What beer are you drinking now? #461

forget applications, build a strong LinkedIn profile - employers are all over entry-level talent

 

#properglassware

 

Einstok Icelandic Toasted Porter. Decent beer but not quite as interesting and unique as it looked.

 

At Rock Island's 1st yr Anniversary Party. .

 

Just finished Lost Abbey Deliverance absolutely amazing is all I have to say

 

Still have the Christmas Spirit

 

Going to start with my first taste of this:



Then a couple Bell's:



And finishing with a local warmer:

 

Barrel Aged Old Rasputin XIV....excellent beer, but doesn't have the mouthfeel I expected though...seems thin.

 

Drinking a Black & Tan made of GooseIsland Bourbon County Black Stout poured over Dales Pale Ale 4.5 is more palatable, enjoyable, delightful than BCBS alone 4.2.

Why? Well - just try it! IMHO: Try a triple RIS over any good pale ale and you lose nothing from the RIS and you gain from the pale ale underbelly and lower alcohol.

Everything I liked about BCBS but without the syrupy, fumed, high alcohol masking it. A richer nose, better carbonated, calmer, less in your face, less syrupy and sweet. More drinkable, rather than having to nurse. Better with food.

Here's my review of Bourbon County Black Stout (BCBS) alone:

look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

After spending time with BCBS, letting it arrive at room temperature, when it became very different, more of a dessert wine, I had to say, it's well-crafted, but not my idea of beer. It's more of a thick dessert wine, of which I am not a fan.

At the NYC store where I bought a single, I asked "$8?" And counter man said, "yeah, but it's 3 beers worth, it's all you'll need."

It certainly packs 3 beers worth of concentrated flavors as well as ABV, but the syrupy nature is … too much for me. It's like drinking the syrup that makes the beverage.

Appearance: Pours an opaque, thick espresso brown color with a so-so mocha latte head that fades fast, but sticks w lots of lace.

Smell: Bourbon in front and center, and it masks a bit the other delightful background notes, which are evocative of a European church: oak, dark chocolate, charred wood, incense, caramel, vanilla, late winter earth, and a hint of dried flowers.

(I cannot get as much out of the nose as others seem to do, due to too much bourbon alcohol.)

Taste: The bourbon powers from the start, then blends with duality of charred wood, varnished pews, incense, and the dark chocolate and vanilla syrups straight from the taps. I don't get as much fruit as others do. Interesting, meditation beer, but drinks -frankly like an over done dessert zinfandel. And although balanced, is a bit too sweet. I feel like it would be GREAT blended in a milkshake.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied and syrupy, with low carbonation. Must let it warm, but becomes more and more of an after-dinner dessert wine… flat, syrupy, thick. … And I am NOT a fan of dessert wines.

Had a hard time finishing so drank it along side my Dales Pale Ale for a while, and enjoyed it more with the contrast, and then, finally made a black and tan of them which was delicious and more balanced and interesting to me.

 

Still my favorite barleywine

 

2012 Bells Expedition Stout

Gonna finish off the night with some pappy, not sure which one yet.

 

I really like Agalloch, especially on cold winter days. Woods of Ypres and October Falls are pretty good too, but Agalloch is by far my favourite.

 

Victory Winter Cheers. Last of a six I bought two months. Tastes fruitier than more before. Nevertheless, a great pace changer for winter evening drinking

 

Just opened my bottle of Fullsteam's Igor, and starting to write notes now. Goddamn this is pretty. Saude!

 

I've got beer envy!

 

I can't resist new shit like this...

Imperial Doughnut Break

I've enjoyed all the variations of Imperial Biscotti Break (IBB) I've tried - this, the Natale, and the Bourbon Barrel Aged versions. All good. This Doughnut version has a real nice feel and taste (almost like doughnuts soaked in coffee).
The regular IBB might still be my favorite though...