Dragon's Milk

At 10% alcohol by volume, this bier is not for lightweights. Or even some of the medium-weights who have clearly not imbibed enough water today.

This beer is for fans of such beers as Guinness and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. The label purports it to be an "ale aged in oak barrels" and one can definitely taste the oak. There are many phases of flavor for this beer, though, beyond the oaken ale.  Malty goodness provided with a smoothness which I can liken to that of Guinness is present and then, just when you think the ale, oak and malt are all there is... BAM! you have vanilla of the deepest richness too. It's not a stout, it is an ale and that becomes clear as you let it settle on your tongue. The label says to enjoy with "red meat, smoked foods, balsamic, rich cheese and dark chocolate." It does not lie. Some dark chocolate would've been wonderful. Instead, I had it straight-up. At 10% per volume, this is not a weakling little "American" beer. It's delicious and will be in our personal stash as soon as we have more than one bottle.