A Couple of Ales from Global Beer Exchange.

Quick impressions of a couple of locally available ales distributed by Jimiton Araneta's Global Beer Exchange:

Anderson Valley Brewing Company Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout - I have a fondness for dark ales, especially during winters when I'm out and about (I really enjoy the narcotic effect Chimay's Grand Cru Ale has on me - a couple of tall glasses and I'm out like a light). Problem is, in the past, very few were available locally. This is a moderately rich, smooth stout with pretty straightforward, a tad off-dry roasted malt, dark chocolate, slightly creamy oatmeal and caramel flavors. It is dangerously easy to drink a lot of, as far as I'm concerned.

I first tried this less than a week ago, having picked up a few bottles out of curiosity at South Supermarket. I had it with a hearty lunch at home of rare roast beef sandwiches. Strange pairing, but I enjoyed it pretty much on its own.

Last night, I had it with some caramelized/glazed liempo at home. The fatty pork's savory flavor, smoky notes and caramelized glaze playing nicely with the ale. The pairing worked well enough in my opinion.

Also last night, my eldest picked out a Rogue Dead Guy Pale Ale to go with the liempo (he also had some crispy adobo flakes). He said it was not too dry to begin with but became drier at the end where a slight appetizing bitterness emerged. He seemed to like it well enough and quickly finished his bottle way before his second serving of food.