Ska Brewing Hibernal Vinifera Stout

Okay, this is a different one.  I don't normally take grape juice in my stouts, but after having the Hibernal Vinifera Stout from Ska Brewing, i'm willing to change my stance on that.  It's cool.  I can admit when i'm wrong.  The beer pours a dark black with a light brown head.  The initial aromas consist of roasted malt, chocolate, and a little bit of alcohol.  The taste combines those elements with some lovely fruit notes from the grape juice.  It's sweet and bitter and smooth.  I found these very, very easy to drink, and they were an excellent companion for the cold nights we had in Austin last week.

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Nefarious Ten Pin Imperial Porter

Still winter time.  Still digging on the darker brews.  But this time, i felt i should go for more of a traditional porter without all the coffee, or pecans, or pumpkin (the kind i just brewed myself), and so i give you the Nefarious Ten Pin Imperial Porter from Ska Brewing Co. in Durango, Colorado.  The brew is a pretty straight forward porter, dark, malty, and with your usual hints of caramel and chocolate.  An excellent beer for a cold day.  Sometimes it's nice to just enjoy a classic.

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