Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale

Snowing, so I gotta have this while it's still officially Winter.Though Chicago winter last longer than the start of official Spring. Light in color for a "winter" ale, in my opinion. The whiff is grainy, and definitely European. And the taste brings me back to London. As much as I enjoy a bit of European flavor every so often, and this is not bad, American brewers are just making such amazing stuff, I think we are finally free of the Old World, brewing better stuff here! Caramelly, and smooth, while dry with this strange sort of grain taste. The first sip had me wanting to pan this, but it is not so bad. When in a European mood, give this one a chance. Authentic, it is. ID

18.7oz bottle, 6% ABV

Samuel Smith Old Brewery

Tadcaster, England

purchased at Kenwood

Three Philosophers Quadrupel Ale

Smooth, with a nice flavor, and slight spiciness at the swallow. This has been in the fridge awhile, so I'm glad to have gotten to it, as the bottle says "best by 09/2017". Whew, that was close! This has a bit of a wine quality to it, which makes it very refreshing. Very drinkable! I must have had a bad experience with a Belgian, so I often avoid these, but this is really good. The label says it is a blend of 98% Quadrupel ale and 2% Liefmans Kriek. I haven't had that brand, but have had many of the Lindemans lambics. Good stuff. Maybe it has to warm to let that cherry taste out (yup, 50 degree serving temp says the label), but this is so smooth and drinkable, it probably won't last long enough! Oh, there it is, just the smallest hint as I get to the bottom of the glass. Nice complex flavor, so MB.

25.4 oz corked bottle, 9.7% ABV

Ommegang Brewery

Cooperstown, NY

purchased at Kenwood

Lord Rear Admiral Extra Special Bitter Ale

Nice caramel color, and that's how I'd describe the flavor. Wow this is very tasty!  An excellent version of this style. I can't say enough good things about this, but isn't this a Spring/Summer beer, that they're releasing in February? At the rate FFF goes, this will certainly be sold out soon! MB while you can get it!

22oz bottle, 55 IBU, 6.5% ABV (website)

Three Floyds Brewing

Munster, IN

purchased togo at FFF brewpub

In The Name of Suffering Black IPA

Supposedly made in conjunction with New Orleans band EYEHATEGOD. Nicely hoppy, and a solid roasted grain flavor. This style has always thrown my tasting for a curve as my brain tries to reconcile the sight of a black beer with the flavor of an IPA. But this one is not confusing to me, maybe because I've had enough of these that this is a new style that my brain has come to understand. I wish these were more common, because as I know I generally pick an IPA over anything else on the menu or shelf, I think I would rather pick one of these. It just tastes better! The bitterness is there, but doesn't have that sometimes unpleasant thickness of bitterness as an aftertaste. The dark grains kind of sweep that off the tongue leaving me refreshed. The overall character is still light, so I know I'm not drinking a porter or stout, regardless of how it looks. Just the perfect combination. With IPAs and dark beers being around for hundreds of years, why is it only in the last 5 or less years have brewers figured out how to marry these together?! But am I glad they did! And Floyds you have put together the best of these that I have discovered so far. If anyone knows of better, please comment and let me know the next brewery I need to check out. Black IPA, represent! MB

22oz bottle, 7.1% ABV (website)

Three Floyds Brewing

Munster, IN

purchased togo at FFF brewpub

Secret Stache Stout

Stout in a can! But no Guinness-style "widget" in here. This is the second beer I've had from this brewer, from my local home, but again I bought it out of state. Why don't they sell their beer in the local market?! Anyway, this is dark, slightly sweet, only so slight, and in a good way, and slightly thick, unlike Guinness, but infinitely, velvety smooth. There is a hint of some flavor added, chocolate? Maybe not. The can says it has vanilla, so that must be it, but it is not a strong flavor, which is good, since the last vanilla stout I tried was bad as the vanilla was way too dominant. This is just a nice, easy drinking, flavorful, thicky-sorta stout. I like this, so I'll go MB if you can find it, but I guess not in Chicago.

16oz can, 5.3% ABV

Finch's Beer Company

Chicago, IL

purchased at Holiday Market