Smoked Porter 2009

Some great things are smoked my friends. Salmon, a certain herb... anyone..., and perhaps the greatest of all... barley! Yes it's true my brethren, the great smoked beer is back!

My excitement was peaked today when I saw Alaskan Smoked Porter of the 2009 vintage in Joe's Parkway. I always look forward to this time of year because all of the strong burly seasonals are coming about. This, though, was an early surprise. Not to be released until November it was like I was blessed by Jesus himself. The light shone down today... and I was lucky enough to step into that light and receive the blessing of smoked barley.

The blackness that is the Smoked Porter was shown in the initial pour and only got blacker as the glass filled up. The cream colored head was thick and pronounced begging to be ogled and admired. The smell brought on the thick smoke accent that is the essence of this fine porter. But this wasn't it... there is much to admire including a slight bitter tinge that tried to cover up a chocolaty sweetness.

This was all a tease until the actual taste though. The smokiness can't fully be appreciated until you've had it take over your palette. We all think we're unworthy until we finally comprehend our mortality and taste this tiny bit of heaven. You will rise up and see the glorious light that is darkness. Its full body and creamy head will haunt your dreams and you'll find yourself begging for more. But don't be hasty because this is one to be enjoyed for the ages gentlemen. No matter how much you yearn, you must hold back and appreciate this porter, nay smoked porter, for years to come. This tasting is but one in a long line of years of tastings for this single vintage.

Gentlemen... today we find out what ATODD is really about!

Grand Teton Brewing: A Lifestyle

On the seventh day, as it were, the Lord spake: "Let there be beer bourbon aged." And thus Grand Teton Brewery's Double Vision Bourbon-Aged Doppelbock was born. A smooth, creamy testament to the esteem in which God holds men, this beer brought yours truly to his knees; nay, to his feet. At first glance, the strong, foreboding liquid seems unapproachable. Just as the winter night seems to those unfamiliar a powerful warning to ward off the unprepared, so too does this brew seek to thwart the undeserving in their quest for the ultimate beer.

The eloquent spidering of the head as it melts down the side of the goblet gives only a hint of the thick and viscous nature of the drink. The black, thick liquid moves gracefully through that which contains it with the grace of a ballerina and the interia of a sumo wrestler.

Divine: the manner of the dance upon the tongue performed by this drink can only be desribed by this word. It feels as though the omnipotent gaze of God himself pierces your mouth and leaves a trail of wanting on every bud of taste. That man was able to capture such a taste and distribute it to your humble reviewer is a feat of magnificence reproduced only seldom throughout history.

Thank you, Grand Teton Brewery, for fulfilling the deepest desires of my soul and quenching the eternal thirst of my spirit. Your bravery and perseverance will not remain unacknowledged.

Hops as a Symbol?

While I appreciate the love that most beer connoisseurs have for hops, I feel that the emphasis placed upon them as a symbol of good beer is cliche'. Instead we should embrace the noble malt as a mascot. For malt is the foundation upon which a good beer is constructed, while hops are a mere adornment.

The Beginning

I decided there should be a beer page to put up reviews and what not. A good beer... a good discussion... anyone?

We've got a taker.