Time to get all crazy and add something new.  I’ve decided to add a weekly update featuring a new beer I’ve tried.  I might move these entries to the all-but-defunct “recipes” page, I might leave them here…  I haven’t got that all figured out yet.  A little background on this earth-shattering decision:  I’ve always enjoyed tasting the occasional new, different, and even sometimes odd beer.  This penchant was made a bit easier to accommodate when a new shop opened around the corner from my house, the aptly named Bier Station.  It’s an interesting concept: They have several coolers full of every kind of beer imaginable.  Most have two prices listed, one if you purchase a bottle “to go” and another if you would like to enjoy it there.  In addition, they have about 15 taps which rotate very frequently.  Often times they may only have one or two kegs of a particular brew.  I follow them on Twitter where they post new beers, and if something sounds good, you want to get up there and try it because it may be gone in a few days.  As to the place…  Well I’ve got somewhat mixed feelings on it so far.  It is often too crowded for my liking, and usually too loud.  In addition they are, to put it mildly, beer snobs.  I do indeed enjoy new beers, but I don’t want any staff or patrons quizzing me on “what flavors I’m picking up,” like some Northlander fawning over a glass of pinot noir.  (Direct shot at Martin there.)  I prefer to just sit at the bar and enjoy my pint, maybe jot a few notes about it in my phone.  And heaven forbid somebody order their favorite American Lager;  That is not well received at all.  Personally I think they would be better served to just reply “I’m sorry but we don’t carry that brand,” and leave out the snide comments.  But, those negatives aside, it is a way cool shop and I’m glad to have them in the neighborhood.  So, I bring you…  MY FIRST BEER REVIEW.  I’ve kept a small log of everything I’ve tried there and other places for a few months now, so I should have ample material even if I miss a week or two at the Bier Station.  I recently made the decision that pictures would be a nice addition though, so I’m a bit lacking there.  I’m shooting for brand, style, some tasting notes, and maybe the price.  It’s a start.  My selection for this week is Deschutes Obsidian Nitro Stout. This pitch-black beer was served from a nitrogen-pressurized tap in a standard 16 oz pint glass for $6, at the aforementioned Bier Station. They do pour a proper pint there;  It arrived with a nice 1/2″ of dark tan head and at the perfect temperature. At my first taste I was bit surprised at the bitterness. Not overwhelming, but definitely more pronounced than most beers of this style. This was nicely offset by what must have been about a ton of toasted malt, giving a nice sweet/bitter balance. I’m not very good at picking out flavors, but coffee and chocolate were unmistakable in this one.  Definitely a more complex flavor than your standard Guinness.  It was quite enjoyable, and the heavy lacing on the glass made for a nice first pic here.  Overall very enjoyable;  If you are a fan of the style this is a must-try, and if possible on the nitro tap, as I do think it adds a bit of character to the pour.