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Sunday, September 14, 2008

Samuel Smith's Tadcaster Oatmeal Stout

Samuel Smith's Tadcaster Oatmeal StoutSamuel Smith's Tadcaster Oatmeal Stout:

Sublime artistry. Tough to find a beer brewed with more care or with finer ingredients; It would be challenging at the very least. This is the kind of beer you should take some time with. Full bodied with boundless flavor, this stout is devastatingly close to being perfect. You could drink this classic brew from the bottle if you had to, but pour it into a pub pint glass to unlock the creamy textures and subtle complexities. Lots of style, but over the top only in its gentility. The brewmaster isn't just a good cook -- no, definitely a chef. Speaking of food, I don't know as if I'd offer any kind of food pairing at all. Drink Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout as a meal unto itself.

If you are a stout lover, do yourself a HUGE favor and pick this up right away. Not an imperial with outrageous flavor, but certainly regal in its drinkability. Mere mortals shouldn't waste their time or money with this experience. This is the kind of beer you seek out, not the kind you have by accident at a friend's house. So make the journey and come back a little better than you were when you left.

Samuel Smith's Tadcaster Oatmeal Stout:

Representation: 1.0
Accessibility: 1.0
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 4.0 Flags

Friday, September 5, 2008

Troegs Dead Reckoning Porter

Troegs Dead Reckoning PorterTroegs Dead Reckoning Porter:

I fell in love with this beer before I even drank it. The logo is so cool that upon my diplomatic voyage to Troegs last year I purchased a t-shirt bearing its likeness even though the stores had been depleted. I managed to have just one or two last year before it disappeared into Davey Jones's Locker. Now, out of the depths, Dead Reckoning rises once more to spice up your fall.

This porter from Troegs has a mediumish body (a little on the lighter side of medium) and a dry, chocolate zest. Crisper and drier than many porters, the toastalicious malty notes are still there, but a hoppy essence complexicates things just a bit. It's a smart brew that's versatile enough to quaff from bottle or glass. I usually go bottle. I feel like its effervescence keeps the dryness in a little longer.

This is a winner for backyard BBQs. A little too expensive to chance at a tailgater where any old swab might shanghai this gem. You know what I'm in the mood for? Gouda cheese. Get creative with a burger and add some smoky goodness. Let me know what you think.

Batten down the hatches, put on your slicker, and fire up that meerschaum. Nauti by nature, Dead Reckoning Porter could make for a salty night.

Troegs Dead Reckoning Porter:

Representation: .95
Accessibility: .925
Style: 1.0
Personal Preference: 1.0

Total Score: 3.875 Flags