Beer, It Makes Hanes a Jolly Good Fellow

As Hanes began managerial responsibilities for a beer department during November 2008 it stands to reason that he would take copious tasting notes on beer. And, duh, he has, even though he no longer has those responsibilities. Even though it takes time away from getting drunk on wine, it’s fun so far. Hanes will here post his tasting notes on beers as they get funneled down the old gullet. In fairness, please note that Hanes has a sweet tooth when it comes to beer and is not a huge “hophead.” So, this may effect his assessment even as objectivity is always a goal.

The review information is provided in the this format:
Brewery Name
Brand Name
Beer Type (per BeerAdvocate)
Place of Origin
Alcohol Percentage
Bottle Size, Format
Price Hanes Paid
Tasting Note
Hanes Rating (5 being the highest)

Chugged in July 2019

Ghost Hawk Brewing Co.
Wayward Hellion
Belgian Blonde Ale
New Jersey
8.3%
64oz, Growler
$22.00
Modest head. Dark golden color, hazy. At first the nose is grainy and close to grassy before settling into banana and bubblegum, appropriate amount of apricot to golden apple fruit scents, not particularly funky, the spiciness is present but not easy to parse out, more of a blended whole. Full-bodied and heavier than expected, close to syrupy in texture. Dab of lemon and honey activates the banana element, here more peppery with spicier bite. Doesn’t seem to have a lot of esters present. The peach, apricot, pear fruit steady enough, doesn’t quite last to the end. You feel a growing hoppiness through the finish, drier and more angular. After awhile the heaviness slows you down, as a result hard to see having more than one glass in a sitting.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2019

Ghost Hawk Brewing Co.
Along For The Rye
Rye Beer
New Jersey
6.8%
64oz, Growler
$16.00
Hazy bronze color, opaque and with just a tan colored dusting for a head. Bright tangerine citrus, pine sap, the rye is lowkey and likewise the dankness on the tame side. Creamy texture, curious vanillin touch evokes orange creamsicle. The rye is good flavor wise, lacks bite. Pineapple, peach, mango fruit with good juiciness. Modicum of pine. Carbonation unobtrusive. Nice enough and drinkable but fairly unremarkable.
3 out of 5

Ghost Hawk Brewing Co.
Apex Predator India Pale Ale
New England IPA
New Jersey
6.8%
64oz, Growler
$16.00
Dark golden amber with a modest head. Smells very grainy and herbaceous, keen peppery bite as well, warms up a little to yield richer apricot and peach scents, charcoal and tar, good, clean length. Tends to the fuller bodied side of the spectrum, sweeter attack with pineapple, pear, apricot fruit and a deeper floral side. Slightly more dank in the mid-palate. Carbonation adds prickle but not sustained. Pine, coal tar notes at the end. Good quaffability and doesn’t try too hard.
3 out of 5

Russian River Brewing Company
Sanctification Sour Blonde
American Wild Ale
California
6.75%
12.68oz, Single
$10.29
Thin dusting of bright white foam across the surface, quickly enough gone, meager lacing. Lightly bronzed gold base, the liquid is clean close to luminescent. While the nose is sour it’s not bracingly so, pulped lemons, wheat germ, grassy without seeming green, you get banana before green apple, passion fruit scents, a few notes which evoke the dill in American oak. Medium-bodied, smooth and not that dry. The carbonation is low, adds creaminess as anything. Plenty of unprocessed grains and hay, the lemony accents verge on white grapefruit. Spiced like Indian mukhwas. The peach, apricot, passion fruit nowhere near the focus of the beer, yet at the same time a steady support. Floral with a nod towards lavender. Echo of banana and bubblegum through the finish. Ends on a savory note, clean with the various elements tightly woven together. Total greater than the sum of its parts, about as quaffable as a wild ale can get.
5 out of 5

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Scorpius Morchella Double India Pale Ale
New England IPA
Iowa
7.8%
16oz, 4-Pack
$17.99
Pours a gargantuan head, filling half the pint glass, just off-white, retention is average which is useful if you want to drink the beer. Fully cloudy liquid, like a yellow fruit puree with bubbles in it. Rich nose of pine sap, pineapple, peach, mango fruit and lemongrass, has a fresh dankness to it, the florality seems to get lost and muddled. Full-bodied, creamy mouth entry that dries and stiffens up before it finishes. Very good balance, herbaceous, peppery and grainy first then comes orange to lemon citrus and mango, apricot, apple fruit with a dappling of honey and cocoa. The pine less of a factor here. Carbonation is pretty good given what it has break through. Not too sweet, not too dry nor angular, good length without getting flashy. Were it just a little lighter on its feet you could pound it all day long. Still, a 16 oz. can disappears quickly enough.
4 out of 5

Chatham Brewing
Pineapple Bombogenesis Double IPA (Brewed With Simcoe, Mosaic, And Citra Hops With Pure Pineapple Puree)
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
8.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$18.49
Average head, close to two inches, just off-white in color, uneven surface with good retention, produces long streaks of lacing but lacks stickiness. The dark gold to bronze color has a mild haziness to it, translucent, solid streams of bubbles in three or four places. Quite grassy and herbaceous nose, drying presence in the nostrils, peppery, pretzel dough, dried pine sap, cigar ash, enduring white grapefruit pith note, the pineapple scents come to the fore but not dominating, room for some peach and guava. Full-bodied, close to completely the opposite of the nose, thick and sappy with layers of pineapple which cloak the underlying dankness. The citrus veers towards pink grapefruit and lime, sweeter without getting sugary. Slight doughiness at the end helps it soften and soak in further. Blends in pine sap, flower petals, and sweet tea leaf, starts to get tarry but too sweet overall. Carbonation is creamy and on the weak side. Its sheer thickness slows the pace of consumption down mightily. Enjoyable if you just let it have its way with you. If there’s such a thing as a “dessert IPA” this would be in the ballpark, would go great with a pound cake or sponge cake type of dessert.
4 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Post Ride Snack Session India Pale Ale
American IPA
Maine
4.9%
16.9oz
Single
$5.99
Close to two fingers of bright white foam, too airy for much retention, sizzles down at a rapid pace and leaves close to zero lacing behind. The first pour is squeaky clean with a shiny yellow gold color, next pour is cloudier, the bubbles fully dispersed throughout, good lift. Very leafy, earthy nose, processed grains and then a dab of honey to soften things, arch enough that the white grapefruit citrus doesn’t quite grab hold, the peach, apricot scents direct and simple, overall it’s naked without makeup or guile. Medium-bodied just because of its firmness, not necessarily because it is heavy. The carbonation vacillates between prickle and fluff, finally settling on the former. Dry, releases well at the end so you can finally relax into it. More zesty grassiness and gets close to being peppery. Dried pine sap, quinine, and lemon peel give it more focus than breadth. The white pit fruit takes hold better here and allows for pear, apple accents, not really tropical. Benefits from getting a little warmer than fridge temp, takes off some of the harder angles. Nice enough, ultimately unmoving for this imbiber but it fits the basic Maine Beer Company mold.
3 out of 5

Chatham Brewing
Nor’ Eastah Northeast Style India Pale Ale (Unfiltered With Citra, Mosaic, And Simcoe Hops)
American IPA
New York
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.89
Strong pour yields about a finger of bright white foam, mildly wavy surface, retention is decent for what’s there and good width to the lacing. The liquid is dull if deep golden color, scattered bubbles throughout, nowhere near as cloudy as most beers in the category. Grainy nose with pepper and dark pretzels, high degree of salinity emphasizes green leafiness, minimal fruit presence, smattering of peach and other white pit fruit. Medium-bodied, sets itself firmly in the mouth, dry and the carbonation makes it march in place as much as progress forward. Higher degree of citrus, white grapefruit to mandarin orange. More bitter than sweet, yet not exceedingly so. More discernible pineapple, peach, apricot fruit, not anywhere near the vicinity of fruity. Same grainy emphasis but more earthy and metallic than grassy. Halfway through the can you feel you need to take a break and drink a glass of water. Not a bad beer by any stretch, no glaring flaws, just leaves you unmoved and a bit confused that it was named as it is.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2019

Maine Beer Company
Spring India Pale Ale
American IPA
Maine
6.5%
16.9oz
Single
$7.99
Really frothy head that nearly spills over from a normal pour, airy and light, seems to barely touch the glass hence there’s not much lacing to speak of. The liquid is more grimy than hazy, not close to opaque, light coppery color, a veritable wall-to-wall sheet of bubbles is what fills the glass. Crisp and well delineated nose of grain, toasty bread crust, and white pepper, strong cornerstone of dry grassiness, then rounds if off with dried orange peel and pineapple, peach fruit scents, the nose most interesting for the texture. Medium-bodied and closer to light than full, very dry but thankfully only about half bitter. More persistence in the orange, tangerine to lemon citrus, particularly as it warms. Still, the dry dankness and tarry, piney components make sure this won’t be considered a soft, easy chugger. The carbonation is interesting in how it starts to foam up and then quickly pulls back into pinpricks. Not much fruit flavor, smattering of apricot, peach to pineapple, comes off as intentionally crafted to avoid fruitiness. Piney residue lingers through the finish. Given the level of perceptible bitterness it’s hard to imagine consuming more than one bottle in a sitting.
3 out of 5

Defiant Brewing Company
Fake News New England IPA
American IPA
New York
7.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Pours a huge three plus finger head, slightly off-white, not a lot of dimpling but it evaporates at a steady clip, thin streaks, basically not a lot of lacing. Hazy liquid, slightly more translucent than opaque, washed out yellow color, steady beads of super tiny bubbles. The nose has a strong bready to grainy quality, then peppery, no nonsense white grapefruit citrus zips through, a fetching florality broadens the basic apricot, peach, pear, hints at tropical fruit yet does not deliver. Medium-bodied, welcome lack of heaviness albeit can’t call it fresh either. Almost more lemon than white grapefruit, sweet and sour citrus. The floral element brings perfume to the mouth entry before the bitter leafiness and pepperiness takes hold. Here you do get pineapple and kiwi accents among the apricot, peach, nectarine fruit. Salted pretzel, toasted bagel more than raw graininess. Carbonation is moderate, not absent. It’s a quality offering, nothing grandly unique but perhaps better for it. Easy to quaff, no glaring flaws.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Bounding Main Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
7.8%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Level surface, bleached white, slowly begins to dimple even as it remains impressively persistent, the lacing is wispy and without much stickiness. Hazy yellow-orange liquid, opaque except for the area around the bottom of the glass, dispersed beads of bubbles, not a lot of visual carbonation. Extremely citrusy nose of tangerine, pink grapefruit and lime, some brightening green grass and salted pretzels, crisp and alert pineapple, papaya, kiwi and peach fruit scents, not excessively complex, however, its refreshing nature more than compensates. Full-bodied, round but not necessarily soft, here the dank herbal qualities ratchet up the sourness. The citrus falls back into pink to white grapefruit and contributes to said sourness. Tarry, earthy, lesser presence of pine. The carbonation prickle really helps it reawaken towards the finish when it starts to get monochrome. Consistent level of pineapple, mango, papaya fruit, overall dryness keeps the juiciness in check so that it stays balanced. High level of drinkability and no trace of heat. Could drink a few on a hot summer’s day.
4 out of 5

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Pompeii India Pale Ale
American IPA
Iowa
6.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Two to three fingers of off-white foam, in spite of its depth it evaporates at a quick pace, dimpling a lot along the way, the lacing is quite think but it all slides off together without a lot of stickiness. Completely cloudy and opaque liquid, apricot to tangerine in color, no carbonation visible. Sweet, piney nose with surplus orange, tangerine citrus, the herbal matter plays a supporting role, solid base of peach fruit with pineapple, mango embellishments, peppery with some saltine cracker, full but not that much lift. Full-bodied, weak carbonation, more fluffiness than focus. Bready and piney upfront so at least the mouth entry has some dryness. After that it’s pulped orange juice with a splash of grapefruit. Honeyed with a modicum of florality, the mango, peach, nectarine to pineapple fruit tropical without bitter bite. Pleasingly grassy at the finish with some onion bite. While there’s a little bit of everything on hand, it comes off like it just doesn’t care if it coheres or not. If served ice cold could put a couple down but that would be about it. 3 out of 5

Catskill Brewery
Devil’s Path
American IPA
New York
7.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.49
Orange creamsicle colored head, 1-2 fingers tops, even surface, seems to have some density, nicely extended lacing streaks. Completely opaque coppery orange to yellow liquid, maybe there’s a random bubble visible, good glow though. There’s an attractive freshness to the nose, lifts without giving up too much richness, subdued scents of flower water, peach, pear, apricot fruit, pine sap, light honey accents, more dough than cracker, not overly malty, the grassiness is damp not dank. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, carbonation gives it a lift and helps spread it widely. Maltier here with cocoa, pie dough, scone notes to accompany the lowkey pine grapefruit, mandarin orange and pine sap, honey. Never gets too sweet and this then tends to give shape to the apricot, mango, guava fruit rather than let it run amok. Remains consistent through to the finish, no loss of weight nor flavor intensity and ends when it should, doesn’t outlast its stay. This is just a super-solid “throwback” type of IPA not out to score points or awards. Could keep drinking it until you ran out.
4 out of 5

Mill House Brewing Co.
Hubar DIPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
7.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Solid finger plus of eggshell white foam, mild dimpling but the retention is very good, nice and dense, thick and sticky lacing streaks. Very light haze to the copper orange hued liquid, large number of beads produce bubbles throughout, easy to see how the head gets replenished. Crisp nose of biscuit, cracker and peppercorns, the white to pink grapefruit not as arch as it might be, not much pine nor dankness, this cleanliness perhaps diminishes the oomph of the apple, apricot fruit scents, overall displays energy without being forceful. Medium-bodied and closer to full than light, carbonation goes a good way in breaking up its solidity without substituting creaminess in its place. More pink grapefruit to lime citrus here and seems quite malty, smooth and sweet. The dry cracker element consistent from the nose, more piney here by a wide margin. Only after a few sips does the peach, apricot, mango fruit really settle in. It’s a very good example of a beer that really weaves itself into a whole rather than bunch of soloists and has plus level drinkability. Can see how some might find it lacks “wow” factor but that’s likely the point.
4 out of 5

Decadent Ales
Opulence India Pale Ale (Double Dry Hopped With Citra, Simcoe, Mosaic, And Vic Secret Hops)
American IPA
New York
7.4%
16oz, 4-Pack
$20.49
Unusually thin head, half a finger, bright white with an even surface, the lacing is moderate and more apt to slide than stick. Completely opaque, apricot skin hue, carbonation must be aggressive because you can see a lot of big bubbles rising next to the glass. Huge nose, very pungent, featuring white to pink grapefruit, guava, mango to melon fruit scents, pine, cracker and minute bit of pepper, starts out like it might get dank but almost as quickly cleans up, albeit too dewy to consider it fresh. Full-bodied and heavy, can’t feel any carbonated lift through the pureed character liquid. On the whole it’s dry but not bitter nor does it desiccate the palate. The fruit leans more towards blood orange with a pink grapefruit sidekick. Pine tar, earthy but missing any high-toned grassy notes. Conversely, the pineapple, nectarine, papaya to star fruit flavors possess enough bite to cut through the beer’s fleshiness. Again, more cracker or pie crust than dough, malts seem to provide more textural smoothness than overt flavor. Finish is monochrome but goes on and on. Big initial impression yet the more you sip the less compelling it becomes.
4 out of 5

Tonewood Brewing
Improv Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Pours a big 2-3 finger head, thick and creamy, just off white, excellent retention and once the head starts to fade leaves big splotches of lacing behind. Goes well past hazy into looking like apricot juice, think orangish yellow, fully opaque. Heavy and layered nose of pineapple, papaya, mango fruit with a damp dankness, the graininess as well as florality struggle to be heard, not a lot of pine but there a stiff burst of white grapefruit pith, more power than precision. Full-bodied, kind of too much girth to feel fluffy, no room left at the start to allow for expansion. Carbonation moderate to low, don’t feel much prickle through that thickness. Tropical guava, mango to apricot, peach fruit, ripe and juicy. Touch doughy, good citrus bite. Lots of dry residue through the finish. The dank grassiness nowhere near as prevalent as in the nose. And while dry as noted not bitter. Gregariously clumsy, while packed with flavor it wears you out and one can is about all you’d want in a single sitting.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2019

Stone Brewing Company
Tropic Of Thunder Lager (Tropical Lager)
American Pale Lager
California
5.8%
12oz
6-Pack
$11.99
Finger plus of bright white foam, heavily dimpled but the retention is above average, lacing tends to shrink into splotches rather than streaks. Cloudy amber to gold color with a very fine particulate throughout, a minimal amount of random, fat bubbles. Grainy, grassy nose which moderates into tea leaf, tar, more dank herbaceousness and peppercorns before settling into white grapefruit and pineapple, mango fruit scents, overall not as piercing as you suspect it could have been. Full-bodied but not excessive, very dry with a tacky, resinous texture. Prickly carbonation provides a nice scrubbing sensation. Cracker, biscuit notes more than dough or yeast. Not as peppery here but a lot more floral and the citrus presence more even start to finish. The peach, mango, pineapple to melon fruit lacks richness and the dry texture mentioned tends to stunt its growth. Tart grassy residue at the end but on the whole it finishes cleanly. A worthy experiment and no obvious flaws but just didn’t find it all that compelling.
3 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Grapefruit Slam IPA (Double India Pale Ale With Grapefruit Peel)
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.0%
12oz
6-Pack
$15.99
Close to three fingers of creamsicle colored orange and tan, lightly dimpled surface, good overall density and retention, highly credible lacing as well. Cooper orange hued liquid, darkened by a considerable amount of suspended particulate, barely any visible bubbles. The nose is comprised mainly of dank herbaceous matter, roof tar and pine sap, as it normalizes the grapefruit is able to come more to the fore, brings with it light florality, hard to get any fruit scents beyond the grapefruit. Full-bodied, heavy upfront but releases well enough to start flowing by the finish. Pine, honey, caramel and scone accents, the dankness less dominant here. In turn the grapefruit more woven into the whole, albeit always noticeable. Carbonation adds a steady tickle. Peach, mango, nectarine fruit flavors, no full on tropicality. Nor is it especially bitter but it is damn dry. If served blind there’s a good likelihood it would be pegged as a Stone beer by someone familiar with the house style. Nothing truly stand out about it though.
3 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Doppelbock German Style Dark Lager (Winter 2017-18)
Doppelbock
North Carolina
6.9%
22oz, Single
$10.49
Modest finger of bright, light tan color, even surface, this maintained as it swiftly disappears, no real stick to the lacing. Shiny mahogany brown liquid, the first pour is crystal clear before the particulate starts to come forth, steady production of tiny, dispersed bubbles. The nose does not augur any real sweetness but you do get plenty of German chocolate cake, caramel, pecans, and pie crust dough, there’s also a more taut grainy character, maybe some maraschino cherry but not particularly fruity, lingers well. Medium-bodied, creamy mouth feel with steady carbonation. Cola bean, milk chocolate, butterscotch, and vanilla bean lend more flavor than sugariness and on the whole it’s fairly dry. Candied nuts and scone more present through the finish. Hints of cherry alongside figs and yellow raisins. Drinkable, fresh ending, minimal residual flavors or textures. This is not the Doppelbock you sip before a roaring fire but it’s probably more food friendly at the table than most of its peers.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2019

Russian River Brewing Company
Consecration (Ale Aged In Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels With Currants Added)
American Wild Ale
California
10.00%
12.68oz, Single
$13.29
Meager dusting of tan foam which is pretty much gone just as the pour settles, in turn no lacing to speak of but one really wasn’t expecting much of either. Light and fully transparent brownish red with wide yellow rims, while the bubbles are about as miniscule as imaginable there are steady streams of them. The sour cherry scents stunted by caramelized brown sugar and molasses notes, touch of coconut flakes, more vinegary than vinous, turns to pie dough and Ovaltine, not as high-toned as expected nor as generally powerful. Medium-bodied, has acidic punch and feels very firm in the mouth. The cherry, currant fruit flavors strong here but so is the oak. Grilled nuts, cocoa, molasses to at times more American oak dill accents. Clean attack, gets funkier towards the finish and retronasally. No astringency, dryness or deep puckering sensations, balanced and approachable. No alcoholic heat either. Even as one notes this, it bears the stamp of a wild ale, albeit mannered. The grip extends the texture a good bit after the flavors have subsided. Not discerning noticeable change as it warms towards room temperature. Suavely arrayed.
4 out of 5

Crossroads Brewing Company
Black Rock Stout
Foreign/Export Stout
New York
6.8%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Finger plus of deep brown foam, mottled surface but very nice retention, whiskers for lacing. Jet black liquid, no color regardless of the viewing angle, you can see tiny bubbles break the surface now and then. Roasty nose of cocoa powder, coffee beans, grilled nuts and quinine, more thrust than richness, no real fruit presence to speak of, lasts well enough given its monochrome nature. Medium-bodied, offers more carbonated churn than expected. Noticeably dry and verging on bitter, hard to find any element of sustained sweetness. Hint of cherry but, again, it’s cocoa, coffee and nuts on a looped replay. After you sip you can really feel it paste itself against the roof of your mouth. Bonus points for balance but simply not enough contrast that it could be imbalanced. Absent glaring flaws as well as offputting astringency outside of intended dryness. Nothing you’d cross the street to get.
2 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Incandescent (Barrel-Aged American Sour Ale Fermented With Smoked Pineapple And Jalapeño) (Canvas Series)
American Wild Ale
North Carolina
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$17.29
Whipped up and extremely airy head, sizzles off almost as you pour it, bright white while it’s there, zero lacing. The liquid is a coppery orange, sparkling and spotlessly clear during the first pour then hazy when you get closer to the bottle bottom, filled with huge bubbles which more or less stay in beads. The nose has a metallic touch, more like smelling the grill itself than the smoke itself, the pineapple comes through well, the jalapeño a bit less so, tarry earth, maybe some peach in there too yet overall the nose seems mute. Full-bodied, plenty of sourness right off the bat and here there’s smokiness in spades, burnt bacon grease, tar and asphalt, close to acrid. That smokiness does indeed permeate the pineapple as advertised. The jalapeño dulled here as well, perhaps the barrel aging sapped it of strength, adds most of the kick through the finish. The barrel flavors more toasty than sweet. Curiously, there’s not much pucker at the end, perhaps because the arch sourness throughout has acclimated the palate. Was interesting to try but that’s the extent of it.
3 out of 5

Tuckahoe Brewing Co.
New Brighton Imperial Coffee Stout
American Stout
New Jersey
9.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Two to three finger head, deep brown coloration, good density as well as retention, creamy looking, the lacing forms a full coating on the glass. Black liquid with no hint of coloration at the edges, a few scattered tiny bubbles can be seen periodically. The coffee scents show as much lactose as roast, deep but not particularly penetrating, more dark than milk chocolate, has a metallic aspect sort of like oyster shells, a hint of tire rubber and then white grape, cherry fruit scents, while not attractive at least it dissolves quickly enough. Medium-bodied, smooth and able to establish a brisk pace across the palate. Not much carbonation, as a partial result the sweeter chocolate, toffee notes outlast any roastiness. The coffee more knit in and less pronounced here than in the nose. Credible amount of nuttiness, the fruit darker here, maybe cherry or plum, hard to parse out. Expected a drier finish than received, again, while the pacing is good texturally the flavors don’t evolve. All-in-all, and allowing for its simplicity, it’s an enjoyable drink and not out to over-impress.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Sumatra Mountain Brown (Imperial Brown Ale Brewed With Sumatra Coffee)
American Brown Ale
Michigan
9.0%
12oz
4-Pack, $10.99
The head slowly crests at about two fingers, bright tan color, really dense and creamy with very good retention, leaves a solid ring around the glass more than streaks of lacing. Mahogany brown liquid with a serious amount of particulate chunks floating throughout, all but fully masks any carbonation bubbles. The nose is pure café au lait, milk chocolate with minor chicory notes, while heavy on the roast still seems “sweet” and nutty, the plum fruit scents muted by the rest. Medium-bodied and avoids heaviness, here the carbonation adds prickle to contrast with the general creaminess. Toasted coconut, marzipan and caramel play nice with the coffee roast, feels dry from start to finish. The mixed black fruits more prominent but not distinguishable. You get more oats and cereal grains as an aftertaste alongside more chocolate. More focused than flamboyant, it doesn’t overpower you with the coffee and manages the high ABV well. Would happily revisit.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2019

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Dragons & YumYums (Pale Ale Brewed With Dragonfruit And Yumberry, Passion Fruit, Pear And Black Carrot Juices)
American Pale Ale
Delaware
6.5%
12oz, Single
$2.99
Meager head, barely half a finger and washes away swiftly, bright white, no stick to the lacing. Pinkish orange hued liquid, close to metallic looking, immaculately clean, random microscopic bubbles meaner about. Grainy nose, a bit raw, unprocessed rather than bready, indistinctly spicy at first then just settles into the red berry perfume and lemon spritz. Medium-bodied, feels flat and lacking in carbonation, more like a glass of juice and seltzer than a beer. The mixed red berry fruit accompanied by pear, hard to get the carrot. Quinine, here it turns breadier. The lemon citrus persists, hard to pin down any real hoppiness but there is a smattering of what could be called gin botanicals. Conversely, equally challenging to find meaningful maltiness. As with more than a few DFH brews, the additives hog the spotlight and it’s a flip of a coin which traditional beer category it belongs in. But not unpleasant to drink a bottle and then reach for something different next.
3 out of 5

Double Nickel Brewing Co.
Belgian Golden Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
New Jersey
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Full finger’s worth of creamy off-white, good density and retention, better length in the lacing than expected. Gold to amber hued liquid, clean but not especially shiny, steady flow of random, large bubbles, no beads. Powerful nose of clove, Indian mukhwas, caramel, honey dripped challah bread, lightly peppery, the banana scents trump but don’t overpower the poached apricot, pear accents. Full-bodied, muscular and relentless to the finish. This aspect accentuated by the weak carbonation. Finishes on the dry side, even with the relative richness of the whole. The banana, bubblegum draw out whipped cream, scone notes. Offers green melon, pear flavors in support. Through the mid-palate becomes metallic, minerally with elevating pepperiness. Could be considered as herbaceous as this style could get. This sort of bitterness enlivens it and probably helps it from getting too sweet. Overall, its heaviness makes it a candidate for “dessert beer” rather than for pounding on its own. Well done, not fully traditional, follows its own path.
3 out of 5

Cypress Brewing Co.
Baby Insane (Double Dry Hopped IPA With Citra)
New England IPA
New Jersey
4.9%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Modest finger deep head of bright white, pocked but more or less even surface, given where it started from the retention is very good, leaves one long and wispy streak for lacing. The liquid is a light yellow, only deepened by the full cloudiness, warm glow, a few bubbles seen scurrying upwards against the glass. The nose flits about playfully, mainly white grapefruit pith with tar, marijuana resin, and damp herbal matter in reserve, clean enough that the apricot, nectarine to green apple scents come through fine. Medium-bodied and could be considered heavier by some, lays itself down fully across the palate. Not much bitterness at all, the carbonation provides a soft churn rather than sharpen its focus. Same strong emphasis on white grapefruit here, perhaps sweeter than expected (especially for a double dry hopped beer). Resiny, at times peppery, any funkiness most obvious at the finish with aftertaste. Smooth and while monochrome it’s pure simple pleasure from start to finish.
4 out of 5

Cape Cod Beer, Inc.
Shucker’s Reward Oyster Stout
Irish Dry Stout
Massachusetts
5.3%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.29
Healthy finger plus of very dark brown foam, agitated and evaporates swiftly as the surface becomes mottled, not much stick to the meager lacing. Black liquid, opaque to the point there’s no visible carbonation, not even a ring of orange at the rims. The nose has a metallic ring to it, not altogether surprising given the oysters, powdered dark chocolate and cocoa the largest element overall, not that much roast, pleasant enough but nothing really going on. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and quite dry, if not puckering. That oyster, metallic thing persists and here it’s joined by roasted meats, sort of like brisket. Touch of cola to the cocoa, mocha base. Carbonation is weak but thankfully that dryness substitutes for movement. Here the fruit shades more to white grape than richer plum. Easy to drink, devoid of flaws but in almost every way unremarkable.
3 out of 5

Aeronaut Brewing Co.
4 Years With Dr. Nandu Double India Pale Ale
New England IPA
Massachusetts
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$17.99
Little more than a finger of white foam, moderate density, fades swiftly to a solid surface dusting, the lacing nice and sticky, more sheets than streaks. Beer doesn’t get cloudier than this, yellowish orange, completely opaque with no visible carbonation. Herbaceous nose but clean without much dankness, peppery with tropical guava, mango, kiwi fruit scents and bright tangerine spritz, there’s something like wood smoke or matchstick going on, almost close to Genoa salami. Full-bodied, here you get a big dose of cocoa and cereal grains, smooth malty underpinning. The citrus grows in stature, sweet and juicy, tangerine, tangelo to lime. Nothing truly bitter nor dank to disturb the creaminess, the carbonation relatively weak given its thickness. If there’s pineapple, it’s way overripe, much more mango, peach, apricot to apple. Gentle pine notes, just way too juicy to provide space to drier accents. Drinkability is high given the ABV, only issue would be the heaviness. Arguably simple but very satisfying and vividly flavorful.
4 out of 5

Lamplighter Brewing Co.
Rabbit Rabbit Double India Pale Ale
New England IPA
Massachusetts
8.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Big, three finger off-white head, heavily dimpled surface becomes even more so as the head recedes, looks highly whipped up and agitated, strong lacing comes close to completely covering the glass above the liquid line. The strong haziness gives that liquid a translucent glow, a muddy mix of yellow, orange and mahogany red, easy to confuse the miniscule bubbles with the silt. Heavy nose of honey, apricot and peach purée, pine sap, black tea, charcoal, blood orange and dank herbal matter, letting it warm just makes it danker. Full-bodied, must give the carbonation credit, tries to convert those tiny bubbles into some sort of churn, ultimately failing. The citrus more sour here, tangerine, pink grapefruit, a little lime. Not a lot of pineapple but has a guava, papaya sort of bite, then nectarine and peach. More tar and tea leaf, noticeable drop in dankness, not that one would call it clean per se. Good amount of biscuit, pine and verging on savory garden herbs like sage, marjoram. Stays juicy with minimal dryness. Deserves credit for covering a lot of ground flavor-wise, yet it’s so ponderous had a tough time finishing the 16 ounce can.
3 out of 5

Foley Brothers Brewing
Prospect Imperial India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Vermont
9.0
16oz, 4-Pack
$16.99
Close to fingers of just off-white foam, airy with mounds of larger bubbles, tends to form large dimples as a result, while the lacing is wispy it sticks forever. Mild cloudiness to the golden liquid, few visible bubbles, if look very close up you can see superfine particulate. Juicy nose of tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus, tarry with notes of cannabis and kosher salt, the pineapple, mango, honeydew melon to nectarine fruit scents round out things, while mild the dankness outlasts the rest. Full-bodied, the carbonation doesn’t make much of an impression so it tends towards heaviness. Here too citrus dominated, grapefruit, blood orange and hint of lemon. Dry on the whole with a tacky, sticky mouth feel. More tarriness with the addition of fresh grassiness. Through the mid-palate softens with biscuit, fresh butter. and honey accents Pineapple, white grape, melon to mango fruit, very consistent presentation from nose to palate. If you let it get too warm the alcohol starts to show. Can’t say it is refreshing so wouldn’t say it’s an outdoorsy summertime beer. It wouldn’t be easy to put two but not hard to put down one.
3 out of 5

Fiddlehead Brewing Co.
Second Fiddle Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Vermont
8.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Modest finger deep head, just off-white, even surface, few dimples, retention is good for what’s there initially, lacing starts out as wide sheets eventually breaking into thinner streaks. Soft gauziness to the liquid but nowhere near filmy or cloudy, bright golden color, noticeably dispersed tiny bubbles, like gentle snowflakes just, err, going up. Honeyed nose, tangerine to pink grapefruit and lime, citrus a major component, fresh unbaked pie crust, pine sap, coal tar, starts heading in a dank direction and suddenly stops, this allows the pineapple, apricot, green melon scents to spread some, not fully tropical in nature. Full-bodied, dry mouth entry, almost scrubbing in feel, the carbonation active with more prickle than creaminess. The breadiness more toasty and here the tarriness sinks in deeper. White pepper and a light salinity take the sappy goodness out of the pine notes. Somehow the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus gets pushed back to past the mid-palate, the carbonation churns it away. Papaya, pineapple, green apple to nectarine fruit, here it’s just the dryness which has it come off as not that tropical. Overall, there’s a lot going on and it never loses your attention. That said, could wish for more smooth integration.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2018

Zebulon Artisan Ales
Saison Vieille Provision (For Gene Wilder)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
North Carolina
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Close to two finger head, bright white with very good retention, the lacing sticks better than usual for the category as well. Faint glow to the yellow gold hue, the liquid filled with tiny bubbles throughout, churns up the fine particulate so there’s not much clarity to it. The nose has a dryness which creates a certain tautness, white pepper, yeast, sage, tarragon, and a generalized grassiness, only mildly vinous, straightforward peach, apricot fruit scents, overall clean and not all that funky. Full-bodied, the strong carbonation adroitly battles the inclination towards heaviness. Peppery and savory, more brett influence here yet still not all that funky. Clove, lemon peel and green hay with a trace of bubblegum, not as yeasty as the nose suggests. Moderate sourness, green apple to cherry nuances to that apricot, peach base. Smooth and easy drinking, the high level of carbonation ensures a fresh finish.
4 out of 5

Southern Pines Brewing Company
Fruitjitsu Dark Fruit - Chocolate Imperial Stout (Conditioned On Blackberry And Blueberry Puree Before Cocoa Nibs Infusion)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
13.0%
16oz, Single
$4.49
Dense dark brown head which crests around a single finger, above average retention, the lacing comes in broad sheets which slowly slide down the glass sides. Jet black liquid, a wall of tiny bubbles lift up the glass sides, good shine overall, attractive. Taut roast to the nose, chocolaty but not sugary, the tartness of the dark berry fruit comes through clearly, there’s a minerally undercurrent and cleansing lift without interrupting the fruitiness. Medium-bodied, dry with consistent carbonation churning it forward, steady pacing against the palate. Bittersweet dark chocolate powder and golden pie crust keep it taut. The blueberry provides pleasing counterpoint to the roast, together creating a pungent mouth perfume. Can be lemony at times, the sourness infuses liveliness. Very good contrasting elements.
3 out of 5

Fortnight Brewing Company
English Breakfast Stout (With Cold-Brew From Larry’s Coffee)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
9.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
A little less than a finger of deep tan to brown hue, even surface, not much retention, hardly any stickiness to the lacing. Black, opaque liquid, light orange aura, can't really see any bubbles through the liquid. Nose of German chocolate cake, café au lait, black licorice, brioche, plenty sweet but the texture remains sleek, hint of poached plum to prune fruit. Medium-bodied, has a tingly prickle during the mouth entry, uncommon firmness. More roast to the coffee accents here, dough and pie crust but that roastiness trails off swiftly. Cola bean, licorice and anise, more herbal sweetness than sugary sweetness. The cherry, plum fruit is mild and does not interrupt the general dryness. Smooth enough and inoffensive in all ways, easy drinking and sessionable.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Phantom Crew Flanders-Style Red Ale (Aged For Nineteen Months In Red Wine Barrels) (Barrel Aged Series)
Flanders Red Ale
New Jersey
7.9%
25.4oz, Single
$19.99
Thin tan head but continues to coat the surface for some time, excellent stickiness in the broad, splotchy lacing, impressive. Reddish brown liquid, full-on cloudiness and opacity, looks like puree, hard to see any bubbles. Vinous nose, bracing at first before slowly softened by caramel, custard notes, charcoal smoke and grainy, cherry to apricot fruit, pie crust, on the whole clean and without a good deal of funkiness. Medium-bodied, very foamy during the mouth entry, dry and slightly less vinous and sour than the nose would have it. Lactose, pie crust to yeast, some pleasing herbaceous snap. Close to minerally, the oak smooths this out even as it adds uneven caramel and butterscotch or sour elements. The fruit more biting cherry, raspberry to green apple, angular throughout. Thankfully ends with growing doughy, honeyed aspects so it goes out on a positive note.
3 out of 5

Bruery, The
White Chocolate With Cherries (Ale Aged In Bourbon Barrels With Cacao Nibs, Vanilla And Tar Cherries) (2018 Edition)
American Wheatwine Ale
California
13.6%
25.4oz, Single
$26.99
Close to a finger of light tan foam, retention is poor, virtually no lacing to speak of. Filmy bronze to orange hued liquid, fine particulate throughout, what visible carbonation there is forms tightly coiled beads. The nose offers up a bounty of milk chocolate, caramel, coconut custard, molasses with the expected candied cherries, benefits from a balancing out from peat and earth notes. Medium-bodied, drying and vinous as well as boozy. The carbonation does not do much to smooth or tighten up things. The vanillin aspect clearer here and you can kind of get the “white chocolate” descriptor missing in the nose. German chocolate cake and molasses, on the whole not that sweet and, again, has that peatiness. The cherries most obvious at the end, not a strong presence. Manages its extremely high ABV pretty well. Another Bruery experiment that meets with middling success.
3 out of 5

Burial Beer Co.
Tin Cup Camp Stout (Ale Brewed With Coffee)
Milk/Sweet Stout
North Carolina
5.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.29
Solid two fingers of dark tan foam, good density and retention, even surface, the lacing forms broad streaks with above average stickiness. Black liquid with a hint of orange-brown at the edges, nothing but a few haphazard bubbles to be seen. Chocolaty nose with a smooth American roast coffee foundation, no bitter notes, pecan nuts, sweet condensed milk, more floral than fruity, more persistent than pushy, coffee takes up more space as it warms. Medium-bodied, smooth for the high level of roastiness and perhaps drier than expected for a milk stout. The carbonation is a little lower than preferred. The coffee notes strong and here too without bitterness. More doughy, bready with a vanilla bean to cola bean aspect thrown into the mix, the oats presented with clarity. Maybe a touch of cherry or plum fruit. The more you sip it the more it comes across as a session stout with the volume turned down on purpose. Maybe made for folks who’d like a stout during warmer weather but normally demure. Simplicity is its strength.
4 out of 5

Grimm Artisanal Ales
Air And Light (Dry Hopped Sour Ale Brewed With Tart Cherries)
American Wild Ale
New York
5.0%
22oz, Single
$10.99
Barely dusts the surface with bright white foam, salmon pinkish orange hued liquid, the widely dispersed tiny bubbles laze about, clear with marginal haziness. Controlled sour funkiness to the nose, hay, meadow grasses, smells like it could give you hay fever, peppery and tarry, mostly honeydew melon, pear, apple fruit scents, the cherry not prominent, at times gets close to grilled meat fat, especially as it warms. Medium-bodied, presents a pleasing carbonated tickle and overall has a dry mouth feel. More clarity here to the cherry fruit, particularly as residue, mixing in notes of melon, pineapple to star fruit. Retains that hay, straw character, almost its signature. Yet, too clean to get very earthy or funky. Comes close to a cleansing Indian mukhwas sort of lift. A touch of raw pie dough at the end. Unfortunately, the finish is dilute and the flavors taper off prematurely. Pleasing in a outdoors summer sipper sort of way, but not for those who want noticeable intensity in their sour ale.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2018

Plan Bee Farm Brewery
Barn Beer Wild Ale
American Wild Ale
New York
5.5%
12.7oz, Single
$7.99
Finger plus of bright white foam, appears to have credible density but the surface dimples quickly and retention is just about average, the lacing starts off in streaks but breaks off into splotches easily enough. Bright golden color although without much depth of hue, shiny, broadly spread out bubbles are fat and active. Super sour nose of lemon rind, witch hazel, white vinegar with oaky dill notes, the star fruit, pineapple to apricot pit component plays second fiddle throughout, funky with both tarry and milky nuances. Medium-bodied, cleaner here with an acidic mouth feel which plays well in opposition to the carbonation which tends to give it an expansive if not quite creamy feel. Hay, grains and iron flecks express themselves before the lemon and pineapple, melon, apple fruit. Unleashes a floral side and the oak more neutrally sour and vanillin than dill. The tar and earth can’t quite anchor themselves in the face of its vinous qualities. Scrubbing lift at the end, prolonged finish. Here the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
4 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Strawberry Rhubarb
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Wisconsin
4.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Thin head of reddish tan, even surface, retention seems good for the category, that said there’s minimal stickiness to the lacing. Translucent pinkish red with some orange at the edges, has a semi-metallic sheen to it, delivers a few consistent beads of micro tiny bubbles. Flaky pie crust and of course strawberry and rhubarb fill the nose, more the former, touch of lemon peel and a vinous sourness, finishes with something reminiscent of lactose, overall staying power is good plus. Full-bodied, starts out on the heavy side yet the carbonation keeps churning away until it moves well across the palate. Good tartness to the strawberry and rhubarb flavors, at no point does it strike you as unnecessarily sweet. That said, the pie crust comes off as honey dappled and fruit soaked. Very good but seems to lack the focus and thrust of some of the brewery’s other fruit beers.
3 out of 5

Four Saints Brewing Company
Potter’s Clay Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
North Carolina
5.7%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Full two plus finger head, tan with an orange tint, good density and retention, slowly dimples over time, the lacing more big splotches than streaks. The liquid is the expected amber to copper color, bright and spotless and the glass is full side to side with a storm of bubbles. Caramel, nougat, molasses and cocoa powder sweeten up the nose but there’s a good dose of grassy bitterness too, muted apricot to cherry fruit scents, perhaps too chubby to achieve much lift. Medium-bodied, all that carbonation translates into a fluffy mouth feel. The malts remain dominant here, bready with cola bean, caramel, cocoa present. Close to no fruitiness, same white pit fruit with some cherry. The lack of crispness to it starts to drag on enjoyability. Can’t find any true flaws or anything to complain about. It’s more the converse that there’s not a lot to trumpet. No problem finishing the glass but no reason for a second.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2018

Been on a low carb diet so no drinking beer! Have lost weight so probably will have to minimize beer consumption going forward...

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Chugged in September 2018

Carton Brewing Company
Apiogeretla Black American Ale
American Black Ale
New Jersey
10.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Around a finger’s worth of brown foam, given its modest depth the retention is good plus and keeps a nice even surface, very thin lacing streaks but they do remain streaks. Starless night black liquid with the vaguest hint of orange or yellow at the edges, can’t discern any bubbles. While there’s formidable roast to the nose it’s not burnt or overdone, mocha, American roast coffee beans, anise and vanilla bean, something close to ferrous, quickly darting wedge of lemon, not really getting any fruits scents at all off it. Medium-bodied and while dense is not as heavy as you might expect from how it looks. Intriguing in how the sweetness and bitterness dance around each other, no real linear progression. Black licorice, mint, roses lead to a soft graininess that doesn’t coalesce into breadiness. More of a mixed citrus bite here. The dank wet leafy matter and marijuana element gets folded into the roast so it doesn’t take over on its own. Powdered dark chocolate, espresso, kind of like a flourless chocolate torte. There’s also nods towards roasted spit meats. Maybe, just maybe, some cherry or plum fruit. For all that’s going on it never comes off as forcing itself on you. By the end of the can the ABV is obvious.
4 out of 5

Carton Brewing Company
Sit Down Son Dry-Hopped Session Lager
American Pale Lager
New Jersey
4.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Modest finger’s worth of bright white foam, too airy to last very long, in turn the lacing is negligible at best. Light and transparent golden hay color, very good shine and there’s more bubbles visible than you’d expect. Fresh nose of corn, hay, oyster crackers, and pressed flowers, the fruit on the main is pear, apple to melon, sort of “green” fruits, general persistence is average. Medium-bodied broadly construed but it has a certain thickness to it which impedes its freshness. Mild touch of lemon to orange citrus to balance out the drier cracker to bread crust notes, nothing really sour though. Honeyed with some milder Indian spices. Carbonation presents itself as a broad tickling of the tongue. Pear, apricot, peach fruit of middling intensity, a bit player. Towards the end becomes more floral with stronger grassiness as well. Competently put together but by the end of the can leaves one a bit bored and without much to say.
2 out of 5

Trumer Brewery
Trumer Pils
German Pilsener
California
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Finger’s worth of brilliant white foam, loosely woven and gone swiftly enough, based off of that the all but total lack of lacing not unexpected. Pale metallic sheen to the yellow gold colored liquid, mildly translucent, random solitary bubbles seem lost. Nose of spent yeast, corn syrup, toasted grains and even the grassiness comes off as dappled in something sweet, rich apricot, yellow apple to pear scents, lemon drop candy, lactose, finishing with a cleansing mineral water burst. Medium-bodied, good roundness which adds presence and palate coverage. The honey and malts control the attack but after that the bread dough, yeast, cracker to lemon pulp takes over. Oddly, seems more grassy here than in the nose. Soft floral notes help extend the apricot, red apple, pear to melon fruit. A lowkey and classically styled beer that surprises with its retronasal strength. Not much change as it warms, yet a solid chill helps the drinkability a lot. The best praise one can give it is that it tastes German.
4 out of 5

Mill House Brewing Co.
Cucumber Blessings (Cucumber Cream Ale)
Cream Ale
New York
5.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Manages to crest close to two fingers, bright white and noticeably airy, the bubbles popping looks like a fireworks display thus retention is not all that great, lacing close to nonexistent. Bright golden color with a buffed sheen, displays a few scattered bubbles. The nose focuses clearly on the cucumber, comes off fresh and newly sliced, very pure, supplemented by lemon peel, dill, yogurt, with a soft underlying graininess, not complex but doesn’t present itself as such and doesn’t need to be, pleasing length. Medium-bodied, flat in terms of carbonation, close to a still beverage. The cucumber flavors are clean and resonant without creating a drying texture. Any fruit flavors primarily apple, pear to watermelon. Echoes of corn syrup more than honey. That dill note faded here. Solid malt backbone helps maintain a softly inviting texture and balances out any inherent sourness in the cucumber. Likewise the grains are not arch and at times verge on breadiness. This isn’t the kind of beer you judge in relationship to other beers, kind of has to be taken in isolation on its own merits. It’s a winner.
4 out of 5

Cypress Brewing Co.
17 Mile (IPA With Simcoe And Cascade)
American IPA
New Jersey
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Huge, frothy head, close to filling half the pint glass, orange-tinted tan foam, mottled surface, retention is good or maybe a factor of where it started, no streaks but large quantity of tiny splotches all over. The liquid color a dark copper orange with no noticeable diminishment at the edges, at first you’d think there were no bubbles at all but up close you seem rivulets of microscope bubbles of good activity. Juicy nose filled with tangerine, Mineola orange citrus and lesser pink grapefruit, pine, floral dew and mint keep it fresh, without getting too concentrated there’s a strong tropical feel to the guava, mango, pineapple to nectarine fruit scents, almost devoid of any grassiness never mind funkiness, almost innocent in its youthful freshness. In the mouth it’s light to medium-bodied yet with a pleasing sappy grip. Follows the same script here, loaded with tangerine, lime, grapefruit citrus and goes heavier on the caramel, toffee element. Smooth and creamy, as it hits the mid-palate and beyond the pine and cracked pepper notes lend bite. Arguably hoppy too but relative to most IPAs this is lowgrade hoppiness. Peach, pineapple, guava fruit. Want to give them credit for making a smooth, easy drinking IPA in the face of the prevailing “this one goes to eleven” mindset for the category.
3 out of 5

Decadent Ales
Citra Citra Double India Pale Ale
American IPA
New York
8.7%
16oz, Single
$5.49
Curious lack of head. maybe half a finger of off-white foam and tiny specks here and there for lacing. Dark yellow to orange skin in color, sort of a metallic brightness, this in spite of the huge amount of particulate floating inside the glass, the bubbles are so random you think a catfish is slowly exhaling from the glass bottom. Explosive nose of pink grapefruit, Mandarin orange and lime citrus paired with guava, mango, papaya to kiwi fruit and caramel, the dankness shoved to the side albeit it’s likely not insubstantial on its own, some pine cones strewn on the forest floor, pie dough. Full-bodied, more sugary than sweet, syrupy texture to the pineapple, kiwi, mango, apricot fruit, even the green apple notes fall prey. The carbonation does prickle some but it’s a mile wide and an inch deep, can’t do more than actively massage the palate. The pink grapefruit, tangerine soupy but thankfully does take a turn towards sour at the end. Pine sap, orange pekoe tea leaf, molasses and cola bean represent little more than variations on a theme. It is unabashedly over the top and when taken as such has its place. Having a sweet tooth helps.
3 out of 5

Alchemist, The
Hellbrook American Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Vermont
7.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.49
Two plus fingers of tan to light brown foam, uneven surface, sufficient density to ensure a slow, long dissolve, more splotches than streaks, like thrown paint, moderate stickiness. Red inflected brown liquid, while dark the large amount of particulate floating inside is obvious, makes it hard to visually judge the bubble activity level, kind of sludge like. Quite herbaceous and piney nose, stiffens right up, mocha, pumpernickel bread, cola bean, peppercorns, really all over the place in terms of marrying sweets and savories, the apple, peach to pear fruit scents seem like the low A ball minor leaguer thrown into the deal for no reason. Medium-bodied, starts out very creamy and soft yet turns drier through the mid-palate and ends cleanly and freshly. The carbonation steps it up through the finish and aids cleanliness immensely. More cola, mocha, hard caramel candy, however, sweetness not in the cards as there’s much more brawn in the pine tar, country style bread, pepper and green hay. At times verges on quinine, tonic water bite. This teases out a few grapefruit accents near the end. Lacks the generous softness, suppleness the beer category can offer but taken on its own its pretty solid.
4 out of 5

Chatham Brewing
Farmer’s Daughter (Rye IPA Made With Columbia County Rye)
American IPA
New York
6.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Pours close to three fingers of dark tan foam, mottled surface, it sizzles around the edges causing a swift evaporation, the lacing teases you but slides off the glass like it was greased. Dark coppery orange with a reddish brown tint, clean as a whistle, the glass is filled with a hyperactive storm of super tiny bubbles and I mean filled throughout. Heavy caramel, toffee influence to the nose, the rye gives it a roasty, peppery nuance, more grainy than grassy, likes bite, there’s a concentrated, if not reduced, feel to the peach, apricot, to melon fruit scents. Full-bodied, the carbonation is persistent, but persistently downy rather than scrubbing. The rye more focused and spicy on the palate and the herbaceous element picks up speed so it has some erectness in spite of its heft. In turn, minerally and earthy, cleans up some of the excess caramel, molasses flavors. Mild orange citrus accents add life to the apricot, apple, pineapple fruit. It seems like it aimed too much at presenting certain ingredients rather than noting what it lacked and filling the holes. Fine enough, would be more drinkable were it lighter in body.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2018

Durty Bull Brewing Co.
Lager
American Pale Lager
North Carolina
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Crests around a finger of white foam, looks dense but dissipates swiftly, lacing only appears with constant swirling of the glass, no stickiness. Excellent shine and luster to the coppery orange colored liquid, meager amount of bubbles which slowly meander aimlessly upwards. Sweet nose of golden honey, corn syrup, malt powder and ripe apricot to peach fruit scents, has sufficient herbal character and peppery spice to possess an acceptably stiff nostril presence. Medium-bodied, fills the mouth cheek to cheek but not necessarily heavy for it. Carbonation is weak, benefits from a slightly dry texture, needs more grip than fluidity. The corn and processed grains element recedes back, however, the ripe pit fruit to apple, cherry stays squarely center stage. The honey, molasses more proportionate, nice interplay with the drying texture. Not a lot to say here, it’s friendly and without overt flaws, the kind of beer you’d drink with friends who aren’t into craft beer, they and you could both enjoy it.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Stone Soup
Belgian Pale Ale
Wisconsin
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Finger or so of bright white foam, slightly irregular surface, dissipates to a surface coating that stays steady at that, no real lacing to speak of. Darkly golden hued liquid, filmy, noticeably large bubbles both in beads and scattered, inviting. At first the nose is almost totally banana and bubblegum, over time clove, white pepper, damp yeast, lemon zest blend in, yellow apple, pear to apricot fruit scents appear, achieves a fine balance between richness and freshness, never feels sluggish in the nostrils. Lighter attack but in the end medium-bodied, the carbonation tends to fluff it up more than tickle the tongue. That banana, bubblegum and yeastiness more than met by spicy coriander, cardamom, clove notes. Less peppery though and more floral, lilacs and fragrant cut flowers. Clean, little funkiness or mustiness and develops a mineral water touch at the end. More scone or muffin than bread per se. More orange than lemon citrus but both present. The fruit comes off a little lean, apricot, pineapple, apple but this also helps rein in the sweetness. Very easy drinking, perhaps more expressive warmer but more poundable cold.
4 out of 5

3 Sheeps Brewing Co.
Waterslides India Pale Ale
American IPA
Wisconsin
6.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Dense two finger head with an orange creamsicle coloration, retention is excellent and the lacing forms extended streaks. The liquid is a gauzy copper color, noticeably dark, the miniscule bubbles seem to wander aimlessly. Very malty nose with cocoa, caramel to butterscotch notes before candied orange peel, pine sap, concentrated pineapple, mango to guava fruit scents, you can almost feel it gluing itself to your nostrils. Full-bodied, here the carbonation able to struggle and shave off some of the excess flesh. As in the nose no real herbaceous element, more unprocessed rye and dried grasses. The orange marmalade base blossoms into pink grapefruit and even a touch of lime. Grippy peach, apricot, guava to pineapple fruit, this provides whatever bite it has. Caramel, milk chocolate and toffee adhere it all together. Finishes with tar, charcoal and black tea leaf accents. If you don’t mind the sheer heaviness of it, there’s ample flavor and good follow-through with just enough bitter tackiness to remind you it’s an IPA.
3 out of 5

Alchemist, The
Lightweight American Blonde Ale
American Blonde Ale
Vermont
4.4%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.49
Two plus finger head of dense, microfine, bright white foam, steadily works its way down forming valleys on the way, tiny splotches left on the glass sides. Ever so slightly hazy, bright golden color to the liquid, no beads but good amount of larger bubbles weaving their way upwards. The nose has a lively grassiness underneath, however, this outweighed by honey, corn syrup, bread grains and powdery malts, more lemon citrus presence as it warms, apricot pits and peach skin fuzz. Medium-bodied and heavier than expected, the carbonation not really adding substantial prickle. A lot more floral here and the fruitiness takes a big step forward as well, the apricot, peach borderline dried fruit in nature. Freshly baked country style bread, smaller accent of honey, something close to chamomile. Lemongrass led herbal bite is soft on the whole. That said, it manages to end with elevating bitterness and more pine and rye like notes. Very flavorful but it’s hard to categorize it as refreshing due to the weight and sappy grip on the palate. Even with the low ABV two guys would be the maximum per session.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Solid Gold Premium Lager
American Adjunct Lager
Michigan
4.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Little over a finger of standard white foam, so airy that it takes only a few seconds to fully dissipate, as you’d expect after that there’s zero lacing. Hazy bronze hued liquid, invitingly holds light inside the glass, naught but the most random of bubbles visible. Cracker, sandwich bread, suggestion of quinine to sparkling mineral water, spicy with a solid mat foundation, the basic peach, apricot fruit scents come through clearly, finishes with a waft of lemon. Medium-bodied, no lightweight and you feel it through to the finish. More citrusy here and the graininess brings more roughness than breadiness, the corn element moderately present. Yeasty aftertaste. Green hay or straw more than hoppy herbaceousness. Carbonation is steady, good level for overall feel. Same thing with the fruit here, apricot, apple, peach subtly present, light dab of molasses to it. To this imbiber lagers can be hard to assess because it’s more about the whole than the sum of the parts which lend themselves better to analysis. But this one is solid, tasty and not wimpy, could drink a few ice cold at a ball game or such.
3 out of 5

Russian River Brewing Company
STS Pils
Czech Pilsener
California
5.35%
17.25oz, Single
$5.49
Frothy finger plus head, bleached add bright white, dimpled surface, retention pretty good for the beer style, nice ring forms around the glass as you tilt it. Bright yellow straw colored liquid, transparent with a soft glow to it, bubbles on the fat side and scattered about. Very crisp and energetic nose, peppery with hay, unprocessed grains, corn husks in abundance, sort of ferrous metallic notes as well, derives a softer cushioned bottom from the malts as well as a generalized sweetening factor, hard to say there’s any distinct fruit scents. Medium-bodied, sturdy carbonation provides steady pacing and a sense of activity per se. Refreshingly bitter with a grassy bite, however, there’s a vague corn syrupy sweetness for counterpoint. Burnt bread crusts, table crackers, iron shavings, more spicy here than outright peppery. Still no real distinguishable fruit presence but there’s an upwards tick of mixed sour white citrus. Softens through the finish where it’s clean but not to the extent of losing length. Bit of retronasal florality. Intelligently put together but that bitterness may preclude having more than one bottle per sitting.
4 out of 5

Alchemist, The
Alena American India Pale Ale
American IPA
Vermont
7.7%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.49
Frothy two fingers of foam, light tan to off-white with a mild orange tint, retention is adequate and it maintains a full surface coating, the sheets of lacing slide down the glass with ease. Translucent haze to the bronzed orange liquid, no real noticeable particulate, highly active storm of tiny bubbles stream swiftly upwards. The nose drips with pink grapefruit to tangerine and lime citrus, considerably honeyed as well, the malts on the whole outlast the hops, the latter more floral and pretty than dank, solid dose of mango, peach, cantaloupe to guava fruit scents. Full-bodied, based on the visuals you’d think there would be more carbonation prickle but instead it’s creamy if not exactly soft. Tar, tea leaf and pine sap set the stage. Clear uptick in herbaceousness, albeit not finding it all that bitter or puckering. Although less so than in the nose, the juicy pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus a major factor. The florality dewy is not outright musky and it shows a minty element as well. Malts smooth out the texture further. Caramel dappled mango, peach, apricot fruit, round and eschews tart bite. The biggest drawback is its density, at times you feel like you are chewing it. Otherwise, a citrusy and fruity flavor explosion.
4 out of 5

