“There’s a monster growing in our heads, raised up on the wicked things we’ve said…

…a great divide between us now”. 

This is not a post where I “sing” my favorite Cardigans songs. No, this post is about beer. Beer from Great Divide Brewing Co. out of Colorado, to be exact. Check it out.

ESPRESSO OAK AGED YETI 
9.50%ABV
Serving: 22oz bomber to snifter

A: About a finger of light brown head that has a creamy and bubbly consistency. Brew is jet black. Barely-there retention and zero lacing.
S: This is a really nice smelling stout. Coffee, vanilla, wood, and dark berries. Very nice.
T: Big bitter coffee stout. The oak aging is so present in the flavors, with its big vanilla bite. Roasted malts and the alcohol play with each other; I get a lot more bourbon than I do coffee, which makes this label a tad misleading for me! More alcohol with warmth.
M: Viscous and creamy, with low carbonation. Velvety and smooth.
D: I wanted coffee, and the oak/vanilla combo just seemed to stamp it all out here. Maybe it will come out with a bit of age. A nice one to sip on for dessert regardless.
Yeti – A-

TITAN IPA
7.10%ABV
Serving: 12oz to pint

Three creamy and delicious looking fingers of ivory head over a semitransparent amber. A cap of head retains and there’s a good amount of lacing on the pint glass. Pine and citrus hops throughout this aroma. Lots of perfume on the nose. As expected from the aroma, I get big piney hops right away. Also up front are those delicious florals and citrus, with the latter seeming more like grapefruit than anything else. There’s a caramel malt sweetness, but this brew is pretty fresh and has a hop profile to prove it. Good balance, though. A crisp, medium body sends this brew smoothly down. This is a damn good IPA, and I can’t wait to bust into the rest of my 6er.
Titan – A

Alright. Time to go stare at my growing cellar. L’chaim!

Stone, big and small

Stone Imperial Russian Stout
10.50%ABV, 90+IBUs
Serving: 22oz bomber to snifter
A: Four fingers of huge, bubbly, super active tan head. Jet black brew. Head takes a while to dissipate, and though it eventually does, a nice ring retains. Tons of lacing.
S: Huge coffee, dark chocolate malts. Roasty notes. Deeper pulls reveal notes of alcohol, dark fruit, and berry esters. Warm and inviting on the nose. 
T: A wallop of booze. The alcohol has a major, dominating presence at first. Eventually this characteristic mellows out with warmth. Coffee and chocolate are present alongside big roasted flavors. Caramel comes out as well. I can discern the slightest hop presence, but it’s very minor behind the sweet malts and alcohol. 
M: Thick, creamy mouthfeel. Low carbonation. Tons of bitter and boozy residuals left behind.
D: This is a big beer that goes well with dessert. It made me all warm and fuzzy inside. A great sipper!
Stone IRS – A-

the massive head reminds me of breakfast stout. mmmm...

Stone Levitation Ale
4.40%ABV, 45IBUs
Serving: on-tap at the Davis Graduate
A: One finger of beige frothy head over a deliciously dark mahogany brew. Good retention and lacing. A truly beautiful beer.
S: Smack of clean hops on the nose. Caramel malt as well.
T: A momentary citric hop explosion. I’m not surprised, considering this is a Stone beer. Malt backbone sweetness, but the woody, earthy hops really dominate. Roasted bready malts come out with warmth. 
M: Crisp and light-bodied. Dry finish.
D: Terribly drinkable. I think I might go find myself a 6er…
Levitation Ale – A-

A Dozen

12 libations. I’ll just cut right to the chase.

Black Wheat – New Glarus Brewing Co.; New Glarus, WI
5.75%ABV
Serving: 12oz to weizen glass
A: Four huge fingers of a creamy and lively tan head over black and dark brown that gets a little lighter at the edges. Head retention is mountainous! Smatterings of lacing on the glass. Truly a beautiful sight.
S: Refreshing aromas of wheat, coffee, and chocolate (in a wheat beer?!). Prominent cloves and other dark spices pull through. 
T: Roasted coffee (?!), with a great wheat and clove backbone. Mostly sweet malts with no real hop bitterness to speak of; the only bitterness seems to come from a chocolate character. A smoky flavor pulls through as the beer warms, and it alternates with a similar but distinct smoked flavor (the former being like an open fire, and the latter as in that which is used to flavor food–that’s just how my brain works). 
M: Crisp and pretty light. Smooth with no residuals. 
D: Wow. This beer is incredible. Tons of character in the flavor. I look forward to trying more dunkels AND more from New Glarus! 
Black Wheat – A

Cheers to Natasha once again for this one! And no, I don't like to crop photos.

