PhD Celebration!

No.. not me =(  One of the post-docs in my lab officially received his PhD after defending his thesis, so he's officially a Dr. now and had a little (ie big) celebration at his apartment last night.  There was a bunch of standard beers drunk at that place, but I also brought a lil something special to enjoy.  Also happened to be one of the beers I brought back from California.

Port Brewing Company - Santa's Little Helper Imperial Stout.  10.0% ABV.. unknown IBUs.  Crazy dark pour with a tan head that almost began ruby.  Wonderfully rich, sweet malty nose with some hints of spice.. mainly dark chocolate, toffee, some rich coffee and underlying alcohol.  A great thick Imperial Stout, the only thing taking points away is the alcohol as a bit too prominent.  Sometimes that bite works for a beer.. it was a little too strong to work for this.  Besides the alcohol on the finish, this had fantastically rich roasted malt notes, bitter chocolate, black coffee.. the whole shebang for an imperial...  Super smooth and creamy, just enough sweetness to up the easy of drinking, touch of spice gives it some character.  This is actually one that you can find out in these parts, give 'er a try!