Just received the brew concentrate, ordered 12/12/2013. From Liquorama, shipped FedEx. 4 pack of each style. Foil packaged 1.5 oz. of liquid each package. Pail Rail at 49% avb, Black Hops at 58% avb.
They are 1 to 10 mix ratios by weight, 1 package (1.5 oz.), to 14.5 oz. of water. Labeling and shipping are regulated,

"Why do you call your beer concentrates “brew concentrates”

The Feds (Tax and Trade Bureau) have regulations that you cannot use the word “beer” when labeling a distilled spirit. our concentrates have a high alcohol content and are classified as a “distilled spirit”." FAQ from Pat's Backcountry Beverages.

Waiting on the delivery of the Carbonator Kit, more details to come-------------

butthead

Update; carbonator arrived. Ordered 12/12/2013, shipped USPS.


butthead

quote butthead: "Update; carbonator arrived. Ordered 12/12/2013, shipped USPS.


butthead"

Well, let'er rip, Ken!

ok, im confused. a double ipa goes about 10% abv. these are 49 and 58%?

what am i not understanding? is it the 10:1 thing? so they would be 4.9 and 5.8% then? yep, that it. nevermind.

Yep, that is before its mixed with water. According to the email I received, they are 5.2% and 6.1% when properly mixed.

You should first purify the water with your First Need.

quote AndySG: "
You should first purify the water with your First Need."

The bottle does have a standard (large mouth Nalgene), opening/screw. And screwed to my First Need just fine!

butthead

That is a huge bonus!

quote butthead: "

quote AndySG: "
You should first purify the water with your First Need."

The bottle does have a standard (large mouth Nalgene), opening/screw. And screwed to my First Need just fine!


butthead"

First try on carbonated Mio, 2 flavors, good results. Could mix it stronger that with just water. Imparts a healthy fizz, then settles down quickly. PBCB root beer next, very good aroma and flavour, again lots of fizz at first, settling out to a fine not bubbly soda, not really flat, a soft fizziness.
On to 1919 Pale Rail. Dark yellow almost brown. Lots of carbonation right after opening, Spice and hoppy aroma, lots of head at first that settles quickly. Tastes as it smells, good amounts of flavor, spicy clean finish. The carbonation while not a full disappointment, does not last, and settles to a fine/very fine feel. No replacement for a fresh APA, still good tasting and refreshing for what it is.
The brew concentrate is equivalent to 100 proof +-, volume and weight, and takes little space. Waste packaging is foil/paper and easily packed out. The carbonator can replace a 20 oz. Nalgene water bottle and has the same thread/cap size. A viable alternative to my usual scotch and water, stargazing refreshment on a remote trip!
Video

butthead

PS: Video and editing are another first time learning experience for me (new GoPro), please cut me some slack. bh

Ken...Thanks for the review. Good to hear it is tasty even if the carbonation is not up to par. What was the total time for making the beer?

quote kanoes: "ok, im confused. a double ipa goes about 10% abv. these are 49 and 58%?


what am i not understanding? is it the 10:1 thing? so they would be 4.9 and 5.8% then? yep, that it. nevermind. "

Just go with a 9:1 ratio if you want it to taste stronger, Jan.

quote mr.barley: "

quote kanoes: "ok, im confused. a double ipa goes about 10% abv. these are 49 and 58%?



what am i not understanding? is it the 10:1 thing? so they would be 4.9 and 5.8% then? yep, that it. nevermind. "

Just go with a 9:1 ratio if you want it to taste stronger, Jan."

yeah, i was able to figure that out on my own.

The carbonation steps take 1 minute+ by the directions, I did 1 1/2, shake bottle for 5 seconds, open vent 5 seconds, repeat. Then let stand 1 minute. Mostly tried to follow the on-line video instruction, to the point of following actions and times on the video.
Start to finish less than 5 minutes.

butthead

So for those guys that have tasted Pats Backcountry beer, does it taste better than bringing a plastic bottle of the name brands? Also it has been mentioned a few times about it going flat quicker than "normal beer" are we talking minutes or hours for that to happen?

I like a LOT of different brews, hog in heaven with the surge in micro/small batch breweries.

Pale Rail is a solid tasting American pale ale, touch of red, clean fruit/spice aroma, clean pallet/finish. Frothy head medium size bubbly, settles in 5 minutes, holds a fizziness for 20. Bell's Two Hearted Ale comes to mind.
Black Hops, dark, lots going on in the aroma, dusty/piney, bit of a bite, flavorful. Think Imperial IPA. Finer head, settles at the same rate.

Neither as good as fresh brew, but a good drink. Much better than mass market mainstream brands as far as flavor.

butthead

PS: "does it taste better than bringing a plastic bottle of the name brands?" yes for sure! bh