Cigar City Brewing: Marshal Zhukov’s

Style: Russian Imperial Stout

Special Notes: Named after a famous Russian WWII general

ABV: 11.8%

IBU: 70

Availability: Yearly release (Summer)

@untappd says: 4.21/5

With the help of Cigar City Brewing, we’re honoring a great military leader on the Windowsill today.

If you know what my day job is, you know I’m a big fan of history. That’s why I love when a brewery digs into the past for inspiration for its beer names. Tampa, Florida’s Cigar City Brewing has done a great job of this with their Marshal Zhukov. It’s a Russian Imperial Stout named after Georgy Zhukov—one of the greatest generals of World War II.

Cigar City Brewing: Marshal Zhukov's
Proper label color for this Russian Imperial Stout! (Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on WIndowsills)

Most of us living in the United States only get to know about the great American generals during the war, like Dwight D. Eisenhower or Douglas MacArthur, so, to me, it was cool to research Zhukov and learn a bit about his role for Russia in WWII. Zhukov’s story is a classic rags-to-riches story. He was born in 1896 into extreme poverty, served—and was injured—in WWI and eventually rose to command the entire Red Army during WWII. I won’t get much further into his life on the Windowsill, but his is a fascinating story. Look it up if you want to know more.

Now that the history lesson is over… does the Marshal Zhukov do a good job of honoring the great Russian general? “Da.” Without a doubt. It pours into the glass like motor oil—in both color and viscosity—and the notes of chocolate, coffee and other roasty goodness hit my taste buds like a bullet from a PPS-43. It also had some pretty solid sweetness… perfect for dessert.

If you’re looking for a good Russian Imperial Stout, bid “do svidaniya” to the rest… Marshal Zhukov’s is a must-have.

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. Cigar City Brewing: Marshal Zhukov’s . With the help of @cigarcitybrewing, we’re honoring a great military leader on the Windowsill today. . If you know what my day job is, you know I’m a big fan of history. That’s why I love when a brewery digs into the past for inspiration for its beer names. Tampa, Florida’s Cigar City Brewing has done a great job of this with their Marshal Zhukov. It’s a Russian Imperial Stout named after Georgy Zhukov—one of the greatest generals of World War II. . Most of us living in the United States only get to know about the great American generals during the war, like Dwight D. Eisenhower or Douglas MacArthur, so, to me, it was cool to research Zhukov and learn a bit about his role for Russia in WWII. Zhukov’s story is a classic rags-to-riches story. He was born in 1896 into extreme poverty, served—and was injured—in WWI and eventually rose to command the entire Red Army during WWII. I won’t get much further into his life on the Windowsill, but his is a fascinating story. Look it up if you want to know more. . Now that the history lesson is over… does the Marshal Zhukov do a good job of honoring the great Russian general? “Da.” Without a doubt. It pours into the glass like motor oil—in both color and viscosity—and the notes of chocolate, coffee and other roasty goodness hit my taste buds like a bullet from a PPS-43. It also had some pretty solid sweetness… perfect for dessert. . If you’re looking for a good Russian Imperial Stout, bid “do svidaniya” to the rest… Marshal Zhukov is a must-have. . ABV: 11.8, IBU: 70, Limited availability . @untappd says: 4.21/5

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Evil Twin Brewing: Bozo Beer (2018)

Evil Twin Brewing: Bozo Beer

Style: Imperial Stout

Special Notes: Brewed with hints of cocoa, chocolate, coconut, cinnamon, oak chips, chili, coffee, vanilla, hazelnut, chestnut and marshmallows.

ABV: 17.2%

IBU: N/A

Availability: Limited

@untappd says: 4.23/5

Who knew being a bozo would feel so good?

Not only is it Stout Season, but it snowed and was extremely cold in the North East this weekend. That meant I needed an extra beefy stout to keep me warm. Who do you go to when you need a beefy stout? Evil Twin Brewing, of course. At 17.2% ABV, and with the consistency of pure motor oil, the Bozo Beer is one of the beefiest stouts I’ve ever had.

