Sam Adams Chocolate Bock

The Dirt

Once a hard to find beer from Sam Adams, but now available in the winter variety pack, the chocolate bock is simply delicious. It reminds me of a semi-sweet chocolate chip muffin, and is a perfect after dinner beer. Silky smooth dark chocolate makes up the front of this beer, with a malty bock center, and finishing with a semi-sweet chocolate profile. It pours looking like a Shiner Bock, but when settled in the glass it's a very dark brown to black. You won't see much of a head on this beer, as it's low in carbonation, but that makes it even smoother and works perfectly with the chocolate.

Worth it?

I love the winter variety pack, and the chocolate bock makes it even better. It also helps that it replaced the infamous cranberry lambic. So, yes.

The Final Word

Rockyard Bourbon Strike Stout

The Dirt
Ever wondered what a spiked oatmeal chocolate chip cookie would be like? Me neither, but that's what this guy reminded me of, and it was delicious. The combination of an oatmeal stout and aging in bourbon barrels made for a unique flavor profile, which at times almost tasted like toffee as well. The front end displays more of the stout, followed by the bourbon, but then quickly balanced by a sweet and oaty-ness of the oatmeal. It then finishes with a caramel bourbon flavor when it's all said and done. With all that flavor, it's certainly a dessert time beer, although it's not as heavy as you might expect which makes it rather drinkable. It could have used a little more alcohol to cut some of the sweetness, but overall was a very delicious experience.

Worth it?
Indeed it was. Not something I would drink too often, but will look forward to having it every once in a while.

The Final Word