Tuesday, February 4, 2014

The Poor Man's Parabola

People may be divided over having big-box liquor retailer Total Wine in town, but there's no denying the fact that they are the sole reason we get to try beers from (off the top of my head, so forgive me if I forget some) Flying Fish, Scuttlebutt, Diamond Knot, Pike's, Reel, and Humboldt. Humboldt Brewing Company is the one famous for having a hemp ale (before Colorado totally one-upped them and made it legal to get high and chug a beer at the same time. Or something like that). The best of their lineup, I do believe, is their Black Xantus Imperial Stout. Though the company has undergone ownership changes in the past few years, the beers are still contract-brewed by the good folks at Firestone Walker. A great brewery, and one that was supposed to have begun distributing in Albuquerque by spring, though this has been pushed back till fall. At least. Don't hold your breath- just grab a 22 oz. Black Xantus, seen at Whole Foods for $14.99- though I bet you can get it cheaper. Black Xantus has always made me think of a lighter version of Firestone's incredible barrel-aged Imperial Stout, Parabola, though with more coffee. Black Xantus spends six months aging in bourbon and wine barrels and is infused with Jobella organic coffee. All the things a growing stout needs. 11% ABV, so enjoy your body's battle between the alcohol and caffeine.

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