R&B Brewing Co. - Dark Star Oatmeal Stout

I'll make this one quick.  I friggin love this beer! R&B Brewing Company hit the nail on the head for me with this one.  I like my heavy knock-down stouts, but it is nice to find one that is a little quicker in the mouth and doesn't have that weigh-you-down feel.

A soothing dark, muddy body that's almost black.  It has an average head that is off-white (latte like) and creamy smooth.  The nose gives a heavy roasted, nutty, coffee and almost straw-like malt note.  The bitterness is strange.  It is definitely there but oddly subtle at the same time; rather herby. The palate gives a woody, charcoal, chocolate and tobacco mix.  The drinking texture is thick and pleasantly oily with a lively and fine carbonation.  The acidity is light and the flavour leaves a minerally/metallic hint which pleasantly last for a while.  I don't usually like using "metallic" as a descriptor as it can turn some people off.  In this case, I mean it in all the good ways,...the good metals!  It rings in at 4.6% alcohol with 18 IBUs.  It brought home a gold in the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2010.  

Did I mention I love this beer!

The Pelican Pub and Brewery - Tsunami Stout

Pulled a bottle of Tsunami Stout by The Pelican Pub and Brewery out of the fridge last night.  First time trying it and was pleased with the beer overall.  The appearance is a nice very dark, almost black hue.  The head was a dark tan, frothy and lasting.  The body had a mild/lite carbonation and felt creamy in the mouth.  Notes of cask wood, toffee, vanilla and maybe even some cola.  Felt slick going down with a lasting flavor.  Beer advocate has this one currently sitting at an (A-).  I must concur; a very enjoyable stout.  Listed at 7% alc.

Tree Brewing Company - Hop Head Double IPA

In my last post I gave an example of an easy introduction to the world of hoppy beers, for those who might be hesitant.  Well this time I'm throwing down a suggestion for those who are seasoned in the hopped world.  Tree Brewing Co. produce one of my current favourites when I'm looking for a solid hoppy drink.  Their Hop Head Double IPA is well balanced and a very drinkable beer.  The hop aroma hits you right away and lingers nicely.  It has a nice copper hue and a dull body.  I love this beer; the hops are strong and constant and the bitterness keeps me reaching for the glass.  When the hops roll back, you get a soft fruity and floral side coming through.  Just awesome!  I see on the Tree Brewing webpage that the stock was sold out for 2010.  Hopefully they get another batch out to the shelves soon. I'll have to add a few more to my collection just incase.  

Cheers

Phillips Hop Box - Easy Pucker

By last week I had sampled just about every Phillips Brewery beer I could get locally,...except the Hop Box.  This had two Phillips beer I had not tried yet.  I only heard about it a few weeks ago.  This is a 12 pack of four of what I would call their mild or easy hopped beer (but still considered hoppy).  All the beers have a good hop note and taste but are far from overwhelming.  The 12 pack has four each of Hop Circle IPA, Skookum Cascadian Brown Ale,  Krypton Rye Pale Ale and Centennial IPA (the first in their new Grow Hop series (single hop IPA's)).  All of these selection are great for those looking to experiment with beers on the hoppier side, but not ready to quite dive in yet.  The alcholol is lower in these selections (highest = 6.5%) compared to other Phillips high hop beers. The Phillips Hopperation Triple Cross throws a little more pucker your way and an 8% alcohol content if your looking to dive right in!  The Phillips Hop Box is available at Frirefly Wines and Ales on Cambie Street in Vancouver .