Old Dominion Oak Barrel Stout

I traveled to Virgnia to visit family on Thanksgiving and was looking forward to trying some of the local brews, and after a quick trip to the store I returned home with a six pack of Old Dominion's Oak Barrel Stout. The brewery resides in Ashburn, Virgnia. The Oak Barrel Stout has an ABV of 5.2% and is brewed with vanilla beans and oak chips. The beer poured a dark brown, blackish color with a small, tan head. The aroma had lots of chocolate and some hints of toffee. The body had chocolate, sweetness and a slight hint of vanilla. The huge body is followed with slightly dry finish.

Overall, a nice oak aged stout with an interesting twist with the added vanilla beans.

Flying Dog Tire Bite

Tire Bite is Flying Dog's take on the Golden Ale style. It pours a clear, golden color with a small, white, bubbly head. The nose offers up a healthy amount of yeast and a slight amount of malt. The body is light with a crisp mouthfeel. It is balanced and smooth with some hints of corn, malt, and slight sweetness. The finish is mild and uneventful. At a modest 5.0% this lighter style from the notoriously intense brewer is meant for the warm summer months, but is not all that great and a bit of a disapointment as I have come to expect better from this brewer.