It took only seconds to see Ostara on the shelf and see that it was a blessed stout, so that went right into my metaphorical basket. I only buy a few beers at a time, I don’t normally need a real basket. This is a Galway Bay beer, so it is promising, although the back gives some information that makes me pause. Ostara, it says, is the Irish name for spring (not what Duolingo says, but what would you expect), and is meant as a push to celebrate the change of seasons. Well, it’s either late or early for spring, but I guess I am about at the cusp of a season change. Hopefully no old gods will be offended.
The can seems extra full, burgeoning like a coming spring, and it also produces another lavish head. This beer is even more chocolatey looking than fossil fuely, but has a sharp and slightly seawater aroma. They taste is malty, rounded and somewhat vegetal. A thin layer of smoke lies over it like a wreath. While light in feel, there is a slight dustiness as well, like a piece of dark chocolate that has been sitting around just a little too long. It has a pleasant, convivial experience to it, definitely the kind of beer you drink in pints at the bar while hours slip by in conversation. It isn’t actually a session stout, but it does have that feel to it, being solid and and reliable in its flavor and feel from beginning to end. It’s smooth enough to suck down with some speed, but also tasty enough to savor for a while. While it isn’t a flavor explosion or surprise, it’s a beer well worth spending some time with.
Supplier: Lambeer
Price: €4.90
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