Brewed especially for the jubilant occasion of the the inauguration of Barack Obama, Ale 2009 is probably better known by its working title, "Obamagang". What started as a quirky one-off label on a gift-bottle has, by all indications, turned into a sensation. Available only on draft, "Obamagang" is being shipped out to dozens of enthusiastic bars and restaurants for celebrants and beer lovers in Washington DC (we hope Mr. President will have a glass!), Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and a few cities in Upstate NY. The beer itself is a dark ale close to a stout, but hinting at a porter. At 6.2% and full of robust roasted malt and chocolate flavors, "Obamagang" is fortifying yet highly drinkable. Using the Ommegang house yeast and just a touch of Belgian Kriek, an underlying fruitiness adds to a full-bodied and well-rounded celebratory ale.