I think I made a beer-geek’s day when I walked into the Poughkeepsie location of Half Time Beverage, the local go-to for craft brews and ciders. I looked a little lost as I took in the extensive selection of bottles. I didn’t browse, but instead apprehensively approached the employees at the desk. I struggled a bit to explain my first Outcask assignment. As a recent convert to beer, I wanted some good recommendations, with my only guidance being my preference for darker beers and ciders. Once I got this across, an employee leapt to walk me around and make some suggestions, quickly grabbing bottles off the shelf for me. I left with five new drinks to sample and exposure to an amazing selection available just a few minutes from home.
photo credit Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Captain Lawrence Frost Monster Imperial Stout
Upon taking my first sip of Captain Lawrence’s Frost Monster Imperial Stout, I was smacked in the face with its unusually high 12.0% ABV. At first, all I could taste was the bite of the alcohol over the chocolaty base, but as I adjusted to the strength of the beer, I also discovered some of its richer notes. I enjoyed the depth of flavor provided by the layers of malt used in this stout, though the alcohol content continued to cut through and affect my ability to savor the complexities of the brew until I was about halfway through the bottle, at which point the alcohol began to erode my palate’s sensitivity. Finishing this beer, I found that it packs in both flavor and punch, leaving me warm and happy – just the way I want to feel on the upcoming chilly nights as summer gives way to fall.
photo credit Maeve’s Hudson Valley Cider
Maeve’s Hudson Valley Cider
When my pack of recommendations contained a cider, I was sure I had hit the jackpot. I love ciders, and couldn’t wait to try Maeve’s from Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider. Maeve’s apples are locally sourced, which is a plus in my book. I was tickled by the origin of the name, which is borrowed from a Celtic goddess and means “she who intoxicates”. However, this cider didn’t live up to my (admittedly high) expectations. It was fresh and crisp, but tasted watered-down to me. I found it reminiscent of honey crisp apple juice, when I was looking for something a bit more spirited. I couldn’t taste the 6.5% ABV at all, and was left with a juicy aftertaste. Since I like to taste my alcohol, I think I’ll be looking for fuller-bodied cider to snuggle up with this fall.
photo credit Smuttynose Brewing Co.
Smuttynose Really Old Brown Dog Ale
A pleasant surprise in my pack was Really Old Brown Dog Ale. I don’t usually think of ales as my thing, but the laid-back, toffee-sweet flavors of this Smuttynose brew hit a sweet, easy-going note I never expected from a beer. The aftertaste was a little heavy on the hops. All in all, while not exceptional, I found Brown Dog very drinkable. I even might have liked a second one when I finished, but at 11.1% ABV, the decision to drink more than one shouldn’t be taken lightly. This may be my new “go-to” for easy drinking in these early autumn evenings.
Keegan Ales Joe Mama’s Milk
My next beer may have been me cheating a bit, since I’m already a big fan of Joe Mama’s Milk from Keegan Ales. Based on Keegan’s Mother’s Milk, Joe Mama’s Milk brings the heft of the chocolaty milk stout with the added kick of coffee, sourced from another local business: Monkey Joe’s Roasting Company. With an 8% ABV, I often choose to have a couple of these when I’m out for the evening. I’ll be seeing a lot of it over the coming fall and winter.
Left Hand Brewing Co. Wake Up Dead Nitro
Possibly my favorite beer of the set, and a great new discovery, was Left Hand Brewing Co.’s Wake Up Dead Russian Imperial Stout Nitro. I don’t know how Left Hand’s Nitro process works, but the result is a very smooth beer with a great depth of flavor. And with a 10.5% ABV, it sneaks in a real wallop. If I have any complaints, it’s a mild hoppiness in the finish that I personally don’t prefer. I’ve heard great things about Left Hand’s Nitro Milk Stout, and very much look forward to trying that as well.
I never expected writing for The Outcask to broaden my horizons as much as it has already. Trying new drinks and attempting to discern the differences between each beer has been a very fun learning experience. I look forward to a fall full of a heightened enthusiasm about beer and looking forward to another Half Time trip.
