Chicago BA Stouts

It's not a stout, or as least New Holland doesn't consider it one. It's listed as an American Stout on BA now, but for the longest time it was listed as an American Strong Ale.

 

Uinta Labyrinth is by far the best, thickest, and most complex stout that I know of which is available year round on shelves.

 

It's not a stout, but when Barrel Aged Shipwreck Porter comes out again, you'd be doing yourself a favor by getting some.

 

The last time it was released was late 2011. I want to say maybe November give or take.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/454/65809

The last couple years it's been bottled in 12 oz bottles with red wax. In Chicago it's typically around $6 a bottle, and it's well worth it.

 

I completely agree about most Firestone beers except Parabola. Me and a couple buddies did the vertical and 2010 sucked it totally fell off but 2011 was fantastic drinks much better then fresh IMO.

 

I had the opposite experience with the vertical. 2010 (IMO) was drinking incredibly well, while 2011 was oddly hot and super boozy, even more so than the 2012.

 

Wow thats odd.

 

After having a draft version of 2011 a couple of months ago and thinking it had fallen off, I opened one of my 2011 bottles a couple of weeks ago and thought it was fantastic. Still as good as fresh but a bit less boozy.

Abacus on the other hand...

 

Since this thread veered, I will chime in with Allagash Curieux. It is usually in stock.
Pricey? Perhaps. Flavor? For sure.

 

I picked up 2 bottles of the 2011 Abacus drank one and am still cellaring the 2nd. I thought that it definitely needed to be cellared to mellow it out. Your thoughts on the how it will be now after a year in the cellar, please :0).

 

IMO, the flavor has clearly fallen off (at least with the 2011 I opened a month ago). Even though it is a bit hot when fresh, the flavor of the beer is much more present. My last bottle almost had a watered down taste to it. I would definitely not hold onto it long.

 

Dont pass up the labyrinth. This year round offering is better then most BA seasonal releases.

 

You may like this Old Ale aged in Highland Park Scotch Whiskey barrels. Pricey, but almost always available at Binny's.
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/323/41037

What else is awesome is this Scotch Ale aged in Bourbon barrels. Comes out in November.
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1199/35036

And yes. Uinta Labyrinth is a big, huge, phenomenal BA beer! BA Gonzo Imperial Porter from Flying Dog is also a must have.