Things About Stuff

Black Acre Porter

Brewed by: Black Acre Brewing Co., Indianapolis, Ind.

ABV: 6.6

3.5 out of 5 burps

We were present for the opening of Black Acre’s first self-brewed kegs, featuring this porter and a green tea pale ale. Read more »

  

Stone Smoked Porter

Brewed by: Stone Brewing Co., Escondido, Calif.

ABV: 4.9

4.5 out of 5 burps

It’s a chilly, all-day-rainy, bleak, spring-greened and beer-futured day. And the future is now, and now is this Smoked Porter from Escondido, Calif.

Wait, what? I’m not drinking local?! Dammit.

I’ll have to drown my ungreen sorrows and freshly acquired 13.32-miles-in-1:56 fatigue in this glorious smoked-but-not-too-smoked mahogany-hued goodness. And while I’m at it, I’m going to Read more »

  

Sun King Zaius

Brewed at: Sun King Brewery, Indianapolis

ABV: 5.0

4.5 out of 5 burps

When the planet is overrun by damn, dirty apes, you’ll want this smart, hairy brew on your side.

An oatmeal stout, it’s also very fortifying for breakfast. Read more »

  

Boulevard Brewing's Bully

Brewed by: Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City, Missouri

ABV: 5.4

2.0 out of 5 burps

Despite how much I like the label, this one’s too far on the bitter side of the chocolaty, malty world of beer.

AJ says it’s bitter “like an Englishman.” But I think perhaps the Irish might be more bitter, or maybe the Scottish. But probably just me.

Read more »

  

Ce n'est pas Brooklyn Maple Porter.

Brewed by: The Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn, N.Y.

ABV: 6.9

4.5 out of 5 burps

The bastards already claimed my too-soon-empty glass, so this condiment photo will have to do for illustration.

But truth be told, it was the beer’s fault for disappearing so quickly.

It was an existential delight. Perfect for a day when you’ve lost your way, have no purpose, Read more »

  

Strongbow Cider

Brewed by: H.P. Bulmer, Hereford, England

3 out of 5 burps

After a lifetime of disparaging apple cider, last summer, scientists discovered that I do, in fact, dig cider. That experiment first took place at New Day Meadery in Fountain Square, and the finding were confirmed with a bottle of Original Sin at Monon Food Co. in Broad Ripple.

To further those conclusions, this one had to be tried. Read more »

  

Sun King Ring of Dingle

Brewed by: Sun King Brewing Co., Indianapolis

4.5 out of 5 burps

I rule this one my favorite Sun King to date, and not just because of the fabulous name that pretty much doomed me into trying it in the first place.

The great Alan Petersime is trying to tell me it tastes like Read more »

  

The Defender American Stout

Brewed by: Haymarket Pub & Brewery

ABV: 7.5

2.5 out of 5 burps

I can’t find much to say about this one. Just bland and hoppy.

So let’s see … The menu says it’s brewed with copious amounts of roasted barley, chocolate malt and oats. Hopped on Williamette and Chinook, then dry-hopped with Read more »

  

Goose Island Dublin Stout

Brewed by: Goose Island, Chicago, Ill.

ABV: 4.5

4 out of 5 burps

Coal black. Irish oats. Roasty malt. Teases that it’s going to be Read more »

  

Two Brothers Cain and Abel

Brewed by: Two Brothers Brewing Co., Warrenville, Ill.

4 out of 5 burps

Our bartender recommended trying this after I ordered The Poet.

It’s got some spice. Hoppy, but I’m OK with it. Might be the bridge I need to Read more »