Episode 70: WIll Work and Bleed For Beer.

It’s rare for three hosts to agree on a grade, but this episode has what might be the best chocolate stout and coffee stout ever made and something we have never tasted before. Click HERE for brewing lessons and phone service explanations from 1850 Head Brewer, mad scientist, and table-banger Rico Sanchez, retired professional chef, Clarence Tedrow, and the guy trying to get information on his phone, Bob Moffitt.

Almanac “Double Secret Probation” Cold Brew Coffee 5.5% abv

Bob: Promises “rich, awesome and zippy.” The can art is definitely not “zippy.” Not bitter. Great balance. Excellent

Rico: Maybe it’s the Sweet Maria’s beans. Whatever it is, it’s Excellent. I would love to do a collaboration.

Clarence: Sweet. Balanced. Delicious. Excellent

Lead Dog “Churro Please” Pastry 7.8% abv 20 IBU

Bob: Can art is amazing. Tab construction required tools. GOOD

Clarence: Cinnamon in beer is not my favorite. Yeasty? This is the best one of this type I have had. GOOD

Rico: I think it needs to air out a little before you pass judgement. GOOD

1850 “Chubby Bunny” Pastry 8 % abv

Rico: Heavy lactose with some honey and beignets. Fruity with chocolate, caramel, and toffee. Just because I make it doesn’t mean I like it, but I like this one.

Bob: I’m getting raspberry jelly donut. Unlike anything I’ve had before. EXCELLENT

Clarence: the possible food pairings are substantial. VERY GOOD

Founders “Breakfast Stout” Coffee 8.3% 60 IBU

Rico: Coffee, then chocolate. The alcohol content is hidden. FAIR

Clarence: Not getting much of the sweetness. FAIR

Bob: The bottle info is decent. Not a good one to follow a pastry. Not sweet or decadent. Seems out of balance. FAIR.

Left Hand “Wake Up Dead” Russian Imperial 10.2% abv 45 IBU

Bob: Interesting bottle art. Black stout with black barley? Too much like a foreign export. This might work for a foreign export fan. It’s complex, but not great. FAIR.

Rico: It’s like barley wine. Dried fruit. Cellar it for five years and get back to me. I wonder when the coffee was added. POOR

Clarence: I don’t know what to do with this besides pour it out. POOR

Boulevard “Whiskey Barrel” Imperial 11.8% abv 32

Bob: Not the greatest art. The flavors are good together. I’ve been impaled. VERY GOOD

Rico: I would let it sit longer. I’m wondering about the grain bill. GOOD. Not my style.

Clarence: I get whiskey. GOOD. Super heavy. Mandatory sharing with the abv.