Work and Beer

I sure hope you're having a great summer.  I am but it's flying past in a hurry.  This past week was a real bear as I worked about 55 hours setting up, configuring and resolving a lot of problems associated with the move of PCs.
The beer this summer has been amazing.  I had the chance to hang out at two of my favorite watering holes last weekend and each had a great Stout aged in barrels.  iTap in Soulard had New Holland's Dragon Milk aged over Oak.  The Tap Room had their own Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon barrels.  Yes, I know they are not really summer beers, but man are they good.  As someone much wiser than myself once said, "So many beers, so little time".   Happy Summer!

Welcome Stone Brewing

In keeping with the previous point of keeping it short and to the point I want to tell you about a couple of beers I've tasted in the past few weeks. Stone Brewing Co. of San Diego came to Saint Louis. I had the chance to sample several of their products at a local watering hole in the Soulard neighborhood.

If you get the chance try the Bourbon Barrel Porter and their Imperial Stout aged over Bourbon. They both knocked it out of the park. Both are a little on the sweet side, but my are they good. If you get the chance check them out.

Two Big Rich Beers I'd Been Wanting to Try

I was on my feet all day Sunday and was tired when I got home. But, not too tired to open a fine beer. I had a bottle of Great Divide Oak Aged Yeti in the fridge and decided it was a good night to sample it. I was not disappointed. WOW! As I poured it I could smell Oak, the rich malts and a little coffee. And when I tasted it, again WOW! The complex flavors of this Imperial went down really smooth. Sometimes when I get a big beer like this (9.5% ABV) I can taste the alcohol burn. But not so in this case. Oh did I say it's complex? I tasted chocolate and coffee in the beer and when I licked my lips I could also taste notes of Vanilla. Believe me the next one I get won't sit in my refrigerator very long.

So, as I write this I am tasting a Southern Tier Oak Aged Un-Earthly IPA. As I poured it I could pick up notes of Peach and Orange. As I sipped it the Citrus hops were readily noticeable along with the Peach and what I think is Caramel. The Oak is not overwhelming but is evident and I think holds down the flavors of the hops. As my glass and the brew warm I can taste a slight alcohol burn. Bottom line; this is a very big hoppy beer that achieves what it sets out to accomplish. On this cold icy Winter night it fills the bill.

Check Out This Beer

I stopped by the Schlafly Tap Room on my way home from work this evening. Now, I do this frequently when I work on Saturday. But, tonight there was a new beer on tap. The innkeeper asked me if I had tasted the Imperial Stout. When I told him no, he poured me a "taste". I was sold and I have to tell you, I've had some fine beers in my life but this creation may be my new "favorite". The Schlafly Imperial Stout is 10+ percent alcohol by volume and aged over Bourbon barrels that Schlafly buys from a Kentucky distiller. The bottom line is this is one tremendous beer. It is a little pricey, but then you get what you pay for. Great Job Schlafly!