Dogfish Head Chicory Stout

Over Christmas break, Cathy and I were able to sneak away to the Winking Lizard and grab a beer in between last minute shopping, eating, and family time. I was able to finally get a chance to drink the Winter seasonal from Dogfish Head, Chicory Stout.

This stout was very strong on the coffee flavor and the addition of the roasted chicory was a very nice touch. I do enjoy chicory brewed in my iced coffee and this very much reminds me of that. It pours a seriously dark chocolate color with a nice tan head. Smells were roasty, if that is even a word, and overwhelmingly like coffee (which is good in my book). The only thing that bothers me about this beer was the black licorice/anise. That is probably one of my least favorite flavors and when I get a taste of it, it takes over my taste buds.

I'm glad I got a chance to finally have a taste of this beer. Dogfish does a great job experimenting with flavors and isn't scared to take a chance. Since stouts aren't really my favorite style to begin with, I'll probably pass the next time I see this one.

Happy Drinking!

Who: Cathy
Where: Winking Lizard
Price: $$$
Score: 3 / 5

Brooklyn Brewery - Black Chocolate Stout

The Brooklyn Brewery brews 2 winter seasonal's and we start with their Black Chocolate Stout.

A Russian Imperial Stout, poured a very dark black/brown with a nice head on top. This was a very full bodied beer and the smell and taste of dark chocolate and coffee beans is almost overwhelming. The alcohol is at the forefront, giving you a nice warm feeling on what should be a very cold winter day. There was a super strong bitterness in the beer from the dark chocolate and coffee flavors. I feel like it is almost too much though as that is the thing I most remember.

If you are into dark chocolate and coffee then this beer will be for you. It is a beer that is probably only for cold winter days/nights though. I can't imagine having this on a hot summer night. I know that a lot of folks really enjoy this brew and have it as one of the top winter seasonals. I don't think I would vote it to my top 3 but I was glad I gave it a try, and will probably come back to it again.

Happy Drinking!

Who: Joe
Where: BORZONE!
Price: $$$$
Score: 3 / 5

Guinness

Guinness Draught

Much better in a pub and actually from the tap instead of the bottle with their fancy nitrogen widget/rocket thing. One of my all time favorite beers, I've been known to kick back a handful of these in one sitting. A lot of my friends think it is very filling and can only have 1. I personally can drink these all night long.

Beautiful black color with an extreme amount of head. Very nice toasted and chocolate smells. Such a smooth drink, even Cathy enjoys them every once and awhile. I can still remember my first one. It was back at home and on my 21st birthday I had this as my "free" beer from the West End Tavern. Very good choice and I haven't stopped drinking them yet.

I would recommend this beer to anyone and strongly suggest having one in an Irish pub where the pour the beer correctly with a sliver spoon. I am waiting on that trip to Ireland someday to have the beer the way it was intended to be served.

Who: Many different people
Where: Many different pubs
Price: $$$
Score: 5 / 5

Happy Drinking!