Boulevard Reverb Imperial Pilsner

This 7.7% ABV pilsner is No. 16 from the Smokestack Series by the Boulevard Brewing Company of Kansas City, Missouri.  Their Smokestack Series consists of special, seasonal and limited releases.  The beer is described as turning a pilsner up to 11, like in Spinal Tap.

The beer pours a slightly hazy pale yellow golden in color.  It has a tall head of thick and bubbly white foam.  The aroma is pure golden malty grains, tall grass, fresh and clean straw, floral, and some earthy lager funk.  The taste follows the aromas directly and has a transcendental floral and fruity hop note that travels on top of all the other flavors from beginning to end.  It is perfectly bitter, moderately to strongly so, with a refreshing and dry finish.  This beer is amazing, find it and drink it.

Guinness

The iconic Guinness stout from the Guinness brewery in Dublin, Ireland.  This one is from a draught bottle with the nitrogen widget.  It is never better than on tap in Ireland.  Outside of Ireland, the best draught pint of Guinness I have ever had was at Tir Na Nog pub in New York City's Hell's Kitchen.

The beer pours black in appearance, with hints of dark ruby if held to the light.  There is a tall inch head of very light brown foam, not nearly as creamy as when on tap.  The aroma is a light and tangy dark roasted malt.  The taste is dark roasted malt, very lightly peaty and smokey, with a light coffee aftertaste and a smooth and lightly bitter finish.  No Guinness is not the most flavorful stout in the world, it tastes good, but is actually a relatively light drinker.  It is iconic in the best way and the witness to many good times.  For an easy drinking session beer with even more flavor, try Cains Dark Mild if you ever see it.