme cult following while remaining largely under the mainstream radar. People cream their jeans for their weird Electric Unicorn beer while many don't care for it. Blue Buck has been widely available across BC and Alberta, but still not crazy popular. Analog-78 is one of my favourite beers, ever. You see it from time to time and they keep making it; but, they are not about to become the next Okanagan Spring juggernaut of microbrew.

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Their previous beer advent calendars have been legendary. They used to call them "Snow Case" and they would get snapped up instantly from stores. This year, they have called it a Space Case and it features 12 experiments that they made in extremely tiny batches throughout 2020 that were only available on tap in their facility (which fits maybe 10 people).
There is going to be some weird beer in here, but I am looking forward to it! :) I apologize in advance if some of my reviews are a little shorter as I need to do double duty in the final 12 days before Christmas.

[ExtraSlow]

Blue buck is one of my favourite beers to have one or two of at a good pub. Or in the case of one epic night, to order in pairs with a yellow lager. I heartily recommend ordering your pints two at a time in this manner if you want to amuse yourself. It's amusing.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Blue buck is one of my favourite beers to have one or two of at a good pub. Or in the case of one epic night, to order in pairs with a yellow lager. I heartily recommend ordering your pints two at a time in this manner if you want to amuse yourself. It's amusing.

Well then,

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[TurboMedic]

I really liked the space case, there are some different beers in there for sure! I'll save the spoilers and just watch along as you drink. Great guys to hang with those Phillips dudes, have a friend that works for them and I definitely never pass up on their brews. Electric unicorn has been one of my go to's for years

[ThePenIsMightier]

I really liked the space case, there are some different beers in there for sure! I'll save the spoilers and just watch along as you drink. Great guys to hang with those Phillips dudes, have a friend that works for them and I definitely never pass up on their brews. Electric unicorn has been one of my go to's for years

Cool. Feel free to comment while I go and we can compare. Did you do it for the first twelve days? I was debating starting the pair of calendars on Nov 19 so I could have just one beer every day, but changed my mind. I'm worried this last dash is going to be challenging!

[TurboMedic]

Cool. Feel free to comment while I go and we can compare. Did you do it for the first twelve days? I was debating starting the pair of calendars on Nov 19 so I could have just one beer every day, but changed my mind. I'm worried this last dash is going to be challenging!

I just started it when I bought it back in November, working shifts doesn't make it terribly conducive to drinking beer every day haha

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 1: Mind Maize Blue Corn Lager
First off, this beer is purple. I'm not talking about a slight hue, it's violently violet.

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That seems like a dumb gimmick to go along with their claims of using blue corn, but let's see what we got.
Holy shit. This thing is absolutely delicious! I was not expecting that and this is a nice surprise. I cannot think of a single thing about this beer that reminds you it's purple. It is quite refreshing and a bit crisp like you might expect from a lighter beer, but it's also not a foamy nightmare like many lighter beers are. Although, it's not a lighter beer - it is 4.8%, so my comments don't totally make sense here, but hopefully you are smelling what I'm stepping in.
I would drink the shit out of this beer anytime, anywhere. Ski hill, beach, outdoor fire or Vegas, this shit is goin' down fo real! A super easy drinking, flavorful lager.

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That is seriously weird when you look at the insane colour. Way to go, Phillips! We are off to a great start!

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 2: Deep Orbit Single Hop Pale Ale
It's kind of bland. It tastes extremely British, to me. Like a proper Bitter rather than some hoppy nonsense. I like it, alright and there's certainly nothing disagreeable about it... But... It's really nothing special.

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I could see there being a tiny market for this, but too obscure to keep going with in this part of the world - particularly since you'd be somewhat competing with Warthog.
I just wanted to feel more special.
/Title of my sex tape.

[ExtraSlow]

I love warthog. Probably my favorite big rock beer. So that's a compelling review.

[ThePenIsMightier]

I love warthog. Probably my favorite big rock beer. So that's a compelling review.

I also really like Warthog, but I only buy it maybe twice per year.
Have you ever, ever seen it in a pub? I haven't. I want to go to that pub.

[ExtraSlow]

It's hard enough to find in a liquor store. Yeah a real rare one.

[prae]

BRING BACK ANNEX BITTER DIVISION

sorry just showing solidarity for y'all lovers of proper bitters/ESBs

[ThePenIsMightier]

BRING BACK ANNEX BITTER DIVISION

sorry just showing solidarity for y'all lovers of proper bitters/ESBs

Testify, my Bender looking mafk!!