Evil Twin Brewing: Bozo Beer
Just a couple of bozos on the label. Can you guess who they are? (Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on Window Sills)

So why Bozo? According to a piece in the New York Times, Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (owner of Evil Twin) designed this beer “make fun of” the extreme flavor experiments in which craft brewers like Mikkeller often engage. Said Jeppe: We added cocoa, chocolate, coconut, cinnamon, oak chips, chili, coffee, vanilla, hazelnut, chestnut, marshmallows. It’s not a beer I’d drink, but it came out excellent, and it gets crazy high ratings.”

So, when Evil Twin made this beer, which was brewed in conjunction with Westbrook Brewing Company, they set out to make a ridiculous beer, kind of to make fun of us craft beer bozos. With all those giant flavors, and all that booze, I really loved this brew. I’ll be a bozo all day long if it means Jeppe keeps making this beer. It’s amazing!

How about you, Windowsillers? Would you be a bozo for this delicious Bozo Beer?

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Two Roads Brewing Company: Two Evil: Saigon Scooter Selfie

Two Roads Brewing Company: Two Evil: Saigon Scooter Selfie

Style: Vietnamese-style Coffee Stout

Special Notes: Brewed with coffee, brown sugar and cream extract—in the style of Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese iced coffee). Collaboration with Evil Twin Brewing and Heart of Darkness Brewery Saigon.

ABV: 9.5%

IBU: N/A

Availability: Limited

@untappd says: 4.05/5

Taking the Windowsill to Saigon today!

Have you ever heard of Ca Phe Sua Da? I hadn’t either. As it turns out, it’s a style of coffee that originated in Vietnam. According to Steamy Kitchen, “Vietnamese Iced Coffee is an intensely brewed coffee concentrate that drips down into a tall glass of ice and a big spoonful of sweetened condensed milk.” The result is a rich, creamy, smooth, sweet and intense coffee flavor that can be a bit shocking to those of us used to “regular” coffee.

Two Roads Brewing Company: Two Evil: Saigon Scooter Selfie
Sometimes a happy accident can lead to great inspiration. Like this label! (Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on Windowsills)

Sounds good, right? Well, that’s what the Saigon Scooter Selfie is; a Vietnamese style coffee stout. It’s brewed with coffee, as well as brown sugar and cream extract. The beer is the latest—along with the Geyser Gose and the Pachamama Porter—in the Two Evil series of collaborations between Two Roads Brewing Company and Evil Twin Brewing. For this Vietnamese-inspired stout, brewers Phil Markowski (Two Roads) and Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (Evil Twin) actually traveled to Saigon—they’ve traveled somewhere to brew all of the Two Evil beers—to work with Duane Morton, head brewer at Heart of Darkness Brewery.

The label is inspired by a real photo taken by co-founder of Two Roads Clem Pellani. Pellani was actually trying to take a video, but ended up taking selfie instead… on a scooter… in Saigon.

Much like the Vietnamese-style coffee, the end product of this collaboration was rich, creamy, decadent stout. The label describes it like a coffee milkshake, and that’s really what it is. I haven’t had another stout quite like it, and I really wish I had another. It also makes me desperately want to try the real Ca Phe Sua Da… so I think that’s what I’ll be doing next!

Head over to Instagram to check this one out, now!

