#120: Southern Tier Brewing Co. » 2X Stout (Milk Stout)

A return to my first Milk Stout...

The Brewery: Southern Tier Brewing Co. (Lakewood, NY)
The Brew: 2X Stout (Milk Stout)
Availability: 6-pack, draft (Year-Round)
ABV: 7.5%
Rating: 8.9/10
Location: Home

The Story? As previously admitted, I was predominately an IPA/Pale lover and it took me some time to come over to the dark site. If memory serves (which is somewhat of a stretch), Southern Tier's 2X Stout was my first milk stout. As we head towards the cooler months, these warming, dark favorites come to mind. 

This particular stout is brewed with ale yeast, two varieties of hops, three varieties of malts and lactose sugars. Also, if you find this on Nitro draft, do yourself a favor and check that out. 

The Beer? This 2X pours out with light brown fluffy head and jet black, opaque body. No light getting through this black gold. The nose if full of creamy, roasted malts and a touch of smoke.

2X goes down incredibly smooth with a full, creamy mouthfeel and low carbonation. Deep, roasted flavors dance with notes of toffee and scorched coffee, with a distinct sweetness threaded through.

A solid, year-round, anytime Milk Stout.

#119: Wagner Valley Brewery » IPA

Local IPA adhering to German purity laws...

The Brewery: Wagner Valley Brewery (Lodi, NY)
The Brew:  IPA
Availability:  Bottles, draft (year-round)
ABV: 6.2%
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Home

The Story? Wagner Valley Brewery launched in 1997, smack in the middle of wine country out here in Central NY. Wagner is unique in two ways - they've also been a winery since 1978 and their standard series of brews abides by German Purity Law.

Their IPA uses a blend of hops, including East Kent Goldings and Cascade and is dry-hopped with 2.5 lbs. of hops per barrel. Let's dig in.

The Beer? After a gentle pour, this IPA presents a fluffy, lacy off-white head atop of bright, transparent amber body. Dark, earthy, woody hops dominate the nose.

I take a refreshing mouthful back and am rewarded with deep, bitter flavors. Plenty of hops, but also complementary malty and burnt flavors. The hops are robust, dark, and not citrusy. The closest comparison which immediately comes to mind is Bronx Pale. Further through, toasted malt and resin-centric hop flavors take center stage.

Overall a solid, deep IPA with quality and depth. Recommended for all you locavores.

#118: McKenzie’s Hard Cider » Seasonal Reserve

Hard cider on a beer blog?

The Brewery: McKenzie’s Hard Cider (West Seneca, NY)
The Brew: Seasonal Reserve
Availability: Bottles, draft (seasonal)
ABV: 5.0%
Rating: 8.8/10
Location: Home

The Story? It takes a lot for me to like a hard cider. Don't get me wrong, I love apple cider. It's one of my favorite things about the fall and good hard cider along with it. It's just with Bellweather a few clicks from my home, some ciders can be a hard sell.

I remember a few years back when bottles of McKenzie’s began showing up at gatherings, I was impressed with the quality, flavor, and how they made my stomach feel afterwards (Woodchuck... I'm looking at you). No high-fructose corn syrup here either (Angry Orchard...)

I've had McKenzie’s Original and Black Cherry, but haven't explored their Seasonal Reserve. Bottoms up!

The Beer Cider? Reserve pours out a hazy gold hue with zero head. Even before picking up the glass, its aromatic nature is immediately apparent. Big notes of apple and cinnamon on the nose and soothing mulled-spice presence. This cider is nice and wet up front, drying out with a pleasant mouth coat of spices. I really enjoy the low level of carbonation and perfect dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Wet, velvety, spice but not overwhelming and very drinkable. Recommended if you're looking for a six-pack alternative.