Desolate Lineup, the Rogue's notes.

Sandblasting winds do little to help out Lady Atlantic. Desolation along the 60th St. lineup, 1/11/2020. 

And the riot squad, they're restless
They need somewhere to go
As Lady and I lookout tonight
From Desolation Row
-Bob Dylan

   Has not been a harsh start to winter. Fairly mild actually. 40s-50s in the light. Upper 30s to lower 40s in the dark. Gym'in it...sometimes. Can still run outside...sometimes. Watching the surf report, the Atlantic has been holding steady in the upper 40s. Resolved to the end of surf back in December. Maybe an early start in the new year? March? April at the earliest? Wishful thinking. Old Man Winter is a ways from leaving. Was on the beach recently. Southwest winds howling. In the summer, outta the south you can feel the warm winds across your face. This time of year, storms rollin' up from the south bring the snow. Was chilly on the beach. And, like I said, windy. And desolate. As was the lineup. Knee to waist high mush. Yeah, I'd do it if it were another season. Endurance is what this time of year is all about. Endure the next couple, three or four months. Watch the water temps. Will it into the 50s. The surf will come.

  Couple of beers whilst waiting. Papi Chulo, Commonwealth Brewing's hazy, juicy, unfiltered IPA. Poured a golden orange with a finger-plus, foamy, off-white head. Clingy lacing that snakes around the glass.Strong tropical aromas of mango, pineapple, and citrus with herbal hoppiness mixed in. Upon first swig, tastes of mango, melon, and the signature hop grapefruit. Light bitterness in the finish, despite the 56 IBUs, that faded quickly leaving the tropical notes to dominate. Was not heavy at all, and very refreshing making for a dangerous 2nd helping at 6.5% ABV. Papi Chulo translates to "ladies man." A few of these and one might get the feeling, regardless of the truth. Got this in a mixed grouping from Virginia. Rated an A-.
   An unopened Christmas bottle from my buddy Mike that I finally got to was Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout...circa 2019. This'll warm ya on a cold, windblown beach. 14.7% ABV! No misprint. One of them beers you're supposed to let age to it's full potential. Yeah, okay. I let it age about 3 weeks from gettin' it. Potential not tasted is potential wasted. Poured a desolate space-black. Nothing to be seen but a reflection. Thick, brown, finger-plus head that receded quickly. Some plum, some toasted malt, lots of bourbon in the nose. The tasting was worth taking it slow. Chewy. Savored flavors of coffee, chocolate fudge, raisins and plums, sweet malt, and the heavy influence of the bourbon barrels. Got that boozy burn that is oft the stamp of such stouts. This time of year, it is welcome. 60 IBUs helped influence the bitter balance of the finish. Rated an A. Thanks Mike!

"I ran twice today. First I ran outta
beer, and then I ran to get some

more."  -Will Ferrell