Editor’s note: E-Rock made it back from Texas on Wednesday night and headed over to Two Fools for a Left Hand beer tasting event. He’s trying to play catch-up on all the things he needs to do in advance of Friday’s Dark Ages show, so I’m posting this on his behalf. — Stoutmeister

On Wednesday evening Two Fools Irish Pub played host to a tasting of two new beers from Left Hand Brewery. As always, Two Fools was packed when I arrived with some friends. Luckily we were able to find a table rather quickly.

When the waitress came by, I had to ask if they were still doing the tastings since those started at 5 p.m. and we didn’t show up until 6:30. The tasting was still occurring, so I ordered a pint of the Java Porter and one of my friends ordered the Twin Sisters Double IPA.

The Java Porter was on the lighter side with respect to color, while the body was smooth and the taste had distinct coffee notes without being overpowering. I sampled my friend’s Twin Sisters Double IPA. This beer was orange in color. It had a strong, hoppy bite to it that was mellowed out by a sweet finish. It reminded me of Il Vicino’s Exodus IPA.

As we were finishing our beers, the spokesman for Left Hand came by and asked us if we were interested in sampling their new beers. We told him that we were just finishing up a pint each. His face brightened a bit, and he said, “Great!” He then handed each of us a pint glass and a Left Hand sticker.

All in all, it was an enjoyable tasting with beers that were bold in flavor while still being easy on the palate. I highly recommend dropping by a Left Hand tasting if you get the opportunity.

Cheers!

— E-Rock