Beer Dude: Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout

Beer Dude: Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout: " I had to pull this Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout out of my collection today because it's one of the 500 offered at todays Ameri..."

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout

  I had to pull this Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout out of my collection today because it's one of the 500 offered at todays American Craft Beer Festival in Boston, MA.  Of course I'm jealous that I couldn't be there, but glad that my friend Hank had a great time and enjoyed some fine beers.
 Out here on the West Coast, after looking at the ACBF beers poured, and after the little one is asleep. It's time for me to have one of these beauties.

  This stout is no joke. This dark, black, double stout was served at 52 degrees in a snifter glass producing a thin layer of head and quickly fading lace on the glass. The bourbon, vanilla, caramel /molasses flavors are fantastic. The thick yet smooth  mouth feel combined with the 13% ABV provides a full experience. 

Beer Dude: Port Brewing Midnight Expression Lager

Beer Dude: Port Brewing Midnight Expression Lager: "This is a difficult beer to write about. I'm a fan of Port Brewing and Lost Abbey. Midnight Expression Lager is a dark, black pour with a mo..."

Port Brewing Midnight Expression Lager

This is a difficult beer to write about. I'm a fan of Port Brewing and Lost Abbey. Midnight Expression Lager is a dark, black pour with a moderate head. The bottle says that it's "a smooth and roasty black lager". I would agree with that statement. Beyond that, the 5% abv  makes this an ok session beer. I wouldn't turn it down if you handed it to me, but I wouldn't buy it again. I liked the label.

Beer Dude: Corsendonk Abbey Pale Ale

Beer Dude: Corsendonk Abbey Pale Ale: "This morning, while at work sitting in front of my computer thinking about all of the things I'd rather be doing, I noticed a message from ..."

Corsendonk Abbey Pale Ale

This morning,  while at work sitting in front of my computer thinking about all of the things I'd rather be doing, I noticed a message from a long time friend (RGP). He asked why his favorite beer was not on my list. After  work I made a stop and found Corsendonk Pale Ale. Not quite the Corsendonk Abbey Brown Ale requested as they were out of stock. Not wanting to leave empty handed, I bought the Pale Ale and put it in the fridge when I got home.
The Corsendonk Abbey Pale Ale is a Belgian Style Trippel delivered in a 750 ml bottle all the way from Oud-Turnhou, Belgium. It's 7.50% ABV served at 55 degrees in a Tulip glass. The pour produced a lavish head that was retained for quite some time. The clear, golden beer had an initial sugary sweetness on the tongue with notes of citrus and coriander. The mouth feel was smooth and crisp. Definitely a nice Belgian Style Trippel that I will buy in the future. Not something that I would buy and cellar as there is a best before date on the label. I'm looking forward to drinking the Abbey Brown Ale. Cheers!

'Throwing Down The Gauntlet'

Here we have 'The Gauntlet'. An Imperial IPA by Iron Fist Brewing Company that packs a nice 9.5%  ABV in a 750 ml bottle. At $12 a bottle, this beer will deliver the the state of mind, but does it deliver on the flavor?
I poured this beer into a large, clean, tulip glass and served it at 50 degrees. A nice, thick head was retained. The copper color and hop aroma were a prelude to the intense flavor in the first sip.
I enjoyed the entire beer, but I wouldn't go so far as to give it an A rating.  I think Iron Fist Brewing Company does some good work and is off to a great start. There is a great deal of competition here in San Diego and that's good for all of us beer drinkers. I look forward to drinking Iron Fist's beers as they move into the future.