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. Two Roads Brewing Company: Two Evil: Saigon Scooter Selfie . Taking the Windowsill to Saigon today! . Have you ever heard of Ca Phe Sua Da? I hadn’t either. As it turns out, it’s a style of coffee that originated in Vietnam. According to @steamykitchen, “Vietnamese Iced Coffee is an intensely brewed coffee concentrate that drips down into a tall glass of ice and a big spoonful of sweetened condensed milk.” The result is a rich, creamy, smooth, sweet and intense coffee flavor that can be a bit shocking to those of us used to “regular” coffee. . Sounds good, right? Well, that’s what the Saigon Scooter Selfie is; a Vietnamese style coffee stout. It’s brewed with coffee, as well as brown sugar and cream extract. The beer is the latest—along with the Geyser Gose and the Pachamama—in the Two Evil series of collaborations between @tworoadsbrewing and @eviltwinbrewing. For this Vietnamese-inspired stout, brewers Phil Markowski (Two Roads) and Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (Evil Twin) actually traveled to Saigon—they’ve travel somewhere to brew all of the Two Evil beers—to work with Duane Morton, head brewer at @heartofdarknessbrewery. The label is inspired by a real photo taken by co-founder of Two Roads Clem Pellani. Pellani was actually trying to take a video, but ended up taking selfie instead… on a scooter… in Saigon. . Much like the Vietnamese-style coffee, the end product of this collaboration was rich, creamy, decadent stout. The label describes it like a coffee milkshake, and that’s really what it is. I haven’t had another stout quite like it, and I really wish I had another. It also makes me desperately want to try the real Ca Phe Sua Da… so I think that’s what I’ll be doing next! . ABV: 9.5%, IBU: N/A, Limited availability . @untappd says: 4.05/5

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Trillium Brewing Company: PM Dawn

Trillium Brewing Company: PM Dawn

Style: Imperial Stout

Special Notes: Brewed with coffee from Barrington Coffee

ABV: 9.0%

IBU: N/A

Availability: Rotating

@untappd says: 4.30/5

Stout Season is still going strong on the Windowsill today!

This is another Trillium Brewing Company brew from my trip in September, the PM Dawn. It’s one of many beers—of all styles—that the Boston-based brewery has made in collaboration with their Fort Point neighbors, Barrington Coffee Roasting. You might have tried some of the others, like the Night & Day, the Day & Night, the Coffee Cake and the Affogato.

Trillium Brewing Company: PM Dawn
Why show one, when I can show two? (Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on Windowsills)

This is the first Stout I’ve ever tried from Trillium, and I can absolutely guarantee you I’m going to be looking for more of them when I go to their Canton location in February. It’s brewed with cold brewed coffee, which, in my opinion, is way better than regular coffee brewed hot. Why? First of all, it contains more caffeine than regular coffee. It’s also easier on your stomach, as the heat used in brewing a regular cup of Joe can add to the drink’s acidity.

Enough about the Java though. The PM Dawn is divine. The nose hits you with some solid earthy, roasted coffee and chocolate. The flavor follows suit with more chocolate, vanilla and rich and creamy coffeeness. One thing I like in my stouts is a heavier mouthfeel and, although it’s not quite motor oil, the PM Dawn is fairly heavy and thick. Very balanced, and just plain awesome.

Head over to my Instagram page to celebrate Stout Season with amazing craft beer!

The Alchemist: Luscious (2018)

The Alchemist: Luscious

Style: British Imperial Stout

Special Notes: Made with 50% specialty malt for more flavor.

ABV: 9.2%

IBU: N/A

Availability: Rotating

@untappd says: 4.27/5

We have a nice bit of deep, dark lusciousness on the Windowsill today!

Can you imagine a world without beer from Vermont’s The Alchemist? Well, back in 2011, their brewpub in Waterbury—this was long before the beautiful new facility in Stowe—was completely devastated by a flood. According to the Waterbury Record, the floodwaters “destroyed nearly everything in the Alchemist basement. A walk-in cooler, compressors, computers, the malt, beer, food, recipes—all were damaged beyond repair.”

Facing basically being out of business, owner John Kimmich was able to save two beers. Heady Topper and Luscious. Four days after the flood, Kimmich opened a temporary cannery. The Luscious and the Heady Topper helped save the company when it was released for 11/11/11. You can imagine why this beer holds a special place in Kimmich’s heart.

The Alchemist: Luscious
Like the label says, this one was truly luscious.(Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on Windowsills)

Well, now it holds a special place in my heart, too. I picked up this can all the way back in June, when I visited for @itsmeitsbmd1085’s bachelor party. This was my last can leftover from that trip. As bittersweet as that is, this beer definitely had no bitterness to it at all. Just luscious, sweet deliciousness. It’s a British-style imperial stout with a good kick and some great flavor to boot. One interesting note about this version that separates it from the ones brewed before 2017 is that Alchemist now works on a five-week-brewing cycle. Previous versions of the Luscious was often aged for 8, or even 12, weeks.

