Thread: The recommend-a-beer thread

Originally Posted by UnholyGoalie

Anyway, over the weekend I tried a bomber of Stone IPA at a dive bar in Venice. Not terrible but it wasn't my type of beer. I've had other IPA's before (Lagunitas, off the top of my head) that I enjoyed but the Stone was too hoppy for me. Very resin-ey taste that reminded me of branches off a pine Christmas tree. Not really my style.

You know, I'm really not big on IPA's anymore like I used to be. However, I think Stone's is pretty solid. You're right though, very resin-ey and piney. Not much malt balance to be found at all in that one. I'll go for their Ruination

Originally Posted by mitchrock

Was in the mood for Belgian style beers by american breweries. TRied Green Flash's Trippel. Pretty good, prefer their Le Freak which is similar to Stone's Cali Belgiqu. Drinking Anderson Valley's Brother David's Tripple and am loving it. That is what I was hoping for. Similar to Brother Thelonius.

Oh Mitch, the Le Freak blows the hell out of the Cali Belgique.

Just had a pint of this. Nice clean and sweet start before the familiar IPA afterburn of hops kicks in.

Victory Storm King Imperial Stout – I bought a sixer of this after hearing so much about this brewery and most specifically this beer. When I bought it, Rob at Vendome told me this beer kicked his butt and after checking the ABV (9.1%) I can see why. Upon pouring it out the aroma had more hops to it than I anticipated. The aroma was complex and I knew this beer would not be boring at all. It poured out an almost pitch black with not much head. The first sip revealed some strong hops bitter that smacked me in the chops but then receded and then came some dark chocolate and barley malt. The flavors were robust and intense. Definitely not for the faint of heart. The beer wasn’t smooth. It had some balls to it and kept your attention in check. The hops were still present at this point. A little past the halfway point the hops have mellowed out (or I’m buzzed) but continues with the dark chocolate and now strong espresso. It finished up smoother than it started, but that just may be my take on it. I liked this beer but I don’t think I could drink more than two in one night. It’s intense, complex, savory, hoppy and I recommend.

Originally Posted by UnholyGoalie

Victory Storm King Imperial Stout – I bought a sixer of this after hearing so much about this brewery and most specifically this beer. When I bought it, Rob at Vendome told me this beer kicked his butt and after checking the ABV (9.1%) I can see why. Upon pouring it out the aroma had more hops to it than I anticipated. The aroma was complex and I knew this beer would not be boring at all. It poured out an almost pitch black with not much head. The first sip revealed some strong hops bitter that smacked me in the chops but then receded and then came some dark chocolate and barley malt. The flavors were robust and intense. Definitely not for the faint of heart. The beer wasn’t smooth. It had some balls to it and kept your attention in check. The hops were still present at this point. A little past the halfway point the hops have mellowed out (or I’m buzzed) but continues with the dark chocolate and now strong espresso. It finished up smoother than it started, but that just may be my take on it. I liked this beer but I don’t think I could drink more than two in one night. It’s intense, complex, savory, hoppy and I recommend.

Mind if I ask where you found that? I'm a big Russian Imperial Stout fan!

Vendome Liquors in Toluca Lake, which is my go-to place. I don't know if they carry Victory brews but Bevmo in Woodland Hills is another place I would recommend. Sorry, I don't know Long Beach that well.

Celebrating the Laker victory...anyone wanna come over?

I like The Abyss too!
oh, you're talking about the drink?

Stone Smoked Porter – Opening this bottle revealed a milder aroma than I was expecting. The smoke wasn’t nearly as powerful as the Schlenkerla. The taste was complex with a slight hop bitterness followed by a mild malty finish. I was expecting a more robust malt taste and smoke presence but the complex hops and floral flavors were what kept my attention the most. For a Stone beer, I was expecting something with a bigger punch and a bit more on the creamy syrupy style, however, I enjoyed this beer and would definitely buy another bottle.