Before I get into the details of One of the finest Beer's I have ever consumed, I need to make a quick note about the warm inviting atmosphere of
Church Key DC, Birch and Barley's upstairs bar and the knowledgeable and un-pretentious staff from the manager, the bouncer, and our favorite server yet... Ben. After consuming some fine beers both from the extensive tap line up (over 50!) and the gorgeous array of bottles(over 500!) I asked Ben a question: "Ben," I said "My two favorite beers in the world are the Allagash Odyssey and Ola Dubh's line of 18, 30, & 40. I do not want those beers, although they are on your menu. What beer would you recommend I taste in that same vein?" Both Me and Him were impressed as Ben asked us to wait a few minutes while he consulted a committee of fellow employees on what they could offer us that would tantalize our palates. When he came back to announce the recommendations we listened intently. It was His turn last night to pay the bar tab, but upon hearing one of the suggestions I pulled an exception and purchased one last bottle of beer to share. To share with Him and Ben. It is times like these that you do not question the price of the bottle. You do not question the fact that the $65 you are spending on the beer is, in fact, the grocery money for the following week.
This fine brew rates #34 on ratebeer.com's top 50 beers. It is a beautiful Imperial Stout aged in oak barrels. It's nose differs from it's taste and it's taste develops subtly both with each sip and as it has time to breathe. The chocolate and malt so strong in the nose (that should be made into an air freshener or candle) make way for the very smooth hoppiness and, for a brief moment in mouth development, piny undertones. It is a very dark and viscous stout that pouts so thick you can tell it is thick. It may indeed be able to hold a spoon standing and even the edges of the glass are pitch black in color. Special thanks to Ben and the manager at
Church Key DC, Birch and Barley's upstairs bar for providing us a complimentary pairing of their chocolate cake that is rich and dark and tasy. I had the distinct and unique feeling at the last sip of perfection. At that time I would have been happy to die in a fiery crash of a meteor. An amazing location, good food, and incredible beer and sharing it with Him, one of the best Buddies one could ever ask for!
my rating for Great Divide Brewing Company's 2007 Yeti: 100
Stay tuned for part 2 of our birch and barley escapade when I get the list of all the other beers we tasted from Him.