The ones you’re getting at their Stowe location these days are much younger. You can have them fresh, or age them a while. Mine spent almost seven months in the fridge, and it was still incredible!

Check this one out on Instagram, now! Be sure to like and follow Beers on Windowsills!

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. The Alchemist: Luscious (2018) . We have a nice bit of deep, dark lusciousness on the Windowsill today! . Can you imagine a world without beer from Vermont’s The Alchemist? Well, back in 2011, their brewpub in Waterbury—this was long before the beautiful new facility in Stowe—was completely devastated by a flood. According to @beerconnoisseurmag, the floodwaters “destroyed nearly everything in the Alchemist basement. A walk-in cooler, compressors, computers, the malt, beer, food, recipes—all were damaged beyond repair.” . Facing basically being out of business, owner John Kimmich was able to save two beers. Heady Topper and Luscious. Four days after the flood, Kimmich opened a temporary cannery. The Luscious and the Heady Topper helped save the company when it was released for 11/11/11. You can imagine why this beer holds a special place in Kimmich’s heart. . Well, now it holds a special place in my heart, too. I picked up this can all the way back in June, when I visited for @itsmeitsbmd1085’s bachelor party. This was my last can leftover from that trip. As bittersweet as that is, this beer definitely had no bitterness to it at all. Just luscious, sweet deliciousness. It’s a British-style imperial stout with a good kick and some great flavor to boot. One interesting note about this version that separates it from the ones brewed before 2017 is that Alchemist now works on a five-week-brewing cycle. Previous versions of the Luscious was often aged for 8, or even 12, weeks. The ones you’re getting at their Stowe location these days are much younger. You can have them fresh, or age them a while. Mine spent almost seven months in the fridge, and it was still incredible! . ABV: 9.2%, IBU: N/A, Rotating availability . @untappd says: 4.27/5

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Left Hand Brewing Company: Wake Up Dead Nitro (2018)

Left Hand Brewing Company: Wake Up Dead Nitro

Style: Russian Imperial Stout

Special Notes: Carbonated with Nitrogen.

ABV: 10.2%

IBU: 45

Availability: Winter seasonal

@untappd says: 3.82/5

Happy New Year Windowsillers!

Did you ever wake up dead? I thought I did this morning, but it turned out I was just hungover from celebrating New Year’s Eve at Barcelona Wine Bar in Fairfield, CT. It’s something my wife and I have done a few times now, and it’s always a blast. We typically start with dinner at the restaurant, where they do pretty incredible Spanish-style tapas and entrees. Our favorite tapas are definitely the Sweet & Sour Chorizo & Figs and the Potato Tortillas and the very best entree is the Vegetable Paella. The best part? It’s attached to the Hotel Hi-Ho, so we just rented rooms. No drinking and driving. All drinking and partying!

Left Hand Brewing Company: Wake Up Dead Nitro label closeup
This is definitely a badass label design. Love it! (Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on Windowsills)

It’s the hotel that I have to thank for today’s Windowsill. You can even see the Barcelona Wine Bar sign in the background. Beautiful! As far as the beer? It’s a Nitro Imperial Russian stout from Left Hand Brewing Company named Wake Up Dead. It’s brewed with a slew of delicious malts, including Pale 2-row, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Black Barley and Flaked Oats. Magnum and US Goldings hops make up the rest.

I love Nitro everything. I don’t care if it’s coffee or beer. Today, it’s beer, and the creamy, cascading head from the nitrogen carbonation works beautifully with this stout. It’s chocolately with hints of dry fruit. I really loved it. Got my New Year’s Eve rolling! Plus, that can art is awesome! Hope you all had a wonderful New Year’s Eve, and that your 2019 includes a lot of great beer—on a windowsill if possible!

