Belly of the Beast by Rockingham Brewing Company
Recently, I have reviewed beers that were at the end of their seasonal excursion and dashed the hopes of interested readers looking for these elusive beverages. Alas, I will try to do better from now…
Choosing beers that are in year-round production makes for the sure bet that you’ll find these bottles waiting for you when you start your search. So, today we look at one of the most interesting beers from our friends at Rockingham.
Rockingham Brewing Company is a new 7 barrel nano brewery with one aim in mind: to brew the best beer they know how so to keep their customers coming back for more. Just barely open a year, Rockingham has already carved a niche with several of its favored offerings, most notably, Belly of the Beast. But they have at least 4 other notable flavors to savor in 22 oz bottles; Rockingham Ale, Javelina IPA, and Curly’s Gold, Belgian Triple as well as a few seasonals. Located in Derry, NH, their tap room is open almost every day and is definitely worth a trip to talk to this husband a wife team.
You can find out more about their offerings on www.Facebook.com/Rockingham or at their website https://rockinghambrewing.com/
Belly of the Beast is out-of-control. In a tulip glass, this deep black treat with inviting tan head will keep your interest, though it is not for everyone (Bud Lite drinkers beware). The intensity of both being an imperial stout and the remarkable smokiness of Belly’s bacon is unmistakable. Lacing around the glass subsides while your tastebuds replay a continuous request; ‘more please.’ Roasty, smoked and chocolate notes fill the glass beneath your nose and the malty mouthfeel of this luscious liquid continues to enchant. A mild bittering will be noticed due to the smokey flavor from roasted grains and bacon hints rather than a full side-serving of a BLT. Yet, a slightly sweet ending to the story as you continue your journey with the Beast.
At 8.6% ABV, Belly of the Beast may fulfill your one beer evening, but for sure, Rockingham has scored high with this offering!
Find all of Rockingham beers at Case-n-Keg in Meredith and Laconia as well as other fine beer providers. BeerAdvocate.com samplers scored it highly with low to mid 4’s out of 5 while the official rating scored 90 by Beer Advocate and 91 by the Bros which places it in the Outstanding category. Go and find this beer and give it a try… if you dare.
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com