Nugget Nectar – Troegs Brewing Co.; Harrisburg, PA
7.50%ABV, 93(ish) IBUs
Serving: 12oz to nonic
Note: I reviewed this one keeping in mind that it isn’t at optimal “freshness”. 
A: Hazy amber and golden. One finger frothy white(ish) head. Bubbly retention and sticky lace. 
S: Piney and floral, reminiscent of SN Torpedo. Hint of spice tickles my nose momentarily. There’s a dirty earthiness about the hops, like the hand on the label picked that hop right off the vine and threw it into this bottle. Definite bready malts in there, too.
T: Mellow florals still, really balanced out by a straightforward malt backbone (more noticeable with age?). Hops are less piney/spicy on the tongue than they are in aroma. Moderate lingering bitterness. An even and smooth flavor.
M: Medium carbonation with not too dry a finish.
D: Ends deliciously. I can’t wait to try this one fresh. I’d get a 6er now, despite it’s un-fresh factor.
Nugget Nectar – A-

Thanks to Mike for this generous extra!

Summer Ale – Brooklyn Brewing Co.; Brooklyn, NY
5.00%ABV
Serving: 12oz to pint
A: About a finger of white foamy head that dissipates rapidly to a thin surface. Brew is golden colored.
S: Sweet malty but in a grainy, bready (bordering on yeasty) kind of way. Some fruit comes to the front, but only in passing. 
T: Grainy and bready malts dominate the sip. Some hop bitterness at the very back, but it doesn’t stick around long. As the brew warms even just a bit, a heavy buttery note pulls through, and the sip ends in a lemon twang.
M: Crisp carbonation with a light body that rarely bordered on watery. The finish is relatively dry.
D: Really refreshing. It seems like this beer is true to its style. I’m not a huge fan of the bready/buttery EPA character. But even as I swatted a fruit fly into my glass, I kept drinking. 
Summer Ale – B

Breakfast Stout – Founders Brewing Co.
8.30%ABV, 25IBUs
Serving: 12oz to snifter
A: A huge head explodes out of nowhere. Super creamy light brown foam isn’t going anywhere for a while. I can’t see many more hues beyond the black. There’s mountainous retention and beautiful lacing.
S: Sweet malt on the pour. Roasted coffee and dark (bitter) cacao. Dark fruit malts and berry esters are also in the game.
T/M: Everything I expected from the aromas. I’ve heard a lot about this beer being huge on coffee, but it definitely has a great balance that holds its own against other big RIS names. Dark chocolate alternates with sweet milk chocolate. Carbonation bordering on crisp brings out spicy characteristics in the beer. There’s something dark and interesting in the back of the aroma and flavor but I can’t quite name it. Medium-bodied (one of the thinner imperial stouts I’ve had), but still great complexities and subtleties. The oatmeal also really comes out with warmth. The last sip ends in bitter chocolate oatmeal. It really holds up ’til the very end!
D: This is easily one of the best beers I’ve ever had. Dangerously drinkable. I highly recommend it to ALL. 
Breakfast Stout – A+

biggest head on an imperial stout that i've seen. awesome!

Star Island Single – Smuttynose Brewing Co.; Portsmouth, NH
5.80%ABV
Serving: 12oz to tulip
A: A finger of white bubbly head over a hazy copper. A little retention.
S: Big citrus esters at the pour. Good malty, sugary sweetness and mellow, earthy hops as well. Very balanced aromas.
T: A surprisingly grainy brew, much like a lager but with more complex citrus and earthy hops. There’s only a light hop bitterness at the back of the sip. A touch of spice tickles my tongue. Biscuity notes come out, and there’s more bitterness with warmth that reminds of me of fruit that hasn’t quite yet had enough time to ripen. Balanced, and different from other Belgian styles I’ve had.
M: Higher carbonation with a pretty light body and a relatively dry finish. 
D: Definite Belgian ale characteristics. Though I’d have this interesting beer again, I don’t know that I’d have it more than once in a single sitting (it boasts itself as a “session ale brewed with spices”). 
Star Island – B

an awesome trade extra from Mike!

