Beer of the Week

The beer: Cookies 'N Cream Stout

The brewery: Stevens Point Brewery, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Description (from the website): "Dunk the little cookies and watch bubbles come up. This sessionable dessert stout recalls everyone’s favorite sandwich cookie with a smooth, biscuity base of dark chocolate malt, softened with flavors of cream filling, speckled ice cream, and white chocolate."

Would I buy it again? I had never heard of Stevens Point Brewery before this, but apparently it's the fifth-oldest brewery in the country, dating back to 1857. It's also a top 20 craft brewery in terms of beer production. Presumably, their beers have just not been available in Maryland before now. Or I could just be blind. Anyway, this is definitely not the first Oreo-inspired beer I've had, and while it's not as good as the one Flying Dog made, it does have the advantage of being available. It could feature a bit more cookies and cream flavor, but it's solid enough, and with Flying Dog's version being discontinued, this is a decent substitute. I could definitely see myself buying this again.

Beer of the Week

The beer: Cookies 'N Cream Milk Stout

Brewed by: Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, Maryland

Description (from the website): "Tiptoe to the kitchen. Avoid the creaky floorboard. Wait a minute–you're a freaking adult, and you can have cookies anytime you want! Kristin Hanna believes everyone deserves a 2 a.m. sweet treat, which is why she pitched this decadent Brewhouse Rarity. Inspired by her favorite late-night indulgence, this Cookies and Cream stout is an ode to that last swig of milk after you've dipped, 2, 3, 4...okay 5 cookies in it. So drink up; calories don't count after midnight."

Would I buy it again?: It's been a while since I reviewed a Flying Dog beer. Honestly, it almost feels like cheating, since it is the big hometown beer. But this is one of their Brewhouse Rarities, and when I saw the announcement for it, I was just way too intrigued to pass it up. And I'm happy to report that it is as tasty as it sounds. Not too heavy-handed, just the right amount of flavor. I hope they keep making it.