Redhook doubles back with Double Black Stout

Redhook Ale Brewery's Double Black Stout is back! Ironically, the lyrics to AC/DC 's famous song, "Back in Black," is perfect for the occasion:

Back in black
I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm let loose
From the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I've been looking at the sky
'Cause it's gettin' me high
Forget the hearst 'cause I never die
I got nine lives
'Cause I'm back
I'm back in black!

Double Black that is! After an 8 year hiatus Redhook's much loved Imperial stout has been let loose from the brew house. Even though it's only going to be available for a limited time, at least it's back on store shelves.


Eight years ago I wasn't much of a Beer Geek, so I've never had the pleasure of tasting this most succulent of stouty suds. According to the PR release "Double Black Stout is a smooth, imperial stout enhanced by the addition of rich, flavorful coffee and dark malts to create a big, roasted flavor." I love my morning coffee as much as I love my afternoon beer... so pairing the two is a match made in adult beverage heaven!

I ain't gonna lie: I love this beer. It's so smooth you'd think you were drinking satin. There is no harsh bitter taste from any component of the beer, making it perfectly balances. No wonder beer fans have been clamoring for this bad boy! Since Widmer decided to stop brewing Snow Plow (it's going to be harder to get than a straight answer from a "professional" politician) -- Double Black Stout just became my fave winter brew.

Speaking of... Double Black is only being sold in 22 oz bombers at -- get this -- the unbelievable price of $4.99. Ya, there's no one (1) in front of that four people! For a mere five bucks you can suck down an entire bomber of this 7% ABV stout and feel all nice and toasty. With the economy in the crapper, most six packs costing $9 or so a pop, this is probably one of the best deals around! I'm going to snatch up all the bombers I can find in my neck of the woods, so if my fellow beer geeks in the area can't find it at their local liquor store... come see me.

But wait... there's more! Following DBS, Redhook will be unleashing three additional limited release beers throughout 2009. The next one (don't ask, I don't know what it is) will hit the shelves in March. So stay tuned!

Zivjeli!

Back in Double Black!

No, I'm not talking about my favorite rock band AC/DC (although they are coincidentally coming out with a new album next week called Black Ice)...

I'm talking about Double Black Stout from Redhook Ale Brewery. After being MIA for eight years, Double Black Stout is back! But only for a limited time. This bad boy of brew will be released nationwide the first week of November and will remain available until February '09... or until supplies run out.

According to the press release (I've never had this beer and I have no idea what it tastes like, so if any of you have... chime in!):

Originally created by the brewery in 1995, Redhook stopped producing Double Black Stout in 2000 and craft beer enthusiasts have been reminiscing about it ever since. Double Black Stout is a smooth, imperial stout enhanced by the addition of rich, flavorful coffee and dark malts to create a big, roasted flavor. The beer can be found at specialty food stores and beer markets for $4.99 SRP per 22 oz bottle.

"For eight years now, Double Black Stout fans across the country have clamored for its return. We decided to go one step farther and use it to launch an entire series of limited releases," said Doug MacNair, brew master for Redhook Ale Brewery. "By giving Double Black another chance to shine, we're raising a glass to our craft beer heritage - and we think our loyal drinkers will be very happy with the result."

If that weren't cool enough... after the Double Black Stout has left the building, Redhook will crack open three more "limited release" beers throughout 2009. Developed by Redhook's expert brewers, these unique craft beers will be different than anything the brewery has ever created. The next limited release will hit shelves in March 2009.

Sweet!