Smooth Hoperator – Stoudts Brewing Co.; Adamstown, PA
7.00%ABV, 50IBUs
Serving: 12oz to pils glass
A: Finger of beige frothy head over amber and dark copper. Good retention and some lacing.
S: Big bready and yeasty aromas right at the pour. Sweet malts in there, too. Esters of apple and dried figs come to mind.
T: Very similar to the aroma with those dark, dried fruit (fig and prune) esters coming to the fore. A very bready malt sense dominates. I’m not getting many hop characteristics. Is it just my bottle? 
M: Nearly medium-bodied with some astringency.
D: I’ve never had a doppelbock like this one. I’m almost wondering if it was the bottle that was off? Either way, toning down the dried fruit just a notch would definitely make me like this one a bit more. 
Smooth Hoperator – B

Wipeout IPA – Port Brewing Co./Pizza Port; San Marcos, CA
7.00%ABV
Serving: 22oz bomber to pint
A: Cloudy dark yellow to light golden hues with a small, white bubbly head. Good retention and smatterings of sticky lacing.
S: Aroma is big lemon citrus hops and bready malts to balance. Also pulling out some grapefruit and other ripe fruits.
T: A nicely balanced brew with hops coming out in the front (citrus, just like in the aroma) with a malty backbone that also comes to the fore. Bitter hops really come out with warmth. This is a very straightforward IPA.
M: Good carbonation and medium-bodied that’s smooth but not a ton of bitter residuals.
D: Straightforward and balanced. A pretty solid IPA.
Wipeout – B+

Dead Reckoning Porter – Troegs Brewing Co.
5.80%ANV, 53IBUs
Serving: 12oz to mug
A: Unfiltered dark caramel colored with a bit of bubbly tan head. There are “floaties” in the foam…could it be yeast? There’s a ring of retention in the glass with just a bit of lacing.
S: Bready malts, slight metallic. Not a ton discernible on the nose, to be honest.
T: Roasted barley with very subtle coffee and dark chocolate flavors (the subtlety is a nice break from most big porter flavors). A bit of bitter chocolate residue lingers. Not a ton of hops to balance out.
M: Medium body with a creamy and low to medium carbonation.
D: Very different from others in the style. I liked it a lot more as it warmed and really brought forth the subtleties. Tröegs has been a great brewery so far!
Dead Reckoning – B

Summer Solstice Cerveza Crema – Anderson Valley Brewing Co.
5.60%ABV
Serving: 12oz to pint
A: Relatively clear amber with over one finger of dark beige and creamy foam. Some retention, but not a ton of lacing.
S: Sweet malts with some honey and bread. Refreshing, spicy aromas on the nose.
T/M/D: Honey and spices offer contrasting but complementary malts and hops. A little watery at moments in the sip (light body). Drinks like a lager with medium carbonation and great drinkability. I’ve had this one twice now and there is definitely metallic note upon each sip. Caramel sweetness comes out with warmth. This beer is great for a summer day, but also worked surprisingly well as a dessert drink. I look forward to the rest of this 6er. Well done, AVBC! 
Cerveza Crema – B

Cappuccino Stout – Lagunitas
7.99%ABV
Serving: 22oz bomber to snifter
A: Tiny beige head dissipates quickly, retaining only as a small ring around the snifter. Beer is dark brown with ruby hues.
S: Big bready malt aromas. Not a ton of coffee on the nose, but there’s a slightly citric hop character that pulls through.
T: Toffee malts really come out in the sip. Bitter residuals and a big cappuccino sense (milky and sweet) is there too. Hops provide balance and bitter chocolate lingers.
M: Light-to-medium body. A bit thin for the style. Carbonation is medium.
D: Very easy to drink, especially with the lighter mouthfeel. Reminds me a lot more of a coffee porter than a stout. The alcohol isn’t noticeable at any part of the session (during OR afterwards). Another Lagunitas goody, though not my absolute favorite.
Cap Stout – B+

Shoal’s Pale Ale – Smuttynose
5.00%ABV
Serving: 12oz to pint
A: Hazy amber and orange with a finger of off-white, bubbly head. Some sticky lacing and good retention.
S: Citrus and hops, sweet bready malts to balance. A big, fruity bouquet to boot.
T: A good dose of bitter, slightly citric hops at the front. Woody, almost piney hops are trying really hard to dominate. Metallic notes.
M: Great carbonation, a creamy light-to-medium bodied mouthfeel. A decent amount of bitter residuals caking my palate.
D: Refreshing, and downright delicious. A wonderful session beer. I look forward to having more of the Shoals to help wind down after a long day. 
Shoal’s – B+

a great beer from a great trade!

