They say that in heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here. I have never believed that. If there's no beer, it's certainly not my idea of heaven. Whatever the situation with regard to intoxicating beverages on a higher plane, I must say that Dominion's Oak Barrel Stout gets my vote for being a bit of heaven on Earth.

It had been a long 9 hour drive from Rhode Island to Virginia earlier today. I hit traffic several times, which made my trip longer than it should have been. I arrived at my hotel around 4 and checked in, having not eaten since morning. Very hungry but even more tired, I toyed with the idea of a nap, but Dominion beckoned. So off I went.

Would they have the Oak Barrel Stout? More than any beer, I hoped this one would be on. Other breweries had done such beers, Goose Island coming immediately to mind, and more recently my local Trinity brewhouse did an exceptional whiskey porter aged in Jim Beam casks. The Dominion version intrigued me so much however that I made it a point to get a hotel close by the brewery.

I walked into the brewery, in great anticipation of finding the beer. I studied the tap handles closely. It was on! Pulling up to the bar, I ordered a pint....and soon this enigmatic dark elixir stood before me on the bar. I took a sniff. The nose was complex, rich with a multitude of elements.

The first sip was rich and delicious, flavored with subtle oak and chocolate, packed with strong vanilla from being aged in the bourbon barrels. This is a restorative brew, complex and delicious, rich and satisfying. the finish is smooth and balanced, extremely drinkable. It was the first beer I ordered, and it almost made me forget my meal hadn't arrived yet. In fact, it could just as easily have served as dessert.

Sadly, this beer isn't bottled. It's worth the trip to Ashburn for, however. Hey, it's easier to get to than heaven.

Update, November 10, 2005:  Well what do you know. My prayers have been answered, and Dominion Oak Barrel Stout is bottled now. I can even get it here in Atlanta for about $8 a six-pack, and of course it's worth every penny.

The nose alone is a pure delight, packed with soft chocolate and vanilla notes, it just begs you to take a sip. The head is light and creamy, and a thick layer of Brussels lace forms on the side of my glass.

The palate is lightly roasty, chocolatey, and of course packed with vanilla. The beer finishes smooth, and despite it's dark color drinks that way too. This is a real winner, and a world class brew. Don't miss it!

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