drunken sailors

The universe just likes to have fun with us puny humans I guess; when it was colder I picked up perky ales, and now that I have my beloved stout it's nearly spring-like.  But, I've said many a time that I'm always up for a black beer.  Naparbier has done quite a few pleasing beers, of many styles, so I feel confident that Potemkin will be enjoyable.  It's Russian Imperial Stout, naturally.  I just hope it doesn't cause any sort of gut fauna revolution.

At least there won't be any icebergs

Now that's a proper stout, right there.  It's just black all the way through, and even the head is a sort of milk chocolatey color.  It's not especially aromatic, with just a whiff of toastiness.  The smoke in the flavor hits you right in the taste buds.  It's immediately bitter, black coffee bitter, unrelenting.  There isn't the slightest hint of sweetness in it, it's a beer that sits firmly and unmoving in its somberness.  There's something almost medicinal in that level of unsweet, like leafy salad greens full of vitamins and sorely lacking in sugars.  The flavor is also constant, not diminishing or developing a little syrupy sweetness on the way to the bottom of the glass.  Maybe it's not the beer for everyone - the bitterness is quite strong and it's a little bit heavy - but for those of us who favor a fine stout, Potemkin sinks the competition.

Supplier: The Beer Garden
Price: €4

pink like a happy heart

Oh, poor beer stores, you've had a heyday, and like everybody else you get low points too.  A lot of stores have opened in the last few years, but I've also seen a couple of closings.  La Zurbanita didn't last that long.  I'm a little sorry I didn't go more, since it was handy for me.  Also, Cervezorama has gone back to the grave.  Let us raise our glasses to our fallen.

No pouring out!

Hold on, that doesn't look much like a beer...and it isn't.  It isn't even a lambic.  It's organic apple cider, with red currant juice for color.  Also organic.  The Beer Garden has been stocking ciders and juices for some time, although I haven't much paid attention to them.  Today, for some reason, the pink cider really stood out on the shelf.  Maybe because it's warm enough to walk around without a jacket.  Early spring is upon us!  So, a refreshing German cider might be just the thing tonight.

It looks very much like the cranberry wine from a while ago, although a bit bubblier.  It even has a winey sort of smell.  There's also a dryness and crispness to the taste, somewhat like Spanish ciders, but also with some help from the currants I'd think.  Although sharp at first, the taste mellows, or the tastebuds get used to it and it settles into a sweeter flavor.  Also like the wine, it would be nice to have something cheesy to go with this cider, more than something salty, even.  It's a little light for a winter night, although warm temperatures have returned for the moment.  I'll be back to my stouts any time now!

Supplier: The Beer Garden
Price: €4.50

a little jump

I've had some good recent experiences with my old nemesis the Belgian beer, so I felt confident in picking up Troubadour stout.  The Musketeers brewery seems to have a whole line of Troubadours, all with a pretty traditional Belgian look.  It's still stout kind of weather, what with wind and rain and gray skies, no nobody can fault me for leaning towards the black beers.  Even if I lean towards them no matter the weather.  So full of excuses I am.

It's not quite black in color, more of a chocolate brown, and the smell is typical Belgian, but only very light.  The head is thick and almost ice-cream-like, off-white in color.  It tastes like most Belgian dark beers, sweetish and just a little sharp, without the bitterness of other stouts.  There might be little chocolate hiding inside it.  It has some weight and flavor, doesn't demand attention, and isn't sour like a Belgian might be.  It's mildness makes it a good, all-around sort, good to go with a meal or a friendly chat.  Without any strong tastes of its own, any number of snacks would be fine, you can take your pick.  I feel a little like something sweet at a moment.

Supplier: Cervecissimus
Price: €2.50