Porters & Stouts

I avoid lagers and pilsners. And witbier. Prefer darker ales of brown or amber. Clearly I wouldn't bother with Guinness here. It'll never be the creamy dessert version that's fantastic in northwest England and Ireland. Love stouts- oatmeal, vanilla, peanut butter, chocolate, coffee whatever. Love 'em rich. A glance at the photos confirmed that I'm drinking pretty much nothing but porters and stouts this trip. There're the hearty WA porters and the seemingly lighter CA stouts. Perhaps it's something to do with the weather. The cold made the idea of a porter or a stout more attractive.

Beer calories are stacking up of course. But it's not as if I'm having oily pub grub or burgers along with a drink. Hate deep fried pub grub. Don't think I've had fries here at all. The beer belly is firmly tucked in without a sign of it threatening to spill out. It's kinda balanced out by sessions of barre and pilates and plenty of walking. The man makes a conscious effort to go to the gym every other day. Muahahaha.

Hanging out at the friends' mean that beer is always present in the fridge. Pale ales work. Even better when it's a stout and poured into a cold glass on a chilly evening seated next to the fireplace. These are evenings when one pint makes for a satisfying drink. And that would be all that's required to make a great night out.