Campfire Ralphie
Odd Side Ales

 

 

these guys are making some super unique and esoteric beers, and they always seem to be really well executed when i get to drink them! this is a fun one, a huge smoked milk stout thats been barrel aged, its an intensely earthy and deep beer, with lots of dark side elements from bitter roasted malts, barrel char, and the smoke, to perceived coffee and chocolate, it has a whole lot going on. the smoke is fairly prominent, campfire is a good name for it, it has that low and slow wafting vibe about it, never acrid or harsh or anything, but present throughout the drink. the barrel adds more wood than whiskey to my taste experience, mellowing and with a vanilla note, but i dont get so much of the whiskey itself, which i am completely fine with. espresso and bakers chocolate come to mind, long drawn out roasty finish, sturdy body, creamy texture, still some sweetness from the lactose and some booze heat, but neither of these aspects are overdone. rich and intensely flavored brew, a nice wintery sipper, and further evidence that these guys are awesome. unique as they go with the milk sugars and the smoke in the same beer, work well, nicely done!