Roman's Pub

Over the weekend I finally made my way to Roman's Pub here in Milwaukee.  Most craft beer drinkers in town have been telling me for months that I needed to make the trip down.  Here's the funny part....its only 6 miles from my house and its taken me 6 months to get there.  Pretty pathetic when you think about it.  I go out of my way to walk every beer aisle in any store near by but somehow have trouble convincing myself to drive down there.  Now that I realize just how close they are, I think I'll be heading over there more often.

The bar itself is located in an old house that probably hasn't been a house in a really long time.  Pictures around the bar show older versions of what used to be there and while they look house-like there is no doubt that each one is a bar that once "lived" there.  In its current life, Roman's is a very laid back, no extra frills, beer focused bar.  When we arrived, Roman himself was behind the bar and quick to toss advice our way.  I was sold on the 2004 vintage Sierra Bigfoot pretty quickly, but was given the option to "try before you buy".  I am usually willing to buy a full pint without the upfront sample, but then again I love to try new beers.  I think a full pint gives you the opportunity to fully appreciate what a beer is all about.  Even if you decide it just isn't the beer for you, at least you know for sure. 

Anyways...back to the bar and the beer.  The Bigfoot had mellowed very nicely over the last few years.  The bitterness and high hopping were still noticeable but in a less pronounced manner.  The malt sweetness was still there and combined well with the bitterness and hop flavor that remained.  I think you definitely could have used the phrase "rounded out" in this instance.  After that, I decided to completely switch gears and tried the Monks Cafe Flemish Sour Red Ale.  I think this beer served more a pallet cleanser for the final course.  I am not usually a fan of sour beers and lambics, but I keep trying them just in case.  I have to say that this one was pretty tart and not one of my favorites.  For those who like these styles of beers, you may really enjoy this particular one.  I chalked it up to pushing the limits and trying new things.  A sort of self imposed, adult version of being forced taste new things when you are a kid.

After stepping out, I decided to go with one final selection that I was pretty sure I would like.  I had heard good things about Dragon's Milk from New Holland and was anxious to finally try it.  Rich, creamy, smooth.  Close your eyes and you might think you are drinking a beer milkshake (hmmmm...might have to try that).  Also tasted caramel sweetness, roasted grains, vanilla, hints of bourbon.  Definitely the right way to finish off the night.

Other beers in the cellar I look forward to trying on future trips: New Glarus Barleywine, North Coast Old Stock Ale, and South Shore Bourbon Barrel-Aged Coffee Mint Stout.  I may have to wait a while to see these on tap, but the rest of the beer selection should help keep me busy while I wait!  Now we just need the guys over at Stone to get out here to Wisconsin so they can be on tap there as well.  Apparently it is in the works...but I am growing impatient.  For now, I will just have to keep flying back to the West coast to get my fix.  Every other weekend, you'll find me sitting at the bar at Roman's enjoying the great beers they do have.