Mirror Pond Pale Ale – Deschutes
5.00%ABV, 40IBUs
Serving: 12oz to pint
A: Two thick fingers of beige, creamy head over an amber ale. Beautiful retention and some sticky lacing.
S: Sweet malty goodness with a firm hop backbone. Grapefruit is discernible, and is a bit of orange zest. Some spices on the nose. Really powerful hop aromas.
T/M: A very balanced brew right off the bat. Citrus hops, a dark fruit and bready backbone to balance. Very smooth with medium carbonation. Residuals leave mild bitterness behind. Some notes of metallic, which I often find in APAs. Citrus comes out even more with warmth, and that’s a darn fine characteristic.
D: Balanced. Smooth. Refreshing. Definitely one of the best APAs and session brews available. Just another day for Deschutes!
Mirror Pond – A-

thanks to chris for reminding me how great Deschutes' flagship beer is!

 Ugh. I’m full. But pass me another!

This Week’s Goodies

It has been a superb new beer week:

LONDON PORTER - Meantime Brewing Co. Limited; London, UK
6.50%ABV
Serving: 750mL to my new imperial nonic (thanks, El!)

A: 2 pretty solid fingers of dark beige head over a dark cocoa and semi-ruby brew. Head retains wonderfully.
S: Chocolate malts explode on the nose with a coffee backdrop. Toffee aromas pull through as well.
T: Chocolate and coffee malt sweetness provide the crux of the flavor. A slight hop bitterness to round out and balance. A smoky intensity pulls through, and a dark fruit is hiding beneath all the while.
M: Light body but not light on carbonation. This beer is crispy and refreshing, which is something I find quite endearing in a porter!
D: I can drink, and drink, and drink. This is a complex brew with plenty of beautiful subtleties. I look forward to trying the coffee version.
London - A
 
FOUNDERS IMPERIAL STOUT - Founders Brewing Co.; Grand Rapids, Michigan
10.00%ABV, 25IBUs
Serving: 12oz to my new large snifter (Thanks, El!)

A: Roughly a finger of dark tan head over a jet black brew. A bubbly head retains well and leaves mesmerizing vertical lacing on the glass.
S: Sweet malts of coffee and chocolate, smoky on the nose as well. There’s a sense of burnt or bitter. Dark fruits and a hearty oatmeal aroma pull through.
T: A well-balanced stout with sweet malts reflecting the aromas, the emphasis being on a very dark, bitter chocolate (maybe pure cacao?); sip ends in a slightly sour/citric tang at the back of the mouth.
M: Big, chewy, and full-bodied to boot. This keeps my mouth busy.
D: Another RIS sipper, but absolutely fantastic and superb drinkability. I’ll be trading in near future for more from Founders.
Founders Imperial Stout - A
I received this incredible stout as an extra in my first trade. Thanks, Kyle!

 BLANCHE DE CHAMBLY - Unibroue
5.00%ABV
Serving: 750mL to my new weizen glass (Thanks, El!)

A: One finger of white head over a pale golden, lightly-hazed beer. Almost zero retention on the head, which made it less aesthetically appealing.
S: Fresh wheat and citrus (orange zest, more specifically). Very light coriander spice under the citrus. 
T: Big citrus flavors and refreshing wheat. Spices try to pull through but must suffice as a subtlety. A hint of metallic, and a touch of hop to round out and balance. 
M: Crisp, but not in the lager sense. Relatively light-bodied and little to no residue.
D: Clear, refreshing and simple. Not the first witbier I’d turn to, but an incredible take on the this satiating style!
Blanche - B+

don't let the color fool you. this brew holds its own against H2O as a pleasurable thirst quencher!

 
BULLY! PORTER - Boulevard Brewing Co.; Kansas City, Missouri
5.20%ABV, 47 IBUs
Serving: 12oz to the buffalo stein (Thanks, K!)