Alchemist, The
Crusher American Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Vermont
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.49
Healthy two plus finger head of eggshell white, nice density and retention, even surface maintained as it dissipates, the lacing is average, a few streaks here or there at best. Hazy light bronzed orange color, touch brighter yellow at the edges, bubbles aren’t quite beads but they do gather together in a grouping. Big nose first of malty mocha powder and vanilla icing then pine sap, candied orange peel and sweet tea leaf, the damp herbaceousness too high pitched to come off as outright dank, voluptuous peach, apricot, mango fruit of full ripeness, more approachable than complex. Full-bodied, sappy stickiness adds heft as well as extends the finish for a prolonged period. The carbonation makes a good effort but not able to keep the pace. Develops a metallic earthiness here with coal tar and pine sap in support. Sweet caramel, molasses to dinner roll breadiness. Has its moments of hoppiness but the sweetness wins in the end. Here as well the mango, nectarine, pineapple, peach fruit more like thick slabs than fresh, tart juiciness. Does not seem to be styled for those who prefer keenly dry and bitter IPA’s. No burn but towards the end of the can you feel the alcohol.
4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Zombie Dust
American Pale Ale
Indiana
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.99
Two plus finger head of light tan to cream white, extremely thick and barely moves for some time, the lacing slowly tears off from the head, more random splotches than streaks. Dark bronze orange colored liquid, faint haze, the bubbles are tiny but swirl upwards with rapidity. Malts ground the nose with mocha, dark chocolate to challah bread notes, then spiced oranges, pine cone, tarry earth and just cut onions, leafy dankness, oddly the papaya, nectarine, pear scents never really factor in and it might be easy to not even notice this element. Full-bodied, creamy texture, fills the mouth from cheek to cheek, borderline heavy. The carbonation is a little better than average but not especially refreshing. Loaded with honeyed tangerine to grapefruit citrus as well as sticky pine sap, in turn the Saltine cracker and charred pizza crust notes substantial. Malted milk balls, bitter chocolate with less intense caramel. Much more floral at the finish and retronasally. The apricot, peach, pineapple, pear fruit remains lowkey but consistent in that. Smooth for its weight and the relatively low ABV helps drinkability. Worth seeking out.
4 out of 5

Night Shift Brewing
One Hop This Time: Simcoe (Single Hop India Pale Ale)
American IPA
Massachusetts
6.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.49
Bright white head, crests close to two fingers, firecracker explosion around the rims as it sizzles down, deep dimples forming along the way, wispy lacing at best. Yellow worn gold color with a soft haze throughout, impressively huge amount of bubbles storm clearly from the bottom of the glass all the way to the surface. Tightly focused nose of cracker, bread meal and grains, grapefruit pith and cocoa powder, high-toned enough that any danker, herbal side has no time to settle in, the pineapple, nectarine, mango fruit sweetened by a curious note of bubblegum. Medium-bodied and firm, all that visible carbonation does not translate into more than a mild prickle. Dry texture accentuates the sour orange to grapefruit zest as well as earthiness. The malts lack specificity but do smooth out the mouth feel. Touch piney, on the whole clean and, again, direct in manner. The honeydew melon, pineapple, pear, apricot fruit show more depth than expected yet remain a sidebar. While it’s easy drinking and borderline sessionable it feels like it has a hole in the middle. Still, appreciate the window into a single hop expression.
3 out of 5

Alchemist, The
Focal Banger India Pale Ale
American IPA
Vermont
7.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.49
Two fingers of just off-white foam, decent density and an even surface, retention a bit above average, lacing starts off with broad splotches, however, there’s not much stick to it. Full haze to the yellow hued liquid, light enough that it remains somewhat transparent, good amount of tiny bubbles but no beads. Grassy, peppery nose, the white grapefruit juicy but still adds to the direct, erect posture, softened around the edges by cocoa and malted milk ball notes, gets danker as it warms which blots out some of the ripe pineapple, mango, peach fruit scents, overall the herbaceousness is dominant. Medium-bodied, the carbonation active from the first sip and helps extend palate coverage to completion. Tangerine, pink grapefruit prominent, turning to more sour white grapefruit through the finish. Tar, resin, damp herbal matter anchor it, pine deepens towards the end. Leaves a bitter, tacky residue behind. More doughy than malty per se. The fruit flavors lack clarity, a mixture of peach, apricot, papaya and other tropical fruits, neither too sweet nor tart. Its thickness slowly wears you down, two cans in one sitting might be the limit.
4 out of 5

Alchemist, The
Holy Cow American India Pale Ale
American IPA
Vermont
5.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.49
Close to three finger head, great density with a very slow dissolve, dimpling some along the way, just off white hue, the lacing is like little tufts of clouds stuck here and there. Hazy liquid, zinc orange darkens the basic gold color, up close you see there’s a lot of fine particulate in the glass, good amount of bubbles but no rhyme nor reason to where they rest in the glass. Angular nose of orange pith, pine cones, cracker, bread crusts and white pepper, not grassy in a clean and obvious way, toasted cocoa powder and malts, turns somewhat tarry at the end inhibiting the final blossoming of peach, apricot, yellow apple to green melon fruit scents. Medium-bodied, the carbonation comes off as short and thus it’s marked most by density and immobility. Dry and tacky mouth feel, not much going on to relieve the constant bitterness. Tart lemon to mandarin orange citrus, pine tar, more earthy and metallic than herbaceous although there’s something vaguely vegetal going on. Here too modicum of white pit fruit, pear and apple. No appreciable change as it warms. The intensity of the dryness will appeal to some but not doing it for this imbiber.
3 out of 5

Alchemist, The
Heady Topper American Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Vermont
8.0%
16oz
4-Pack, $12.49
Finger plus of clean white foam, settles into an even surface, looks dense but it sizzles off quickly before your eyes, minimal lacing, a random splotch here or there. Deep yellow and hazy liquid, however, much more translucent than opaque, you can see enough bubbles to suspect there’s even more there you can’t see. while there is an initial whiff of dank marijuana to the nose leading up to the super-juicy tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus, mango, peach, apricot and melon fruit scents, solid underpinning of cocoa and vanilla bean malts, croissant flakes, well balanced and not bitingly hoppy, lasts well without coming off as brawny for brawn’s sake. Medium-bodied, dry mouth entry with a momentary tacky sensation. Quickly switches gears to pine sap, mint and all of that grapefruit and orange citrus. Odd in that it is indeed very hoppy but in such a way that all the rough edges have been burred off. More of a burnt character to the mocha, cocoa here, malts less sweet. The papaya, mango, pineapple to apricot fruit offers equal parts sour and sweet. Carbonation tends towards the fluffier side of things. Shows balance and poise for its scale, a reputation well earned.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2018

Lamplighter Brewing Company
Bunnies Double Dry Hopped India Pale Ale
American IPA
Massachusetts
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.49
Finger plus of off-white foam, average retention, the lacing starts off with broad streaks then steadily slides down the glass. Opaque haze to the liquid, orange to yellow further out, no bubbles visible. Erect presence in the nostrils signals the dry hopping, green grassiness, straw and pressed flowers, dry pith quality to the white grapefruit, the overall crispness tends to diminish the peach, pear, red apple fruit scents, the focus helps it extend admirably. Medium-bodied, on the dry side but not to the point of dulling the palate. Seamlessly put together and integrated, touch more sweetness in the pink grapefruit, lime citrus accents. Bready with a touch of yeast, the malts smooth out all the rougher edges. Sea salt, cut grass, the bittering is friendly and adds more pacing than sourness. Understated peach, nectarine to pineapple fruit. Hard to imagine a more relaxed dry hopped IPA, drinks with ease.
4 out of 5

Mast Landing Brewing Company
Saccarappa India Pale Ale
American IPA
Maine
7.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.49
Finger of off-white foam, even surface with good density and retention, big splotches of foam rather than streak, very good stickiness as well. Cloudy dark orange hued liquid with a warm glow, not many visible bubbles. Juicy nose of pink grapefruit, tangerine to lime citrus, mango, papaya, guava fruit, coal tar, pine sap, cocoa powder, not devoid of hoppy snap and bitterness but not the focal point, heavy enough to stick around for some time. Full-bodied, foamy and soft, here too not bitter, seems crafted for smooth and easy enjoyment. Much more bread and biscuit here with more malty cocoa and mocha as well, In turn the pink grapefruit and tangelo citrus more restrained. The tar and metal notes present without leading into damp dankness. More basic apricot, peach fruit, not a lot of more tropical pineapple, papaya bite. Finishes somewhat bluntly, like a punch to the shoulder. Very drinkable and the ABV well managed.
4 out of 5

Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.
IPA
American IPA
California
6.1%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Finger of deep tan, even surface, average retention, the lacing forms dispersed splotches without much stickiness. Coppery orange liquid with a very light haze, lots of active bubbles throughout the glass. Malty nose of cocoa powder, Ovaltine then white pepper, mown grass and tar resin, touch of orange citrus but minimal pineapple, peach, papaya fruit scents, the funkiness clouds over these. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with good firmness. Like the nose the first impression is of malts, chocolate, caramel leading into pie dough and croissant notes. Slight elevation in the apricot, peach, pineapple fruit, however, never gets all that juicy, dry in general texture. Mild grapefruit, orange accents stretch out from start to finish. No dank bite but there is that drying tingle. There’s no tragic flaw here but it comes across as bland and lacking in decisive personality.
2 out of 5

Cascade Brewing Co.
Crazy Navel (Northwest Sour Ale) (Barrel Aged Blond & Wheat Ales With Orange Peel) (2016)
American Wild Ale
Oregon
7.6%
25.4oz, Single
$19.99
Large initial foam through the pour that swiftly settles down to a thin surface coating, likewise the lacing starts off as broad sheet that runs off downwards with ease. Full haze to the liquid, deeply resonant copper orange color, opaque throughout. Sourly vinous nose of rose hips, lavender, blood orange citrus, the peach more of a unifying thread than prominent aspect, there are caramel accents now and then but they don’t quite fit into the whole, if it ain’t sour it seems of. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with a lithe, tight feel which has it move at a rapid clip throughout. Here the barrel qualities dominate with wet toast, toffee to hard caramel candy nuances as well as imbuing it with a greater sense of booziness. Peach, apricot pit with a hint of green apple and lemon. The carbonation shows focus and follow-through and organizes things well. The feeling of a sour pucker lasts much longer than the flavors themselves. Not as complex as might be hoped and tends to fatigue the palate quickly.
3 out of 5

Caldera Brewing Company
Mogli Imperial Chocolate Porter (Kettle Series)
American Porter
Oregon
8.5%
22oz, Single
$14.99
Two fingers of dark tan to brown foam, fairly even surface, with more residual turbulence at the pour point, nice retention, takes some time to get down to a thinner surface dusting, the lacing forms broad solid sheets which slowly drop down into the glass. The liquid looks black from a distance but up close you see that it’s really a deep, deep brown, fully opaque until a yellow aura develops at the edges where you can also see scattered bubbles break the surface. The nose is overloaded with sweet milk chocolate scents, behind this juggernaut is a pleasingly smoky roastiness, ginger, vanilla bean and pie crust, not especially fruity, some plum or fig, manages the booziness quite well and the bourbon/oak element woven in so as not to distract. Full-bodied while managing a steady clip across the palate, in no way too heavy nor cloyingly sweet and sticky. Here the chocolate much roastier with as much of a cocoa powder feel as milk chocolate bar. Still, not quite coffee bean level, softened by caramel, vanilla accents. More grainy than doughy, adds to prickly texture. In the same vein the carbonation offers substantial churn and works to stem excess sweetness. In the end, for all of the chocolate and oak influence tastes more like a porter than a stout, which was in doubt at the outset.
4 out of 5

7 Mile Brewery
Seven Suns Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
7.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.19
Big, frothy head three fingers high, light tan to eggshell white, excellent density and retention, lasts forever, the lacing comprised of long, thin streaks crisscrossing the glass like a web. The liquid is a shiny, clean coppery orange hue, curiously hardly any visible bubbles. There is a pungent dankness to the nose, leafy and close to vegetal, metal shavings and earth, slowly shifts into biscuit, cracked pepper, wet asphalt and tangerine pulp, the basic peach, apricot, pineapple fruit scents lost in the shuffle. Full-bodied, while the carbonation is creamy on the whole it keeps moving and thus there is some freshness and relief from the weight. Spotlights the tangerine, blood orange to lesser white grapefruit citrus, more tang than juiciness. Spicy, peppery with a quinine, mineral water edge. Caught between bread crusts and burnt pie crust. Echoes of maple syrup and honey. The pineapple, nectarine, papaya fruit still dry here but better knit into the whole. However, this is just one of those beers where just when you think you are locked into that plateau of simple enjoyment it swerves off the road. So, after awhile you just stop trying.
3 out of 5

Night Shift Brewing
Santilli
American IPA
Massachusetts
6.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.49
Finger plus of off-white to yellowish foam, loose and airy, immediately starts forming peaks and valleys, even the lacing looks whipped up and delicate but can at times stick well. Hazy yellow rust water look to the liquid, more translucent than full-on cloudy, scattered larger bubbles pop up out of nowhere and rush to the surface. In the nose even the dank herbal matter smells fresh and flirty, toasted rolls, pine sap and juicy tangerine, tangelo citrus fruit scents, the apricot, mango, green melon to green grape element soft and avoids extreme sweetness and tartness. Medium-bodied and drier than expected, coats the tongue and quickly numbs. This plays up the scone, bread crust to pine cone/needle and minerally earth qualities. At times shows a touch of quinine to mineral water. More dry pith character to the navel orange, white grapefruit citrus, there was more pop in the nose citrus-wise. The peach, apricot, papaya, melon fruit appears mute, enunciates the loudest through the finish. Balanced and arguably too integrated in that each constitutive part has little opportunity to shine. But drinks smoothly and if the dryness doesn’t bother you it’s borderline sessionable.
4 out of 5

Bhramari Brewing Company
Molly’s Lips Black Gose With Orange Blossom (Ale Brewed With Coriander, Sea Salt & Orange Blossom)
Gose
North Carolina
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.29
Finger of dark brown foam, tight weave and even surface, somehow though retention is not that great, lacing forms long, stringy strands. Pure black liquid, not even a hint of color around the edges, very difficult to see any bubbles within. Smoky nose that evokes campfire wood, roasted coffee and burnt caramel, the orange blossom comes through but not so gently, has a sourness to it, maybe a hint of cherry but not a lot of fruity scents but has a vinous aspect, lasts well but not that complex. Medium-bodied, sour and tart with lemon and orange citrus upfront as well as retronasally. Again, the roast is overpowering with mocha, coffee bean and close to grill smoke nuances. Underneath it all are light doughy and minerally notes as well as saline. No fruit to be found here either. Dry finish, the saltiness pronounced and coats the lips. Carbonation is very soft. The more you sip the heavier it feels, however, not bad in terms of extended drinkability. Two cans in a sitting would be the max. A valiant effort with its reach exceeding its grasp.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Corrosion Kettle-Soured India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Finger plus of bright white foam, full range of bubble sizes give sit visual depth but there’s hardly any retention, and the lacing is like a crashing wave, big then gone. The liquid appears more murky than hazy but the yellow coloration has a day-glo depth which captures the light, random beads form against the glass walls and spill upwards. The nose immediately slaps you with sour notes, vinous with white grapefruit, pulped lemon citrus notes, penetrating star fruit, pineapple, kumquat to pomegranate, lean with no extra flesh, peppercorns, sourdough crusts, corn husks, minerally, for as deep as it penetrates your nostrils not that long lived. Medium-bodied, the sourness gives it a steel beam feel and ensures that everything stays in its preordained place. The lemon, grapefruit pith starts drying out the palate quickly. Minerally earth and dried grass jump into the fray, the kind of bread crumbs you’d feed to pigeons. Desiccated pineapple, papaya, star fruit, nectarine flavors, more raw energy than juiciness. Then a big burst of quinine. Too much sour, not enough IPA.
3 out of 5

7 Mile Brewery
W.W. (Walter White) Mid-Atlantic India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.19
Average pour yields 2-3 fingers of eggshell white foam, level surface even as you watch it sizzle down through the glass sides, noticeably fluffy, in turn wispy lacing with no stick. Bright golden orange color, translucent without a lot of haze, marked most by the storm of bubbles throughout. Beautiful nose of croissant flakes, orange blossom, rose petals and ripe apricot, peach fruit before moving onto tar, asphalt and close to beef jerky, the herbaceous dimension seems more dry and taut than wet and leafy, overall stuffs the nostrils and not keen on leaving. Full-bodied, the carbonation imbues it with a velvety churn but doesn’t really lift it off the palate. The orange, tangerine to lime citrus thick and pulpy. Leans more tropical here by emphasizing pineapple, mango fruit in addition to the poached peach, apricot base. The sweetness stops short of getting tiresome and bready notes, pepper and tarry earth sit down at the table. Masks the ABV very well. Still, no doubt it is a mouthful and those who prefer angular, grassy IPA beers may want to pass. If you like it super-juicy this will hit the bulls eye and you will eagerly reach for the next one.
5 out of 5

New Sarum Brewing Co.
Lemon Balm And Beet Hoppy Wheat
American Pale Wheat Ale
North Carolina
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$10.49
Pours a gargantuan head that initially fills 2/3 of the glass, pink tinted white foam, airy and mostly comprised of larger bubbles, that said the retention is credible, when there’s room for it the lacing never quite separates from the head. Brightly glowing pink liquid with a shimmering orange tint, opaque, could be a glass of pink grapefruit juice, the carbonation is tightly beaded so even through it all you can see steady bubble streams. The beets come through loud and clear in the nose, as does the wheat to make a very natural pairing, the lemon balm more lost in the muddle until it sighs at the end, no real fruit presence due to the beets but there is something vaguely medicinal like Vicks rub. Medium-bodied, soft and creamy and arguably over-carbonated as it comes close to foaming out of your mouth (might have been deemed necessary due to thickness of beet juice). Has an acidic character which focuses the beets, flavorful without excess sweetness and which teases out more lemon citrus. The wheatiness softens the back end and opens the door for earthiness. No grassy bite nor bitterness yet manages to finish dryly and without puckering. Great sense of movement of change, nails it start to finish.
5 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
L’Attitude Experimental IPA (Collaboration with DC Brau)
American IPA
New Jersey
6.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$17.09
An aggressive pour barely yields two fingers of loosely knit white foam, rapid dissolve down to a spotty surface dusting, the lacing starts off wide and long yet lack of stick has it too gone in a moment. Filmy dark yellow to washed out orange hued liquid, more translucent than opaque, only a few lonely bubbles here and there to see. The nose has a sharpness to it, unprocessed grains and rye, sour lemon peel, unmown lawn grass, white pepper before any chamomile, camphor or violets settle it down some, the white grape, apple, apricot pit scents lean and taut. Medium to full-bodied, here turns things around and it starts off with flowers, chamomile to Earl Gray tea and Indian spices before veering into white pepper, high-toned herbaceousness and tarry earthiness. The carbonation is just below average and does not provide the churn needed to relieve the oppressive bitterness. The apricot, peach, melon fruit does not have the power to stand up to the other elements. It’s not dank, it’s piercingly grassy and tart and leaves a thick drying residue on the palate. Not flawed per se but had a hard time finishing a single 16 ounce can.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2018

Slack Tide Brewing Company
The Ridge New England IPA
American IPA
New Jersey
6.6%
32oz, Single
$10.00
Two fingers of airy, soufflé like head, deep tan, plenty of hills and valleys across the surface, wispier lacing looks like clouds in the sky. Cloudily opaque copper orange colored liquid, barely lightens at the rims, no visible carbonation. The nose starts out crisply with black pepper, sourdough crust and dried grasses before opening into orange blossom, black tea and chamomile, not overly fruity, the peach, apricot, nectarine scents never turn overtly sugary nor ripe. Full-bodied, plenty dense with a persistent dryness despite a more general fluffy texture. Citrus emphasis of blood orange, tangerine and some grapefruit. Mixes in more tea leaf, tar and biscuit accents. That dryness pervades the pineapple, nectarine, guava fruit. Turns spicier near the finish. For its heavier weight offers solid drinkability.
4 out of 5

Slack Tide Brewing Company
Angry Osprey IPA
American IPA
New Jersey
6.8%
32oz, Single
$10.00
Crests at about a finger plus of bright white, evaporates easily to a surface coating, surprising then how the lacing sticks in broad sheets which virtually cover any space it meets. Bright amber hued liquid with no diminishment at the rims, consistent stream of larger bubbles fill the glass. Spicy, biscuity nose with pepper, malted milk balls and spiced orange peel, the apricot, peach, mango fruit more consistent than seeking attention, pairs well with the maltiness balance out any inclination towards herbaceousness. Full-bodied, smooth with pleasing carbonated tingle. Here too leads with orange, lemon citrus tones leading into malt, milk chocolate and coffee candy flavors. The breadiness comes to the fore as it warms and at the same time the apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple fruit concentrates. The grassy nuances play around the periphery and there’s little bitter about it. Nice active presence on the palate.
4 out of 5

7 Mile Brewery
7MIPA (7 Mile India Pale Ale)
American IPA
New Jersey
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Modest one finger head, bright white with a mottled surface, excellent length to the thin lacing strands and they stick well to boot. Faint cloudiness to the dark coppery colored liquid, filled throughout with an active swirl of tiny bubbles, fresh and lively appearance. Explosive tangerine, blood orange to pink grapefruit citrus in the nose, fresh flowers and pine sap, ripe mango, peach and apricot scents, presents a steady biscuit underpinning but minimal sharp notes. Medium-bodied, good bones and in no way flabby, dry enough to keep up a quick pace across the palate. A lot more biscuity, bready notes and peppery accents than in the nose. In turn the papaya, mango, apricot fruit less robust and showy. The primary position of the tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus goes unchallenged. Low alcohol puts it in the sessionable category but the texture is too rough around the edges to consume more than two in a row.
3 out of 5

7 Mile Brewery
Beach Bubbles Pear Wit Ale
Witbier
New Jersey
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Thin half finger head, pure bright white, simmers down to a meager surface coasting, the lacing starts out strongly but not much stickiness. The liquid is filmy with noticeable residue accruing at glass bottom, darkens the basic golden hue, the amount of visual carbonation is gargantuan, like a rainstorm turned upside down. The juicy pear fruit dominant and creates a generous perfume, honey, sweet wheat notes, floral, while quite pretty you call the fragrance a one trick pony. Medium-bodied and a bit thicker than expected, though it does slim down through the finish. Carbonation steady, more fluffy than cleansing. The pear steps back here to a complementary position as the wheat, clove notes, not especially yeasty yet there is a quick touch of bubblegum at the end. In spite of the floral inner mouth perfume it maintains the flavors tend to trail off. More pleasing ice cold to firm up the profile.
3 out of 5

Slack Tide Brewing Company
Tipsy Dipsy
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
8.0%
32oz, Single
$10.00
One to two finger head of plain white foam, some dimpling but while it starts out average its general retention is excellent, wide dabs of lacing which are more than random splotches. Hazy golden color with hardly any visible bubbles, dull yet in keeping with visual expectations. Big, boisterous nose of blood orange, white grapefruit citrus, pine sap, unprocessed grains and damp earth, fully ripened apricot, peach, nectarine fruit, stiffens well at the finish and doesn’t allow that ripeness to soften the texture too much. Full-bodied, cotton ball texture in spite of its general weight. Carbonation is low and tends to not do much to oppose the pillow feather feel. The grassy qualities are well knit into the whole fabric and tease out more white grapefruit notes than might otherwise appear. Honey, molasses to caramelized brown sugar keep it in balance. Milk chocolate, malted milk ball aspect smoothes it out some, general maltiness more evident as it warms. Good heft and generally drinkable but there’s nothing about it that makes you stand up and take note.
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Mighty Things Imperial IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
8.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Meager head, normal pour barely gets enough to temporarily cover the surface, straightforward white as it lasts, wispy lacing which as spotted as it is, sticks well. Light haze to the golden liquid, dense weave of bubbles, slowly rise upwards. Wonderful lift to the nose, tangerine to lemon citrus, honey, dank and wet leafy matter, pine and rose petals, coal tar, substantial amount of peach, apricot, mango fruit scents. Medium-bodied, even with a credible level of dankness, pine and earthiness it has good flow and never bogs down as it crosses the palate. Orange marmalade, pine, rose petals and tar, has elements which both lift and anchor. Carbonation is steady but not necessarily refreshing. Here the peach, mango, pineapple fruit on the dull side. Stays nicely wet and the strong herbaceousness does not dry it out. Allowing for the flow, there is a good deal of sticky residue left on the tongue as it finishes. Strikes one as monochromatic and you wish it reach into the higher register.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Always Ready Northeast Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
New Jersey
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.79
Solid two finger head, displays good density, however, retention is slightly below average, bleached white hue, the lacing slides down the glass with ease. Cloudy yellowish colored liquid, looks like pear puree or something similar, can’t see any bubbles within. Very grassy nose with peppercorns, burnt bread crusts and tar and resin notes, the tangerine to orange citrus mild and comes across as juicily sweet, in turn the pineapple, guava, nectarine fruit scents have more energetic bite, overall quite longlasting and the dankness alleviated by its airy lift. Medium-bodied, dry with a steady dose of carbonation to prevent sluggish heaviness. Similarly to the nose the initial impression is of citrus, here pink grapefruit, mandarin orange and a touch of lemon. The resiny marijuana nuances tend to undercut the exuberance of the guava, mango, pineapple, nectarine fruit. The malts soften the finish and lend it a brush of cocoa and the oats likely do the same. All the parts move in unison yet the engine never really revs fully. Could put back a couple in one sitting, not more.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Summer Catch Belgian-Style Wheat Ale
Witbier
New Jersey
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.89
Huge head, tops out over three fingers, bright white and highly whipped up into a fragile froth, gets pocked full of holes as it dissolves, minimal lacing. Gauzy washed out yellow hued liquid, looks sun bleached, there’s only a few visible bubbles but they are fat and move with decent speed. Very mild hint of banana and bubblegum to the nose, peppery and lemony with a solid wheat cornerstone, runs the risk of getting archly herbaceous but softens in the end, not much by way of fruit scents. Medium-bodied and noticeably dry, as a result the surprisingly tight and aggressive carbonation pinches the palate. The clove and peppercorns take over swiftly, pushing the bubblegum notes aside. In turn the wheat is more pronounced bringing with it notes of rough country bread. Dry white grapefruit pith and here there’s a murmur of pear, apple, peach fruit, however, there’s nothing sweet about it. The grassiness can’t be contained through the finish, ratcheting up the bitterness. Needs to be served ice cold for maximal drinkability.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Follow The Gull India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
5.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$17.09
Two fingers of dazzling white foam, a bit whipped up and agitated so retention is average at best, plenty of peaks and valleys along the way, the lacing starts off thick but has no stick so gone soon thereafter. Completely hazy liquid, more a washed out yellow than copper, no seeing through it, even close to the surface. Solid skeleton of salt and pepper, sourdough crust and freshly mown grass to the nose, bright florality and citrus blossom, the pineapple, papaya, guava fruit scents much more sweet than sour, earthy underpinning, no real funk to it and breezily open, clean. In the mouth it tends to be full-bodied and here there’s more sourness and dankness although it is intelligently managed. Mandarin orange to a mix of white and pink grapefruit for citrus, this tends to overshadow the floral side of things. The mango, nectarine, pineapple fruit provides an initial burst of flavor but the palate dries out too much for this to last through to the finish. The malts tend to provide more textural smoothness than obvious flavors. Put together well, yet there’s nothing really exciting about it. On a good beer menu it would be your third or fourth choice.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Coastal Evacuation Double Dry Hopped Double India Pale Ale (Limited Release)
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$19.19
Just above one finger of frothy and super-loose foam, starts to break up and disintegrate immediately, bright white while it lasts, minimal lacing. Extremely cloudy and translucent yellow with a slightly darker orange core, no bubbles visible. Dank marijuana notes in the nose, quite pungent overall with tangerine, pink grapefruit to almost lime citrus, fully ripened mango, peach, nectarine and some pineapple fruit scents, not getting any piney or floral notes nor really any clear malt presence, so while not especially complex it’s a cannonball shot of what is there. Full-bodied if not syrupy thick, you have to make a pronounced swallowing effort to get it down the gullet. Slabs of pineapple, papaya, mango and apricot are splayed across the tongue, curiously the citrus recedes, milder white grapefruit notes. In the same vein the dankness “normalizes” into damp leafy matter with less of a ganja edge. Earthy with a certain metallic touch, subtly honeyed with an equally demure malted milk ball touch. Its sheer density would become tiresome were it not for the aggressive energy coursing throughout. Good drinkability for its scale.
4 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Delicious IPA (A citrusy IPA With Lemondrop & El Dorado Hops)
American IPA
California
7.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Moderate finger’s worth of off-white foam, speckled with larger bubbles, retention is average at best, the lacing forms strong and long streaks but only a few stick for any length of time. Bright coppery orange colored liquid, decent clarity with tiny active bubbles spread throughout. Grainy, peppery nose with a strong leafy bitter hoppiness which tends to push all else to the side, not really getting a significant lemon element, some pineapple to papaya fruit, however, on the whole the fruit as well a bit player. Medium-bodied and extremely muscular, if not stern. Super-dry with a tacky residue left on the tongue. More honey here and the lemondrop gains clarity. Burnt sourdough crusts, saline and dank leafy matter elevate on the back end. Sour white grapefruit slowly overcomes the lemon aspect. As in the nose, difficult to find a consistent fruit presence, what’s there mainly pineapple, nectarine, peach. Squarely placed within the Stone idiom.
3 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Mountain County Tripel (Belgian Style Tripel Aged In Bourbon Barrels)
Tripel
North Carolina
9.9%
22oz, Single
$16.49
Perfectly fine one finger head of light tan to eggshell white color, even surface, dissipates at a steady clip, thin sheet of lacing like iron mail, sinks slowly downwards. Clear coppery brown color, good amount of larger bubbles but they are dispersed like snowflakes, fresh in appearance. The vanilla, molasses and caramel oak comes through clearly in the nose, almost peaty at times, marshmallow and licorice, nutty, for its scale quite relaxed nostril presence and no burn, the fig, date, apricot to pear scents full yet not overpoweringly so. Medium-bodied and smoother, more fluid than one might expect from the beer style, strides well without the saccharine sugariness which would slow it down. Smokier here with more barrel toast, molasses and butterscotch but also notes of dill as well. Again, not excessively sweet and the fig, apple, pear, apricot fruit has good snap. Plenty of vanillin residue at the end and a mild floral lift even as it ends on a bitterly nutty note. Perhaps lacks a signature punctuation mark but by the same token if there’s such a thing as a “sessionable” Tripel, this would be on the short list.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2018

Dark City Brewing Co.
Social Mosaic Berliner Weisse (Brewed With Mosaic & Milk Sugar)
Berliner Weissbier
New Jersey
4.3%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Extremely loose knit head, crests quickly above a finger and vanishes swiftly thereafter, leaving barely a trace across the surface, was bright white while it lasted, zero lacing. The lightness of the yellow straw color in the liquid plays up the haziness and allows you to see all the particulate floating throughout, the bubbles move at a nice pace and just close enough to form beads. Lemon out the wazoo, the nose totally citrus dominated, peppery and herbaceous, mineral water, coal tar shampoo, sharp edged papaya, guava, pineapple fruit scents, very active and does not wear out easily. In the mouth it comes across as medium-bodied, puckering with a vinous feel. The carbonation has nice pinpoint prickle, fits the general character. Again the lemon citrus pervasive, maybe some tangerine in reserve. No funkiness and not anywhere near as grassy as the nose suggests. Hard to see where the milk sugar comes in, maybe adds body or creaminess at the finish, hard to say it adds sweetness. Medicinal profile, bitters, the fruit on the main pineapple, apricot, papaya, not especially juicy. It’s an interesting brew which holds your attention but would wear you down over the course of an evening. Best with a good chill on it.
4 out of 5

Central State Brewing
Oatsplosion Oat India Pale Ale
American IPA
Indiana
6.5%
16oz, Single
$4.29
Average pour fills half the pint glass with bleached white foam, very airy yet slow to dissolve, agitated surface, very uneven, hardly any lacing, tiny spots here or there. Washed out yellow hued liquid, translucently gauzy, oddly hardly any visible bubbles, maybe they exhausted themselves during the pour. Linear and fresh nose of lemon, lemon and more lemon, peppery with wafer cracker and lighter pine accents, no dankness at all, subtly tropical array of pear, pineapple, mango to guava fruit, more bite than juice, comes across overall as understated. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation is low so it can seem sluggish at times and trudges across the palate. Still, has a generally creamy texture which takes the edge of the lemon to white grapefruit citrus (which still remains a dominant factor). Cracker, some oats in a more unprocessed, cereal fashion. Some peppercorn aspect but lighter here. Green tea, chamomile and a brief gesture towards pine. What drops off a lot in the mouth is the fruit, tenuous grip in the apricot, pear, red apple to star fruit flavors. Neither all that dry nor sweet, falls short of refreshing which hampers drinkability. Valid stab but not leaving this imbiber seeking more.
3 out of 5

Preyer Brewing Co.
First Week Of April Double Milkshake India Pale Ale (With Black Tea, Lemon Zest, And Lactose)
American Double/Imperial IPA
North Carolina
8.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$13.79
Dense head even if only about a finger high, deep tan, the lacing forms a very broad sheet before sliding downwards. The liquid is beyond cloudy, looks like puree, dark orange and close to a tannish brown, if you see a bubble now and then it’s a surprise. Medicinal nose, smells like Indian mukhwas, the lactose most prominent when first opened then recedes, lemon and orange citrus, anise, eventually gets around to more “normal” pine and grassy notes, the pineapple, papaya, nectarine fruit scents last an impressively long time. Full-bodied and foamy, expands quickly cheek to cheek. Creamy mouth feel, punctured by all those Indian spices, particularly makes an impression of ginger. A great deal more floral here which in turn plays up the pine sap element. The peach, nectarine, mango to pineapple fruit as juicy and resonant here as in the nose. Finishes with a touch of quinine. Despite its softness, fluffy overall texture it’s pretty aggressive and the spice flavors don’t let up at all. Extremely enjoyable and would probably go great with Indian or some Asian cuisine. But two cans might be the limit for a single sitting.
5 out of 5

Wise Man Brewing
Mountain Calling India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.6%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.29
Pours a large three finger plus head of orange tinted tan foam, like an orange creamsicle, fairly dense foam with an uneven surface, the lacing is unexpectedly wispy with little stickiness. Cloudy coppery orange hued liquid, translucent, only the rare solitary bubble visible. Clean and well spaced out nose, the flowers, orange citrus, and pineapple, mango, peach fruit distinct from each other, light wet leafiness but not really all that dank per se, average staying power. Medium-bodied, creamy attack with a distinct stiffening and drying sensation through the finish. Carbonation is pretty good but not prickly. Pepper and salt, mineral water, tar and black tea leaf, not finding more than a thin layer of caramel or toffee malts, no breadiness. The pineapple, papaya, nectarine to peach fruit has a tropical profile if not the sweetness. Again, the parts are clearly distinguished which seems to keep it lighter on its feet. Its very drinkable and although nothing truly stands out about it you’d have no problem reaching into the fridge for another.
4 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Black Mtn Ale Black India Pale Ale
American Black Ale
North Carolina
6.7%
22oz, Single
$10.49
Just past one finger of deep tan foam, lots of pockmarks from larger bubbles popping, retention is fine, nothing remarkable, the lacing streaks are razor thin if noticeably long. Simple black hued liquid, at the surface you can see the tiniest bubbles imaginable push upwards. Heavy, heavy roast to the nose, as smoky as influenced by dark chocolate, coffee or chicory notes, quinine and white grapefruit pith, quiet black cherry fruit scents lurk about, the malts soften out the dissolve well. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and bitter, the smoky char, chicory and green leafiness ratcheted up. Taking this into consideration it has enough caramel and chocolate to pull back towards the center. The mixed white citrus bite remains but it’s a struggle to find much fruit flavor. The carbonation feels acceptable yet the overwhelming bitterness makes it tough to register and especially lend any creaminess. Lightly medicinal aftertaste. Packs a lot of punch but not necessarily to a thought out end.
3 out of 5

Lone Eagle Brewing Co.
Maiden Flight West Coast Style IPA
American IPA
New Jersey
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.49
Thin head, even surface, bright white, dissipates fairly quickly, however, the lacing forms broad streaks and sticks quite well. Decent clarity to the liquid, a resplendent brass orange hue, scattered bubbles which float slowly towards the surface. Huge juicy tangelo, pink grapefruit to lime citrus in the nose, splashes all over, at the same time sourdough crust, peppercorns, and tar provide contrast, the peach, nectarine, mango fruit ripe without seeming sugary, the dank hops are proportionate to the whole, stays broad shouldered for an extended period. Full-bodied, here the sweetness glues it to the tongue and the carbonation provides just a light tickle. That said, it’s strong suit remains all that juicy pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus as well as the papaya, mango, guava fruit, with a drizzle of honey on top. The tar, black tea leaf and wet cut grass again steady counterpoint and overall not that bitter. Manages the alcohol level well, no burn. There’s something simple about it in a good way, just satisfying without requiring you to think about why you like it.
4 out of 5

Gibb’s Hundred Brewing Company
Blind Man’s Holiday Hoppy Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Big two finger plus head, pure white, mottled surface with slightly above average retention, the lacing more splotches than streaks. Fully cloudy yellow liquid, more opaque than translucent, lightens near the surface, allows you to see the tiny bubbles break the surface. The nose has a mild floral side but mostly bread crusts, pretzel dough, peppercorns, and white grapefruit pith, turns more leafy and dank as it warms, the pineapple, nectarine, apricot scents steady and not close to dominant. Medium to full-bodied, creamy and pushes outward consistently. The carbonation provides a broad and steady churn and adds to the fullness. The florality deeper here and the tangerine, orange citrus sweeter. More pine and honey and the breadiness even sweeter, like challah bread. Curiously, it’s up to the pineapple, papaya to nectarine, peach fruit to provide some tartness and spine. No herbaceousness nor grassiness. Cleaner finish than expected, resets well. Very sessionable and while easy to drink this is not a sign of a simple brew, well done.
5 out of 5

Carton Brewing Company
SS Yirgacheffe Imperial Pale Ale (”Need A Bigger Boat” Series)
American Pale Ale
New Jersey
8.4%
16oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Credible finger plus head, eggshell white in color, enough density to retain a full surface coating for some time, in turn the lacing forms broad if stubby streaks. Coppery hued liquid, nice brightness with more yellow tinged rims, close to zero visible carbonation. As expected, the nose dominated by bitter coffee notes, if you manage to get past these it delivers lemon peel, meadow grasses and pine sap, the relentlessness of the coffee smothers any fruit aromas. Full-bodied, creamy and rich, the carbonation adding to an expansive fluffiness. More room here for the herbaceousness to blossom and it’s more floral and citrusy as well. Something more like oats or grains than doughiness or breadiness. The peach, apricot to papaya fruit flavors surface now and then. However, even while to a lesser extent than in the nose, that coffee can be punishing at times. A roasty bitterness trumps any grassy bite and brings with it bitter dark chocolate notes. In the final analysis it’s more than just a goof or curiosity but it could use more balance among the constitutive parts to really excel.
3 out of 5

Council Brewing Co.
In The Blind Double Dry Hopped India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
6.4%
16oz, Single
$4.49
Noticeably thin head with minimal retention, bright white, just no density to it at all, and as you’d expect the lacing is equally weak. Full haze to the otherwise vivid yellow color, fully opaque and you can make out one or two thin bubble beads if they are near the glass. Extremely citrusy nose of pink grapefruit, tangerine and a touch of lime, pine sap and tar, crisply tropical pineapple, kiwi, star fruit scents, all softened by a floral musk, little funk or herbaceousness, very good persistence. Full-bodied and close to viscously heavy, you have to consciously swallow to get it down. More herbaceous here in a positive sense, gives it more erectness and bite. Still, it’s the white to pink grapefruit and mandarin orange ruling the roost. The carbonation provides an uncommonly strong prickle, scrubs hard. Broader array of peach, nectarine to pineapple, papaya, passion fruit. Some pine and tea leaf, light dose of honey and breadiness, the malts well woven into the fabric. Certainly not a sessionable beer but for all of its weight and overly aggressive carbonation the intensity of flavor wins you over.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2018

Triple C Brewing Co.
Baby Maker Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
North Carolina
8.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.79
Light tan hued head, lots of dimples across the surface, close to two fingers deep, good stick to the lacing and decent breadth as well. Mild haze to the liquid, dark amber color, almost rusty, haphazard array of minute bubbles. The nose built on a foundation of dank herbs akin to forest floor matter, fallen pine cones and needles, all this mainly balanced out by caramel, brioche, pink grapefruit citrus and rich mango, pineapple, papaya scents, average staying power, credible enough. Full-bodied and firm, the carbonation provides more steady churn than prickle. Considerably sweeter here, the leafy herbaceousness most present during the mouth entry and then it’s all juicy grapefruit, tangerine citrus and more of that mango, papaya, nectarine, and guava fruit. Has a sticky texture to it more than smooth fluidity. The malts smooth out the finish, buttered biscuit, caramel, cola bean. The floral side most expressive at the end too. No real burn noticeable, if you were served it blindly you would be hard pressed to peg it as a double IPA. Absolutely no problem with it but at the same time does not separate itself from an extremely large and crowded pack.
3 out of 5

Southern Pines Brewing Company
Man Of Law American IPA
American IPA
North Carolina
6.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Pours a solid finger of eggshell white, pockmarked surface, retention is good plus, thick and extended lacing streaks likewise above average stickiness. Amber orange colored liquid, clean and transparent with a metallic sheen to it, miniscule bubbles spread throughout. Biscuity nose, pie crust, cocoa, heavy on the malts yet not without a good bit of leafy hops and earthiness, some pine needles and cones but not especially citrusy, the peach, apricot, mango fruit muddled. Lots of carbonation gets it swirling during the mouth entry, but overall tends to the heavier side of things. Sweet caramel, molasses and cocoa then earthy and tarry. Starts to turn more bitter as it moves forward, grapefruit pith, mown grass and tea leaf. Papaya, mango, apricot fruit flavorful without seeming juicy. Could stand to be crisper and possess quicker pacing across the palate. But it is clearly a softer, less bitter style of IPA with more malty sweetness than juiciness. Given its weight more than two in a sitting might be pushing it.
3 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
GreyBeard IPA
American IPA
North Carolina
6.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Finger plus head, very frothy surface and craters easily, bone white, pretty good retention, the lacing forms a thin latticework against the glass. While hazy, the liquid overall is closer to transparent than translucent, dark gold to light orange in color, scattered and lazy bubbles. Sharp and angular nose of cracker, biscuit, black pepper, lawn grass and lemongrass, dried white grapefruit pulps, not much fruit just a smattering of withered pineapple, peach. Full-bodied, while generally creamy it is also so dry that there’s minimal soaking in and it feels firm enough that you sense little fluidity. Hops, hops and more hops upfront, the malty creaminess really doesn’t come with distinct flavors per se, light cocoa or buttered biscuit. Earthy and metallic, here the tangerine to pink grapefruit able to add a dollop of sweetness at the end. However, the pineapple, papaya to peach fruit attenuated and fleeting. It is distinct and honest in an unadorned manner. But the relative lack of fruit and citrus make it one dimensional, if still drinkable provided you like your IPA super dry.
3 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Woods & Waters
American IPA
Maine
6.2%
16.9oz, Single
$7.79
Pours a huge head that fills almost half the glass, bleached and brilliant white, the surface forms peaks and valleys as it settles, ornate web of lacing across the glass with excellent stickiness. Mild haze to the liquid but the yellow, worn gold color is so light that it is still fully transparent, offers one or two steady beads of bubbles. The nose is airy and breezy and at times drifts off before you have fully enjoyed it, no dankness but still leafy, plenty of pine sap, sweet mango, papaya, peach scents without a trace of heaviness, lilacs and lemon verbena, everything is gentle. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with a creamy entry that turns much crisper before the finish. Lemon, tangerine citrus, pine, coal tar, and a smattering of peppercorns creates a nice contrast between sweet and savory. The carbonation is prickly without distracting. Most grassy at the end and retronasally. Slight breadiness which is woven into the fabric. Here is it more straightforward apricot, peach to pineapple, a little too dry for full-on tropical. Most of its “wow” factor comes from the fact it doesn’t aim at having any.
5 out of 5

Burial Beer Co.
Own Benefactor India Pale Ale (Collaboration With Carton Brewing Co.
American IPA
North Carolina
6.4%
16oz
4-Pack, $13.29
Bright white head, close to two fingers with decent density although you see larger random bubble explosions across the surface, good retention, the lacing formed in thick streaks but not a lot of stickiness. The liquid has a translucent haziness to it, pale yellow color, almost dilute, offers a couple of bubble beads, reminiscent of a wheat beer. Extremely crisp and penetrating nose of fresh, leafy hops, cracked peppercorns, tar, black tea leaf, not until the penultimate moment does it veer towards pine, flowers or white pit fruit, leaves you nostrils feeling scrubbed raw. Full-bodied, creamier than you’d expect based on the nose and with fluffier carbonation as well. More balanced here with white grapefruit citrus more sweet than sour and amplified peach, apricot to melon fruit. The doughy, biscuity notes also tend towards sweeter. That said, the green leafiness prominent throughout and the earthy, tarry elements no less so. Does focus and get crisp through the finish and moderately bitter. Showed more complexity and length when allowed to get closer to room temperature. Lot going but doesn’t get lost in the noise.
4 out of 5

Southern Pines Brewing Company
Give Your Hops Away New England IPA
American IPA
North Carolina
6.1%
16oz, Single
$3.79
Steady pour yields a finger of bleached white foam, cratered like the surface of the moon, retention is just below average, the lacing is broad at first but can’t stick. Cloudy is putting it mildly, another one of those which looks like a glass of apricot puree, completely opaque with no visible bubbles. The nose strikes you first with a brush of fresh marijuana before pouring pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus into your nostrils, modicum of pine sap, slightly jumbled up apricot, peach to pineapple scents, lacking in clarity, overall its large scale gives it power but not that much finesse. Full-bodied, layers itself thickly on the palate in a semi-sticky manner. Cleaner here with minimal dankness, more floral and loaded with tangelo, pink grapefruit and some lime citrus, huge component. Biscuit and scone but nothing toasty. Fully ripened mango, papaya, nectarine and peach fruit. The carbonation is weak and combined with the high degree of sweetness it would be hard to call it “refreshing.” However, the cheerful relentlessness of the fruit and citrus is hard to resist unless you really go for lean, grassy IPAs.
4 out of 5

Preyer Brewing Co.
Lewis & Krunk West Coast IPA
American IPA
North Carolina
7.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.79
Solid two finger head of creamy white, good density, some dimpling, retention is above average, lacing is on the skinny side but sticks nicely. Deeply bronzed liquid with only a touch of haze, the glass bottle is almost completely filled with large bubbles which now and then launch upwards to the surface. Thick nose featuring a cord of wet, leafy dankness and roofing tar with a fairly matched opponent in caramel, butterscotch, pine sap, heavy on the malts, juicy mango, pineapple, apricot fruit scents, comes up short in terms of citrus or florality. Full-bodied, very creamy and soft feel, carbonation not a large factor, tends to massage more than tingle. Emphasizes the apricot, peach, guava to nectarine fruit but again does not whip up more than cursory pink grapefruit citrus notes. Pine, grainy with lower levels of caramel, toffee as here the bitterness elevates noticeably. Very leafy and herbaceous finish in spite of that creamy mouth feel. There’s a lot going on and it’s not always orchestrated on the same wavelength. If it pulled back the bitterness a little it would be easy to throw back a few, even allowing for the ABV.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2018

Lone Eagle Brewing Co.
New England Chowdah India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Meager half finger head, bleached white with an even surface, lacing starts off broadly then disappears swiftly. As you pour it, looks like grapefruit juice and this doesn’t change much once it’s in the glass, opaquely hazy if bright yellow coloration, large accumulation of bubbles on the glass bottom. First thing to hit you in the nose is a pungent marijuana like scent, then pine sap, lemon to white grapefruit citrus, more lightly earthy, the fruit scents tropical without a bitter edge, papaya, pineapple, nectarine and star fruit. Full-bodied with a semi-creamy mouth feel and some notes of whipped cream, vanilla bean. More floral here with easygoing and juicy mixed white citrus. Some tea leaf but no dank herbaceousness. The carbonation provides a steady churn and can momentarily distract. Ripe and persistent peach, apricot, mango to nectarine fruit that nudges into pineapple now and then. It comes across as a little “busy” but its enthusiasm is hard to resist and you can forgive its lack of subtlety. The heaviness, though, makes it difficult to put two more than a couple of cans in one sitting.
3 out of 5

Double Nickel Brewing Co.
Vienna Style Lager
Vienna Lager
New Jersey
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Dense and frothy head past one finger, tan to eggshell white, decent amount of lacing, not long streaks but in many places. Deep bronze color that verges on brown, more yellow at the edges, active and widely dispersed bubbles, soft haze to it too. While there’s a bit of quinine, salt and pepper to the nose it’s quite malty with caramel, molasses, challah bread, spring blossoms and then a drop of lemon, the fruit scents mainly apricot to peach, does a very good job of pulling it back in before it gets monochrome and tedious. Medium-bodied, has heft but this does not get in the way of freshness as the carbonation provides prickle and that quinine, mineral water aspect cleanses. Bready if not doughy, manages to come off at once as both uncooked and toasty. More honey, molasses to caramel if resolved by the finish. Less peppery here, more like rye spiciness. Apricot, fig to golden raisin fruit. Could speed up the pacing some but that’s a minor quibble. The kind of beer that invites you in to enjoy it rather than contemplate it. Good marks for drinkability.
4 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Bravo (Barrel-Aged Imperial Brown Ale) (2017)
American Brown Ale
California
13.2%
12oz, Single
$8.99
A strong pour barely creates a light tan froth across the surface, gone quickly, likewise no real lacing. The liquid is an orange rust tinged brown, bright but there’s some much particulate floating inside you are kind of shocked it didn’t gunk up the bottle neck coming out. Smooth nose of caramel, toffee and milk chocolate, the oak toast is present without making boozy, golden raisin and fig fruit scents, witch hazel, leaves an impression that aging has mellowed it. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and here the lack of volume lets the booziness take over. Nutty with oak char and a pervasive sourness, recalls the sort of dill notes you get from American oak. Some apple to pear but stays in the fig, date, raisin range. Takes on a bitter dark roast coffee edge towards the finish. Given how high octane it is you can consider it balanced, yet what it does lack is a kind of jazz ensemble interplay, there’s just a relentless sameness about it. Leaves this imbiber thinking that a year of aging was maybe not the best decision.
3 out of 5

Greenbush Brewing Co.
Delusion (Imperial Cream Stout Aged In Rye Whiskey Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Michigan
11.7%
12oz, Single
$6.99
Modest half finger head, during the pour it looks like it might not develop but covers the full surface, more brown than dark tan, for what it starts from has good retention, leaves a broad residue across the glass with plus level stickiness. Big nose that wafts up out of the glass with sugary vanilla, coconut custard, butterscotch, milk chocolate, heavy cream, glazed nuts, just about the whole kitchen sink, some plum to prune fruitiness but this all about the confectionary qualities. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and velvety smooth in a layered fashion which sinks into the palate. The carbonation provides a tiny bit of tingle but can’t match the overall weight. The intensity of the chocolate, cola bean, vanilla bean, anise to butterscotch is impressive. The milkiness dampened any boozy heat which might linger from the whiskey barrels, the roast likewise seems tamed by some aging. As in the nose, not a lot of fruit presence, the same prune to fig. You keep coming back to the sheer depth of the milk cream and chocolate, relentless. Given the high level of sweetness can’t call it balanced but it does drink evenly and, again, smoothly.
4 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Rocky Road (Stout Brewed With Cacao Nibs & Marshmallow Creme And Aged On Oak Chips) (Big Beer Series)
Milk/Sweet Stout
New Hampshire
7.8%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Aggressive pour gets you maybe a finger of very dark brown foam, strong island of larger bubbles at the pour point, retention is decent giving how little there was to start with, broad if short splotches for lacing. Pitch black liquid, cannot see anything, no visible bubbles and not even a hint of orange or yellow at the rims. Confectionary nose of vanilla, milk chocolate, caramel with a mildly burnt molasses touch, any marshmallow not especially distinct, no fruit presence, the roast and booziness lingers most. In the mouth it’s medium, not quite full-bodied with low carbonation. Here the roast is greater even as it seems sweeter too. Cereal grains and barley, a quiet hoppiness in the background. Whipped cream, vanilla fudge, heavy cream and loads of chocolate with a solid dose of coffee roast to help dry it up. While dry the texture is sticky and it clings to the pores, not all that freshening. Releases well at the finish, which could just as well be interpreted as losing grip. In the end, neither too sweet nor dry, the roast helps as an organizing principle. Nothing unique sticks out about it but pleasant enough.
3 out of 5

Utah Brewers Cooperative
Squatters Outer Darkness Russian Style Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Utah
10.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Thin half finger of extremely dark brown head, does not coalesce enough to really call it “foam” and it is gone seconds after the pour, zero lacing. Pitch black liquid with a thin sliver of yellow at the edges, some fat bubbles are visible clinging to the glass side but clearly few made it to the surface. The nose is blunt and lacks movement and length, a shame since there seems to be an abundance of milk chocolate, vanilla bean, black licorice, lactose and wood char, not getting any fruit scents, barley and rice, then band-aid, can’t shake nagging suspicion there’s something like bacterial taint going on. In the mouth it’s smooth to the point that the full body seems lighter. Minimal if any carbonation. The booziness in your face and you feel it, can taste like a shot of bourbon. So, no surprise you get vanilla, molasses, and smoky wood char. The licorice, anise in full effect and layers on fried bacon notes. As in the nose no specific fruit materializes. No chicory but verges on bitter. Truncated finish. Not sure what’s up here but not the experience expected. Willing to revisit with a can from a different batch.
3 out of 5

Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Insetto (A Dry-Hopped Sour Ale With Italian Plum)
American Wild Ale
Maryland
5.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Average finger worth of loose foam, plenty of larger bubbles popping across the surface as it sizzles away to a thin surface dusting, initially there’s a few nice lacing splotches but they have no stickiness. The liquid has a haziness to it, likely from purée particulate, very odd coloration as if the purplish plum pulp gave the orange base hue a purple tint, strong glow throughout, any bubbles spread out, no beads. The plum bursts through the nose, stiffening and sour, touch of honey, pie crust, iron flecks, vinous and medicinal, scorched earth sort of funkiness, were it a wine you might say it shows signs of volatile acidity, interesting but sure to put off some. Medium-bodied and closer to light, clean and acidic, electrifies the pallet. More quinine, mineral and witch hazel notes, the plum here to dominant with supporting grapey vinosity. The carbonation is not high but better than expected and matches the overall body well. A bit of graininess in the background. The honey touch from the nose comes off more as corn syrup here. Perhaps a shade of white grapefruit but not clearly distinct. On the whole it’s a good drink, if monochrome.
4 out of 5

Empire Brewing Co.
Black Magic Stout (Nitrogenated Irish-Style Dry Stout)
Irish Dry Stout
New York
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
An aggressive pour yields virtually no head, a thin surface dusting at best, the lacing fares slightly better with a long thin streak left behind once you tilt the glass. Pure black liquid, completely impenetrable, curiously you can see a mass of bubbles clinging to the glass bottom, clearly they did not want to let go and rise to the surface. Heavily roasted nose, smoky as if a Schwarzbier, charcoal, coal tar shampoo, bitter dark chocolate, coffee grinds, toasted barley and grains, no fruit present at all, has nice lift and not at all heavy in the nostrils. Light-bodied, the arch dryness saps more body out of it. Close to no carbonation, flattens the mouth feel. More of the same roast here, the dark chocolate a touch sweeter with chicory, creamed coffee and grainy malt notes, maybe a smidgeon of caramel. Here to no fruit to speak of, does leave a residue of charcoal and campfire wood behind. The smokiness is pleasing enough but it could stand to be supported by more resonant chocolate flavors. Smooth enough but nothing here compels you to consider opening a second bottle.
3 out of 5

Devil’s Purse Brewing Co.
Surfman’s Check ESB English-Style Pale Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Massachusetts
5.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Tops out around two fingers of foam, caught between cream white and light tan, very whipped up and airy so retention is poor, disappears quickly, offers splotches instead of lacing streaks. Light haze to the coppery orange colored liquid, fades some to yellow at the edges, naught but a few random bubbles here and there. Nose of caramel, coffee cake, cola bean, vanilla bean and Brazil nuts, sweet sort of smokiness, has a leafy green side as well, the apricot, peach, pear fruit scents have to work it to register, overall smooth and full texture in the nostrils. Medium-bodied with a firm feel, while polished and smooth it’s too dry to soak in deeply. Fruitcake, molasses, lemon curd, dinner roll breadiness, grilled nuts, the pieces are there but they do not coalesce into something sweet to savor. Curiously, for its dryness doesn’t seem bitter until the very last. Carbonation is sluggish, stays in place on the tongue. Pear, apple, peach fruit but evanescent. Minerals, black tea, tar creep up through the finish. Much more enjoyable when just sipped with analysis, isolation of the constitutive parts yields little.
3 out of 5

Cigar City Brewing
Guayabera Citra Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Florida
5.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Full two finger head, eggshell white, the surface is even but the lack of density has the head simmer off quickly creating more unevenness, the lacing lacks stickiness. Deep golden hue with a warmly glowing orange core, hazy to the point of semi-opacity, only a few tiny bubbles drifting around the glass sides. In the nose there’s an immediate hit of unprocessed grains, peppercorns and tilled earth, sort of raw and rough, moderates into juicy pink grapefruit and ripe peach, nectarine to mango fruit scents, buttered biscuit, interesting changes as it warms some. Full-bodied with a creamy foaminess which has it filling the mouth. Reversal here, starts off sweeter with honey, cocoa powder and general malts before veering into herbaceousness, pepper, tea leaf and sour lemon to tangerine citrus. At times conjures the idea of quinine or mineral water. The pineapple, papaya, nectarine, peach fruit more or less consistent throughout, more present at the start because of the increasing dryness. Could drink two or three in a sitting if ice cold but after that the bitterness would dull your palate.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2018

Carton Brewing Company
077XX East Coast Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
7.8%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Aggressive pour yields a modest finger of just off-white foam, even surface although the lack of retention upsets that quickly enough, conversely the lacing while thin all but fully coats the glass and sticks like glue. The liquid is more filmy than cloudy, golden to slightly rust water in look, extremely tiny bubbles furtively scurry now and then. The nose leaps out at you with well toasted country bread, pretzel notes and both a salty and peppery edge, enough so to marginalize the florality and mixed white citrus, while you never doubt it’s there the white pit fruit easily pushed aside, you could say it’s aggressive to a fault. Full-bodied, curiously drier during the attack and then sweetens up and feels wetter through the finish. Grainy and peppery yet here it’s more balanced with honey, caramel, pine sap and tea leaf on hand. Likewise the mango, peach, guava fruit more resonant. More damp leafy matter than bright cut grass. The carbonation accords itself better than expected but can’t call it creamy, stays angular. It comes across like a lot of thought was put into it. You have to like a beer that doesn’t back down and is more interested in what it has to say than whether or not you want to hear it.
3 out of 5

