Surly Four
Yay hooray, another picture taken in candlelight at Common Roots. I actually like that when they tap a special beer, it comes in a cute little stemless wine glass. At first I feel a little grar about paying the same for less beer, but then I get near the bottom and remember that I’m hard put to finish a whole pint of something tasty most nights, especially if dinner and dessert are happening at the same time. Anyway, this is Four, a double espresso milk stout that Surly’s brewed for its fourth anniversary. They’ll be bottling it later this month and I thought I’d try it last night to see if I want to move heaven and earth to secure some bottles. I’m still not sure. It’s a nice beer, desserty and just a little creamy with a sweet yeasty aroma. Smoky. In fact, when I started out drinking it along with my mushroom ravioli, it tasted entirely of woodsmoke, and that was a little much. The macaroon pictured was a much better fit, but if I’d had the means, I’d have paired this with just straight-up chocolate. Obvious, but it really does work best. The coconut half of the macaroon brought out an intense ethanol booziness, which I guess is cool if you’re Sam and you like rubbing alcohol, but I found it not so flattering. The chocolate half gave me the dried fruit notes I was looking for. Date, mostly; nothing too sweet or complicated. I like this beer, but am not sold on driving all over creation to get it. I think stouts and I are on the outs for the next little while; they were a nice gateway, but lately I seem to be heading for less chewy pastures.
woolwine, and 
smole are discussing. 
smole 11:48 am on August 13, 2009 Permalink |
Coffee is the second best beverage and this is such a a great sounding coffee. I’m a little bummed I can’t find beans to buy on their site or foodzie.
woolwine 1:37 pm on August 13, 2009 Permalink |
I would guess that they do retail at just brick-and-mortar places, since they are so ZOMG EVERYTHING CRAZY FRESH. I believe there’s a Stumptown in NYC, which is at least on your coast.
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