How About Some More Beer Talk?

Alright everyone. I'm back for another round of craft beer discussion. I am definitely developing a taste for certain kinds, but I will continue to try different styles and brands for discussion here. So let's start the countdown of the current six pack.


6. Rouge Mocha Porter -- I found very little to like about this brew other than it's pleasant aroma. Otherwise there aren't many positives. It went down rough and left an awful aftertaste. It actually is scaring me away from other Rouge brews.

5. New Holland The Poet Oatmeal Stout -- This was my first oatmeal stout and I was not impressed. I expected a heavier beer but this was heavy and harsh. It's even more disappointing because the label pictures a raven so there is obvious inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe. And since Poe is one of my favorite writers it was what influenced me to choose this beer. It wasn't worth it. I will keep the bottle though because it's pretty cool.

4. Southern Tier Iniquity Imperial Black Ale -- This was my first try at a Southern Tier brew and I wasn't impressed nor unimpressed. This beer was average. The color definitely lived up to its name and the 9% alcohol content will knock you down. So if dark imperials are your flavor, try it. It's just not something I will go back to.

3. Atwater Brewery Voodoo Vator -- I've had other Atwater Brewery beers and have enjoyed them. I liked this one as well. Voodoo Vator is a doppelbock (darker stronger version of traditional Bavarian Bock Bier) and is both dark and strong. It was relatively smooth and with it's 9% alcohol content it could sneak up on you if you aren't careful. It's not quite as dark as a porter or stout but if you pour it into a stein, you may, just for a few minutes, feel like you're in a German tavern.

2. Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale -- This was very close to being the number one beer of this six pack. It was strong (9.6% ABV) and sharp. This beer will give you a buzz and Gibbs-slap you at the same time. It went down nicely and it has some witty print on the label if you care to read such things. I would definitely buy this again.

1. Killer Penguin Barleywine Ale -- Brewed by Boulder Beer Company, this limited release season is a MUST try if you can find it. Not only is it one of the smoothest craft beers I have ever tried, but it has an amazing flavor, an unbelievable aroma and a color so gorgeous, you have to admire it for a few seconds before taking that first sip. But be careful, the 10% ABV will kick your ass because this beer goes down easy. (Insert 'yo momma' joke here.) Seriously though, if you can still find a few remaining bottles of Killer Penguin at your local craft beer place, do not hesitate to grab them.


Again, thank you for your attention. Have a fun and safe weekend, everyone.

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More Beer Talk

Alright... time to discuss the next six beer in my craft beer journey!


Victory Storm King Stout -- This one didn't do it for me. It had a beautiful color but it went down harsh and had a wicked after taste.

Fort Collins Brewery Double Chocolate Stout -- Like the Storm King, this also had an unpleasant after taste. But the flavor and aroma was bold which helped save it a little.

Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout -- I was pleasantly surprised by this beer. I wasn't sure what to expect from a brewery in Brooklyn. It's not the smoothest stout but the flavor was great and the 10% alcohol content was a big plus.

Thirsty Dog Siberian Night Imperial Stout -- I enjoyed this one. It was strong (9.7%), had a gorgeous color and went down smooth. When it comes to imperial stouts, it's one of the better I have had.

Tres Blueberry Stout -- This unique stout from Dark Horse Brewery didn't have a distinct blueberry flavor. (Another craft beer, Wild Blue does have that flavor. So if that's what you want, go in that direction.) It did have a slight blueish tint to it and a wonderful flavor nonetheless.

Thunderstruck Coffee Porter -- I absolutely loved this one. Coming from Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, North Carolina (very close to where I have friends), this aromatic and bold brew is one of the best I have tried overall. And that includes anything I have tried at the bar as well. Without a doubt this is one I would buy again and again.


Thanks again for checking out the page. Until next time... if you cannot be a poet, be the poem.


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Let's Talk About Beer

Over the past few months I have been getting more into craft beer, especially dark ones. I just no longer have a desire to drink the beer flavored substances produced by Budweiser and MillerCoors. Here's a look at a the most recent six I have tried, ranked from least enjoyed to most enjoyed.

6. Heavy Seas Winter Storm Category 5 Ale -- Something about this one did not sit well with me. It left a bad after taste and was not smooth at all going down. Next time I won't choose a beer simply because there is a pirate on the label.

5. Breckenridge Vanilla Porter -- This one wasn't awful, I'd drink it again most likely. It just had a sweetness to it making it difficult to want more than one or two. It has a lower alcohol content than most craft beers at 4.7% so if you do indulge in a few, you should be OK.

4. Schlafly Coffee Stout -- I am really digging the coffee stouts and porters. This one was really good and if it were not for the other amazing beers I happened to select as part of this round of tasting, it would have been higher on the list. You can smell the coffee when you pour this beer. It's like the best of both worlds.

3. Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout -- I was told this is the grandfather of imperial stouts. I was told correctly. This craft has a bite to it, but it is dark, aromatic and strong -- it comes with an alcohol content of 9%. If you want a classic, go for this one.

2. Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter -- This is one of the best beers I have ever had. Not only is it beautiful to look at, it is very smooth and it will kick your ass with its 9.2% alcohol content. Definitely try this one if you have the chance.

1. Innis & Gunn Scottish Porter with Molasses - This beer blew my mind. I didn't know what to expect with the molasses, but it worked. It's not as dark as many other porters, but it is smooth and delicious. The alcohol content on it is 7.4% and with the beer's smooth taste, that could catch up to you quick if you aren't careful. This is a must try if you can get your hands on it.


That is round one of my craft beer tasting. Every payday for the next couple months I am going to head to my local mix-and-match place and create six packs of craft beers (but don't expect many IPA's), and share my thoughts with all of you. Until next time, life is too short to drink shitty beer. So get the good stuff.

Have a great weekend.


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