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. Left Hand Brewing Company: Wake Up Dead Nitro (2018) . Happy New Year Windowsillers! . Did you ever wake up dead? I thought I did this morning, but it turned out I was just hungover from celebrating New Year’s Eve at Barcelona Wine Bar in Fairfield, CT. It’s something my wife, @jbeataetn, and I have done a few times now, and it’s always a blast. We typically start with dinner at the restaurant, where they do pretty incredible Spanish-style tapas and entrees. Our favorite tapas are definitely the Sweet & Sour Chorizo & Figs and the Potato Tortillas and the very best entree is the Vegetable Paella. The best part? It’s attached to the Hotel Hi-Ho, so we just rented rooms. No drinking and driving. All drinking and partying! . It’s the hotel that I have to thank for today’s Windowsill. You can even see the Barcelona Wine Bar sign in the background. Beautiful! As far as the beer? It’s a Nitro Imperial Russian stout from Left Hand Brewing Company named Wake Up Dead. It’s brewed with a slew of delicious malts, including Pale 2-row, Munich, Crystal, Chocolate, Roasted Barley, Black Barley and Flaked Oats. Magnum and US Goldings hops make up the rest. . I love Nitro everything. I don’t care if it’s coffee or beer. Today, it’s beer, and the creamy, cascading head from the nitrogen carbonation works beautifully with this stout. It’s chocolately with hints of dry fruit. I really loved it. Got my New Year’s Eve rolling! Plus, that can art is awesome! Hope you all had a wonderful New Year’s Eve, and that your 2019 includes a lot of great beer—on a windowsill if possible! . ABV: 10.2%, IBU: 45, Winter seasonal availability . @untappd says: 3.82/5

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Lawson’s Finest Liquids: No Collusion

Lawson's Finest Liquids: No Collusion

Style: Whiskey barrel-aged Imperial Stout

Special Notes: Aged in Mad River Distillers’ “Hopscotch” Whiskey barrels.

ABV: 11.0%

IBU: N/A

Availability: No longer in production (brewed once)

@untappd says: 4.38/5

Sometimes, collusion amongst friends leads to very good beer.

Despite the fact that today’s beer is named No Collusion, it’s very much a product of collusion… without the deceptive part of the word’s meaning, though. It comes from a partnership between Vermont’s Lawson’s Finest Liquids (makers of the Sip of Sunshine) and Mad River Distillers (a Vermont-based maker of fine spirits).

The process is detailed on the bottle, but just in case you can’t read it, it’s basically this: First, they started with Mad River’s “Hopscotch” Vermont Whiskey barrels. After the whiskey was emptied, Lawson’s filled those barrels with a maple imperial stout. One year later, the barrels were tapped and the beer inside was harvested for sale.

Lawson's Finest Liquids: No Collusion label closeup
No fancy frills for this bottle. Just the facts, and the beer. (Credit: Martin Stezano / Beers on Windowsills)

The next collusion that led this beer to my Windowsill, is one amongst friends. My good buddy Brian, and his new wife, had themselves a house warming party. Another good friend of the Windowsill, Alex, brought this bottle to the party and shared it with all of the guests. Collaboration at its finest, all around!

What else can I say about this beer? It was so good, that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a few days! I still remember it fondly! Chocolatey, mapley, whiskey goodness. Although, I must say, I didn’t realize it was aged in whiskey barrels until I saw the label. The beer itself was ultra smooth. The rest of the night got away from us a bit (Bourbon County and Pumking made appearances), but the Lawson’s really stuck in my mind. Incredible. I really hope they decide to make more some day.

Head over to Instagram to like and follow me for more great craft beer!

