>Erik Wollschlager

On Thursday, December 10, Resurgence Brewing Company will be releasing their Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Sponge Candy Stout. The third version of their infamous Sponge Candy Stout is by far the best, in my opinion. Where as the Sponge Candy Stout is a little thin, and a little too sweet for my liking, and the Imperial version a bit bitter, the Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Sponge Candy Stout is just right. The oak aging smoothes out the edges of the sharp imperial, and overtakes some of the inherent sweetness. The toasted marshmallow and toffee flavors imparted by the caramelized sugar still exist, though, making this a fantastic oaky, sweet, chocolaty beer. The brew is available three ways—limited edition bottles, on tap, and for a limited time on nitro. The nitro pour is near perfection, and tastes like a great Irish coffee—creamy and roasty with a little bite of whiskey. If you’re in the brewery, try the brew with the Meat & Cheese Platter. Each choice of charcuterie will highlight a different flavor in the beer. If you make it out to the Release Party (Doors at 4pm, bottles on sale at 5pm,) you can try some of the Barrel Aged, the 2015 Imperial AND the 2014 Imperial alongside the very sponge candy the beer is brewed with. Gift packs will also be available for your beer-loving loved ones, so get your shopping done early and enjoy this great beer.

>Chris Groves, Certified Cicerone®

The first time I visited the Genesee Brew House back in 2012, I was truly floored by what was coming out of the “small” 20 barrel brewery on Cataract St. in Rochester. Brewmaster Dean Jones was brewing at least a half dozen solid styles, only available at the two bars located inside a renovated, former Genesee packaging facility. In the years since, Jones has brewed at least 40 different styles to much praise including their latest package release, Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter. A scaled up recipe originally brewed as a limited edition collaboration with Hedonist Artisan Chocolates takes a traditional English style Porter and inserts layers of complexity brought by a massive dose of French chocolate, caramel and sea salt. For beers typically packing this much flavor, you would expect to see an ABV north of 9%; not so with this, clocking in at 6.5%. This beer has the ability to be several different things depending on what temperature you serve it. Cold from the fridge, the beer pours deep brown with aromas and flavors of bittersweet chocolate, deep roast and salt with a slightly thinner body than one might expect. As the beer warms, roast takes a back seat to bittersweet chocolate, enhanced by salt, making a perfect dessert beer. Just in time for indoor party season, pair it with like flavors or your favorite Baklava. Pick up a 4-pack to share with friends and have a toast to the new Genny! #thinknydrinkny