Once You Go Black… – A Look at Porters and Stouts

There’s a reason sayings exist, because they’re true! Once I turned myself onto (that’s what she said?) the darker side of beer, there was no going back. I love a lot of beer and I embrace all styles, but my heart lies with porters and stouts. How could you not enjoy chocolate and coffee flavored beers?

Despite separate names, Porters and Stouts are basically the same. They’re the identical twins of beer. They look the same yet have subtle personality differences. But they’re not creepy like those twins in The Shining. Instead, they’re delicious! Porters received their name due to their popularity among river porters in London during the 18th century. Porters are made from dark roasted malts, but flavors vary from beer to beer. Stronger versions used to be distinguished by Strong Porter, Extra Porter, Double Porter, and Stout Porter. Porter was eventually dropped from Stout Porter and most will argue that Stouts are stronger than Porters. But the only ones arguing are true beer geeks.

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On-Ice Mixed Drink and Beer Dispenser

Time for the latest in beer technology and gadgets! Anything that makes my beer drinking experience easier and/or more pleasurable is always a plus in my book. So imagine my excitement when I discovered I never have to worry about lukewarm beer ever again. Introducing the On-Ice Beer Dispenser, a simple way to turn the freshly purchased beer sitting on shelves into your icy refreshment.

As you can see by the picture I have conveniently added, the beer dispenser looks like a blender with an ice compartment in the middle. All you do is put some ice cubes in the special compartment, pour in beer (or any other mixed drinks, wine, etc) and presto chango cold liquid with no dilution. So simple and brilliant yet it hasn’t been available until now (to the best of my knowledge). I’ve had many a times where I’ve gotten deep into conversations, usually about zombie apocalypes, the meaning of life, or both, only to realize I haven’t been sipping on my beer. And when I get the chance, alas, warmth; disgust.

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Beer Review: Brooklyn Monster

As I mentioned in the last post I would be writing some more reviews on my new favorite style, barleywines. I discovered Brooklyn Monster at Effin Gruven not too long ago –is anyone actually shocked? Brooklyn Brewery has yet to disappoint me and with a name like Monster, I knew I had to inquire about this new beer on the chalkboard. I asked the bartender what style of beer it is and the moment he said barleywine, I was sold. (And despite what certain friends may think, I did not choose the beer because it reminded me of Lady Gaga’s song “Monster,” although it certainly didn’t hinder me.

Appearance: Amber color, clear, very thin head, and good amount of carbonation.

Smell: Very fruity (cherries) and sweet mixed with malt. Similar smell to the few barleywines I’ve tasted.

Taste: With many high alcoholic beers typically comes that warming sensation and this was very present in Monster. The fruity complex flavors blend perfectly with the malt and hops. The ratio of malt to hops is just right making it not too bitter to drink.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with decent carbonation and dry finish.

Drinkability: Really delicious and it definitely embodies the style of the ale. Great on the palate and if it weren’t so strong, I would easily order a second one. A little note on the label says it’s great with cheeses or desserts and I must say that I did have a craving for cheese while drinking it. Next time I pick up a case, I’ll have to test it out.

Overall Rating: A

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Barleywine: It’s Neither Barley Nor a Wine, Discuss!

Many apologies for the lack of posts recently. I write all day for a living so sometimes it’s hard to motivate myself to write more when I get home. But the beer always calls to me…Today is an edumacation day about my latest fling with barleywines, also called barley wine. Despite my semi-humorous title, barleywine can contain barley, but it is certainly not a wine.

Barleywine is not for the weak. Not only can it be intense in flavor, it’s one of the strongest beer styles. If you’re looking to get toasted fairly quickly, you can drink two of these and be done for the night. Barleywine typically contains anywhere from 7-14% ABV and you will definitely feel the warming sensation of alcohol after a few sips. Because the flavors are strong, barleywine is meant to be slowly sipped like a fine liqueur. They are best served in a snifter to capture the strong aromas.

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