Your Next Pint

This Valentines Day, cross over to the dark side with Point Reyes Porter

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Lets face it, dark beer looks intimidating, it doesn't smell hoppy, and contains basically no carbonation – which is kind of everything Americans like about beer. However, in my attempt to stick to the NYE resolution of opening up my beer palate, my friend, the beer stocker at Whole Foods, suggested trying a Porter.

Unlike Stout, Porters are a good intro to crossing over to the dark side. And the Point Reyes Porter from Marin Brewing does a good job of opening up the universe of dark beer with its mild sweetness and drinkability.

The Washdown:

- chocolatey sweet smell that pours black and comes with distant coffee aftertaste, Point Reyes Porter (Marin Brewing Company in Larkspur California, CA) 6% ABV

This is a surprisingly drinkable beer without a ton of booze. It's not too heavy either, making it easy to enjoy more than just one on your own or with a loved one. Tomorrow, enjoy it with a Coffee Rubbed Steak and a Flourless Chocolate Cake a la mode.

Happy Valentines Day!

 

Wine country Paso Robles serves up Firestone Brewery too

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Christmas is around the corner, so your next holiday – as in vacation – is naturally on the brain. Instead of fighting air traffic, take a road trip to Paso Robles where the whole family can be pleased. It's wine country. It's where William Randolph Hearsts' zebras roam. And it's where Firestone Walker brews one of my new favorites, Union Jack IPA.

The Washdown:

Four 4oz. tastings for $6

- big nose, small finish, mildly hoppy Pale Ale 4.6% ABV

- smells sweet, prominent barley & vanilla DBA British Pale Ale 5% ABV

- bold citrus & pineapple Union Jack India Pale Ale 4.6% ABV

- coffee & caramel, bittersweet chocolate Walkers Reserve Robust Porter 5.9% ABV

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Take the 405N to the 101N then exit Ramada. 4 hours later and BAM! you're there (at least if you're coming from LA. Seriously though, a trip to Firestone Brewery in Paso Robles is probably the best wrapped compromise you could ever give your wife or hubby, 'cuz a slew of wineries (140 to be exact) are less than 10 minutes away.

Plus, the tastings aren't that expensive either. You'll want to start with their most common, the Pale Ale, then work your way to the Dark Side, Walkers Reserve.

If you like bitter IPAs, the Pale Ale is probably not for you. It kind of tastes like a watered down Sierra Nevada, but still has a floral nose and always seems to be my natural choice when hitting up the bar.

The DBA has that true Toasted Grain flavor, like when you crack a Grapenut on your tongue. And it smells sweet with a touch of Vanilla.

As I said earlier, the Union Jack is my favorite. It's hoppy & bitter like a Racer 5 IPA, but cut with citrusy sweet Pineapple. This beer you can definitely drink all night long – it's no wonder it won plenty of awards at the Great American Beer Festival.

Lastly, treat the Walkers Reserve like a coffee dessert. It has robust Toffee, Caramel, and Bittersweet Chocolate Flavors from the 5 special Malts, Oats, and Barley flakes. Kind of like Kahula on ice, it's not as heavy as other stouts and is rather peppy with lots of carbonation.

Follow @FirestoneWalker for details on their Christmas calendar and tasting specials.

Kick off December with Apple, Fig, Coffee & Pine in Deschutes Jubelale

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Baby, it's cold outside. So cozy up to the month of December and all it's holiday cheer by unwrapping a bottle of Jubelale – more like a Winter Porter – from Deschutes Brewery.

Pour this one in a special snifter glass and let the scents brew:

The Washdown:

- apple, fig, coffee & pine Jubelale (Deschutes Brewery in Bend, OR) 6.7% ABV

This beer is definitely not for chugging. Slip on your robe, sit by the fire, grab a slice of Apple Pie or Fine Dark Chocolate, then let the sipping begin. The nose is Apple & Winter Pine, perhaps even a Fir Tree. The tongue is Bitter Dark Chocolate with a hint of Citrus tang. The finish is Strong Coffee with strokes of Kahlua. Isn't that how every warm winter meal should end?

After a glass, you'll forget all about that daunting Figgy Pudding, and be happy you drank your calories instead – 216 per 12 oz serving, to be exact. And just in case you were wondering, it's not too filling, but rather full of flavor.

Follow @DeschutesBeer for brew news on this Seasonal Ale available only from October – December.

Hoppy Holidays!