The 2010 Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon is in the books and I had an even better time than I expected.  I’ll post a full race report soon, but I’m betting both my fans are anxiously waiting to hear which beer I picked for my celebration brew. As you will no doubt remember, the list of choices included Fritz and Ken’s Ale, Black Butte XXI, the Abyss, or even an Ivan the Terrible Imperial Stout. And what did I choose?

Weyerbacher Heresy Imperial Stout. The reason has both a practical and indulgent side. Heresy, which I’d brought back from my trip to Virginia, is an imperial stout aged in oak barrels. That’s the indulgent side.  The practical side is that it was a 12 ounce bottle of 8% abv, rather than the 22 ounce bottles of 10%+ abv of the others.  Despite having accomplished a 13.1 mile run as my first ever race, I still had groceries to buy, work to do and dinner to make. Ahh . . it stinks when life gets in the way of a little celebration.  Still, Weyerbacher’s Heresy Imperial Stout made for a fine celebratory toast when I finally slowed down in the late evening.

Heresy is black with a tan head. There is sweet chocolate in the aroma along with a bit of bourbon and vanilla. It has a full, creamy mouthfeel and lots of chocolate flavor. I also pick up some light roasted malts, a touch of bourbon and vanilla and a hint of alcohol. It is smooth and provides a fantastic celebration as I sit outside in the evening sunlight and bask in a job well done.