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 3: Lamp Post London Fog Witbeer
Cloudy, as expected. No bits or particulate which is alright. Nice head from a company that understands how to carbonate a carbonated beverage. Doesn't stink but is hoppy. Citrus and floral balance very much like a Hoegaarden, (and you should know that Hoegaarden is a very special and tricky piece of art). Later on, it feels creamy which is shockingly nice. I have a lot to say about this.
Do any of you esteemed gentleman (or super classy ladies) smoke cigars? Silly question as #Beyond needs an avenue for employing BurningBordens. Have you ever noticed that some reviewers discuss the cigar in thirds? Have you noticed any particular sticks where this truly makes sense - as in the final third is a completely different smoke from the first third? Well, the end of this beer is turning into the back third of one of those types of cigar. Very odd, but a nice surprise. This beer turned out to be special when it didn't start that way.
That. Never. Happens.

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If I was in Victoria and they pulled this off one week, I'd be back at that tap room twice more to try and understand more about what was going on with this thing.
So super cool and yet so fleeting, that we'll almost certainly never see this beer again.

____
Aside - if any of you can find me some Casa Toraño Maduro Robusto cigars, I will pay you whatever you want to get my hands back on some. It's been years ! The most approachable, oily, slightly spicy cigar I've ever had.

[Brent.ff]

So Phillips is generally kicking Parallels ass?

[ThePenIsMightier]

So Phillips is generally kicking Parallels ass?

Well, it's too early to say, conclusively. But, almost certainly [YES]!

Parallel is 0 for 15 in the "this is awesome" category while Phillips is 1 for 3.
Parallel has had 1 or 2 that were cruel and unusual punishment, while Phillips isn't even close.

[BavarianBeast]

Parallels beers mostly suck. The craft pil is probably the only decent drinking one. Not surprised to see Phillips taking the lead. The mind maize is definitely surprisingly good.

Phillips has a soda company too and they are all very good.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Parallels beers mostly suck. The craft pil is probably the only decent drinking one. Not surprised to see Phillips taking the lead. The mind maize is definitely surprisingly good.

Phillips has a soda company too and they are all very good.

That's cool! How did you get a Mind Maize? Did you buy a Space Case, as well? Please fight with me when I say something you don't agree with.

I also like some of their soda. I recall their ginger one being crazy ginger, but I guess it is neat to have that natural flavour. I think I recall their root beer being super good.

[Brent.ff]

Big fan of all beers Phillips so can’t say I’m surprised. Tiger shark is life

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 4: Prismatism Dry Hopped Sour
So, so sour. Is this a joke?! Fuck-a-duck-sour! Like bad children's candy and bile.
Did you ever have a time in your maybe Jr-High School days where it was cool to eat or snort or touch against your eye the most absurdly sour "candy" available for purchase? I recall the gas station near my house selling these gummies that were allegedly "rejected by QC because they totes too sour" or whatever blatant lie. We bought that shit up like it was contraband drugs that "the man" was about to take away from us.

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Well, maybe this is beer for children because I'm a grown-ass man now and I'm not interested in this mixed genre, retro TearJerkerBeer. I tried to drink it slower and that didn't help.
Bonus fact - the foam looks like that grotesque froth you see in the stagnant area of a creek. Mmmmm, picture it.

Couldn't finish.
Terrible.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 5: Black Toque Cascadian Dark Ale
It's quite good... But in a weird way. It must be that it's extrememly balanced because I cannot come up with a distinguishing taste to blather on about. This should make it "boring" but that's definitely not the right description.

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6.6% means da bidness. Dark, thick, flavourful, strong, something you'd enjoy by a fire - it's a more proper, Christmas beer.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 6: Tan Lines - Toasted Coconut Brown Ale
Sweet sassy molassy, we got a winner!!! Man, I was worried with the dumb name and the mention of coconut, but this thing is as Christmas as going for an outside skate beside the Hotel Del Coronado. A surprisingly heart-warming Christmas activity for those lucky enough to try the holidays in San Diego.

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What can I say? Very toasty and sweet but in a completely natural way. The ingredients indicate oats and sea salt and whatever the Hell something called spelt is. It's just a roadmap for disaster and yet it turns out everything is a perfect combo of insanity! I wish this can was 64oz.
Only one week until Christmas!!

[ExtraSlow]

This warms my heart.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 7: Brunch Punch Orange Mango Beermosa
This is concerning... It should be beer and it sure sounds like it's not going to be. Seems like a weird twist and a radler.
Well, I guess that's kind of what it is; but, it's super good. I could drink a gallon of this while dodging the death ray at Vdara's pool in Vegas. 3.5% alcohol says that would be no problem. None of the flavours are dominant, so it's just a really nice combo.

