Old Thumper ESA by Shipyard Brewing Co. at Portal
We’re not going to lie, after one of these babies — things got a bit fuzzy. Note the 11.5% alcohol content, so drinking one is really like drinking two. Ouch! Be careful. But, we do know that the smooth, caramel, middle-bodied beer hits the spot and we can’t wait to get out hands on another. We tried Old Thumper at Oakland’s latest beer spot, Portal, and were super impressed with the semi-dry, first-rate taste. We'll be back!

Portal, 1611 2nd Avenue (between 16th Street and Foothill Boulevard), Oakland; 510-663-7678.

Photographed by Anna-Alexia Basile