This month’s Session topic (hosted by Beer at Joe’s) is “Beyond the Black & Tan”:

What’s your favorite beer cocktail? Find a recipe for that or a new one, try it, and tell us why you did or didn’t like it–even if you think beer cocktails are nothing but a good way to waste a beer. Have fun and try something new!

Well, it just so happens that I had a great beer cocktail last night at General Lafayette Inn & Brewery. It’s actually a regular on their beer menu, called Red Velvet. It’s a combination of their Sunset Red Ale and their Chocolate Thunder Porter.

Separately, these are both excellent beers (as are all beers brewed at General Lafayette Inn). The Sunset Red Ale is smooth and malty, with lovely caramel and toffee notes. The Chocolate Thunder Porter is an excellent, chewy, full-bodied porter. It’s rich and sweet, with chocolate and coffee notes.

Samples at General Lafayette Inn (Sunset Red and Chocolate Thunder are on the left)