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I'm angry that it's not really a beer, but I'm not angry about a beer drink, because this thing is a tasty beast.
So many tasties...

Dammit - with this being so light... I may have to dig that other can of vomit out of the snow in my neighbour's yard and give it a try...

[Buster]

best place to buy Phillips in Calgary?

(I assume this pack is sold out.)

[schurchill39]

I just want to say that I really appreciate your dedication to fun back drops for your pictures. The Black Toque was my favorite so far.

[ThePenIsMightier]

best place to buy Phillips in Calgary?

(I assume this pack is sold out.)

I guarantee these packs are sold out everywhere.
For regular Phillips buys, Co-Op is decent. They stock Blue Buck and Electric Unicorn (both on sale for $12 this week). *Note that Unicorn is weird, hoppy, cloudy and white. They also stock their Showcase in bottles and even though it's a horrific $31 for 12, I buy that from time to time. It has: Pilsner, Analog-78, Blue Buck, Phoenix and Short Wave.
I think they may have another couple tall cans, but I can't recall for certain.

Nearly 04:00, WtF!?? Up late self loathing, or up early to pick up a mixed family from Asia at the airport with no plans of isolating?

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I just want to say that I really appreciate your dedication to fun back drops for your pictures. The Black Toque was my favorite so far.

Thanks. It's been harder this year with the other calendar and I don't want to copy a bunch from last year.

[Buster]

I guarantee these packs are sold out everywhere.
For regular Phillips buys, Co-Op is decent. They stock Blue Buck and Electric Unicorn (both on sale for $12 this week). *Note that Unicorn is weird, hoppy, cloudy and white. They also stock their Showcase in bottles and even though it's a horrific $31 for 12, I buy that from time to time. It has: Pilsner, Analog-78, Blue Buck, Phoenix and Short Wave.
I think they may have another couple tall cans, but I can't recall for certain.

Nearly 04:00, WtF!?? Up late self loathing, or up early to pick up a mixed family from Asia at the airport with no plans of isolating?

- - - Updated - - -





That porn isn't going to watch itself.. Knowwhatimsayin'

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 8: Caber Tosser Wee Heavy
This is how you name a beer. It's not rocket appliances. Once again, we've got a train wreck of conflicting flavours coming down the pipe that just can't possibly be good. Ingredients indicate oats and something that is "cherrywood smoked". There are so many warning signs on this path to inevitable failure. Mars Volta is having a fight in the parking lot with Arcade Fire and it's just a giant clusterfuck of too many instruments being thrown by too many musicians at too many other musicians.

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Wrong again, Asshole!! This beer is another near masterpiece of caramel goodness enveloped in toasty genius kicking your clitorus with 9% alcohol without you even realizing. How. Do these. Fuckers. Keep. Doing this???!? Their crazy experiments just keep working while others fail so miserably. It is either that they have played some massive trial & error and figured things out through brute force & ignorance, or, there is a vastly higher skill level that has the vision to know what is going to work before they spoil an entire batch and then go back to poison it with hops to cover up their flagrant errors.
Me likey breadsticks!

[Brent.ff]

Very funny to read these in comparison to the Parallel. Phillips definitely seems dialed on all their beer, even for stuff that i hate (say the DinoSour)

[ThePenIsMightier]

Very funny to read these in comparison to the Parallel. Phillips definitely seems dialed on all their beer, even for stuff that i hate (say the DinoSour)

Yes, Phillips is now up to about 3 for 8 in big hits and only one strike out.
*says me.

[bjstare]

This thread really rustles my jimmies, because ThePenIsMightier is doing such a great sales job and I won't be able to buy this shit anywhere.

[ThePenIsMightier]

This thread really rustles my jimmies, because ThePenIsMightier is doing such a great sales job and I won't be able to buy this shit anywhere.

It must be a Jimmy Russell Plays The Blues concert because I haven't received a single Rep, yet. Not one, and it's only a few days until Christmas!
I only just got one yesterday in the Donkey Piss Calendar thread and that was only (allegedleez) because I didn't end up throwing out the Ghost Pepper nonsense beer.
LoL!!!

