Maiden Voyage

Yeah, that title's a bit dramatic, don't you think? Smacks of Styx lyrics or a yachting club send-off. Regardless, this is a new experience, so bear with me as I construct this page, using time I would otherwise spent this weekend reading up on beer brewing or participating in fantasy basketball mock drafts.

Quick beer post just in case anyone is interested:

I picked up a Samuel Smith's 4-pack this evening (feeling the English ales after the dreary, somewhat rain-soaked week we've experienced in VT). Thankfully, the Beverage Warehouse in Winooski doesn't charge extra for mixing a pack, as I packed together the following:

• Imperial Stout
• India Pale Ale
• Oatmeal Stout
• Old Brewery Pale Ale

As I type this, I'm slowly savoring the Imperial Stout. Unlike some American imperials, this one lacks a significant hop aroma to balance out the sweetness and perceptible alcohol, both in the aroma and taste. Nonetheless, it's a velvety smooth stout with a lot of character. Though I love many of the higher-gravity imperial stouts on the market (Stone Brewing Co.'s Russian Imperial fits the bill), it's refreshing to find one that wouldn't overpower most traditionally British fare. That aside, I had the chance to savor the Oatmeal Stout and IPA this evening, both pleasing in their own right. I'd write a more detailed description of all three tonight, but I could use some sleep (and this Imperial has made that much easier).

Cheers.

~Jim