More Yule Tide Libations

A handful of craft brews for the holiday season.  

Samuel Smith's "Winter Welcome Ale"

77% overall user rating at Ratebeer

I would give it a 70% because nothing really stood out about it as a whole, but still a good beer.

6%ABV

English Strong Ale

Stone Brewery "Double Bastard" Ale

100% overall user rating at Ratebeer

I would give it a 90%,  lots of flavors going on, and a strong citrus tone to it. Reminded me of a belgian 

11.2% ABV
 

Allagash Black Belgian Style Stout

98% overall user rating at Ratebeer

I would agree, roasted flavors, with a hint of alcohol at the finish. Good stuff

7.3 Alcohol/Volume   

Winter Walks In

"Cold but dry", that is the verbiage used repeatedly by the forecasters for the impending winter months that are now upon us. The experts pointed out that we would not experience the same snow fall as the previous years where multiple storms rolled through VA dumping loads of the white stuff.

So as I awoke this morning and sipped coffee while I surveyed the frozen landscape of our yard and surrounding woods, I couldn't help but wonder if the forecasts may be "slightly" inaccurate.

"This may also explain the inordinate amount of  acorns that littered the ground in November" I thought to myself...

In a week's time the area had sustained two separate winter storms with a third threatening for the weekend, "dry indeed".

Mind you I'm not complaining, it's a excellent way to usher in the holidays and winter break.

Here's to you winter...

 



 

'Tis the season...for porters

I picked up 2 of my favorite Porters and one I had yet to try for the beginning of the Holiday season.

A perennial favorite of mine is Fuller's London Porter .

I seem to gravitate towards the oatmeal stouts and porters and really enjoy  Highland Brewing's Oatmeal Porter.

My newest addition was from  "Old Dominion Brewery", who make an awesome "Burbon Barrel Stout",  so I decided to try the brewer's Baltic Porter as it is described by the company's web site;

Dominion Baltic Porter is brewed to meet your need for warmth on a cold winter’s night. Hints of licorice, toffee & chocolate mingle with a touch of Rye giving our Porter a full-bodied taste. Raise your mug to those who were bold enough to brave the Baltic!
•6.8% Alc/vol
•German Pilsner, Crystal & Dark Specialty malts
•Pairs well with grilled meats, hearty stews & even chocolate
•Serve in a mug or pint glass at 45-50ºF

I definitely got the licorice and toffee tones and the beer paired very well with a friend's venison barbecue at the Christmas party.

Cheers!
Stephen

The Dashboard Lights

The wind whipped down 5th and Franklin Streets like a winter messenger delivering the first day of December.

We had been here before, for whatever the reasons, we have many memories that either started or finished at the gates leading into "Penny Lane Pub".

In fact many years ago I went out on a limb and told Ash that I was going to marry her after 2 weeks into our relationship.

Prior to my revelation to her, I had built up my liquid courage at Penny Lane.

This pub is no ordinary place, and it would do you good to read their history.

Here

I actually frequented the pub's first location when I lived a stone's throw away.

So last night under the twinkle of christmas lights hung across the bar, Ash and I shared pints and some good conversation.

We settled our tab and we were off to the "National", a local live music venue a few blocks from the pub.

A few years back Ash and I got married at a cabin in the mountains, and when we danced, (and we did dance). A band called "Dashboard Confessional" was on the play list, because to be frank, the music moved us.

So Dashboard Confessional, or the brainchild behind the band, played the National last night.

No, it's not my normal type of music, but anything done with honesty, integrity and feeling these days is alright by me.

And Ash danced...In a sea of statues, Ash danced...And it took me back to those same feelings that made me take a risk so many years ago, and the fact that I know I made the right call.

In a few more years when we renew our vows, you can bet that Dashboard will be on the play list.