Deified Data
Banned
Yeah, he's not going to like that.
It doesn't look like something I'd like, but I'd try anything once. And I assume it's hoppy as all hell, given the name.
Yeah, he's not going to like that.
Lots of excellent suggestions in here, but I'll add that from my experience Old Rasputin Imperial Russian Stout has never failed to win someone over.
Also, here is a pic of something that I'm sure you would love, but you aren't going to be able to get, just to taunt.
Ninkasi - Oatis
Youngs - Double Chocolate Stout
Southern Tier - Choklat, Oat
Rogue - Shakespeare Stout
Boss - Black Boss Porter
Deschutes - The Abyss, Black Butte Porter
Lagunitas - Imperial Stout, Cappucino Stout
Alameda - Black Bear XX Stout
Alaskan - Baltic Porter
Stone - Smoked Porter
Samuel Smith - Oatmeal Stout
Oh, is this worth the pretty steep amount of money my local shop asks?
It's my fave next to the Rochefort 10. Whether it's worth it or not is more of a personal thing. I tend to buy smaller quantities of potentially overpriced beer rather than cheap stuff, so I don't mind shelling out some extra for a beer that extravagant. That said, first time I picked it up I hadn't seen the tag and was super pissed that it was so expensive, until I tasted it. Then I went back and got a bunch more for cellaring.
So I've basically abstained from beer (and most alcohol) my entire life because for the most part I have the taste buds of an 8-year-old. I love sweet beverages and I'm not a huge fan of bitterness...at least not when it's the dominant flavor.
My wife is a big beer drinker and lately I've found that when I sample whatever she's having I'm liking it more and more - not always, of course. She'll have something bitter enough to make me cringe every once in a while (FYI, my threshold for unpleasantly bitter probably starts at...grapefruit).
Now, I know jack shit about beer and I've been trying to educate myself, but I figured I'd entreaty GAF for help. Things I enjoy in a beer:
- a rich, foamy head
- mild flavor
- sweet flavor notes - vanilla, chocolate, etc.
- most of the beer I've liked has been quite dark
In my experience, the best beer I've ever had has been the "Dragon's Milk" oak barrel ale from New Holland brewing company. ABV is 10% and contains those aforementioned notes of chocolate and vanilla. Has anyone ever tried it? Does anyone have any suggestions for what I might like? I realize the information I provided is quite limited. Thanks.
Got this a while ago from a BevMo. Really good, the blueberries are really present.
Watch Three Sheets. I don't like beer/alcohol, but this show made me want to drink so much. Right now there is a kickstarter for a new show called "Chug".
Austin is soooo into hoppy beers, I don't get it. It's like it's own thing.
I drank stouts all winter, but time for something new.
Sounds like you'd be a fan of Milk & Oatmeal stouts. One of the best, though it's a bit less subtle with its chocolate and coffee flavors:
Do you live in Michigan, OP? If so you'll be spoilt for choice.
My advice is to find a local brewpub or biergarden & sample eveything. Most places will let you taste a bot of everything.
For something light, airy and a bit sweeter:
EDIT: Well maybe these wont satisfy the vanilla/chocalate-y sweet, but still worth giving a try.
Deified Data I am going to pass along a beer I have had a long term love affair with: Fin du Monde from Unibroue in Quebec Canada. It's not dark, but it has everything else that you asked for in your OP. + High ABV.
You should be able to find it with relative ease at any retailer that has a selection of microbrews. If you try it let me know your thoughts!
Cheers~
Newcastle made me get into beer: