So, I’ve really become an enthusiast — is that the word? — for craft beer. The whole experience is just fun. Going to the store, typically Jungle Jim’s since they have by far the biggest selection of anywhere I know of in town and browsing the shelves. The artwork, the interesting names, the different varieties and geographical bases; it’s all fascinating. That’s not even getting into the taste, which itself is a real joy. I very rarely have come across a craft beer I don’t at least like drinking.
Here was my haul from last night:
To explain some of my thinking behind my choices:
I really wanted to try an oatmeal-based beer just because it’s so different, thus the first beer you see from the left side.
Kentucky Bourbon Ale is one of those beers I see around all the time, but I’ve never had the balls to try. Therefore…
I had the Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA and that motherfucker was hoppy as hell. It electrified my taste buds, but in a good way. Thought I’d try a slight variation.
Ginger Beer. Enough said.
Nitro Milk by the Left Hand Brewing Company is one of my favorite beers, so I thought I’d give their Sawtooth variety a shot.
A friend recommended Founders’ Dirty Bastard (great name).
Last night, I tried Dirty Bastard, Oatmeal Stout and Ginger Beer. Ranked from best to least best:
1. Dirty Bastard
2. Oatmeal Stout
3. Ginger Beer
Dirty bastard was an interesting beer because it had a slight taste of fruitiness to it, but it wasn’t overwhelming. It also had the hoppy, electrifying feeling of that Torpedo IPA. Struck a good balance with me and I enjoyed it immensely.
Oatmeal Stout had an odd smell to it, but I thought it tasted better than I expected. A smooth finish and that’s always a welcome thing.
Ginger Beer had a fabulous smell to it, although I couldn’t ascertain exactly what it was, watermelon, maybe? But the taste was…eh. Half tasted overwhelmingly fruity and the other half tasted “watery” if I can say that. I wouldn’t have it again, to be honest.
Bonus: Yesterday, I also went to Red Robin and got their Blue Moon shake:
Even if you’re not a fan of Blue Moon, which is silly, I think you’d like this. It’s beyond delicious. Here’s what’s in it:
Cointreau Orange Liquer
Blue Moon Belgian Wheat Beer
Orange Juice
Vanilla Ice Cream
Then I had this bad boy:
I only got it because 1.) Cool name and I’m easily lulled in by a cool name and 2.) The menu made it seem like it wouldn’t be as “heavy” as a typical Sam Adams. And it was great. I loved it. A bit stronger than the beers I typically have, but it was smooth on the taste buds. Quality drink I’d absolutely have again.
Milam's Musings 