2-4-T: Big Black Voodoo Daddy & Cigar City Guava Grove

1. Voodoo Brewing Big Black Voodoo Daddy

For some reason, it may be me, but I feel like Voodoo Brewing Co. has stayed under the radar considering it's in my homestate, over in Meadville, PA, even if it's on the other side of the state. So this was the first beer I've tried from them and it definitely won't be my last. It's an Imperial Stout at 12% that they age in oak staves, with the intention of not adding a bourbon taste to the stout. There's nothing out of the realm for the taste of this beer. It just has a smooth chocolate taste. But it's one hell of a beer with minimal alcohol taste, surprising for a 12% beer. It's not a beer that you need a fork for though; it has a pretty thin mouthfeel. Quite a first impression for a small brewery that I didn't know much about, so I'm eager to try their other products.

Overall Rating: A-

2. Cigar City Guava Grove

Cigar City out of Tampa, FL is another brewery that I've only recently been trying, and I definitely won't be stopping. I'm hesitant about fruit-based beers these days but this one sounded interesting: a saision using guava. However, it didn't taste like a saison as much as it tasted like a sour ale. It had some nice acidity but not overpowering. I didn't taste much guava but on the other hand, I don't think my palate is strong in its guava-detection. Ultimately, the best thing about this beer is that it's yet another example of why I shouldn't hesitate about fruit-based beers.

Overall Rating: B+