In Reply To #1 Better yet, #9 and Heart of Darkness. It would be like a slightly fruity, mildly bitter smooth stout. I just made myself thirsty.... Another good one, and a great kick in the seat, is Golden Monkey and Storm King Stout. I've heard it referred to as "burnt monkey." Of course, with my two suggestions you won't get separation, but they'll taste a lot better than Guinness and Bass.... er... in my opinion anyway. :)

In Reply To #1 As noted before on Patties day, don't be calling that concotion Black and Tan. In a true Irish pub, you will indeed meet the figthing Irish, rest assured.

In Reply To #2 I don't suppose the #9 and Heart of Darkness would layer though??? Probably just make a tasty beverage. Magic Hat is easily obtained for me so I'm definitely going to try that soon. Thanks for the suggestion. The others I honestly have not heard of. BUT, I'm sure if I go to Yankee Spirits, they'll have it there? Do you believe my lazy ass hasn't even been there yet? Ok, don't answer that.

In Reply To #4 Y'know where you should stop in? Yankee Spirits. Ya lazy ass. :) No, the Heart of Darkness and #9 will not layer, and neither will Golden Monkey and Storm King. Regardless, damned tasty stuff.

If you ever make it to San Antonio Texas... you might want to try an ALAMO Black Gold. We take a local brew called ALAMO GOLDEN ALE for about 3/4 of the pint and float a 1/4 Guinness atop. Most of the time it will stay seperated, but if not enjoy it as an ALAMO Dark. Beer is fun and coming up with your own concockion is just part of it... So if your Magic Hat doesn't pan out, try something new with your local brew and make up a new name. Cheers.

In Reply To #6 Alamo is brewed under contract by Real Ale in Blanco, TX. I have heard that it is the same as Real Ale's Fireman #4. Not sure if the latter is true or not, but Real Ale does brew some fine ales. I wonder if Alamo Dark is Real Ale's Brewhouse Brown?

In Reply To #7 It is true. In Austin it is #4 and in San Antonio it is ALAMO. Same great brew.. in fact so good they named it twice! However only Alamo Golden Ale is available in bottles. Alamo Dark is what you get when the Guinness does not stay floating and sink, blends and wha-la, Alamo Dark (not Real Ale Brewhouse Brown which is a great ale). Fully agree that Real Ale makes fine ales.

Haven't gone out and bought the Heart of Darkness yet but had Guinness and Magic Hat #9 last night and it was quite good. Possibly better than with Bass... although I do enjoy Bass. Think I'm going to screw around and see what other Ale's I can find and try to find the best combo. Thanks for the suggestions guys!