New Holland's doing a little something in that state up north. Dragon's Milk has long been a celebration of stout, barrel-aging, and (for the really good stuff) adjuncts. Yet, the brewery's been taking small steps away from that. It started with Solera (which I've yet to try). Dragon's Share was next. (I guess you could say Dragon's Milk White was the actual first step here, but it's still labeled as a stout which is why I'm not officially mentioning it; it's only here, in this typed aside.)

Today, I'm trying the next advance in this stoutless line: Dragon's Milk Crimson Keep. Let's see how this bourbon barrel-aged red ale stands against the rest of the noble lineage.

If you said to me: "Hey, John. I'm getting tired of all the pumpkin beers!" I wouldn't blame you. I know I've been doing a ton of pumpkin posts lately. While I wouldn't say I agree with you, I definitely wouldn't fault you.


I still have plenty of pumpkin brews to get to over the next few weeks, but I figure now might be a good time to take a break from the gourdy goodness. Tonight, we have an ale that's decidedly Halloweeny, but not spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, or anything else that's graced most of this month's posts. No, tonight I'm going for something else. Tonight, I'm taking a look at Great Lakes' Nosferatu.

This is a beer that's been around for some time. Odds are, if you live in a place where Rhinegeist is found you've seen cans lining store shelves and taps advertising the stuff on their labels. Once November rolls around, Rhinegeist puts a lot of resources into making sure Dad is on your radar.


And, you know what? Their efforts are effective. Dad's been on my radar since I moved to Cincinnati. I see it every time I go grocery shopping in November, December, and even January. I'll say that I even tried it, once, nearly four years ago, on tap at a barcade. Back then, my palate isn't what it is now, so, when I quaffed my first and only pint of the stuff my thought was: It's a Christmas ale, but hoppy. Now, years later and having gained much more appreciation for hoppy beverages, I'm excited to crack into this can and give Dad a second try. I'm hoping, regardless of how I enjoy the beer, to better understand how my palate's developed. Here goes!

Wow. Sam Adams. Been a bit, huh? Seriously, the last time I touched upon a Boston Beer Company brew on this blog was over two years ago. Which isn't to say I haven't had any Sam Adams since then. I've actually had a lot. When we visited Michelle's parents for Christmas last year, for example, her dad picked a winter variety pack that we split--all good beers.

In fact, today's beer comes from Sam Adams' fall variety pack. I'd seen the beer featured in the same pack last year, but at the time I couldn't bring myself to pick it up because I was still paying out the nose for tuition. So, when I saw the pack this year, I had to nab it. For this beer in particular. I'm sure some of you know this about me (especially if you've been hanging around here since the blog went live): I love maple in my beer. All the more so when the maple is incorporated well.

As long-time readers of this blog (and fans of my Facebook page) can most likely attest, I can usually be expected to run a little behind. My Halloween post last year came a day late. I really, really tried to get around to writing this post on time this year. I've had the bottle for it sitting in my fridge since I called Michelle during the afternoon of Halloween asking her to start cooling it for me. As you should now see, my intentions were good.

But, as happens, life gets in the way. Taking that vacation last week, while a good idea, was incredibly irresponsible of me because I'm still a student. I got behind on my schoolwork (oops). But, that's all rectified now. I'm caught up to the point where I don't have anything that needs to get done this evening. So, with that, let's pretend this Thursday's Monday and dive into this timely Halloween-themed brew.

Two things about me: I like beer and I like high fantasy. So, believe me when I say I'm excited for tonight's premier of Game of Thrones season six. It doesn't matter too much if my favorite character seems to be down for the count, Tyrion is still alive and kicking, so I'll be sticking around until he goes or the series concludes (whichever comes first).


What better way to kick off the start of the show's sixth season than with a special beer released in celebration of its fourth? I know I could be drinking one of Brewery Ommegang's more recent GoT brews (such as Seven Kingdoms), but, I'm hoping, Fire and Blood will suffice.