A: Three fingers tan head forms quickly, nearly overflowing out of my stein. Dark brown with ruby and copper edges. Creamy head hangs around nicely and there’s a frothy lacing that becomes sticky with time. It takes a good 10 minutes before the remaining finger of head dies down, but not completely.
S: Sweet malts of chocolate and coffee. Metallic hints in there as well. Some fruitiness at the back of the aroma.
T: Bitter dark chocolate coffee kick with the strong bitterness really lingering. Slightly fruity and that citrus finish that I look forward to in my porter! As the beer warms, it takes on a big roasty flavor that lasts until the end.
M: Light-bodied. The only real downside to this beer was that it felt a bit watery at times.
D: So pleasant and easy to drink. I love a good porter during a long afternoon! Roasty and warm for the winter, yet crisp and refreshing for my hot afternoons. I look forward to having this again.
Bully! - A-

bottle conditioning makes for an explosion out of the glass

 

 

Oscar y Oskar

OSCAR’S CHOCOLATE OATMEAL STOUT - Sand Creek Brewing; Black River Falls, WI
4.50%ABV, 25 IBUs
Serving: 120z to pint

A: Pours a little over a finger of dark beige head. Brew is so dark that only the tiniest bit of light is able to pull through. Head retains as a tiny ring, and there’s very little lacing on the glass.
S: Oatmeal and dark chocolate malt aromas dominate on the nose. Very pleasant and inviting (and, thanks to the name of the brew, exactly what I was expecting).
T: Great malty notes reflecting the aroma with bitter dark chocolate and oats at the forefront. Espresso notes are bold, and the sip ends in coffee bitterness, rather than a balanced hop bitterness. Ends also on a slight sour, fruity note. Great layered flavors.
M: Medium bodied, but muscular. Slides down easily, leaving just a sweet glaze of malt on my tongue.
D: This beer would make a great session. It’s refreshing and the complexity is a delight.
Oscar’s - A- 
I got Oscar in a trade, but if anyone can find this out here in California, please let me know!

Ten FIDY - Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery; Lyons, CO
9.50%ABV, 98IBUs
Serving: 120z can to snifter
 
A: Thick black liquid with a dark brown head, one of the darkest I’ve seen. Head retains as a tiny ring and there’s a decent amount of lacing, though I’d love to see a little more activity on my snifter.
S: Huge malt aromas complete with bitter chocolate and dark fruits. I get a small brine sense, but it’s not so overpowering that I couldn’t enjoy the aromas.
T/M: Viscous and chewy mouthfeel with a backbone of bitter dark chocolate and dark berries. Hop balance at the back of the sip. There’s a slight metallic note that hovers over the flavors but is not overpowering and eventually fades. As the brew warms, it takes on a mild toasted flavor, which is nice. The flavors overall are pretty subtle, without any one characteristic dominating over the others. 
D: This is definitely a sipper. I had a warmed chocolate chip cookie and mocha java ice cream to pair. I look forward to trying more from Oskar Blues. 
Ten FIDY - A- 

a banged up can of motor oil. basically.

Available in pricey four-packs at the co-op.  

Great Lakes

Here are the two Great Lakes beers I traded for last month. Worth every penny of packing material, shipping and Pliny’s from my end. The brewery, out of Cleveland, has a great website that ya’ll should be sure to check out. http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com

EDMUND FITZGERALD PORTER
5.80%ABV, 37IBUs
Serving: 12oz to nonic
A: About two fingers of beige/tan head over a dark mahogany and black. This libation looks so good in my nonic.
S: Great big aroma immediately at the pour. Coffee and chocolate, smoky, oats, syrup and dark fruits. Reminds me of a campfire. And maybe some pancakes.
T/M: Bitter burnt dark chocolate, espresso notes to boot. Balanced smokiness with a touch of hops to round out. Light mouthfeel with great carbonation that leaves a pleasant tingling bittersweet note on the palate. Hops contribute to the bitter left behind.
D: Amazing. Props to Great Lakes for having an “Enjoy By” date. This will definitely be a favorite.
Edmund Fitz - A+ 

BLACKOUT STOUT
9.00%ABV, 85IBUs
Serving: 12oz to snifter
A: Totally and completely black. No light pulling through at all. A small head dissipates quickly to a tan ring. Very little webbed lacing.
S: Strong espresso notes and dark chocolate with a hint of notes.
T: Huge dark chocolate and massive coffee notes. These sweet malts are balanced out by a wonderful (and subtle) hop flavor. Burnt flavors round out the sip.
M: Incredibly full-bodied with a slick mouthfeel; bitter residuals coat the mouth.
D: This beer is great to sip on for an hour. I recommend this beer to anyone into complex, balanced and hearty brews.
Blackout Stout - A

named after the "great blackout of 2003", where folks gathered outside and shared cases of beer with their neighbors. my philosophy: that should happen regardless of the electricity situation

How Spring Break Is Supposed To Treat Me

The days are getting warmer. Pollen is rampant. My eyes itch. My eyes water. What makes it better?