Two Roads Brewing Company
Honeyspot Road IPA (Unfiltered IPA With Wheat)
American IPA
Connecticut
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger worth of bone white foam, bright and shiny, mostly even surface with average retention, forms nicely long and unbroken lacing streaks. The liquid is cloudy with a fine silt to it, no beads but the bubbles lift aggressively, the yellow color looks muted or washed out. Very good lift to the nose, big floral bouquet, more wheat and grains than bread, blends in lemon peels, white pepper, black tea leaf and marijuana notes, the apricot, apple, pear fruit scents a decided afterthought. Medium-bodied with a foamy mouth entry which has you recoiling a touch, no prickle to the carbonation. More pine here to accompany the florality and the lemon citrus both sweet and sour. Much fruitier here with mango, guava flavors as well as peach, apricot, sort of comes out of left field. Honeyed as well, the grains seem sweet rather than raw. Does finish clean if heavy and thus losing freshness. Easy drinker with moderate complexity, definitely a summertime beer, meant for warm afternoon enjoyment. Could stand a bit more intensity of purpose.
3 out of 5

Atlas Brew Works
Ponzi IPA
American IPA
District of Columbia
7.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Bright white head with substantial amount of dimples, really no more than a finger’s worth, wispy lacing, no extended streaks. Hazy golden liquid, very consistently colored, meager display of bubbles. The nose is herbaceous in a dry manner, not really dank and wet, caramel, orange zest, unprocessed grains, witch hazel, just ripened apricot, peach, pear fruit scents, not close to tropical, airy and guileless, not a hint of aggression. Light-bodied with a subtle little tingle from the carbonation, clean here as well albeit tends to run on the sweet side and avoids presenting a bitter profile. Here the mango, guava comes there to deepen the preexisting apricot, peach flavors. More pine and certainly an uptick in orange, tangerine citrus too. Caramel lingers most at the end. Minor hoppiness, some dry burn on the back of the mouth roof. Tempted to call it nondescript but wouldn’t mean it as an insult. It is simply an agreeable brew meant to please an array of palates and if one accepts this premise it succeeds.
3 out of 5

Cigar City Brewing
Jai Alai India Pale Ale (Aged On White Oak)
American IPA
Florida
7.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$7.99
Eggshell white head, crests around two fingers, very uneven surface with a mix of bubble sizes, very nice retention and a large amount of heavy lacing streaks with inordinate stickiness. Hazy amber hued liquid, only a few bubbles visible, fat and lazy. The nose punctuated by green leafy matter, tobacco wrapper, tar, pulped oranges and tropical pineapple, mango to peach fruit scents, does not present a softening element such as caramel or honey, stays lean and stiff, and overall dissolves too quickly. Medium-bodied, while it has a good deal of foaminess to it the texture is dry and tacky if not gluey. Here too the oak seems to dry it out rather than add creaminess. Much more orange to pink grapefruit citrus and greater length in the papaya, nectarine, mango, pineapple fruit. There is tar, tea leaf and earth, less herbaceous with notes of oregano and basil. There’s something about it which seems lacking in harmony, no glue to hold the pieces together. You don’t want the last flavor to be like sucking on a chopstick. More interesting than enjoyable.
3 out of 5

Commonwealth Brewing Co.
Black Is The New Green Black India Pale Ale
American IPA
Virginia
7.5%
16oz, Single
$7.99
Close to two fingers of fairly dense foam, some bigger dimples, however, retention is quite good, dark tan in color, fat lacing streaks which stick well. Fully opaque black liquid, difficult to judge if clean or filmy, random bubbles furtively break the surface. There is roast to the nose yet the main component by far is creamy milk chocolate, then enough butterscotch, caramel and coconut custard to evoke German chocolate cake, now and then you get the leafy herbaceousness and mixed white citrus, ends with a whiff of fried bacon and fat, smells closer to a Schwarzbier than IPA. Light to medium-bodied, while firm there is no lack of carbonated creaminess. That milk chocolate wastes no time slathering the palate. Follows up with licorice, caramel, and pine notes. Indistinct black fruits murmur quietly. Smokiness and roast mostly present during the finish and retronasally. The hops maybe a bit more aggressive here but overall the beer could use a refreshing spine. That said, plenty drinkable although the general sweetness might keep you to one or two cans in a sitting.
3 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Private Stock Ale Imperial English-Style Ale (2017 Vintage Series)
Old Ale
California
11.0%
25.4oz, Single
$14.99
Tops out at around a finger of dark tan foam, full mix of bubble sizes across the surface but not much dimpling, retention is average, thin dusting coats the glass sides which slowly form archipelagos rather than streaks. The liquid is squeaky clean and coppery orange to brown in hue, consistent throughout, very modest amount of lonely bubbles here and there. Relaxed layers of fruitcake, nuts, chocolate, vanilla bean, graham cracker, honey and licorice, basically everything sweet and good, the plum, maraschino cherry to fig fruit actually able to add erectness, for all that it lays on you doesn’t get heavy. Full-bodied, foamy initial mouth feel which moderates into a more velvety texture. Grains, tea leaf, vanilla and milk chocolate you left in your pocket, licorice, spiced orange peel, virtual replica of the nose. Manages the alcohol well, no burn and only mild drying sensations. On the whole it’s not oppressively sweet and nimble for its girth. Figs, dates, candied cherry and raspberry fruit, registering these flavors actually call the booziness to the fore. While you could excuse it as tactful the finish trails off prematurely. Very good but needs to have the flavors resonate and soak in more.
4 out of 5

Two Ton Brewing
Brute Squad (The Two Ton Anniversary Barleywine Ale)
American Barleywine
New Jersey
10.2%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Average pour fills half the glass with airy foam, life a soufflé, eggshell white in color, retention is good plus, any lacing like random clouds on a sunny day. Coppery orange hued liquid, clean and transparent, multiple streams of fat bubbles rising to reenergize the head. Nose has a metallic edge to it, kind of green and herbaceous as well, pulped lemons, not plush nor layered as one might expect, more day old bread crusts than scone or fruitcake, noticeable lack of fruit presence overall, not necessarily unpleasant but nothing to keep you interested. Medium-bodied and here too lacking in the richer layering desired of the style. More bitter than sweet with a foundation of grass, poor metallic dirt, charcoal and quinine. Lemon husks, spent yeast and more bread crusts, mutter of clove and ginger. Carbonation does create a foamy feel which softens the overall profile. Weak cherry, plum to apricot fruit, too dry for any extended presence. Not something you’d want to revisit.
2 out of 5

Amherst Brewing
Jess IPA
American IPA
Massachusetts
7.3
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Nice 2-3 finger head with a broad array of larger bubbles popping across the surface causing dimples, fairly openly knit frothy, cream white in hue, very good retention and leaves a thin band around the glass at the dissolve starting point. Mildly hazy copper orange colored liquid, you can see a fine particulate suspended in the glass, the bubbles have average activity and tend to cling near the glass sides. The nose puts a focus on the tangerine, orange citrus yet this steadily fades in favor of damp leafy matter, pine tar and rock salt, plenty of juiciness in the nectarine, peach, mango, papaya fruit scents, dankness does not take the fun out of it, some bread crusts and light touch of pretzel dough. Medium-bodied, big creamy initial foaminess fills the mouth but there’s no “bottom” to carry it further. On the sweet side, concentrated and sugary quality to the apricot, peach, guava, pear fruit. The pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus likewise sweet and latches onto the caramel element. The herbaceousness steps back some. So, here it is biscuit and bread crust which gives it spine and there is also a nice pepper/salt mix, something like basil leaf. High degree of drinkability.
4 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Thumbprint Enigma
Flanders Oud Bruin
Wisconsin
5.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.29
Modest finger’s worth of dark tan foam, not much density so it dissolves at a quick pace, no real lacing to speak of, just a momentary sheet if you tilt the glass. Given the relatively dark brown coloration of the liquid it displays good transparency, a bit more yellowish at the surface, a few tiny bubbles drift lazily upwards. Cleansingly sour nose of plum to prune, cherry fruit with a more general fruitcake character, coconut flakes, dark chocolate, glazed ginger, bit of a woody char, more vanilla and bubblegum accents as it warms, one likely wants to avoid serving this too chilled. Medium-bodied, has a creamier underbelly of vanilla, chocolate, caramel and coconut custard. However, it has so much acidic zing that you feel it rush through the mouth. The carbonation is mild but not all that needed for the beer to feel crisp. The cherries dominate but nuances of raspberry, golden raisin and apple appear in support. Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger play bit roles. Finishes with some earthy funk and cider vinegar. Extremely long finish, can’t wash it out of your mouth. Great complexity, harmony and drinkability.
5 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
El Paraiso Imperial Coffee Stout (Ale Brewed With Coffee And Cocoa Nibs)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
9.5%
16.9oz, Single
$6.25
An aggressive pour gets you about a finger’s worth of light brown foam, rippled surface, for what it starts with the retention is good, thin if broad sheets of lacing. Pure black throughout, the liquid is very clean, can’t see any bubbles. Layers and layers of milk chocolate, café au lait, butterscotch fill the nose, chicory and tar accents help stiffen it up, the raisin, cherry fruit scents all but lost in the roasty lift. Medium-bodied, not as thick as expected and the carbonation gives it a steady churn to help separate the flavors. Subtle tones of licorice, anise break up the pleasingly monotonous chocolate and coffee flavors. Stronger presence here in the plum, cherry flavors but these are still nowhere near dominant. Again, ends with a nice chicory burst. Flavorful without getting over the top.
5 out of 5

Melvin Brewing
Hubert MPA
American Pale Ale
Wyoming
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.49
Big head, easily past three fingers, off white color, fine foam, really whipped up with a surface of rolling hills, thin but long lacing streaks. Full haziness to the liquid, opaque dark golden color, few visible bubbles. Piney nose dripping with tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus, tar, mango, papaya, pineapple fruit, very tropical and thick in the nostrils. Full-bodied and surprisingly foamy. Sour with pine, wet leafiness and grass, considerably more dank here. The grapefruit pith is tacky and dry. Less richness in the mango, nectarine, peach, apricot fruit yet possesses a pretty floral finish with overall consistent thickness. Has good drinkability for its heft.
4 out of 5

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. [Leinenkugel’s]
Wisconsin Red Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Wisconsin
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$6.99
Whipped up two finger head of red-tinted tan froth, extremely dimpled but has minimal distinct bubbles across the surface, leaves a full streak around the glass when it is tilted, excellent retention. Amber orange to brown hued liquid, perfectly clear with a huge storm of bubbles throughout perpetually refreshing the head. Malty nose of dough, malted milk balls, cocoa dust but has a herbaceous edge to it as well, more grassy than leafy, unshelled nuts, light metallic earth touch, can’t distinguish clear fruit notes but there’s an element of mixed white citrus present. Medium-bodied, the foaminess helps it expand across the palate and give it more coverage. Here you do get a core of cherry, berry fruit which pairs with the caramel, bready malts to give it a semi-sweet foundation. Through the mid-palate the metallic, quinine bitterness takes over and leaves you puckering at the end. Lingering nuttiness and has a punch of hops, however, hard to call it hoppy per se. Probably a decent beer to take out on a lake fishing but nothing to keep around the house on a regular basis.
2 out of 5

Commonwealth Brewing Co.
Marshmallow Eyes India Pale Ale
American IPA
Virginia
6.1%
16oz, Single
$7.99
An aggressive pour yields barely half a finger of loose pure white foam, minimal retention as it swiftly becomes a thin dusting across the surface, the lacing streaks start out surprisingly broad but lack stickiness. Extremely hazy liquid, all but fully opaque, looks like pulpless orange juice, some random bubbles of decent size can be seen breaking the surface. Citrus dominated nose of tangerine, lemon to white grapefruit yet still soft for it, more soaking in than lift, solid burst of salt, pepper and pretzel dough as well asphalt tar, the peach and apricot fruit scents are ripe but lack staying power, more earthy than herbaceous. Full-bodied with a pronounced creamy texture, not quite “marshmallow” but orange creamsicle or sherbet level. Again, the orange, tangerine, grapefruit citrus leads, more pine, lemongrass and honey notes here, the tarriness more knit into the whole. Apricot, peach, nectarine base and a quick jolt of pineapple. There is a marshmallow to whipped cream touch retronasally after you swallow. Carbonation level is decent to weak and overall the beer is too heavy to be refreshing. That said, it’s fairly clean and free of dankness and not as sweet as it might be.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2018

Right Proper Brewing Co.
Raised By Wolves (Dry-Hopped Pale Ale)
American Pale Ale
District of Columbia
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Healthy two finger head with a few islands of large bubbles which crater when they pop, decent density helps retention, just off white but still plenty bright, very wide streaks of lacing with great stickiness. Cloudy deep gold color bordering on coppery, can’t see through it at all, tiny bubbles only visible sliding up the sides of the glass. Drying nose presence, close to sandpapery, loaded with orange to white grapefruit pith, cracker and pretzel dough, peppery with supplementary pine tar, the pineapple, mango to peach fruit scents tightly coiled and short lived, overall muscular with minimal subtlety. Medium-bodied, extremely firm and dry mouth feel, just sucks all the moisture out. Carbonation has a steady pinpoint prickle to it. Earthier here with minerals and tar, no funkiness and on the whole not that bitter. Just very, very dry. Grainy, bread crusts more than any dough or yeast. Tangerine, orange citrus one of the bigger elements. Inconsistent florality but at least there’s something. The peach, apricot, papaya fruit fares a little better here, particularly when warming. Clean and close to refreshing but you should be a fan of super dry beers.
3 out of 5

Paradox Beer Company
Café Verdad (Dark Ale Brewed With Coffee, Aged In Oak Barrels) (2015)
American Wild Ale
Colorado
8.0%
16.9oz, Single
$15.99
The head sizzles like a well full of snakes, although crests close to two fingers it’s all gone in just a few seconds, barely leaving anything across the surface and there’s zero lacing as well. The liquid is a lightly translucent brown with a yellowish aura, you don’t see any bubbles until they are just about to break the surface. The coffee, dark chocolate note come close to exploding out of the glass, cinnamon, chili peppers next with a decided vinous and sour oak demeanor, black grapes, sour cherries, there’s a meadowy grassiness in there too with dry earthiness but basically nothing is close to challenging the coffee roast. Medium-bodied, smooth and fluid in a very sour manner, doesn’t get you puckered up. Here all the acidity and the oak residue can meet the coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate head on. Albeit the coffee char probably has not lost any power, just met an equal. Cherry, blackberry, apple fruit flavors, keenly edged. The chili pepper aspect more tame here. There’s a lot going on here and it’s not unreasonable to expect it all to run amok but in the final analysis it hangs together well.
4 out of 5

Evil Genius Beer Company
Ma! The Meatloaf! Mango Wit Ale (Ale With Natural Flavor Added)
Witbier
Pennsylvania
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Finger worth of bright white foam, dazzling, fairly even surface, retention is so-so, retention is about what you’d expect, same for the lacing, wispy and thin streaks. Shiny golden liquid, too darker than expected while perfectly clear, the bubbles are widely spread but active. Taut, grainy nose, pretzel dough, salt and pepper, something smells “adjuncty,” the mango is not faint, however, woven into the whole rather than the soloist, mild mandarin orange notes, overall has a sour vinous quality, not exactly offputting but does tend to push against you. Medium-bodied, much smoother in the mouth, clove spice, white pepper, cracked wheat and sour orange to lemon citrus imbue it with good energy. Corn syrup, molasses accents sweeten the mid-palate and extend textural presence. As in the nose the mango is faint and there as much by power of suggestion as immediate flavor. Maybe some apple or peach in supplement, at moments suggests banana. Good drinkability, just can’t help feeling a little disappointed based solely on what you thought you were getting rather than what you got.
3 out of 5

Union Craft Brewing
Rye-Baby IPA
Rye Beer
Maryland
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.99
Yields two to three fingers of tan foam, the even surface riddled with bubbles of varying sizes resulting in pockmarks, otherwise retention is above average and the lacing forms extended streaks with excellent stickiness. The haziness is light enough to allow you to see through it decently, coppery orange-brown colored liquid, tiny bubbles move super slowly towards the surface, like watching film at the wrong speed. The rye is omnipresent in the nose yet does not bring cutting bite, more driven by chocolate, cocoa, remarkably clean and gentle for all the heaviness in the nostrils, green grape, red berry to apricot fruit scents, mandarin orange round it out, admirable overall integration. Full-bodied, bottom heavy without getting anchored in place. The carbonation adds more softer fluff than prickle, no scrubbing sensations. Intriguing fruit flavors of honeydew melon and watermelon keep coming to the fore, then grape, apricot, cherry. Mocha and caramel also play a role, overall though not excessively sweet while the texture is not drying either. Inconsistent pepperiness and spice, finishes on a piney note. Very interesting assemblage but the heaviness likely would restrict you to no more than two in a sitting.
4 out of 5

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers
Hoponius Union IPL
American Pale Lager
Massachusetts
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Tops out just under two fingers of cream white foam, the big amount of larger bubbles creates a dimpled surface, very loose and airy and it dissipates at a rapid clip, scattershot lacing without only moderate stickiness. Cloudy to the point where it becomes as opaque as translucent, deep golden color, similar to ripe apricot skin, only bubbles are a couple of beads which hug the glass side, visually could be a fruit purée. The nose is thick enough to cut with a knife, pine sap, caramel, fresh yeast and just cooked honey dappled bread, marmalade, marijuana dankness, spent chili peppers, peach, papaya, mango fruit scents, does an excellent job of shifting on you and going in unexpected directions. Full-bodied and heavy as well here, the carbonation adds tickle but not longlasting. Sweet dough, molasses, honey to caramel while the texture maintains a drying quality. Mix of pink to white grapefruit with blood orange brings growing sourness through the finish. Tarry as well, clay earth with a touch of dampened campfire smoke. The peach, apricot, yellow apple, pear fruit appear strictly in a supporting role. Powerful finisher without getting clumsy in the process.
3 out of 5

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
Conehead India Pale Ale
American IPA
Vermont
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Whipped up, agitated head cresting over two fingers, bone white, big dimples across the surface, nothing notable about the retention, acceptable, lacing is more splatter than anything else, no streaks. The liquid is a filmy orange tinged golden color, consistent throughout, swiftly paced bubbles, on the fat side and no beads formed. The floral notes in the nose are quite pretty, soft orange zest, even the pine seems gentle, stiffens every so slightly from the underlying graininess which eventually yields to freshly baked breadiness, the fruit mainly pineapple, nectarine to peach but doesn’t achieve distinct separation. Medium-bodied, initial foaminess helps spread it across the palate before it turns dry and slightly tacky. Zippy blood orange to tangerine citrus abounds, more peppery here and the pine crisper as well. Tarry earth and moderately wet leafy matter bring a mild funk. The rose hips led floral element lacks the breadth found in the nose. More biscuit to scone than softer breads. Here too the papaya, pineapple, peach fruit more subtle than preferred. Overall, its simplicity is its strength and weakness. Very poundable.
3 out of 5

Carton Brewing Company
Red Rye Returning Hoppy Rye Ale
Rye Beer
New Jersey
5.3%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Pours a nice big head, three fingers and can easily foam over if you’re not careful, light tan color, good density and retention, the lacing forms as long, thin trails. Amber to reddish-brown colored liquid, very pretty with full clarity, the tiny bubbles are dispersed and seem only visible near the surface. The rye bite comes through well in the nose, softened a great deal by bready notes and cocoa powder, has a sort of salt and pepper thing going on too, faint touch of white grapefruit, not all that complex but the elements which are there have breadth and staying power. Full-bodied, the carbonation is steady in a background manner so the texture is solid and can be bottom heavy at times. More floral here and spicier as well, peppery support of the rye. Tar resin and gets earthier as it warms. The cocoa, chocolate accents more present through the finish. Less citrus and hard to peg any distinct fruit flavors, washed out tropical flavors. Doesn’t seem concerned with harmonious choral activity as playing solos off each other. Good stuff, don’t think it would be easy to have more than two in a sitting though.
3 out of 5

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Powder Dreams India Pale Ale (Dry Hopped With Galaxy Hops And Mosaic Lupulin Powder)
American IPA
New York
7.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$17.99
Generous two plus finger head of dense off-white foam, even surface until it starts cratering as it dissolves, very nice retention, thick streaks of lacing stick pretty much forever on the glass sides. Quite hazy liquid with fine particulate suspended throughout, very large bubbles float slowly upwards, scattered, no beads. Pungent nose of pink and white grapefruit, tangerine citrus, tea leaf, tar, dried pine sap and toasted bread crusts, curiously the pineapple, papaya, nectarine fruit scents can get lost in it all, the powerful lift keeps the dankness in check. Full-bodied and a touch foamy in texture, immediately coats the mouth. More peppery here and as that and the dry grapefruit pith settles it, the texture does firm up and percolate. Cleaner with more basic earthiness and tarriness and minimal dankness. The fruit gets sweeter, particularly if warming, into mango, apricot, peach and pineapple. Never does get the floral aspect grounded, though. Table cracker and more bread crust, the malts restrained and not too sweet. The carbonation is muscular and churns more than swirls. Has plenty of excess energy but never loses its sense of direction.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2017

Cape Ann Brewing Co.
Deadeye Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Massachusetts
9.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Finger plus head of off-white foam, good retention across the whole surface, even, broad sheets of lacing rather than streaks. Deeply bronzed liquid closer to brown than orange, semi-cloudy, widely dispersed bubbles a touch hard to see. Dense nose of wet leafy matter without strong dankness, pepper, tangerine zest, tar, crackers and caramel, cocoa, the pineapple, mango, nectarine, peach fruit scents help moderately to relieve the weight. Full-bodied, sticky, sappy mouth feel with the medium strength carbonation not especially able to scrub and lift. Very malty with cocoa, mocha, toffee to creamed coffee flavors as well as softening the palate. This tends to accentuate the sweetness of the pink grapefruit, blood orange citrus which in turn does not lack for sour bite. Tar, pine tar, earth with the green leafiness most noticeable at the end. Even the retro nasal presence feels heavy. Not refreshing but makes its impression by other means.
4 out of 5

Stony Creek Brewery
Big Cranky Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Connecticut
9.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.29
Thin head, crests close to one finger and dissipates swiftly, the lacing starts off with broad streaks but these too don’t last. Bright golden colored liquid with only a slight haze, meagre amount of bubbles. Lean, focused nose of snap peas, mown grass, too airy to present any dankness, lime and tangerine zest, dried tar, doesn’t broaden into any resonant floral or piney notes nor does it show a malty side. Medium-bodied, closer to light. Quietly persistent carbonated prickle keeps it cruising along. Subtle and integrated, cocoa powder, orange peel, the grains close to full on breadiness. The malts add more smoothness than distinct flavor. Good piney notes and charcoal, minerally earth, not just throwing a lot of citrus and fruit at you. That said, the apricot, peach, apple, to lesser pineapple fruit weaves in and out until the final sip. Not all that interesting but well crafted with good drinkability at the ABV.
3 out of 5

Devil’s Purse Brewing Co.
Golden Gorilla (Sea Trials Series #7) (Wheat Ale Brewed With Kombu, Lime, Brettanomyces and Oysters)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Massachusetts
6.0%
16.9oz, Single
$7.49
Pours a big frothy head three fingers high, very whipped up and sizzles away quickly, close to zero lacing. Cloudy light yellow color, sort of washed out, even through the haze there’s a visible storm of bubbles. The lime comes through clearly on the nose, notes of lemongrass, mint, the wheat is subdued and it’s smooth and not overly grainy, peach to apricot, pear fruit, simple but not unpleasant, the lime more dominant as it warms. Medium-bodied, quite fizzy mouth feel, otherwise soft and generously spreads widely. The lime citrus comes with lemon touches. On the whole it’s clean and not that easy to get the brett influence. More obvious wheat though, has a sweet graininess. Fresh “golden ale” feel with a citrusy tropical edge, even if there’s no real tropical fruit such as pineapple, papaya, staying in apple, apricot, peach territory. Sort of peters out at the end.
3 out of 5

Lord Hobo Brewing Company
Consolation Prize (A Double India Pale Ale)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Massachusetts
9.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Pleasing two fingers of fairly dense and frothy foam, the surface mottled by bubbles of all sizes, develops peaks and valleys as it simmers down, the more big splotches than actual streaks. Has the expected haziness to the liquid, more of a dark yellow than light coppery orange, curiously here’s very few visible bubbles for all of the foaminess. Effusive and easygoing nose of floral dew, tangerine zest, fresh pine sap, and layers of apricot, peach, nectarine to pineapple fruit scents, there’s also tar pitch and a modicum of herbaceous dankness but more as the side dish. Medium-bodied, fluffy with the carbonation pushing outwards insistently. Sweet, featuring malted milk balls, cocoa powder to something like ginger root, this tilts the pink grapefruit to tangerine citrus more sweet than sour. The florality gets too mixed into the whole to swirl and dance. Nice tang to the mango, pineapple, kiwi, apricot fruit while staying close to sugary. Lightly bready, not that piney and as in the nose the dank hoppiness not the focus. Overall, seems styled for maximal pleasure by the widest audience, albeit with a noticeable alcoholic kick.
4 out of 5

Spencer Brewery, The
Monks’ Reserve Ale
Quadrupel (Quad)
Massachusetts
10.2%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Modest one finger foam, dark tan with a nicely even surface, retention is ehh but not horrible, does manage to create lengthy, unbroken thin streaks of lacing. Clean on the whole with a bit more silt at the end of the pour, the liquid is a mahogany brown, touch of orange rust at the edges, lots of visible bubbles just below the surface. The nose is steady and unexaggerated, quite nutty with molasses, dark chocolate to toffee notes, modicum of challah bread, fig, golden raisin to cherry fruit scents, doesn’t seem to strive to layer on the sweetness, medium level nostril length, unforced. Light-bodied in the context of the style and the high level of carbonation keeps it fluffy and churning up to the roof of your mouth. Drier here than expected, the nuts more knit into the whole, cola bean, pine, dark chocolate, cafe au lait, chicory, metallic earth, does have a sour if not quite bitter aspect. Grains seem more raw and unprocessed than bready, doughy. Fig and cherry, blackberry, nothing close to the concentrated sugars of dates or prunes. The dryness impedes length on the finish. Easy to consume and about as close as a quad might get to a dinner table beer.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Bubbler
Hefeweizen
Wisconsin
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.69
Pours a huge head, easily over two fingers even with a controlled pour, brilliant bone white, while very airy and whipped up keeps a nicely even surface, the lacing very large splotches with just below average stickiness. Mild haze to the pure gold colored liquid, randomly scattered large bubbles, no tight beads. The nose leaps forth from the glass with bubblegum, banana, clove and a solid amount of apricot, pear to apple fruit scents, as it warms there’s additional pepper, more pronounced wheat as well as mineral water notes. Medium-bodied, fairly dry and stern even as the carbonation has it frothing across the palate. The dryness prevents a round mouth feel from really filling it up though. The flavors come close to exactly replicating the nose with strong emphasis on bubblegum, clove and banana. More mixed orange to grapefruit citrus and more yeasty than wheat-driven. The apple, pear, apricot, peach fruit pairs up with golden raisin and fig, this without any real sugariness accruing. Unavoidable retronasal perfume fills the mouth after swallowing. The flavors more simple than intense which appears to be the intent behind this beer in the name of higher drinkability.
4 out of 5

Spellbound Brewing
Porter
American Porter
New Jersey
6.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.69
Healthy two finger head, passes from tan to brown, mostly even surfaced with a few scattered big pock marks, retention is very good, lacing tends to form one wide ring around wherever the top edge of the head was before the glass was tilted. Very dark brown liquid that just falls short of black, you can see a lot of heavy particulate suspended inside, steady stream of loosely aggregated bubbles swirling upwards. Very chocolaty with fresh milk notes, if there was a “milk porter” category this would be it, even the roast seems sweet, mild black licorice, scone bread, never seems to quite capture “coffee” but close, there appears to be some hops in the background which stiffen the feel more than present distinct aromas. Medium-bodied, drier here and faster paced, American roast coffee, cocoa powder, coconut flakes and pie crust. The carbonation is above average and adds to the forward momentum. Here too you get hops and quinine in the background, fuels the smokiness. Distinct lack of any fruit flavors. Very clear on the message it wants to relay and delivers on its promises, high drinkability.
5 out of 5

Evil Czech Brewery
Stalin’s Darkside (Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout)
Russian Imperial Stout
Indiana
11.5%
22oz, Single
$12.99
Falls just short of a finger of extremely dark brown foam, even surface and pretty good retention for what’s there to begin with, the lacing looks like those fireworks which cascade down like a willow tree. The liquid is a pure black without even a hint of brown or orange at the edges, impassively opaque. The nose does have a strong roast to it, however, the milk, lactose, chocolate, brown sugar to molasses elements douse the bite, the booziness is actually circumspect given the possibilities, licorice and bacon fat, not particularly fruity but at times there’s something like fruit cake going on. Full-bodied, smooth in a velvety fashion and here too the booziness handled well. German chocolate cake, coconut flakes, carob, vanilla bean, Brazil nuts, croissant dough, and more licorice to cola bean. The roast elevates and scrubs the roof of your mouth like smoke rising. The sweetness of the flavors tends to mask the full impact of the barrel aging yet the overall mouth texture is dry, noticeably at the end. It never reaches back to throw the 100 MPH heat although it kind of makes you expect it will. But in no way a disappointment, just sort of mixed messages.
4 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Thumbprint Cherry Stout
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Wisconsin
6.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.29
Airy two finger head, full tan hue, uneven surface, retention is about average, not a lot of lacing but what is there is thick with good length. The liquid is murky at its core but becomes more transparent at the glass bottom and top, yellowish tint at the edges, larger bubbles strive to form beads. The sour cherry comes through clearly in the nose, more general maltiness than chocolate, can feel slightly vinous at times, touch of lemon spritz, underlying yeastiness, good focus if not overly complex. Medium-bodied, sour and more vinous here for sure, the oak barrel treatment more overt. Still, nicely balanced and that cherry fruit shines brightly for all to see. Bready, gives it a danish character at times, anise flavored biscotti, reduces the roastiness some. That said, has the foundational maltiness to not seem misnamed as a stout in the grand scheme of things. Ginger root, can be close to cola at times. Carbonation more tightly wound than longlasting. Chocolate most pronounced retronasally. Given its ability to thrust forward suddenly the sourness is a calming effect.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2017

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Stickee Monkee (2016) (Barrel-Aged Central Coast Quad)
Quadrupel (Quad)
California
11.6%
22oz, Single
$15.99
Modest one finger head of deep tan to light brown color, the surface dotted with larger bubbles popping like fireworks, the lacing forms think snakes here and there. The initial pour yields a clean orange-brown color with minimal particulate floating but you can see at the bottom of the bomber bottle that the second pour won’t be as clean, few beads produce a nice steady stream of bubbles. The nose produces the usual suspects of molasses, caramel, toffee, grilled nuts and coconut custard, has a bit more roast than expected, unsure if from the barrel treatment, fresh golden raisin, fig and date fruit scents, touch of charcoal, very integrated and smooth, particularly factoring in the ABV. Full-bodied, fluid here too albeit there’s some tingly burn at the end. Sweeter plum/prune to maraschino cherry, raisin, date fruit but no sense of heaviness. Carbonation is adequate, nothing more. The coconut, milk chocolate, vanilla ice cream and caramel flavors consistent throughout, more doughy and yeasty here than nutty. Once more there’s a smoky, roasty quality that remains hard to pin down. High level of drinkability for the style and likely could be a longer term ager as well.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Home Grown New American Lager
American Pale Lager
Pennsylvania
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Aggressive pour gets you under a finger of bone white head, lightly dimpled surface, any lacing forms short isolated islands rather than true streaks, retention actually halfway decent for what it is. The liquid is bright yellow yet also full of particulate which gives it a thorough haze, not that many bubbles and nothing close to beads. Upon the pour the nose leaps right out at you with a delicate floral breeze, lots of mixed white citrus zest and country style bread, salt and pepper, firm feel in the nostrils, dollop of basic peach and apricot fruit at best, no overt flaws present. Medium-bodied, extremely dry and the carbonation prickles more than expected. Freshly herbaceous with grass, lemongrass notes. Earthy as well, light metallic side, this and that salt/pepper thing tends to mask the florality or anything remotely sweet. The sour lemon citrus persists well, you almost think there’s a cut lemon floating in it. Apple and pear skin, apricot pit, very little fruit pulp. The more you sip it, the heavier it feels. You could say that it works on its own terms but not interested in more than a bottle to analyze and write up.
3 out of 5

Olde Hickory Brewery
Irish Walker Barley-Wine Style Ale (2014)
English Barleywine
North Carolina
10.0%
22oz, Single
$8.29
Half a finger of solid brown foam, lots of larger bubbles interspersed which probably hurts retention some, lacing is nonexistent. Murky brown color with a yellow aura, a few tiny bubbles, looks like a very slow moving river. The nose is muscular without seeking to overpower, German chocolate cake, butterscotch, caramel, rum raisin ice cream, spiced oranges, scone, there’s a smokiness to it which evokes charcoal or tar, plum and date fruit as well, overall it’s more heady than boozy, no burn to it. Full-bodied while trim for its size, perhaps it has lost soft baby fat over the years. Caramelized brown sugar, toffee and toasted coconut introduce the fig, golden raisin, maraschino cherry fruit flavors, really not anywhere near cloyingly sweet. Scone and breakfast danish breadiness. The cocoa has enough roast to tease out coffee notes. Carbonation is weak, however, does not feel sluggish. That earthy, charcoal things appears mostly as aftertaste, lingering the most. Very good balance and complexity, hard to say how much of this was present on release. Eminently drinkable at a swift rate which is not always the case with these sorts of beers.
5 out of 5

3 Sheeps Brewing Co.
First Kiss (Imperial India Pale Ale With Wildflower Honey)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Wisconsin
8.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.79
Finger plus of frothy orange tinted tan, lots of craters and dimples, slow and measured dissolve, multitude of thin, long streaks with good staying power. Filmy liquid yet clear enough to see the particulate suspended within, rich bronzed color, only a few bubbles to be seen. Heavyset nose of honey, mocha, biscotti, pine tar, orange reduction, the damp leafiness consistent without pushing everything to the side, the pineapple, papaya, peach fruit scents could use some separation and clarity. Full-bodied with little carbonation so it feels plush and inactive. On the sweet side with that honey to molasses element, flower water, cocoa/mocha, scone, malts given freedom to play. The tangelo, pink grapefruit citrus juicy with minimal bite. The is some booziness (not burn) to it which contributes to a reduced, syrupy feel in the pineapple, mango, nectarine to peach fruit. In the end it comes across a jolly portly fellow without a bad word for anyone, you’d glad to sit on a stool next to him.
4 out of 5

Devil’s Trumpet Brewing Co., The
My Ghetto I.P.A.
American IPA
Indiana
7.25
12oz, 6-Pack
$16.49
Froths up initially to close to three fingers of semi-dense foam, very light tan to eggshell white color, retention is about where it should be, lacing is sparse though. Very viscous liquid, looks like puree, warm apricot orange to yellow color, somehow you can still see a few bubbles zipping upwards. Thick dankness to the nose, wet leafy matter, damp forest earth, almost to the point of decay, tar, pine sap, more yeasty than bready, a spoonful of honey helps to get the peach, nectarine to pineapple fruit scents above a whisper. Full-bodied, the carbonation works it hard but it remains too bottom heavy to do more than slog across the palate. The dank hops predominate here to but to a more reasonable extent. A bit of pink grapefruit sweetens it some, cocoa powder, peppery and the pine element more assertive. The pineapple, nectarine, peach fruit quiet and lacks length. For an IPA you expect more refreshing qualities and more general verve. Got tired drinking near the end of one 12 ounce bottle.
2 out of 5

Other Half Brewing Co.
True Green Double Dry Hopped Imperial India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
7.9%
16oz, 4-Pack
$18.00
Surprisingly thin head even with an aggressive pour, fades to a patchy surface dusting in no time, in turn the lacing slides off the glass with ease. Cloudy does not do justice to the liquid’s appearance, it looks like a glass of apricot juice, fully opaque, dark yellow in color, can’t fault the carbonation for failing to rise through this morass. The nose is mute and mainly orange, grapefruit citrus pith, black tea leaf, tar, dank hops and pine sap, little fruit presence, perhaps apricot or apple. Full-bodied and has the viscous consistency and weight you’d expect from how it looks. The dry hopping evident in the sticky, dry texture. Touch more sweetness and life in the tangerine, white grapefruit citrus and here florality has a puncher’s chance of getting through. Pine, just mown grass, tar and a more subtle metallic edge. Star fruit, kumquat, pineapple and nectarine fruit most dominant, here too “fruity” is an unlikely descriptor. The heaviness as well as damp leafiness inhibits lift and separation of flavor components. If it was crafted for a monolithic sweep across the palate, consider it a success. Hard to imagine having two in a row.
3 out of 5

18th Street Brewery
Rise Of The Angels Double India Pale Ale (With Grapefruit Zest Added)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Indiana
7.7%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.49
Around a finger’s worth of light tan foam, even surface, quick to evaporate, the lacing is super-thin and long, not much of it. Clear coppery orange colored liquid, has a semi-metallic sheen to it, only a few random bubbles to be seen lazing about. There’s a funkiness lurking in the background of the nose, then molasses, pie dough, cocoa, tea leaf, everything is relaxed to the point of inexpressivity, the advertised grapefruit zest borderline no-show, smattering of cherry, apricot fruit scents. Medium-bodied, more sour than biting, carbonation is about average and nudges things forward. Doughy and with that same distracting metallic touch. Caramelized brown sugar and molasses take the spotlight but do not work in making this a DIPA. Concentrated pineapple, mango, peach fruit lacking in tropical zing. Way hidden in the back is a nice green leafy quality which can’t get to the forefront. As it tends to congeal together you fairly quickly run out of things to say. Not a bad beer by any stretch but there is nothing here which compels a need to do it all over again.
2 out of 5

Elysian Brewing Company
Dragonstooth Stout (Imperial Oatmeal Stout)v Oatmeal Stout
Washington
7.5%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Slow building head that gets to two fingers, surface has plenty of divots, deep tan color, retention is plus grade, the lacing is irregular while showing good stickiness. Jet black liquid, impenetrable, you can see miniscule bubbles run up the sides of the glass, no yellowing or such at the rims or glass bottom. Strong roast to the nose, coffee beans, mocha, grilled nuts, some raisins or cherries, seems a bit richer and sweeter when it warms, mild milkiness develops, that roast remains its most attractive facet. Medium-bodied, much slimmer and compact than expected, at the same time the chocolate, toffee, black licorice, and creamed coffee components enjoy an uptick in sweetness. Not to say the roast absent from the palate, just the edges smoothed out some, some campfire ashes and such. The carbonation has a tight weave which provides stiffness and faster pacing. The oatmeal flavor lacks concentration, more of a thin sheet cast over the whole. No distinct fruit flavors to mention. While highly credible it leaves you wishing for just a little bit more, a signature element.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Thumbprint Berliner Weisse (2017)
Berliner Weissbier
Wisconsin
3.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.29
Pure white head, rises to over one finger, looks airy and whipped up but the retention is probably as good as it gets for this style of beer, lacing starts off broad but has no stick. Bright golden hued liquid with just the barest visible haze to it, random fat bubbles swirl upwards slowly. Bracing nose of wheat, rye and crackers, lemony and grassy, has a vinous to vinegary bite, Granny Smith apples, not a multitude of elements but they all work in harmony and flow in the same direction. Light-bodied, crisp and borderline acidic, electric presence across the palate. More earthy, herbaceous funk here, however, that lemon citrus washes off most anything in its path. The tartness does not make it all that dry and that green apple, pear and white grape fruit gives it snappy juiciness. The carbonation prickles well and it never tires. There is some corn syrup like sweetness at the finish and a gentle clove like note. The wheat component not as pronounced here, more of a supporting role. You taste it all long after you have swallowed. Immaculate presentation.
5 out of 5

Other Half Brewing Co.
Centennial India Pale Ale
American IPA
New York
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$18.00
Modest finger plus head of pure white foam, even surfaced but airy enough that retention is so-so, the lacing is very thin, however, there’s lots of streaks across the glass. Hazy dark yellow hue falls short of amber, extremely large and active bubbles fill the glass while doing little once they break the surface. Fresh nose of orange peel, apricot fuzz, rock salt and resin/tar notes, it takes awhile for the damp leafiness to begin to register, smells a bit like the illicit stuff which tends to overpower more delicate floral nuances. Medium-bodied and the dryness sucks out sufficient moisture that the inherent creaminess is short lived. Never gets full-on bitter, likewise never lets loose juicy tropicality. The pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus restrained and any mango, papaya flavors folded back into more straight-up apricot and peach. More baking dough than bread and cleaner here without much dankness. Finishes with pine cone, lemongrass to basil notes. Good drinkability, a bit monochrome and you kind of wish it had that one signature element. Yet, could easily throw back 2-3 cans without thinking too much about it.
4 out of 5

Stoneface Brewing Co.
Blip India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Hampshire
5.8
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.29
Very airy and agitated head, gets close to three fingers, bleached white, deeply dimpled surface, retention is better than expected, however, the lacing starts off as big splotches that sink down into the morass. More filmy than outright cloudy, to the transparent side of translucent, washed out yellow hued liquid, healthy amount of very large bubbles rushing up to the surface. The nose is somewhat tightly would with an emphasis on florality, orange zest, salted pretzels, snappy apple, peach fruit scents, subtler malts waft in and out, texturally it feels dry and stiff in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, likewise here too it’s dry and has very good grip for its weight. The carbonation feels more like a flurry of punches than a consistent tickle. Peppery and salty, more grains than cooked bread, in fact it feels “unprocessed” on the whole like an assemblage of uncooked ingredients. Paucity of fruit, mainly apricot, peach to pear, certainly nothing tropical. More leafy than deep, resonating herbaceousness. Clean and fresh, lemon to white grapefruit citrus bite and seems at times more savory than sweet. Admirable liveliness.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Rabbid Rabbit Saison Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Indiana
7.4%
22oz, Single
$11.49
Even a slow, careful pout fills the glass with foam, bright white and fairly dense, as it slowly dissipates leaves a solid ring around the glass like a bathtub stain. Clear golden liquid, on the dark side, hyperactive large bubbles appear to swirl around as much as up. The nose has some table cracker and pepper burst at first, grassy but also develops a sweeter side with apricot, banana, yellow apple fruit, pink bubblegum and a touch of rose petals, accents of lemon custard come and go, genially insistent overall. Full-bodied and on the creamier side, the carbonation massages more than tickles. Spicy with the black pepper eclipsed by ginger, coriander to cumin spices. Balanced out well by florality, bubblegum and croissant elements. The lemon to orange citrus is soft and sweet. Apple, pear, apricot fruit can at times add a tart twist. Does dry out some and get more herbaceous or earthy at the end but nowhere near any super-traditional Belgian saison. Very likable and approachable and nothing about it suggests exaggeration.
4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Necron 99 Scortch-Style Ale
American IPA
Indiana
7.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Finger plus of just off-white foam, fairly even surface with good density as well as retention as a thick coating, the lacing forms nice broad sheets with plus level stickiness. Completely cloudy and silty yellow orange colored liquid with only a few random bubbles visible, plenty of stuff floating inside. Extremely thick and pungent nose of coconut oil, butterscotch, marmalade and orange reduction, pink grapefruit pulp and then on to pineapple, papaya, mango and guava fruit, highly tropical, gluey pine sap, then a bracing shot of tar and asphalt. Full-bodied and close to immobile, feels like a weight on the tongue. The carbonation can only add prickle at the sides of the tongue. Tar, fallen autumn leaves, India rubber and damp earth make the initial impression. The vast piney qualities keeps the sweetness at bay but eventually the caramel, dough and malted milk balls even the score. Less tropical here but still mainly pineapple, guava and some apple and peach. The pink grapefruit to lime citrus recedes some here too. Made in the relentless house style, however, lacking in a clear idea of what it wants to achieve. Still, enjoyable for the sheer bombast.
4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Toxic Maltz Belgian Style Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Indiana
9.2%
22oz, Single
$10.99
Thin head, just a light white dusting across the surface with a few thin accompanying lacing streaks. Dark golden color to the liquid with a surprising amount of fat bubbles rising throughout, hard to imagine they do not translate into anything meaningful on the surface. The nose is full-on yeast and lees, pumpernickel bread, orange marmalade, lilacs and peppercorns, the apricot paste and poached peach scents fight for any territory they gain, there is a vegetal funk to it on the edges which can distract. Full-bodied and here you feel the carbonation giving it a heavy churn as well as rougher texture, drying and sandpapery. No lack of yeast, banana, clove and pepper, true to the spirit of things. Here too the fruitiness plays a second fiddle, pineapple, apricot, pear to apple. The pink grapefruit to orange citrus rich if sour. Floral and more piney than one normally gets in these brews. At times you’d likely consider it a saison. The more you sip the more it becomes heavy to a fault and finishing a bomber becomes a chore. Still, the verve and power is there and that’s the main thing you expect.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Staghorn Octoberfest Beer
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Wisconsin
6.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.69
Frothy and close to two finger head of off-white foam, retention is about average and lacing has better stick than expected, sinewy streaks. Deep coppery orange color, closer to brown than red, the bubbles tend to be fat and more scattered than in beads. Crisp, fresh nose of hard caramel candy, milk chocolate powder, challah bread and glazed nuts, never too sweet and a few grassy notes stiffen it well, murmur of apple and apricot fruit scents. Medium-bodied, good firmness and here too freshness trumps sweetness. Mineral water, orange zest, white pepper and unprocessed grains stand up to the caramel, honey and graham cracker to pie crust components. Carbonation pulsates well and favors the drier parts. Not particularly fruity, same white pit fruit, apple to pear as found in the nose. No real hoppiness here yet never seems to slouch. Not a lot of stuffing to it and one has to assume that was the point, a traditional and “sessionable” take on the style. As such, have to consider this a food beer and not a heavy sipper on its own. Can see some loving it, some not so much.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2017

AleSmith Brewing Company
Grand Cru Ale
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
California
10.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Modest head of deep tan color, struggles to reach one finger and after reaching the surface really barely covers half of it, no lacing to speak of, of course these aspects are not all that pertinent to this category of beer. Amber to brown hued liquid, would certainly have pleasant shine were it not for the vast amount of particulate floating inside which takes up as much space as liquid per se, extremely random fat bubbles laze up towards the surface. While the nose features German chocolate cake, toffee, butterscotch to cola bean elements, it can jab too with both meadow grassiness and a vinous quality which evokes green grapes next to the plum, cherry scents, mild doughiness, more compact when colder, more layered as it warms. Full-bodied although it does shed weight rapidly past the mid-palate. Carbonation is weak so the sugars accrue, albeit here too it displays spine. Not that boozy, no burn nor headiness. Banana, bubblegum, golden raisin, grapes and maraschino cherries abound. The yeastiness like unbaked pie crust. Molasses, brown sugar and a subtle coffee bean roast. Turns things around and finishes surprisingly dry. Tastes classic and unforced.
5 out of 5

Empire Brewing Co.
White Aphro (Belgian-Style Wit Ale With Lavender, Ginger & Lemon Peel)
Witbier
New York
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Bleached white foam, thin coating across the surface with weak retention, the lacing starts out thick but this too barely lasts. Dark yellow gold colored liquid, loose beads of quite large bubbles, great activity below the surface which does not translate into the head. The nose is a stunner, the ginger very pure and lavender a well chosen accompaniment, the lemon more subtle, grainy with wheat notes, apple, pear to apricot fruit skirts around the perimeter, very pungent, no doubt one has to be a ginger fan to get behind this. Medium-bodied, the carbonation does a slow churn so it tends to be bottom heavy. Still, lots of pucker factor from quinine, mineral water to lemon citrus. Here more yeasty, doughy than unprocessed grains. Floral with lavender, violet notes, very good lift and inner mouth perfume. The sourness restrains the spicy bite of the ginger some as well as length through the finish, now and then you get cloves too. Again, mainly white pit fruit such as apple or pear, not the most distinct element. Strong finisher, chooses power over crispness. No doubt this can be a polarizing brew given its clear uniqueness. But finished it as quickly as any beer in recent memory.
4 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Velvet Merkin Bourbon Barrel-Aged Oatmeal Stout (2016)
Oatmeal Stout
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$16.99
An aggressive pour yields barely more than one finger, deep brown color, lots of divots left by larger bubbles, retention better once it gets down to the surface, lacing is fairly wispy. The opacity of the liquid gives it a black appearance but it is more likely a severely dark brown, can’t see any bubbles but if you look really closely you will see some small particulate suspended in the liquid. The nose is infused with sweet bourbon notes, caramel, oatmeal, milk chocolate and cola bean, a subtle roast percolates below, maraschino cherry fruit, touch of licorice, there’s not a great deal of complexity but plenty of quite confidence in what it brings to the table. Full-bodied but for the style of beer wiry and moves with grace. Carbonation is slight to absent. Yet it still glides over the palate. Cola, chocolate, mint, cafe au lait, toasted oats. Unexpectedly demure bourbon element, no bite to it, more round and sweet vanilla, caramel. White grape, cherry, apricot to golden raisin fruit flavors, light and bouncy. The oatmeal more assertive after repeated sips, smooth and fills any cracks in the sidewalk. Zero alcoholic burn. Given its size, offers intellectual intrigue and a fully integrated drinking experience.
5 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
King Porter Stomp Chocolate Porter
American Porter
New Jersey
7.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.29
Solid two finger head of tan foam, even with pockets of larger bubbles, retention is plus level, the lacing forms a scattered webbing here and there. Black liquid with a clean opacity, polished, you don’t see the bubbles until they break the surface at a rapid clip. Dark chocolate, pie crust, roasted coffee beans and a brush of licorice anchor the nose, has a shadowy herbaceous, citric side, toasty enough to remain a porter and not a stout, great erect spine. Full-bodied, about as fleshy as you’d want in a porter, drying finish keeps it on point. Toffee, milk chocolate, vanilla bean, challah bread, quality bouncing back and forth between sweetness and toast as well as herbal bite. There’s not much fruit, maybe black cherry to blueberry. Have to like the subtly persistent grassy, hoppy nibbling. Has some florality and a good lift in the mouth. Carbonation is middling at best. A brew where the whole is indeed greater than the sum of the parts, refreshingly drinkable and more interesting than many immediate peers.
4 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Agrestic (Barrelworks) (American Wild Red Ale)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
6.7%
12.7oz, Single
$11.99
Finger of very openly woven foam that is gone almost wen you pour it, eggshell white with a good deal of larger bubbles, the lacing looks like an exploding Mandelbrot set. The liquid is clear and an orange tinged reddish-brown, huge storm of bubbles fill things below the surface. The nose is sour but too full to wield a sharpened blade, sour oak with dill notes, dried yeast bits, sour cherries, pulped lemons, and autumn forest floor matter, not as aggressive nor longlasting as expected. Medium-bodied, creamy mouth feel allows it to soak in right off the bat, most sour as it finishes and as residue. The cherry aspect shines brightest and the sour oak pops in and out. More citric bite and here you get more of the underlying caramel, butterscotch, especially if allowed to warm. Earthy and leafy, a few notes of tar or black tea leaf. Carbonation is expansive and supports both the creaminess and well as fresher ending. Flavors fade at the end leaving the tingling sensation of the sourness behind. Tactful to the point of sacrificing focus.
3 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Bretta Rosé (Wild Ale Fermented With Raspberries)
Berliner Weissbier
California
5.3%
12.7oz, Single
$11.99
The pinkish tint visible in the otherwise bright white head, normal height and as expected vaporizes quickly down to a meager surface dusting, no lacing to speak of. The liquid is a shiny, close to metallic salmon pink color, traces of orange around the rims, strong cloud of active bubbles spread fully throughout. The nose has a sour, vinous feel to it, the raspberries shine through clearly, the oak more demure, dill and sour herbs, no yeastiness, plays more on wet metal and minerals, lemon peel, simple and direct, no volatility. Light-bodied yet so sour and dry that its impression feels bigger than weight per se. More dough and yeast notes here and the bretty notes add rugged turbulence. The raspberries start off well and then get sucked into the whole. Lemon to white grapefruit shows better staying power. Likewise, the oak really leaps to the forefront and leaves a lot of residue behind through the finish. Hard to really tell if it’s floral or not, if so too delicate to carve out space. No other fruit beyond the raspberries. The carbonation has nice pinpoint prickle. On the whole, the constitutive parts could fit better together.
3 out of 5

Other Half Brewing Co.
Cream Of Broccoli Imperial India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
7.9%
16oz, 4-Pack
$18.00
Single finger head of off white foam, even surface and you can see it rapidly sizzle off to a thin surface dusting, the lacing forms big splotches but has no stick. Thick and cloudy liquid, softly glowing orange as it holds the light inside, impossible to see all the way through but you can just make out the bubbles breaking the surface. Wet pregnant cloud in the nose of grapefruit juice, pine sap, tar, tobacco leaf, patchouli oil and nectarine, pineapple, guava fruit scents, seems intent on steamrolling through your nostrils, not overly sweet but nowhere near drying so sweet will have to do. In the mouth it’s full-bodied with a creamy mouth feel which would be soft were it not for the subtly insistent push from the carbonation. Kaleidoscope of citrus, pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime, lemon. Less tarry and more straightforward dank hoppy but always stays closer to clean. The pineapple, white grape, apple to apricot fruit takes a step back in intensity. Indian spices and a very vague breadiness and cereal grains, the malts are more textural than produce specific flavors. Given its heft as well as ABV it has high drinkability. Helps to really like citrus.
4 out of 5

Bare Hands Brewery
Thai.p.a. (An American IPA Brewed With Citrus Thai Spices)
American IPA
Indiana
7.1%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.49
Crests over two fingers, just off white but still bright, dimpled surface, looks airy but retention is good, lacing initially broad yet without sticky staying power. The liquid is either a dark yellow or bright coppery orange, take your pick, clear with steady carbonation if not tight beads. Persistent Thai aromas without being pushy about it, very nice lemongrass, lime and ginger just as advertised, lightly peppery with chili pepper notes, after you get used to the Thai element the leafy dankness more evident, hard to discern any clear fruit scents, average length in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, not creamy but the carbonation is active enough to create an expanding mouth feel. The lime very present here and sweetens the spiciness. Cleaner herbaceousness, piney, and with a vague bready character. Nectarine, pineapple, to peach fruit of slim dimensions. Make no bones about it, the focus is on highlighting the Thai spices and the “IPA” is second fiddle throughout. That said, this is well done and not exaggerated which was quite possible.
4 out of 5

Tyranena Brewing Company
Carnal Knowledge Double Oatmeal Stout (Brewers Gone Wild! Series)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Wisconsin
8.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.29
An aggressive pour yields about a finger of deep brown foam, disappears at a breakneck pace, you can see it evaporate, lacing close to nonexistent. Unblemished black liquid, you can see a few bubbles break the surface otherwise it’s an onyx block. There’s an odd evasiveness to the nose, reluctant to fully share the licorice, oatmeal, milk chocolate with plum/prune and black cherry fruit scents, while you sense there’s something lurking in the shadows, there it all remains. Medium-bodied, sugary sweet as if chaptalized wine, heavy cream, milk chocolate, licorice, caramel, the oatmeal more subtle and most likely adds smoothness and volume to the mouth feel. Red berry, cherry fruit and a touch of grape add some dimension. The carbonation does very little to add pep so the flavors don’t dance together. No alcoholic burn. On the whole the array of flavors is pleasing but it all needs a conductor to breathe life into it. Otherwise it tends to remain flat footed.
3 out of 5

Carton Brewing Company
Unjunct Stout
American Stout
New Jersey
8.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Extremely dark brown foam, crests just short of two fingers, fairly airy so it sizzles off at a steady pace, the lacing starts off strong but lacks stickiness and slides away with ease. The liquid is a predictably impenetrable black, no ability to visually gauge the carbonation and minimal if any orange or yellow coloration around the rims. Nice strong roast to the nose, coffee and cocoa, not arch but not depending too much on sweetness, plum, fig, white grape fruit scents, tar and charcoal, cola bean, manages to pack a lot in there without seeming overbearing. In the mouth it is more medium-bodied but certainly bottom heavy and not that inclined to move. Carbonation is subtle to void. Sweeter here with fresh cream, dark chocolate, licorice, cola to toffee notes. Conversely, steady flow of bitterer coffee and chicory accents. No astringency and alcohol managed well, less roasty. Fig, golden raisin, cherry fruit, retains that white grape to apple embellishment. Finishes dryly and the savory components last longest. As advertised, a more classic rendition yet with the clarity to let the complexity march to its own beat. Very nice.
5 out of 5

Other Half Brewing Co.
Double Citra Daydream Double Dry Hopped Imperial Oat Cream India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
8.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$18.00
Finger plus head of basic white foam with an even surface that displays below average retention, the lacing initially forms broad streaks but has minimal stickiness. The liquid literally looks like orange juice, it’s not cloudy nor hazy, it’s pulped, a completely opaque yellowish color, every now and then you see a bubble rising up against the glass sides. Peppery nose, straw and hay, tar, plenty of white grapefruit zest, while green and herbaceous not really that dank, not all that floral, however, you get a consistent blast of papaya, pineapple, nectarine to star fruit scents, the textural muskiness lingers well. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and dense and also feels like pulped juice, albeit with a subtle underlying carbonation. A bit more pine to flowers on offer, the white grapefruit supplemented by tangerine tones. Caramel and honeyed bread help fend off bitterness. Again, the hops are clean and bright and without much residual dankness. The mango, papaya, pineapple fruit tends to crest just through the mid-palate and mostly gone by the finish. High degree of drinkability given the ABV and no arch dryness through the end.
5 out of 5

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
King Sue Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Iowa
8.0%
22oz, Single
$14.99
Solid two fingers of cream white foam, even surface with a couple of pockets of larger bubbles, above average retention, the lacing forms broad streaks unto sheets that cling tenaciously. Cloudy coppery orange liquid, tiny bubbles extend in beads which resemble a spider’s web, visually active carbonation. The nose leaps right out at you, big and sassy and full of juicy tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus, then pine sap, lemongrass, damp forest floor earth, as well as more sharply contoured pineapple, mango, papaya fruit scents, not relentless and does dissolve before becoming overbearing. Full-bodied, creamy and fills the mouth cheek to cheek. The carbonation is a bit more sluggish than you’d think looking at it, this allows the caramel, coconut oil, cocoa aspects to glue it to the palate and create more concentration in the grapefruit, tangerine to lime citrus. Here more floral albeit without the lift, the pine has a looser character and there’s a doughy, yeasty quality to absorb bite from the herbaceousness. Not that dank, keeps the focus on the mango, nectarine, pineapple to kiwi fruit flavors. For its size has good drinkability but more than a bomber in a sitting would be pushing it.
5 out of 5