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 9: The Tower, Amber Brett Saison
Geez, Man. I'm not sure what to say. Touching on the Deep Orbit or the Black Toque, we've got another completely agreeable beer without any distinguishing characteristics. I want something to rave about and it's just not there. And, when that's not there, it makes me want something to complain about that much more; but, it's also not there.
I'm struggling because it's been a really busy night and I want to give a thorough review without it seeming like I'm slacking off, but it's difficult.
I think I would buy this at a pub to get a different perspective on it, but much like cjblair mentioned, that's unfortunately just not an option. This is part of the blessing and part of the curse with these clowns just fabricating these crazy alchemy creations with no one to answer to and no accountability. Good for them! While I'm certain it's still a job and putting in 40hr a week is a tough pill to swallow, I think this might be better than the average salt mine.
Oh, and the picture I took of their sweet can has been shit so I owe you a better selected rendition.

Today, I have let you down. I am better than this and shall return with a more cohesive and focused effort, tomorrow. I've been thrown for a bit of a loop by the Donkey Piss Calendar sending me a complicated surprise that I wasn't able to just write off and focus on this one.

Although... This Tower is neither a Big Boss Man, nor a Hakeem, so I can't lose sleep over not finding a pedestal to place it upon.

Maybe this is a great opportunity for someone like TurboMedic to comment or anyone else who has been lucky enough to run through a Space Case. Don't be shy!! I'm extremely aggressive but always try to keep my eyes open. There's no point in going balls deep if your eyes aren't open to witness your own good fortune!

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 10: Amplifier Sonicated Triple IPA
Yikes! Sounds like the beer with the coolest label might be a hop bomb! Check out the awesome label:

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It's getting less shocking, but this one is also great. And strong! I don't know what double and triple IPA's are, but it's starting to feel like men's razors and soon we'll have the Spishak 20xXxIPA. Anyway, this wasn't a hoppy mess and actually had a bit of a zesty flavour that was really good!
This is another beer that tasted different in thirds and unfortunately, the last couple ounces had to be tossed. Quite a lot of sediment stayed in the bottom and I gave it time to settle and the particles remained completely suspended... Completely. Like MFT.
The can didn't tell me to not pour the whole thing, so that was kind of shitty.

[AndyL]

It must be a Jimmy Russell Plays The Blues concert because I haven't received a single Rep, yet. Not one, and it's only a few days until Christmas!
I only just got one yesterday in the Donkey Piss Calendar thread and that was only (allegedleez) because I didn't end up throwing out the Ghost Pepper nonsense beer.
LoL!!!

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to ThePenIsMightier again.

Sorry +1'd you on the other thread for going back for garbage beer.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 11: Barb Wire Strawberry Rhubarb Sour
I hate strawberries. I hate rhubarb. And, I'm not all the way to warm with sour beer, but I'm warming up to it, slowly.
This beer is still really good!! It smells almost precisely like Meridale Cider which is the best cider in the world, made in quaint Cobble Hill, BC.
It's definitely still a sour and that's fine. It makes you realize it's still a beer and not a watery radler. But it's very refreshing, like a radler, but there is enough sour to remind you "don't drink 8 of me!!"
4.5% realistic alcohol content and a few floaties in the bottom of the can. An interesting fact from the can states "A native plant of China, rhubarb was grown and traded for medicinal purposes as early as the 16th century". #TheMoreYouKnow
I liked it!

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I can't wait for the grand finale, tomorrow!

[ExtraSlow]

Fucking props for merridale cider. What a bawss of a place.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Day 12 of 12: Stickenfass Barrel Aged Sticke Altbier
Confusing name, brilliant beer.

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Precisely everything you want in a Christmas beer, bubbling up into your glass and down your gullet hole. Barrel-aged is coming through, hard . That sums up your flavour quite succinctly. It's almost exactly like that Innis And Gunn Rum Oak Aged thing that Superstore used to sell.

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Remember that one? Huge caramel flavour without the overpowering sweetness. Toffee and molasses and thick and delicious. It's so fucking good!! The label has two dudes that look like they're about to blow each other and I still feel a bit of an urge to put my wiener in the glass and give it a couple pumps. I want to fornicate with this beer.
Why can't there me more!!?

[ExtraSlow]

Best review yet. A+

[ThePenIsMightier]

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GRANDE FINALE
Phillips Brewing rocks! They knocked it out of the park, this year.

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Merry Christmas! Thanks for following along!

^This is what the last post was supposed to look like...

[ExtraSlow]

I also really like Warthog, but I only buy it maybe twice per year.
Have you ever, ever seen it in a pub? I haven't. I want to go to that pub.

Bought warthog at Safeway today. Because I fucking deserve it.

[2Legit2Quit]

Will be getting one of these from Phillips next year if they put another out