>Willard Brooks

Certain imperial stouts and porters—with their massive alcohol and big flavors—have achieved cult status. Endless hours can be spent enjoying the many comforting variations of these brews associated strongly with the UK and Ireland. This oatmeal stout is a daily drinker that will inspire you to enjoy the moment along with a Rueben sandwich and hand cut fries. It pours a thin white head and is Irish in style with some hops backing it up—very drinkable and built for sessions, political debates, and cheerful moments sitting at Gene’s old bar in the Ward. Loved by geeks and locals alike. Get this! Similar to Brooklyn Dry Stout. Available on tap at Gene McCarthy’s next door to the Old First Ward Brewery at 73 Hamburg Street. Visit: GeneMcCarthys.com

>Chris Groves, Certified Cicerone®

I have trouble with the “dangerously drinkable” descriptor so often used in the context of this beer and others like it. It’s an icky combination of words which could also be used to describe bleach. What I think it means to say is that this beer hides it’s booziness well enough in the flavor that the effects might catch up to you if you’re more than a few in on a school night. Be responsible folks, unless you’re ok with feeling like someone took your brain out and replaced it with a sponge. Brown Shugga came about by way of a failed batch of 1997 Olde Gnarleywine, resulting in a new beer. A happy accident, if you will. Malt sweetness, roast, brown sugar, and resinous hops work tremendously well together in producing a beer that is balanced, juicy and hugely flavorful. I suggest seeking out a large brandy snifter (if you don’t own one) for barleywines. Brandy snifters allow you to fully immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of the beer with the large, open bowl perfect for swirling, twirling and warming. The intense flavors of this beer are further enhanced as the beer warms, making it a slightly different beer with each sip. With food, match your intensities... give strong aged cheddar, stilton or roquefort a try. You can find 6-packs on Buy One Get One FREE deal from now until they’re gone at all Consumer’s locations. Cool!