A night out

So, a few nights previous, I had the good fortune of having some friends along with me to Max's Taphouse in Fells Point. For those who don't know, Max's is home to a fantastic selection of beers on tap, most of which are obscure and delicious. I had the good fortune of trying both Birrificio's Del Ducato Verdi, and Brew Dog's Paradox Speyside.

The first beer I tried was the Paradox Speyside. A Scottish Imperial Stout? That was like waving a red flag in front of a bull. Poured from a cask, this beer is matured in brandy casks, and has a whopping 10.5% alcohol by volume. It is a beast of a beer, a credit to the Scotsman who brew it.
First taste is oakey, like many Scottish beers, and somewhat smoky. Unlike many stouts, it is not a sweet taste, but a deep and rich flavor. Impressively, this flavor is what saves it from being overwhelmed by the extreme alcohol content. A glass of this could knock out most of you little girly men, which I why I recommend going with just a sampler.
I can imagine a Scottish man out on the moors, enjoying a glass of this before he goes and kills some English men or something. It is a darn manly beer, and a tasty one too.

As for the Del Ducato...Wow. I really don’t even know where to begin.
I saw this on the menu at Max’s Taphouse, and knew I had to try it. It was from Italy, and called a Chili Stout. I was intimidated, but I had to be brave.
The first taste is cool, dark, chocolately stout. The aftertaste hits then, and it’s a light but very noticeable spiciness. Not like grab a glass of beer spicy (that would be a horrible cycle), but a very gentle awareness of the spicy taste.
I was amazed, as were my friends with me. Just a fascinating and delicious beer. I only had the sampler, but really that’s all that I needed.
If you can ever find it, try it. Love it. Trust me on this one.

Sadly, I'm a poor post-grad and could barely afford these two beauties. More reviews to follow as I get out and try more beers!

The Bottom 5

My five least favorite beers. This is a tough list, because I know that I’m going to list a bunch of great beers that I just found to be a little off, or that I had with the wrong food, or after the wrong drink. I know that beers are a complex thing, and I’m open to trying them again. Please don’t rain shit on my house if I picked your personal favorite.
1) Any combination of the words Natty, Milwaukee, Best, Ice, Bohemian, or Light. – Eugggh. Beer pong beer doesn’t begin to describe these affronts to nature. It’s 5 bucks for a case and there MIGHT JUST BE A REASON FOR THIS. I wouldn’t use this to poison my neighbor’s yappy dog, it’s so low quality. Moving on.
2) Miller – I should be more specific, but really? Flavorless and weak, it makes me think of week old bottled water. I get that it’s the beer of the working man, but the working man clearly deserves a better beer.
3) Budweiser – Really, I’m just repeating myself now. Another beer that should be labeled “almost-beer” for its astonishing resemblance to beer without ever really coming close. To be fair, I haven’t tried their American Lager yet, but I’m preparing to be underwhelmed.
4) Blue Moon – A favorite, which I just don’t understand. It lacks any kind of real flavor, and it’s kind of flat. I’ve heard it’s good with an orange, but I’m just not up to giving it another shot. The little flavor it does have is weird and slimy. Also, I tried their summer ale, Honey Moon, with high hopes, only to end up throwing out most of it. I couldn’t GIVE it away to my cheap ass friends. Keep this around in case someone you love swallows poison.
5) Dogfish Head, Any – This is the one that is the toughest. They make really, really classy beer. The kind beer aficionado’s love. It’s expensive, it’s complex, and it’s probably great beer. I just can’t stand it. I’ve tried it a few times, different kinds and different occasions. All I can taste is the bitterness (the hops?), which defines everything I’ve tried. It’s so bitter that the next beer I try comes across as bitter, because of the lingering bitterness. Sorry dogfish head, I’m sure I’ll appreciate you in a few years, but for now you make me want to go gargle salt water.
Dishonorable Mention – Corona – I shouldn’t even put this on here. I refuse to try this beer, based on the commentary I’ve heard. Really though, it’s the choice of frat boys, and it requires a lime to make it not taste like ass. Why the fuck would you buy this? If you’re dumb enough to buy a beer that REQUIRES fruit, you have sorely missed the point.