Spring is a time of growth, regeneration, and love. That’s the trope, but if you ask us it’s also a time to get yourself on over to The Reef to take advantage of their awesome roof deck. Despite the bar’s use of plastic cups (beer snob says: ugh), there’s no better place on 18th Street on a warm night—particularly when they are pouring Goose Island Bourbon County Stout on draft.

If you haven’t acquainted yourself with this strong, sweet beer, you should do so. If you like it (and we think you will if you can stomach the big brews), you’ll have a lot to look forward to. As has been mentioned on Y& H before, the Chicago brewery is introducing several new varieties of Bourbon County this year.

But be warned, this beer is not for the faint of heart. Last night, delighted by seeing one of our favorite beers on tap, we asked the bartender if the keg was running low. He said no, adding that he tries to keep the weekend-night crowds away from the stuff. At 13% ABV, this rich, dark beer is a sipper for sure. Just imagine what Adams Morgan might look like at 2AM on a Saturday after hundreds of people have been slamming a monster like BCS. A scary thought, indeed. So, beat them to the punch and go drink it up yourself—in rations, of course.

Photo courtesy of The Reef.