WarPigs Brewpub (Three Floyds and Mikkeller Collaboration)
Lazurite India Pale Ale
American IPA
Denmark
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.49
Basic finger’s worth of just cream white hue, slightly mottled surface, what’s there has very good retention while the lacing forms attractively long, thin streaks. Light haze to the liquid, coppery orange color and consistent throughout, active and loosely aggregated bubbles. At first the nose is all bright tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus but as you acclimate to it the dank leafiness and pine sap come through, peppercorns and pumpernickel bread, eventually the mango, nectarine, apricot to pineapple fruit most assertive. Full-bodied with a very steady prickle from the carbonation, luckily prevents things from getting too thick and goopy. More floral here yet the citrus takes a sour turn into white grapefruit and blood orange. Wide berth for the peach, apricot, mango, pear fruit, the juiciness prevents undue dryness. The pine and pepper recede back but here the leafy hoppiness has no dankness, just brighter grassiness. The malts contribute to the smooth texture more than provide more than a hint of caramel and breadiness. Outside of the bold fruitiness it is well integrated and harmonious.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2017

Three Floyds Brewing Company
The Mexorcist (Aztec Style Double India Pale Ale Brewed With Corn And Agave)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Indiana
8.9%
22oz, Single
$12.99
Overly aggressive head that fills half the pint glass, albeit it burns off very quickly being comprised all but entirely of larger bubbles, conversely though the lacing forms big blotches which refuse to budge. The liquid is filmy and seems to have a fine sediment mixed in throughout, light rust water color, no beads but one big swarm of active bubbles. Huge burst of corn syrup at first in the nose, honey and caramel, still it has that Three Floyds musky hops thing going on, like getting hit in the head with a sock full of wet hops, tangerine to lime citrus, pork rinds, pine resin, apricot, papaya, cantaloupe fruit scents, nothing subtle about it seems to sneer at harmonious integration. Full-bodied, expansive mouth feel, juicy and wet. Gentle carbonation, background noise. Here the agave strides to the fore with lime juice and it can taste like a beer chaser with the aftertaste of tequila. Can be floral at times, on the whole sour rather than say the bitterness of hops. The sugariness of the citrus and peach, apricot, mango fruit salves most wounds. Its off center nature is attractive and it is easy to quaff. More Aztec style than IPA but that’s a popular base to work off of these days.
3 out of 5

Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island
Captain’s Daughter Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Rhode Island
8.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$15.09
Offers up two fingers of cream white foam with very good retention and a dimpled surface, the lacing is a touch wispy but what’s there sticks well. The liquid is extremely cloudy and opaque, a bright yellow near the surface and darkens into an orange juice appearance further into the glass, only a few trace bubbles visible. The nose has a naked cleanliness to it, great clarity among the elements, from the white grapefruit pith to the freshly mown grass, pepper, pine sap to the tropical mango, papaya, passion fruit scents, the malts linger in the background, overall well mannered. Medium-bodied, takes a more forceful stance here in the more, dry and somewhat tightly wound. The carbonation adds a soft fluffiness but nothing to challenge that dryness. Broad array of mango, peach, pineapple, green melon fruit, sweetly expansive during the mouth entry. The herbaceousness comes with a metallic edge, biting as you swallow. The pine more sappy, sticky here. But clean finish and without sour residue so you can fully reset for the next sip.
4 out of 5

Down The Road Beer Co.
Seventh Star IPA
American IPA
Massachusetts
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$14.69
Big, close to three fingers head of cream white froth, large divots form in the surface as it evaporates but the overall retention level is good, lacing is basically just a few random splotches, nothing noteworthy. The hazy liquid remains bright if fully translucent, golden to lighter orange in hue, no beads just random bubbles. The nose has a dank and leafy foundation over which floats pretty floral notes, tangerine citrus, pine and moderately deep mango, apricot, peach fruit scents, little bit of everything and does not go long on any one element. Some initial bitterness through the attack but after that rounds into a plush, juicy experience highlighting pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus as well as peach, melon, mango fruit. Cocoa that verges on coffee bean and some honey and bread dough keep it smooth even as the carbonation churns up a much bigger storm than expected. The damp herbaceousness outlasts the fruit at the end. Lots of flavor but it too often feels pulled in opposite direction and comes off indecisive.
3 out of 5

Finch’s Beer Co.
Stache In The Wood (Ale With Vanilla Beans Added And Aged In Whisky Barrels)
American Stout
Illinois
5.3%
22oz, Single
$10.79
Be careful when you pour or the head will take up more than half the pint glass, luckily it sizzles off rapidly, as airy as it is, maintains a flat surface, very dark brown in color, not a lot of lacing and about zero stickiness. The liquid is pure black and opaque, however, there’s an insane sheet of bubbles rising against the glass sides. The nose is boozy with caramel, wood smoke and butterscotch notes, vanilla bean and cola bean, plum to prune fruit and maraschino cherries, while outsized does manage to avoid being misshapen, seems much more alcoholic than the stated ABV. Full-bodied, nice basic roast to it with notes of coffee and mocha, plenty of vanilla bean too but loses a great deal of the barrel accents. Likewise no burn on the palate and possessed of a smooth, creamy texture. Raisin, plum to date fruit takes precedence with some fresher cherry, blueberry in reserve. Touch of cinnamon to ginger at times. Is it unique or trailblazing? Not so much. But if you want a more bombastic stout with those barrel accents this is quite competent. More focus and crisp contours to the flavors would help yet the main ingredients do not lack for staying power.
4 out of 5

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Fire, Skulls & Money India Pale Ale
American IPA
Iowa
7.0%
22oz, Single
$14.99
Average head, about one finger with weak retention, clean white color, same for the lacing, meager and short lived. The liquid is fully cloudy, not even a hint of clarity, it basically is a glass of orange juice and with pulp added, you can see one or two tiny bubble beads clinging to the glass sides. No real dankness in the nose, but pine, tarry earth, orange to tangerine citrus and apple, peach, apricot fruit that is more direct than concentrated, oddly flutters away on you just when you are starting to really get into it. In the mouth it’s full-bodied but has sufficient carbonated churn to it to avoid heaviness. Slightly funky, earthy and the grassiness is like bagged leafy matter that gets overly pungent. Pine and orange citrus here too, no real pretty floral side to it. Mango, nectarine, peach to pear fruit that is more basic juicy than tart tropical, up to the task, no great splash but consistent. No real hoppy bite. For all of its heft does not seem to be forcing itself on you, you can keep sipping without get tired or starting to push back. However, in the final analysis a touch nondescript and lacking a “signature” component to fix your gaze.
3 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Lil Opal (Barrelworks) (Barrel-Aged Saison Farmhouse Ale)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
6.1%
12.7oz, Single
$11.99
Light dusting of loose bright white foam across the surface, not longlasting, as you’d expect not much lacing either. Bright amber orange hued liquid, clean with a very healthy amount of widely dispersed bubbles. The nose displays the oak right away but it is crisp and not particularly dominant, lots of space left for yeasty notes, green apple to pear fruit scents, something like coriander spice, tangerine to lemon citrus, finishes with some unprocessed grains. In the mouth it’s lighter bodied and just as clean and crisp here, the oak keeping it as angular as adding amplitude. Lavender, tangerine citrus, more peppery here but still has a savory herb edge as well. Here you get some pineapple to mango along with apricot, pear fruit but overall it’s so dry that it is difficult to call the fruit tropical. Floral finish without much funkiness. Borderline demure in character, about as food friendly as you can get with the oak barrel treatment.
4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Battle Of Charro II (An Imperial Brett India Pale Ale With Cherry Juice And Cherry Flavor)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Indiana
10.8%
22oz, Single
$17.99
Meager head, thin dusting across the surface, darker tan color, no lacing. The liquid is a semi-opaque orange to brown color, muddy yellow at the rims, hard to see any carbonation. Impressively powerful cherry presence in the nose, the brett likewise cuts a clear oath for itself, after that hard to really tease much else out, ginger root, lemon juice yet any herbal hoppiness only momentarily shows through. Medium to full-bodied, largely due to the cherry juice weight. Here the hoppy bite able to coalesce some and pair up with the brett to give it a charge. The cherry takes over thereafter and through to the finish. Nicely yeasty with a hint of vanilla bean. No other fruit flavor present except that cherry. The mouth feel is turbulent right up to rough. Unfortunately, not much more to say, does not develop any new nuances as you sip more, just runs amok.
2 out of 5

Bare Hands Brewery
Honey Badger Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Indiana
9.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$20.99
Big two finger head, creamily thick with very good retention and a dense weave, basic white color, lacing forms big splotches across the glass. Deep golden colored liquid, clean without haze, widely dispersed fat bubbles. Big, breezy nose of floral perfume, honey, fresh pine sap, sappy apricot, pineapple fruit, some cracker and sweeter malts in the background, great expansiveness in your nostrils without tiresomely attempting to impress. Full-bodied, starts off more bitter with stinging grassiness before broadening into croissant and danish baked notes, honey, and tangerine citrus. Piney but less floral here, surprising given the nose. The peach, apricot to pineapple, melon fruit sweet and less forceful. The thickness makes it less poundable, probably two cans would be the max for one sitting, particularly with the ABV. As in the nose, deserves kudos for making an impression without forcing the issue. Finish is extended and sweet, not looking for clean punctuation although the pine able to tease out some complementary herbal lift. A well done beer, however, at the price paid for a 4-pack not to be revisited.
4 out of 5

Cascade Brewing Co.
Noyaux (Northwest Style Sour Ale) (Ale Aged In Oak Barrels With Raspberries And Apricot Noyaux) (2014 Project)
American Wild Ale
Oregon
9.29%
25.4oz, Single
$22.99
Slightly better than expected head which crests just past one finger, even surface that steadily sizzles down to a thin surface coating, likewise you get a few lacing streaks that surprise in their stickiness. The liquid is a super cloudy reddish orange, fully opaque, quite a bit of tiny widely dispersed bubbles swirl aggressively throughout. The nose is sharply boozy and immediately shows the oak influence, buttered toast, vanilla fudge and challah bread more than sweeter caramel or such, archly sour lime to lemon citrus tones, there’s a poached concentration to the apricot, peach scents but the sourness decisively trumps any coalescing sweetness, yeast, mint, then lighter vegetal compost, in the end the oak crushes all else. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, sour with good plus scrubbing sensation from the carbonation, feels acidic. Strawberry, cherry, apricot, white grape fruit flavors predominate, the citrus cuttingly bright, white grapefruit to lemon. Yeasty without any buttery sweetness. It is a big beer in terms of palate presence and heft, however, there is subtle complexity to be found. Its relentlessness is its strength and weakness, there’s nowhere to relax in it. Electric charge, best shared among 2-3 imbibers.
4 out of 5

Baxter Brewing Co.
Bootleg Fireworks Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Maine
9.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Close to three finger high head of orange tinted cream white, lots of pockmarks and dimples, you can watch them pop across the surface, retention is good plus and the lacing forms very broad sheets which stick tenaciously. Past haziness into cloudiness, so much particulate floating about it’s opaque, what bubbles can be seen form loose beads. Concentrated tangerine, orange citrus notes in the nose, like pulpy orange juice, very dank and herbaceous and earthy, dried fruit nature to the pineapple, apricot, guava fruit scents, pine sap and cocoa to Ovaltine nuances, its power makes it somewhat unfocused. Full-bodied, were it not for the keen prickle to the carbonation it might sit inert on the palate. Bitter twist through the green leafiness and grassiness, the inherent sweetness of the apricot, peach, pineapple fruit does not find its footing. Pine, earth appear throughout, there is a strong booziness to it which can even evoke coconut, caramel oak flavors. Here too it’s all about the brawn, scoffing at the though of subtlety or integration. So, kudos for pushing the pedal to the metal but would be much better were it to put it on cruise control for a few miles.
3 out of 5

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
Sosus Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Iowa
8.0%
22oz, Single
$14.99
Nice frothy two finger high head with a dimpled surface of an eggshell white hue, retention is above average as any larger bubbles settle into the mass, the lacing is extremely thick and looks glued to the glass sides, almost no movement. Shiny yellow gold to orange rust colored liquid, no real visible haze, coated wall-to-wall in a sheet of fast rising bubbles. Pretzel dough, salt and freshly mown grass infuse the nose first, sour white grapefruit accents frame the pineapple, papaya, nectarine fruit scents, on the whole has a dry texture which stymies its lift, pine cone, decomposing forest floor matter provide dankness before it all cascades away. Full-bodied, on the heavy side and super creamy, enough so that it counterbalances the biting hoppiness. The carbonation diffuses the flavors some. More concentration and sweetness here in the pineapple, mango, peach fruit, buttressed by the buttered biscuit element. Much more zesty bite in the orange to white grapefruit citrus than juice. Loses a good bit of the dankness here, cleaner grassiness. Has a tight weave to it which might benefit from relaxing and letting it all flow more.
4 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
San Diego Pale Ale .394 (San Diego-Style Pale Ale)
American Pale Ale
California
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$14.99
Two fingers of light tan to off white foam, airy enough to swiftly dimple yet retention is excellent once it closes in on the liquid surface, the lacing is initially broad, lacks stickiness so the sheets easily fall prey to gravity. The liquid is a dark coppery orange with a mild haziness, the carbonation bubbles are super tiny but active, few beads. Tart and penetrating nose of crackers, salt and pepper, fresh leafy green matter, no softening elements such as pine or citrus, unvarnished, the malts stick to the shadows and do not offer any distinct aromas, overall persistence is average. Medium-bodied, fluffs up immediately as the carbonation pushes it out towards the cheeks. However, it’s too dry to really be soft and the overall discernible bitterness does not make for a satiny smooth ride. Here tangerine, blood orange citrus and a tiny bit of pine do freshen the mouth entry, the pineapple, nectarine, peach fruit yet struggles to find a clear voice, not that juicy. More cracker and biscuit, not that much salving maltiness. The alcohol level is low and entirely unobtrusive. Some metallic, minerally residue at the end. Drinkability is fine but hard to imagine having more than two in a row.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2017

Tyranena Brewing Company
Headless Man Amber Alt
Altbier
Wisconsin
5.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.69
Modest finger’s worth of light tan foam, even surface, below average retention, meager lacing. The liquid is bright and shiny in spite of a slight silty film, brown in hue with an orange tint, only a few random sluggish bubbles visible. Sweet grains, cocoa, malt and a cleansing mineral water and earthiness to it, interesting blend of apricot, apple, plum to cherry fruit scents, moderate staying power. Light to medium-bodied, tight carbonated tingle, here the mineral water aspect stronger although that cocoa, caramel malt makes a good showing through the mouth entry. Bready, if not doughy, as it unfolds with a light nuttiness and peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit. Perks up some through the finish and certainly not overly sweet, just too demure for its own good.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
LazerSnake India Pale Ale
American IPA
Indiana
7.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Head crests a little more than one finger, eggshell white to light tan in color, fairly even surface, the lacing initially forms larger splotches but there isn’t much stickiness. Very hazy liquid, deep orange rust color, not many visible Heavy malt on the nose, molasses, caramel, vanilla custard with spiced oranges, tar, floral but not especially piney or leafy, concentrated and syrupy pineapple, mango to nectarine fruit scents, no real dankness and most marked by layered thickness. In the mouth it’s full-bodied with just enough carbonated fluffiness to relieve some weight. Broadly bitter, nothing close to puckering. The thick molasses, caramel, challah bread to cocoa powder aspects lean things towards sweetness and the pineapple, papaya, apricot, mango fruit continues the trend. Floral with savory herbs before segueing to pink grapefruit, tangerine, orange citrus. Orange creamsicle flavors. Dry without astringency. The easy drinking quality in tension with the sheer density on display, the latter a brewery hallmark.
4 out of 5

O’so Brewing Co.
The Big O
American Blonde Ale
Wisconsin
4.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.79
Very thin dusting of bright white foam which disappears quickly, no lacing at all. Semi-hazy golden liquid, slow moving beads of larger bubbles, what color is there washes out at the edges. Sweet nose of honey, cereal, corn and mild pepper to clove spice, lemon peel and apple to apricot pit fruit, ends with a metallic earthiness. Medium-bodied plus, kind of thick in the middle without much activity created by the lazy carbonation. Not as sweet here, as much wheat as sweeter grains and the lemon to orange citrus lends both sourness and dryness. Feels malted without over vanilla or cocoa type flavors. Lower level of corn like flavoring. Vague apple, pear, peach flavors of minimal depth. Nothing wrong with it but does not separate itself from the pack.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Gorch Fock German Style Helles Lager
Münich Helles Lager
Indiana
5.2%
22oz, Single
$12.99
Close to two fingers high head of dense white foam that craters in spots as it starts to dissipate, the lacing forms broad solid sheets before steadily sliding down into the glass. Somewhat clear in spite of the gauziness to the liquid, loosely aggregated medium sized bubbles steadily regenerate, quite pretty overall. Nose of corn syrup, honey, caramel and flowers, challah bread and a light peppery quality, the apple, peach fruit scents are faint and for the most part not especially missed. Medium-bodied, light on the palate with a gentle fluffiness. More of that corn, dough and sweet grains with soft orange like citrus tones, flowers and chamomile. Minimal grassiness without much bitterness. Malty finish with slightly more apricot, peach, apple fruit than found in the nose. Smooth while maintaining presence.
3 out of 5

Evil Czech Brewery
Static Chipmunk DIPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Indiana
7.9%
16oz, 4-Pack
$16.99
Huge three finger head from a normal pour, airy enough to normalize at an acceptable level, craters as it does, the lacing is wispy but has tenacious stick. Fully cloudy and opaque liquid, deep orange that fades to a more yellow hue nearer the rims, very hard to visibly discern carbonation. Clean nose of orange, tangerine citrus, freshly cut grass, white pepper, rose petals and pine cones, just picked apricot, peach, melon fruit scents, light cocoa accents, gently malted, has a steady, focused lift that helps it not outlast its stay. Medium-bodied, not dry but has great palate traction as well as flow. The carbonation is soft without being wimpy, massaging presence. Flowery with minimally sour white grapefruit to tangerine citrus and sticky pine notes. The apricot, cherry, to kiwi fruit familiar but offbeat as well. Moderate doughiness balanced by quinine accents. Handles its ABV extremely well and is as smooth as the category allows. Great overall integration.
5 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Totally Naked
American Pale Lager
Wisconsin
4.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.69
Modest one finger head, bone white, doesn’t look airy but retention is poor, the few visible streaks tend to be thick yet slide away rapidly. Bright golden colored liquid with only a few randomly dispersed bubbles to be seen. Soft, plush nose of white bread, corn, flowers and a mutter of minerals or quinine, in the same vein the apricot, peach fruit scents are unobtrusively present. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation is slight, however, it manages to retain adequate freshness if sweet overall. Corn syrup, flowers, leesy yeast, caramel and now and then close to bubblegum. Not many grassy nor earthy qualities and the more you sip the more monochrome it becomes. Apple, pear, apricot come off as freshly picked and friendly. Way easy drinking but perhaps too sweet to drink many in one sitting.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Deesko! Berliner Style Weisse Beer
Berliner Weissbier
Indiana
6.5%
22oz, Single
$10.99
The head crests past a finger but dissolves extremely quickly to zero surface coverage, lacing nonexistent. Hazy golden color with a strong storm of bubbles throughout, curious given the lack of surface foam. Crisp nose of tart lemon zest, cut grass and saline, wheat and mixed grains, periodic notes of bubblegum, becomes more floral as it warms and you’re able to tease out more apricot, green apple to pineapple scents. Medium-bodied, balances volume and weight with freshness and bite to positive results. Sweet yeast to baking dough, bubblegum and a hint of banana, peppery spice and then an herbaceous finish. All that visible carbonation barely produces a tickle in the mouth. Lemon and white grapefruit citrus ensures a pleasing sourness throughout. Finishes clean enough, has the tact to know when to end. In the end it’s pretty normal.
3 out of 5

Dark City Brewing Co.
Charrette Belgian-Style Rye IPA
Belgian IPA
New Jersey
7.3%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
The light tan head is very active and loose, crests about two fingers and sizzles down quickly from there, the lacing is extremely wispy with barely any stickiness. Cloudy orange rust hued liquid, fades to a yellowish cast at the rims and surface, just a few visible bubbles which move sluggishly. The nose has plenty of banana, bubblegum and whipped cream notes, spiced orange peel, minimal apple, pear fruit scents, needs to warm some before the rye becomes clearly apparent. Full-bodied, the carbonation is as soft as the visual inspection suggests, little movement in the mouth. More peppery here with good rye bite and a mineral water underpinning. Some cracker and bread crust, noticeable drop in citrus presence. The fruit closer to apricot, peach pit than apple. The bubblegum most present retronasally at the end. Modicum of dank herbaceous notes through the finish too. Tastes like a stylistic mash-up which is kind of what it is. Wears you out some drinking it, hardly to imagine putting back two 16 oz. cans in one sitting.
3 out of 5

Tröegs Brewing Company
Nimble Giant Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
9.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Average pour yields a huge froth, head close to half the glass and very slow to fade, even surface, cream white color, once there’s room inside the glass the lacing is thin and elongated. The nice has a consistent coppery orange color with a very mild haze to it, the bubbles are extra tiny and widely dispersed. Well-stuffed and juicy nose of mango, papaya, pineapple to nectarine fruit scents, sticky pine sap, honey, wet herbal matter and a smattering of pink grapefruit and cocoa-led malts, really too big to provide meaningful scent clarity. Full-bodied, viscous and heavy on the palate, for all the ripeness present in the peach, apricot, mango, pineapple flavors there’s a subtle dryness to the texture as well. This helps freshen things and provide greater length in the tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus. Neither the pine nor the pepperiness obtrusive. The carbonation is more fluff than prickle. For all of its weight it comes off as restrained which is perhaps not in its favor. That said, pleasingly easy to drink and for the ABV you could probably throw back three before noticing the buzz.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2017

Two Roads Brewing Company
Two Juicy New England Style IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Connecticut
8.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Solid finger’s worth of bleached white foam, loose and airy with low retention, the lacing is splotchy and not sticky enough to form longer streaks. Gauzy yellow liquid, too diffuse to darken into orange hues, random bubbles visible, no beads. The nose is light and breezy with a clear focus on orange, white grapefruit to lemon citrus, at times seems as smoky as herbaceous, the floral element lowkey, as is most everything except that citrus, at the last second sneaks in some peach and apricot pit fruit scents. Light-bodied with a slight tingle, prickle during the mouth entry. The bitterness to astringency is high for its weight and there’s minimal traction. The texture is reminiscent of Orangina. Certainly the flavor is with the orange, tangerine to grapefruit emphasis. The fruit moves into pineapple, papaya territory with the same peach base, however, there’s not a “wet” feel to it, beer’s name notwithstanding. Pine, pressed rose petals with a metallic edge, again, everything stays demure. Not as herbaceous here. Trails off at the end but this could be filed under “cleanliness.” Good drinkability for the ABV.
3 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Logical Choice 3X India Pale Ale (Collaboration With Pizza Port Brewing Company)
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
10.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$15.99
Nice two finger head, even surfaced and fairly airy and loose, just off-white in color, retention a bit below average, the lacing comes in random splotches without much stick, slide easily downward. Clear deep golden colored liquid, crystal clear, beads of miniscule bubbles sway inside the glass. The nose has a light dankness, as if for counterpoint to the sweet pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus and mango, guava, nectarine fruit scents, piney, vague breadiness, no rough edges to it and pungent enough to linger for some time. Medium-bodied and closer to light, gentle carbonation, in spite of both of these factors there is a textural sappiness. The tingle builds as pepperiness and pine take hold, notes of quinine and Serrano ham. Gluey grapefruit, lime, tangelo citrus present throughout. Sweeter fruit here, green melon, pear, apricot and mango. Very well balanced and manages to do a lot with a compact array of components, as if pared away inessentials and this was what was left. Drinkability is very high for the ABV. Kudos for not trying too hard chasing forced complexity.
5 out of 5

Jersey Girl Brewing Co.
Sun Kissed Citra India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
5.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Semi-aggressive pour yields less than a finger worth of dimpled off white foam, below average retention, the lacing likewise loose and not that sticky. Very cloudy liquid of a basic orange cast which fades to a broad yellow aura, almost looks like you squeezed orange and white grapefruit juice together, not visible carbonation. The nose is well malted, soft with tangerine citrus, apricot, peach to yellow apple fruit scents with relaxed pine and cracked pepper in reserve, only a glimmer of dankness at the end. Full-bodied, the low level of carbonation does little to lift it off the palate as it spreads itself generously across. The fluffiness holds the sweetness of the tangerine, lime citrus and also allows some honeyed bread notes to accrue. That said, not overly sweet and dries up adequately by the finish. The apricot, peach, melon fruit less forceful here while lasting through the finish. Seems crafted to blend the parts rather than let them solo and has a high degree of drinkability. You might get bored with it if still in analytical mode on the second or third can but if you were at the beach you could put back a few.
4 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Double IPA
American IPA
California
8.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$16.99
Touch under two fingers of eggshell white foam, nice even surface with very good retention, sinewy spider web of lacing with moderate stickiness. Bronze to copper color, clear and bright, a few loose streams of lazy bubbles, attractive depth of hue. Heavy duty stickiness in the nose, pine, resin, wet pink and white grapefruit pith, leafy buds, peach, nectarine to papaya fruit scents with minimal dankness until the final dissolve, unabashedly displays power without ostentation. Full-bodied, sets its skeleton broadly so the flesh is not overly compact and there is a mild creaminess from the carbonation. Increases the level of fresh grassiness and pine to pepper, the bitterness is proportionate to the cocoa malts and smattering of honey. Tangerine to white grapefruit here, gives up sweetness before turning tart. Not a hop bomb by any stretch and given its aggressiveness finds a balance. Attractive fullness in the nectarine, pineapple, apricot to melon fruit flavors, sappy traction extends presence. Not the typical over the top style which may disappoint some. Plus drinkability if you have tolerance for dryness.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2017

Cascade Brewing Co.
Sang Noir (Northwest Style Sour Ale) (Ale Aged In Bourbon And Wine Barrels With Cherries) (2015 Project)
American Wild Ale
Oregon
9.9%
25.4oz, Single
$25.99
The pour barely kicks up enough dusting to cover the surface, quickly evaporates without leaving any lacing behind. The liquid is a brownish red hue which yellows at the rims, the bubbles are extremely fine and almost rise in sheets. Very balanced nose with a hint of oak toast and caramel, the cherry scents resonate for some time without it ever seeming like a one trick pony, lemony, mildly doughy, underlying kick from an earth to vinegar element, very nice in how it harmonizes diverse elements to the point you prefer to enjoy them as one than parse out. Medium-bodied, soft pétillance, sour right from the first sip and here there’s a more feral edge to it, yeast, animal fur and quinine. The cherries hit you most upfront then knit back in whereas it’s the opposite for the oak with a lot of cream and vanillin accents at the end, particularly after it’s warmed some. Mixes in white grape to white raisin as well as fig. Resonates for a long time after the swallow. Good to see a beer that can use oak but dial it back so it’s not clumsily overt. A glass or two is all you need and best consumed in quiet over a period of time.
5 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Helldorado (2016) (Barrel-Aged Blonde Barley Wine Ale)
American Barleywine
California
11.8%
22oz, Single
$15.99
Aggressive pour produces a thin dusting across the surface, while it does not last long there is a sizzle at the edges, no lacing as in zero lacing. Reddish orange rust hued liquid, deepened by a pervasive silt throughout, meager amount of visible bubbles and tiny at that. Mellow oak of vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, coconut, manages the booziness well, challah bread, grilled nuts with an interesting fruit profile of green apple, pear and green grape scents, tactfully does not overstay its welcome. In the mouth it’s full-bodied if not heavy, the lack of carbonation allows the overall sweetness to accrue as well as the booziness to steep. On the whole it’s clean with the barrel treatment dominant, vanilla, milk chocolate, coconut custard and caramel. At times minty to floral, the citrus tastes like those orange jellied candy wedges. The weight does relent a bit through the finish which helps flavor clarity. Blends in peach, apricot, pineapple, golden raisin to the apple, pear fruit base. Does a good job of letting the blonde ale profile fight through the oakiness. Lots of personality, however, it is in many respects monochrome and a bomber is pushing the limit of what one person may want to consume of it.
4 out of 5

Devils Backbone Brewing Company
Eight Point IPA
American IPA
Virginia
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Solid finger head with adequate retention, even surface, cream white color, the lacing is thick and splotchy. Dark metallic orange colored liquid, fully transparent, active and quite huge bubbles, looks like someone is blowing through it. Arch and aggressive nose, very grainy with pine, quinine, earth and leafy matter, very raw with no softness, hard to register anything beyond very basic white pit fruit scents. Full-bodied, dry and sticky texture which tends to interrupt flow through the mouth. Mouth entry allows for some caramel and orange citrus pulp but after that it’s back to the unprocessed grains, metal shavings, minerally earth and green matter. The astringency and bitterness get tiring after awhile and here too the lack of peach, apricot to apple fruit lessens enjoyability. Touch of malted milk balls to Ovaltine powder. The carbonation gives it a steady churn but its presence is not close to what you’d think it would be based on visual inspection. Seems like a polarizing offering, gonna love it or hate it type. It’s a pass here.
2 out of 5

Manayunk Brewing Company
Wet Dreamin’ (Wet Hopped India Pale Ale)
American IPA
Pennsylvania
5.4%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.49
Two finger head, just off white, lots of dimpling with average retention, the lacing tends to form sheet which slowly slide down into the glass. There’s cloudiness throughout the glass, deepens the yellow-orange hue, nothing unique about the level of visible carbonation. The nose has a pleasant airiness which downplays the sweetness of the tangerine, honey and pine sap notes, the florality never quite fully catches, the leafiness is clean and not dank, more potting soil than damp earth, peach and apple fruit, its simplicity is its strength. Medium-bodied, creamy in texture and on the sweet side, towards the end your mouth starts to pucker but not because of a distinct bitterness. Big jolt of caramel here to anchor the tangerine to mandarin orange citrus. Subdued pine and flowers, some accents of crackers and tar. The leafiness more dank here but still generally clean and fresh. The carbonation is unobtrusive with a steady fluffiness. As in the nose there’s not a lot of distinct fruit, more a general mix of white pit fruit and apples. On the whole it’s easy drinking and keeps you interested too.
4 out of 5

Corsendonk, Brouwerij
Christmas Ale
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$8.99
Need to be careful as a slow pour gets you three plus fingers of head, solid tan hue, looks very airy and whipped up , delicate as it pops and sizzles down to the surface, the lacing weak and without much stick. Yellowish brown liquid of above average clarity, hyper-aggressive and speedy bubbles throughout. Cola bean, vanilla bean and milk chocolate give the nose a breezy sweetness, the nutmeg, ginger styled spice shows restraint, light allusions to golden raisin and fig bolster the Italian plum and cherry notes. Medium-bodied and manages to put on weight and finish on the heavier side. More cocoa powder, molasses, ginger snap and candied orange peel, licorice and cola, at times recalls Dr. Pepper soda. Black raisin, fig to date, cherry and blackberry, more concentration than sugariness. Retronasally you get more clove and dark country bread plus witch hazel. There’s a very subtle roast which helps to dry out the finish. Carbonation is unremarkable. Don’t get overt alcohol presence. In the final analysis something seems to be missing, no definitive punctuation.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Blot Out The Sun Imperial Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Indiana
10.4%
22oz, Single
$17.99
The head slowly builds to around a finger, more brown than dark tan, even surface with good density, wide streaks that cling to the glass. The liquid is as can be expected impenetrable pure black, can’t even really see any bubbles break the surface. Heavy roast to the nose, coffee and mesquite grill smoke, then smells like German chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream, pine and citrus puncture the sweetness, ends with an herbaceous snap, no distinct fruit scents. Full-bodied, tangy mouth entry with active, prickly carbonation. The hoppy bite here upfront then fades in favor of caramel, butterscotch, creamed coffee, black licorice and cola bean. Scone and pie crust up next with pecan to hazelnut notes. Some plum to prune and date flavors, overall it is not as sweet as expected. The booziness hollows out the finish some and adds some burn as it goes down the chute. Muscularity keeps it bound up at times rather than flowing. That said, displays energy and punch and just off center enough to hold your interest. A bomber is the right size for one person’s consumption.
4 out of 5

Tuckahoe Brewing Company
Dennis Creek Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
New Jersey
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Normal pour into a pint glass yields 2/3 full of foam, eggshell white, takes some time to get below three fingers, retention is great, delicately whipped up, the lacing in turn has good thickness. The liquid is a deep golden to bronze color and there’s a very fine silt throughout, despite this you can see a big storm of bubbles swiftly rising upwards. The nose is extremely floral with orange blossom notes, caramel to maple syrup sweetens it up further, at times thick apricot to peach scents, concentrated and paste-like, all this countered by a stiff spine of raw grains and something like rye alongside black peppercorn, pleasing contrast. Medium-bodied with a thickening foaminess, not so much scrubbing. Spicy with pepper verging on curry powder, the orange to lemon citrus smoothes into a nice puckering sensation. More metallic than herbaceous, the hops are well integrated. Palate not as sweet as nose suggests, the apricot and peach tangled up with nectarine and some pineapple. Overall it manages to weave together some disparate elements and an interesting quaff that can still just be chugged.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2017

Telegraph Brewing Company
IPA (Cascade, Centennial, Ctz & Meridian Hops)
American IPA
California
6.6%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Large three finger plus head, almost foams out of the glass, craters more than dimples but there’s excellent retention and a minute or so later it is still at two fingers, eggshell off-white color, have to wait some time for the head to subside to even gauge the lacing which turns out to be large splotches. Bright rust orange colored liquid, transparent, most curiously there’s only a few random bubbles on view. Sweet, viscous nose of molasses, caramelized brown sugar and spiced oranges, there’s forest floor matter and wet dankness underneath, the mango, apricot to peach fruit can get lost in it all, longlasting pungency. Full-bodied, thick and slow moving, the carbonation is like a marshmallow pressed against your tongue. More piney and citrusy here, tangerine to lime more than grapefruit. More graininess than breadiness, the maltiness comes off as dry if not powdery. The peach, nectarine, apricot fruit taut and fares better here but still no major factor. While not excessively bitter there is a lot of pucker, likely due to the herbaceousness. Clings to the pores at the end and with its heaviness could tire you out after one or two.
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Partner Ships Rye Wit (Collaboration With Terrapin Beer Co.)
Witbier
Maryland
6.0%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Pours a big foamy head of nearly three fingers, bright white and evenly surfaced, leaves a steady surface coating behind, the lacing in turn is noticeably thick, forms a broad sheet before eventually breaking up into streaks. Coppery gold colored liquid, more yellowish at the edges, very active swirl of bubbles throughout, no beads. The rye spiciness is not that evident in the nose, creamily textured with orange creamsicle notes, rose water, apricot, peach to white grape fruit, light clove accent, a little densely woven to reveal broader nuance. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has a thickish churn to it which feels like it leans into you as much as scrubs. Much more rye bite here, peppery and the clove displays greater staying power. The sour vinous quality persists throughout. More dead yeast cells than breadiness. The orange to lemon citrus spreads out through the finish. Pear, apple here as much as apricot. While it is enjoyable enough it can easily be filed under “beers that try to do too much.” Happy to have tried it but would not seek out again.
3 out of 5

Jersey Girl Brewing Co.
Rake Breaker India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Finger plus of off-white foam, good density with some surface dimpling, the lacing tends to be thin but sticks well. Hazy and dark orange amber color that nudges past translucency into opacity, close to zero visible bubbles. The nose has a little bit of quinine to metallic edge, indistinct maltiness, major component is robust mango, papaya, pineapple to peach fruit scents, this overshadows any florality as well as pine, more brawn than finesse or clarity. Full-bodied, fat and fluffy, expands across the palate. The carbonation is slight and again more softening than prickling. More herbaceous here and that metallic touch makes it seem slightly unclean. Same cascading wave of papaya, mango, peach, apricot fruit verging on dried fruit concentration and sweetness. Pine stronger and now and then honeyed. The citrus could enunciate more clearly, tends mostly to pink grapefruit. Does turn somewhat bitter at the end but this style of IPA is for those with a sweet tooth. Its heaviness suggests it might be difficult to consume more than a couple in a sitting before feeling full.
3 out of 5

Magnify Brewing
Low Visibility Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
New Jersey
4.8%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Full two finger pure white head, dimpled surface and a swift, airy dissolve to a steadier surface dusting, the lacing formed by broad splotches with moderate stickiness. Cloudy yellow gold liquid, dense enough to hold the light and glow some, after the pour hardly any visible carbonation. Crisp and zesty nose of hay, wild grasses, salt and pepper, lemon to grapefruit citrus, has a mild touch of cocoa but that’s it for “soft” elements, demure melon, peach to pear scents, even as it warms remains brisk and with no wasted motion. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and carries more heft than expected. Dry but not unforgivingly so, leaves a tacky residue along the rear palate and throat. Lemon and here more sour orange citrus, hoppy in a leafy manner but not wet herbal matter. Black tea leaf, tar vie for dominance with the pepper and country style bread crusts. Hints more at pineapple than delivers, staying in the apple, pear to peach range, albeit dry as noted. In a weird way the malts seem more prominent retronasally. Definitely a more structured and serious pale ale than many. Don’t know I’d want more than two in a sitting though.
4 out of 5

Manayunk Brewing Company
Dreamin’ Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
8.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.79
Finger’s worth of bleached white foam formed from tiny bubbles which dimple as the head quickly evaporates, in turn the lacing comes in thick streaks but it doesn’t stick very well. While transparent there is a mild haze to the gold to light orange rust colored liquid, here the bubbles are larger and spread widely rather than beaded. Given the bracing grassiness and graininess in the nose there is also ample mango, papaya to pineapple fruit scents, some pine sap and pepper as well, angular nostril feel and it never fully settles in. Full-bodied, even as it starts to push into the palate its arch dryness numbs so you can’t feel all the weight. The carbonation lends a steady prickle which reminds you something is in your mouth. Very hoppy and herbaceous, all unprocessed grains and again with the pepperiness. Very quiet caramel and malted milk balls and here the fruit stays more in the peach to apricot range without achieving tropical tang. It is so dry through the finish that it almost burns. You better like your DIPA on the bitter side because you will have “bitter beer face.” As you’d expect, the finish is on the short side.
3 out of 5

Carton Brewing Company
IDIPA India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
7.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Modest finger worth of a head, cream white with light dimpling across the surface, retention is below average and the lacing presents a surprising lack of stickiness. Filmy deep orange colored liquid, closer to transparent than opaque, barely any bubbles visible. The nose is powerful and aggressive with sour orange to grapefruit citrus, pine cones, pepper, salted pretzels and plenty of green leafy matter, the melon, apricot, pineapple fruit oddly lacks staying power, leaving it spicy and earthy rather than fruity. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with nice firm compactness, not parching but definitely dry. Pineapple, mango, nectarine to peach fruit, concentration no juice. The peppery, spicy edge dominates and what carbonation is there tends to jab and prickle rather than gently churn. Minimal florality but there’s a fair amount of breadiness and biscuit notes. The citrus comes across as mixed and indistinct and a minor bit player. The earthiness and leafiness relentless in being the final word in the conversation. Not easy drinking but has personality and makes you take it on its terms.
3 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Extremely loose and airy head, barely a finger high and falling, spider webs have more density, off white coloration, no retention, the lacing looks like an afterthought. Fully cloudy and opaque liquid, chunky, looks like a catfish might be swimming through it, brownish amber, what bubbles are visible have good activity. Dense nose of pine sap, candied oranges, metallic earth, not much fresh leafiness, the apricot, apple fruit inexpressive, caramelized brown sugar and dinner rolls insufficient in sweetening it up, not simple but too reluctant to converse. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and sluggish as well, carbonation a minor factor. The citrus falls flat, little zest. More doughy, biscuity here. Sour leafiness and a metallic pucker interrupt the flow. It’s drinkable from an ABV perspective, while none of the flavors make you go “ahh.” Apple, pear, peach, none of them seems distinguished and of clarity. Drying finish, no one element seems exaggerated. Does not cohere in a choral lift, does not provide an element which would qualify as a “guilty pleasure.”
3 out of 5

Carton Brewing Company
HopPun Hoppy Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
New Jersey
5.3%
16oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Gets close to two fingers of deep tan, orange tinged foam, airy with lots of sizzle and a dimpled surface, poor retention but lots of isolated wisps for lacing. Clear bronze colored liquid, fully transparent, prodigious amount of fat but not lazy bubbles pushing upwards. The nose has some biscuit to bread crust roughness, black tea leaf and tarry earth, firmness to the apricot, peach scents like a skin too hard to break, softly floral, more push in the lemon, lacks the gregarious roundness and openness for a mainstream pale ale. Full-bodied, the big visual carbonation does not translate into More bitter with sour orange, lemon leading the way and a wet leafiness and tar and almost asphalt tones. Not finding much caramel or honey accents, yet never feels painfully dry. The fruit feels stunted and not completely expressive. It’s an odd beer because one sip gives you hope for an enjoyable quaff, then a minute later it clenches up and there's nothing there. It’s a pleasing tease but you know from the start that the payoff won’t be there in the end. Few would regret buying it the first time, curious how many make a second or third purchase.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2017

Magnify Brewing
Vine Shine India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
6.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Good two finger plus head with attractive density, even surface, just off white color, once there’s room for lacing it sticks in big scattered splotches. The liquid has a full golden color, neither particularly dull nor shiny, steady amount of larger random bubbles throughout, no beads. At first the nose is almost all florality then it moderates into wet herbaceous notes, dried pine sap, salt and pepper, and bread crust, needs to warm some to maximize the presence of the pineapple, guava, peach fruit scents as well as develop more lasting cocoa accents. Full-bodied, while sufficiently dry it has a creamy texture which helps spread it cheek to cheek. More pronounced tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus, still piney, peppery with a floral undertone. Less bready, biscuity and the grassiness has more bite, that said, does not come across as a bitter styled IPA. The pineapple, peach, apricot fruit flavors consistent, not overly sweet. Carbonation gives it consistent tickle more than prickle. On the whole has restraint and balance without giving up personality. Lower ABV contributes to higher drinkability.
4 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Coastal Evacuation Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.29
Little less than a finger if loose bleach white foam, minimal retention with a swiftly dimpled surface, the lacing is spotty without much stick. The liquid is a cloudily opaque yellow-orange hue, large amount of bubbles inside make you wonder why the head is so weak. The nose has a pleasing breeziness to it with a floral mist, tangerine zest, dried pineapple and apricot pits, some biscuit and pine sap, not dank but does have a tarry, earthy side that grows as it warms. Full-bodied, lively carbonation, here the spiciness and green leafiness is on better display, gives it some punch. With the floral and sweet citrus more in the background it’s dry on the whole without leaving tacky residue behind. Sticks to basic peach, apricot fruit, no sweeter tropical notes. There is some of that scone or biscuit towards the finish but more muted than in the nose. The alcohol burn can distract but not a flaw, it’s more “boozy” in terms of catching a quick buzz. Perhaps too much unfocused power to call it balanced but its high energy level makes a positive impression. Could throw back a couple in one sitting, not many more.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2017

Stone Brewing Company
20th Anniversary Encore Series 2.02.02 Vertical Epic (Ale Brewed With Orange Peel & Spices)
Witbier
California
7.5%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Crests at about one finger of pure white foam, dimples as the larger bubbles explode, retention is below average, not longlasting, the lacing likewise meager and wispy. Clear deep golden colored liquid with a good deal of widely dispersed bubbles which remain active long after the initial pour. The nose is on the aggressive side, penetrating with peppercorn, wheat and clove digging right in there, the yeast feels spent and not especially fresh and doughy, more so grassy and lemony in a biting fashion, however there is bubblegum and banana, not a lot of general fruitiness. Medium-bodied, somewhat hard-edged here too, all angles and not much smooth flow. Yeast, lees, bubblegum and then pepper, saline and sourdough bread to unprocessed grains. Here too there’s minimal fruit, some peach, apricot echoes at best. Clove, coriander and sour lemons. It’s not volatile because it feels so tightly wound. The carbonation is strong and churns as it progresses through the palate. Bitter at the end so there’s no real “ahh” moment of relaxation with it and lacks the complexity to keep your attention fixed.
2 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Blood Of The Sunsets India Pale Ale
American IPA
Indiana
7.2%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Pours a big two finger head of orange tinged tan lacing, whipped up and airy with so-so retention, lots of surface dimpling, very skimpy lacing. Cloudy orange-brown liquid, sort of like rusty water, healthy amount of large bubbles strewn about, no tight beads, can’t see clearly through it. Thick dankness to the nose, wet leafy herbaceousness and cut summer grass, pine sap, pulped blood oranges and grapefruits and a whole lot of caramel, cocoa and toffee accents, at times even yeasty to doughy, sort of clumsy like it has not adjusted to an adolescent growth spurt. Full-bodied with a heaviness on the palate, conversely the carbonation does try hard to scrub and create tingle. Keen emphasis on grapefruit and orange citrus, similar to the nose. Here it’s cleaner with a fresher grassy bite and less dankness. Pine, cola bean with a mentholated finish. The fruit is basically apricot, peach to pineapple, tropical on the sour side. The cocoa and caramel consistent without being as dominant as in the nose. Dry ending, helps accentuate the tartness and thus the grassiness and citrus. Good beer, flirts with it but not over the top, not stupendous.
3 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
My Bloody Valentine Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
6.66%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Healthy finger plus head of deep tan hue, even surface with credible density and retention, nice spider web of thin lacing across any open glass. The liquid is a dark mahogany red closer to brown than orange, fine clarity but dark enough you don’t easily see through it, only a few visible bubbles. Graham cracker, honey, pie crust and chocolate notes give the nose immediate appeal, conversely there’s a firm underpinning of dank leafy hops and pine sap to give it erectness, likewise has an earthiness which matches up well with the apricot paste to dried pineapple fruit scents. Full-bodied, has a creamy mouth feel to it that eventually leads to more prickle at the end. Piney and close to minty at times, not much lemon citrus but plenty of cocoa, toffee, hard coffee candy and that honey dappled pie crust. Here the hoppiness has more precision but less staying power, its razor edge exhausts itself quickly. More minerally than earthy, cleaner than the nose suggests. No real fruitiness. What nags at you is that no one element seems to excel and when taken all together as a whole it’s nothing more than competent. Content to drink more but would not seek it out again.
3 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
The Kinsman Project: Black Mocha Stout (Infused With Vanilla Beans, Chipotle Peppers, Cinnamon Sticks And Cacao Nibs)
American Stout
North Carolina
5.6%
22oz, Single
$5.75
Even a fairly aggressive pour barely yields a full surface coating, light tan in hue, while the lacing is wispy it does manage to form long, unbroken rivulets. Pitch black liquid, a few bubbles visible near the yellow tinted surface. Very milky nose, lactose driven with vanilla bean, muted cocoa and a vague coffee roast, has a metallic edge, not much breadth nor staying power so hard to stay with it. Medium-bodied and closer to light than full, here it’s first and foremost about the peppers, very spicy and hot. Takes awhile to register the cinnamon amidst the heat but it’s there. The vanilla bean and cacao seem faded or at least not up to the task of facing off against the peppers. However, you do get a pleasing chocolaty as well as minty resonance at the end. Has a mineral water sort of base to it, fresh and vaguely stony or metallic. The carbonation holds steady and has enough scrubbing ability to relieve some heat. An admirable try but in the end not that interesting and too dominated by the chipotle peppers.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Quad (Belgian-Style Quadrupel Ale)
Quadrupel (Quad)
Pennsylvania
11.8%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Pours a thin light tan head, maybe a quarter inch, not much retention but doesn’t disappear immediately either, the lacing is close to nonexistent. The liquid is a filmy amber red to brown color, you can easily see particles floating as well as widely dispersed lazy bubbles, no real sediment at the bottle bottom though. When first opened the nose explodes with banana then settles into cola bean, molasses, yeast and pie crust flakes as well as green grapes, figs and dates, there’s a vinous to boozy quality but no heat, overall it’s actually fairly compact and concise. Medium-bodied, here too there’s no extra words and has a pleasing directness. Not much carbonation yet on the dry side for the type. Not to say there’s no persistence in the cherry, fig, golden raisin, banana fruit nor any lack of honey to molasses. Just not excessive. The yeastiness appears mostly at the end and then retronasally. The alcohol is more warm than burning. You could argue it might benefit from more flavor intensity but it seems intentionally crafted for drinkability.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2017

Pisgah Brewing Company
Chocolatized (Imperial Stout Flavored With Cocoa Nibs) (Winter 2016)
American Stout
North Carolina
11.2%
22oz, Single
$10.99
Around a finger of dense, dark brown foam, random mix of bubble sizes, retention is good but not incredible, the lacing is a razor thin sheet spread broadly. While the liquid is jet black it leaves you with the impression of cleanliness and that it would be transparent rather than murky if a lighter shade, you can see tiny bubbles break on the surface. The nose has a good deal of roast to it without seeming bitter, chocolate of course plus vanilla fudge, caramel and a hint of mint, not yeasty, very clean, if anything more earthy than sweet, measured dissolve, not short but not striving to be washed out of your nostrils. Medium-bodied, the carbonation fluffs up the mouth entry some but then turns successively drier as it moves across the palate. More bittersweet nature than roast to the chocolate, not puckering nor creamy, squarely in the middle. Hides the alcohol well. A few notes of quinine or mineral water. Here you get scone to pie crust accents but again not any real doughy, yeasty qualities. As it warms you notice an increasing amount of grill smoke and burnt meat fat through the finish. Sneaky complexity masked by high level of drinkability.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2017

Stillwater Artisanal Ales/Brouwerij Hof Ten Dormaal
Arcana (Farmhouse Stout Aged In Red Wine Barrels)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
6.5%
12.7oz, Single
$4.99
Crests about a finger of dark tan foam, even surface but leaving a sizzling patch at the pour point, poor retention and and minimal cling to the lacing. The liquid is a dark black and hard to tell the relative cleanliness of it, no too much residue left in the bottle, you can see extremely minuscule bubbles break on the surface. The nose is very heavy on the roasted coffee and bitter dark chocolate, the red wine comes through clearly and adds a vinous edge, a few notes of scone or croissant, the fruit is muted and mainly cherry to cranberry scents, seems to have settled down, has staying power despite lacking breadth of aroma. Medium-bodied, creamy mouth entry quickly switches gear to sour pucker as that vinous nature takes hold. Yeast, lees, wet oak and then comes that coffee roast and chocolate. The carbonation adds a steady churn and likely helps to reduce the sourness, lifting it off the tongue. Now and then tries to act like a stout but can’t get its ducks in a row. Golden raisin and fig join the cherry fruit. There is a chocolate to cola bean echo retronasally. Basically it’s an admirable attempt but does not hit the bullseye.
3 out of 5

Almanac Beer Co.
Saison de Brettaville (Brettanomyces Ale Aged In White Wine Barrels)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
7.2%
12.68oz
Single
$11.99
Pure white head, smooth surface with minimal density and hence little retention, the lacing starts out well but has zero stickiness and is gone quickly. The liquid is a mildly hazy golden hue with a very large amount of bubbles, the veritable storm in a glass. Forceful nose of orange zest, flowers, crackers, pine and then a dank herbaceousness, even tarry, not getting much vinous accent, on the whole it’s clean in spite of that wet leafiness. Medium-bodied, bitter and dry, based on what it looks like the carbonation is mellow and more creamy than prickly. More white to pink grapefruit here than orange citrus, thus a bit tarter. Overall, the mouth feel is soft and expansive. Whisper of that tarriness and pine and violets but much lower herbaceousness. Conversely, more clarity to the apricot, apple, peach to papaya fruit. Some yeast and cracker but not really “doughy” in a substantial manner. The wine barrel treatment helps frame the mouth entry. Leaves you wishing it would pause and sink into the palate more to maximize flavor intensity and enjoyment.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Raspberry Tart (Wisconsin Ale Brewed With Raspberries)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Wisconsin
4.0%
25.4oz, Single
$10.59
Minuscule head, about half a finger, reddish tan in hue, openly knit and swiftly gone, close to no lacing. Cloudy liquid, ruby red color, browns some before a touch orange at the surface, hyperactive bubbles, large and eager to break the surface. The nose is all honeyed pie crust and molasses and raspberry compote, slight vinegary bite to it, some orange zest, not complex but that was not expected, just pure “truth in advertising” appeal. Full-bodied and feels heavy at times. The carbonation is adequate, not weak but perhaps would need to be extra strong to push through to when you swallow. Cinnamon, nutmeg and honey, more lemon here than orange. The raspberry is sweet and sour, closer to strawberry than blackberry in nature. Graham cracker pie crust and hint of cola, dries towards the finish and again with a vinous bite. Shows restraint while also meeting every promise it makes. Not much more to say as the flavors are few and concentrated. And they sure are good.
4 out of 5

Tahoe Mountain Brewing Co.
Récolte Du Bois (Ale Aged 9 Months In Cabernet Wine Barrels)
American Wild Ale
California
6.2%
16.9oz, Single
$16.99
Highly agitated head, mostly larger bubbles with no real retention, like soufflé about to fall, down to the surface swiftly, no lacing to speak of. The liquid is a light amber orange hue, on the whole clear, can’t imagine more bubbles crammed inside a glass, looks like someone put an air hose into it. The nose is musty like stale attic air, cardboard (not the corked kind of smell), mutter of earth and wet wood, close to no fruit nor citrus presence, inert. Medium-bodied, here the oak offers both toast and vanillin creaminess and throws off the, whole mouth entry, lurches. Some apricot to plum/prune flavors, orange marmalade, no conviction to them. Has an odd syrupy texture, more so because it’s not like it is gluing any flavor to your palate. The carbonation is high and there tends to be more random big “pops” than a steady prickle. The sourness gets lost in the staleness. Did not come close to finishing the bottle.
1 out of 5

Almanac Beer Co.
Citra Sour (Sour Blonde Ale Aged In Wine Barrels & Dry Hopped With Citra)
American Wild Ale
California
7.0%
12.68oz, Single
$10.99
Bone white head, close to two fingers, very light and airy with wispy lacing at most. Bright golden hued liquid with a burnished shine to it, the bubbles are both widely dispersed and quite active, regenerate constantly. Grassy and leafy nose with a pronounced burst of lemon to pink grapefruit citrus, light peatiness, vinous unto vinegar, mango, star fruit and passion fruit scents, more impressive for how it slices into the nostrils than for breadth of aromas. Medium-bodied, all those bubbles turn into a pleasantly prickly carbonation, fits the sour oak and wet leafiness well. The passion fruit, pineapple, melon flavors dominate here, pushing the citrus back a notch. The more you sip the more it leaves a dry, tacky residue in the mouth. Vague yeasty breadiness and scone notes not really able to soften it much, not that this would be desirable. Lasts well after you swallow, plenty of retronasal resonance. You could call it a bit of a one trick pony but it is a helluva trick and as sessionable as a beer of this nature can get, would have put down a second or maybe third bottle had they been on hand.
5 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Evil Dead Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
6.66%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Finger plus deep head, decent density with a few puddles of larger bubbles, dark tan in hue, retention is above average, dimples as it dissolves, the lacing more splotches than extended streaks. The liquid is a somewhat filmy orange-brown color, touch more reddish from a distance, few visible bubbles, those more spread out than in beads. Were it not for the toastiness to it the nose would come off like German chocolate cake, lots of cocoa and caramel and molasses with a hint of coconut, does have its herbaceous side as well and a good amount of pine, low level of fruit scents, mainly pineapple to papaya. Medium-bodied, fluffy and heavily carbonated mouth entry, this recedes quickly enough. More balance between the leafy hops and the bread, caramel, honey to cola bean elements, the bitterness helps reduce the overall sweetness. That said, does finish on the short side as it dries out prematurely, roast and bitter oiliness left behind. As in the nose there’s not a strong fruit presence, pineapple, green apple, apricot pit. Not a bad beer by any stretch yet it lacks “fun factor” and does not seem to excel at any one thing.
3 out of 5

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Dark Heathen Triple Bock Lager (2011)
Doppelbock
Michigan
12.5%
12oz, Single
$8.99
Very modest dusting across the surface of a yellowish tan hue, gone swiftly, the lacing is wispy and scattered. The liquid is a murky dark brown with an orange tint around the edges, fully opaque with a greater quantity of visible bubbles than expected, albeit moving lazily. The nose is rife with raisins, dates and milk chocolate, has a breadiness which verges on pastry, starts to develop a burnt smokiness as it warms. Full-bodied if hollow in the mid-palate, the sweetness seems to have receded which provides more space for the tart cidery, vinous notes. The chocolate, butterscotch going strong, black licorice, cola bean and candied ginger abound. The cherry, green apple, yellow raisin, fig fruit flavors steady enough but lack intensity. The carbonation does an okay job of showing up given the thickness of the liquid. Boozy but without burn. Doughy, bready through the attack, gone by the finish. Biggest flaw may be that it does not build to a meaningful crescendo, starts off well then meanders. Maybe was more powerful in its youth.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Hopped In Half Pilsner
Czech Pilsener
Indiana
5.3%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Thin bright white head dusts the surface, meager lacing. Shiny gold color with a semi-metallic sheen, large amount of bubbles throughout but no beads, spotless and transparent. The nose is clean with a focus on orange citrus, unprocessed grains, hay, pine and a touch of quinine, peach pit and apple accents, sticks around pretty well given its on the whole tactful presentation. Medium-bodied and perhaps fuller than many for the style, creates pleasing downwards pressure. More citrusy here with lemon joining the orange, sweetening aspect. Hint of corn syrup. The grains get to breadiness but not in an overtly yeasty manner, retains a crisp mouth feel. Carbonation is a light too fine but brings consistent prickle and tingle. Any fruit mainly apple, apricot, maybe melon, nothing close to tropical. Would benefit from a drier finish, instead the general sweetness accrues. Easy to drink and you could easily finish a bomber without really noticing. Not a beer going for “wow” factor but not quite traditionally fashioned either, a good twist on the theme.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2016

Pisgah Brewing Company
Cosmos Belgian-Style Baltic Porter (Winter 2016)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
North Carolina
8.2%
22oz, Single
$9.49
Pours an extremely thin head which struggles to cover the surface and then quickly does not, small random splotches for lacing with no stickiness. The liquid is black in spite of being obviously squeaky clean and unblemished, you do get the transparency along the more orange colored rims, hardly any visible bubbles. The nose has a medicinal, witch hazel quality to match the heavy coffee roast element, chocolaty, cherry syrup, sweet enough that the yeasts get a bit cloaked, more nutty by turns, after a little warming the banana notes gain strength, overall kind of like a German chocolate cake. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with most of its heft expended through the attack, fizzles out by the end. That said, plenty of intensity to the mocha, cola bean, vanilla to café au lait flavors, has more fizziness than expected, prevents a full-on creaminess, Plum, cherry to raisin fruit, more concentrated and sugary than juicy. Starts to get some ginger, cinnamon spice going but something like quinine balances it out. Overall, tastes like a baked good, you want it with dessert. High drinkability.
4 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Marina (American Sour Ale Fermented With Peaches And Apricots)
American Wild Ale
North Carolina
6.5%
16.9oz, Single
$14.49
Pours a big two plus finger head of airy foam that evaporates as quickly as it appeared, tilting the glass will produce a thin layer of lacing but this too does not last, everything is bleached white while present. Hard to imagine more visible bubbles inside the glass, it’s a maelstrom in there wall-to-wall, the liquid is a semi-pale golden color, bright and crystal clear (except for all the bubbles). The nose is tart and piercing, plenty of green apple, pear and sour white citrus, quite vinous with sour oaky bite rather than vanillin sweetness, dried hay and straw, honeyed, really too sour for any of the apricot, peach fruit to create a lasting presence. Light-bodied, has very good lift in the mouth due both to the general sourness as well as the consistent carbonated froth. With this lighter body the oak takes on even more presence and comes close to dominance. More “pit fruit” character to the peach, apricot than fleshy pulp, has the usual green apple, grape as well and infrequent hints at underripe pineapple. Stony and perhaps subtly bretty, has a clean funkiness desirable in the style. Fresh finish, palate activated for more. Could stand to have more depth and resonance in the primary flavors rather than depend on zippy mouth feel to impress.
3 out of 5

