On tap at Growler & Gill, updated 2017 version lists ‘Belgian-style’ on amber ale label. Closer to a straight-up Belgian dark ale than its lighter pale style, its beet-sugared prune-raisin, apricot and banana sweetness contrasts lightly vinous red wining, whiskey-daubed medicinal hints and wispy acidic solvency. Dewy peat earthiness provides fertile base.
Easy quenchin’ Kolsch-styled moderation with light lager mouthfeel lets sea-salted lemon rot souring, hay-grassed barnyard astringency and musky hop oiling desiccate sour-candied grapefruit and yellow grape tartness in stylish fashion.
Pleasingly lacquered peach sweetness gains zesty pink and yellow grapefruit tartness over cardboardy sugar-glassed wheat malts. Latent dried apricot and fig tones reinforce peachy entry. An accessible moderation for fruit beer lovers.
THE LAST FULL-TIME TWO-WAY PLAYER IN FOOTBALL HISTORY, THE GREAT LATE CHUCK BEDNARIK (A.K.A CONCRETE CHARLIE), WILLED THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES TO THE N.F.L. CHAMPIONSHIP IN 1960.
…AND NOW, AFTER A TREMENDOUS EFFORT, THE EAGLES ARE CHAMPS ONCE MORE.
GOD BLESS CHUCK BEDNARIK 1925-2015
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead – Haledon, velvety coffee-infused oatmeal stout really hits the spot. Marvelous Columbian coffee roast picks up slickly creamed cocoa nibs influence, vanilla bourbon sweetness, dainty chicory snip and toasted marshmallow reminder while a ‘touch of lactose milk sugaring’ dries out at the mocha-rich finish.
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead – Haledon, smoothly creamed malt-smoked Bakers chocolate tone gains syrupy raw molasses bittering and nutty espresso enticement, inducing mild port, burgundy and bourbon illusions above oats-charred base. Re-tasting at Taphouse 15 revealed tertiary dark cherry, toasted coconut and vanilla bean whims as well.
On tap at Taphouse 15, dried cacao nibs and milk-powdered hazelnut reinforce syrupy dark chocolate malting as murky vanilla, malted milk ball, peanut butter, gingerbread and pistachio illusions help create unique Nutella knockoff.
On tap at Taphouse 15, tart Balaton cherry juicing brings sour edge to sweet chocolate syruping, vanilla extract adjunct and oats-dried backbone, forging a sanguine Cherry Cordial warmth. Smoked mocha smidge hits mid-palate, alongside dewy tobacco roast, adding underlying acridity to sour ‘n sweet cherry pie finish.
On tap at Ambulance, delightful 7th Anniversary Imperial Stout brings creamy sea-salted brown chocolate syruping to bittersweet cocoa tones and sugared oats spine. Fudged brownie, espresso, vanilla and cola illusions seep into salinized chocolate theme of robust 10% ABV full body.
On tap at Dog & Cask, robust breakfast stout allows semi-sweet dark chocolate syruping to affect cocoa-beaned French roast coffee reserve, dissipating smoked cinnamon spicing and wood-charred hop bittering. Mild espresso, smoked molasses and carob undertones complete the score.
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead – Haledon, ‘burly’ Imperial Stout relies on dry dark chocolate bittering and casual coffee roast to reinforce walnut-seared hop char. In the recess, black cherry and black grape tartness regale bitter mocha stead.
