Build a good Foundation and everything else is easy, they say.
#arbeiterBrewing Foundation 2024 sets the evening on solid ground. #barrelAged imperial #stout is sweet and bourbon forward, a hint of licorice and a snappy boozy finish. 11.3%
#drinkLocal #letItWarm #itsAlwaysStoutSeason #microBrew @beersofmastodon
Another beer that (like a Blonde Stout) provides a shock when poured into a glass, and another shock when you take a sip: Abita's Helles Doppelbock. It does taste exactly like you'd guess from the name, though: sharp, bubbly, and clean like a helles, but caramel malty like a doppelbock. I like it, but from the reviews on Beer Advocate is appears to not be everyone's cup of tea. Or beer.
This is the American made “Czech Style” dark lager that motivated me to try the real thing. I love everything I've tried from Moonlight Brewing, including this. It has some similarities to the Praga Dark Lager, including the red color and a crusty bread nose and taste. But it's a lot lighter, both in appearance and taste; I'd be reluctant to characterize it as a “Dark” at all. It seemed simpler as a well; not quite as many flavors in the mix. I'd call the Moonlight more refreshing in hot weather, while the Praga a better late-night fireside beer.
I actually tasted the Moonlight 4 weeks ago; I need to put these two side-by-side for a fair comparison. But it's hard not to note that really excellent American-made European-style beers run over $5/can, compared to $2/bottle for an actual #CzechBeer.
@enog I used to always take a picture of my first pour of a new beer, and write down my thoughts about it. Since leaving Facebook I've only shared my thoughts with my beer buddy (a.k.a. my son) and random coworkers. Until now. 
After a period of dropping $100+ every time I went to my beer store. I embarked on a mission to buy brews that were local *and* reasonably priced, less than $2 for a 12oz can or $3 for a 16 oz can. And here we are.
East Brother promotes their Red IPA as something between an Amber and a true IPA. It's actually nothing like an IPA, but it is a solid red ale. There's floral and fruit up front, a touch of bitterness, and a proper medium body with flavors of caramel / roasted malt and a bit of sweetness, very balanced. The finish is startlingly astringent, and gets unpleasant as I finish the glass. So I'd call it solid, but there are other local reds I like better. I would like to try it on tap.
