Flying Dog Tap Takeover

Colleen and I stopped by Capital Ale House this week for the Flying Dog Tap Takeover. Seven Flying Dog beers were being poured that evening; Gonzo Imperial Porter, Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout, Raging Bitch Belgian IPA, Pineapple Saison, Belgian Devil, Belgian Wit, and Snake Dog IPA.

Most of those beers we've tried before, but good beer on draft is always a welcome mid-week diversion. The Gonzo Imperial Porter was being served on nitrogen, so that was my opening selection. Colleen opted for the Belgian Devil Dubbel. The Gonzo, initially served too cold, once warmed a bit presented an aroma of dark chocolate and coffee. The nitro gas created a tiny-bubbled, creamy mouthfeel. The flavors are dark roasted malts, chocolate and espresso, with some citrus hops in the finish too.

Gonzo Porter and Belgian Devil

Colleen's Belgian Devil Dubbel is part of the brewery's limited release Brewhouse Rarities series. The aroma was fruity with a hint of yeast. The beer had flavors of sweet fruit, pears and apples, with a bit of peppery spices. Mouthfeel was light with mild carbonation.

For the next round I ordered the Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout, and after some debate, Colleen decided on the Pineapple Saison. We were hearing conflicting opinions on this one. So, the only way to know was to try it. We laughed when Colleen took a picture of our second round, as it looked a lot like the picture she took of our first round!

Pearl Necklace and Pineapple Saison

Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout is a nice, flavorful stout. The aroma is dark roasted coffee and bitter chocolate. The flavor sweet dark roasted malt, and if I try hard enough I can convince myself there's a hint of saltiness there. The roasted malt and bitter hop notes linger in the mouth. The oyster component of this beer is quite mild, if there at all. Personally, I think I'd enjoy a bit more oyster influence. After all, salt and bitter chocolate is a good combination.

Finally, the Pineapple Saison. Also from the Brewhouse Rarities series, this was a bit of an oddity. As could be expected, the citrus tartness of the pineapple was predominant. There was very little of Saison-like yeasty funk. The beer has a bright, tart flavor profile and was quite enjoyable. I just wouldn't have picked it as a Saison style beer.

Colleen and I had an extremely enjoyable couple of hours spent chatting, enjoying each other's company and some good beers. The tap takeover event provided a good excuse to get away and relax for a bit. My only question is, "When can we do it again?!?"