Monday, November 30, 2015

Death by Coconut


An unusually high number of notifications for Death by Coconut from various beer groups have been popping up all over my Facebook news feed. They were all raving about and waxing poetic about this beer.

I began to think it might be something I should try.

I've had fantastic experience with Oskar Blues beer, so I was definitely not put off by the brewer. However, porters and stouts are generally not my go-to beers, either. No risk, no reward.

All indications were that Death by Coconut was still sparsely available in Connecticut, so on a recent trip to New Hampshire I swung by a store I was pretty sure would have it - Vista Country Store in Intervale. Bingo! I got that plus a couple local brews.







I sat down to enjoy a relaxing smoke and a Death by Coconut. I can honestly say was not disappointed. In fact, I was wowed.

Death by Coconut (6.50% ABV) by Oskar Blues is dark and creamy. It has wonderful chocolate and coconut notes that are front and center without being cloying or overpowering. Simpy delicious.

I rank this beer among the top beers of this style I have ever tasted. Right up there with Duclaw Sweet Baby Jesus, Founders Breakfast Stout, Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout, and Keegan Mother's Milk. Not necessarily in that order but definitely that awesome!


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Swig Flasks - a review


When I was contacted by Swig to review one of their flasks, at first I was like "Nah, this isn't beer related." Then I was like, "What the hell, it's alcohol related. Close 'nuff".

They allowed me to pick from any of their flasks. I chose the Executive Moulded Black Flask; which is their mid-range model.

It arrived in a nice package all tied up with a snazzy blue ribbon that matched the stitching on the leather flask pouch.

The flask is of sturdy construction and has a shiny, mirror-like finish. I have to say that, as compared to other flasks I own (which have thin walls and are cheaply made), this is a very heavy duty flask. And it's beautiful. The leather pouch is also nicely made and fits the flask quite snugly.

The flask also came engraved with a number that grants me access to the super secret Swig Society. Uhm, I guess I shouldn't have mentioned that. So, much for secret. You have to own a flask to get in to the club and also know a special handshake. (I made that last part up - it's actually a wink/nod combo).

I didn't know how I was going to carry it since I don't ever carry a hip flask; that's a hipster sort of thing to do. Get it? Hipster / hip flask. Ha!  Uh, nevermind. Anyhoo . . .

Since I don't normally carry  a flask I needed to find an occasion to carry one.

I was signed up to "run" a 5K and I figured that as good an opportunity as any to give it a go. Since it's November, it's cold, and I hate running I figured I would need to fortify myself to get through the experience. I poured my liquid fortification into my nifty new flask. Said fortification was Vermont Honeycrisp Ice Cider made by Champlain Orchards - an 11% ABV hard cider. If that didn't warm me and get me going, not much else would. Right?

Honeycrisp is made 100% from Vermont-grown Honeycrisp apples. It is sweet yet tart. Good stuff - wicked strong and tasty, too.


I geared up for the 5K - layers of warm clothing, comfy sneakers, cozy hat, fuzzy beard, running pack, and my flask.

Why the beard? To keep my face warm, duh. Not really - although it did a fine job at that. The run - called the Movember 5K -  was in support of men's health. Since it's No-Shave November, everyone was sporting facial hair; fake or no. I have no desire to actually grow a beard, so I made mine - see the pattern here. (I made the hat, too.)












At the start line I braced myself with a swig from my flask. Then headed off at my sad, strained, painful, plodding pace.

I met a mustachioed owl along the way. That blasted bird finished way before me. I mean, like, way before me. In fact, I was passed by just about everyone.

Since I am, possibly, the least competitive person ever born that didn't really bother me.

But . . . I finished, I finished under hour, and I didn't finish last.

So, as a reward to myself, I celebrated by taking several more swigs from my sexy new flask.

Yay me!

٩(●̮̮̃•)۶

I may have to start carry a flask, it's pretty sharp looking! Don't I look spiffy??




Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Beerific Mudslide


My Beerific Mudslide is a cool, creamy adult treat that is simply wonderful!

This recipe fills two stout glasses.

You can thank me later! :)

Beerific Mudslide

1 Pint Yuengling Espresso Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
1 Cup Whole Milk
1 Can Guinness Draught
2 Shots Patron XO Cafe

Combine the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Enjoy!