Smog City Brewing Company
California Love Imperial Red Ale (Brewed With Orange Peel, Grapes & Oak)
American Amber/Red Ale
California
8.5%
16.9oz, Single
$8.49
Finger worth of heavily dimpled dark tan foam, big quantity of larger bubbles, average retention, the lacing able to form both broad and long streaks. The liquid is a clear reddish brown, touch too dark to appreciate the transparency, few visible bubbles. You get a great deal of cocoa, malt to the nose, caramelized brown sugar, charred oak and then it veers into a dank herbaceousness, the orange peel appears with some clarity yet there’s not many distinct fruit scents, seems reliant on making a big impression via oak and malts. Full-bodied, gluey in texture yet also dry enough to shorten the finish appreciably. Weak carbonation, contributes to slow pacing. Sugary sweet due to an array of molasses, oak and chocolate flavors, in the end though the sour pucker wins out. The hops not as overtly green as in the nose yet a major hue on the palette. Vanillin accents at the end, the citrus remains muted. There’s a lot going on but it seems crammed together with the intent of making a big impression. Lost my interest by the end of the bottle.
3 out of 5

Mission Brewery
Hard Root Beer (Specialty Malt Beverage)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
California
7.5%
12oz, Single
$1.99
Not any head but can’t say it was expected, there is a gigantic amount of surface sizzle during the pour though. Cloudy dark brown liquid with a yellow tint at the edges, the bubbles are fine yet visibly active throughout the haze. The nose is spicy with a definite root beer smell, spearmint and at times evokes ginger, very light vanillin undercurrent, gently medicinal yet with a strong scrubbing, cleansing sensation in the nostrils. Full-bodied, the carbonation lends tickle during the mouth entry but has little staying power. More basic root beer base, here there’s more vanillin influence and the mintiness more like anisette. Has a grassiness to it which is hard to figure, not sure what it was supposed to add. The alcohol does make the finish slightly rough. But the lingering tingle is not altogether unpleasant. Not great, not horrible, if one were really in the mood for alcoholic root beer this would fit the bill but not something this imbiber will revisit.
2 out of 5

Wychwood
GingerBeard (Fiery English Beer With Added Ginger)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
England
4.2%
16.9oz, Single
$4.29
Modest half finger head of just off-white foam, for what’s there it has good retention, the lacing though is wispy and ends up more like dots. The liquid is pure and transparent, a washed out rust orange hue, more red than yellow, the bubbles are few and widely dispersed. There’s a little soft maltiness to the nose but, of course, it’s a ginger fest, raw dough to freshly cooked bread and molasses, maybe some apple fruit but it sticks closely to ginger, ginger and more ginger. Full-bodied and arguably heavier than expected, the carbonation seems light through the attack but by the time you swallow it’s foaming up inside your mouth. More grain to cereal here than bread, cocoa lurks in the background, molasses, orange peel, maybe nutty at turns. The ginger brings a pleasing heat, not overboard. Given its weight and the punch of the ginger the finish is short. Could use an element designed to sweeten the end and reduce the sting. Otherwise, it’s inoffensive and a notch above simple.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2016

Stone Brewing Company
Mocha IPA (A Style-Defying Double India Pale Ale With Cacao And Coffee)
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
9.0%
12oz, Single
$2.49
Somewhat modest one finger head of tan foam, mixed bubble sizes and irregular surface, the lacing forms broad splotches but oddly lacks the stickiness expected. Deep amber red colored liquid, close to a metallic glow, serious amount of particulate floating throughout, only a few bubbles visible. The nose is forceful and comes as advertised with loads of chocolate, malted milk balls, coffee and then dark wet hops, pulped grapefruits, pine and an unexpected burst of something like cayenne pepper, any fruit scents remain in the background. Full-bodied with an extremely creamy mouth feel, the carbonation is all fluff and no bite. Oodles of chocolate, marshmallow and caramel, initially lower in terms of any roast or coffee. Pushes the hoppy bite to the mid-palate if not further, pine, grapefruit, pepper but not overly grassy. Very spicy. Here the pineapple, peach, nectarine fruit gets more assertive. When that fades, then you receive that coffee roast lingering after you swallow. Really saturates your taste buds and persist for some time. Manages its ABV well and does not tire you out drinking it, still two bottles would likely be the most to manage in one sitting.
5 out of 5

Davidson Brothers Brewing Company
BRN Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
New York
4.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.89
Close to two fingers of tan foam, nicely even surface, dimples such as it sizzles off, retention is okay, the lacing is full before falling down the glass sides. Somewhat filmy brown to orange hued liquid, you can see a lot of bubbles break the surface, nothing special visually. The nose shows considerable malt, cocoa, nuts and caramel, as much minerals to rust as smoke, fig to plum fruit, pleasantly innocuous. Light to medium-bodied, medium grade carbonation. Here the metallic, earthy side comes out and nudges the sweetness to the side. This not to diminish the persistence of the caramel, cola bean, milk chocolate to danish flakes and candied nuts. Less fruit, raisin and fig but lacking in concentration. The mouth feel is smooth enough but it leaves you wishing the core flavors were more robust. And that it did not leave that metallic bitterness behind at the end.
2 out of 5

Prairie Artisan Ales
Bomb! (Imperial Stout Aged On Coffee, Cacoa Nibs, Vanilla Beans, And Chili Peppers)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Oklahoma
13.0%
12oz, Single
$8.49
Moderate one finger head which steadily simmers down, dark tan or light brown, take your pick, very even surface, the lacing slides around the glass in broad sheets, eventually spilling downwards. Black liquid yet not so opaque that you can’t see the bubble beads, no color tint at the edges. Spicy nose with the chili pepper making the initial splash, at times almost green and leafy with a wet fur edge, oily tar, the chocolate seems dense enough as to be inert, burnt coffee, close to zero fruit scent presence, quite interesting yet not immediately pleasurable. Full-bodied, viscously thick and layered, here the sweetness of the chocolate and vanilla is on full display, all confectionery goodness. The chili spice there but more proportionate, bringing heat for balance. Coconut, cafe con leche and a hint of witch hazel. Not much movement from the carbonation, just a tickle under the tongue. The pepperiness lingers the most through the finish. Avoids both excess booziness and needless showiness, for its scale and level of richness displays good agility. One bottle is the perfect size for a single sitting.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2016

21st Amendment Brewery
Marooned On Hog Island (Stout Brewed With Hog Island Sweetwater Oyster Shells)
English Stout
California
7.9%
12oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Just about a finger of brown foam, irregular surface, simmers down to a consistent surface coating, lacing forms broad streaks without much stick. The liquid is black at its core and more a dark brown near the surface and edges, you can spy the active tiny bubbles as they break the surface. There’s a clean, scrubbing sensation in the nose, not overly dependent on the chocolate albeit credible amount of that as well as creamed coffee and caramel accents, solid chicory as well, the oyster shells do indeed add saline, seashore sort of nuances, just a hint of cherry fruit, the components don’t leap out at you, best enjoyed as a harmonized whole. Medium-bodied, the dryness reduces its palate presence. More roast and coffee, little cocoa or chocolate, more straight up malty. The salty sea breeze and salt water aspect retains force here. More grassy and metallic, thankfully the carbonation brings a fluffy lift which limits such elements. No real fruit presence. Nothing here rides to the rescue of a cavalry of sweetness. As such, it really only delivers on half of the equation. And would like more body. Still, not a bad offering by any stretch.
2 out of 5

Logsdon Farmhouse Ales
Szech ’n Brett (Organic Farmhouse Ale With Spice)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Oregon
6.5%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Very foamy, even a slow and measured pout gets you close to three fingers of bleached white microfoam, fairly even surface, retention is just below average but the head never fully dissipates, the lacing is more veins than streaks. Very cloudy yellow colored liquid, sort of like rust water, translucent to opaque, large quantity of tiny pinprick bubbles throughout. Penetrating power to the nose, sour and close to vinegary, lots of pepper, citrus peel, dried flower petals and cereal grains to dead yeast cells, the fruit mainly pear, yellow apple to apricot, more clean and medicinal than funky, nicely cleansing. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, a touch heavier than expected based on the nose, earthier here but still clean on the whole. The pepper to cardamom, fennel, anise spice most evident at the end and as residue. Tangerine, lemon citrus both sweet and sour. Yeasty but nothing close to finished dough or bread. Plenty of sweetness to be found in the pear, melon, apple flavors, moments of star fruit. The carbonation is more a bass rumble than treble prickle. Extends well through the finish given its heft while also not leaving any undesirable residue behind.
4 out of 5

Stella Artois Brewery
Stella Artois
Euro Pale Lager
Belgium
5.0%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Fluffy head of close to two fingers, bright white, too whipped up to possess strong retention, the lacing is fairly broad though and clings well. The liquid is a pale yellow hue, not quite watery but close, broadly set fat bubbles lazily drift upwards. There’s a sweet grain to corn syrup nature to the nose, moderate leafiness and equal notes of bubblegum and iron flecks, intimation of apple or pear fruit, nothing flawed nor offputting about it, basically smells like beer when you first learned what beer smelled like. Medium-boded, dry without losing fullness, floral hops and a gentle herbal side. Some peppery spice but on the whole it’s sweet even if without much distinct fruit flavor, perhaps banana to apple. The carbonation has sufficient activity and churn to keep it moving so the sweetness does not become boring. Leaves behind a residue of corn meal and cereal grains along with a metallic tang. More enjoyable very well chilled than as it gets closer to room temperature.
2 out of 5

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Frost Monster Imperial Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
12.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Thick head, close to three fingers, very dense with an even surface, about as dark brown as you are going to get, the lacing stretches out into long streaks with good stick. Fully opaque black liquid, nothing gets through it, can see the tiniest micro beads of bubbles just below the surface. The nose overflows with chocolate, cocoa and a strong roasty quality, not quite bitter enough for coffee notes, leans more towards toffee and milk but in no way “soft,” some cherry or plum fruit scents, a bit of campfire wood smoke, dense enough to be compact yet not evanescent. Full-bodied, you’d be tempted to call it heavy were it not for the dryness which helps to relieve weight. The carbonation also has the power to lift it off the palate. There is some booziness here and in the mouth more bitter coffee notes and wood smoke. The licorice, milk, butterscotch and chocolate notes can’t quite smooth it out but maybe better for it as it might become too simple. The roast lingers well and overall it seems like it would benefit from medium to longer term aging. Given its headiness, not sure you’d want more than a couple in one sitting.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2016

Erie Brewing Company
Derailed Ale Black Cherry Cream Ale (Beer With Added Natural Flavor)
Cream Ale
Pennsylvania
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Thin head, clean white, enough larger bubbles to hurt retention, a good swirl creates thick splotches but they lack the stickiness to last. Coppery orange colored liquid with a good amount of particulate floating around inside, only a few lazy bubbles visible within. The nose first impresses with the cherry but there’s also a sizable percentage of cereal, baking dough, doses of lemon zest, honey then iron and earth, almost savory like balsamic vinegar. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and loses lots of presence past the mid-palate. Carbonation is negligible. The cherry and vanilla cream pairs well but lacks intensity. That burst of lemon helps keep it lively. At times it tastes like black cherry soda, nothing in the flavor profile to suggest beer. Does have that grain and cereal component and moments of flower water. Not that sweet, albeit at times you wish it were so. Overall, it’s easy to sip and nothing really strikes you as an overt flaw. But, again, were the flavors more concentrated it might hold your attention longer.
3 out of 5

Mother Earth Brew Co.
Cali Creamin’ Vanilla Cream Ale (Ale With Natural Flavor Added)
Cream Ale
California
5.2%
12oz, Single
$1.99
Two fingers of bright white and frothy foam, moderate density and retention, dimples as it dissolves, the lacing comes as sheets with no real stickiness. The liquid is a solid orange amber color, somewhat darker than expected, not many bubbles and they tend to be quite tiny, clear and without and filminess. There is a grainy, just starting cook breadiness to the nose and certainly no lack of vanilla and whipped cream scents, hint of orange creamsicle, honey and at times cinnamon, overall innocuous and thankfully not cloyingly sweet. Medium-bodied, shows likewise restraint in the mouth with malty smoothness and yet enough stiffness so that it doesn’t lazily cling to your pores. In fact at times it almost develops a bitter pucker but then that vanilla fudge and corn syrup notes salve all wounds. The carbonation is weak and could stand to get ratcheted up. They tweaked the basic recipe enough to give it freshness but perhaps in the process gave away too much of the richness and sweetness which the hallmark and differentiating factor for this category of beer. Still could be sessioned easily enough.
2 out of 5

Green Man Brewing Co.
La Mas Negra Imperial Black Ale (With Cocoa Nibs, Cinnamon & Peppers) (International Series)
American Black Ale
North Carolina
8.9%
25.4oz, Single
$14.25
Modest head, under one finger but very thick, just watching the pour it looks like motor oil, the foam is some of the darkest brown you’ll ever see, the lacing likewise is wispy and lacks stick. As noted the liquid is jet black, close to buffed to a shine onyx, so opaque you cannot see a single bubble. Pungent lifting waft of cocoa, creamed coffee, milk chocolate, lactose, sneakily spicy and somewhat indistinct, fresh leafy underpinning, the chocolate just overwhelms all else. Full-bodied, creamy and expansive, covers the full palate. The carbonation has both more life and length than expected. Here the hot pepper spice takes on the leading role, not searingly hot, more so adds flavor. The chocolate to cocoa more woven into the whole here, sweet yet with a roasty touch too. More grainy than bready. The herbal qualities more subdued. The cinnamon and any other baking spices most present as echoes through the finish. No fruit flavors I can find. Pleasing smoky residue at the end too. Pulls off intensity without seemingly trying hard, plus deserves kudos for having balance at this level of density. It’s rare you can drink a full 750 ML of a beer like this as quickly as this went down.
5 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Puzzle Pieces Select Barrel Sour Ale (Canvas Series)
American Wild Ale
North Carolina
6.7%
16.9oz, Single
$13.75
Very openly knit bright white head, big pour that disappears immediately and leaves barely a dusting across the surface, no lacing. No visible sediment but it’s filmy nonetheless, the liquid a flat yellow to orange rust water color, solid storm of muscular bubbles scattered throughout, looks somewhat dilute. The nose has the de rigueur sourness and barrel treatment is quite evident, heavily yeasty in a sur lie manner, pineapple, papaya and star fruit scents, tart mixed white citrus, undercurrent of herbal leafiness, light pepperiness, at times smells like it might referment in your glass. Medium-bodied, initially sweeter than expected with more round juiciness to the grapefruit, blood orange citrus as well as pineapple, green apple, star fruit flavors. Very prickly carbonation has it churning up the tongue. The oak makes a big power move through the mid-palate with butterscotch, toffee flavors adding more sweetness and also sticking out awkwardly as well. The yeastiness consistently palpable and can now and then give it a more bready character. It often feels disjointed but also has sufficient ebullience to win you over in the end.
3 out of 5

Stillwater Artisanal Ales
O Trabalho (Amazon Inspired Wild Ale) (Collaboration With Morada Cia Etílica)
American Wild Ale
Maryland
5.5%
22oz, Single
$10.99
Finger worth of light tan foam, uneven surface without much retention, no density, splotchy lacing at best with moderate stickiness. Clear, the liquid has a mahogany red color, both shiny and dark, the bubbles are quite large but few and tend to aggressively dart to the surface, attractive enough. High toned nose of rubbing alcohol, pressed flowers, carob, hay, tree bark and old pulped lemons, the matted grasses tend to cover up any pit fruit to apple scents, finishes with coffee grounds and dead yeast, odd bedfellows all around. Light to medium-bodied, tart and seemingly acidic, throws its shoulder into you, then more softening carob, creamed coffee and bread, peppery with iron flecks, comes off as randomly organized but to be fair that’s why they call it a “wild ale.” Peach, apple, cherry fruit take a stab at filling it out, not much citrus. The carbonation is just about where it needs to be. Mineral water to wet stone inflected finish, lacking in flavor and persistence. Certainly there is a lot going on but makes you think do we sometimes label something as complex when it really lacks coordination?
2 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Red Devil Cherry-Raspberry Belgian Ale
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
North Carolina
8.0%
22oz, Single
$10.75
Large three finger head, pink tinged white, quite loose and evaporates rapidly, you can hear the bubbles sizzle, any lacing is a sheet which glides back into the glass after any swirling. Muscularly active and large bubbles visible everywhere in the glass, rose colored pink to orange, clear on the whole but not that shiny. There is a metallic, earthy quality to the nose which sometimes evokes tar or sun drenched apartment building rooftops, not funky but not something you encounter often, makes it hard for the cherry and raspberry to compete although they are fresh and juicy, honey mixed with sage and marjoram, just seems to be lacking in direction. Medium-bodied, softer mouth feel, the carbonation is steady, not fluffy nor prickly. The raspberry pie flavors segue to more strawberry and green apple than cherry, in any event they all have that Jolly Rancher sort of concentrated sugariness and less natural flow. Beet sugar, orange blossom, rose water and honey. But again that burnt rubber tire to tar aspect won’t shake loose. Bready towards the finish, pie crust. Needs harmony and to focus more on expression of the fruit.
2 out of 5

Triple C Brewing Co.
Chocolate Covered Pretzel Stout (Stout Brewed With Cacao Nibs And Aged In Bourbon Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
9.2%
22oz, Single
$15.99
Offers up between two to three fingers of very loose and agitated foam, hard pressed to find a larger quantity of such huge bubbles going off like fireworks across the surface, airy with poor retention, the lacing shimmers like chain mail then is gone. The liquid is an opaque black, considerable amount of bubble activity visible at the surface line, the color maybe shifts some to darkest brown. The nose is sweet, emphasizing milk chocolate, lactose, coconut flakes and caramel, stops just short of confectionery, maybe a smidgeon of licorice, the roast is mild, soft breadiness, no real discernible fruit, easygoing and without alcoholic burn. Medium to full-bodied, slimmer than expected yet not lacking in intensity of chocolate, mocha, caramel flavors. Probably power of suggestion as much as reality regarding any savory salt or pretzel accents, hardly noticeable anyway. More roast here which makes the finish clenched. The carbonation does not do much for the mouth feel, more so makes you burp. Moderate plum to cherry fruit flavors, some anise or flowers. Would benefit from rounder contours and more soaking into the palate. Nice enough without being especially memorable.
3 out of 5

Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project
Surette Provision Saison (Artisan Ale Aged In Oak Barrels) (2014 Batch 16)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Colorado
6.2%
12.7oz, Single
$10.49
Solid finger of bright white foam, mottled surface, close to no retention, gone like the devil himself was chasing it, no lacing either. Inside the glass it is virtually wall-to-wall carbonation, fat bubbles that break aggressively across the surface, the liquid has a metallic rust orange sheen to it, fine particulate floats throughout. When you first pop it open the nose hits you with something like a burst of hops, thought it was an imperial IPA, then the sour oak takes hold as well as yeast, balsamic vinegar with a woodsy funkiness, smells like it might give you hay fever and/or start refermenting in your glass, no distinct fruit presence. Full-bodied, has more heft than you usually find in this category, would attribute that to the oak, which itself makes its presence clear and unmistakable. Starts off sour and then turns more neutral, lots of herbal, forest floor, earthy funk with a metallic note as well as sage. The yeastiness is more spent and dried in feel than fluffy and fresh. Lemon to grapefruit citrus, again not much fruit, to its credit avoids volatility and finishes strong and smoother than expected. The carbonation is appropriate to the weight and not a distraction. Knits it together well, perhaps to the point it loses some sense of complexity.
4 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing and Jester King Brewery
The Parking Lot Grissette (Tart Farmhouse Ale Dry-Hopped With Mandarin Bavaria And Huell Melon)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
North Carolina
5.2%
16.9oz, Single
$9.25
The head quickly crests close to two fingers and just as rapidly dissolves, just off-white in color, wispy lacing with little stickiness. Bright and clear coppery orange liquid, very fine bubbles yet consistently active, pretty and sparkles in the glass. Light and penetrating nose which focuses mainly on tangerine, lemon citrus, sour and close to dank hops, vinegar, cloves, the melon comes though infrequently and then tentatively, more consistent tart apple to pear notes, starts off much better than ends. In the mouth it is lighter bodied yet sour and acidic enough that it avoids evanescence. More vinous to vinegar notes, verging on rubbing alcohol with a light grade volatility throughout. The sour orange remains dominant and brings a meadow grassiness as well, twigs and underbrush. Soda bread and dried scone bits subtly present, again not much by way of fruit, mostly underripe apple or pear. The carbonation is pretty strong and some sips push it up to the mouth roof. Fades too quickly through the finish leaves a textural echo more than flavor. Got bored with it fairly quickly.
3 out of 5

Dieu du Ciel, Brasserie
Aphrodite (Stout Brewed With Cocoa And Vanilla)
American Stout
Canada
6.5%
11.5oz, Single
$5.99
Healthy two finger head of incredibly dark brown hue, sizzles into a mottled surface, the lacing is thicker and stronger than might have been expected. Onyx black liquid, fully impenetrable and opaque, looks more clean than cloudy, tiny glimpse of a few bubbles as the break the surface. Densely packed nose of milk chocolate, cocoa and toffee yet manages a semidry texture in the nostrils, grainy with a light roast which gets smoothed out by lactose notes, scents linger nicely. Full-bodied and also nimble, for all of its weight it is not difficult to swallow and look forward to the next sip. More roast and graininess here, touch of mineral water as well. While concentrated, the chocolate, coffee, toffee, glazed nut, licorice flavors are not overly sweet and mostly cleaned up by the finish where the roast leaves instead a bit of charcoal or tar. Not getting much fruit flavor, mixed blacks at very best. Likewise, the vanilla seems lost in the mix. The mouth feel is steady and drinkability good, however, there’s something missing that can’t quite be fingered. Very good but short of excellent.
4 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Tasgall II Scotch Ale (Warrior Series)
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
North Carolina
8.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.29
Close to two fingers of light brown foam, even surface punctuated by pools of larger bubbles, very good retention, likewise the lacing forms extended streaks and sticks well. Duskily opaque brown murk of liquid, lightens into orange tones at the glass edges, plenty of loosely aggregated bubbles within, moving slowly. The nose is crisper and more brisk than anticipated, quinine and mineral water intermixed with caramel, dark chocolate and coconut shavings, light fig to date fruit with candied orange peel nuances, smoke to charcoal the final addition. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation is strong and certainly fluffs it up during the attack. Sweeter here with more nuttiness as well as molasses to honey. However, that smoky, metallic edge has it reverse course as it progresses through the mouth. Raw grains, caramel, at times something close to root beer or anise. Less fruity, barely any fig, grape or raisin notes. Dryness at the end shortens the finish. While it could stand a little more intensity it is pleasing for its balance and drinkability.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2016

Modern Times Beer
Fruitlands Sour Cherry Gose
Gose
California
4.8%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Meager dusting across the surface for a head, swiftly evaporates to nothing, while it was there bright white hue, the lacing in turn is close to nonexistent. Pinkish red colored liquid, sparkling clear with a near metallic sheen, looks like a glass of rosé, the bubbles some good activity but they are few and far between. The nose is almost entirely cherries, no lies told on the label, some lemon and pie crust flakes, supporting mineral to crushed stone dust notes, sort of monochrome but, hey, I like cherries. Medium-bodied, taut prickle from the carbonation frames the mouth entry and lessens the deep sweetness of the cherries, close to maraschino cherry in flavor, although there are moments of “sour.” Then there is the strong salty, saline quality sort of comes out of left field. Palpable honey dappled pie dough and crust, freshly baked. The lemony accents help keep it fresh and lively. As in the nose it lacks complexity yet there’s no doubting the persistence of the cherry flavor. On the whole, though, it does not last that long through the finish. A lighter styled “dessert beer”?
3 out of 5

Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
Bière de Garde
Bière de Garde
North Carolina
6.3%
16oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Weak head, maybe a third of a finger and it dissipates swiftly leaving the surface naked, no lacing whatsoever. The liquid is a coppery orange, crystal clear with full transparency, the few visible bubbles scattered throughout, pleasing shine to it. The nose has a smooth malt base to it which is not excessively sweet, a touch grapey with fruitcake notes, some clove to nutmeg, more lemony as you continue to sip, mildly floral, overall it comes off as more neutral than yeasty. Medium-bodied with good firmness which keeps the texture consistent start to finish, attractive level of dryness contributes to a fresh appeal, hints at grassiness more than delivers. That said, there is a light earthiness and metallic aspect which stunts the sweeter spiciness. Carbonation is average, nothing to remark upon. More lemon to sour orange citrus, the fruit a cleaner blend of white grape, apricot, apple and fig. More bready than yeasty, spicy rye pokes through. Perhaps becomes mustier as it warms, the good kind of outdoorsy funk. Leaves you happy with the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.
4 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Nut Brown English-Style Ale
English Brown Ale
California
5.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Modest finger plus head of deep tan color, slightly irregular surface throughout, okay retention, has long, skinny streaks of lacing. Clear, if not quite transparent, brown hue with a yellow cast, you barely see the bubbles until the spread out before breaking the surface. Melted milk chocolate pours into your nostrils, caramel and coconut too, hazelnut, cola, raisin to fig fruit, seems like it might get bready but really the chocolate dominates so much that it probably never had a chance. Medium-bodied and closer to light than heavy, surprising given the richness of the nose, strong carbonation helps it lift off the palate. Nicely done that as fresh as it seems overall, the determinant factor remains the malty caramel, chocolate, toffee flavors. As it progresses in the mouth there is a mineral water component and very light charcoal to tar element which boosts the freshness further, almost salty too. The fruit stays in the fig, golden raisin to grape range, nothing sweeter or more concentrated. Any nuttiness most present retronasally at the end. For this imbiber this is a difficult category to make a favorable impression and this manages to hit most of the right notes.
4 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Dancing Man Wheat
Hefeweizen
Wisconsin
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.69
Pours a huge head of 3-4 fingers depth, eggshell white with a smooth surface and admirable density, retention is very good, the lacing forms broad sheets which cover the glass side but lacks stick and slides off downwards. Shiny yellow to orange hued liquid, faint haze, the bubbles are dispersed and quite large in size. Unassumingly pungent nose of clove, ginger, banana, bubblegum and white pepper, leesy with a nice bracing blow of grass and wheat chaff, needs to warm to get additional cherry and apricot fruit scents. Medium-bodied with a clingy texture which increases its mouth presence, the carbonation starts off more prickly yet turns softer by the finish. Spicier here, more peppercorns and cumin like spice to match the clove. The banana and bubblegum step back so it’s fresher and not as sweet as expected. This impression aided by notes of tar and charcoal, not quite bitter but more on the “earthy” spectrum. Lightly herbaceous at the end, not getting a particularly strong wheat infusion. It’s not “textbook” but clearly respects, if not reveres, the beer category and puts a personal twist to it. Well-integrated and the constituent parts work in concert.
5 out of 5

Olde Hickory Brewery
Lindley Park Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout (Stout Brewed With Honey, Raspberries Added)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
10.0%
22oz, Single
$12.99
An aggressive pour yields close to a finger of extremely dark brown foam, the surface scattered with larger bubbles, retention is adequate for what’s there, the lacing is thin and wispy. The liquid is jet black, completely impenetrable, looks clean and has some shine to it, impossible to see any bubbles. The nose is akin to getting slugged in the jaw, leaps right at you with crushed raspberries, coconut, butterscotch, graham cracker, coffee ice cream, the honey seems folded into the rest, as it settles in you get more roast as well as grassiness, keeps the booziness in check, likely deserves to get closer to room temperature to really let the aromas release. Full-bodied, were it not for the steady prickle provided by the carbonation it would flatten the palate. The cereal grains and breadiness show stronger here, as does spiced orange peel and coffee to mocha roast. The butterscotch knits in well and the honey enunciates more clearly, particularly through the finish. Same raspberry fruit with cherry accents. Some mesquite qualities but the oak barrel is well integrated and not insipidly dominating. The finish is quite extended but not clumsily so. If you like big, flavored stouts this is an impressive choice.
5 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Solstice Belgian-Style Tripel (2015)
Tripel
North Carolina
9.5%
25.4oz, Single
$10.99
Super airy head with no density at all, crests at two to three fingers and then sizzles off faster than Carl Lewis to a light, spotty surface dusting, the lacing broadens well but has close to zero stickiness. Deep worn gold color, the bubbles form a veritable maelstrom inside the glass, looks like a raging blizzard, mild haziness prevents full transparency. The nose quietly explodes into a full perfume of white grape, pear, apple, apricot fruit, white pepper, Saltine crackers, dried yeast to pie crust, coriander spice, when it sweetens it’s mostly as bubblegum and fruitcake. Full-bodied with a satiny texture which well disguises its actual heft, the carbonation also helps relieve weight without allowing it to get fluffily soft. More banana, fig here to go along with the pear, apple, grape to strawberry fruit. Likewise, clove equal to the pepperiness. It’s fresh enough that the yeastiness is not a real major factor. There is a booziness to it which helps warm the belly and in no way distracts from being able to enjoy the flavors. Lemony finish with a hint of basil. For the category this is eminently smooth and drinkable.
5 out of 5

King Harbor Brewing Company
The Quest w/Rakau (Single Hop Pale Ale Series)
American Pale Ale
California
5.9%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Just past a finger of white foam, bright with a dimpled, pocked surface, the retention is decent, maintains full surface coverage, the lacing breaks up easily leaving random splotches here and there. Pale metallic orange hue, close to fully transparent, the bubbles are widely spread and tiny but display good activity. The nose offers a clean shot of lemon, grapefruit citrus to start things off on a fresh note, switches gears into cocoa powder, caramel and dank forest floor matter, bitter black tea leaves, close to vegetal, the apricot, peach, pear fruit scents reduced to an almost dried fruit concentration, more pungent than delicate. Full-bodied, close to downright heavy on the palate. The carbonation seems to make the texture even rougher than smoother. The dank herbaceousness persists here and it develops a metallic bitterness as well, pine tar and coal. The citrus here mostly sour orange to lemon. Not a lot of fruit flavor, pineapple, peach and some apricot, perhaps faded. Even the caramel and melted chocolate lacks oomph. The finish just does not taste clean. An interesting experiment but perhaps best left at that.
2 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Lager
American Amber/Red Lager
New York
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Modest finger deep head, light tan in color, even surface with less than average retention, the lacing fares somewhat better, thick streaks of good length. The liquid is a pale amber red to orange hue, has pleasing shine and limpid clarity, plenty of larger bubbles visible, no beads. There’s a metallic, earth bitterness to the nose which sort of cancels out a lot of the caramel, bread and sweeter grains, soft notes of white pit fruit, there’s a residual funkiness left in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is strong enough to fluff it up and increase palate coverage, subtly drying mouth feel. The grains are more bitter here and bolster that earth, metal edge, turns grassy at the end with a hint of corn. The caramel, bread and raw dough help but it’s not an especially flavorful beer, vague white citrus and those pit fruits. It’s not that the beer is “tentative” or such but little here is stating its case clearly and directly. This taster lost interest about halfway through the pint, albeit it is in no way a flawed beer.
2 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Coffee Stout (Stout Brewed With Coffee)
American Stout
Wisconsin
5.75%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Pours a very large head, close to three fingers, deep tan to lighter brown , good density as well as retention, likewise has pleasing breadth and length in the lacing, very sticky. The liquid has a filminess which serves as opacity, not the pitch black night many stouts can be, hint of yellow at the edges where you can see a swirl of pinprick bubbles sizzle upwards. Very steady but not insufferably thick nose of cocoa powder, caramel, American roast coffee and charcoal to campfire accents, there’s also a strong lactose to vanilla edge, light plum and dark fruits, nothing comes close to the general roast for effect. Remarkably lighter bodied, results in a fluid mouth feel and soft, fresh finish. The carbonation provides a consistent caress rather than prickle. The chocolate, whipped cream and coffee are all sweet in a powdery fashion, flavorful without overindulgence. As in the nose, minimal fruit presence. Slightly grainy at the end, not quite bready nor yeasty. Freshness and drinkability among its strongest attributes although this is not to say it is a weakling.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2016

Dieu du Ciel, Brasserie
Rigor Mortis Abt (Abbey-Style Brown Ale)
Quadrupel (Quad)
Canada
10.5%
11.5oz, Single
$5.99
Thinnish head, just under half a finger, dark tan to light brown in hue, even surface, retention is adequate but just that, minimal stickiness to the lacing. The liquid is a deep brown color, darkened further yet by the vast amount of floaties in the glass, more yellowish rims, only a few scattered bubbles are visible. The nose is very boozy, close to rubbing alcohol in intensity, peaty with coffee, mocha, caramel notes which somehow do little to sweeten things up, a salty edge tends to cancel out a lot of the fig, raisin, plum, cherry fruit scents, wet herbaceousness its final calling card. Full-bodied, somewhat flatfooted due to the lackluster carbonation. Coconut, licorice, orange peel, some vague yeastiness. Again, the booziness distracts and unbalances. Charcoal, earth and charred driftwood take ground in the mid-palate. The cherry, plum, golden raisin, fig is not that sugary and competes halfheartedly. It tends to peter out before what you’d expect to be the finish. All this is not to say it’s a poor quality beer, more so that one expects better harmonization which would equate to a smoother, lengthier experience. Needs to be served with something which would account for its deficiencies.
3 out of 5

Coney Island Brewing Company
Overpass IPA
American IPA
New York
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Two fingers of eggshell white with a substantial larger bubbles at the pour point, dimpled surface, given its general airiness the retention is pretty good, the lacing is wispy. Cloudy liquid, deep golden color which inches towards more burnt orange hues, more random fat bubbles than consistent beads. Molasses and honey help to anchor the nose in place, otherwise it’s grassiness, grapefruit pith and a little pine, lurches back in the other direction with cocoa notes and maltiness which mutes rather than supports the pineapple, peach, apricot fruit scents. Full-bodied and sluggish, glues itself to the palate, the carbonation is capable of naught but a slow pressing against the tongue, lends minimal freshness. The oily texture favors the cocoa powder, caramel albeit this gets attenuated here too. The citrus pith, pepper and pine bring enough bitterness to stiffen the finish. Not much going on by way of fruit flavors. Hay, iron flecks and soap water round out the finish. Not much going on in its favor, leaves you hoping a lack of freshness is the reason it is so unappealing.
2 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Higher Math (20th Anniversary Beer) (A Golden Ale Brewed With Chocolate & Sour Cherry Juice)
American Strong Ale
Delaware
17.0%
12oz, Single
$10.99
Pours a meager head, little more than a thin coating across the surface, granted what is there lasts well enough, unsurprisingly no lacing present. The liquid is a murky orange-reddish to brown hue, filled throughout with chunky particles, only near the glass itself can you make out the fat, lazy bubbles inside, does glow well in the light. The nose is pure rich sweetness, bursting with raisin, date, plum and cherry scents, gingerbread, caramelized brown sugar, molasses and French toast, lighter nuttiness, pine sap, packs a big boozy punch, smells like you ordered it at the local bakery. In the mouth it is full-bodied with a thick, gobby mouth feel, accentuated by sluggish carbonation. Maraschino cherry, date, fig, golden raisin immediately ratchet up the sweetness. Slight roasty character to the cocoa, coffee element which has it somewhat undercut the concentration of the molasses, caramel. Once that battle is decided, you get a hoppy, piney burst, the bitterness of which adds to the lack of smoothness and balance created by the booziness. Is it over the top? Duh, of course. It’s basically an intentional exaggeration, however, if you would prefer beer to Cognac with your cigar you are set here.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Turntable Pils (A Czech-Style Pilsner)
Czech Pilsener
Ohio
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Solid finger plus of basic white foam, good density helps retention, moderate dimpling over time, the lacing is thin but shows good length. The liquid is a bright yellow gold, has a sort of metallic sheen to it, good amount of tiny bubbles spread widely throughout. The nose is grassy, full of cracker and grains with a certain pepperiness, bracing tautness, sour lemon peel accents, not overpowering yet easily makes a clear statement, nothing muddled about it. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and perhaps broader than expected as much sinks into the palate as scrubs refreshingly. Unprocessed grains, hay and dried grass keep it dry, touch of quinine to support that lemon peel. Light corn notes. The carbonation level is good, arguably could be higher but suits the overall direct and succinct demeanor. The malts are indistinct but help smooth out the finish. Here you get a glimmer of apricot, peach, apple fruit flavoring with a vague floral afterimage. Possesses no overt flaws but does not rank well in drinkability, which is arguably an important factor for this type of beer.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Gumballhead Wheat Beer
American Pale Wheat Ale
Indiana
5.6%
12oz
6-Pack
$12.99
Just past a finger of pure white foam, even surface except at the pour point, very good retention, the laces forms broad streaks yet they lack longlasting stick. Darkish golden amber colored liquid, silty floaties throughout adds to the haze, the bubbles are fat and randomly spread throughout. Soft wheatiness to the nose, more direct via orange peel, peppercorns, pine and apple, pear, pineapple fruit that edges towards but does not cross over to tropicality, has some underlying yeasty notes, at the end there’s more woodsy pile of cut wood or forest trail sort of not dirtiness but just not clean, overall displays good staying power in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, dry yet the general fluffy and soft mouth feel allows it to not seem parching. Again, dominated by citrus, a blend of lemon, tangerine and hint of grapefruit. Piney and peppery, retains that dead yeast cell sort of thing. The pineapple, green apple fruit leads the way, not sweet enough for mango but there’s a touch of apricot perhaps. The wheat is subdued and on the whole the bitterness is slight. The carbonation is active without being distracting. Leaves a dry residue behind. Quite drinkable, switches gears sufficiently sip to sip that you do not bore quickly of it.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2016

Cantillon, Brasserie
Saint Lamvinus (Merlot Grapes And Lambic)
Lambic-Fruit
Belgium
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$19.99
Finger worth of loose, airy foam that has meager retention, barely leaves a surface coating behind, zero lacing as well. Opaquely cloudy liquid of a watermelon pink coloration, faded rose hued rims. Ripe, fruity nose of raspberry, strawberry with notes of lemon, clean and without the sour blast that such beers possess and knock you back on your heels, hovers steadily in the nostrils. Light-bodied, the initial sweetness frames things pleasantly before developing a broadening sourness across the palate. Same soft cherry, raspberry, strawberry fruit array, nibbles at you as well via accents of green apple. Has a minerally, metallic bite at the end, dry yeastiness. It is remarkable most for its smoothness and relatively high drinkability.
4 out of 5

Menduiña
Maria Soliña Smoked Brown Lager
Rauchbier
Spain
7.0%
11.2oz, Single
$3.49
Finger plus head depth, tan color and even surface, poor retention, there’s little lacing but that is there is thick. Impenetrably cloudy liquid, an orange-brown which fades towards yellow rust at the edges, barely any visible bubbles. The smokiness in the nose is compact while strong, has a tarry, earthy side to it, orange peel, apricot pits, good amount of raw grains, the metallic element grows over time, has a cleaner dissolve than lingering pungency. Medium-bodied, soft carbonation leads to a soaking into the palate as much as creating a lasting mouth perfume. The smokiness is not really that dominant, however, there’s not much else to challenge it. Iron, tar, charcoal, damp earth likeliest candidates. Solid amount of orange peel and peach, apricot fruit. There’s something tentative about it, like it holds back when it could be going more full throttle.
3 out of 5

Cantillon, Brasserie
Kriek 100% Lambic Bio
Lambic-Fruit
Belgium
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$16.49
The head crests near two fingers of pink white foam, for as swiftly as it goes up, it goes down, although it does leave a respectable surface dusting, the lacing is like a breaking wave, a solid sheet crushed into disintegration. The liquid is rose petal to watermelon pink in color, there is a vast swirl of superfine bubbles inside, holds light warmly. There’s a broad flatness to the nose, like an open handed smack, sour lemons and cherries, taut underlying minerality, the yeastiness is tight and focused, great overall economy of effort. Medium-bodied, pleasingly deep initial foaminess helps prime the mouth for both the sourness and the sweetness of the cherry fruit. Which itself is the usual center of attention without ever seeming so. Vinous bite, yeast, mineral water, lemon, cedar, tea leaf, nothing that distinct leaps out at you in support of the cherries yet at the same time it does not feel like a one trick pony. Pushes hard to accelerate across the finish line.
4 out of 5

Cantillon, Brasserie
Cuvée Saint-Gilloise
Gueuze
Belgium
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$18.79
Solidly constructed two finger head with a great deal of activity at the pour point, light tan color, retains a thick surface coating for some time, the lacing starts off thickly and gently glides off. Looks like a bright ball of fiery orange in the glass, more of a reddish tint than yellow, too opaque to see many bubbles. The nose steadily builds to a crescendo of orange to lemon citrus, sour oak vinosity, white grape, apricot and apple fruit, earthy with notes of dried garden herbs, cedar, possesses a sense of ripeness more than sweetness. Medium-bodied, the steadiness and richness of the carbonation spreads the liquid cheek to cheek. Quite lemony and also with more pronounced hoppy bite, grassiness. The peach, apricot, pear fruit flavors fill themselves out nicely. Over time the citrus palette works in additional white grapefruit and blood orange nuances. Stony more than minerally. Very well balanced and integrated, not overly sour. Shows much room for improvement via aging.
5 out of 5

Cantillon, Brasserie
Gueuze 100% Lambic Bio
Gueuze
Belgium
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$18.79
The head crests near two fingers of dense off-white to light tan color, nice retention, keeps a thick surface layer. Deeply bronzed liquid, sunset orange, fully opaque, there’s quite a bit of active bubbles yet they are not always easily visible. The nose punches real hard and drives into the nostrils, smells mainly of yeast, pulped oranges and tangerines, cardamom, sage to white pepper with touches of pineapple, kumquat and star fruit, warming up does little to smooth it out. Medium-bodied, the carbonation lends strong prickle which even further accentuates the formidable sourness. Cavalcade of tart grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus, so stinging that the flavors become hard to separate. Yeast, wheat germ, barley easy to peg, the fruit flavors here too muddled by the sourness, mostly pineapple, nectarine, green apple with a few red cherry notes. Monolithic in scale and assured in the message it wants to send.
4 out of 5

Naparbier
Hop Doom Imperial India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Spain
11.5%
11.2oz, Single
$5.79
Moderate one finger head with poor retention, deep tan color, the lacing starts off thickly but then disintegrates and slides easily off the glass. Extremely dark liquid, amber orange, almost the color of ripe peaches, close to zero visible carbonation. The nose is thick and pungent, sappy pineapple, peach, guava scents, pink grapefruit, cocoa and caramel, there is a pronounced leafy green funk underneath the sweeter elements. Full-bodied, sticky and gluey texture inhibits flow and the lack of carbonation does not alleviate. Ultra-sweet with juicy tangelo, pink grapefruit citrus, pine, floral dew. The mango, papaya, peach, apricot fruit approaches dried fruit concentration and sugariness. The chocolate, cocoa, caramel maltiness is formidable in its own right. Overall, it’s a bit too over the top yet it may rank higher if you have a sugar habit.
3 out of 5

Omnipollo
Nebuchadnezzar Imperial India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Sweden
8.5%
11.2oz, Single
$7.29
Finger plus of orange tinted cream white foam, even surface with credible retention, decent strength in the lacing, random and irregular splotches rather than continuous streaks. Close to amber but more so dense orange-yellow hued liquid, translucent but easy enough to see the fine bubbles within. Thick pine sap in the nose, mint, tangerine, caramel, butterscotch, lots of raw doughiness, solid tropicality via pineapple, guava, mango scents, the textural stickiness in the nostrils does give it a cloying sweetness. Medium-bodied and actually lighter of touch than expected based on the nose. The carbonation is big and round and helps it fill the mouth. More dank and leafy here, piles on the pine, earth and tar too. The pink grapefruit, tangerine is more thick and sticky than sweet. The apricot, peach, pineapple, mango fruit combines with cocoa, caramel to support the mid-palate before dryness takes over. That said, a floral lift bring prettiness to the finish. [Brewed at Brouwerij De Proef, Belgium]
4 out of 5

Omnipollo
Zodiak India Pale Ale
American IPA
Sweden
6.2%
11.2oz, Single
$6.39
Just over a finger of cream white foam, fairly even surface and good head retention, the lacing is formed of irregular splotches, alternately wide or thin. Cloudy, deep golden hued liquid, difficult to see any bubbles but it holds light well within. Crisp nose, quite citrusy with white grapefruit to lemon, the fruit expression is dry, mainly pineapple, nectarine, kumquat, plenty of dried pine sap and tar, even the green leafy matter is dry, lack floral delicacy but does have a malt backbone, albeit not very sweet. Medium-bodied, broad and fluffy, the carbonation has strength but does not scrub the palate. The dryness extends through the white citrus, pepper, pine and lemongrass flavors. Likewise, the apricot, pineapple, nectarine fruit parched if not lacking in flavor. Tea leaf, violets, comes with a vague earthiness even as it loses a substantial amount of the grassiness here. Were one not to mind a very dry mouth texture, it is smooth and easy drinking. [Brewed at Brouwerij De Proef, Belgium]
4 out of 5

Charm City Meadworks
Basil Lemongrass (Barrel Aged Draft Mead)
Mead
Maryland
6.9%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Not sure what kind of head it’s supposed to have but this covers the surface during the pour and swiftly thereafter is entirely gone, no lacing at all. Pale enough to barely have color, more like very attractive water, you can see a loose array of bubbles, more than you’d expect from the head. The lemongrass is clearly the featured element of the nose but there’s also ginger, tangerine citrus, and a light brush of dried honey, the leafy greenness is fresh and lingers the most too. Medium-bodied, there’s an initial carbonated prickle when it first touches the tongue but that’s it. Tastes like liquid Thai food, all lemongrass, basil, lemon and ginger, dry and at times might even pass for an alcoholic ginger ale. Offers more by way of inner mouth perfume and lift and than persistent palate flavors. Bonus points for not being heavy on the palate. It is refreshing but also gets somewhat boring over time so best suited as meal accompaniment or for outdoors pounding when it’s really hot.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Wisconsin Belgian Red Style (Wisconsin Ale Brewed With Cherries)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Wisconsin
4.0%
25.4oz, Single
$10.39
An aggressive pour yields a decent finger worth of reddish tan foam, for the beer type the retention is actually admirable, the lacing wispy to nonexistent. Cherry red wood colored liquid, as close to brown as orange, starts off with a sizable amount of bubbles which stop streaming after a few minutes, has a clean glow to it. Pure cherry pie nose, equally sweet and sour albeit the level of concentration makes the former linger longer, pie crust flakes, vanilla, touch of orange reduction, has a more vinous texture if allowed to warm some. Medium to full-bodied, here too the carbonation starts off well put seems to lack the strength to persist. The oak more prominent, brings added sourness rather than creamy sweetness. The cherries are fresh and lively even if you would be hard pressed for greater flavor concentration and ripeness. The dough and brown sugar accents ensure it keeps feeling like pie. The touch of orange citrus aligns with the sour dimension to bring greater balance. This is a beer which needs simply to be taken at face value for what it is. If you can do that, and like cherries, it is pretty rocking.
5 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Bedeviled Golden Belgian-Style Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
North Carolina
9.0%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$11.25
Two to three fingers of nicely dense white foam, even surface, very good retention, the lacing is more or less unremarkable, a few streaks here and there but nothing visually distinctive. The liquid is gauzy from very fine particulate matter floating about, multiple tight beads give it visual activity and feed the surface foam, basic golden color. The nose has a pleasing compactness to it, pepper and unprocessed grains before softening slightly into banana, clove and leesy notes, cane sugar, orange peel, apricot to peach fills it our further, what it may sacrifice in richness and sweetness it makes up for via good posture and directness. Medium-bodied, same general approach in the mouth as it is dry from the first sip and offers a slight vinous grip. The carbonation is inconsistent but more prickly than soft when present. The tartness adds green apple, pineapple accents to the base of peach, cherry, banana fruit. The clove, ginger here trumps the white peppercorns. More cotton candy and violets than pure sugar. There’s a clean earthiness to the finish, only a minor metallic ring. Were it not for the higher alcohol content it drinks smoothly enough to session a few.
3 out of 5

Cantillon, Brasserie
Vigneronne (Lambic Beer Brewed With Italian Muscat Grapes, Aged In Oak Barrels)
Lambic-Fruit
Belgium
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$23.99
Thin coating across the surface of pure white foam, just about settles in as it evaporates, the lacing forms very broad and deep patches which disappear from the glass sides as much as slide down below. A horde of active bubbles appear throughout the darker coppery gold color, more orange hue than yellow, adequate clarity, neither really hazy nor transparently clean. Freshly mown lawn grass, green straw, wheat chaff, chamomile and wet cellar dirt and stone mark the nose at first, strong sour vinous quality as well, quieter apricot pits and green melon rinds, the yeastiness flits in and out due to its sour profile, overall smells like a lot of stuff you’d be allergic to in springtime. Medium-bodied, the sourness sets it like stone in the mouth the carbonation at best provides tiny pinpricks on the tongue. The Muscat comes through clearly, puckering vinous nature, and the oak brings a tart toastiness which evokes more dill than any caramel or sweeter oak flavoring. Violets, hay, straw, pulped and dried oranges, chamomile, sea weed, flavors veer all over. It is not all that dry, yet it grips as if desiccating the palate. Also cleaner than expected without much mustiness. Lengthens as it warms, however, flavors stay consistent. (Bottled November 23, 2012)
4 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Double IPA (Tenth Anniversary)
American Double/Imperial IPA
North Carolina
8.1%
22oz, Single
$10.49
Loosely put together head, gets close to two fingers, the high amount of larger bubbles finds it popping at a swift clip, very mottled cream white surface, the lacing is light, abbreviated streaks randomly arrayed. The liquid is a very deep metallic orange, coppery, there’s a light haziness to it and a scattering of lazy bubbles, no beads. There’s a good dose of caramel, cocoa maltiness to the nose, thick pine sap and glazed orange peel, there is some stank to the earth and herbal matter, enough so to dampen the sweetness of the pineapple, mango, nectarine, papaya fruit scents, overall it’s a big musky cloud where the individual components converge more than not. Full-bodied, surprisingly high amount of frothy carbonation which helps restrain its natural inclination towards stickiness. Caramel, maple syrup, scone to biscuit breadiness, the relatively tame grapefruit, tangerine citrus makes the sweetness more solid than liquid which in turn differentiates it from the bitter grassiness, tea leaves, tar and black earth flavors. The peach, nectarine, pineapple fruit lacks clarity and gets lost some. A lot going on, could have benefitted from dialing back on trying to touch all the bases.
3 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Napoleon Complex Hoppy Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
5.2%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$12.25
Pours a massive three to four finger head, pure white, good density given its size, moderate surface dimpling, once there’s room to accommodate it, the lacing forms broad splotches rather than thin streaks. The liquid is a clear darker golden hue, consistent throughout with good shine, the few bubbles visible rise with some speed. The nose is super clean and fresh, a freshly cut bouquet of flowers, orange zest, then comes some earthy notes as well as rye to pumpernickel bread, dried pine sap and a light pepperiness show as well, takes some warming for the apricot, mango, pineapple and peach fruit scents to truly enunciate, very pretty lift. Medium-bodied, it’s dry enough to grip the palate well and extend presence. The carbonation starts off fluffier but not sufficient to lift and prevent the gluey sensations. Despite the dryness of the texture the flavors are ripe and juicy, all pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus alongside pineapple, papaya, nectarine, apricot fruit. More bready than overtly malty, helps maintain the cleanliness. Does not present the level of florality found in the nose. None of the caramel, butterscotch stuff, seems crafted for session consumption.
4 out of 5

Nebraska Brewing Company
Brunette Nut Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
Nebraska
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Close to three fingers of deep tan foam, good density and very slow to dissolve, the lacing forms one big ring around the glass. Reddish brown mahogany hued liquid, good many particles floating throughout adding to general translucency, barely any visible bubbles. The nose is almost fully malts, loaded with cocoa, cola bean, vanilla, caramel and challah bread, has a glazed nuts quality as well, maybe apricot or fig fruit, nothing really hoppy nor anything inclined to bringing an erect posture to it, at the same time it’s clean and not cloying. Medium-bodied, has a creamy texture and softly persistent carbonation. Again, no doubt it’s the nuts, bread, caramel, chocolate and cocoa which rule the roost. But there is a lingering shadow of grassy hops as well as a welcome metallic touch. The finish is drier and has a leesy yeastiness to it. Overall, has a polished smoothness and good drinkability. This is just a style of beer which is not only out of vogue but probably never really had many fans in the US to begin with. It’s not like people who drink Newcastle are often looking to explore the style. Nothing against Newcastle, of course.
3 out of 5

Old Dominion Brewing Co.
Cherry Blossom Lager (Lager With Cherries & Natural Flavor)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Delaware
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.19
Very loose head, even though it starts off around two fingers in a matter of seconds it has dissipated down to the surface, plain white coloration, close to zero lacing and that’s being generous. Dark orange hued liquid, consistent throughout, closer to red than yellow, clear, there’s only a few bubbles which are distributed haphazardly. The nose is 100% cherry pie, like nothing else has room, honey, flaky dough, rose petals and cherries, cherries, cherries. Medium-bodied, the carbonation seems okay for what it going on which is, duh, basically chugging a jar of maraschino cherries. Has the doughy flakiness and honey plus that rich florality. And you might pose an argument for orange peel or chocolate. No hops, nothing here comes close to “biting.” It’s smooth and consistent and deserves note for very good drinkability. But this is basically a cherry beer and you really, really, really have to love cherries. For this imbiber, this is best utilized as a dessert beer where you believe cherry flavor is welcome.
3 out of 5

Modern Times Beer
Mega Fortunate Islands Hoppy-Tropical Double IPA (Special Release)
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Easily whipped up head, crests close to three fingers, lots of larger bubbles, plain white hue, the lacing is fairly broad with half sticking and the other half sliding down the glass sides. The liquid has a metallic orange rust color to it, it’s not quite squeaky clean, there’s superfine particles inside, the few bubbles visible move at a slow, measured pace towards the surface. The nose is very juicy, spotlighting pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pineapple, mango, papaya to kiwi fruit and pine sap, there’s also a touch of hard caramel candy, the wet leafy dankness no match for the exuberance of all the sweeter elements. Full-bodied, the sweetness brings with it a certain juicy wetness, however, overall it presents more of a chalky dryness on the tongue. More tart bite in the pineapple, nectarine, papaya fruit here, albeit more by way of caramel, cocoa and butterscotch. The pink grapefruit citrus more bitter and lacks staying power. Rose petals, pine sap, crackers and a vague pepperiness add dimension. The carbonation is slightly weak if expected to carry the general thickness. The herbaceousness active most as an aftertaste. You might need a sweet tooth to really dig this one.
4 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
98.1 The River India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.9%
22oz, Single
$10.49
Crests past two fingers of pure white foam, multitude of bubble sizes creates an irregular surface, very good retention, the lacing is comprised of long, thin streaks which likewise cling tenaciously. Fairly dark gold to orange color, mild cloudiness to it but no visual sign of particles, no hue loss at the rims or glass bottom, few visible bubbles. Smells spicy and earthy, dank in a dry manner not so much wet and herbal, orange citrus with a hint of grapefruit, dark bread, not a strong fruit presence, white pit fruit and some apple. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, even dryer than the nose suggests, starts parching the mouth from the first sip. Peppery, minerally, toasty bread crusts, after some time you can discern cocoa and Ovaltine powder. The citrus stays quiet, however, more willingness to speak in the pineapple, peach, papaya fruit. Still, minimal juiciness and lots of sourness. The carbonation starts off with prickle but flattens in creaminess before you swallow. This one is mostly clean with an intentional dry dankness and a very erect posture in the mouth, freshness over sweetness.
3 out of 5

Sly Fox Brewing Company
Helles Golden Lager
Münich Helles Lager
Pennsylvania
4.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.29
Bright white head which crests around one finger, very airy with no density so it sizzles off quickly, the lacing likewise is weak and wispy. Pure golden colored liquid, squeaky clean and transparent, the bubbles are numerous yet spread widely so that no beads get formed. Sweet nose of corn syrup, flowers, freshly pulped lemons, does have an earthy to metallic side as well, the fruitiness is consistent if not showy, apple, pear to apricot, has a sweet graininess as well. Medium-bodied, more of the same in the mouth as it stays user friendly throughout. The carbonation is active and lends prickle and helps to accentuate some of that metallic earthiness as well as a dry spiciness. Turns on the sweetness through the mid-palate with the citrus, honey and bread expanding. As it finishes you get more herbaceous and flowery notes which assists in creating mouth perfume and a clean denouement. It is balanced and does not indulge in exaggerating any of the constitutive elements. Refreshing rather than evanescent, could put down 2-3 in a sitting no problem.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2016

Against The Grain Brewery
Rico Sauvin Double India Pale Ale (Brewed With Nelson Sauvin Hops)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Kentucky
8.2%
22oz, Single
$15.99
Yields around a finger of clear white foam, even surface excepting the pour point, good retention given the lower level it started at, the lacing is irregular, thick or thin in varying spots yet clings very well. The large amount of sediment floating in the liquid impairs the ability to see through it as well as darkens the yellow color into a deeper orange cast, the bubbles are widely dispersed if large and active. There’s an inert firmness to the nose, pursed lips, slowly you tease out some herbaceous funk, candied orange peel, rose petals and meager apricot to peach fruit, undercurrent of cocoa powder, in the end it is all subsumed under the funk and tarry earth elements. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with the same taciturn solidity, even as the carbonation lends a steady prickle. Molasses, caramel make a brief showing then segues to orange to white grapefruit citrus and some old pine cones. Lightly bready, especially after a few more sips with the dryness kicking in, more yeasty on the back end. Peach, apricot, apple, white grape fruit with minimal sweetness. Cleaner here but no less herbaceous. There’s something admirable about its clarity of purpose but there’s not a lot of visceral pleasure to be had.
3 out of 5

