Every Friday, Nikki’s Liquors in North Providence has a tasting of something. Even if it’s not an official tasting with a rep from a brewery or distributor, Mike, the owner (I think) and beer man, picks something to try. Today is Flying Dog. I’m happy about this one because I had only tried one Flying Dog beer before, Gonzo Imperial Porter, and wasn’t overly crazy about it at the time.
Having gone to this tasting and trying everything that they had there (about 8 beers total), a couple stood out to me – Gonzo Imperial Porter (I might’ve had it too cold the first time, it was really good here), Double Dog Double Pale Ale (a double IPA, very smooth for 10% ABV), In Heat Wheat (hefeweizen, not normally a fan, but this one was good), Woody Creek White (Belgian-style wit, again, not normally a fan of the style, but this one was good), Snake Dog IPA (nothing like a good IPA, have yet to have one I didn’t like), Oh Scratch Amber Lager (a nice lager), and Doggie-style Classic Pale Ale (nothing special about it, just a pale ale, but pretty good). I picked up a mixed 6 pack of them (Snake Dog, Doggie Style, In Heat, Woody Creek, and Oh Scratch) so I could get a free pint glass (I was gonna buy a 6 pack of something anyways, might as well get something free out of it).
Now that I’m home, I decided to try Sam Smith’s Oatmeal Stout. This is probably one of the best stouts I have ever had. It’s smooth, it’s a little creamy, and it’s very flavorful. It has a lot of roasted flavor to it, some slight coffee and chocolate flavors, but it’s not too bitter. There’s just enough hops to balance it out a bit. If you like Guinness (which I have decided I no longer enjoy, except for the Extra Stout (because it’s less watered down and has more flavor than Guinness Draught), and have decided on Beamish for my favorite Irish stout), you should really try this one some time. It’s not as smooth (because it lacks the nitrogen), but it’s got a lot more flavor. I can even detect a little molasses and caramel in there. This is definitely a must have for any stout fan.
So ends Beer Day… though I will be bringing some of the Flying Dogs (and probably the Old Brown Dog and Titan) with me to the Jimmy Buffett show I’ll be at tomorrow at Foxboro Stadium. Toots and the Maytals are opening… it should be an amazing show (I have yet to see Buffett, so I’m looking forward to it).
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