dark beers

[Corona Gigante]

When I visited our local micro-brewery, St. Arnold's, the owner commented that, in terms of aging, beer is like bread and wine is like cheese. With the possible exceptions of the beers that undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, fresh beer always tastes better than older beer. As a result, I'll always give the local brew a try.

[Kenyth]

It's that time of the season when Oktoberfest style beers are out. Almost everyone likes these as they're medium bodied and malty without biterness or roastiness. Most stout beers (deep black ones) are made with roasted barley and dark toasted barley malts. They will have a roasty flavor, like coffee. Some will be dry (like Guinness), others will be more on the malty side. You'll have to experiment to find out what you like. The fact that you don't generally like beer much doesn't bode well though. Artesian beer appreciation is an aquired palate like fine coffee, gourmet food, fine wine, or fine cigars.

If you want to try something wild, buy a bottle of Barleywine style ale. Wow! It's not cheap, but it has a flavor, and alchohol level, you won't forget soon!

[Corona Gigante]

Artesian beer appreciation is an aquired palate like fine coffee, gourmet food, fine wine, or fine cigars.

Mmmm... Artesian beer. Is that the stuff that flows spontaneously like a fountain from deep within the earth? Got to try me some of that.

[stjohnroe]

If you want to try something wild, buy a bottle of Barleywine style ale. Wow! It's not cheap, but it has a flavor, and alchohol level, you won't forget soon!

This stuff has knocked me on my arse more time than I care to count .

[Devil Doc]

Might I suggest Molson XXX or Longtrail's Double Bag. They're both 7.3% ETOH so be careful.

[SuperChuck]

When I visited our local micro-brewery, St. Arnold's, the owner commented that, in terms of aging, beer is like bread and wine is like cheese. With the possible exceptions of the beers that undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle, fresh beer always tastes better than older beer.

Many high-gravity beers (that's beer geek for "high alcohol") go well with age. I've got a couple bottles aging that I can't wait to taste in a few more years. Barleywines and some trippels require some age to mellow out a bit. The suggested aging for barleywine is about 7 years.

Otherwise, drink your beers early and often! :)

As a result, I'll always give the local brew a try.

Support your local brewer! Whaoooo!!
(shu'up, it's Friday)