So often its said about life, that it’s for the bold.

Is that what life is really about, being bold?  Could it also be about being smart, tactful, passionate, or even generous?  Of course its said of all of these things, and inclusive of many other pursuits. But we seem to view and appreciate the wild, gripping and exhilarating.

We prefer bold.

There have been shows, rather, many shows, that exhibit our exaltation of those that pursue bold measures or great daring.  One of these shows was Fear Factor.  And while not all have been enthusiasts of this show, I once did enjoy this program.  I appreciated the daring.  I respected the drive of the individuals that compelled them to eat cockroaches, worms, and various repellant insects.  I envisioned myself in the same scenarios faced with rancid consumptions and intestinal fortitude bolstering my pursuit of thousands of dollars.

Lasting impressions from Fear Factor, and other extreme challenges, are ones that involve rocky mountain oysters.  For those who are unfamiliar, these are most commonly known as bull testicles.  Whether it be a challenge involving bull semen, fried rocky mountain oysters, or some other variation of culinary wizardry, using this ingredient has been a bit polarizing.

But, life is for the bulld, right?

Wynkoop Brewing Company – Bourbon Barrel Oyster Stout (w/Bull Testicles) – Yes I’m really drinking this. And admittedly, a small tinge of trepidation is involved here, having never been involved in any sort of bull-teste rocky mountain oyster challenge.  From a beer appreciation level I can rate. This pours an absolutely midnight black with a dark brown tinged head that slowly dissipates.  Nice lacing lingers on the glass that adds to the aesthetics.  The smell its slightly off-putting, and sour.  It is rather unexpected for a bourbon-barrel aged stout as I usually expect a sweeter, bourbon-heavy nose. There is an odd, creamy, salty-tinged smell, that I will presumably attribute to the RMO influence. The taste is sour, the mouthfeel thin, and bourbon notes contribute only marginally.  This tastes like a total mess.  I would imagine chewing on a freshly grilled rocky mountain oyster with some soy sauce and hints of funked barley would be similar.  Pursue this one only if you are truly bulld. 3/10

Humbly yours,

J