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. Lawson’s Finest Liquids: No Collusion . Sometimes, collusion amongst friends leads to very good beer. . Despite the fact that today’s beer is named No Collusion, it’s very much a product of collusion… without the deceptive part of the word’s meaning, though. It comes from a partnership between Vermont’s Lawson’s Finest Liquids (makers of the Sip of Sunshine) and Mad River Distillers (a Vermont-based maker of fine spirits). . The process is detailed on the bottle, but just in case you can’t read it, it’s basically this: First, they started with Mad River’s “Hopscotch” Vermont Whiskey barrels. After the whiskey was emptied, Lawson’s filled those barrels with a maple imperial stout. One year later, the barrels were tapped and the beer inside was harvested for sale. . The next collusion that led this beer to my Windowsill, is one amongst friends. My good buddy @itsmeitsbmd1085, and his new wife, had themselves a house warming party. Another good friend of the Windowsill, @sherk.alex, brought this bottle to the party and shared it with all of the guests. Collaboration at its finest, all around! . What else can I say about this beer? It was so good, that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a few days! I still remember it fondly! Chocolatey, mapley, whiskey goodness. Although, I must say, I didn’t realize it was aged in whiskey barrels until I saw the label. The beer itself was ultra smooth. The rest of the night got away from us a bit (Bourbon County and Pumking made appearances), but the Lawson’s really stuck in my mind. Incredible. I really hope they decide to make more some day. . ABV: 11.0%, IBU: N/A, Limited availability (brewed once so far) . @untappd says: 4.38/5

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Other Half Brewing Co.: Space Soyez Sauce (Cocoa Nibs And Raspberries)

Other Half Brewing Co. and Zagovor Brewery: Space Soyez Sauce

Style: Red wine barrel-aged Imperial Stout

Special Notes: Aged with Ararat brandy-soaked staves, cocoa nibs and raspberries. Collaboration with Zagorov Brewery.

ABV: 12.0%

IBU: N/A

Availability: No longer in production

@untappd says: 4.25/5

The Windowsill is simply out of this world for Stout Season today!

Have you guys heard about the Russian Revolution? No, not the Communist one back in 1917 that I covered in my post about The Czar from Avery Brewing Company. I’m talking about the Russian craft beer revolution! Back in 2014, the Russian currency collapsed, making many things unaffordable for the Russian people. One of those things was foreign beer. But, from a tragedy, arose a great thing. When they couldn’t afford to get outside craft beer, many Russian people just decided to make their own. Over the last five years or so, the Russian craft industry has boomed, and there are now over 100 craft breweries in the country. That boom is partially why we got today’s Windowsill brew—the Space Soyez Sauce.

Back in 2015, Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing Co. teamed up with Moscow’s Zagovor Brewery. Zagovor is the Russian word for “conspiracy,” and the brewery bills itself as a provider of “craft beer from the deep end of the Moscow underground.” There’s no conspiracy behind today’s beer, though. It’s phenomenal.

Other Half Brewing Co. and Zagovor Brewery: Space Soyez Sauce
Another classy bottle from Other Half. The contents inside were even better! (Credit: Martin Stezano / Beers on Windowsills)

I can honestly say that the Space Soyez Sauce is one of the more unique beers I’ve ever tried in my life. The base beer is a really solid imperial stout, but the two breweries put out three other varieties as well. All three varieties are aged in red wine barrels with Ararat brandy-soaked birch staves thrown in for good measure. One of them went to market just like that, but the other two are special. One is also aged on cherries and vanilla. The one I got, that you see in the photos, is aged on raspberries and cocoa nibs. I love nibs!

This variant is phenomenal. Every flavor is palatable. The rich chocolate, the red wine notes and the raspberries all shine through. The base stout is also quality, smooth and delicious despite the high ABV. When i first poured, the lack of thick head kind of made me pause, but the nose and flavor knocked it out of the box for me. Sadly, it’s not in production anymore, so you’ll have to dig to find it. I got my Space Soyez Sauce at Decicco & Sons!

You know what to do—check it out on Instagram! Follow, like and tell your beer-loving friends!