1) The completion of my first ever beer trade! I sent off five bottles of Pliny and some extras to Wisconsin, and Wisconsin sent back a 6-pack of Great Lakes’ Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, a 4-pack of GL Blackout Stout, and incredible extras (New Glarus Iced Barleywine, Tyranena’s The Devil Made Me Do It!, Sand Creek Oscar’s Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, and Founders Imperial Stout…mmmmmmmmmm). Thanks, Kyle! I will easily become addicted to this tres exciting way of trying new beers from around the country that aren’t distributed here. 

2) A stop at Russian River Brewing Co. on our way to the actual Russian River. I may have committed a small act of beer heresy when I savored a Torpedo just yards from the brewery in Santa Rosa. Perhaps my spending $25 for one bottle of beer at RR makes up for this. 

3) The acquisition of a snifter that used to belong to my grandpa. He’d keep two snifters and a bottle of E&J at the house for when he visited. L’chaim, grampapa. I’ll be thinking of you with each sip.

4) See the following:

TRIPPEL - Green Flash Brewing Co.; Vista, CA
9.70%ABV, 24IBUs
Serving: 22oz bomber to my newly acquired snifter
A: Small white head dissipates quickly to a ring; beer is an opaque, dark orange/golden/tan color (quite interesting indeed). Very little lacing on the glass.
S: Heavy ripe citrus (dole mandarin oranges/fruit cups in syrup come to mind). Very sweet aroma with a faint bitter-smelling hop aroma to round out. Some alcohol on the nose.
T: Sweet but balanced out by a bitter candy sweetness. Sweet citrus in aroma and some honey notes. The bitter starts to overwhelm, in an awkward vinegar kind of way. Hints of spice and a coming-and-going sense of alcohol. 
M: Light to medium, leaning towards the latter. There’s a slick mouthfeel to this brew.
D: I nursed this beer for a while. A hearty ABV/warming sensation to boot. This bottle was at 9.70%ABV. It looks like they kicked up the alcohol content just a bit. Definitely a good beer, though not the first trippel I’d reach for. I look forward to trying the Green Flash Barleywine hanging out in the fridge.
Trippel - B

light switch in the background? that's just me keepin' it classy.

BOURBON COUNTY STOUT - Goose Island; Chicago, IL
13.00%ABV, 60IBUs
Serving: 12oz to snifter
A: Despite some aggressiveness, the beer poured with nearly zero head and almost zero retention. What did happen, though, was the incredibly thick body would adhere to the glass. I’ve never seen anything like it. Pitch black with the slightest hints of brown in the light. 
S: Huge, complex aromas of licorice, vanilla, smatterings of coffee and an overwhelming bourbon nose.
T: Also huge and complex. Roasted, bittersweet chocolate. Huge black licorice flavors. The bourbon and alcohol burns as it slides down ever so smoothly. Vanilla and caramel add to the already sweet flavors. I feel like I wanted a little more balance to the taste, but still enjoyable.
M: Consistency of motor oil. Very smooth and slick. Very light carbonation. This is one of the thickest liquids I’ve consumed!
D: I split this 12oz for dessert. It was even too much for the two of us. It’s a great idea to take your time with this beer. I’d like to taste this batch a year from now.
Bourbon County - A

I wish I would have snapped a shot of the uber viscosity

Trust me. There is more to come, soon.

