• Share

Bottle/Tap: Bottle

Having gone almost a full week without power up here in the frozen northeast, I thought it best to sample a beer that would warm my bones since the heating unit can’t seem to help me.  Several weeks ago, after visiting a new beer store, I came across this interesting looking beer and thought I’d bring it home.  Trust me, the situation was as lot more romantic than I made it sound, but I don’t want to bore you with the disgusting details.  Instead I’ll tell you about yet another successful conquest.

As I mentioned above, it was damn cold last week without power and it was only October; I mean come on, really?  Stouts are perfect for these situations: you need a beer that can be enjoyed somewhat cold, yet room temperature is always better.  The addition of the coffee flavor seemed to propel me toward the inevitable drinking.

There was no mistaking the aroma of this beer when I took off the cap, that classic coffee ground smell with a hint of vanilla.  Jet black and ready to go, I dove into this one while eating some pepperoni pizza, and this was the best combination of flavors.  The bitter flavor of the beer helped to control the extra spice of the pepperoni and I almost drank the beer too fast.

After tapping the brakes, I was able to take in the smooth body and noticed the flavor was a little bolder at room temperature.  Approaching the end of the pint, I decided to just take it all in one and was in for a bitter surprise.  You would swear that all the coffee and bitterness sank to the bottom of the glass just waiting for a moment to spring out and attack.  The same way a lion would stalk a gazelle — well that might be a stretch.

This was a good take on a traditional favorite of mine, and I would suggest picking up a few bottles if you get the chance.  Hinterland Brewing seems pretty cool, and I’ll be on the look out for more of their beers.