NXNW Iron Mermaiden

So yesterday, i completed my goal of hitting 40 (which later became 50) breweries/brewpubs over the summer of 2019, kicking things off Memorial Day Weekend and closing them out this Labor Day Weekend.  Magic number 50 ended up being Austin's NXNW Restaurant and Brewery who happened to be celebrating their 20th anniversary.  To celebrate, they were offering up a batch of their Iron Mermaiden, a sour, barrel-aged Irish stout brewed with tart cherries.  Pouring black with tan and foamy head, the 6.5% ABV beer smells of malt, oak, cherries, and a whole lot of sour funk.  The flavor is sour and malty, but with the sweetness of the cherries taking over a little bit more on the back end.  Overall, a pretty well balanced brew, and a great way to end my summer quest.  Good job everybody!

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Rye'd The Lightning

Austin's Pinthouse Pizza is probably one of my most favorite places to hang out around town.  It's kid friendly, the grub is good, and i absolutely love their beer.  The mainstays are all great, but the real money is in the seasonal releases.  A strong and heavy dry Irish stout, the Rye'd The Lightning pours dark black and think with a minimal beige head and aromas of malts, cocoa, and coffee.  Predominant flavors of roasted malt with notes of chocolate and coffee prevail, though there are some slight hints of vanilla and booze in the mix of this 9% ABV brew.  I would have more, but i'm afraid it's now all gone.  Here's hoping it gets brewed again soon.

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