Beer 89 Terrapin Dark Side and Beer 90 Rogue Chocolate Stout
It continues to be a busy time in my Non-Beer World. I am happy to say that I am officially entering the “Green Work Force” and will be accepting a position with the Top Rated Solar Company in the area. I will continue to be working at my growing Real Estate business, and each business should add value to the other. In celebration of this decision, it was only fitting that I make a trip to Andy’s for some Big Bottles of Beer.
Beer 89 is from the Terrapin Brewing Co. They have a Side Project Series and Volume 9 is called the Dark Side. The brewers at Terrapin have created their version of a Belgian Style Imperial Stout with an amped up 8.5% alcohol content. Quite honestly, the Green label with the Turtle on it was what initially attracted me to this 22 ounce bottle. Upon careful inspection of the label, I learned that this beer was brewed with “Evil Intentions”. I was sold.
As I prepared for the opening of this One Time Release from Terrapin, I tried to imagine what would be in store for me. Popping off the cap of the gold foil topped bottle released a mild ground coffee aroma. Pouring the majority of its contents into my pint glass revealed the darkest beer I have seen in some time. My first taste was dominated by the sensation of a strong coffee influenced stout flavor. There hints of chocolate and molasses with a noticeably bitter aftertaste. Make no mistake, this is a strong, thick, dark beer. It is, however, lightly carbonated and reasonably smooth drinking. The flavors of malt and molasses increased as the beer approached room temperature. I did not notice the “Belgian influence”, and if there was a fruitful undertone, I missed it. I really enjoyed the beer, but would only recommend it to women and children first dedicated stout drinkers.I commend the Terrapin folks in Athens GA for “thinking outside the bottle”. Click Here to visit their website.
Beer 90 Rogue Chocolate Stout was my complimentary stout pick to the Terrapin selection. The white painted, brown bottle common to Rogue offerings, was calling me from its spot on Andy’s Big Bottle Shelf. I have become a Rogue fan over the last year, and have enjoyed several of their creations. I will admit that I am nearing my tolerance level for trying any more “mocha infused brews”, but the fact that it was from Rogue sealed the decision to buy it.
I wasted no time in opening this bottle after work on the day following my 89th beer epiphany. In an instant, a chocolate aroma propelled itself out of the hastily opened 22 ounce bottle. The imported chocolate that is used by the Rogue gang produced its desired effect, and would clearly announce its flavor identity in a blind taste test. It poured thinner than the “used motor oil like textured Terrapin” and had a lovely tan head. My first sip had an inviting roasted “grainy-ness” upfront followed by the mocha that was anticipated. A very pleasing sensation to my taste buds that improved as it gained in temperature. Dark beer fearing individuals can safely order this offering. While not as chocolatey as Youngs Chocolate Stout (its unlikely anything could be), it more than makes up for it in its overall presentation. Coming in at 6% alcohol, and great flavor, the Rogue stout will appeal to a wide section of beer lovers. Another great Rogue Beer. Click Here to visit their website.
The Terrapin Dark Side and Rogue Chocolate Stout Were both $9.99 for a 22 ounce bottle.
