Heating Pans If you want to sear meats properly, you need to make sure your pan is sufficiently heated. Don't just turn on the heat and toss the meat in and pray. Depending on the thickness of your pan and the type of meat, you might need to heat a pan for 5 to 10 minutes on medium-high heat to get a really good sear. Add oil after the pan is heated.
Not to be mistaken with it's older brother Velvet Merkin (with a "k"), Velvet Merlin is just an oatmeal stout. Yes, Firestone sells the same beer aged and unaged. But I shouldn't say it is just an oatmeal stout. It's one of the best stouts I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. While it doesn't have the alcohol content of other stouts, it still packs a punch of flavor with coffee and chocolate notes equal to other stouts brewed longer with a higher alcohol content. The shorter brewing time also makes it more drinkable as some stouts tend to be overpowering and bitter. I highly recommend drinking this beer in six packs when it is available during the Fall and Winter.