Night Rider
On tap at Newport Pizza. I really shouldn't be drinking this at 11:00 AM on a Tuesday, but it's been a rough day at work and I just need a few liters of craft beer to relax. My wife (the slave driver) calls as I'm taking a sip and I tell her I'm working. "It's only a half lie," I tell myself, "After all, my briefcase is in the car and it does contain some files and business cards. I'm actually here to network. This place just happens to have 20 craft brew taps. I didn't actually know they served beer here." She asks why Reggae is blasting in the background. "I'm networking you old crone! Don't call me at work anymore. I have urgent business to attend to!" I scream into the phone as I hang up. I slam down my 7th pint and quickly order another. "Don't you think you've had enough?" Remarks the female bartender. "What? This is craft beer. You think I'm some sort of alcoholic? Hah. You have no appreciation for craft brew. You're probably some BMC drinker. You wouldn't understand my complex relationship with craft brew. Look, I'll bet you think I'm a snob for that BMC remark. Well, I meant every word of it! But, I'm not a snob. No, you couldn't possibly begin to understand." "Just one more pint, please...I'm begging you" I plead with dignity. I greedily pour the entire pint down my throat when she sets it before me, half of it spilling all over my white Ermenegildo Zegna shirt and Armani tie. "I'm not an alcoholic...I just enjoy craft brew." The beer pours almost black, with huge dark brown head. The retention is great on this frothy, pillowy beast, lasting through the entire pint. The aroma is of dark chocolate, roasted malt, some sweetness, and molasses. A touch of vanilla is present, as well as a little coffee in the background. The taste is sweet up front, segueing into dry roastiness. I taste dark chocolate with a hint of astringency and dry bitterness. The chocolate has some sugary sweetness. The alcohol is well hidden throughout, but it's more noticeable in the finish in the form of a slight burn. Chocolate and roast linger after the dry and astringent finish. The beer is full bodied with a medium level of draft carbonation and a creamy mouthfeel. This beer is pretty good, but it does little to differentiate itself in the wide world of Imperial Stouts.