Laughing Dog Brewery, Sandpoint, ID

10 % ABV; 60 IBU

Bow Wow Wow Yippy Yo Yippy Yeah, it’s all about Stouts and Team USA!

It has certainly been an exciting time for Olympic Hockey enthusiasts. From the variations to rules and regulations, to the anticipation and build up of certain storylines and the actual matches themselves, there hasn’t been much to complain about…except maybe the early mornings during group play. But what better way to start the day then with the All-American Laughing Dog Dogfather. Nothing barks hair of the dog like this Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout at 7:30 AM. Who needs coffee anyway?

Brewed in the far and mystical place of Sandpoint, Idaho, named by Rand McNally and USA Today as the nation’s “Most Beautiful Small Town” in 2011, Sandpoint boasts a population of roughly 7,365. You read that right, one comma. They have been in operation since 2005 and have quite the lineup of hoppy IPAs and stouts.

Getting down to it. The Dogfather is a very dark beer even by Imperial Stout standards. The lacing is as exceptional as the head, lending itself to a very roasty mouthfeel. Minor sidenote- on an empty stomach and slightly hungover head, plenty of great flavors that only appreciated as it slowly climbed to room temperature. Having picked this bottle up and a few others the night prior while driving through Delaware (a pleasure doing business with you, State Line) to Arlington, I knew this had liquid breakfast potential. What I didn’t know…well, I don’t need to include that. It packs quite the punch in alcohol content, but this is more realized after the bottle is down than after each sip. Served out of a 22oz. Bomber, a cocoa-coffee aroma prevailed with slight hints of the bourbon barrel, which came out later much more pronounced after the pour.

While this post is certainly on the later side of that Saturday Shootout Soshie Spectacular, America’s rise on the rink has proven it’s never too late to change the story about who is the underdog (how many can I squeeze into one post?) and who is the favorite for Gold. After the thorough whooping USA has put on Slovenia and Czech Republic since then, the rematch with Canada has North America more excited than a dog who just got a new ball. At this point, I am sure you’re thinking my jokes aren’t very punny; throw me a bone….