Froggies!

Back in 2010, I drove nearly cross-country in just over two days with my brother. Despite being a bit draining, it was an incredible experience that I wouldn't mind repeating some day. Lots of brewery visits (well, one a day), and a beer shopping spree that we both spent too much money on.

My worst purchase from a fiscal perspective? A $20 (un-labeled) bomber of Hoppin Frog Barrel Aged B.O.R.I.S Imperial Oatmeal Stout. Purchased nearly two years ago, and sitting in various basements and refrigerators ever since.

Until tonight.

I'd been saving this for a horrible, blizzard-esque night where I was stuck indoors, but PA just can't get a grasp on winter. So tonight, with grey skies and temps in the low 40s, I decided it was as good a time as any. It wasn't just the weather, it was the camaraderie that only a four-state Mario Kart tournament can provide that made me realize that it was finally time to pour this gem into an American made Dollar Tree tulip glass.

Right decision. After two years, the beer mellowed beautifully. It's only 9.4% ABV, so a bomber isn't going to do too much damage. The smell? Wonderful. The taste? Not the in-your-face robustness that you'd expect from an imperial stout, but much richer than your typical "dark beer". It wasn't a stretch to taste the bourbon, but it was far from overpowering. And the mouthfeel? Outstanding. Thick, but without creating that feeling in your gut like you've consumed far too much. Smooth. Not flat, but not "fizzy".

While I'd certainly hesitate to spend that much money on a bomber again, it's definitely given me cause to keep an eye out on Hoppin Frog's bottle selection out here. I have a feeling I haven't seen the last of them.