Rattle and Hum was a new experience for me, a place recommended by the bartender at Vol de Nuit. They have an impressive selection of beer and they will now be my go-to place if Ginger Man is packed (as it often is). They also have tastings and other events that I will surely be checking out. I had two beers there:

Flying Dog Oak Aged Gonzo – this beer was strong (9.5% ABV), dark and sweet as I expected. A good example of an Imperial Baltic Porter. Not much of a head  and very little lacing. Licorice and molasses notes in the taste.

Left Hand Jackman’s American Pale Ale – After the Gonzo, I craved something lighter and hoppier, so I tried this one. Poured a dark golden color, with apricot on the nose and fruit up front in the mouth along with some bitterness. Creamy on the finish. Very light and drinkable. The flavor of the hops became stronger as I drank. Not really a favorite of mine – not enough complexity in the flavors.

My friend, Devin, had the Southern Tier Backburner American Barleywine which I had a sip of. Strong, as expected with a barleywine (10% ABV), Belgian in style and flavor – aromatic and floral. What surprised me was how hoppy it finished. Definitely something I’d like to try myself on another trip.