Happy Two Year Anniversary from Nick's Beer Blog!!!

Two years, I can't believe it's been only two years since I first started this blog. It may seem like a short span of time to some people but to me, it feels like so long ago that I first decided to step forth into the realm of blogging.

This time last year, I couldn't believe all that had transpired at that time. This year, I find myself in the same position. Since then, my following has grown tremendously in ways I had never thought possible even a year ago. That is, however, just the tip of the iceberg.

Many doors have opened for myself as well. From connecting with professional brewers that are well-established to meeting with brewers that are just getting themselves off of the ground. From meeting a film director to help promote a documentary about craft beer to helping raise awareness for a local charity event. And finally, being able to write for a craft beer oriented website and having the distinguished honor of finally calling myself a writer.

So what does the future hold for me? Who knows, but I'm very excited to see what this next year brings for myself! So to all my readers and everyone I've met, I thank you all for your support and here's to another year of great fun times!

Cheers!

- Nick

Happy One Year Anniversary from Nick's Beer Blog!!

When I first started this blog after getting off of work exactly one year ago today, I had no idea what was in store for me. In fact, I created the blog originally for just posting beer reviews and giving my two cents as to what I thought of a certain beer. After all, I had posting reviews on Beer Advocate for a couple of years and I figured it was the best way to reach people.

Since then, it has taken off in ways I never could've even imagined and I've met some truly awesome people along the way. I'm very excited for what the future has in store for me and I can't wait to see where I go.

There will be no beer reviews tonight, but I have something special planned for tomorrow night so be sure to check that out.

So on behalf of myself, thank you so much for all of your support. I'm truly grateful to have such a wonderful readership base and a shout-out to the people who have helped make this blog as successful as it has become!

Cheers!

- Nick

Lakefront 25th Anniversary Imperial Stout

Lakefront Brewing just recently celebrated their 25th year of operations and to celebrate, they will be releasing 4 Limited Edition beers in commemoration. The first one, which I will be reviewing today, is an Imperial Stout. The other beers planned are a Bourbon Doppelbock, Saison, and Brandy Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Ale, according to BeerPulse.

It pours a pitch black color with a brown-red colored head. It doesn't really leave behind any lacing and it finishes rather clean.

The nose has a nice aroma of Vanilla, Rum Raisin, Chocolate and Cocoa. Reminds me a bit of Breckenridge Vanilla Porter, but with more Vanilla. Flavor wise, it's very vanilla and chocolate heavy upfront, followed by a rum raisin and cherry notes and has a boozy aftertaste.

The body and carbonation are both fairly light and doesn't really feel like something you'd expect from an Imperial Stout. How one interprets this is a matter of opinion.

So how do I feel about this beer? It's got good, unique and somewhat robust flavor, thanks to the vanilla and cherry flavors but the booziness does hurt the flavor. The body also is a bit watery for this style of beer and feels out of place but that does make it easy to drink. I have had much worse Imperial Stouts than this, but for this particular style of beer it's very in the middle of the road

Lakefront 25th Anniversary Imperial Stout - 7.5/10