Red Brick, Dog Days Ale

Wow.  I love this stuff.  I bought a quart growler from 5 Points Growlers on recommendation from one of the staff.

This beer has everything that makes summer brews great.  It's a crisp, refreshing, easy drink that doesn't overwhelm you with complex over the top flavors.  I'd love to have a tall glass of this on standby for a post-lawn-mow celebration out on the front porch in my rocker.  If I host any BBQ's this summer, I'll be serving the Dog Days.  In fact, I can just see a golden pint accompanying a plateful of grilled shrimp skewers and corn on the cob.

I feel inspired, man.  BBQ at my place before the month's out.  Now I have an excuse to get a gallon growler.

Oh yeh... the taste.  Simple, but with strong character.  Citrus, spice, wheat, hops, carbonation: perfectly balanced. Seriously, it's zen-like.

Founders, Breakfast Stout

Coffee, chocolate, malt, slight alcohol warmth, crisp and mild bitterness at the end.  Black as night... seriously, i held it up to my ceiling fan light and you can't see anything through it.  Thick mouthfeel.  I guess that's what some people call "full-bodied".  No real head worth mentioning.  What was there when I poured it quickly vanished.  Perfect carbonation: just enough to be enjoyable.

I enjoyed it (really) all the way to the end, but I don't think I'd want more than one at a time.  My only other experience with a stout has been Guinness Extra Stout.  This Founders Breakfast Stout was by far more enjoyable.  I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this one.

More thoughts:  Gave me the mega munchies.  According to beeradvocate.com this is a seasonal brew.  I may need to buy some to keep around.