Saranac Vanilla Stout

Saw this one and had to try it seeing as how I like vanilla and chocolate mixtures. This stout was interesting, nice black color with a ruby undertone. Head was firm and a nice tan color. Flavor was malty to start, very slight hint of vanilla, finish was a bit on the bitter side, not sure if it was the roasted malts, hops or both. For some reason it reminded me a bit of Guiness with out the trademark sour finish. This one is OK or more should I say a bit above average. You won't be disappointed, but you won't be knocked over either.

Lump of Coal

Here is an interesting one for you, nice and black, little to no head (this was disappointing) light carbonation and nice roasted malt flavor. This one comes in at 8%. There is a hint of bittersweet or dark chocolate and a clean finish. Once again this one needs to consumed at the proper tempature, too cold and you miss out on the maltiness! I went for it for the name, catch and I figured it would be a nice black stout. I wasn't disappointed.

Father Christmas Highland Ale

Here is a local beer for you, Burnside Brewery's Christmas Highland Ale, at 9.2% it is rather potent. This beer is very malty and has a nice dark color to it. Make sure you don't drink this one too cold as you will loose the maltiness of this brew.

I don't know how I'd classify this one, it sorta is between a porter and a stout, overall not bad, nice and malty, properly carbonated and pleasant to drink. Give this one a try for the holidays!

Redhook Double Black Stout

I must admit I have been hesitant at time to try Redhook beers, I think it has to do with their association with Bud, but that's just me.

I received the "Beer Update" from Jimmy today and when I saw a Double Black stout, I had to try it, regardless of who it is from. I am happy to report that Redhook did an excellent job with this limited release. Last available in 2000, this stout will not disappoint. When pouring, the first thing you notice is the deep black color and tan head. Mouth feel is what I expect from a stout like this, nice and thick. For me nothing worse than a watery feel to a stout. Flavor wise, great roasted barley flavors and nice aroma of coffee. Well balanced from beginning to end. All I can say is get it while you can!

Opa Opa Southampton Porter

Been a while blogging about beer, had a nice vacation with my wife, and baseball is over, now its Halloween, so why not sit down between visitors and try a new beer.

I tried making a Porter a while ago and had one while I was out in California at the Silverado Brewing Co, while I think this style of beer is one of the least know, it often times can be very very good.

After talking with Jimmy a bit the Opa Opa Southampton Porter was recommended, my first growler! This Porter is dark and rick in color with an ample head, which rather surprised as the growler was rather quiet when opened. The flavor was as expected from Porters, chocolaty with a hint of cocoa, a bit sweet and the a bit bitter. No real sense of hops. I am not sure if it is the growler or the brew, but it is a bit flat overall. The Porter at Silverado was exceptional, so maybe my expectations were set to high, still not a bad way to spend Halloween, drinking some beers!

Budweiser American Ale

When Jimmy suggested that I try a Bud American Ale, first thought that popped into my head was "Bud?", what is Jimmy crazy! Most people I know tell me I am a beer snob because I do not like, Bud Miller or Coors. I always say I prefer beer with some semblance of taste. Bud's American Ale was a pleasant surprise, compared to a regular Bud.

First and foremost I was glad to see that it is an all malt ale, no corn or rice. The American Ale has a great copper color and nice head that lingers. There is a nice sweet malty taste with a hint of hops as well as good aroma of, I am guessing, Cascade Hops. One complaint, though, I do feel it is a bit too carbonated, little less would help balance overall.

If you've read my other posts, you know I am a very big fan of Pale Ales, there does appear to be a bit of a distinction with Americans. Pales are still my favorite, but this one is not bad, especially for a Bud. Give it a try, if you like Pales, it is a bit different, but not bad

Sam Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale

Waiting on the debate, so I figured good time for trying something different. Stopped by MWL and figured I'd give a couple of Sam Smith's a try.

I am starting with Sam's Pale Ale. Sam's starts off with a nice dark copper color, good head and mild carbonation. Right off the bat you can tell the difference between an english pale ale and an american. Sam's has a sweet malty taste and just a hint of hops on the taste and little to none on the nose. Sam's is a good quality ale, if you like malty beer light on hops, this one is for you, myself, I prefer american styles more and more.