Your most recent dark brew enjoyment.....

[Corbin Choate]

What was the most recent dark brew you had? I've been enjoying Samuel Smith's Imperial Russian Stouts, Oatmeal Stouts and a Taddy Porter over the past week or so.

[The Beer Philosopher]

Most recent ... New Belgium's 1554 "Black Ale." I really like this beer ... tastes similar to a good nut brown ale to me. I dig the yeasty and roasted nutty flavors going on in that one a lot. It surpassed my expectations.

[Corbin Choate]

Greetings Philosophicus,

I agree completely... 1554 is very nice indeed.

[JoMoRisin]

Hey Guys, Just kicking back with some Schlafly's Pale Ale. It has a cleaner taste than Boulevard's Pale Ale.
Saw the 1554 at the store, and thought about trying it; if my Aleuminati brethren says it's good, I'll pick some up next trip, Thanks

[William Brand]

1554 Brussels Style Ale is based on a recipe that New Belgium's head brewer found in Belgium doing research about ancient beer recipes. They tried to duplicate it as close as possible, I understand. Its a fairly dry, decent ale, lots of roast and black malt. I've never talked to them about it, but my understanding is that all malt was kilned over wood fires until perhaps the 19th century,. So an authentic beer from the era would have a smoky taste, I would think. Anyway food for thought and the beer's worth tring. William Brand/www.ibabuzz.com/beer

[Scott]

I recently had a Central Waters Satin Solstice Imperial Stout, the commercial Description for this beer was “This smooth, creamy Stout and a crackling fireplace are the perfect answer to a wintry evening in Wisconsin. The rich coffee flavor compliments the "warm, fuzzy feeling" you get from the abundant alcohol. Seasonal Nov. – April” I thought it was a very good imperial stout, it had a nice rich malt, chocolate, coffee taste with a hint of tart maybe cheery taste follow by a nice warmth from the alcohol “7.5% ABV” which for a imperial stout really is not that high.

[Rob DeNunzio]

Just finished off a bottle of Alesmith's Speedway Stout, and I can say haven't had much darker than that for a long time, even in the winter months, nonetheless at the summer solstice...

[Rob DeNunzio]

1554's a wonderful black ale that comes off almost like a Belgian Old Peculiar. Well worth trying. Dry, light, but black as coal.

[Virgil G]

Rob, it's all about perspective. It's the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. You are just upside down.

V

[Rraisch]

I think one of the best porters out there is Odell Brewery's Nitro Cutthroat Porter. This is the only Porter that I have had on draft that is a nitrogenated beer. If any of you ever make it to Colorado, specifically Northern Colorado(Fort Collins) make sure to stop by Odell brewery as well as New Belgium Brewery, they are down the street from each other, and give this one a try. The mouthfeel of adding the nitrogen to beers on draft is absolutely amazing. Cutthroat Porter is not so good in the bottle/without nitrogen but add the N and wow! To me most Porters overload the smoke flavor and you can't pick out nuances because your mouth gets punched by smoke. If anyone else has any good recommendations for a mellow porter, or a ridiculous coffee porter, I would love to hear some replies. Also 1554 is a great introduction to "dark" beers, it is dark in color and light in flavor, it carries a sweetness that makes it easy to drink. If anyone ever says, "I don't drink dark beers," this is a great way to change their minds!

[Chipper Dave]

My most recent tasting was the Tommyknocker Imperial Nut Brown at the Rocky Mountain Brew Fest in Estes Park 2 weeks ago. It's a beefed up version of their regular Maple Nut Brown ale. I like their Imperial much better. I don't drink many dark brews during the summer but won't pass up an opportunity to try something new if offered it. I also had a Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter. It's an over the top porter that you either love or have to get used to. The Gonzo has grown on me and is now a favorite.

[The Beer Philosopher]

I have a Gonzo "taming down" in the cellar ... I wasn't a big fan the first time I tried it, but my dusty bottle downstairs may have the edges rounded a bit ... I hope.

[MetengagE]

My absolute favorite :) I just picked up another couple of cases on my way down to Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago. It's not yet available here in Western WI. Everyday drink for me and my lady. Actually Meat, if I remember correctly, I gave you a sip or two at DLD...not sure...we had quite the variety!