Traquair House Brewery
Traquair Jacobite (Ale Flavored With Coriander)
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Scotland
8.0%
11.2oz, Single
$5.99
Average pour barely yields a head, momentary surface coating that is comprised of larger bubbles and dissolves rapidly, as would be expected, zero lacing too. Completely opaque liquid with a brown to yellowish hue, looks like a glass of mud, every now and then you can see a big, fat bubble break the surface. The nose slowly unfolds to produce fig, prune, date fruit notes, nuts, caramel and toffee with lower dark chocolate, more medicinal than driven by baking spices, doesn’t really develop a roasty side until allowed to warm a good bit. The fuller body along with minimal carbonation makes it feel chubby in the mouth, sort of sluggish like awakening from a nap. Certainly on the sweeter side, here the lead element is the chocolate, caramel and molasses with a lesser role for the date, fig, raisin fruit. Nutty here too, the coriander is not that clearly evident. More licorice and vanilla to cola present, uncooked oatmeal. Whisper of peaty booziness at the end but overall it’s smooth and balanced. Ends with more chocolate and a fruit cake sweetness and texture. More flavorful when warmer but has higher drinkability while chilled.
4 out of 5

3 Stars Brewing Company
Citra Lemon Saison (Ale Brewed With Lemon Peel)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
District of Columbia
5.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Easily exceeds two fingers of just off-white and airy foam, starting cratering immediately into peaks and valleys, not much in terms of lacing but what is there sticks decently. The liquid is a deep golden to amber color, of good clarity and most noted by the considerable quantity of tiny bubbles rising throughout the glass, consistent in strength over time. Very floral nose with supporting pepperiness, lemon peel to lemongrass notes, offers guava, mango, apricot fruit scents, coriander, the yeast comes off as dried and inactive rather than damp and doughy, no real enduring funkiness. Light-bodied, that same violets to lilacs led florality opposed here by a metallic earthiness and lighter leafy side. The lemon is duller here, same for the pepperiness, however, the yeastiness elevates and there’s a cola bean to ginger spice thing going on. The carbonation has some prickle to it. More basic apricot, apple, peach fruit here, loses some of its tropical feel as found in the nose. Tactful, if not muted, presentation overall, nothing to complain about, nothing to get all worked up for.
3 out of 5

Duyck, Brasserie
Jenlain Blonde
Bière de Garde
France
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$7.29
The pour barely creates a thin surface dusting, you can not only see but hear it sizzle off rapidly, no lacing of note. Filmy orange to yellow hued liquid with an enormous quantity of very large bubbles, they almost seem to crowd each other out, translucent with no way to see through it. The nose is bready with a slightly metallic to sweaty edge, challah, honey, orange peel, the fruit is straightforward apple, pear, apricot to white grape, at times there’s notes of room temperature butter. Full-bodied, it’s gluey in texture and all those visible bubbles do not add up to much active carbonation. Faded flowers, dough to sweeter baked breads, the honey is close to oppressive. More spiced orange peel, lemons and cola bean notes, maybe coriander or ginger. Same array of apple, pear, peach and maybe melon fruit. On the back end comes a mild pepperiness as well as that metallic touch. Otherwise, not much for balance and the treacly sweetness and density gets to be a bit much. Extremely bready finish. It’s not that such a beer does not have its place but this one wore me out.
2 out of 5

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
Gangster Frog I.P.A.
American IPA
Ohio
7.5%
22oz, Single
$9.75
Two to three fingers of frothy head, full range of bubble sizes makes for a mottled surface, light tan color, looks like an Orange Julius, despite airiness the retention is pretty good, the lacing is less streaks than random big splotches. Full-on cloudy murkiness to the liquid, orange amber hue, you can see the particulate floating throughout, difficult to see any bubbles. Sweet nose which aims at providing pine sap, orange reduction, honey, molasses and ripe peach, pineapple, mango fruit scents, all laid over a solid herbaceous dankness, the pepperiness and breadiness are not weak but do get pushed to the side. Full-bodied, the carbonation makes an effort but not really able to match the density of the raw material. Sweet here too, pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus, mocha powder, caramel, molasses, however, there is sufficient dryness to keep some semblance of balance. Apricot, nectarine, cantaloupe, pineapple, mango fruit without real tart bite. The herbaceousness provides most of that, nowhere near as dank as the nose. If you prefer pinpoint precision in an IPA this is not likely for you. A bomber is a good size for single consumption, would weigh you down after that.
4 out of 5

Kiuchi Brewery
Hitachino Nest Weizen
Hefeweizen
Japan
5.0%
11.2oz, Single
$4.99
The loose airiness of the head results in a swift evaporation from the just under one finger level, pure white and spotless, the lacing starts off broadly but lacks meaningful stickiness. Transparent liquid with a fine gauziness, faded yellow gold hue, the bubbles are widely dispersed and show good vigor in flowing upwards. The nose has a confectionery element to it, flower petals, bubblegum, yeast and raw pie dough, honey, banana and clove, the wheat does not enunciate all that clearly, ends with a burst of pepperiness. Medium to full-bodied, more the former but it tends to drag itself slothfully across the palate which adds volume. The carbonation does a good job of starting off prickly and then ending on a creamier note. Here too you get a mix of sweets and bitters, same bubblegum, honey, yeast, whipped cream to banana split flavors and then same cracked wheat, pepper, clove and herbaceous grasses. The fruit seems to alternate, at some moments peach or apricot, others cherry to berry. Has more of a funky aftertaste than clean freshness. Interesting for its slightly off-kilter character but nothing you’d pound all night.
3 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Pernicious India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
7.3%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$9.25
Crests over two fingers of bone white foam of above average density, more like a couple of valleys than a truly dimpled surface, the lacing is wispy, however, there’s a lot of it around the glass sides. The liquid is more gauzy than cloudy, an extremely fine silt mixed throughout, very few visible bubbles. The nose has uncommon directness and force, not crude but it will have its say, laying on sour bread crusts, kosher salt, pine tar, fresh and dank herbal matter, some soapiness with sufficient tart white grapefruit to overshadow the pineapple, papaya, star fruit scents, sinewy extension in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, bitter attack with full bore leafiness and pepper, burnt bread notes. Noticeably oily mouth texture, slows down forward movement. Extracts all the bitterness possible from the white grapefruit and marshals the pine, coal tar, charcoal and peppercorn in support. The general dryness accentuated by the pinpoint prickle of the carbonation. The earthy funk seems reluctant to make sufficient room for the nectarine, pineapple, peach, papaya fruit, which perhaps as a result is devoid of tropical lushness. There’s a considerate sternness to it, like a dominatrix trying to make a first timer into a steady customer.
4 out of 5

Southern Pines Brewing Company
Moore IPA
American IPA
North Carolina
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thin bone white coating for a head, poor retention, the lacing is thin and long and does not fare much better in terms of stickiness. Strong filminess to the liquid, dull yellowish hue, there’s a great many bubbles inside, they move so slowly though you might think they were floaties instead. Nicely airy nose, from the first sniff you know they didn’t make this for dramatic effect, orange to tangerine citrus, some pepper and dark bread crusts, lowkey pine, the fruit scents as much apple or pear as apricot to peach, it’s just naturally pretty in an Ivory Soap girl kind of way. Light-bodied, the carbonation may be too strong for the overall heft, mineral water, orange peel, pine and a meadowy florality ensure it stays openly knit and accessible. There is a more grassy bite on the finish and this at times prematurely halts the flow of the peach, apricot, melon fruit. At no time do you sense the malts seeking the spotlight, however, there is a steady undercurrent of cocoa and malted milk balls, nothing quite as overt as butterscotch, etc. It’s tactful but not boring, probably sessionable even at a relatively higher ABV.
4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Lord Rear Admiral Extra Special Bitter Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Indiana
6.4%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Tops off around two fingers of tan foam, mostly even surface, sizzles off at a slow and steady pace, the stickiness of the lacing is below average. Murky brownish-red to orange colored liquid, can’t see any particulate so not sure where the film is coming from, makes it hard to see what seems to be a bunch of active tiny bubbles. Molasses, caramelized brown sugar and cigar leaf and ash in the nose, a whole lot of doughy breadiness as well, the malts have a burnt quality, bittersweet dark chocolate, orange marmalade, mild dried fruit nature to the peach, apricot scents, overall it’s “big” in the sense of affectionate steamroller. Full-bodied, same basic approach in the mouth with the benefit of aggressive carbonation to relieve some of the sweetness. That said, the honey, molasses, caramel, pine sap and brioche styled breadiness rule this tribe. The very thickness of the liquid makes pounding it unlikely and in the same vein muffles the hops. Apricot, pear, mango fruit with, once more, a more dried fruit than fresh juice nature. It’s pretty much a meal unto itself and perhaps best utilized as a post-dinner/dessert relaxer.
4 out of 5

Foothills Brewing
Jade IPA
American IPA
North Carolina
7.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.75
Agitated two finger head with a substantial amount of larger bubbles dimpling the surface, close to pure white, while the lacing is wispy but sticks tenaciously. Slight filminess to the yellow-orange hue, falls short of copper, very few bubbles visible. The nose leaps out of the glass at you with tangerine, orange, lime citrus, rose water, pumpernickel bread, kosher salt, keenly edged pineapple, papaya, nectarine passion fruit scents, the earthy and leafy notes are extremely clean. Medium-bodied, the carbonation provides a consistent prickle and brings needed dryness to balance out that bodacious tangerine, lime, pink grapefruit citrus and sweeter pine and floral notes. Caramel and peppercorn both take hold in the mid-palate, again, the lemongrass-led leafiness is fresh and biting. The dark breadiness and saline nuances help anchor the finish and extend palate presence. Papaya, pineapple, mango, nectarine fruit steady and create a nice retronasal lift. The malts support without trying to take a leading role. If you like a good amount of textural tingle to your IPA this will hit the right notes for you.
5 out of 5

Driftwood Brewery
Fat Tug IPA
American IPA
Canada
7.0%
22oz, Single
$8.75
A standard pour action yields half a pint glass of foam, gigantic head, soufflé styled airiness, eggshell white hue, hilly surface, retention is excellent, once there’s any head space for lacing to appear it forms randomly spread out dots rather than streaks, like tiny clouds on a sun streaked day. Fully hazy liquid, opaque with an orange base that fades to yellow near the glass bottom or surface, close to no visible bubbles. The nose has a relaxed fullness to it, heavy on the malts with cocoa, milk balls, scone to breakfast danish flake breadiness, even the pine seems friendly, a little more tingle from the mixed white citrus, the fruit slightly reduced to an apricot or peach paste, sugary pineapple, the herbaceous element seems more clean than dank. Full-bodied, creamy and pushes out against either cheek, here the carbonation is a soft, steady pressure. Some molasses and caramel mixed in with the chocolate malt base, the breadiness a greater factor here. Develops more sour orange to tangerine than grapefruit citrus, the pine paired with greater earthiness. Again, though, the beer is clean and never approaches astringent dryness. Apricot, peach, cantaloupe, pear fruit of understated length. Deserves merit for drinkability as well as not showing off.
4 out of 5

Modern Times Beer
City Of The Sun
American IPA
California
7.6%
16oz, Single
$2.79
Frothy and openly knit head, maybe a finger’s height, off-white with average retention, the surface dimples quite a bit, the lacing is broad but slides slowly down the glass, not much stick. Transparent and shiny orange amber color, almost metallic in look, there’s a superfine silt throughout, the bubbles are larger and interspersed widely. The nose is very floral and citrusy at first before settling into more resonant pretzel dough, salt and pepper, and wet earthy funk, finishes with cocoa, malt and hard toffee candy notes. Medium to full-bodied, tends to sag in the mouth, this in spite of highly prickly and scrubbing carbonation. The pink grapefruit, orange to lemon citrus more vibrant and sappy like juice drying between your fingers. The pepperiness met by dried pine sap, damp leafy matter, not afraid to bring the funk. The fruit comes off as pureed together, a blend of papaya, nectarine, pineapple, peach and apple, not quite so biting as to earn the “tropical” designation. As in the nose the malts tend to be most present at the end as a tentative salve to the wound. Its high level of dryness tends to adhere it to the tongue, reducing a sense of palate flow. Nice enough, not sure worth revisiting.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2016

Wicked Weed Brewing
Oblivion (Sour Red Ale Aged In Wine Barrels With Blackberries And Dates)
American Wild Ale
North Carolina
8.7%
16.9oz, Single
$14.99
Little under two fingers of airy foam, deep tan color, sizzles down to the surface at a rapid clip, the lacing is more like random splotches than streaks, fare better in lasting than the head per se. Clear brown liquid with an orange cast, the bubbles are tiny and widely spread but show good activity. The nose betrays a seriously sour vinous quality, close to vinegar, needs the vanilla, caramel, coconut, toasted wood notes for counterbalance, you get the blackberries more than the dates, tart white citrus, sour lactic accents too, the main elements are so intense that it verges on caricatural and there’s no room for subtle nuance. Medium-bodied, here too it goes for the “this one goes to 11” approach and the sourness is unrelenting. Funky underbrush and more tart lemon citrus, the so-so carbonation cannot prevent it from squeezing the tongue. The blackberry met by cherry but, again, little by way of dried fruits. The bite from the barrel puts it over the top, roasty as even the butterscotch, caramel notes struggle to seem sweet. Leaves a leafy aftertaste behind. Kind of suspect the barrel treatment through the balance off.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Durty Mud Season Hoppy Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
New Hampshire
8.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Two fingers of light brown foam lift upwards into an even surface, good density helps retention, likewise it displays noticeably thick and long lacing. The liquid is opaque and a deep brown, can’t say it’s cloudy per se but it also isn’t clear, a few scattered tiny bubbles can be seen within. At first the nose is like someone smushed a chocolate cake in your face, lots of roast and charred coffee too, over time you normalize into pine sap, orange zest and wet leafy matter, any fruit comes off as muddled, a mix of cherry, apricot or apple fruit, overall has broad pungency. Medium to full-bodied with a creamy mouth feel, all that chocolaty and caramelly goodness meets with even bigger pine and citrus here, a real nice mano-a-mano event. The coffee aspect evokes an acidic nature and naturally segues into earthiness. Hoppy sting at the finish. Here the slight cola, licorice character tilts the fruit towards darker cherry, berry. Sweet and bitter tango really well and makes for a very smooth drinking experience. Has some alcoholic kick but not so as to detract from flavor intensity or focus.
5 out of 5

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Hopsomniac IPA (India Pale Ale Brewed With Coffee)
American IPA
New York
7.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Solid two fingers of cream white foam, large amount of bigger bubbles interspersed across the surface, retention is slightly below average, albeit the lacing forms nicely thick streaks which stick well. Dark and super hazy liquid, the particulate is extremely fine and clouds the whole glass, brownish orange hue, not many bubbles visible. The nose is heavily influenced by roasted coffee, lots of toast and some cocoa accents, some clean piney hops and fresh leafiness, however, it is marked by an absence of much beyond the coffee, no fruit or even citrus really. Medium-bodied, creamy with a fluffy carbonation, not very different on the palate with the coffee hogging the whole stage. Pine, light grapefruit, peach or apricot pits, a fistful of unprocessed grains. Never sweet and conversely the mouth doesn’t get too dry or tacky. Were this a wine, the middle would be what’s called “hollow.” Even the coffee flavors have mostly disappeared by the finish. Nothing which compels you to consider revisiting it.
2 out of 5

Big Muddy Brewing
Vanilla Stout (Stout Brewed With Natural Flavor)
Milk/Sweet Stout
Illinois
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Pours a solid two finger head of light tan foam, on the denser side although larger bubbles pop like fireworks across the surface, only a few streaks of lacing, thick at first but minimal stick. Brownish liquid with a hint of orange, would be clear were it not for the large amount of particulate floating around inside, the carbonation is tiny and not strong enough to form beads. The nose is surprisingly quiet but there’s big time vanilla on display, milder roasted cocoa, actually seems to have a hoppier spine than over-reliance on malty sweetness, nutty in a creamy way, not a lot of staying power. Full-bodied, fleshy and carbonated to a state of soft creaminess, basically this comes off like a root beer float. Vanilla, cola bean, hazelnut, still lurking in the background is a piney hoppiness. It’s smooth and glides through the palate, its main drawback is how the flavors peter out before the finish. No strength in the lactose, milky element, which is kind of key for a milk stout. Any roast is short-lived at best. This could easily be a perfectly reasonable summertime stout, supported by its confectionery, soft drink sweetness.
2 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Black Angel (Black Sour Ale Aged On Tart Cherries In Bourbon Barrels)
American Wild Ale
North Carolina
7.2%
16.9oz
Single, $14.49
Little over a finger of loose and large bubbled brown foam, very dimpled surface, the retention is not great but likely better than expected and for the type of beer, the lacing is weak. The liquid is a fully opaque brown color that is closer to black than to any orange or yellow, every once in awhile you can see a bubble or two inside the glass. The barrels are evident in the nose, plenty of butterscotch, caramel and milk chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg too, the cherry comes through cleanly and more to the red than black end of the spectrum, maybe some raspberry, vinous unto vinegary at times. Medium-bodied, the sourness gives it life in place of carbonation, the latter lackluster. While tart, the cherry fruit is sweet enough to have a maraschino cherry feel, concentrated. More boozy here with a roasted edge to that butterscotch and caramel, toasted coconut flakes too. Yeasty and peppery, the acids dry out the finish leading to a decent sized pucker, pleasingly volatile. Deserves credit for the sheer depth and intensity of the primary flavors but comes up short when it comes to complex breadth. Good to sip with dessert or cheeses.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Liliko‘i Kepolo (Belgian-Style White Ale Brewed With Spices & Passion Fruit Added)
Witbier
Colorado
5.4%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Thin dusting of pure white foam across the surface with close to no retention, in turn the lacing is string thin and hardly sticks. The liquid is a murky and fully opaque yellow color with some orange at the core, hard to see any bubbles through the fog. The passion fruit comprises most of the nose, makes it difficult to register any else, that noted there’s glimmers of white grapefruit, unprocessed grains, and a touch of clove, can’t vouch for anything beyond that. Full-bodied and sappy, like fruit puree was poured into the glass. Negligible carbonation albeit some lift at the end. The passion fruit, star fruit and papaya flavors are as sweet as sour, no real tropical zing, almost evokes prunes at times. The clove is weaker here, more peppery, some breadiness and cocoa like maltiness. The white grapefruit to lemon citrus more shadowy, not a strong presence. The passion fruit is tasty for sure but it tastes more like an alcoholic fruit drink than an adulterated beer. Which is not a bad thing if one wants to drink an alcoholic fruit drink.
3 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co./Cigar City Brewing
Collaboration No. 5 Tropical Pale Ale (Smokestack Series) (Malt Beverage Brewed With Natural Flavors)
American Pale Ale
Missouri
7.2%
12oz, Single
$3.19
Modest finger’s worth of evenly surfaced off-white foam, while not deep takes its time to dissipate, does not leave a lot of lacing behind yet thick clumps do form here and there. The liquid is not cloudy per se but the large amount of particulate floating inside definitely obscures vision, deep burnt orange color that verges on reddish tones at times, the bubbles form active beads throughout. The nose is relaxed and gregarious, no greenness nor real bite to it, honey, ripe oranges and pink grapefruits, even the pineapple scents are sweet, these along with peach, kumquat, kiwi scents, not getting a great deal of passion fruit, very mild touch of raw pie dough at the end. Medium-bodied, softly cascades over the palate, the carbonation tickles and massages things into the tongue. More of a white citrus, grapefruit to lemon, thing which tartens it up. Mango, peach, pineapple and at moments banana, the fruit blended into a choral whole, the honey recedes here in favor of pine and some pepperiness. The dough to yeast element continues to keep things mellow and smooth. Leaves a metallic residue behind. Leaves you feeling it was capable of more than what was delivered.
3 out of 5

Smog City Brewing Company
Sabre-Toothed Squirrel American Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$5.49
Offers a finger’s worth of looser, larger bubbles for a head, tan color, tends to form separate islands before dissolving, the lacing is just about nonexistent. Clean reddish brown hued liquid, only a few randomly arrayed bubbles visible, nice shine to it. Nutty, caramel and molasses dominated nose, strong pine sap element, apricot paste and dried pineapple, behind all this lurks some wimpy dank hops, the white citrus comes off as muted. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is weak which leaves it flatfooted on the palate, sort of plops in there without doing much. Breadier here, nuts less prominent, but no lack of caramel, toffee going on. The fruit component is muddied, sometimes peach or apricot, sometimes apple or pear, no tropical bite. As it spends time on the tongue you get more pine and orange citrus yet neither achieves prominence. Hard to tell if it smoothes out through the finish or just fades off but there’s no cloying sweetness left so default is clean enough. Nothing here suggests a beer which merits revisiting.
2 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Azacca India Pale Ale
American IPA
Michigan
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.39
Finger worth of just off-white foam, wavy surface, the lacing forms sheets which glide slowly away, given where it starts the retention is plus level. Light gauzy quality to the liquid due to a fine silt present throughout, the orange color closer to brown at the core and yellow along the rims, the bubbles tend to aggregate along the glass sides. Nice thrust and penetration to the nose, led by a green herbaceousness, black pepper, flowers, mineral water and, if it can be called such, a fresh dankness, odd in that it does not seem devoid of fruit scents but it is very hard to parse anything out specifically, tends to tighten up as it dissolves. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, dry and tacky yet possessed of a certain grinding fluidity. Sour orange to lemon citrus brightens it and joins with a light honeyed touch to temper the excesses of the leafy greenness. Dried yeast, lees to pine resin anchor it firmly. Again, hard to find specificity in the fruit, apricot or apple or pear. There’s a muscularity to the carbonation, contributes to its blunt feel. It feels like it turns its head so you kiss its cheek instead of its lips.
3 out of 5

21st Amendment Brewery
Toaster Pastry India Style Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
7.6%
16oz, Single
$3.99
Massive head, easy three fingers plus, tan color, the surface pocked by craters, retention is excellent, the lacing has average thickness and could stick better. The liquid is an orange-brown hue, dark and translucent without getting filmy, hard to see the bubbles but they are there and show activity. The nose starts off with a piney, floral freshness yet is truly anchored in orange reduction, honey, caramel and pie crust flakes, the peach, nectarine, pineapple fruit scents muted, more earthy than herbaceous, a few accents of tar of cigarette ash, lacks staying power in the nostrils. Full-bodied, flattens on the tongue, the carbonation not doing much to provide lift although there is a fizziness through the finish. The pine sap, orange juice, and floral musk add to the gluey texture. The biscuit, dough element gives it additional volume and leaves one unsure if it adds to sweetness or savoriness. Molasses and caramel are there without dominance. If you allow yourself to be suggestible you may get the advertised strawberry flavors but mostly it’s peach, yellow apple, apricot and an intimation of pineapple. There’s a lot of flavor packed in there, however, its sheer density and weight diminish the drinkability.
3 out of 5

New Paltz Brewing Company
Rauchbier
Rauchbier
New York
5.1%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Sizzles as it foams up close to three fingers of very airy, agitated off-white foam, reduces down to a solid surface coating yet with close to zero lacing, no stickiness at all. Bright orange rust to copper color, spotless and shiny, filled with hyperactive bubbles from side to side. The nose is pungently smoky, not in acrid “something is burning” manner but more like a slow roast plus it pulls back enough to display peach, apricot, apple fruit scents and crackers, baked pie dough, a few tar notes, smells as pure and clean as it looks. Medium-bodied, not soft but all that carbonation gives it a creaminess which helps contrast the more focused and direct smokiness. The latter is on the sweet side and has more of a delicate lift than brute power. Here too the fruitiness shines through, plenty of apricot, apple, white grape flavor. Grains and breadiness in support, you get charcoal, tar and quinine at the end, especially retronasally. While it strikes one as sweeter than the norm for the beer category, all together comes off as balanced and integrated, high level of drinkability for a smoked beer.
5 out of 5

Old Dominion Brewing Co.
Double D Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Delaware
9.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.19
Finger plus of creamy off-white color, mixed bubble set with divots across the surface, retention is just above average, the lacing is broad and sticks well if not exceptionally. Clean, clear coppery color with widely dispersed bubbles of larger size, shines well in the glass. Fresh, if at times hollow, nose of wet leafy matter, dried pine sap, tarry earth, black tea, mandarin oranges and jasmine, the pineapple, apple, pear to apricot fruit guileless and of few words. Light to medium-bodied with a creamy texture which helps it flow with relative ease, the carbonation more of a subtle churn than prickle. Does not really emphasize any specific element, seems intent on blending it all into a whole. Orange and minor pink grapefruit, flowers, pine breeze and mineral water, stays fresh rather than indulge in anything beyond a patina of breadiness, caramel and brown sugar, not dry yet nowhere near “sweet” either. The peach, apricot, apple fruit clean and not tropical. There is a bitter and unbalanced quality to the finish which stands out because of how integrated and unassuming it was beforehand. You’d run out of conversation halfway through dinner if sat next to it.
3 out of 5

Sly Fox Brewing Company
Odyssey Imperial IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
8.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Generous two finger head, frothy with a great many larger bubbles creating an uneven surface, the lacing is wispy but is spread all around the glass. The liquid is a darker amber orange, this aided by the large amount of particulate floating about, strong quantity of smaller bubbles aggressively pushing upwards. The nose at first features a peppery salinity as well as freshly mown grass, however, it moves over to honey, grapefruit reduction and danker tar, muddy earth and black tea leaf notes, a bit too tightly wound to offer anything but minimal pineapple, papaya, star fruit scents. Full-bodied, dry with a good deal of extract which glues it to the palate. Honey, molasses and caramel exert themselves to bring sweetness to the proceedings, cocoa and orange extract too. More of a core here to the apricot, nectarine, pineapple fruit. Very piney and peppery, with its high level of bitter herbaceousness it is likely trying to compensate for the malts. Anyway, for all that is going on it finishes on the short side, the carbonation having fluffed up the start but not able to assist by the end. It’s a solid, not spectacular, brew that goes for the sledgehammer approach.
3 out of 5

Hop Concept, The
Hull Melon & Blanc India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
8.0%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Healthy two finger plus head, mottled and uneven surface, almost cratered from the froth, eggshell white coloration, the lacing is thin but quite long and unbroken. The liquid has a light haze to it, some sediment there, a coppery orange color, the visible bubbles are fat and set widely throughout the glass. The nose features wet herbaceous matter, pulped blood oranges and white grapefruits, peppercorns, black tar, the melon peeks through softly and you mostly get pineapple, papaya, peach fruit scents, dissolves to leave a piney residue behind in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, creamy body and would feel more so were it not for the arch dryness and bitter bite it presents. More pine, black tea leaf and pepper here, tangy herbaceousness and earthiness, the fruit falls off in the mouth, starts off with melon and then barely supplements that with pear, apple, peach. Never develops a softer side, no real florality nor sweeter citrusy aspects. It does deserve credit for the clarity of its message, decisively crafted. Yet, does wear you down by the end of the bomber.
3 out of 5

Keegan Ales
Bourbon Aged Mother’s Milk (Milk Stout Aged In Bourbon Barrels) (Collaboration With Widow Jane Distillery)
Milk/Sweet Stout
New York
25.4oz, Single
$17.29
The pour barely creates a head at all, thin surface dusting of tan coloration, zero lacing. The liquid oddly shows a lot of bubbles clinging to the glass sides and rising bubbles near the surface, otherwise it’s a murky, sort of unfiltered black rather than brown, yellowish rims. Medium-bodied, very flat mouth feel, inert and dull. The flavors are mainly cocoa, milk chocolate and a hint of butterscotch, really not getting much bourbon barrel influence at all. Milky and bready like a scone, more of a charcoal char than pungent smokiness. Turns nutty through the finish. In terms of texture the carbonation is close to nonexistent, the feel is smooth in general and only slightly woody. The finish is truncated and weak. Does not give you much to write about.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2016

Free Will Brewing Company
Key Lime Sour (Lambic-Inspired Ale With Key Limes Added) (2015)
Lambic-Fruit
Pennsylvania
4.9%
16.9oz, Single
$10.99
Meager half a finger head that disappears rapidly, bone white when it’s there, close to no lacing. Crystal clear yellow gold color, bright and shiny with broadly dispersed and tiny bubbles. The nose has a keen edge to it and the vast majority of the experience is of super sour limes to the point where you wonder if you are sniffing straight up lime juice, there is a volatile aspect to it, perhaps at times you might get a light yeastiness or vanilla, beeswax, smells like it could easily referment. In the mouth it’s light-bodied, crisp and direct, the carbonation has a tight prickle to it and helps to accentuate the arch sourness, which really needs no assistance. Yeast, lees, raw pie dough and vanilla and maybe cinnamon. At times you get cola bean which gives it a soft drink demeanor. Sweaty funkiness attempts to assert itself but must yield to the broad scope of the lime citrus. Definitely a one trick pony and while it seems like an admirable experiment it fatigues your palate quickly.
2 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Space Station Middle Finger American Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Indiana
6.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
The pour easily yields two plus fingers of agitated eggshell white foam, the surface is punctuated by islands of larger bubbles, retention is strong and the lacing broad and sticks for some time. The liquid is a hazy amber orange, more translucent than near to opaque, a few super-miniscule bubbles are visible. The nose has a concentrated, if not reduced, feel to it, dank herbal funk, corn syrup, caramel, butterscotch, tangerines, tar resin, peppercorns, maybe some light breadiness by way of pastry or scone, not getting any specific, distinct fruit scents, overall it has a steamrolling effect in the nostrils and has presence after the scents have mostly vacated. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, carrying more of that monolithic approach, the carbonation is arguably weak, adds more smooth creaminess than anything else. Most prevalent factor remains the wet forest floor like leafy qualities, tar, earth and pine sap, just tastes vegetal. More mixed citrus here and slightly more delineated white pit fruit. Floral with more of a tea leaf than potpourri character. The butterscotch drops back a notch. A little too “big” for casual pounding but could anyone really expect that here?
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Alpha Klaus Christmas Porter
American Porter
Indiana
6.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Generous three finger head, very dark brown in color with a high number of larger bubbles which continuously pop across the surface, the retention is quite respectable and the lacing forms wide and lengthy splotches with serious stickiness. Maybe a hint of brown in the otherwise black and opaque liquid, near the glass sides you see active tiny bubbles rise upwards. Dark chocolate and a heavy roast dominate the nose, vanilla, coconut flakes, Brazil nuts, some campfire smoke which complements the wet wood and grass notes, curious amount of white grape and peach among the plum, cherry fruit scents, ends with something along the lines of cayenne pepper. In the mouth it is medium-bodied with carbonation that is more creamy than prickly, the roast and toast set the tone early and evoke bitter chocolate, coffee and wood ember notes. There is a cola bean and vanilla element, close to licorice, gets more piney as it finishes. At the same time the herbal qualities linger most at the end, having it veer oddly into bitter territory. Any fruit flavors are dark in taste and otherwise indistinct. Again, there is a hot pepper spiciness going on. Beguiling and not over the top so it remains both complex and drinkable.
5 out of 5

Central Waters Brewing Co.
HHG APA (Americana Pale Ale)
American Pale Ale
Wisconsin
5.3%
22oz, Single
$5.69
Finger plus of bright white foam, full mix of bubble sizes with an irregular surface, the lacing is a little wispy but evenly spread across the glass. Hazy orange copper color that fades to yellow at the rims, normal amount of visible bubbles. The nose features sweet citrus, tangerine to pink grapefruit, just baked pie dough, slight herbal funk, pine, the fruit appears to have faded away at this juncture so it is likely not as freshly juicy as right out of the gate. Medium-bodied, the carbonation helps it spread wide during the mouth entry and as this trails off so does a lot of the flavor. That said, it was likely intended to have a more mineral water, earth and grassy bite than to be a fruit bomb. Mango, peach, apricot echoes through the finish, the orange citrus not as prominent as the nose suggests. Juniper, thyme and then something closer to oregano, offers more by way of garden herbs and baking spices. Any breadiness resides in the background, actually might want of deeper maltiness. Clean and of good plus drinkability and generally affable demeanor.
3 out of 5

Union Craft Brewing
Balt Altbier
Altbier
Maryland
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Unremarkable head, a little under a finger of light tan foam which sizzles off at a rapid clip, the lacing has close to no stickiness. The liquid is a mildly gauzy brown that gets closer to yellow than orange, credibly strong number of bubbles dispersed throughout. The nose has a briskly stiffening amount of bread and yeast, peppery too with more herbaceousness than expected as well, cola, milk chocolate and grilled nut accents bring needed smoothness, apricot, peach and pear fruit in moderation, not dominated by its sweeter elements, tactful staying power in the nostrils, not overpowering in any manner. Medium-bodied, much more going on in the mouth in terms of cocoa, mocha, toffee with a roasted edge as well. Mineral water, quinine and sour breads bring it back towards balance and becomes increasingly grassy and tarry towards the end, almost mushroomy. The carbonation is not strong but lends a consistent prickle. Less fruit presence here, vague apricot or cherry. Sure, it’s a little muddled and might lack fresh directness but it has sufficient flavor and softness to make it a non-critical pleasure choice.
4 out of 5

Rock Art Brewery
Limited Access Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Vermont
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Basic finger deep head, just off-white, mix of bubble sizes but retains density and retention, the lacing is more rounder and random splotches than longer streaks. Unusual amount of sediment and outright chunks floating throughout the liquid, causes the orange-yellow liquid to become fully opaque, in spite of this you can easily see the activity in the carbonation bubbles. Large-scaled nose, on the sweeter side with pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus, pine sap and wet tea leaves, the fruit too is expressive, pineapple, nectarine, mango and apricot, nothing especially leafy nor grassy about it, not inclined to slash about. Full-bodied, on the clingy, sappy side, glues itself to your cheeks. The carbonated prickle helps create a sense of motion. Fruit forward with emphasized apricot, peach, papaya, guava flavors, minimal tartness. In turn the pink grapefruit citrus sweet if not outright sugary. Pine, cocoa, challah bread and nougat keep the sweetness on parade. At the last second it does come up with a bitter twist so the finish is semi-clean. Has good drinkability and just needs to have a more open knit to approach a more superlative status.
4 out of 5

Ecliptic Brewing
Spica Pilsner
Keller Bier/Zwickel Bier
Oregon
5.5%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Gives up a lively, two finger plus head of decently dense white foam, surface becomes mottled as it dissolves, the lacing is wispy at best, however, general retention is good. Clear golden yellow color to the liquid, bright with a random smattering of bubbles. The nose offers up sweet grains and more sourdough style bread notes, saline and sweeter white citrus pulp, the green grassiness balanced out by corn syrup like accents, really seems to strive to find a counterpart for each specific element. In the mouth it is medium-bodied with a big initial bite, salty and leafy and bitter grains, leaves a dry residue on the mouth roof. After a few sips you start to tease out sweeter, smoother malts and a mild floral lift. There’s not much fruit but what’s there is apricot, peach, golden apple. Finishes with increasing intensity to the bitterness and a salt and pepper flourish. The herbaceousness is also pronounced and really needs those malts to work overtime to keep the palate from getting bruised. It is deceptive in its scale, much bigger and more intense than at first glance. Quite enjoyable, albeit one glass is more than enough.
4 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Amorous (Massively Dry-Hopped American Sour Ale)
American Wild Ale
North Carolina
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$13.99
Yields little more than thin dusting of foam across the surface, snow white, any lacing is super-thin and snakes around the glass. The liquid is a clear coppery orange with a curiously large number of widely dispersed bubbles throughout, pretty in spite of the lack of head. Strong pungency to the nose, vinous in nature, the sourness clearly its calling card, evoking white grape, cherry, cranberry scents and lemon, there is a fresh (not dank) funkiness to it of manure, tilled earth, wet fallen leaves, and a lesser degree of tar and matchstick. Medium-bodied, the carbonation gives it a big frothiness upon mouth entry and lifts it sufficiently off the palate so that the sourness does not become overbearing. Lemon and some lime citrus is extremely tart, here you get pineapple, kiwi and green apple alongside the cherry fruit flavors. Cleaner here with less merde and more hay, wheat germ, and fallen tree wood, loses a lot of the “sous bois” qualities of the nose. Some toasty and yeasty notes, particularly as it finishes. Texturally, the sourness numbs your tongue so that by the time you are close to finishing the bottle you feel like you are registering fewer nuances. Needs to be sipped slowly over time or served with food to keep it fresh on the palate.
4 out of 5

21st Amendment Brewery
Fireside Chat Winter Spiced Ale (Ale With Spices Added)
Winter Warmer
California
7.9%
12oz, Single
$1.69
Produces a finger of dark tan foam, fairly even surface with bigger bubbles aggregated around the point of pour, moderate retention, the lacing is slightly weak. The liquid is a fairly clear deep brown hue, fades to a yellowish cast at the edges, plenty of active bubbles visible. The nose serves up caramel, cocoa, mocha, cinnamon and nutmeg, the abiding chocolaty qualities have a good roast to them, mix of apricot, cherry, apple fruit, hint of coal or earthy ash but pretty much sticks to the sweet side of things. Light-bodied, starts off with broader palate coverage and then all but totally fades away by the finish. Before that occurs one may discern stronger coffee and roast notes here, bittersweet dark chocolate, toffee, cola bean and pie crust notes. The flavors lack the intensity to create enduring sweetness. The carbonation adds prickle but it comes off as hardening rather than refreshing. There’s no great flaws on display, however, overall it lacks depth in all the areas which might have it excel.
2 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Serendipity (Happy Accident Fruit Ale) (Ale Brewed With Cherries, Apples, Cranberries)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Wisconsin
4.0%
25.4oz, Single
$10.49
Pours a nice big two finger plus head of dark tan color, good density with a swirl of bigger bubbles at the point of pour, retention is decent, the lacing is meager but what’s there is thick and sticks okay. Cherry wood colored liquid, clear if dark, high sheen to it, hardly any visible bubbles. The nose is pure pie, all cherry, apricot, apple scents with honey glazed crust and a strong accompanying floral mist, at times there is a vinous astringency, however the concentration of the sweet fruit wins out. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with more foaming action and persistent carbonation than expected. Mixes in orange zest and cinnamon to nutmeg to that base of cherry, cranberry, apple flavors, the fruit ripe yet with snap and zestiness. The yeastiness remains but less of the honeyed aspect. This is just pure refreshment, if you find the fruit flavors agreeable, at 4% you can down a 750ML bottle in record time. Nothing more to say, it’s not a brew for analysis but for simple enjoyment.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2016

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Broo Doo Harvest Ale
American IPA
Indiana
7.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Modest finger deep head, the bubbles are large and loose so there is swift evaporation, just off-white color, the lacing is fat yet without strong stickiness. Warmly opaque liquid, full orange color that is not quite amber, plenty of yellow around the rims and glass bottom, sizable amount of larger bubbles spread throughout. Wet pine needles, on the dank side, lots of herbal and earthy matter, some cocoa and caramel but a surprising lack of citrus scents as well as muddled pineapple, peach, mango fruit, as a result hits your nostrils like a blunt object. Full-bodied, the carbonation gives it some lift and separation during the mouth entry but it quickly becomes like getting stuck in a beanbag chair. Honey, molasses and caramel add flavor more than actual sweetness. The orange, pink grapefruit citrus gains breadth in the mid-palate and helps the pineapple, apricot, peach fruit get some spring in its step. The grassiness and toasted bread crusts lends bite and a slightly more erect posture at the end, peppery too. Still, more resinous than drying or bitter with a malty, buttery blanket to tuck you in. The heaviness fatigues the palate.
3 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Rouge (Bottle Conditioned Sour Brown Ale Aged In Oak Casks With Cherries Added)
American Wild Ale
North Carolina
9.1%
25.4oz, Single
$19.99
An average pour yields a big two to three finger head, very airy and light so it dissipates with quickness and a crackle, no stick to the lacing. Cloudy reddish brown hued liquid, plenty of visible bubbles rising swiftly towards the surface. The nose loaded with those sour cherries, the oak comes through as well, has an edgily vinous volatility to it, has a grassy as well as mildly metallic side to it, does not evolve much as it warms but does gain in intensity. Medium-bodied, fluffs up from the carbonation during the mouth entry, however, its acidic sourness trumps this without breaking a sweat. Grapey unto vinegar, the alcohol is perceptible and contributes to its “wildness.” The oak has minimal creaminess, more along the lines of American oak dill flavoring. Might be a little caramel or toffee under all those cherries but that’s just a guess. Monomaniacal, this is one relentless brew which just about has to be washed out of your mouth in order to stop tasting it. Lovers of sour beers should seek it out, the outsized cherry flavor makes it somewhat accessible to a newbie.
5 out of 5

Switchback Brewing Co.
Bohemian Pilsner
German Pilsener
Vermont
5.2%
22oz, Single
$5.29
The head crests around two fingers, populated by a great many larger bubbles, creating a mottled surface, bleached white color, not a lot of lacing but what is there sticks decently enough. Basic pure golden color to the liquid, summery haze to it, widely dispersed bubbles, no beads. While the nose has a peppery and saline aspect, its best attribute is its sweetness with biscuit and croissant flakes, honey and corn syrup, undercurrent of peach or apricot white pit fruit, dissolves with a floral lift and overall freshness. Medium-bodied, has some crispness but is mostly on the round and softer side, fills the mouth rather than prickles it. More of that syrupy sweetness and sweet graininess, does not quite coalesce into baked goods here. Fruity, hint of mineral water and retains some of the pepperiness. The carbonation is soft and creates added mouth expansion. Has no overt flaws and while somewhat heavier than expected stays clean enough. Good drinkability and had no problem putting back a bomber in no time.
3 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
War Mullet Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Indiana
8.1%
22oz, Single
$11.99
Yields a finger’s worth of off white foam, fairly dense and the retention in notable, the lacing is on the wispy side though. The liquid is fully opaque and murky, can’t really see any sediment in the dark orange color, yellows some along the rims, a few trace bubbles are visible. Heavy and close to reduced nose, orange marmalade, pine sap, honey, molasses, apricot paste, possesses an equally strong herbaceous, dank funk, peppery, like a blow to the back of the head. Full-bodied, resinous mouth feel with low carbonation which is more fluffy than anything. Here that herbaceous stank beats the orange, pink grapefruit citrus to the punch, albeit not to diminish the strength of the latter. The pineapple, peach, mango fruit sloth-like in its progression through the palate. More breadiness here to pair with those honeyed notes. The piney and floral elements relieve some weight as it finishes. The overall flavor profile is there and one has to assume it was not positioned as a “refreshing” style of DIPA, however, this is a bomber to share as finishing a pint becomes wearisome.
3 out of 5

Atlas Brew Works
Rowdy (Hop-Forward Rye Ale)
Rye Beer
District of Columbia
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Solid two finger head of dense foam with a large aggregation of bigger bubbles at the point of pour, eggshell white in color, leaves a continuous ring around the glass as the head recedes, like a ring of bath water. The liquid is murkily opaque with copious amounts of particulate floating inside, mostly brown with a fade to orange near the rims and glass bottom, hard to gauge amount and activity of the bubbles. The nose features spicy rye and burnt bread crusts, a touch of metal before softened by carob, cocoa and caramel notes, surprisingly sweet as it warms, slice of white grapefruit but not getting discernible fruit presence. Medium-bodied, the carbonation gives it a thick churning sensation, doesn’t scrub enough to prevent a drying layer from forming on the tongue. Here too it is the spicy rye which dominates, grainy the whole way through. The cocoa and caramel puts up a struggle to match the spiciness. The grapefruit notes here joined by pine cone and brown dirt type of earth. While it has roast in its profile, lots of malty residue at the end. This brew offers sufficient complexity without letting its reach exceed its grasp and does wisely in sticking to the promised script.
4 out of 5

Heritage Brewing Co.
Kings Mountain Oak Aged Scot-American Ale (2014)
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Virginia
11.0%
25.4oz, Single
$21.99
Very weird experience, bottle standing up in fridge for months, opened it and foam started pouring out and continued until a third of the 750ML bottle was spilled out. I guess this brewery does not cheap out on carbonation. Anyway, what I was able to coax into a glass had a two plus finger head, smooth surface, dark tan coloration, no lacing streaks, just a wave of foam on the glass that slides down slowly into the murk below. And the liquid is muddy brown mess, fully opaque and tinged with yellow, you expect to see a catfish swimming inside, when you do make out the bubbles it is a hyperactive blizzard so no wonder it spilled out. The nose is all German chocolate cake and cola soda, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, baking spices, not boozy but the oak comes through loud and clear, fig and date fruit scents, orange peel, not very nuanced. Full-bodied, in the mouth the carbonation is a steady tickle without the power to freshen. Vanilla, carob, clove, molasses, toffee and honey roasted nuts. Here the booziness is undeniable. Cherry, date, fig, plum, at times tastes like a cherry Coke. Offers a trace of wet leafiness and earth through the finish. Needs more clarity among the constitutive elements to merit a higher rating.
3 out of 5

Keegan Ales
Old Capital Golden Ale
American Blonde Ale
New York
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Meager head, barely coats the surface before disappearing, bright white, the lacing in turn tries to grip the glass but swiftly fades into oblivion. Light orange rust water hued liquid, soft gauzy quality, a few lazy bubbles scattered here and there. There’s a slightly crispy cracker to biscuit breadiness to the nose, molasses and honey, powdered orange soft drink notes, corn, has a wet graininess to it, fecund, displays a metallic ring before it all fades which mars any unadorned prettiness. Medium-bodied, has a round and generally soft mouth feel, the carbonation is neither fluffy nor crisp, sort of flat-footed. Corn, sweet grains and more molasses, the nondescript sweetness sort of takes the leading role in wallpapering over the blankness. Never coalesces into a real breadiness, however how generally malty it is. Apple, pear, apricot fruit which requires a little effort to enjoy. There’s some funky residue at the end which is hard to pin down exactly. Smooth enough to drink at a steady pace were there no expectations of greater complexity to the experience.
2 out of 5

Deep River Brewing Co.
Mango Tango Foxtrot India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
5.7%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
A simple pour yields a huge head that basically fills half the pint glass, delicately whipped up microfoam, pure white, lingers for some time, the lacing is formed of tiny random splotches, few streaks. The liquid is a bright coppery color with (no surprise) a blizzard of bubbles throughout, clean and transparent until you get to the bottom of the can and the floaties get into your glass. The nose is piney and filled with dried mown grass, peppery, thick country bread crusts, overall it’s shy and retiring, the mango is most noticeable because it says “mango” on the label, you smell as much basic apricot and peach scents, pleasant enough, not much there to assess. In the mouth it’s light to medium-bodied with a nice prickle from that tightly woven carbonation. More fruit forward here although nowhere near sweet, mango, apricot, apple and pear, broader orange citrus presence too. It’s grassy without a real bite, peppery and bready, minimal flowers or pine. Drying through the finish, contributes to its self-effacement. Leaves you wishing there was more oomph in the fruit flavor department.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Fat Squirrel Ale
English Brown Ale
Wisconsin
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Pours a frothy two finger head with good density and retention, light tan color, the lacing forms broad sheets which slowly break into thinner streaks. The liquid is spotlessly clear and an attractive orange tinged brown color, the bubbles are numerous but so microscopic that it’s easy to think they are not even there. The nose loads up on sweetness without getting confectionary, scone, buttermilk biscuits, caramel, toffee, vanilla bean, cola bean, moderate amount of orange peel and glazed nuts in support, there’s also something which evokes minerally, peaty stiffening in the nostrils, deceptively complex. Medium-bodied with a lighter touch through the finish, the carbonation provides an initial sparkle and scrubbing but fades away by the mid-palate. Slightly less sweet here but no lack of cocoa, cola, vanilla and brown sugar, the nuttiness lacks a consistent presence. That mineral to quinine thing helps freshen it up. The hops come across more texturally in terms of drying bite than via overt flavors. Some fig, raisin to cherry, apricot fruit, however, not a major factor. Quite smooth and gets high grades for drinkability.
5 out of 5

Flying Fish Brewing Company
Exit 4 American Trippel
Tripel
New Jersey
9.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Finger plus of sleek, pure white microfoam which breaks down into larger bubbles as it dissolves, stays steady once it gets down the surface, the lacing is a bunch of random short splotches. Yellow verges on light orange hued liquid, darkened by a fine particulate throughout, the carbonation is not much in terms of quantity but moves actively. The nose has textural thrust into the nostrils but is kind of shy in terms of scent expressivity, orange peel, bubblegum, tree bark, damp brush fire, sweat, floral paste, apricot, white grape, cherry, has a good array of fruit scents, the booziness is evident just sniffing it. Full-bodied, however, drier than one might be used to for this style of beer and thus it does not soak into the palate as aggressively. Yeast, bubblegum, flower water, clove and white pepper, figs and golden raisins, the citrus is restrained here. The carbonation could stand to be a bit higher. A forest floor funkiness lurks throughout, not all sweetness and sunshine, sour twist at the end where the hops get assertive. There’s something about that feels “incomplete” and it leaves you suspecting this shows best at the dinner table.
3 out of 5

Carton Brewing Company
Boat Beer Session Ale
American Pale Ale
New Jersey
4.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Basic finger’s worth of bright white foam, airy and openly knit so the retention is below average but pretty while it’s there, the lacing is slight and tends to slowly slide off. The liquid has that soft haze like drowsily staring at the sun, yellow rust hue, the bubbles are on the larger side and very broadly arrayed, no beads. Lots of snap in the angular nose, grapefruit pith, sea salt, sourdough bread crusts, pine cone and apricot pits, dry sort of florality, not dank or very leafy yet likewise outside of some cocoa powder not overtly malty either, it has a very breezy feel and just drifts off nonchalantly. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and its dryness verges on arch but in the final analysis has it just briskly erect. Carbonation is strong, not pushy. You get a fuller range of orange and lemon to white grapefruit citrus here, none of that sugary approach to this element though. Mild apple, apricot, white grape fruit. Stiffened further by unmown green grass and as much pepper as salt accents. That cocoa here gives it an Ovaltine finish that is more textural than flavorful. More personality than you normally get out of a self-described “session ale.”
4 out of 5

Sly Fox Brewing Company
2015 Christmas Ale (Ale With Ginger, Cinnamon, Allspice, Nutmeg & Cloves)
Winter Warmer
Pennsylvania
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Two fingers of frothy foam, really whipped up with full mix of bubble sizes and a cratered surface, minimal stick to the lacing. The liquid is red cherry wood color, crystal clear and shiny, the bubbles are very tiny but spread out wall to wall. The nose comes off as on the thin side, all the spices listed are accurate plus cola, orange peel, golden raisin and fig notes, disappears just as you are starting to get into it. Light-bodied, basically a replica of the experience in the nose, starts with a mix of baking spice while here you get a light breadiness and molasses, toffee to cola. The carbonation is not strong but seems so given relative lack of richness to the liquid. Fewer notes of dried fruit and no fresher fruit nor citrus to act as supplement, maybe apple or cherry. Not bitter, not too dry, the mouth feel is innocuous. It’s just the lack of flavor which is troublesome. You have to assume that the brewmaster intended this as some kind of counter-position to “overdone” versions of the category. Just too boring to want to revisit ever.
2 out of 5

Devils Backbone Brewing Company
Trail Angel Weiss (Bavarian Style Weiss)
Hefeweizen
Virginia
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Miniscule head, barely coats the surface before sizzling off, lacing is close to nonexistent. The liquid is on the whole clear, mild gauziness, a deep yellow hue and there are a large amount of bigger bubbles swirling about. Yeasty nose with notes of bubblegum, banana and clove spice, brioche and lavender, the wheat aspect is present, however, appears secondary in focus and lacks breadth, overall more pretty than substantial and that’s okay. Medium-bodied, tight prickle, the carbonation assists in reducing the sweetness to a non-cloying level. Yeast, lees, banana and bubblegum, ever so slightly less on the clove and nutmeg spice side, the blanks filled in by spiced orange peel and rose petals. Demure apricot, peach flavors, maybe some red apple or melon. Clean, no offputting metallic or earthy flavors. If anything, you might want a little more personality out of it, more richness in some of the key elements. Otherwise, drinks smoothly and pleasant enough.
3 out of 5

DC Brau Brewing
Brau Pils
German Pilsener
District of Columbia
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Standard head, pure white, slightly dimpled surface, around a finger deep, sizzles off at steady pace, the lacing spreads decently at first but then just slides back down into the glass. The liquid itself is a pale metallic yellow hue, softly hazy so as to hold light inside of it, there are few bubbles to be seen yet they move energetically. Has good stiffness and posture in the nostrils, white citrus, salt and pepper, perhaps more leafy or earthy than expected, more grains and grasses than finished breads, minimal if any fruit scent presence, does not overdo any sour or spice, allows you to relax as you sniff. Light-bodied, it comes off as dry and somewhat acidic so here too it stands straight up. The carbonation is a low and steady prickle, keeps it active. More cracker and burnt pizza crusts than bread, here you get a bit more malty softness over time. Grassy with peppery support, less saline. Again, no fruit to speak of but the white citrus is noticeable and consistent. It’s clean without feeling stripped of personality and has good tart punctuation at the end and solid drinkability.
4 out of 5

Beltway Brewing Co.
Hansel Sour IPA
American IPA
Virginia
7.0%
16oz
4-Pack, $11.99
Attractively straightforward head, finger high, clean white, even surface, retention is so-so, the lacing is thin and barely sticks. Mild gauziness to the liquid but otherwise clear and there’s decent shine to the orange amber hue, more yellow nearing the rims, minimal visual carbonation. The nose is sour and close at times to volatile, grapefruit citrus, quinine, papaya, pineapple, star fruit scents, some ash and charred wood accents, ends with a woodsy to peaty funk, whatever it is that is there loiters for some time. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and equally tart and sour, you pucker from mouth entry to finish from the acidic feel. This all but strips the juiciness out of the white grapefruit, lemon citrus. The pineapple, green apple, papaya, nectarine fruit fares somewhat better but just somewhat. Tar, bark, black tea leaf, never musty something about just does not seem all that clean. Can’t really tease out a clear message from the hops nor from the malts, and that is an unusual predicament. I really like the can design.
2 out of 5

BraufactuM – Die Internationale Brau-Manufacturen GmbH
Roog Rauchweizen
Rauchbier
Germany
6.6%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Solid two finger head of brown foam, fairly even surface in spite of mix of bubble sizes, reduces evenly and slowly, the lacing is thin and long with normal staying power. The liquid is brown with an orange rust tint, quite cloudy with a fine sediment throughout, the visible bubbles are fat and move incredibly swiftly up to the surface. The nose starts off with caramel, butterscotch and German chocolate cake notes, metallic and dried meat accents usher in the peaty smokiness which remains more subdued than aggressive, maybe some date or fig lurking in the background along with dough and banana. In the mouth it is medium-bodied and the carbonation delivers on the visuals, all hyperactive thrashing and snap, crackle, pop. The wheat manages to enunciate a bit more here but still subordinate to the caramel, honey roasted nuts, toffee and clove. With repeated sips the smokiness accrues in your mouth pores, however, can’t call it a major factor. Not as much fruit presence and the esters seem more knit into the whole. There is a puckering sensation at the end and the finish is truncated. Satisfactory, not exemplary.
3 out of 5

Burley Oak Brewing Company
Sorry Chicky (Dry-Hopped Sour Ale)
Berliner Weissbier
Maryland
4.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$17.99
Offers a finger of loosely knit foam, bright pure white, actually has better retention than first visual impression, the lacing is a little skimpy and thin. The liquid is so filmy and translucent that you can’t really pin it down as a washed out yellow or orange, more like an indistinct glow per se, only able to see a few random bubbles. The nose betrays the beer’s eventual sourness, biting grapefruit to lemon pith, sourdough, witch hazel, metal shavings and pineapple, guava fruit, at times there is a strong leesy quality but it does not stick around. Medium-bodied, feels like it has close to zero carbonation, scrapes across the palate. No doubt this is über-sour, big pucker factor which favors that grapefruit, lemon citrus and pineapple, papaya, green apple, green grape fruit flavors. More of that rubbing alcohol, witch hazel stuff, not unstable or funky but comes off as medicinal. The hops are on the wet, dank side of things but actually clean in doing so, that’s the interesting thing here how it represents itself as “cleanly funky.” More towards grains than lees here, yet nowhere near bready. Won’t be for everyone but if you can wrap your head and palate around it, pretty satisfying experience.
4 out of 5

Bison Brewing
Organic Kermit The Hop Double Simcoe IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$10.99
Pours a massive head, easy three fingers of semi-dense foam, flat white hue, even the larger fat bubbles linger across the surface, the lacing forms an intricate web along the glass walls, will need to be washed out. The liquid has a soft haze to it, orange to yellow in color like lightly rusty water, virtually no visible bubbles after the pour settles. Initial damp earth, fallen tree leaf funk to the nose before a prettier floral breeze comes along, honey, orange zest, cocoa and peach, nectarine fruit scents, tends to stick more to the nostrils than lift as a result you don’t get as much scent separation as possible. Light to medium-bodied, smooth but just as much it trails off at the end. The malts are front-loaded with cocoa, Ovaltine type accents and a soft doughiness. Then comes a fresher tangerine, mandarin orange citrus as well as light floral nature. The peach, apricot, pear fruit likewise more light of touch than flavorful. The carbonation has a lowkey steadiness to it, the mouth feel is dry and slightly chalky. Did not make a positive first impression but by the time the bomber was gone had grown on me a good bit.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Redankulous Imperial Red India Pale Ale (2015)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Michigan
9.5%
25.4oz, Single
$11.99
Pours a really deep head, around three fingers of tan foam with a reddish tint, full mix of bubble sizes but this does not affect retention, which is quite good, does not leave much room for lacing but that too is thick and semi-permanent on the glass sides. The liquid is a clear mahogany red that leans more to brown than orange, only a few bubbles scattered here or there, handsome looking. In the nose there is an initial waft of wet herbaceous matter funk which yields to milk chocolate, caramel, soda bread to biscuit, and nuts, if there was a stronger pine element in its youth, it is mostly gone by now, you do get a decent amount of pineapple, nectarine fruit though. In the mouth it is full-bodied and broad, really fills it up cheek to cheek. The carbonation gives it a dense fluffiness, not really lifting nor scrubbing. Maltiness pervades here too, chocolate, butterscotch, caramel, lots of sweet breadiness as well. Conversely, the piney, tarry, spicy and grassy hops step up their game, just not as much. More grapefruit and more resonant pineapple, papaya, nectarine fruit, albeit not so sweet. The “dank” lingers most on the finish, bitter resonance. You definitely feel the booziness.
4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Munsterfest
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Indiana
6.0%
22oz, Single
$11.99
Big fizz on the pour, crests close to three fingers then is like gone in a second to a clean surface, as one would thus expect, completely zero lacing too. Pronounced darkness to the amber orange to reddish brown liquid color, softly translucent, considerable amount of fat bubbles scattered throughout. Sugary nose of vanilla, molasses, baking spices, cola and soda bread, soft yeasty banana or bubblegum notes as well, curious absence of fruit scents, in fact it all suddenly goes to zero on you. Light to medium-bodied, not flat but the carbonation just has it at a simmer. Breadier here with quinine, mineral water and charcoal accents, a bit earthy. Fig and raisin make a showing, cherry to peach in smaller doses. The yeastiness seems more knit in, flavors less distinct. Brown sugar, molasses and cola but nowhere as near as sweet as the nose suggests. Polished mouth feel, however, it comes off overall as more or less evanescent. Have to wonder if 4-5 months post bottling puts it into an old age home, which would not be an ideal result.
3 out of 5

