Dark days call for dark beers, and in that spirit we kick off a series of three podcasts on stouts with an episode on Imperial Stouts. We start by reaching out to our friend Nick Smith, co-founder and head brewer at Steam Machine Brewing in the UK, for a fascinating discussion on the historical origins... Continue Reading →
All Things Beer Episode 30 – Halloween at Jackie O’s on 4th
In this special Halloween-themed episode we are joined by Johnny Clift, General Manager of Jackie O’s on 4th. Johnny shares stories of his years working at one of Ohio’s most beloved breweries, and we take a closer look at his vision for their new Columbus outpost, Jackie O’s on 4th. Along the way we enjoy... Continue Reading →
Ohio vs the World Part 6 – Barrel Aged BamBaLam vs Dark Apparition vs KBS
As the days get short and the mercury drops, the popularity of strong, dark beers waxes. What better time to break out that bottle of barrel aged imperial stout that’s been quietly aging in your cellar. A perfect time for the long awaited next installment of my Ohio vs the World series, a sporadic feature... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Sohio Stout by Columbus Brewing Co.
When the Columbus Brewing Company expanded and moved out to their new location on the west side of Columbus one of the most tangible benefits to local beer lovers was the promised expansion in their lineup of packaged beers. While their award-winning hop bombs, Bodhi and Creeper, have captured most of the attention let’s not forget... Continue Reading →
Zaftig Bottle Release/Ugly Sweater Party
As many of you already know Zaftig is holding their annual Ugly Sweater Christmas party tomorrow (Saturday, 12/12/15) from 12-6 pm. In conjunction they will releasing two high abv brews that have been patiently aging in a barrel for most of 2015: Bourbon Barrel Aged BamBaLam - BamBaLam is Zaftig's Imperial Stout aged with chocolate and coffee. This... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Bourbon Barrel Black Maple by Jackie O’s
Thanksgiving and the days around it are among the best days of the year for breaking out those beers you’ve been saving for a special occasion. What could be more apropos, after all the pilgrims stopped at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts in large part because their supplies of beer were dwindling. So on Thanksgiving eve... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Four String 4th Anniversary Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Four String Brewing turns four years old this month, and they are throwing a party to celebrate the occasion. The 4th anniversary party is taking place today (Saturday, October 31) at the taproom starting at noon. To celebrate they've done what any self-respecting rock themed brewery would do, age a big badass of a beer in bourbon barrels... Continue Reading →
Dire Wolf Bottle Release at Wolf’s Ridge
I’ve been a proponent of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing for some time, especially since Chris Davison came on board as head brewer last fall. So I was excited when news came out earlier this week that they are going to have their first bottle release later this month. Not just any beer mind you, but one... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Thudstaff by Hoof Hearted
With the weather finally coming around this is my last post in the Sunday Stout Soliloquy series. I was planning to review Goose Island's Bourbon County Brand Stout, going so far as drinking a bottle that I had stashed away and taking tasting notes. I can summarize my thoughts on BCBS by saying of all the barrel... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Founders KBS is it worth the hassle?
Those of you keeping track will have noticed that I missed a couple of weeks in the Sunday Stout Soliloquy series. Perhaps you thought it was over because the series was only supposed to run until the end of winter, and the optimist in me would like to think that winter is behind us. In... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Barrel aged Siberian Night by Thirsty Dog
As we approach St. Patrick's Day many a pint of Irish dry stouts like Guinness and Murphy's will be hoisted. I'll admit that I have a soft spot for a good pint of Guinness served on nitro, particularly when looking for something sessionable. It may surprise you to learn that Guinness has the same alcohol content as a... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Fat Julian by Actual
Time for another installment of Sunday Stout Soliloquies and for the first time my ritual of drinking strong dark beer every Sunday seems to be unnerving old man winter just a little. Cracks of spring are starting to show through, but I have a feeling that winter still has a few tricks up his sleeve.... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Plead the 5th Imperial Stout by Dark Horse
Looking out my window today I see that winter is still fully entrenched in Central Ohio, which means it's time for the second installment of Sunday Stout Soliloquies. Today we take a closer look at Plead the 5th Imperial Stout by Dark Horse Brewing. Not content with making one or two different stouts, Dark Horse releases... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Dark Apparition by Jackie O’s
Recently I posted the results of an Imperial Stout blind taste test that was wildly popular. If my readers want to get up close and personal with this dark and burly style of beer who am I to argue. Lord knows the weather is wintry enough to make you turn to a beer that can warm... Continue Reading →
Imperial Stout Blind Taste Test
It’s time for another Pat’s Pints blind taste test, and what better style for surviving the cold days of winter than an Imperial Stout. This style originated in 18th century England and was given the moniker Russian Imperial Stout because it was brewed with an unusually high amount of malts, alcohol, and hops to weather... Continue Reading →
A First Look at the Wolf’s Ridge Taproom
Fourteen months after initially breaking ground the taproom at Wolf's Ridge, a topic of several posts on this blog, finally opened to the public last night. I was fortunate enough to be invited to a sneak peek of the taproom on Thursday night. So Mark Richards, who does most of the photography for the brewery... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – The Dogfather by Laughing Dog
Did you have any beer-related items on your Christmas list, perhaps something from my list of gifts for the 12 days of Christmas? If so did Samichlaus come through as hoped? I’m not sure how I ended up on the nice list, but I received more than my share of Christmas booty including a set... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Four String Imperial Stout (limited release)
This coming weekend Four String Brewing is turning three years old, and they are throwing a party to celebrate the occasion. The 3rd anniversary party is taking place at the brewery on Saturday, October 11 from 4-10 pm. What better way to celebrate than by brewing a special beer, and that’s exactly what they’ve done. Not... Continue Reading →
Beer Review – Death by Rivertown Brewing
Back in 2012 Rivertown Brewing released a series of beers inspired by the four horsemen of the apocalypse: Pestilence – a Flanders Oud Bruin War – a smoked Irish Red Ale Famine – a black Hefeweizen Death – a Russian Imperial Stout brewed with Jolokai Peppers Fortunately, the release of these beers did not actually... Continue Reading →