Alley Kat has released two venerable favourites just in time for the holidays. Chat O Oatmeal Stout is available in bottles at Chateau Louis. Coming in at 5.5% it is considerably stronger than Guinness at a whimpy 4.2%. Chat O is for the serious stout lover. It is a true oatmeal stout being on the dry side of spectrum with just enough oatmeal for a bit of slickness. Plenty of roast coffee character coupled with a firm body makes this a memorable brew.
Alley Kat’s second release is the much-anticipated 2003 edition of Olde Deuteronomy Barley Wine. It is available at several liquor stores, including Chateau Louis, and also at Alley Kat. At 10.0% this beer is not for the faint of heart. It makes a statement with a huge malt palette coupled with an assertive hoppiness, an excellent winter warmer. Roxy suggests buying at least a few if not more, 24-bottle cases to put down for several years. At around $2.00 -$2.25 a bottle, this is a bargain barley wine. And it is only going to get better as it ages. Quantities are limited and those “in the know”, know that this beer is a keeper.
While at Chateu Louis, Roxy also checked out some Belgian Ales. One of the nicer finds was Artevelde Grande Cru, a nice double. It has a distinct chocolate malt palette and just enough cloviness to be interesting. Goes down nice and easy with a soft yet dry finish. Unlike Chimay Red, which tends to be quite fizzy being conditioned with a lager yeast, the Artevelde comes across like a fine ale with enough carbonation to throw a distinct but not huge head. Less gassy than Chimay, she found it easier drinking. The solid malt character also separates this beer from Chimay, which tends to lean towards a more distinct yeast character. At 7.0% Artevelde is big but not huge, pleasantly warming but not a pounder. It’s a soft kiss at midnight. Well worth seeking out.