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
Metropolis Lager
American Pale Lager
California
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Couple fingers of bubbly froth for a head, dissipates with ease due in large part to larger bubble sizes, white in color, the lacing has minimal stickiness and just falls back into said froth. The liquid has a soft gauzy quality, bright amber orange with active bubble beads. Crisp nose, salty and peppery both, dark bread crust notes, dry hop herbaceousness and a hint of dried citrus peels, you can tease out more maltiness over time, what is has is the good kind of dank. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has it foaming up in the mouth from the second it hits the tongue, too dry for creaminess but not really prickly either. More distinct orange citrus here, evokes tea leaf flavors. Bitter hops, green leafiness, unprocessed dark grains and asphalt, road dirt. Not to say the beer is unclean, more rugged in an old fashioned sort of way. Light white pit fruit nuances towards the finish, where it does unclench enough so that the palate can relax. Can’t call it an easy drinker, a bit more challenging than what might be expected of a lager.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2015

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Indiana
9.5%
22oz, Single
$11.99
Pours a huge head, super airy and frothy with a highly cratered surface, tannish color with a light orange tint, the lacing forms very long streaks that stick powerfully. The liquid is a mildly hazy dark orange color which is full to the rims, minimal visible bubbles. The nose is stuffed with sweet citrus — tangerine, orange, pink grapefruit and then loads of cocoa, malted milk balls, toffee and scone, bitter tea leaf, tar, the pineapple, guava, nectarine fruit scents are think without becoming monotonous. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, heavy enough that the creaminess doesn’t smooth out the mouth feel. Spicy with peppercorn and pine notes, here that muscular grapefruit, tangerine citrus sweetness acts as a calming agent. The florality itself seems mostly citrus blossom. Some cocoa and sweet grains to breakfast breads type of appeal. Not very herbaceous nor grassy at all. The carbonation lends a consistent fine prickle. Ends with full flavor vibrancy and a gentle landing.
4 out of 5

Tyranena Brewing Company
Bitter Woman IPA
American IPAv Wisconsin
5.75%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.69
Moderate head, a touch past one finger, off-white to eggshell colored, even surface, the lacing is more broad sheets than streaks, pretty good stickiness. Deep golden to close to amber colored liquid, noticeable swirl of tiny bubbles, virtually wall-to-wall. Intense nose of saline, green herbaceousness, pretzel dough, tar, earth, touch of pine sap, minimal fruit presence, some apricot or peach pits. Medium-bodied, creamy texture in spite of its overall hard nosed nature and general dryness. Tar, black tea leaf, dried oranges, there’s more pep in the pine sap but this is indeed one bitter beer. If allowed to warm there is some roundness in the peach, pineapple fruit. For as bitter as it is, does display nice balance and does not overplay its hand.
4 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Moon Man No Coast Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Wisconsin
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Light frothy off-white head, one finger that dissolves swiftly forming surface dimples, thin yet long lacing streaks. Bright metallic orange hued liquid, you can see one or two isolated bubbles slowly meander upwards. The nose is pretty sour with sour orange to lemon peel, sour baked dough and a dry leafiness, takes some warming to release the apricot, pear fruit scents, light saltiness, the overall perfume has a steady lift. Light to medium-bodied, lively carbonation gives it a pleasing prickle, skips across the palate. Energetic citrus zest, all lemon, orange and tangerine supplemented by a demure floral musk. Minor bread to yeast tones, subdued maltiness too, echoes of cocoa or mocha at the end. Through the mid-palate the apricot, peach fruit grows exponentially, achieves close to fruit cobbler sweetness. Attractively put together and rates high for sessionability.v 4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Alpha King Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Indiana
6.66%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Close to two fingers of light tan foam, some islands of bigger bubbles across an otherwise flat surface, the broad lacing streaks slowly slide off, not great stickiness. Gauzy amber-brown color, on the darker side of the spectrum, a few randomly arrayed lazy bubbles. Soft nose of pine needles, wet flowers, tangerines and blood oranges, caramel, honey and ripe peach, apricot, mango fruit scents, steady power. Full-bodied, creamy with a bitter grassy, peppery tang in spite of its general sweetness. Thick apricot, nectarine, peach, pineapple fruit with equally dense pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus. The carbonation is strong, whips up a creamy froth more than a sharper prickle. Pine, tea leaf, some light breadiness. Hoppy but smooth enough to keep it in a “pale ale” rather than IPA category. The flavor sticks with you long after you swallow.
5 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Two Women Lager
German Pilsener
Wisconsin
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Close to a two finger deep head, dense and creamy with an off-white to paler tan color, the lacing is initially thick but glides off at a steady pace. The liquid is a brownish-amber color with a yellow tinge, presents a big storm of tiny bubbles, rainstorm thick. The nose evinces many contrasts, sweet caramel malts next to rye, pumpernickel styled sour breads, a short lemon zestiness, likewise brief salty touch, good overall density in the nostrils, not much fruit scent presence. Full-bodied, creamy and smooth with an extended finish. Here you get a lot of sweeter apricot, pear, peach fruit and some cocoa. The breadiness has toast more so than yeast. Ends with a swipe of lemony flavoring. Starts out pretty regular “lager” like but gains in more subtle complexity over time and is much fuller bodied than expected.
4 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Robert The Bruce Scottish Style Ale
Scottish Ale
Indiana
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Couple fingers of brownish to tan foam, fairly frothy which slightly reduces retention, thinnish wispy lacing, however, it does stick around decently. Opaquely cloudy liquid, brownish with brighter orange rims, not much in terms of visible carbonation. Strong, boozy nose of caramel, malts, butterscotch, cola, the light fig to plum fruit scents overcome by a peppery, grainy spine, perhaps not as overpoweringly sweet as many in the style. Medium-bodied, presents a strong churn to the carbonation alongside a drying breadiness. Cola, caramel, molasses, scone, orange peel, and range of plum to peach fruit flavors comprise most of the experience. Dry ending without losing flavor intensity, has some alcoholic heft which suggests it is best consumed with food.
3 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Thumbprint Scream IIPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Wisconsin
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.39
Two finger head, light tan in color, moderate retention, even surface, thick lacing streaks. The liquid has a dull orange-amber color, active and widely dispersed bubbles without beads, brighter hues at the rims and edges. The nose is loaded with pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pine sap, more floral as it warms, pinch of cocoa, borderline tropical array of pineapple, nectarine, peach scents. Full-bodied, slightly heavy, the carbonation is strong and overall texture noticeably creamy. Again, it is heavy on the tangerine, grapefruit citrus, filling in the blanks with pine, cocoa, on the sweeter side even as it does present some herbaceous bite. Expands into accents of licorice, sweet tea leaf, pretzel dough and salt. Given its sweetness not imbalanced, more so crafted for accessibility and pleasure, drinks easily for its fuller body.
4 out of 5

Gigantic Brewing Company
Saboteur Baltic Porter
Baltic Porter
Oregon
8.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Yields a fairly massive 3-4 finger head of loose, airy foam, a decidedly dark brown hue, considerable dimpling across the surface, below average retention but good stick to the thinnish lacing streaks. Fully opaque black liquid, you see a few bubbles stick to the glass inside but that’s it, no real hue variation at the rims, does not appear to have any sediment or such. The nose is mildly roasted, more so driven by sweeter dark chocolate, carob and toffee notes, solid milkiness as well, there is a charcoal and doused campfire wood aspect too, not much going on by way of fruit nor citrus, just keeps the chocolate coming. Medium-bodied but the lack of active carbonation gives it a leaden mouth feel. Milkier here but not as sweet as the nose might suggest, however, not roasty either, just dry. Cocoa, chocolate, challah bread, cola, that charcoal to tar persists, also has a semi-oily texture in spite of the dryness. Hint of black raisin or grape fruit flavor. The depth of the chocolate and lactose fill out the finish to replace any missing complexity and, honestly, inch it out in the direction of stout beer. Nice enough, might prove a better experience on tap.
3 out of 5

3 Sheeps Brewing Co.
Hello, My Name Is Joe Imperial Black Wheat Coffee Ale
American Dark Wheat Ale
Wisconsin
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.39
Finger plus of tan foam, lightly dimpled surface which reduces to a steady surface dusting, the sheets of lacing slide gently off the glass. Powerful coffee roast to the nose, burnt cocoa, almost oily in nostril texture, the wheat actually comes through clearly, light shudder of plum or cherry fruit, not a great deal of nuanced complexity but admirable sustained thrust. Medium-bodied, roasty and toasty with a lean profile, not many excess notes. You receive less wheat presence here, the bitterness makes the finish short and brings out sour white citrus and tar notes. While muted, broader mix of apricot, grape to cherry fruit. While monochrome it is enjoyable and not so oppressively single-minded that you can’t have a few in one sitting.
3 out of 5

Perennial Artisan Ales
Pineapple Kumquat Berliner Weisse (Ale Fermented With Pineapples And Kumquats)
Berliner Weissbier
Missouri
4.2%
25.4oz, Single
$14.99
Light and frothy head with zero density, crests at two fingers and is gone in two seconds, bleached white, could not be brighter, no stickiness at all to the lacing. Bright metallic yellow hued liquid, gossamer haze to it, the amount of hyperactive bubbles is impressive. Piercing nose of sour tropical fruit, a bit too mixed to identify pineapple or kumquat, sour oranges, lots of yeast but not in a creamy, leesy fashion, iron flecks and mineral water, beeswax, really too laser-like to get a broader array of scents going, even as it approaches room temperature. Light-bodied, the heavy carbonation though gives it palate volume. Puckeringly sour and dry enough that overall it recalls a non-dosage Champagne. Here there is definitely more clarity to the kumquat and to a lesser extent pineapple fruit, minor green apple or passion fruit too. Minerally and chalky, the dryness may negatively impact the ability of the yeastiness to adhere to the palate. The citrus less overt, at moments evokes a lemon sponge cake. If you are up for its level of aggressiveness it is pretty well balanced and crisply refreshing, can say how the sourness might turn some off.
4 out of 5

Lakefront Brewery, Inc.
Fixed Gear American Red IPA
American Amber/Red Ale
Wisconsin
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours a healthy three finger head of deep tan foam, nice density with cratering at the pour point, ends up in a hilly surface with a few big splotches for lacing, no true streaks. The liquid is a deep reddish orange with a fair amount of floaties darkening it further, minimal clarity, only a few bubbles visible here or there. Caramel infused nose with copious amounts of bread and biscuit, roasty with orange peel, pine sap and sun warmed tar notes, the tropical pineapple, guava fruit seems more sluggish than juicily flowing, overall staying power is good. Medium-bodied, the low carbonation leaves it flat-footed emphasizing thickness over expression of flavor. Dry and herbaceous with a peppery streak, not much sweetness in the orange to lemon citrus nor the apricot, pineapple, green apple fruit. Cocoa powder and nuttiness joins the breadiness, the caramel or butterscotch element loses grip. Leaves a roasty sort of taste and residue behind. Does not have a clipped finish but does not seem long either, more evidence of a compact presentation. While sampled well within its drinking window, this strikes one as a brew best sampled super-fresh.
3 out of 5

Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Co.
Funnel Cake (Ale Brewed With Lactose & Vanilla Beans)
Cream Ale
New Jersey
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Nearly a finger of bright white foam, sizzles down rapidly to the surface, any lacing slides slowly off the glass sides. Bright yellow hay color to the liquid, shiny in spite of the fine particulate floating within, few bubble beads but they are nicely active. The nose is pitch perfect sweet, totally evokes a summer stroll on the boardwalk, all whipped cream, vanilla bean, licorice and cotton candy, fried zeppole, moderate amount of apple, pear fruit, this is not a style of beer which lends itself to complexity, more so to simple satisfaction. Light to medium-bodied, presents a freshening note of quinine and lemon before segueing to vanilla, cola, unbaked pie dough. The carbonation seems on the high side, perhaps to lift the sweetness off the tongue. Apple, peach, pear fruit an embellishment at best. There is also a corn syrup sort of sweetness, as if something added as intentional sweetener. While you might think that the sweetness would help it hold on this is one which actually shows best when as fresh as possible. A very good brew that should be consumed intelligently in the right context.
4 out of 5

Burial Beer Co.
Scythe Rye India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
7.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.49
Basic head close to two fingers, tan color and a dense, even surface, stays thick for a good while, the lacing has good stick, randomly spread, few longer streaks. Dark colored liquid, all orange, brown and red, clear with hardly any visible bubbles, the color is very attractive. Aggressive nose featuring sweet tangerine, blood orange citrus in the lead, pine sap, black tea leaf, wet herbal matter, pineapple rinds and apple cores, the rye comes through with good clarity, caramel and cocoa last longer to soften the dissolve, has sufficient punch that the sappy texture doesn’t get to be too much. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, smooth and creamy so that the bitterness is more momentary than sustained. The tangerine, white grapefruit citrus more sour here and knit into the whole, the pine element grows. The fruit remains in the background and while tropical the beer is too dry to let it shine. Spicy rye and even darker pumpernickel like bread notes. The carbonation at once capable at adding to the creaminess and tickling your tonsils. There’s a roasty feel to the caramel, brown sugar, not burnt but close. For all of its energy it does not wear you down which is a rare bonus.
5 out of 5

Bruery, The
Jardinier Belgian-Style Pale Ale
Belgian Pale Ale
California
4.9%
25.4oz
Single, $7.99
Easy three fingers plus on the pour, bleached white, although it is clearly airy and mostly microfoam it holds on well enough, the lacing is naught but a wisp here or there. Hazy bright yellow liquid with a raging maelstrom of bubbles throughout, holds light inside the glass well. The nose is focused and taut, lemon peel, chamomile, lemongrass, sour dark breads, the apricot to peach, white pit fruit scents are subtle yet consistent, straw, wet cement, overall has a vinous character but seems like age has diminished its general intensity. Medium-bodied, appears that it would be creamy in texture were it not so bone dry that that carbonation instead is more crackle and pop. Dried, pulped lemons, hibiscus, green apple, pear to apricot fruit. If there’s such a thing as “clean earthiness” this has it. Yeasty but nowhere near bready or anything already baked. Vague nuance of clove. It carries itself gracefully so unsure if that is simply how it was meant to express itself or if time has diminished its expressivity. More of a summertime quaffer and likely best with food too.
3 out of 5

Switchback Brewing Co.
Märzen Fest Bier
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Vermont
5.2%
22oz, Single
$5.29
Presents two fingers of light tan foam, looks dense enough but nothing special about the retention, ends up in a very uneven surface, the lacing however does have credible stickiness. Clean reddish-brown cast to the liquid, perfectly clear and unblemished, close to no visible carbonation, pretty though. The nose offers metallic notes, raw bread dough, the caramel is steady if low-grade, same can be said for the plum, raisin, apricot fruit scents, seems to present more of an herbaceous edge than might be expected in this beer category although the honey and molasses accents have the final say. Medium-bodied, on the angular and tangy side, any carbonation is prickly. It feels like the grip of the sweetness is tenuous, the caramel and such never gains momentum. That same metallic, herbal stuff continues, sour orange citrus and more raw dough and water crackers. Similarly, there is a paucity of fruit flavor which kind of empties out the finish. Drinkable in large part due to its moderate weight and lack of flavor intensity. But getting through a bomber alone was an exercise in “it’s paid for so…”
2 out of 5

Lost Rhino Brewing Company
Face Plant IPA
American IPA
Virginia
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Gives up around a finger of just off-white foam of below average density and retention, the lacing streaks are thin but stick well enough. Dark orange hued liquid with a a thin particulate hanging through the liquid, only a few bubbles appear here or there, quite large though. The nose makes a big initial splash with flowers, honey and tangerine zest, underneath this is a wet herbaceous funk like a bag of damp leaves, good apricot, peach and pineapple fruit presence, then goes back to notes of tar and campfire ash. Full-bodied, on the heavy and sluggish side of things, the carbonation lacks energy which has to be a factor here. Bitter with a metallic, earthy profile that pushes the pineapple, peach, apple fruit flavors into the background. More pine than flowers here, peppery, the citrus makes a pleasing showing through the finish, orange to lemon accents. It does not leave you with much to say about it, which can be good or bad. Not flawed, fairly integrated, nothing exciting, just… basic. So, you could drink a few in a sitting but you may just as well lose interest before doing so.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2015

3 Stars Brewing Company
Peppercorn Saison (Ale Brewed With Spices)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
District of Columbia
6.5%
25.4oz, Single
$10.99
Pours a solid two fingers deep head, eggshell white in color, smaller microfoam creates an even surface although probably contributes to below average retention, the lacing forms wide streaks but they lack stickiness. The liquid is a darkish golden color that at some angles takes on an brownish red cast, few beads but plenty of large bubbles which move with muscular authority, mild cloudiness throughout. The nose has a sweet honey to corn syrup quality, chamomile and lavender, no lack of yeastiness yet not sure how the peppercorn presence is supposed to register because it isn’t, ends with bubblegum and dried peach and apricot scents, fills the nostrils softly, does not have a real penetrating punch. Full-bodied, soft and close to clingy, the carbonation gives it even more fluffiness. Yeast, uncooked pie dough and that bubblegum comes on first, some marjoram and fennel like spices but again minimal pepperiness. Here you get more spiced orange and tangerine citrus. The fruit remains basic — apricot, yellow apple, peach and moments of mango. Leaves you wishing it was drier so you could feel the skeleton more. Very drinkable and without much aftertaste.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Mosaic Promise (A Single Hop Ale)
American IPA
Michigan
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Yields a finger of frothy, uneven bright white foam, craters as much as dimples, sticks around for a good long while, the lacing forms long, irregular snakes. Bright golden hued liquid, extremely clear and shiny, the bubbles spread out like snowflakes on a windless night. The nose is light and airy emphasizing floral perfume, orange zest and honey, then metallic and earthy accompanied by mocha notes and wet leafiness, even as the nose seems “dry” the tropical pineapple, papaya fruit comes through. Medium-bodied, the carbonation fluffs it up and softens the otherwise very dry palate. Tangerine, lemon citrus buoy the apricot, nectarine, pineapple fruit flavors and tighten the mouth entry. The green herbaceousness is ever present without being overbearing. That mocha, cocoa maltiness smoothes out the finish nicely aided by buttered biscuit accents. Less floral here in the mouth as the citrus does the bulk of the work. It has the focus one would could clearly associate with a single hop IPA so plenty of truth in advertising. Easy to put down a few in a row as long as one prefers a drier brew.
5 out of 5

Burley Oak Brewing Company
Secret Sauce Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Maryland
7.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$15.99
The head reaches about a finger, whipped up and loose so the retention is average to below, the lacing has decent stick, big splotches randomized across the glass. The liquid is extremely cloudy and filled with particulate, almost looks like a solid block, reddish amber in color, more yellow at outer edges, very difficult to gauge visual carbonation. The nose is thick and immobile, you can barely sense it move in your nostrils, wet hops, pulped white grapefruit, paste-like apricot to peach fruit scents, powdered cocoa, hard caramel candy, it is not lacking in breadth but its density makes it too hard to parse out. Full-bodied, just as thick and heavy in the mouth, any carbonation not match for its sheer weight. The malt is prominent, brown sugar, caramel, biscuit, scone and general breadiness. Muted tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus wafts in and out. Heavy apricot, peach, nectarine citrus starts off well but peters out near the end. Not sure if it is trying to do too much or get all experimental but this one falls short of the mark even if there’s no real flaws per se.
3 out of 5

Wicked Weed Brewing
Freak Of Nature (A Double India Pale Ale)
American Double/Imperial IPA
North Carolina
8.5%
16.9oz, Single
$5.29
Big airy head which crests above two fingers, kind of eggshell white, its whipped up nature diminishes retention, lacing seems on the wispy side as well. Dark golden hue to the liquid, verges on a coppery orange, clear with a hint of gauziness, only a few bubbles visible, slow and sluggish. Erect nose of bread crusts, black pepper, pine and tangerine to blood orange scents, tar resin and damp earth, mango, apricot, nectarine and kiwi fruit element strong yet somehow still manages to not seem juicily ripe. Full-bodied, lots of dry extract and it sticks tenaciously to the tongue and palate. Slightly more floral, the cocoa and mocha accents come through, the oily bitterness does not take full command. More tar, ash, resin and a healthy dose of tangerine and lemon citrus, almost minty at times. The carbonation seems a bit light for its overall weight. What is nice is its freshness in spite of its thicker mouth feel. There’s nothing “obvious” about it yet it hits the standard notes, hard to deliver this kind of layered presentation without appearing to have tried to do so. Good drinkability for the ABV. Would happily imbibe again.
4 out of 5

Two Roads Brewing Company
Roadsmary’s Baby (Ale Brewed With Pumpkin And Spices, Aged In Rum Barrels With Vanilla Beans)
Pumpkin Ale
Connecticut
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Modest half finger head of creamy white foam, no real retention and down to the surface in no time, in the same vein the lacing slides off the glass as if greased. Dark amber to brown colored liquid which is deepened by a large amount of tiny “floatie” particulate, not many bubbles but they are active, despite the sediment there is an active brightness to it. Cinnamon, clove and vanilla bean sweeten up the nose even as there is a mild coffee like roast to it, hoppy and in some ways the pumpkin comes off as a minor factor, overall has a linear punch more than round generosity. In the mouth it’s light-bodied with prickly carbonation and a lean, not meager, character. The nutmeg, clove, cinnamon spice focused and the vanilla to cocoa element likewise direct. Brings more lemon to sour orange citrus here. More nutty than doughy, nothing evokes pie. The pumpkin remains at a low level, you taste it but lacks staying power. Clean, fresh finish. Unless one is mistaken, this aims at a sessionable, food friendly version that wants to be a “beer” before being considered a “pumpkin beer.” If this is so, it succeeds.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2015

Two Roads Brewing Company
Worker’s Comp Saison
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Connecticut
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thin head, less than a finger, airy, bright white color, weak retention, sizzles off quickly, close to no stickiness in the lacing as well. There’s a very mild gauzy quality to the liquid which turns not impair its transparency but does add to a warm glow, a washed out orange rust water hue, large number of bigger bubbles fill the glass from side to side. The nose begins with a swipe of hard sourdough pretzels, salt, white pepper, and clove, pulped and dried lemons, has a lot of punch to it, might be easy to miss the apricot fruit and floral underpinnings, baseball card bubblegum, really nice staying power in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, it is dry and highly carbonated which gives it presence and length. Plenty of clove, nutmeg, pepper and more sour rye breadiness with an element of damp metallic earth and charred campfire wood. The florality here does a good job of filling out the mid-palate. however, the white pit fruit does not click, at times you get more banana. The citrus seems to take a step back in favor of more autumnal leafiness. The dryness keeps the finish restrained and succinct, tingly. Styled for the dinner table, not out to create a fireworks show in your mouth.
4 out of 5

Pigeonnelle, Brasserie de La
Loirette 5.5
Witbier
France
5.5%
25.4oz, Single
$9.99
Pours a very large head, fills close to half the glass, you can hear it sizzle off from a distance, as if the glass was a frying pan, so hard to gauge retention since this is so weird, slightly off white color, close to zero lacing. More filmy than cloudy, translucent rather than muddied by sediment, the liquid is almost wall-to-wall hyperactive bubbles, a veritable storm, light orange rust water to yellow in hue. The nose is fairly bold, spotlights crackers, pretzels, salt, country bread and pulped lemons, has a floral dimension as well but does not consistently shine, cardamom, a few used peach pits, overall what it smells like is a walk in the fall countryside. Full-bodied, its dryness counters the creaminess the carbonation naturally strives for. Bolder lemon citrus here and the clove and anise spice comes into sharper focus. Caraway and cardamom still in support. You get a fuller sense of the peach and apricot fruit once it warms. The salty edge takes on a more metallic character here. There is a strong aftertaste of earth, metal and leafiness. Most intriguing in that it presents the components subtly while as a whole it is more of a “one big statement” kind of beer. Interesting and worth seeking out.
4 out of 5

Elysian Brewing Company
The Immortal IPA
American IPA
Washington
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Just over a finger of pure white foam, mix of bubble sizes creates a mottled surface, even as it craters the retention is excellent, the lacing streaks are thin and widely dispersed but also stick strongly and refuse to budge. Cloudy liquid with a sizable amount of floaties inside, coppery orange hued core with a fade to yellow further out, very few bubbles visible, The nose is very pretty with clear emphasis on a breezy florality, then tangerine to lime citrus, minor touches of cocoa, pine and peach fruit, there is a green, leafy funk underneath accompanied by notes of wet iron shavings. Light to medium-bodied, here the florality retains dominance but does get challenged by ruby grapefruit pith and pine. Past the mouth entry cocoa, toffee and peach, apricot, golden raisin fruit push it forward most. The carbonation has a soft if steady churn and some prickle at the end. Does a good job of alternating between sweetness and bitterness, keeps you interested in taking the next sip. Finishes clean enough with flavor persistence. Its treading the middle road will likely mildly turn off IPA fans who prefer beers nearer the opposing poles.
4 out of 5

Defiant Brewing Company
Muddy Creek Amber Lager
American Amber/Red Lager
New York
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thin half a finger head of light tan hue, very airy and sizzles down to the surface in little time, wispy lacing, close to nonexistent. The liquid is quite clear and spotless, a handsome amber red to mahogany brown, the bubbles are loose, no beads, but large and active. Sweet nose of cocoa, molasses, roasted nuts, offset slightly by citrus and pine notes, peach and yellow apple fruit scents, does not seem to be striving for complexity but rather agreeability, narrowly avoids getting funky as it warms. Medium-bodied, the lack of carbonation makes it feel flat and sluggish. Here a metallic bitterness does pervade, leeches sweetness from the caramel, molasses, scone and pie crust base. On the fruity side with apricot, peach, pear flavors. The pine appears but the citrus takes a few steps back into the shadows. Finishes with a roasty, nutty nature. It’s serviceable but that’s about it, too heavy to session and lacks freshness. Yet, by the same token, not overtly flawed.
2 out of 5

Big Muddy Brewing
Galaxy IPA
American IPA
Illinois
7.5%
16oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Basic head of about a finger’s depth, deep cream colored and not especially dense and below average retention, the lacing fares a little better, widely dispersed and splotchy. The liquid is a crystal clear coppery orange hue, fully transparent, random lazy bubbles here and there. The nose has a taut, wiry feel, all raw grains, pepper and dried green material like an autumn leaf pile, burnt matchstick, minor notes of orange or white grapefruit, hard to tease out any real fruit presence, pungent with good scrubbing action. In the mouth it is medium-bodied and quite dry, to the point of adhering to the palate. Peppery with a saline quality, hop oils and pine resin. Cocoa powder helps it even itself out and when it starts to warm you get more tangerine citrus and a pinch of apricot, peach fruit that suggests it could have taken a tropical fruit turn. The carbonation is steady, always there but unobtrusive. Biscuity finish as if it was buttered and the butter dried on it. It almost takes awhile to acclimate as it does not offer the sweetness one finds more often than not in this beer category. Not really a session beer but you can throw back a few before wearing down.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2015

Flying Fish Brewing Company
Exit 1 Bayshore Oyster Stout (Beer Brewed With Oysters)
Foreign/Export Stout
New Jersey
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Pours a solid finger plus head of a quite dark brown color, even surface, retention is not that great though and the lacing, while broad, tends more to slide down than stick. The liquid is a fully opaque brownish black, suggests clarity rather than sediment, just about impossible to gauge the visible carbonation level. The nose is sweet, delivering chocolate, licorice, milk and hard butterscotch candy notes, nutty and not overly toasted, doused campfire smoke, nothing acrid or burnt about it, satisfying if simple. Full-bodied, lacks carbonation which gives it a sort of sluggishness yet there’s no denying the sheer depth of flavor. Loaded with chocolate, caramel, heavy cream and licorice, here you get some cherry to blackberry styled fruit as well. That seashore brine quality is not overpowering and more or less stands in for a hops based spine. In spite of the sweetness of the flavors the texture is dry, particularly the finish, which in turn teases out coffee grind nuances. Overall it has deceptive breadth and you find a lot of easy comfort in the flavors, high level of drinkability.
4 out of 5

Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Co.
1916 Shore Shiver India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Jersey
6.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Healthy two finger head of off white dense foam, even surface with excellent retention, the lacing stretches into long streaks and sticks well enough. The liquid is a cloudy and opaque yellow to brown color maybe than amber, looks to have some particulate silt inside, only a few bubbles visible but they are super large. The nose is compact and deftly integrated, smooth orange to lemon citrus, crisp graininess, dried pine sap, black tea leaf, subdued apricot and peach fruit scents, floral finish with a seashore saltiness as well. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and tends more towards heavy than refreshing, however, does not have the sappy, sticky sweetness which would make it a chore to sip. Tangerine, pink grapefruit and lemon citrus frame the mouth entry and take their time making room for pine, potpourri and leafy green matter. The malts are large and in charge, both vanilla and cocoa accents waft in and out and at times it is almost doughy. The carbonation has some bite but does not last deep into the sip. Not excessively splashy which can impair a positive impression given the quantity of entrants in the beer type. That said, it both impresses from the start and grows on you as you sip.
4 out of 5

New Glarus Brewing Company
Spotted Cow Ale
Cream Ale
Wisconsin
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Solid finger’s worth of bright white foam, even surface, tiny and tightly woven bubbles, retention is okay at best, the lacing is stronger than expected with thick streaks and good staying power. The liquid is mildly gauzy, golden color that is closely to orange than dilute, loosely arrayed large bubbles are active. The creamy vanilla and cola bean scents present in the nose without dominance, pastry flakes and cereal, cherry to banana fruit scents, the graininess firms up and stiffens the dissolve in the nostrils, overall just smells kind of like “old school” beer. Medium-bodied, not soft but you feel all the round contours and the creaminess is both textural and in flavor. Whipped cream, vanilla and yeast to baking dough, tastes like Dr. Brown’s cream soda. As in the nose, the grain and bread stiffen by the finish and lend punctuation. Retains the cherry, banana, white grape fruitiness. Every now and then you find a metallic, spring water note. The carbonation broadens the palate coverage more than prickles. Even as the sweetness lingers it feels balanced. Comes off as highly sessionable and easy to drink, well done.
5 out of 5

Free Will Brewing Company
The Kragle IPA
American IPA
Pennsylvania
6.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Less than a finger of bright white foam for a head, tight weave, nothing really remarkable, the retention is alright, the lacing is wispy and does not do much to enhance visual appeal. Shiny if dilute golden hued liquid, very few visible bubbles, here too eminently average looking. The nose displays a high degree of focus and intention, everything seems to come at you on a laser beam, pine sap, white grapefruit pith, metal shavings, wet tea leaf, there is a dry, tacky feel to the pineapple, papaya, peach fruit scents and it definitely scrubs your nostrils without over-reliance on bitterness to do so. Medium-bodied, dry and sticky mouth feel, glues itself to the palate even as the carbonation gives it its all to lift and release. Loads on all that grapefruit, pine, pumpernickel bread and salt lick. Not especially floral and the malted milk ball nuance waits until the very last moment to lend sweetening softness. The nectarine, peach, pineapple fruit tends to be shouted over by the aggressive herbaceousness. It’s easy to find fault in the lack of malty counterbalance but at the same time the purity of expression is noteworthy. Leaves your palate vibrating like ears after a loud rock show.
4 out of 5

Rinn Duin Brewing
St. John’s Irish Red
Irish Red Ale
New Jersey
4.9%
12oz, Single
$2.09
Crests at about a finger of off-white to tan foam, smooth surface with adequate retention at best, the lacing looks like metal mail armor in how it moves and shimmers but no stick to it. Murkily impenetrable brown hued liquid, like a muddy river, switches to a bright yellow at the surface and rims, even as opaque as it is you can see steady bubble streams close to the glass sides. Roasty, toasty nose of cocoa, hard caramel candy, cola bean, vanilla and at times coffee, the fruit scents too are sweet all grape, plum and cherry, there is a breadiness as well which stiffens its posture but even just sniffing this it is clear this is a sweeter beer aimed at easy drinking. Medium-bodied but loses considerable weight as it progresses through the mouth. The carbonation has a tight weave yet cannot direct things decisively. Bready, buttery with a cola to root beer appeal, chocolate, vanilla and butterscotch too, however, drier finish than expected, welcome. Nuttiness accrues with repeated sips. Plum, maraschino cherry, red grape fruit, no earthiness but perhaps mineral water. While no trendsetter it goes down easily and hard to imagine anyone getting pissed off for having consumed it.
3 out of 5

Keegan Ales
Bine Climber Session IPA
American IPA
New York
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Big fluffy head, pure bleached white, more airy than dense with a dimpled surface, the lacing is frothy but has close to no stickiness. Light golden color to the liquid, would be transparent were it not for the fine silt which fills the glass, no real bubble beads but the few visible bubbles show good activity. The nose is somewhat mute, pretzel dough, salt, dried pine sap and white citrus, gains florality as it warms, not much fruit and avoids excess leafy greenness, not much length, you need repeated quick sniffs to assess it. Light-bodied, here the carbonation is assertive and keeps it churning on the tongue. More clean and zesty than flavorful, mineral water, bread crust, saline, white grapefruit pith, the malts seem to add more textural smoothness than sweetening, heavy on the grains even if they are more “choral” than distinct. Pale apricot, apple, peach fruit. It adroitly leverages bitterness into extended palate presence rather than for attention getting. It is a well-crafted beer, just a bit too bland for sessioning, that is, you’d get bored after just a couple.
3 out of 5

Defiant Brewing Company
Weapons Grade Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Moderate head, around a finger of deep tan, mostly even surfaced with a few islands of larger bubbles, the lacing forms broad sheets but lacks stickiness. The liquid is a dark orange amber color with more yellow and brown than red, most striking is the absolutely huge amount of sediment thrown, makes you want to strain it into another glass, fully opaque and murky. At first the nose commanded by thick caramel and toffee nuances, sweet mixed citrus and then pineapple, peach, papaya fruit, plenty of pine sap as well as wet leafy matter, gluey nostril presence and not much subtlety on display. Full-bodied and sluggish, weighs heavily on the palate. The bitterness races to the front and create herbaceous bite prior to that caramel, butterscotch love fest. There’s something vaguely unclean about it, metallic and earthy. Carbonation level comes off as slightly below average and a non-factor. Loads on that pine resin and cone element. The blood orange and white grapefruit noticeable, however, the fruit becomes a muddle of inarticulate tropical flavors. Astringent finish with the booziness quite evident, texture way outlasts the flavors.
2 out of 5

Big Muddy Brewing
Blueberry Blonde (Ale Brewed With Natural Blueberry Flavor)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Illinois
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Loose, pure white head, the pour yields over a finger but the retention is poor and there’s not much lacing as well. Light haze to the yellow-orange liquid, good amount of fat, lazy bubbles visible. The blueberry presence is dominant in the nose, followed on by molasses and orange blossom notes, tea leaf and perhaps some scone accents, dissolves nicely without excess pungency. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with light carbonation and a great deal more sweetness to the blueberry fruit, close to preserves. More of that honey to molasses aspect and even the orange citrus feels more concentrated and juice like. As it finishes gets close to milk chocolate with a mild doughiness and could pass for a slice of pie. Nothing added to the mix for contrast or balance, can’t mistake it for anything but an homage to the flavor of blueberries. So, err, make sure you like blueberries before making a purchase.
3 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
Bloodline (Ale Brewed With Blood Orange Puree And Natural Flavorings)
American IPA
Colorado
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Pours a large head, takes up close to a third of the pint glass, off-white to very light tan in color, thick microfoam with credible retention, given this the lacing curiously lacks stickiness and breadth. The liquid is an orange bronze hue, clean and spotless with close to a maelstrom of bubbles rising in sheets. The blood orange comes through clearly in the nose, however, it remains a decided second fiddle to the general maltiness as well as the leafy hops, bready with close to a nuttiness about it, peppercorns, pine and not much fruit of note. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is tight and punches more than creates creaminess. The earthiness has a metallic edge while the leafy herbaceousness is prominent through the attack. The orange citrus element has retronasal presence, lingering perfume after you swallow. Bread, caramel, toffee not able to balance out the underlying bitterness. Tends to glue itself to the palate rather than flow. Smattering of peach or apricot fruit. Seems like this deserves to be served on the colder side to both make more refreshing and mask the relative shortcomings.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2015

Flying Dog Brewery
Raging Bitch Belgian Style IPA
Belgian IPA
Colorado
8.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Yields about a finger’s worth of tan to off-white foam, while not an especially deep head, what is there sticks around, the lacing forms broad irregular splotches which languidly slide down the glass. Coppery reddish brown hued liquid, not really clear nor really hazy, large amount of highly active bubbles rushing upwards, manages good brightness given the general darkness of color. The nose is on the sweeter side with caramel, toffee, vanilla fudge and pie dough notes, there is a leafiness there too which freshens up the apricot, apple to cherry scents, finishes with clove spice and pepper, lot going on and not always marching to the same beat. Full-bodied, clingy to almost syrupy mouth texture, feels heavy on the palate. Spicier here with clove, pine and mineral water accents accompanied by a broader mixed citrus presence. The carbonation is energetic enough to shave off some of the sugariness of the peach, apricot, pineapple fruit, a needed effect. Dry enough that the majority of the caramel, vanilla, cola bean notes recede. The flavors sort of halt suddenly at the end, made more obvious by their boisterous nature as it first enters the mouth.
3 out of 5

Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg GmbH
Stiegl Radler Grapefruit (Beer With Fruit Soda)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Austria
3.2%
11.2oz, Single
$1.69
Pour a large white head, frothy and uneven, close to three fingers on the pour, poor retention as the head dissolves at a swift pace, the lacing looks decent at first but likewise does not stick around. Cloudy liquid, has a sort of washed out golden hue as if you tried to stare at the sun through it, few and random bubbles wander inside the glass. Brisk nose of grapefruit, fresh and in no way overly sweet, almost like citrus blossom, there is just maybe an undercurrent of wheat or some grains but basically all you get is pure grapefruit scents. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is low but it really does not have to do much work anyway since here too it’s totally fresh grapefruit which brings enough pucker to keep it active. Floral with a modicum of apricot or peach flavors and something akin to tonic water or baking soda. There may be a tendency to consider this a gimmicky beer but it is really straightforwardly classy and transcends the hot summer day categorization.
4 out of 5

Van Steenberge, Brouwerij
Gulden Draak 9000
Quadrupel (Quad)
Belgium
10.7%
25.4oz, Single
$13.99
Gives up a finger plus of foamy larger bubbles, this creates more airiness than retention, no lack of big, splotchy lacing. The liquid is a bright coppery hue, more yellow at the rims, cloudy and opaque, easy to miss the sheets of microscopic bubbles within. The nose is lively yet not all that thick, conjures up caramel, honey, milk chocolate, golden raisin to date fruit supplemented by cherry, apricot scents, finishes with a strong graininess and biscuit notes. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, on the dry side for the beer type, the carbonation is steady and obvious. Leans more here on scone, bread and some yeast, follows that with root beer, cocoa, caramel and butter nuances. Curious low level of fruit, mainly apricot, peach, cherry and a mutter of fig. Spiced orange peel and quinine linger lastly at the end. Interesting beer, not exactly what was expected.
4 out of 5

Pietra, Brasserie
Colomba
Witbier
France
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$7.99
Aggressive pour yields a little under a finger’s worth of pure white foam, even surface, slight retention, the lacing is likewise meager. The liquid is clear and a bright, almost metallic yellow gold color, the carbonation is active, tends to run in sheets, tiny bubbles closely spaced, looks youthful. The nose is a little on the musty side, caraway, lemon drops, ginger root, drying out to unused bread dough, the fruit is mainly crisp apple and pear, white grape, lingers longer than one might expect and becomes fresher as it does so. Medium-bodied, not as carbonated as visually suggested yet has a semi-creamy mouth feel. Basically, the first impression it makes it ginger ale, tastes like a glass of ginger ale. Neutral breadiness to water cracker notes, the lemon expands into orange citrus, albeit this not altogether sweet nor sour. Light aspect of herbal matter to fallen tree wood but can’t say it is really funky, maybe some quinine. Comes off as intentionally trying to hold the middle ground and not show too much personality in any one direction. In the final analysis can’t shake that sense of ginger ale, making the experience off-kilter.
3 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Crooked Line Cahoots II Saison (Ale Brewed With Grapefruit Peel, Orange Peel, Seeds Of Paradise, & Coriander)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Utah
6.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Pours a big head, easy over three fingers on the pour, very whipped up and airy so it starts to crater easily, you just watch the bubbles pop all across the surface, off-white to light tan in color, lacing has a little more stick than you’d expect from the lack of retention. The liquid itself is a deep orange color with more yellow rims, faintly cloudy, astounding amount of visible carbonation, almost wall-to-wall bubbles. The nose displays a lot of orange, lemon citrus, lighter pink grapefruit touches, yeast, rose petals, coriander and some clove spice, golden apple, apricot, pear fruit with supporting fig notes, develops a more vinous edge as it warms, offers a broad enough array of sweeter scents to mask the underlying forest floor component. Medium-bodied, fluffy and effervescent in the mouth, well-carbonated. The texture is fairly dry which stands in contrast to the coriander, cumin spice and juicy orange citrus. Nicely floral and the yeast, lees element grows in stature here. No unduly fruity, solid fig, golden raisin, apple, apricot flavors. Has a metallic side which plays up the herbaceous, earthy nuances. It cleans up well through the finish, not much residue, which may strike some as lack of length. Seems crafted for warm weather outdoors consumption.
3 out of 5

Telegraph Brewing Company
Reserve Wheat Ale (Ale Brewed With Lemon Verbena) (Batch No. 136)
Berliner Weissbier
California
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Gives you an easy two fingers on the pout but the head is so loose and openly knit that you can watch it sizzle down to nothing in a few seconds, slightly cream white color, hardly any lacing to speak of. Translucent haze in the glass, copper orange hued liquid, more bright yellow at the rims, any bubbles are widely dispersed and on the sluggish side. The nose is crisp but not piercing, clear emphasis on the lemon citrus and leafy green matter, the wheat is on the unprocessed side, more grain than bread, while there is a minerally or quinine element it remains clean and not intentionally “dirty,” light clove as in uncooked or unused, the fruit scents are mainly green apple, pear and peach pit, texturally it is soaks in unevenly which actually helps you notice it more. In the mouth it’s light-bodied, more tart than overtly sour, with a puckering acidic character. The carbonation provides a light prickle at best, mild fizziness through the finish. Here the metallic earthiness is more assertive and puts tang in the lemon to lighter orange citrus flavoring. The raw grains are hard to parse out, same for the pre-powdered spices. While you get the same green apple, apricot to peach pit/skin fruit there’s something which reaches for tropical, like star fruit or persimmon. Its unwillingness to go full bore in any one regard both its strength and weakness.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2015

Maine Beer Company
Another One India Pale Ale
American IPA
Maine
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$5.99
Two plus fingers of bleached white foam, very delicately constructed and airy, uneven surface and no more than average retention, the lacing forms wide, mottled streaks which stick well before dissolving in place. Brightly yellow colored liquid, transparent, lots of active bubbles but dispersed and not in beads. The nose displays a genteel directness, focused tangerine, lemon, white grapefruit citrus neither sweet nor sour, lowkey florality yields to more peppery, biscuity, and piney notes, not especially leafy but hops dominated, the apricot, pineapple, mango fruit scents have tang and assist the general oily texture in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, remarkable smoothness given its overall dryness. Loaded with orange, tangerine and lemon citrus zest. Here the floral side spreads out further, at times comes close to being minty in addition to the piney qualities. White pepper, ginger and clove bring dimension, there’s really no overtly “sweet” element to be found. The carbonation is fine and pinpoint yet no wimp. Shows balance in a graceful, Fred Astaire like manner. Refreshing for how it does not seek to impress you with all kinds of fireworks.
5 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
A Tiny Beautiful Something
American Pale Ale
Maine
5.5%
16.9oz, Single
$5.99
Pours a huge head, fills close to a third of a pint glass, eggshell white with a very mottled surface, wispy and airy, the lacing slowly slides down the glass at a pace which might as well be stickiness. Cloudy golden liquid that just nudges up against a deeper orange hue, fully opaque, makes it hard to see the tiny yet active bubbles. The nose has a clear focus on crisp citrus notes, tangerine, lemon and a little white grapefruit, peppery with a bread crust and biscuit element, not that sweet, some caramel, more by way of wet, leafy herbaceous matter, the peach, apricot, pineapple fruit fresh and cheery. Medium-bodied, steady churn to the carbonation lends firmness. Dry in texture, more tacky than wetter sticky. The florality and seed oil more upfront, pairs well with the orange and lemon citrus, this latter not too sour. Straight up peach, apricot, nectarine fruit, falls short of tropical. Subdued breadiness, but indistinct spiciness gives it lift. Light touch of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Blends it all together into a seamless whole yet also allows for you to analyze it if so chosen. Gentle persistence at the end.
4 out of 5

Baladin, Birrificio
Super Baladin
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Italy
8.1%
8.45oz, Single
$6.49
Wispy head at best, a momentary coating across the surface, minimal stickiness to the lacing as well. The liquid is fully opaque and murky, at its core it’s a reddish brown, nearer the surface an orange to yellow hue, hard to peep any carbonation bubbles. The nose is somewhat simple, raisin bread, clove, banana, German chocolate cake and plum, cherry, apple fruit, more lees and yeast than finished breadiness, nothing actively opposes the sweeter elements, smelling it feels like walking through quicksand. Full-bodied, very low carbonation, here too it layers itself like wet cement. Toffee, butterscotch, dark chocolate, maple syrup, hint of orange peel. Nutty like walnuts or nuts you’d use in baking. Scone, black bread, tries to get sour but stays sweet. Glances of bubblegum and banana, the more you sip the boozier it seems. Clove, cinnamon spice mostly upfront, then gets leafy in the manner of wet forest floor matter, “sous bois.” The flavors have initial intensity but not much staying power and given its palate heaviness it becomes somewhat of a chore to finish.
3 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Monster Beer Tour Hop Selection IPA (2015) (Ella Hops)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Georgia
8.6%
12oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Over a finger of white foam, high number of larger bubbles creates an uneven surface and retention is so-so, the lacing is not that thick but sticks well, broad streaks. The liquid is a filmy honey orange to yellow with an ability to hold light inside the glass, random fat bubbles are visible. The nose is thick and viscous with a steamroller like appeal, molasses, caramel, brown sugar and candied orange peel, the fruit inclines toward tropical, guava, pineapple, papaya and then apricot paste, plenty of pine sap and sweeter grains and dark breads, mild pepperiness, very little subtle going on. Full-bodied, just as sticky and gluey here too, the ability to register bitterness helps break it up some. Chocolate, cocoa, caramel, butterscotch, honey, pink grapefruit to tangelo citrus, the pine is a formidable component. There is some herbaceous bite but not in a cleansing manner. The carbonation has some muscle, which helps. The spicy breadiness at times evokes whiskey barrels. A floral lift lightens the heaviness of the papaya, nectarine, peach, pineapple fruit. Nevertheless, it still has a slow, plodding pace through the mouth. Would be difficult to drink more than one bottle in a sitting.
3 out of 5

Bruery, The
Or Xata (Blonde Ale Brewed With Rice With Cinnamon And Vanilla Beans Added) (2015 Edition)
American Blonde Ale
California
7.2%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
A strong pour gets you about two fingers of cream white foam, the agitation yields bigger bubbles which settle down to the surface rapidly, mottled surface coating, the lacing shows surprising stickiness, big and random splotches all over the place, looks like a Rorschach test. The liquid is a light amber color, very clean and bright, no beads but plenty of dispersed bubbles throughout. The nose is downright confectionary with rice pudding, cinnamon, vanilla bean, whipped cream, lemon sorbet, banana, golden raisin, and glazed nuts, close to exactly as one might imagine it based off the label, behind the sweetness is a medicinal witch hazel sort of thing but never gets astringent. In the mouth it’s really has a lighter body but the relentlessly gregarious sweetness creates a sticky sensation and makes it feel deceptively heavier. At first comes across as a cream ale mated with a cream soda, maybe in a ménage à trois with a root beer. Vanilla, cinnamon, black licorice, molasses, heavy cream to condensed milk, challah bread, rice pudding, very closely replicates the nose. The carbonation is mild and perhaps not really noticed until you just about swallow. Not for everyday drinking but if you are in the mood for something sweet you could polish a few pints off extremely quickly.
5 out of 5

Free Will Brewing Company
COB Coffee Oatmeal Brown (Ale With Coffee Added)
American Brown Ale
Pennsylvania
8.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Yields about a half finger of light tan foam, nothing special about the retention level, the lacing lacks stickiness, broad sheets slipping down the glass. The looks clear and yet is more opaque than transparent, the hue is mainly brown with a brightening orange tint, bubbles are visually present but scattered. The nose gushes coffee but it is lightly roasted, freshly ground and sweet, like café con leche, plenty of caramel and milk chocolate notes, scone and breakfast cakes, certainly oatmeal, hint of bitterness to balance out the raisin and fig fruit notes, does an excellent job of presenting persistent pungency without becoming a chore. Medium-bodied, right off the bat you notice the difference in weight and mouth feel from what you normally get with these flavors. The carbonation is moderate, you get more fluffy than crisp textures. Here the bitter coffee bite punches through just a little more forcefully, needed as the molasses, caramel, cocoa sweetness runs with abandon. Grilled nuts pair nicely with challah bread and that same scone aspect. Orange peel, cherry, apricot and golden raisin fruit play together. Under all this is a subtle leafy and metallic earthy nuance. The sweetness masks the ABV well but you do feel the buzz if you pop open a second one. Seamless pleasure.
5 out of 5

Mayflower Brewing Company
Summer Rye Ale
Rye Beer
Massachusetts
3.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bleached white, uneven surface with many larger bubbles forming random peaks, crests a little over one finger, holds on well enough, the lacing forms as a thin, broad sheet which easily slides back down into the liquid below. The liquid itself is as pale as imaginable, looks like yellow tap water, mild translucency, one big storm of large bubbles rise swiftly upwards. The nose comes across as somewhat “skeletal” as in gaunt and not much happening, floral with chamomile and citrus blossom notes, unprocessed grains, chief most rye, black peppercorns, metallic accents, any fruit to be had mainly green grapes, apples and apricot pits, has sufficient weight to persist in the nostrils. Light-bodied, the lack of flavor is evident from the start making it feel even more dilute. Iron flecks, lemon peels, water crackers, pepper, used tea bags, here does not have the level of florality found in the nose. The carbonation is muscular and round in character, not so much tingly or scrubbing. Muddled white pit fruits and apples. Almost has to have a clean finish as there’s not enough there to make a mess with.
2 out of 5

Binding-Brauerei AG
Schöfferhofer Grapefruit (Unfiltered Hefeweizen Beer With Grapefruit Flavoring)
Hefeweizen
Germany
2.5%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$9.75
Crests near one finger of pure white foam, even surface, minimal retention, the lacing is wispy and likewise does not last very long. As expected, the liquid is super cloudy, a dark yellow to light orange in hue, a few lazy bubbles can be seen here and there, does a good job of capturing light inside it. Pure grapefruit nose, dripping juicy sweetness to the left and right, maybe a few yeast or lees like notes, leads you to believe there’s some spicy or earthy elements crushed below all the citrus, has very nice life and lingers well. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, has the extra zip in the carbonation to keep its legs moving on the treadmill and keep the overall experience fresh. While the dominant flavor is sweeter pink grapefruit there are also moments of more tart white grapefruit to lemon going on, especially right after you swallow. Likewise, possesses a honeyed edge which ratchets the sweetness right back up. Sure, it’s a one trick pony but it makes no claims to anything otherwise. The low alcohol makes it more sessionable but even on the hottest days you’d be tired with it after two or three, tops.
3 out of 5

Two Roads Brewing Company
Ol’ Factory Pils (Dry Hopped Pilsner)
German Pilsener
Connecticut
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bright white head, about a finger deep, uneven surface, credible retention, while the lacing is not super-strong per se, it is more than one might expect for a pilsner. Soft cloudy glow to the liquid, deep yellow color, the bubbles are large and aggregated loosely into beads, fills the glass well. Plenty of brawn to the nose, lemon and orange citrus, dried cut lawn grass, unprocessed grains to hard French bread crusts, momentary peppery kick, has a sort of “clean funkiness” to it, apricot and peach fruit scents demurely wait until the end to speak out, its pungency and lift are pluses. Full-bodied, it has more clingy sappiness than expected and really grips the palate. This even as it impresses right out of the gate as a very dry beer. Don’t think the dryness equates to no flavor as the apricot, peach, apple fruit elevates and adds in honey and softer breadiness. Lemony with mineral and leafy notes, the malts come across as adding more textural give than pronounced flavoring. The spiciness is more than pepper, perhaps a subdued bay leaf or tarragon. The carbonation is okay, able to relieve some palate weight but not enough to make it a really thirst slaking experience. Stays active.
4 out of 5

Brùton, Birrificio
Lilith Italian Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Italy
5.5%
25.4oz, Single
$13.99
Pours a healthy two finger head of tan foam, generally even surface with some divots, dense, simmers down at a slow and steady pace, the lacing is mainly broad sheets with minimal stickiness. Clear and bright liquid, orange to brown in color, hyperactive maelstrom of bubbles zip about inside, visually inviting, does get cloudier with the final pours of the bottle. The nose has an erect bearing in the nostrils even as it mostly lays down the caramel, molasses sweetness, challah bread, golden raisin, date and apricot fruit, whisper of ripe oranges, good overall freshness, not much by way of any bittering hops until it starts to warm close to room temperature. Full-bodied, the mouth feel is on the creamy side with a bit of sour punctuation in the mid-palate. Upfront you get molasses, brown sugar, caramel yet not that sweet, candied orange peels, a few accents of bread and pie crust. Apricot, apple, pear, white grape fruit which bring with it cinnamon stick flavors. Carbonation comes off as on the sluggish side. Earthiness funk accelerates through the end and grows in stature near bottom of bottle. Its vision statement needs some reworking.
3 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Beer II (Hop Program)
American IPA
Maine
4.7%
16.9oz, Single
$5.99
Produces a big head, easily over two fingers, however, it is quite delicate and airy and thus disintegrates rather easily to leave a mottled coating across the surface, bright white and the lacing forms thick random splotches. Gauzy yellow gold colored liquid that flirts with a deepening into metallic orange hues, the bubbles are good sized and active but do not form tight beads. The nose is close to explosive upon the pour, very floral and dominated by orange blossom and peel notes, just newly ripened apricot, peach, pineapple fruit scents also come across as delicate, under all this is a distinct herbaceous and earthy foundation, peppery and hard to discern any strong malt presence. Medium-bodied, it has an oily texture which creates an impression of weight and body but really it just makes things sticky. Lemon pledge, pepper, tarry earth, tree leaves and a minor note of pine incline it towards a dry character, if not quite austere. This dryness saps the life out of what might otherwise be tropical fruit flavors, pineapple, mango, papaya, apricot. Maybe it is because the primary flavors have receded, but the finish is fresh and the overall bitterness is moderate. Falls into a “tweener” no man’s land.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2015

Bucket Brewery, The
Pawtucket Pail Ale
American Pale Ale
Rhode Island
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Pours a minimal head, covers the surface and that’s about it, gone before you note it, lacing is equally a non-factor. Murky amber brown colored liquid with a slight reddish tint, barely any visible carbonation, has a pleasing glow inside the glass. Sweet nose of molasses, caramel, glazed nuts and just starting to bake bread dough, mixes in cherry with peach, pear fruit scents, there is a musty sort of funk lurking on the sidelines, lacks hoppy spine, even for an APA. Medium-bodied, exerts what weight it has down into the tongue, this helped by the mediocre carbonation. A little more stiffening freshness here, not herbal nor piney but not full on reclining either. Depends a lot on the malty goodness of the caramel, butterscotch, vanilla bean and cola flavors. This element is strong enough to stifle a significant portion of the peach, apricot, cherry, red apple fruit flavors. Not complex but deserves some kudos for smoothness. One could make an argument for it being more of an amber/red ale than pale ale.
3 out of 5

Foolproof Brewing Company
Backyahd India Pale Ale
American IPA
Rhode Island
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger deep head, mottled with lots of surface sizzle as the bubbles pop rapidly, just off white, not many streaks but the lacing which is there is thick and sticks. Mild gauziness to the amber orange color, few visible bubbles, not especially active. Metal, iodine, peach pits, pulped lemons and pizza crust make up most of the nose, you have to consciously agitate and swirl the liquid to create enough aroma to register the parts. Medium-bodied, minimal grip, the carbonation is moderate at best and does not help to increase palate presence. Leafy with tree bark, metal, mineral aspects, not bitter in a puckering way, more like dry and slowly paced. Dried pine sap, pepper, sour grapefruit, not getting much fruit, at best a mix of white pit fruit and pineapple. The malt seems to wait until the finish to make an attempt to smooth things out, cocoa and butterscotch flavors without a lot of sweetness. Sampled at differing temperatures without much flavor or textural difference. Acceptable, certainly its shortcomings could be masked by consuming with flavorful food.
2 out of 5

Three Floyds Brewing Company
Yum Yum American Session Ale
American Pale Ale
Indiana
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Big, frothy head, two plus fingers, off white in color, delicate foam with a hilly surface, leaves close to no lacing behind, glides off. Cloudy yellow to orange hued liquid, easily translucent although there’s no problem seeing the numerous fat bubbles rising inside the glass. Soft, juicy and full nose, loaded with sweet orange, grapefruit citrus, then apricot, peach and nectarine fruit, after that you register lighter pine sap, pepper and freshly baked biscuits, hints at some funkier earthiness but more or less decides to stick with the moist fruit and citrus. Full-bodied, creamy mouth feel even with a strong veer to dryness at the end. The metallic earth, grass more pronounced here and the scone, malted milk ball and pine sap only partially able to soften the contours. The sweetness remains in the orange, tangerine citrus, however, it lacks staying power. Same for that apple, apricot, pineapple fruit albeit more bite here. The carbonation offers slow, steady churn, insufficient to scrub palate. Best taken as a whole rather than parsed out plus shows better when colder. Then it is a more than just a simple quaffer.
3 out of 5

Radeberger Exportbierbrauerei
Radeberger Pilsner
German Pilsener
Germany
4.8%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Pours a fluffy two finger head, bleached white, airy with a great deal of larger bubbles, wispy lacing at best, does display nice level of head retention. Bright golden hued liquid, good color depth, fair amount of larger, muscular bubbles loosely arrayed. Heavy on the raw grains in the nose, not that sweet, maybe a touch of honey, this outweighed by pepperiness and Ovaltine notes, mild burst of sour white citrus, minimal fruit presence, stays long in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, more sturdy than heavy, not quite as carbonated as visually suggested. Here the cocoa, malt pushes to the fore some, balances out the herbaceous side of things, which is akin to cut grass or dried straw. The citrus coalesces into lemon to white grapefruit, if muted. Again, just about no fruit flavor. Texturally it does have palate grip and you feel it adhere to the tongue, dry but not dusty. As in the nose it has good length and no wimp by any stretch. When you just sit back to analyze it the bitterness could throw it off balance. But can easily see it smoothing out with food. Probably more than pleasing enough after mowing the lawn or such.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2015

