Five of Al McCarty's favorite beers

By TOM HORGEN, Star Tribune

Last update: June 12, 2008 - 4:32 PM

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Bell's Expedition Stout: A Russian Imperial stout packed with chocolate, toffee and dark rum flavors -- and high alcohol content (10.5 percent). "A sweetness that's matched with a lot of hops. It's a huge experience," McCarty said. $7.

St. Bernardus Abt 12: This quadruple Belgian ale comes in a big 750-milliliter bottle, filled with a myriad of flavors. Fruity and complex. "It's a meal and a dessert all in one." $17.

Lions Stout: Rare in these parts, this is a creamy Sri Lankan beer with plum, coffee and dark chocolate flavors. $5.

Surly Furious: A hop head's dream. The locally made beer reaches a rare 100 on the International Bitterness Units scale. "Uncompromising and unique." $5.

Westmalle Trappist Dubbel: Dark and complex with a strong yeast flavor, plus chocolate, raisins and a bit of carob. "It's deep." $9.50.

TOM HORGEN