New Brew Thursday - Beer, bacon and bourbon

Plan B, a local restaurant that specializes in burgers, beer and bourbon, is celebrating their one year anniversary.  And they're going hog wild!  Literally!  They are  celebrating with bacon . . . it's Bacon Week!  On special this week is “The Divine Swine” aka “Drop Dead Burger,”  (100% ground bacon burger topped w/ thick sliced bacon, bacon aioli, bourbon bacon red onion jam, and a fried egg all sandwiched in between a grilled cheese) to Bacon Candy Bars, Bacon Cotton Candy, and Bacon infused Bourbon cocktails . . . and more.

I like bacon . . . who doesn't?  So, a visit to Plan B to celebrate their anniversary was a must.  I didn't try everything . . . that would be completely gluttonous and I might have fallen into a bacon induced coma.  I did, however, sample a few baconny items.  AND a few of their ever rotating taps . . . alas, no bacon beer.

I started out with a finger of Woodford Reserve bacon infused bourbon.  The bourbon itself is nice, smooth and warming.  The infusion definitely added a subtle baconness that wasn't the least bit detracting.  It was a little smoky with a nice hint of bacon.  All in all . . . quite good.


I ordered the Divine Swine burger for my meal with a side of green fries (flash fried green beans).  Was this burger over the top?  Completely!  But I guess that's kind of the point.  Every bite of this burger screams BACON!  If you love bacon, as I do, this is something you'll want to try once in your life.  It was good but would I order it again?  Mmm . . . probably not . . . I think I gained five pounds just thinking about it!  

The beer at Plan B is always good . . . they are constantly rotating their taps so there's always something new to try.  This week's list was impressive and it was tough to choose what I wanted to try.  I sampled thee different beers and I wasn't disappointed with any of them.


I started out with a Raging Bitch from Flying Dog.  Basically, because I can pretty much relate to the name.  Well, that and because it's an IPA.  Raging Bitch is a strong Belgian style IPA (8.3% ABV). Amber in color with a loose, bubbly head that laces the glass with every sip.  This is a very tasty beer with an expected amount of hoppy citrus, a surprising hint of caramel and a nice crisp finish.  Despite the alcohol level I didn't taste any booziness . . . just a delicious beer that I would definitely go for again!


With that crazy bacon burger, I had a Coney Island Mermaid Pilser from Shmaltz Brewing Company.  Wow!  Very nice!  This pilser is a light (5% ABV) and exceptionally drinkable beer.  It tasted of malty caramel, fruit, a hint of hops and . . . rye.  None of these elements overpowered another . . . it is a nice balanced beer that goes down easy and simply tastes great.  Go for it!

At our server's suggestion we ordered a bottle of  Stoudt's Fat Dog Imperial Oatmeal Stout.  He said it was of the best stouts he has ever drank . . . who can argue with a recommendation like that?  The beer was as 

black and dark as beer gets.  There were clear coffee, chocolate and malt flavors . . . as I expect from an imperial stout.  This is a big beer . . . it is strong (9% ABV) and dark  . . . but it is also fairly smooth tasting and very flavorful.  You can taste the alcohol but it doesn't take away from the overall taste or experience of the beer.  I would say this is a great beer for anyone who appreciates a good, strong stout.  

New Brew Thursday - Clown Shoes Vampire Slayer

Clown Shoes Beer has only recently been allowed entry into Connecticut.  My first taste of beer from this brewery was when hubby and I were out to dinner and found Tramp Stamp Belgian IPA on tap . . . it was a truly amazing beer.


So, when I spotted  Vampire Slayer  on sale at my local beer store I immediately grabbed a bottle. Vampire Slayer is an imperial American stout brewed for their second anniversary.


The label sports a boy in the process of impaling a vampire in the heart with a stake  . . . the young man is wearing clown shoes, of course.  Heh!  


Rumor has it that this beer is supposedly brewed with holy water and malts smoked with ‘vampire killing stakes.’  I'm dubious but I'll go along with it just for fun. 


The beer pours a rich dark amber with a thick tan head.  Strong coffee and chocolate prevail in the aroma so I was looking forward to my first sip.  All I can say is "wow!" . . . I literally said that when I tasted it.  It is so smooth and creamy it's like drinking velvet.  Yummy coffee chocolate velvet.  


There are other flavors that come through as well; such as caramel and a bit of smoke.  And there is a slight but definite booziness to this stout.  Not surprising considering it is a hefty 11% ABV.  


Stouts and porters are not my favorite style of beer but I think that this is a seriously awesome beer! Give it a go . . . mmm, mmm, good!


Visit Clown Shoes' website or check them out on Facebook.