“I would give all my fame for a pot of ale and safety.” (or, must-have stouts)

BIG BEAR BLACK STOUT - Bear Republic Brewing; Healdsburg, CA
8.10%ABV, 68 IBUs
Serving: Bomber enjoyed in a newly inherited snifter that belonged to my grandfather.
A: Small light brown head over a pitch black body that barely allows lighter hues to pull through. A tan ring retains well, but only slight lacing to speak of.
S: Huge nose of sweet malts, balanced out by bitters from hops and chocolate, with a whiff of ripe fruits notes and irrefutable oats.
T: Bitter chocolate malts and hops come right out, showcasing this beer’s impressive balance. A smack of fruits hits with vague notes of caramel, and some roasted barley. Hints of molasses, and an alcohol warmth as well. Espresso pulling through just a tad with warmth.
M: Medium body; oily and slick mouthfeel to boot. Solid carbonation.
D: This beer has an incredible balance. It doesn’t overwhelm with coffee malts, and has a warm (but not too boozy) character the more it hangs out in the glass. A stout for a hophead, perhaps? I look forward to trying this beer on tap someday.
Big Bear - A+

SHAKESPEARE STOUT - Rogue Ales Brewery/Brewer’s on the Bay
6.00%ABV, 69IBUs
Serving: 22oz bomber to mug

“I would give all my fame for a pot of ale and safety” – Shakespeare, King Henry V

A: Very small, but dense creamy dark tan head despite a somewhat aggressive pour. Color is pitch black with browns and ruby hues barely visible at the edges in the light. Lively ring of head retains well and leaves light lacing on my mug.
S: Huge aroma, featuring bittersweet chocolate and burnt and roasted aromas; dark fruits, maybe berries.
T: Starts on a bitter chocolate note with a hint of strong espresso. Rounded out by bitter hops and a touch of tang, maybe citrus. Some oats are discernible as well.
M: Big creamy body has the flavor sticking around on the palate.
D: A bomber is a great portion for this beer. I look forward to trying this again as a dessert beer. I’ll definitely be recommending this one.
Shakespeare Stout - A+

Both bombers available at the co-op.

Sam Smith

Warning: The beers seen here come highly recommended!!

imperial stout, organic lager, taddy porter

THE FAMOUS TADDY PORTER - Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster); North Yorkshire, ENG
5.00%ABV
Serving: 12oz to pint
A: Two fingers of frothy tan head over a black beer that allows the slightest bit of mahogany come through in the light. Not the most head retention I’ve seen.
S: HUGE malty aroma explodes out of the glass. Simple chocolatey malts.
T: Immediately notice the great balance of malts and hops in this beer. There’s a bit of a burnt flavor behind a bitter chocolate malt kick. Ends in a slight tangyness that ends dryly. 
M: Good amount of carbonation that mellows out after a few minutes. Medium body and an incredibly smooth/creamy mouthfeel.
D: Easy and pleasant to drink. Unlike many American takes on the style, this porter does not overwhelm the palate with the coffee/toffee malts. It’s well balanced and was quite a welcome change of pace. An absolutely magnificent session porter!
Taddy Porter - A 

IMPERIAL STOUT 
7.00%ABV
Serving: 12oz to pint
A: Two fingers of a firm, whipped head over a pitch black beer with the slightest hint of light brown at the bottom of the glass. A small head sticks around.
S: Sweet roasted aromas, milk chocolate; heavy and sweet “cream”/dairy smell, like smelling the top of a cupcake (for lack of better comparison); dark fruit aromas.
T: Surprisingly fruity character; dark, ripe berries and other fruits and a creamy malty flavor topped with bitter chocolate.
M: Incredibly thick and creamy; smooth, but leaves a good amount of residue on the palate.
D: One of the best stouts I’ve had. A pretty toned-down version of an RIS, but still an absolutely brilliant take. I can’t wait to grab another of these!
Imperial Stout - A 

ORGANICALLY PRODUCED LAGER BEER
5.00%ABV
Serving: Victorian Pint to Pils
A: Small, bubbly white head over a body of dark, clear yellow.
S: Sweet, honey-like malt character with notes of washed/wet grains, aromas of wheat and the smallest hint of herbs deep in the aroma.
T: Not a ton of overwhelming flavors, but a lot of subdued ones. Slight hop struggling for power with the grain flavor that was promised by the aroma. Average bitterness in the sip, balanced by sweet malts with grassy, metallic notes throughout.
M: Light and crisp mouthfeel that cries for a hot summer day.
D: Stays true to its style, which is definitely towards the bottom of the list for me. I might have one this summer as it’s easy to drink, but I can’t say I’d reach for this over a wheat beer in the California heat. If you’re into Euro Pales, this one is definitely for you.
Organic Lager - B

Porter and stout are available at the co-op for a reasonable price. I look forward to picking up and reviewing the nut brown ale and oatmeal stout very soon!