The Public House

On Saturday, Laura and I met my friends Tim and Heather for dinner and some beers at a Public House (Pub) in Columbia, Maryland. Victoria Gastro Pub specializes in a unique beer menu, and they make the usual American classics with a slight twist. We had a really good time. Fine beers, fine food, and fine people are always an excellent combination. As I've mentioned before, when being indecisive about beer, I succumb to marketing and pick a name that catches my eye.

Flying Dog Raging Bitch IPA: Despite the name, I thought this beer was quite subdued for an IPA. I expected something, shall we say, aggressive. I got the complete opposite. Irony aside, I enjoyed this brew.

Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale (IPA): Let's face it, Stone brewing makes excellent ales across the board. They are not for the faint at heart or the newbie, but they are well crafted beers. This was no exception. It reminded me of an IPA, but it had the look and body of a stout. I want another one of these, soon.

On Sunday afternoon, I went for a casual time with my cousin Brendan (the inspiration for this project). We went to Fireflies, and sat at the bar for an hour or two watching Curling and other Olympic sports on TV. I had two new beers, as Fireflies is typically clutch for this. We also spent some time talking to the bar manager there. She said due to the epic snow falls recently, a lot of micro-brews have not been able to get there beers delivered. Thus, they were light on selection, but I certainly understood.

Victory Helios Ale: This had the color and body of a Belgian Ale, but there was a twist. True to the style, it was a very summer beer with a slightly fruity after taste and a light body. However, it also had a distinct hop characteristic that Brendan picked up on before me. This is a beer you drink after mowing the lawn. I think this beer helps Victory's reputation.

Left Hand Fade to Black: The bar manager mentioned that this beer would become the seasonal for Left Hand brewing. I've had one of their beers before, and this beer seems to redeem their reputation (I consulted my notes). This beer was quite good. It was a heavy, dark stout - as stouts should be. The roasted malts seemed to be dark chocolate and coffee.

The scorecard:
Colleen: 203
Paul: 200

I hope to make another trip to Bilbo Baggins soon. If I do, I'll obviously make a post here. I also need to include some pictures to make these posts less boring. Enjoy the beer, friends.

Cheers,
Paul