It has been a big week, with an unresolved presidential election and a Ravens/Steelers game.

I watched the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday with my friend, John, and his son. We drowned our sorrows with a Snake Eyes Imperial Stout from West Sixth Brewing out of Lexington, Kentucky (A Rare Beer Club Beer). I highly recommend sharing this 11% stout with friends, especially if they enjoy rich chocolate beers.

Resurrecting the Saturday Beer Reads tradition, below are a few links for you to peruse.

Mashed, The untold truth of mushroom beer. Never thought of a mushroom beer before. They are reportedly “earthy” but surprisingly good.

The Washington Post, Pubs, central to cultural life in Northern Ireland, close to control covid-19. This article is a few weeks old but might give you an appreciation for how lucky we are to still have bars open.

Forbes, Guinness Releases Its First Holiday Beer Nationwide. I love the beers out of Open Gate Brewery and look forward to trying a Guinness Imperial Gingerbread Spiced Stout.

FoodSided, Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter celebrates rich, versatile flavors. This sweet stout is not for everyone but I’m a fan. See my review from last year.

VinePair, We Asked 12 Brewers: What’s the Best Pumpkin Beer You’ve Ever Had? My apologies to those strongly opposed to Pumpkin Beer (aka DBear). I was recently at Dogfish Head and passed on their Punkin’ Ale because I read a bad review – my bad. The Cigar City, Allagash, and Flying Dog pumpkins all look tempting. Weyerbacker is a classic. Avery’s Rumpkin is amazing but a bit overwhelming. If you enjoy pumpkin beers, it’s a great time to be alive.

Uproxx, Serious Beer Experts Name Their Favorite Winter Beers. I’m a fan of winter ales and this is a very good list. The two from the UK, I’m unfamiliar with but the rest I can attest to their yumminess. I’ve actually attempted to make a few Samichlaus clones over the years. Several are aging in my cellar. And they definitely improve with age.

Cheers!

Warren