Another great beer from Ballast Point. The Commodore! As most of you probably know Ballast Point has sold their company to Constellation for “1 Billion Dollars” (Dr. Evil Voice). I know a lot of craft breweries who say they’d never “sell out” but when you start here Billion with a B, I bet anyone would stop and listen at least, especially when you get to operate as a stand-alone company with the same management (at first). Constellation is an international Alcohol Beverage giant predominately being a wine house, but they have since gotten into spirits as well. Ballast Point is their big interest onto the craft beer scene. With the growing craft movement this is a smart move, especially with such a well-established brand like Ballast Point. You can read more about the purchase here.
Ballast Point was started by a handful of brewers 20 years ago, with an agreement to make high-quality premium beer. They have been very successful with a number of their beers achieving the coveted 100 points on Beer Advocate, which is no easy feat for any brewery. The Commodore holds it’s on well in a family of winners. It pours real dark with a very off-white head of bubbles. The beer looks creamy and robust. You get roasted malts on the nose, with chocolate and coffee as well. The taste is like a chocolate coffee bar wrapped in smoke with a hint of earthiness. Good body with medium carbonation. Very good beer if you’re in the mood for a stout. If you haven’t tried many stouts I wouldn’t start with this one though. You can read more about the beer and get detailed specs here.
– Drink Up, SlyePup
