After landing in St. Louis, I headed straight to the Beer Advocate "world class rated" International Tap House in Historic Soulard. Wanted to try a variety of local beers, and they had 44 beers to choose from. Very friendly and helpful service, though it was quite empty during the Super Bowl. The Itap offers a five beer flight, and I chose 4 local beers, but then couldn't resist ordering what I believe to be one of the worlds best beers: Gulden Draak.
Urban Chestnut Hop Switch 3 - German yeast aroma with a slight hopiness. Marzen style but hoppier. Tangy citrus. Light color, light aroma.
Urban Chestnut Zwickel - very light and hazy in color - almost like a wit beer. Unpastuerized lager? Almost no aroma aside from slight yeasty smell. Light, but creamy finish, almost sweet. Yeast, bread on finish.
Schlafly AIPA. - Mid amber color. And decent head. Floral and citrus hop aroma. Nice alcohol/ bitterness balance. Also, a little creamy and some malt sweetness on the finish. A very pleasant session+ beer in the tradition of DFH 60, though with a little more body.
Civil Life Scottish Ale - dark, deep amber color. Heady malty aroma. A little coffee, dark chocolate aroma. Initial taste didn't quite live up to promise of another word for aroma. Almost more like a milk stout in taste. Could do with more alcohol and malts. Disappointing - not quite capturing the spirit of Scotch Ale
Gulden Draak - what a change. Warmth floods the system immediately. Deep amber wood word. Little bubble gum, heady fruits, full mouth feel with plenty of natural carbonation.
This bar is very pleasant, offers a large selection of excellent beers, and has friendly and knowledgeable bar keeps.
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