Beer O'Clock: Vibrant Thing
Since January, Stray Dog Brewing Company has regularly hosted a karaoke night on the last Friday of each month. DW and I missed the first one because we had just returned from Costa Rica and we were feeling tired.
We had gone to three karaoke nights in less than a week, in Playa Potrero, so we were also a bit karaoked out.
In February, we were all set to attend Stray Dog's karaoke night, but at the last minute, Kid 1 had car problems and we loaned her the Niro, so DW and I were without a way to get from Barrhaven to Orleans. We had to miss the second event.
But everything was good in March, so we had a great time belting it out.
The next karaoke night at Stray Dog is Friday, April 24, and DW and I fully expect to be there. If you're in the area, I hope to come out, too.
During the last karaoke night, I was in the mood for a stout, but the brewery didn't have any of their Jeanne D'ark, which I really like. They had their peanut stout, PB & JD, and though it's pretty good I just wanted a straight-up stout.
Fortunately, they had a guest tap and were offering a stout from Beyond the Pale, The Darkness. I've had it before and like it plenty, so I made it my brew of the evening.
I really wanted to support my buddies at Stray Dog so as the karaoke night wrapped up and I settled my tab, I noticed that they had a new brew on their board. Without even asking what style of beer it was, I ordered four cans to go.
Stray Dog hasn't made a brew that I haven't liked. How could I go wrong?
It wasn't until I was ready to write this review that I opened my first can, so let's get right into it.
Appearance: pours a semi-hazy, golden apricot with a thin cap that quickly settles to a dense lace.
Nose: passionfruit and subtle lychee struck me straight away. I'm certain of these aromas because all week, I've been adding passionfruit and lychee juices to my morning fruit smoothies. The can notes a hint of dank resin but I wasn't picking it up. I had nothing but lovely fruit coming through—it has a wonderful aroma.
Palate: mild grapefruit rind and pine resin that is tempered by... oh, there's that dankness. A bit of lychee continues in the mouth and there's a slight creaminess that arrives, courtesy of added lactose. It's a full-bodied ale that the lactose and fruit soften, ending in a medium finish.
Overall impression: this is such a refreshing, quaffable ale. At a higher alcohol level, it's bold without being boozy. The fruit and lactose are perfectly balanced, making you want to enjoy it responsibly.
Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺🍺
When I purchased my four cans, I was told that there wasn't much of Vibrant Thing left in stock. Searching Stray Dog's Web site, it's not listed. But I hope that they make more (Marc, if you read this review, please bring Vibrant Thing back sometime—it would go down well in the summer!).
Cheers! And I hope to see you at the next karaoke night!
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