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. Other Half Brewing Co.: Space Soyez Sauce (Cocoa Nibs And Raspberries) . The Windowsill is simply out of this world for Stout Season today! . Have you guys heard about the Russian Revolution? No, not the Communist one back in 1917. I’m talking about the Russian craft beer revolution! Back in 2014, the Russian currency collapsed, making many things unaffordable for the Russian people. One of those things was foreign beer. But, from a tragedy, arose a great thing. When they couldn’t afford to get outside craft beer, many Russian people just decided to make their own. Over the last five years or so, the Russian craft industry has boomed, and there are now over 100 craft breweries in the country. That boom is partially why we got today’s Windowsill brew—the Space Soyez Sauce. . Back in 2015, Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing Co. teamed up with Moscow’s @zagovorbrewery. Zagovor is the Russian word for “conspiracy,” and the brewery bills itself as a provider of “craft beer from the deep end of the Moscow underground.” There’s no conspiracy behind today’s beer, though. It’s phenomenal. . I can honestly say that the Space Soyez Sauce is one of the more unique beers I’ve ever tried in my life. The base beer is a really solid imperial stout, but the two breweries put out three other varieties as well. All three varieties are aged in red wine barrels with Ararat brandy-conditioned birch staves thrown in for good measure. One of them went to market just like that, but the other two are special. One is also aged on cherries and vanilla. The one I got, that you see in the photos, is aged on raspberries and cocoa nibs. I love nibs! . This variant is phenomenal. Every flavor is palatable. The rich chocolate, the red wine notes and the raspberries all shine through. The base stout is also quality, smooth and delicious despite the high ABV. When i first poured, the lack of thick head kind of made me pause, but the nose and flavor knocked it out of the box for me. Sadly, it’s not in production anymore, so you’ll have to dig to find it. I got mine at @deciccosbeer! . ABV: 12.0%, IBU: N/A, No longer in production . @untappd says: 4.25/5

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Perennial Artisan Ales: Fantastic Voyage (2018)

Perennial Artisan Ales: Fantastic Voyage

Style: Imperial Milk Stout

Special Notes: Brewed with coconut

ABV: 11.5% at bottling

IBU: N/A

Availability: Summer release

@untappd says: 4.11/5

Slide. Slide. Slippity slide… on the Windowsill today!

I’d like to thank the bartender/bottle shop guy at @deciccosbeer for recommending today’s Windowsill brew. He told me it would be delicious, and he did not lie. Have you guys been to DeCicco & Sons? There are a few locations in the Westchester County, NY area, but my go to is the location in Armonk. It’s your typical grocery store, but the craft beer selection is out of this world. Downstairs, there’s an entire row of fridges dedicated to cans. That’s all well and good, but the real main event is upstairs. That’s where the bottles live… not to mention an entire full service bar with food. Yep. A full bar inside a grocery store. Crazy! If you’re near the area, you have to visit!

Perennial Artisan Ales: Fantastic Voyage can
Come along. you know you want to! (Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on Windowsills)

The Fantastic Voyage is an imperial milk stout at hear—creamy and strong with a roasty base. The special ingredient is the “heap” of dried coconut that’s added in the whirlpool. Tastes like coconut, chocolate sweetness and loveliness. It’s a massively good beer from the St. Louis-based Perennial Artisan Ales. They’ve been around since September of 2011, but this was my first beer from them. I’m definitely thirsty for more.

Final review: If you have a chance to try this beer, do as the great Coolio once said to do: “Come on y’all, let’s take a ride / Don’t you say shit just get inside!”

Had to include this for you guys… It’s much better than Lakeside’s original jam… no disrespect meant!

Slide on over to Instagram to check this one out. Like and follow!

