As I have said several times, the great thing about Beer Appreciation is that it allows me to try some styles I normally couldn’t or wouldn’t try without forcing me to buy a case or spend a lot of money in a bar for a beer I might not like.

This week’s two offerings perfectly fit that bill – the Dead Reckoning Porter from Troegs and the Breakfast Stout from Founders. These styles tend to fill me up, which removes ome of the enjoyment of having a beer for me. I took this chance to enjoy each one individually while I relaxed after a day at work.

And enjoy I did. The Troegs had a little bit of hoppiness, which made it stand out above any other porter I have ever had. That’s kind of an empty statement because I honestly can’t remember the last time I drank a porter. I didn’t feel like I had eaten a loaf of bread when I finished the Dead Reckoning, however. I would consider getting this again – particularly on tap – if I were out for a meal and just wanted one beer.

While I enjoyed the Breakfast Stout, I don’t know if I can say the same. This will be heresy to many friends of mine, but this reminded me of why I don’t drink Guinness. When I drink a beer, I don’t like to feel like a loaf of bread is rising in my stomach. Stouts don’t make me feel sick. They just make me feel heavy, and I don’t like that after I drink a beer.

That said, this double chocolate coffee oatmeal stout tasted really good. I thought the coffee and chocolate taste would overwhelm me, but it really had a nice sutble touch that grew on me with each sip. Not enough to make me want to drink it in the morning, but enough to provide a nice finish to the day, especially with an 8.3 ABV.