Sam Adams Dark Depths

The Dirt
The Dark Depths is another addition to what I call Sam Adams' experimental bomber line. The beer caught my attention with its proclaimed style: Baltic IPA. I love Baltic porters and am a big fan of IPAs, so this was a must try.

And a tale of two beers was indeed the story of this beer. Deep and complex would be the words I would use to describe its character. It starts off like a black IPA, with good upfront hoppiness for the first half of the beer plus some slight maltiness. Then it turns over into Baltic porter territory for the back half, with slight dark chocolate notes and a bit of toasted notes. Once my sip was complete, I noticed that the hops still lingered on my tongue ever so slightly. As the beer warms up it becomes less like an IPA and more like the Baltic porter half - basically a slightly hoppy Baltic porter. The toastiness starts to become more apparent earlier, while the hops become less impactful.

A really well designed beer that has many layers and changes over temps. Perfect in a bomber, as it's not super drinkable though not too much of a task.

Worth it?
Definitely. It was not only a fun try, but a delicious find. Many times I enjoy an experimental beer but don't really have the desire to have again. Not true here. A good fall beer or for the winter time when you want a little more hops.

The Final Word

Lakefront Dan Brewed A Baltic Porter

The Dirt
I love drinking beer from my home state (WI). So imagine my surprise when I see "Lakefront" in the bomber room of my favorite liquor store. The excitement multiplied, as the beer was a Baltic porter - one of my favorite beer styles (see my review on New Old Lompac's).

This beer pours a deep beautiful black. It starts out sharp and dry, but finishes smoother - especially after it warms up a tad. That back side has a dark, dry chocolate nibs profile that is delicious after a meal. Was a bit boozy on the front at the start, and the naming convention is a bit odd, but overall this brew was darn tasty and would be ideal on a cold night.

Worth it?
I recall this being rather affordable for the beer style and bomber size. There's a good chance I'll buy again.

The Final Word

New Old Lompac Batch 69 Baltic Porter

The Dirt
To say I love Baltic porters would be an understatement. It's one of those styles that are not very prevalent, so I'll go out of my way to get a taste if I know a brewery makes one. During a brewery tour trip to Portland I had a Baltic porter on tap at the 5th Quad, which is one of New Old Lompac's brewpubs. It was liquid gold. Unfortunately they did not have a bottle, but I found this guy in a liquor store before I left.

The first that came to mind when I took a sip was that this is BIG time flavor. The front end is heavy dark chocolate - like 90% cacao kind of stuff. This eases away to a slightly spicy back half and roasty after taste. It's massive character from start to end, and should be enjoyed slowly. I would say it's a great dessert beer, but it's so much more than that. However, it'll probably spoil your dinner...especially leftovers.

Worth it?
Yes. As I'm writing this, I wish I could go out and buy one. Because it's likely only available in Portland, it's a bit pricy when including airfare and hotel. But you should be going to Portland anyway. So again, yes. Simply freak'n delicious from the moment it hits your tongue to even minutes after your last sip.

The Final Word

Flying Dog Wild Dog Barrel-Aged Gonzo Imperial Porter

The Dirt

The world is full of imperial stouts and imperial IPAs, but there seems to be a lacking of imperial porters on the market. Thankfully Flying Dog thought the same thing, and created the Wild Dog.

Although a pretty tame label name compared to some of their other beers, the Wild Dog is properly named, as it is wildly awesome. It pours thick with low carbonation, as if it were a wine. In fact, it reminded me of a fine port in taste and feel, with a medium body for such a thick looking pour. It has a Canadian whiskey profile (it's aged in Colorado whiskey barrels), with an almost dark cherry like tone. I'd highly recommend as an after-dinner beer, especially a spicy dinner. That, and it's strong, so it'll get you ready for bed.

Worth it?

I got this as a gift from my friends Brian and Jill (thanks guys!), so in that case it certainly was worth it. But even if I had to buy it, I have no idea of the cost, but it's worth a pick-up.

The Final Word