Beer of the Week

The beer: McDonnell's Pub Irish Style Stout

The brewery: Brookeville Beer Farm, Brookeville, Maryland

Description (from Untappd): "Smooth and creamy, brewed with chocolate malt & flaked barley. ABV 6.6%."

Would I buy it again? You would imagine that an Irish-style stout would be a lot like a Guinness. And you'd be right. But there's a catch. Whisper this in hushed tones so no one from Ireland can here you, but this is a lot better than a Guinness. It's got the same general taste, but it's much less dry and more pleasant to drink. At least it is in my humble opinion. So if I'm ever in the mood for a Guinness, I'll skip that and go for this instead.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Wintry Mix

The brewery: Brookeville Beer Farm, Brookeville, Maryland

Description (from the can): "A classic cream ale rested on vanilla, cinnamon, and freshly roasted oats for a take on a classic holiday cookie."

Would I buy it again? This beer would be absolutely perfect as a post–Christmas dinner drink, or something along those lines. It's got plenty of sweet taste to it, but because it's a cream ale, it's very light and easy to drink. So if you're nearly full after a Christmas feast but think you've got one more beer in you before you literally burst, this is the literal perfect choice. I'd absolutely buy this again, and I'd drink it any time of year.

Beer of the Week

The beer: A Pleasant Country

The brewery: Brookeville Beer Farm, Brookeville, Maryland

Description (from Untappd and the can): "Sagamore rye barrel aged Belgian double with Marciano cherries added in the ferment. ... Bourbon and cherry ride an oaken vanilla swirl. Notes of raisin and fig compote."

Would I buy it again? This is a very good beer, and I do enjoy it quite a lot. You can taste the cherry and definitely taste the vanilla. But these barrel-aged beers are rarely easy to drink, and this is no exception. I would buy this again, but it's too heavy and thick to be anything more than an occasional treat.