Rich H: See, now I feel bad I didn't give a better review since I got the Firestone Badge.
Rich H is drinking a DBA (Double Barrel Ale) by Firestone Walker Brewing Company at Balmoral Basement Bar
A pleasant inoffensive pale ale. Solid, but basic, malt body with a mild hop bitterness. Perhaps true to the English Pub Ale style.
Earned the Firestone Walker Fan badge!
2
David Hasmonek: You can always edit your review and repost from my phone.
Rich H: The review is honest and unbiased. The bad feeling is because of the undeserved coveted badge.
Rich H is drinking a Back Forty Bock by New Glarus Brewing Company at Balmoral Basement Bar
Bock beers are making a come back. And this is a nice one. Smooth, mellow chocolate and caramel malt foundation. Not too rich nor over powering. A good safe dark beer.
Rich H is drinking a MegaNator by Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago at Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago
Rich malt foundation, toffee and chocolate, some licorice notes. Good body, fairly strong, minor sweetness.
Earned the Brewery Pioneer (Level 88) badge!
2
David Hasmonek: Open gate is on my list to check out soon. Do they have any chicago brewery exclusive beers there? Do the rotate different brews?
Rich H: Yes, most rotating beers locally brewed here. Like this one. Plus the Guinness regulars from Dublin.
Rich H is drinking a Lagers After Dark by Goose Island Beer Co. at Goose Island Taproom
Excellent. Well balanced, not too dry, nor too complex. Good dark malt flavors with light molasses notes, and a subtle wheat foundation. This all results in a smooth up front texture followed by a rustic finish.
1
Rich H: Before Dark Too
David Hasmonek: Hey. I wanted to try that beer.
Rich H: Took home a crowler.
Light, yet not thin. Tangy, with a slight tartness overlapping the reasonably tasty white bread crust malt body. Simple lager.