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. Perennial Artisan Ales: Fantastic Voyage (2018) . Slide. Slide. Slippity slide… on the Windowsill today! . I’d like to thank the bartender/bottle shop guy at @deciccosbeer for recommending today’s Windowsill brew. He told me it would be delicious, and he did not lie. Have you guys been to DeCicco & Sons? There are a few locations in the Westchester County, NY area, but my go to is the location in Armonk. It’s your typical grocery store, but the craft beer selection is out of this world. Downstairs, there’s an entire row of fridges dedicated to cans. That’s all well and good, but the real main event is upstairs. That’s where the bottles live… not to mention an entire full service bar with food. Yep. A full bar inside a grocery store. Crazy! If you’re near the area, you have to visit! . The Fantastic Voyage is an imperial milk stout at hear—creamy and strong with a roasty base. The special ingredient is the “heap” of dried coconut that’s added in the whirlpool. Tastes like coconut, chocolate sweetness and loveliness. It’s a massively good beer from the St. Louis-based Perennial Artisan Ales. They’ve been around since September of 2011, but this was my first beer from them. I’m definitely thirsty for more. . Final review: If you have a chance to try this beer, do as the great Coolio once said to do: “Come on y’all, let’s take a ride / Don’t you say shit just get inside!” . ABV: 11.5%, IBU: N/A, Summer release . @untappd says 4.11/5

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The Bruery: Bakery

The Bruery: Bakery

Style: Imperial Stout Aged in Bourbon Barrels

Special Notes: Coconut and vanilla added

ABV: 13.0%

IBU: N/A

Availability: Year-rouns

@untappd says: 4.13/5

I’ve been hitting the bourbon barrel-aged stouts hard so far this month, but I might have to stop after today’s Windowsill brew. It’s unbelievably good!

Last week, I took a trip to Port Chester, New York for an eye doctor appointment. As I always do when I go to Port Chester, I stopped by Port Chester Beer Distributors—one of the best beer stores around. I went there with an intent to browse, but I ended up picking up a Founders Brewing Company CBS for my buddy Brian, a Barrel-Aged Ten Fidy from Oskar Blues Brewery and, at the recommendation of the PCBD guy, the Bakery by The Bruery. Best recommendation ever!

The Bruery: Bakery
Check out that beautiful label. (Credit: Martin Stezano/Beers on Windowsills)

The Bakery is an imperial stout aged bourbon barrels with coconut and natural vanilla flavor added. Bruery founder Scott Rue told The Full Pint that macaroons inspired this brew. Said Rue, “Macaroons bring back nostalgic feelings for me. As a kid, I would beg my Mom to buy them and devour them in one sitting. In college, my girlfriend (now wife) would buy fresh, chocolate-dipped macaroons from the campus coffee shop, which further fueled my appreciation for the dessert.”

So, did Rue do it right? Hell yes. I definitely taste what he was going for in the Bakery. I think the first word that comes to mind when I think of this brew is creamy. Super creamy. It’s also got some really good sweetness and, although you can taste the bourbon barrel character in it, the boozyness is not at all overpowering. This is how you barrel age a stout. So good!

Head over to Instagram to check this one out right now!

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. The Bruery: Bakery . I’ve been hitting the bourbon barrel-aged stouts hard so far this month, but I might have to stop after today’s Windowsill brew. It’s unbelievably good! . Last week, I took a trip to Port Chester, New York for an eye doctor appointment. As I always do when I go to Port Chester, I stopped by Port Chester Beer Distributors—one of the best beer stores around. I went there with an intent to browse, but I ended up picking up a @foundersbrewing CBS for my buddy @itsmeitsbmd1085, a Barrel-Aged TenFidy from @oskarnblues and, at the recommendation of the PCBD guy, the Bakery by @thebruery. Best recommendation ever! . The Bakery is an imperial stout aged bourbon barrels with coconut and natural vanilla flavor added. Bruery founder Scott Rue told @thefullpint that macaroons inspired this brew. Said Rue, “Macaroons bring back nostalgic feelings for me. As a kid, I would beg my Mom to buy them and devour them in one sitting. In college, my girlfriend (now wife) would buy fresh, chocolate-dipped macaroons from the campus coffee shop, which further fueled my appreciation for the dessert.” . So, did Rue do it right? Hell yes. I definitely taste what he was going for in the Bakery. I think the first word that comes to mind when I think of this brew is creamy. Super creamy. It’s also got some really good sweetness and, although you can taste the bourbon barrel character in it, the boozyness is not at all overpowering. This is how you barrel age a stout. So good! . ABV: 13.0%, IBU: N/A, Available year-round . @untappd says: 4.13/5

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