Technically, this post is about beer, not food, but it was so good, it was worth the post. After my beer group's distillery tour, we walked over to Mission Dolores for a few brews. I saw Goose Island Night Stalker on the menu for a price of $6 for an 8oz glass. That immediately piqued my interest even though it didn't really say what kind of beer it was. I would imagine something called "Night Stalker" would be dark, which is right up my alley. The fact it was being served in such a small container tells me it's rich, another plus in my book. I assumed it would be some thick, dark, chocolaty stout. My senses were going crazy! I let someone talk me into trying something different, the special cask beer. It was a Southern Tier 2X IPA w/ an alcohol content of 8.5%. Enjoyable, but nothing to write home about. It was nutty and interesting. When I finished that off, I was happy to grab my Night Stalker. What an experience!
It was served in a smaller glass, something you might serve scotch on the rocks in. It was thick and dark, like I imagined. It was a sipping beer. I would almost compare it to a Bourbon. I have never had a beer like this on tap before! I was deliriously happy!
The taste...Definitely roasted and heavy, almost a little bitter. There were slight notes of caramel and maybe a little mocha or chocolate- nothing as strong as any other chocolate stout I've had, but much, much richer and silky. I could have had another glass and sipped that contentedly all night long, but I stayed within my two beer limit. Also, at nearly 12% alcohol content, I think two would have been more than enough! I regretted having the first cask beer instead of just two of the Night Stalkers that I wanted from the start, but I have to try new things if I'm ever going to expand my palate.
Night Stalker is brewed out in IL. Had I known then what I know now, I would have been a lot happier during my trips out to Chi-Town!
I don't venture into Brooklyn as often as I used to, but if I had to, this bar would be at the top of my haunts....If not for the chill vibe and cool attitude of the staff; for the fantastic array of beers on tap and for the chance of encountering the Night Stalker once again.
Two VERY enthusiastic thumbs up!
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