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Palate Shifter Imperial IPA (Captain’s Reserve)
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.69
Finger plus of fluffy just off-white color, slight orange tint to it, nicely contoured surface, excellent retention and thick, splotchy lacing that barely moves. The liquid is a cloudy if effulgent yellow to orange mass, not real beads but plenty of fat bubbles which rise powerfully towards the surface. Very piney and resinous nose, bodacious white grapefruit presence, brisk pineapple, nectarine, papaya, green apple fruit scents, peppery and leafy, caramel and a little butterscotch appears just before the final dissolve, strong and filling presence in your nostrils. Full-bodied, lots of grip and sticks to your palate authoritatively. The carbonation is powerful and curiously at times gives it a soft drink feel. More sourness in the white grapefruit as well as bite in the herbaceousness. The pepperiness and pine resin weave back into the whole. The tartness extends through the pineapple, papaya, nectarine, apricot, star fruit flavors. Notes of quinine at the end, not a lot of maltiness in terms of specific flavors. Lots of staying power, gets dry in texture at the end but one you will have to wash out of your mouth.
4 out of 5

De Molen, Brouwerij
Hel & Verdoemenis
Russian Imperial Stout
Netherlands
10.0%
11.2oz, Single
$9.99
Meager dusting of tan brown foam across the surface, barely stretches across and gone quickly after the pour, barely any lacing. The liquid passes dark brown into black, slight tint of yellow at rims and glass bottom, some particulate visible floating about, any bubbles are highly random. Strong roast to the nose, coffee and dark chocolate interlaced with licorice, caramel and milk notes, displays a noticeable herbaceous character, a touch stiff and unyielding, you get more by way of dried meat than any sweeter fruit accents. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and heavier on the bottom, pushes down into the tongue. Too dry to really develop a creamy feel and that roast inclines it more towards bitter than sweet. Coffee, grilled nuts, chocolate, licorice and some granola, oatmeal. Here there might be plum, date or raisin flavorings. The herbal side is less overt, yet there is a burnt ashen thing going down. Due to the lack of sweetness it lacks length at the finish and develops a thinner weight. So, in the end, it’s kinda more flash than substance even if by no stretch a bad beer.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2015

Defiant Brewing Company
Medusa India Pale Ale
American IPA
New York
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Fluffy head, mottled surface, pure white, sizzles down to the surface quickly, leaving more islands than a consistent coating, the lacing is thick in parts but mostly thinner streaks. The liquid is closer to amber orange than pure yellow gold, there’s some very fine particulate matter floating when you inspect closely, not many bubbles but they are fat and move vigorously. There’s a sour funkiness to the nose, metallic and herbaceous as in forest floor matter not fresh leafiness, sour mixed citrus tones, not getting much fruit, a bit flat and lacking in thrust for the type of beer, ends with some tea leaf and floral notes but never activates fully. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, round and soft, the creamy texture could be replaced by keener bite for freshness. More bready here with slightly livelier hops and snap. Peach, apricot, apple fruit, less of a citrus presence. Malty sweetness throughout, however, not in the form of distinct flavors. On the whole it just seems muddled and lacking in punctuation at the finish. Its monochrome nature would be more acceptable were it more refreshing for hot summer days and such.
2 out of 5

Commons Brewery, The
Urban Farmhouse
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Oregon
5.3%
25.4oz, Single
$10.99
Fluffy two finger head, bleached white with a fairly tight weave and even surface, the retention is good and any lacing forms a solid sheet which glides slowly down the glass side. The liquid is a straight-up golden straw color, not too pale, achieves a measure of translucency, it’s hard to imagine a larger maelstrom of bubbles swirling inside a glass. Good stiffness to the nose, raw grains, hay, sour lemon zest, peppery with a mild floral undercurrent, clove, clean sort of earthiness, light tones of apple, pear and melon fruit, opens broadly without losing heft in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, dry in texture with a good amount of creaminess from all that carbonation. From the first sip strikes you as fresh and clean, no one element so deep as to dominate the whole. Pepper, clove, coriander, grapefruit to lemon citrus, cut flowers, the yeastiness is demure as is the earthiness. Mixed grains, the pear, apple, apricot fruit steps it up to offer a sweet core to the whole presentation. When this really crests it highlights bubblegum accents. Ends with a spicy tingle. One could see it being described as one dimensional, however, it is likely a stylistic choice to go for simplicity and freshness over a fireworks show.
4 out of 5

St. Bernardus NV, Brouwerij
Abt 12
Quadrupel (Quad)
Belgium
10.0%
25.4oz, Single
$9.99
Crests close to a finger, nice frothy head which settles into an even coating across the surface, tan in color, the lacing acts like a coat of mail and just shimmers down the glass sides. Cloudy amber to light brown colored liquid, more yellow near the surface, very difficult to visually inspect the carbonation level. The nose has a regal compactness to it, molasses, rum raisin ice cream, spiced oranges, cola, clove and bubblegum, green apple, apricot and red cherry fruit interwoven, there is also an element of cigar ash and earthiness, definitely does not overplay sweetness. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and, again, more dense than fluid and expansive. This said allowing for the big foaminess and softly round carbonated mouth feel. Caramel, bubblegum, banana, clove, anise and a slight pie crust doughiness. The cherry, blackberry, plum fruit takes on a darker complexion here without undue sugariness, hint of fig or date. Mild metallic to earthy qualities, mostly as residue. Given its subtlety, few flavors leap out at you to jot down, what you are most struck by is its balance for the category and its confident persistence without raising its voice. You notice it without it having to work hard for you to do so.
5 out of 5

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Habanero Sculpin (India Pale Ale With Habanero Peppers Added)
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$14.99
Finger plus head, fairly openly knit with a mottled surface, light tan color, the lacing is a wispy netting but does cover a good bit of territory. Coppery colored liquid, on the reddish side, darkened by the fine silt floating within, translucent, the bubbles more dispersed than in strong beads. The nose is sort of muted because the habanero has more directness than breadth, you have to concentrate to get any pine, grapefruit notes or even the, I guess, apricot to peach fruit scents, just not much to parse. Medium-bodied, carbonation is average to below. Still, has a semi-creamy texture which is needed because basically all you taste is habanero and more habanero. Now, to its credit, this is a very pure and clean expression of the flavor. But you have to use your imagination to get at any fruit, citrus or basic hoppy flavors. I want to reiterate that this is a fresh and cleanly direct drinking experience. But it is pure habanero and packs the heat you’d expect as such. Take it at face value, make your own call, just have a glass of water at your side.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Chillwave Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Ohio
9.4%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Good frothy finger high head, mixed bubble sizes makes for uneven surface, light tan color, excellent retention, the lacing is very thick and covers wide swaths of the glass side. The liquid is as close to red as orange, very deep and glowing, at first you could miss seeing the tiny bubbles meandering within, very pretty to look at. Thick, clingy nose of molasses, pine sap, pink grapefruit pulp, it’s more spicy and smoky than herbaceous, pineapple, mango, nectarine, apricot fruit scents, more chocolate and malt appears as it warms, ends with even more smokiness like meat fat on a grill. Full-bodied, beef jerky, iron and slightly soapy, sticky in a dry residue fashion. Plenty of pine and grapefruit, tangerine citrus, here you get a bit more herbal stiffening but not enough to inch into “refreshing” territory. Cocoa, caramel, molasses sweeten the finish. The carbonation seems to be at an average plus level but the beer is so dense you need even more. Cherry, pineapple, nectarine, peach, mango fruit, in keeping with the whole more heavy than juicy and flowing. It’s a good enough brew but not sure I’d want more than one in a sitting.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2015

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Grapefruit Sculpin (India Pale Ale With Natural Grapefruit Flavors)
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$14.99
Half a finger of eggshell white foam, good amount of larger bubbles spread across the surface, below average retention, the lacing is broad but not especially thick. Unblemished, bright liquid of a coppery orange color, the random bubbles are fat and avoid beading. In the nose the citrus has more focus than raw sweetness, pink grapefruit supported by solid tangerine notes, floral with saline and pretzel accents, pineapple, nectarine and peach fruit scents likewise more apt to jab than give you a hug. Full-bodied, more dense than heavy, might benefit from more powerful carbonation. Still manages good crispness and the herbaceousness, pine sap and general savoriness give it more spine. For an element which is ever-present, the grapefruit shows restraint in that it willingly shares the stage. The finish displays the underlying caramel and toffee sweetness, particularly when it warms some. Apricot, peach, pineapple fruit there, again not a fruit-driven experience. As one might expect, and want, the grapefruit outlasts all else. Good drinkability, doesn’t wear you down.
4 out of 5

Spencer Brewery, The
Trappist Ale
Belgian Pale Ale
Massachusetts
6.5%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$17.99
Decent initial head, very loose and wispy, settles down to a loosely arrayed islands of bubbles, tannish hue with an orange tint, for lacing you get minimal splotches with not too much stick. Very cloudy, bottle stood up for days and carefully poured still yields a great deal of particulate in the liquid, warm red glow at the core but mostly a bright orange, color of pink grapefruit pulp, nothing remarkable about the visible carbonation. The nose offers biscuit crumbs, pepper, meadow grasses and earth, clove spice, the orange to lemon citrus pierces the nostrils well and allows for more flow in the attenuated apricot, apple fruit, definitely more lingering banana notes. Full-bodied, in large part due to the fluffy expansion coming from the carbonation. Lees, whipped cream, clove and caraway seed, dried honey, less peppery here. The citrus is indistinct in terms of flavors but a large presence nonetheless. Overall, the profile is too dry for you to get a lot of banana or bubblegum but they are there. Apricot, pear, green melon fruit of moderate ambition. The finish is tactful even as that active carbonation extends the mouth feel. Pleasant to sip.
4 out of 5

De Molen, Brouwerij
Tsarina Esra Imperial Porter
Baltic Porter
Netherlands
11.0%
11.2oz, Single
$9.99
Pours a moderate head, under a finger, mostly larger bubbles which sizzle off quickly, there is some lacing but it’s extremely thin lines with not great stickiness. The liquid is a murky brown, fully opaque, develops a yellow tint at the rims and surface, you can see a few strands of bubbles within but you are more likely to spy particulate floating about. The nose is at once compact and expressive, German chocolate cake, licorice, vanilla cake icing, toffee, kind of too sweet for real smokiness to show, curious lack of fruit scents, quiet raisin and prune at best, lingers with minimal effort. Full-bodied, layers creamily on the tongue, however, here you get something like bitter chicory which brightens the attack. Low carbonation, more fluffy than refreshing. Licorice, pine sap, crème brûlée, molten chocolate, roasted chestnuts and scone flavors keep the sweetness on parade, one could argue there is an uptick in the plum, prune, raisin, cherry fruit. The finish is somewhat flat-footed, yet no faulting the intensity of the flavors it chooses to spotlight. Does a reasonably good job of masking the alcohol.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2015

Founders Brewing Company
Dark Penance Imperial Black India Pale Ale
American Black Ale
Michigan
8.9%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
The head is about a half finger but it looks super dense and mainly mid-sized bubbles which lends visual texture without sacrificing retention, the lacing is a bit wispy but spreads over a wide area of the available glass sides. The liquid is not quite opaque and up close you really see how clear it is, basic brown color, no bubbles to be seen except a few here and there near the surface, actually looks like a “tweener.” In the nose the roast comes through like a bell, coffee and mocha, behind that is caramel, butterscotch and coconut, at turns gets close to being peaty, mild apricot and cherry fruit scents, with all of that maltiness the burst of herbaceousness is a jolting reminder that technically it is an IPA. Medium-bodied, lacking in the carbonation department which saps some of the life which would truly make this a superlative beer. Dark chocolate, coffee beans, toasted coconut shake hands with pine sap, leafy matter, and white grapefruit zest. While bitter you easily adjust to it. Nothing about this is shy nor retiring, it is not an easy sipper. For as much zigging and zagging as you get, it still manages to hold it together. Vibrant, good naturedly argumentative.
4 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
DirtWolf Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
8.7%
12oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Strong pour yields about a finger’s worth of cream white foam, more or less even surface, a few larger bubbles, has good retention of what’s there, the lacing is more like a thin, consistent webbing than thicker streaks. Coppery colored liquid, neither shiny nor dull, somewhat translucent as well, very few visible bubbles. The nose has a good amount going on, lots of pine and grapefruit, tangerine citrus, peppery, leafy without seeming green, the fruit is tropical pineapple, nectarine, mango with apricot, more edgy than wet and juicy, for the punch it packs it also possesses a sinewy, punctuated dissolve. Full-bodied, sappy and heavy in mouth feel. here too leans on the pine, citrus and herbal matter for the cornerstone of flavor. Not that floral but has a patina of malt sweetness and brioche style breadiness. Mango, papaya, pineapple, nectarine, apricot fruit bright and succinct at once. A touch boozy but no heat in the throat. The stickiness prevents it from being a thirst slaker but that is clearly not the intent. Big, bold and proud of it.
5 out of 5

High Point Brewing Company
Ramstein Blonde Hefe-Weizen
Hefeweizen
New Jersey
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours a big, aggressive head, easily two fingers and comes close to pouring over, looks whipped up and delicate, off-white cream color, hard to judge the lacing since there’s not much surface space left to stick to. Fuzzy and opaque dark gold to orange hued liquid, maelstrom of bubbles inside, you definitely see where the head came from. The nose clearly offers up yeast, raw dough, banana and even bubblegum before stiffens into pepperiness and cloves, earthy in a clean manner, doesn’t express much fruit, you get more by way of white grapefruit. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied but very firm, the carbonation gives it more slow churn than prickle. On the dry side, can’t accuse it of excess sweetness. But, again, the banana and yeast is a clear element. Almost minerally at times, the wheat seems unprocessed and closer to an unpicked state. More apricot and peach present here, cherry even. The clove and nutmeg notes do not bring much sweetness. Too dense to be refreshing about it has character and is likely best suited as meal accompaniment than consumed on its own.
4 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
DayTime (A Fractional IPA)
American IPA
California
4.65%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Modest half finger head, pure white, full mix of bubble sizes, the lacing is fairly thick and splotchy and sticks quite nicely. The liquid is a simple pale yellow color, mild gauziness to it, there are not many bubble beads but the few are highly active. While the nose does offer a good amount of sweeter grapefruit citrus, cocoa powder and florality, it comes across as mainly raw grains, green grass and salt, not much of a fruit presence at all. Light-bodied, bitter enough that you notice it from the instant it hits the tongue and reverbs through the finish even though there’s not much there. Herbaceous, soapy and flat in feel once you acclimate to the bitterness. Retains that veneer of cocoa maltiness, florality dips but maybe some pine to pick up the slack. Again, hardly any fruit, some apricot or peach. In turn the grapefruit, orange citrus drier than might be preferred. It is easy to drink in terms of not being “difficult” so it is indeed sessionable. However, the lack of flavor depth does not entice one into sessioning it, as it were.
2 out of 5

Otter Creek Brewing/Wolaver’s
Brewmaster Mike’s Citra Mantra India-Style Pils Lager
American Pale Lager
Vermont
5.75%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Dense head of about a finger’s height, pale white, smooth surface, mostly uniform foam, the lacing is thin, however, produces many streaks and they all stick with determination. Light filminess to the golden hued light, translucent and difficult to see through, only a few bubbles but they are fat. Very pure and fresh nose, abounds with a cornucopia of tart citrus, leafy herbal matter and toasted bread crust, some peppery notes as well, the white pit fruit and pineapple scents are plush and do what the can to soften the contours, overall has a high energy profile. Medium-bodied, somewhat creamy texture at first then it becomes successively drier although stops short of bitter. The bite in the pineapple, papaya, nectarine fruit trumps any juicier apricot or peach. The floral element more pronounced here, the citrus seems to settle on a mix of pink and white grapefruit. The graininess and herbaceousness stiffen the mouth feel after the attack and the mild maltiness appears mostly after the show has ended. To its credit, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts and it’s best to just enjoy it than parse it.
5 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Zinneke Belgian Style Stout (Big Beer Series)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
New Hampshire
8.7%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Pours a thin dusting across the surface, almost not sure if it’s there, same situation with the lacing, more or less nonexistent. The liquid is a pure brown color, fairly clear and transparent, curiously there’s a decent amount of beads with tiny, active bubbles. The nose mixes roast and sweetness, cocoa and coffee beans then cola and vanilla, some banana notes in there and has an herbaceous side as well. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has prickle during the mouth entry and then trails off. Vanilla, chocolate, cherry fruit makes it seem like a soft drink. Has that dough and banana element here too. The roast is mostly present as an aftertaste. Pleasant enough, not too sweet, overall though it comes off as flat-footed and one-dimensional.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2015

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Bouncy House IPA
American IPA
New Hampshire
4.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger plus head of eggshell white, fairly loose foam with average retention, the lacing is more splotches than streaks but sticks decently. The liquid is a gauzy yellow with a slight orange tinge, like rusty pipe water, not that many bubbles but they are fat and active. Lean, piercing nose of rock salt, pretzel dough, sour white grapefruit pith and green, leafy hops, any fruit is biting pineapple and star fruit, few moments of softer juiciness, to its credit given the lack of breadth it is pungent and longlasting. Light-bodied, the carbonation is too strong for the body and it basically feels like drinking strongly carbonated mineral water. Bitter hops, cut grass, lemon and grapefruit citrus, quinine, even as it dries out the mouth it creates a tacky residue in its wake. Loses even that tropical fruit appeal, husks of apple, pineapple, nectarine, peach at best. Not malty, has moments of uncooked dough left to dry out. To be fair, it does have a certain refreshing quality and it is not so bitter as to be offputting. So, if you like the general flavor profile and mouth feel it is quaffable.
2 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Imperial Rum Barrel Aged Pumking (Ale Brewed With Pumpkins)
Pumpkin Ale
New York
10.7%
22oz, Single
$14.99
Even an active pour barely yields enough head to cover the surface, this dissipates swiftly, close to zero lacing as well. The liquid is extremely clear and transparent, a sort of washed out orange color, barely any bubbles visible. The nose is primarily comprised of caramel popcorn, bushels of baking spices, cocoa powder, and caramelized brown sugar, oddly close to absent are the pumpkin notes, the rum cask treatment is noticeable but gets muted by the overaggressive spices. Medium-bodied, flat mouth presence with minimal carbonation, that is being kind. Lots of flavor, vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, ginger, cinnamon, cocoa, pie crust. Here the booziness from the barrels is more evident and there’s actual real rum flavor. The pumpkin still never manages to get revved up and there’s no fruit flavors. Overall, it is not that sweet nor sugary. Again, the flavors which are present are resonant but not a great deal of complexity on display. Lacks liveliness.
2 out of 5

De Molen, Brouwerij
Bloed, Zweet & Tranen
Smoked Beer
Netherlands
8.2%
11.2oz, Single
$6.49
Pours a healthy two finger head of dark tan foam, delicate in appearance, almost all microfoam with a mottled surface. The liquid is a rich brown hue, opaque although you can see a great deal of hyperactive tiny bubbles rushing towards the surface. The nose is as advertised, huge smokiness, peaty with a saline quality as well as gaminess, old school plastic band-aids, there are some chocolaty notes, all of the above wipes out any fruit which might be there, general pungency lasts for some time. Medium-bodied, creamier texture than expected, the smokiness prevents excess sweetness from building and also aids in gluing it to your palate. Charred campfire wood, grill fat, tar, more peat than straight-up earthiness. The carbonation is as strong as the visuals suggest, this helping to relieve some monotony. More chocolate, caramel coming though here. Perhaps moments of plum and, oddly, apricot. Releases well and does not force itself on you, for its category not heavy handed. Given its relative intensity and higher alcohol, this is one I could drink more than one in a single sitting.
5 out of 5

De Dolle Brouwers, Brouwerij
Oerbier
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
9.0%
11.2oz, Single
$9.29
Pours a healthy two finger head, dark tan in hue, the large percentage of bigger bubbles creates a mottled surface, thick globs of lacing left behind. Deep brown colored liquid, cleaner than expected but too dark for transparency, basically wall-to-wall active bubbles too thick to form single beads. The nose definitely betrays a sour, grapey side, clears a path for the thicker, sweeter milk chocolate, scone, molasses and plum, cherry to raisin, prune fruit scents, there is a palpable “sour bois” funk to it, bark, leaves and black tea leaves as well as a modicum of grapefruit pith, truly needs to get close to room temperature to really open up and shine. Full-bodied, needs all that carbonation to prevent it from congealing although, truthfully, it is more pinpoint prickles than foaminess. Minerals, damp earth and sour grapefruit have the speed to get in there before the chocolate, sweet baking spices, yeast and baking dough, root beer and cola bean notes. As a result, the moments of sweetness are deep but not long lived. Same blend of cherry, raisin, date fruit, more concentrated than sweet. Finishes on a metallic note. Sometimes it is annoying when a beer zigs and zags on you, here it just makes you like it more.
5 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
80-Acre Hoppy Wheat Beer
American Pale Wheat Ale
Missouri
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pure white head, crests around half a finger and quickly sizzles off to a light surface dusting, while wispy what lacing there is sticks quite well to the glass sides. The liquid is cloudy but does not display any floating particulate, widespread and super-active bubbles fill the glass, overall a light orange to yellow color. The nose shows off the wheat proudly but it’s mainly an explosion of grapefruit and orange citrus, not overly hoppy, there is a bubblegum to pie dough element, at the same time there’s a burst of black pepper and green tea, strong presence without being overpowering. Medium-bodied, sour from all that muscular citrus, the powerful carbonation both brings prickle and limits the soaking in of the pucker factor. Floral with that same bubblegum aspect, delivers more peach, apricot, cherry fruit flavors here. Notes of clove and lesser pepper. Not that dry but closer to that end of the spectrum even as you never feel the flavors are truncated as a result. Maybe a too clingy for full-on refreshment but its liveliness is very attractive and it is easy to keep on sipping. Pulls it off well.
4 out of 5

Cape May Brewing Company
Sawyer’s Swap Barley Wine Ale
American Barleywine
New Jersey
9.6%
12oz, Single
$1.99
Gives less than a half finger head, tan foam but no retention, leaves a thin dusting across the surface, can’t call it powerful but there’s actually more lacing than expected. Noticeably clear brown-orange hued liquid, actually a beautiful color, close to zero visible bubbles. Caramel, honey, scones and caramelized brown sugar make the first impression in the nose, dried cherries and golden raisins, old school country style bread, the kind of rip off in chunks, light wood smoke, remarkable for its freshness and ease in flowing forward through your nostrils. Full-bodied, here it has enough density that just maybe it loses that effortless grace. Peat, smoke, spent yeast, cola bean, caraway, by now the herbal qualities may have seen their best days. Tar, graphite, campfire embers, as it warms the inner mouth pungency grows. The carbonation could stand to have more kick but this is a minor quibble. Cherry, golden raisin, date and fig, this all manages to step lively. Booziness held in check throughout, tingly finish without any well intentioned lurching forward. This could prove versatile at the dinner table.
5 out of 5

Long Trail Brewing Company
Limbo IPA
American IPA
Vermont
7.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Little over a finger of eggshell white foam, mostly even surface with a couple of islands of larger bubbles, leaves behind long, thin streaks of sticky lacing, Cloudy orange rust to yellow hued liquid, fully opaque with a large amount of muscular bubbles swirling upwards. Wisely starts off with sweeter orange, tangerine citrus which sets you at ease before leafy herbal matter, pretzel dough, pepper, pine cones and iron flecks exercise themselves, the pineapple, nectarine, passion fruit has bite but too little juice to really soak into the nostrils. Medium-bodied, the carbonation tends to firm it up more than lift. The grapefruit, lemon, sour orange citrus really revs it up as does the pine. More muted floral aspect softens the contours, biscuit actually sweetens it. Maybe at times a sprinkle of cocoa and then caramel. Sticks to the palate pretty well. Still, dryness of finish truncates the peach, nectarine, pineapple fruit, no one is gonna confuse this with Lagunitas. Not really that herbaceous but it is soapy at moments. Whatever flaws it may have, it handles itself confidently and doesn’t push the envelope too far and thus you could easily not notice putting back 3-4 of them in an evening.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2014

Dieu du Ciel, Brasserie
Dernière Volonté (Belgian Style India Pale Ale)
Belgian IPA
Canada
7.0%
11.5oz, Single
$4.99
Modest head of about a finger’s depth, close to bone white, tightly woven but not especially longlasting, the lacing comes in broad streaks and sticks well. Light orange to yellow colored liquid, looks a touch a dilute, good deal of active bubbles within as well as a very fine particulate which lends it a semi-translucency. There is a raw graininess to the nose as well as peppery nature which keeps it on edge, however, plenty of pine, sweet citrus and floral notes for prettiness, cardamom and chamomile, peach and yellow fruit, fresh with good clarity to the parts. Medium-bodied, dry and zesty entry into the mouth, very floral and the spiciness more pronounced here, cumin, ginger and something close to tarragon, not sweeter spiciness. More orange to lemon citrus than grapefruit. The pine seems more knit in here. The carbonation is tight and not too aggressive. The apricot, peach, pear fruit light of touch without ever disappearing. Essence of violets left behind at the end, expansive floral lift continues. Too rich to be delicate but it is intelligently put together and subtly holds your attention.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2014

Angel City Brewery
Dark Rye Lager (Aged 3 Months In Bourbon Barrels) (2014)
Rye Beer
California
8.7%
22oz, Single
$11.49
Pours a huge, half the glass, head so be careful, deep tan in color and mainly medium to large bubbles, dimpled surface, once some glass surface becomes available the lacing is thick and quite sticky. The liquid is a dark and murky brown color, lightens into a gauzy orange around the glass bottom and rims, strong visible beads of bubbles. The bourbon plays by far the major role in the nose, vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, root beer, not quite smoky though, poached peach and apple fruit scents, there is a sort of hot car seat plastic thing going on, semi-volatile. Full-bodied, the carbonation adds more creaminess than freshness. That cream soda to root beer aspect continues, again smoother barrel flavors like vanilla, caramel, not toasty. The rye is most present retronasally in fume form. Apricot, apple, pear fruit not as concentrated as in the nose and tends to trail off by the end. For all the overt presence of the bourbon barrels, in the end it has a sour profile. Coming across as faded and muted even at this young stage, being a 2014 bottling. No flaws, but needs more verve and energy.
2 out of 5

Grand Canyon Brewing Company, The
Sunset Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Arizona
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Yields a very meager head, barely coats the surface, no surprise that it doesn’t leave much lacing behind. The liquid is certainly a dark amber color, more towards red than orange, clear on the whole but up close you can see a fair amount of particulate floating about, no visible bubbles. The nose is all malted milk balls, chocolate and scone and pastry flakes, more of a metallic presence than fruity, something like corn syrup in there too. Medium-bodied, kind of sluggish with low carbonation and a general flat feel. The high level of sweetness also adds to the sappy texture. Cocoa, chocolate, toffee, there is a burnt edge as well, like bitter chocolate or roasted coffee. More of that breadiness, nutty as well, roasted and dappled in honey. Again, curious about the lack of fruit, some peach or apricot notes at best. The metallic, earthy stuff drops a notch or two here. Its blockish finish prevents a refreshing appeal. It’s basically alright, that’s kinda it.
2 out of 5

Olde Hickory Brewery
Imperial Stout (Ale Brewed With Honey) (2014)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
10.0%
22oz, Single
$12.99
Aggressive pour yields about half a finger of extremely dark brown foam, simmers down to the surface at a quick pace, no lacing to speak of. The liquid is as black as coal, completely impenetrable with no trace of any orange nor yellow tint, if there’s any bubbles you ain’t seeing them. Thick roast to the nose, bitter dark chocolate, molasses more than honey, candied orange peels, lighter black licorice, rum raisin ice cream, plum fruit, overall not quite as explosive as expected, tends to peter out more swiftly than would be preferred. Full-bodied but here too it shies off at the end, curious given the boldness of the flavors. Coffee, dark chocolate roast combines with scone breadiness, star anise, coconut flakes and crème brûlée flavors, the bitterness gets more extreme during the finish, not an excessively sweet beer. The honey has a clearer presence here. The plum to cherry fruit takes a step back out of the limelight. Perhaps even takes on a tarry, ashy aspect over time. Hard to say there’s much carbonation but it is not entirely flat per se. There’s little doubt it is going for the “steamroller” effect but does not have the density nor sweetness to really achieve it. Maybe a better brew for “failing” in this regard.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2014

Goose Island Beer Company
Pepe Nero Belgian-Style Farmhouse Ale (Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale Brewed With Peppercorns) (2013)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Illinois
6.4%
12oz, Single
$3.49
Solid finger plus of tan microfoam, miniscule bubbles forming a very even surface, the lacing is a broad sheet, no streaks, head lasts well enough before becoming a thin coating across the surface. The liquid is a deep brown with yellowish rims, lots of particulate floating inside, still you can see the fat bubbles with ease. The nose is sweet, highlighting cola, cocoa, malted milk balls, vanilla and green apple to peach and cherry fruit scents, perhaps bready but not very yeasty and no citrus nor herbal/earthy notes. Full-bodied and lays thickly on the tongue, the carbonation adds initial prickle and then little much thereafter. Equally sweet here with chocolate, caramel, cola flavors, kind of like drinking an alcoholic Dr. Pepper. The fruit here more cherry to red berry in nature. Maybe, just maybe a little minerally earthiness at the end where it is also on the dry side. This beer provides pleasure, it simply leaves you a bit confused as to what its goal is.
3 out of 5

Drake’s Brewing Company
Drakonic Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
8.75%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Aggressive pour yields over two fingers of loose foam, mostly large bigger bubbles, very uneven surface, very dark brown in hue, the lacing is wide and sticky. The liquid is pure black with minimal hint of any color around the rims, close to impossible to discern any bubbles. The nose stuffed with black licorice, milk chocolate, vanilla bean, caramel, candied nuts and lactose, not much roast at all, the cherry to plum fruit also has a little green apple in it. Full-bodied and thick, here it does have a roasty quality which helps to alleviate some weight. Flowers, licorice, nuts, baking dough, cocoa, and café au lait flavors make an agreeable entry, however, there is a drying bitterness by the finish. The plum, cherry, apricot, fig fruit loses sweetness as it progresses. The carbonation has its moments but needs more consistency to keep it buoyant sip to sip. All of the basic elements are covered, you simply wish there was more resonance in the sweetness so you could sink into it and enjoy. More credible than spectacular.
3 out of 5

Grand Canyon Brewing Company, The
Black Iron India Pale Ale
American IPA
Arizona
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Thin head, almost gone before it’s there, the lacing is more like a ring around a bathtub than separate streaks. Deep orange colored liquid with some discernible particulate and few bubbles, good brightness. Sweetly pungent nose, heavy on the floral musk, honey and orange marmalade, pine sap, poached peach to apricot scents, some pineapple too, peppery then it gets barnyardy like a bushel of hay left out in the weather to do whatever. Medium-bodied, soft and limp, no zip at all, carbonation on the low side. Tangerine, blood orange, and some pink grapefruit, has a soft drink character. Floral air freshener, cocoa, caramelized brown sugar, coconut custard, pine, like walking through a department store perfume department. Peach, nectarine, pineapple, guava, ripe but lacks tropical zest. Wish it possessed some more herbal hoppy qualities to heighten liveliness. No pedigree, clearly going for uber-friendliness at the cost of distinct elements. If that is indeed the case, at least it likely has succeeded.
2 out of 5

Off Color Brewing
Troublesome (Wheat Beer Brewed With Coriander)
Gose
Illinois
4.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$18.99
Very thin bone white head, covers the surface before a swift dissolve to just an accumulation along the glass sides, no real lacing either. Metallic yellow color, has good shine to compensate for overall paleness, not any bubbles but what’s there are large and active. The nose is on the flat side, yeast, iron flecks, wet straw, brown dirt, the mixed white citrus struggles to maintain presence, minimal peach, apricot fruit scents, funky on the whole albeit more sugary as it warms. Medium-bodied, heavily carbonated with an active churn in the mouth. Corn syrup kind of sweetness, dough, honey and lemondrops, can’t say it is easy to discern any coriander although there is an undistinguished cooking spice thing there. Peach, yellow apple to cherry flavors. The wheat is clearer, here comes off more as bread than uncooked dough. Semi-tart ending tries to play up earthiness but, again, more metallic than the former. For its weight can be refreshing and strikes one as a dinner table beer more than a quaffer on its own.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2014

The Portsmouth Brewery
Killer B Ale
Braggot
New Hampshire
9.8%
22oz, Single
$10.00
Decent head which crests over a finger, mostly larger bubbles so doesn’t persist that long, pleasingly orangish tan color, the lacing forms thick streaks, however, these too aren’t long for this world. Rich amber red color, bright shine to it, lots of large and swiftly moving bubbles. Big, brash nose of honey, candied orange peel, cocoa and caramel, sweet is what it does best, lighter dough to processed grains presence, apple, pear, peach to fig fruit scents, textural thickness has it glued to your nostrils for some time. Full-bodied, the carbonation is working overtime but not going to match the layered power and heaviness it presents. More mineral to metallic notes as well as grass and bread crust, still it remains all about the honey. The orange citrus expands into white grapefruit. The caramel verges onto butterscotch syrup and vanilla pudding. There is a burnt touch, like caramelized brown sugar. The fruit lacks clarity, lump of peach, apricot and fig. At the very end you get a fizzy tickle. Does come off as boozy, you feel the alcohol. A very sweet in style beer that likely is best utilized as a dessert beverage or to counter a very spicy and heavy main course dish.
4 out of 5

De Dolle Brouwers, Brouwerij
Arabier
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Belgium
8.0%
11.2oz, Single
$9.29
Normal pour fills 2/3 of the glass with a dense white foam, even surface, close to zero lacing, retention is very good though. Cloudy liquid with a healthy amount of particulate, golden orange in color, could be rust water, huge amount of visible bubbles, wall-to-wall activity. The nose has a rough texture to it, wheat and grains, earth and peppercorns before slightly softening into banana, white grape and apricot pits, not that sweet and the clove to nutmeg spice could show more oomph, stays within itself well. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and tends to be bottom heavy, the carbonation is indeed strong so it makes you imagine what the feel would be like without it. Much more floral here with lemon accents, the clove stronger as well. For all the sweetness in the pear, yellow apple, apricot to banana fruit, dryness takes over past the mid-palate. Hay, quinine, spent lees, iron flecks, sort of heads in many directions at once. Astringent ending but can’t call it herbaceous nor really green in any manner. Seems to unclench some as it warms so may be one to linger over rather than quaff with abandon.
3 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Weez
American Black Ale
Maine
7.2%
16.9oz, Single
$5.99
Huge, frothy head, easy three fingers, very dark brown with an unusual amount of larger bubbles present, lots of craters across the surface, excellent retention, the lacing likewise thick and chunky and not easily washed away. The liquid is a pure black, while opaque in no way cloudy, can’t discern any visible bubbles. Early appearance in the nose of white grapefruit and orange citrus, this succumbs to cocoa, coffee roast notes, pleasingly strong floral component too, something medicinal, like witch hazel, the plum, cherry fruit scents a touch muted, never turns all that complex but what is there lingers powerfully. Medium-bodied, the creamy mouthfeel helps to delay the arrival of the roastiness and dark chocolate, moments of chicory like bitterness. In the end the citrus adds more sweetness than tartness, still not getting much more than a vestige of mixed black fruits. Carbonation assists in breaking up its inclinations towards heaviness. Pine resin, tar and campfire smoke contribute to the inner mouth perfume through the finish. Thankfully not over roasted so ends up with a clean ending rather than too astringent or bitter.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
20th Anniversary Belgian-Style Ale (Ale Brewed With Grape Juice)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Colorado
8.2%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Wispy head, barely covers the surface before even that thin layer of white is gone, lacing close to nonexistent and no stick. Filmy light yellow hued liquid, holds the light and glows warmly, just transparent enough to see the fat bubbles rise inside the glass. The nose leans on clove to nutmeg spice, lemon pulp, yeast and apple, pear and, of course, white grape fruit scents, comes across as gregariously sugary with bubblegum notes and not much to provide counterbalance. In the mouth it is medium-bodied with active carbonation which ultimately proves more distracting than refreshing, albeit this trails off at the end. The coriander to clove spice sweet, fewer yeasty qualities here as the lemon to sour orange citrus plays a bigger role and the vinous qualities come to the fore and accentuate the white grape, pear, green apple flavors. You get a bit more banana as it warms. Yeast to raw pie dough, not much in terms of finished or baked bread or even rougher grains. Does produce a certain bitterness at the end, however, this itself just contributes to its herky-jerky presentation. If you enjoy the primary flavors here, they are deep and longlasting.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2014

DuClaw Brewing Company
Sweet Baby Jesus! Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter
American Porter
Maryland
6.5%
12oz, Single
$1.89
Thinnish half finger head, doesn’t stick around long, a dusting across the surface, the lacing slides off in slippery sheets. Opaque dark brown liquid, turns to a rust orange near the surface which allows you to see how much chunky particulate there is inside, a few beads of bubbles visible. The nose is almost entirely peanut butter, some chocolate powder, has some roast but basically you might as well open a jar of Skippy and put your nose in it. Light to medium-bodied, carbonated attack prevents it from soaking into the mouth, weak finish. Here the peanut butter is just as strong, chocolate and maybe it is psychological but there’s also grape jelly. Burnt roastiness, lactose and challah bread along with sweeter nuts. Actually wish it was sweeter so it would have a clearer purpose when consumed. Lacks smooth flow and tends to gum up from front palate to rear. One trick pony that is fun once and that’s about it.
2 out of 5

New Jersey Beer Company
Garden State Stout (Stout Brewed With Chocolate And Raisins)
American Stout
New Jersey
6.6%
12oz, Single
$2.19
Pours a meager head, barely covers the surface before disappearing entirely, not much lacing either. Straight up black and opaque liquid, thin stripe of yellow at the rims and surface. The nose is sweet, spotlights chocolate, milk, maple syrup and licorice, the raisins do come through, however, just as much fig or date too, has a bready dimension yet no real drier, stiffening element. Medium-bodied, lack of carbonation gives it a semi-flat mouth feel and increases heaviness. Stronger roast here, brings out coffee, tree bark and tar notes and gives the chocolate a bitterness. Caramel, toffee and milk predominate, some black tea leaf and that tarry, earthy stuff. Really, the fruit presence is minimal at best. Lots of residual smokiness as it finishes. While the primary flavors would indicate a sweeter beer it actually comes off on the dry side. Flavor intensity trails off at the end. Easy to drink and neutral enough in many respects to pair well across the board with a variety of foods. Wish it had more liveliness.
2 out of 5

Hofbräuhaus München
Hefe Weizen
Hefeweizen
Germany
5.1%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Light pure white head, sizzles down to an even surface swiftly, the lacing is somewhat chunky which makes its presence better known as it does not cling much. The liquid is a hazy yellow gold color, not many big bubbles but they are large, overall looks the part. Banana, bubblegum, cherries and strawberries in the nose alongside hay and wheat, slight metallic undertones, spicy but the white citrus a touch mute, it has a thick texture and really fills your nostrils. Full-bodied and on the heavy side in the mouth too, sweet enough to enhance its clinginess. Clove, yeast and quinine tease out more white grapefruit but also likely diminish the apricot, cherry fruit. The banana and bubblegum tamer as well, the bitterness of the metallic earth and matted grass matter take ground. Carbonation is so-so, not sufficient to break up its solidity. Expectations were for a more refreshing experience. Seems muddled about what it truly wants to express. Yet, drinkable in its own right.
3 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Zoe
American Amber/Red Ale
Maine
7.2%
16.9oz, Single
$5.99
Very foamy pour, fills up nearly half the pint glass, despite fragile, airy quality retains well and hovers over a finger for some time, light tan color, virtually no larger bubbles on the surface, the lacing is weak, a few splotches here and there at best. The liquid is clear and transparent, a very dark reddish brown, looks like the color of library furniture, sedate and serious, almost zero bubbles visible. The nose is expressive with grapefruit, pine leading into malted milk balls, chocolate, coffee and caramelized brown sugar, then veers back to earthy hops and leafy matter, apple and pear skin all you get for fruit, keenly penetrating and erect posture in the nostrils. Full-bodied for the character, has decent enough carbonation yet still sits like a bowling ball on the tongue. Leads with biting white grapefruit zest and green grass notes before the more roasty coffee, mocha steps up. Pine and flowers pull it away from malty sweetness and here there’s greater depth of apricot, peach and pear fruit. Some breadiness and a hint of summer corn but not strong enough to counteract the overall bitterness. Overall, appears to choose power and simplicity over subtlety, no complaints here.
5 out of 5

Allagash Brewing Company
Saison Belgian Style Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maine
6.1%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Bright white head, around half a finger and it sizzles off quickly, lacks density, no stick in the lacing but there are broad sheets which slide down the glass sides. Light yellowish liquid, slightly washed out but it has good shine, lots of active bubbles fill the glass, snow globe level fullness. While the nose has some brine and pickled aspects, opens into softer floral notes with sour white citrus and clove, coriander citrus, there is bubblegum but it never quite enunciates strongly, the peach, apricot and curiously pineapple fruit scents crushed into the whole, ends with a yeast, dough elevation. Medium-bodied, the carbonation lives up to its visual impression and churns through the mouth, especially creamy attack. The tangerine, white grapefruit citrus plays a big role. Fewer flowers, more grains and metal shavings, these push back the banana, bubblegum and lees aspects to the end. In the end it is bit too tough minded and lacking in flow, however, the basic elements are there and the funk seems to be managed for maximal approachability by the widest group of imbibers.
3 out of 5

Paulaner Brauerei GmbH & Co. KG
Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat
Hefeweizen
Germany
5.5%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Close to two fingers of head, comprised mostly of microscopic bubbles, moderate retention, close to pure white in color, no lacing to speak of. Soft reddish tint to the orange-yellow base to the liquid, vague hazy quality, strong presence of fat, active bubbles, sits solidly in the glass. The nose explodes with banana and bubblegum notes, clove and star anise spice, lower peppery bite, hint of quinine and saline, curiously the wheat seems submerged, the mixed orange to lemon citrus lingers almost as long as the bubblegum. Medium-bodied, the creamy attack leads to a sterner, leaner mouth presence, the carbonation is front loaded and then dries out across the palate. The bubblegum, banana big time here too, blends into apricot, yellow apple notes. Clove, coriander breaks the surface and then gets shadowed by white grapefruit sourness. Squares itself up and strides from the mid-palate to the finish with determination. Nothing wimpy here, even with that bubblegum sweetness. Spice nips at your heels. This is easygoing and approachable and likely more to please crowds than an individual beer geek.
4 out of 5

Modern Times Beer
Fortunate Islands Hoppy-Tropical Wheat
American Pale Wheat Ale
California
5.0%
16oz, Single
$2.69
Finger plus of just off white foam, mottled surface, dissolves fairly swiftly thus revealing its airy structure, hardly any stickiness to the lacing hence not much lacing. Thin orange color, the liquid is very bright and shiny just not much depth of hue, some fade to yellow around the edges, minimal visible bubbles. Very pleasing and clean nose, youthfully fresh pineapple, guava, nectarine fruit, blood orange citrus, pretzel dough, wheat germ, grassy but never too biting, the malts do not coalesce into distinct scents but lend textural softness, lingers well without seeming forced. Light to medium-bodied, smooth mouth feel although the carbonation at times seems too aggressive for the overall weight. The graininess is present while the herbaceous element recedes. The sour orange to grapefruit citrus steps up its game, big player. There’s flavor but not sugary sweetness in the pineapple, apple, nectarine, papaya fruit, allows for a more sour finish. Delivers some floral retronasal lift. Earthy residue on the tongue, not unclean but has been out in the fields all day. Interesting, drinkable, not something I’d seek out multiple times but happy if it crossed my path.
4 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Lunch India Pale Ale
American IPA
Maine
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$5.99
Big frothy head, easily three fingers with a very slow dissolve, uneven surface, cream white not bright, the lacing is thinner than you’d think, average stickiness at best, very light gauziness to the orange bronze liquid, consistent coloration throughout, few visible bubbles, maybe they all rushed to the top during the pour. The nose is thick which marginally hampers freshness, plenty of pine, herbal matter, the white grapefruit adds to overall punch, same for the white pepper element, the cocoa and malt cloaked, thickly layered nectarine, pineapple, guava, peach fruit scents, not going for finesse but comes off as a gentle steamroller. Full-bodied, tangy and biting, even the carbonation has a chip on its shoulder, steady push towards the throat. More tangerine and orange mixed into the grapefruit. The floral element softens a few rough spots. Earthy and close to minerally or metallic. The fruit pulls back, apricot, peach pit and some pineapple, green apple. As in the nose the malts wait until the 11th hour to arrive. Piney qualities add to bitterness. This is no messing around, no smiling, just business, type of beer.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2014

Drake’s Brewing Company
1500 Dry-Hopped Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
California
5.5%
12oz, Single
$1.79
Pours a solid two finger head of eggshell white foam, plenty of larger bubbles and not densely constructed thus retention is so-so, you can fairly broad sheets across the glass sides but lacks stickiness to form meaningful lacing. Cloudy rust orange colored liquid, dense looking, the bubbles are widely dispersed. Decent stiffness to the nose, cocoa powder, grains, grapefruit pith, light grassiness and arguably on the hoppy side for an APA (but this no real surprise), the apricot to nectarine fruit scents are muted, wet resiny presence in the nostrils. Full-bodied, sticky and piney with a good bit of earthy, metallic notes. Bigger citrus, orange, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit. Feels somewhat fizzy, carbonation too aggressive for moderate overall flavor intensity. The cocoa, powdered chocolate steady accompaniment. The nectarine, pineapple, apricot fruit weaves around aimlessly. Pretzel dough, salt, quinine, puckering finish. What is interesting is that with all of the above it actually coheres well and has slurpability. Given its heaviness the younger you consume it the more likely you will pound more and get fatigued less.
3 out of 5

Upright Brewing Company
Four
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Oregon
4.5%
25.4oz
Single, $10.99
Very frothy, you get a little spillage simply from popping it open, pours a three plus finger head of delicate, airy bleached white foam, doesn’t have the skeleton to last very long, evaporates down to the surface with a few random splotches to create an impression of lacing. Warm golden color, on the gauzy side, the bubbles are random but fat and active. Pleasingly straightforward and fresh nose focused on grapefruit and orange citrus, apple, pear fruit, trim and focused so that any breadiness or coriander type spice remains a minor influence, has a meadowy freshness rather than leafy herbaceousness. Medium-bodied, has some palate traction but likewise fresh here as well with lavender, ginger, coriander, tea leaf, and wildflowers more than pepper or sweet yeastiness. Lemon, grapefruit citrus again a factor. The fruit flickers in and out, skin and seeds like apple and pear, some underripe apricot. The carbonation is average to plus, however, the mouth feel remains “hard” and somewhat chewy. A model of restraint while being accessible and easy to quaff. Happy to have tried it.
4 out of 5

Mystery Brewing Company
Beatrix Spring Saison
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
North Carolina
6.9%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Thin head, wispy larger white bubbles which evaporate at a rapid pace, the lacing fares somewhat better, few streaks but they are thick. The liquid has a worn gold hue, captures and holds light well, dullish, plenty of big, lazy bubbles which rise at an amazingly slow pace. The nose conjures up hibiscus, apricot and peach fuzz, apple skin, sweet grains, orange peel and caraway seeds, very mild estery notes, overall lacks expressivity. Full-bodied, soft and expands steadily in the mouth, you feel it from cheek to cheek. Here you get a pleasant metallic accent and earthiness to balance out the sweetness of the peach, apple, apricot, banana fruit. Spicier too, pepper and tarragon. The citrus element struggles some but stays present. Likewise, the florality gets lost in the overall thickness of the brew. Allowing for this, there is solid depth of flavor and persistence, plus it veers away from getting bitter while at the same time not overplaying the sweetness. Thinking this would show best with some heavier fare at the dinner table than consumed on its own.
3 out of 5

Monkish Brewing Company
Anomaly Belgian-Style Strong Dark Ale
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
California
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$11.39
Pours a healthy two to three finger head, deep tan color, dense microfoam with an even surface, adequate stick to what lacing is there, nice retention. The liquid is mostly opaque, a murky brownish core which fades to a mix of muddy yellows and oranges around the rims, not much visible by way of carbonation. The nose is quite sweet, developing strong currents of milk chocolate, molasses, licorice, custard and ginger spice, verges on prune, plenty of dark fruit scents, layers itself well without ever fatiguing your nostrils. In the mouth, however, it is a little heavy and the carbonation is somewhat weak and unable to create meaningful lift off the palate. That said, the flavors are vivid and sure to please any sweet tooth, anise, cinnamon, chocolate, coconut, brown sugar, honey, some graininess along the lines of honeyed bread. Plum to prune, cherry, apricot fruit dominates. Mild char to it relieves some sugariness. Strikes me as an “nightcap” sort of beer, relaxing after dinner. Not sure I’d want to put down more than a couple of glasses. But what you do drink would please for sure.
4 out of 5

Berkshire Brewing Company
Brewer’s Series Black India Pale Ale
American Black Ale
Massachusetts
5.0%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Finger plus of deep brown foam, full mix of bubble sizes with an uneven surface, good plus retention, the lacing is thick and covers a good portion of the available space. The liquid is not especially dense but does reach opacity and full blackness, there’s a broad orange glow at the glass bottom and rims, could pass for a stout. Big time malty roast to the nose, mocha and cocoa and coffee, powerful white grapefruit presence as well, herbaceous with accents of pine sap, not a lot of fruit going on, leans heavily on the citrus. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation does not make it soft yet does create a steady prickly churn. Chicory, coffee, bitter dark chocolate push the white grapefruit back a notch, the herbal qualities hold off mostly until the end. Muted cherry, apricot, apple fruit. Bitter finish, however, retains most of its basic flavor profile. Ultimately, the roast doesn’t allow for much complexity.
3 out of 5

Triple C Brewing Co.
3C India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.2%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Thin pure white head, very even, hardly any larger bubbles, not much stickiness to the lacing, forms a wide sheet which slides down the glass side. The liquid is very cloudy, dark orange at the core and more yellow further out, even with the murkiness there’s a great deal of bubbles rising up. The nose is taut and piercing, very herbaceous and earthy, metallic notes, dried dark bread crusts, curious that it delivers more cocoa and dark chocolate than citrus accents, mild pine, hard to pick out much by way of fruit scents, kind of jabs at you. In the mouth not much changes, full-bodied and sort of foamy in texture with same emphasis on earth, metal, forest floor matter. The white grapefruit finds itself, muttering of dried flowers, still very little fruit, peach and apricot pit. Sour on the whole, not sure where balancing sweetness is supposed to come from, that cocoa and hard caramel isn’t doing it. Its weight is what carries it through the finish rather than breadth of flavors. A candidate for dinner table drinking rather than relaxing sipping on its own.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2014

Nantahala Brewing Company
Noon Day India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.0%
22oz, Single
$7.49
A passive pour still yields close to half a glass full of eggshell to cream white foam, very airy and light but the retention is pretty admirable and the lacing is thick and gluey as well. There’s a filmy dullness to the liquid, more darker orange than red or brown, curious lack of visible bubbles given the size of the head, basic. The nose has a herbal, earthy base but it’s mainly grapefruit, pine, flowers and peach, apricot, gets a lot maltier as it warms. Full-bodied, soft mouth feel from the carbonation, lessens the innate bitterness of the mouth entry. More earthy and loamy than herbaceous, any of this short lived due to the strength of the mocha, cocoa notes. Decent amount of sweetness in the tangerine, mandarin orange, white grapefruit citrus, a big overall factor. Texture turns syrupy after repeated sips, honeyed too. Pepper, scone and bread crusts, does not indulge in over sweetness nor “bigger is better” bombast. The pineapple, apricot, yellow apple fruit stays present and consistent. It’s easy to see how some could find this “boring” but it’s really just keeping it simple for simplicity’s sake. Too thick to be sessionable, otherwise you could pound these back with ease.
4 out of 5

El Segundo Brewing Company
Two 5 Left Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.2%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Whipped up head with a majority of larger bubbles which hurts overall retention, crests over two fingers, darker eggshell white, the lacing has adequate stickiness, nothing special. The liquid itself is on the darker side, an orangish brown more than red, fades to yellow at the rims, the bubbles are tiny and widely dispersed but display very good activity. At once the nose has clarity among the elements and one big thick whomp upside your head, loaded with pine sap, white grapefruit pulp, tar, pepper and melted caramel, the fruit is sweetly tropical like ripe mango and papaya, not so much tarter pineapple, sticks to your nostril hairs like glue and lingers for a considerable amount of time. Full-bodied to the point of immobility, even the soft and fluffy carbonation barely gets it moving. So it does offer a somewhat monolithic experience. As one would expect, you get a lot more bitterness on the palate, tauter pine and grassy notes. Mixes some lemon and blood orange into the white grapefruit. The caramel to butterscotch is there but woven in. Absence of fruit is curious, what’s there is mostly peach, nectarine, papaya and, here, pineapple. Dusting of cocoa powder. A lot going on, and in a confined space, but you have to give it credit, it pulls it all together somehow.
4 out of 5

Logsdon Farmhouse Ales
Seizoen Organic Farmhouse Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Oregon
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$11.99
Big three finger head, agitated and whipped up, very airy, bleached white, nice retention, good amount of thick splotches of lacing as well. Not a lot of shine, has more of a worn gold hue, dense presence in the glass, hardly any bubbles visible, wonder where that big head came from. Steady and strong nose of tangerine, orange citrus, cinnamon, chamomile, white pepper, lots of earthiness and herbaceous qualities underneath, when warming the peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit comes through more clearly, good clarity for all of its richness. Full-bodied, dense and foamy in texture. Peppery, has a “green” edge to it with a metallic touch. White grapefruit, sour oranges, the citrus pairs with the aforementioned to cut through the fluff and refresh. Coriander, clove, and some cinnamon. The fruit more green apple, pear and apricot pit, not as sweet as the nose suggests. Any banana or bubblegum seems to appear mostly retronasally. Admire how it is not wimpy and overzealous in trying to please. The florality is an escalating component as it approaches finish. Not that yeasty, maybe some toastiness. Overall, not that sweet but it never seems arch. Comes across as crafted in a very “traditional” style, like great-grandpa would approve.
5 out of 5

Drake’s Brewing Company
Denogginizer Imperial IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
9.75%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Nice frothy head, crests around two fingers, darker eggshell white hue, fair amount of larger bubbles but retention is good, the lacing is very splotchy but this too sticks. Cloudy liquid, sort of deep orange-brown at the core, more yellow further out, the bubbles are scattered, large and slow, not the most visually appealing beer. Thick, sweet nose of oak barrels, caramel, vanilla, cocoa, booze and peach to apricot paste, kind of over the top, the herbaceousness of the hops diminished as a result, the pine tar and coal notes actually bring freshness, has prolonged staying power basically because it has clogged up your nostrils. Full-bodied, feels more right-sized here though, its heaviness distributed across the palate. Pink grapefruit, tangerine pulp blends into concentrated pineapple, guava, apricot fruit. The carbonation brings a welcome prickle, favoring the pine, grass and earth for a moment. Then it’s back to the cocoa, mocha, vanilla, butterscotch and molasses flavors. While it deserves points for a fair amount of flavor intensity, its ability to fatigue the palate, well, fatigues the palate. Wish it moved with more effortless grace.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2014

Ithaca Beer Company
Flower Power IPA
American IPA
New York
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Hits you with one to two fingers of bone white foam, fairly dense weave but there are some bigger bubbles, the lacing forms very long streaks, however, not the stickiest. Cloudy yellow to light orange hued liquid, lots of “floaties” inside, fully opaque, you can only see a few lazily scattered bubbles but unlikely there’s many more you can’t discern. The nose is on the aggressive side, herbaceous and piney, dried grapefruit pith, metallic earth, burnt bread crusts and while the florality and peach, apricot fruit are no pushovers, they don’t have the raw power to show decisively, overall its muscular texture lengthens presence more than gluey richness. In the mouth it has a similar feel, close to full-bodied, focused on grip over layering. As you get pineapple, papaya mixed into the apricot and apple, more nervosity, same for the white grapefruit, blood orange citrus, comes into its own. Still, little ignoring the grassiness and earthiness, on the bitter side of the ledger. Pine, dash here and there of cocoa or mocha. Seems to want to offer fewer elements and intensify what is there. Carbonation is sneakily strong, enlivens the finish. While not an easygoing rendition of the category, by the same token not overly challenging to the point of conceding the victory.
4 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
Jam Session Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
5.1%
16oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Moderate head, under a finger of off-white color, full mix of bubble sizes, below average retention, not much lacing either, more random than a direct result of glass swirling. The liquid is a mildly bronzed orange with more red than yellow mixed in, good clarity yet without many bubbles to see. The nose has a powerful floral lift, honeyed with sweet orange, tangerine citrus, just lacks the herbaceous bite to come off as an IPA, there’s a malty caramel streak in there too but sort of lost in the shuffle, peach and pineapple fruit scents, overall pungency is impressive. Full-bodied, ever so slightly heavy and slow to move. The level of carbonation is acceptable, not obtrusive. However, probably could help make it a little easier to pound were it stronger. More noticeable malts here, cocoa, mocha and toffee frame the attack, arguably even before the tangelo and lime citrus pounce. Likewise, more grass, black tea leaf, and pine, albeit these smooth out by the finish. Clean, with a certain metallic edge to it. More gusto to it than many in its category, the kind of beer you may think is just alright at first but then you notice you put down 3-4 of them without blinking. Wins you over slowly but surely.
4 out of 5

Deschutes Brewery
Fresh Squeezed IPA
American IPA
Oregon
6.4%
12oz, Single
$2.49
Crests around two fingers worth of cream white head, islands of bigger bubbles mixed around an even foam base, thick and splotchy lacing which clings nicely. Cloudy coppery red-orange colored liquid, its semi-opacity makes it difficult to see many bubbles, overall bright in a metallic way. Sweetly juicy and dense nose comprised of pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus and pineapple, mango, nectarine, peach fruit, the pine is ultra-sappy as well, strong cocoa powder presence too, there seems to be a herbal bite under all the sweetness but who can really tell. Medium-bodied, a soft and frothy attack turns drier by the finish as the carbonation fades and here the herbaceousness comes out stronger. Chocolate, coconut, vanilla notes blend into that flavorful base of pine, grapefruit and nectarine, papaya, pineapple, kiwi fruit, more confectionary here, pronounced maltiness. If there’s one area it comes up short it would be in thirst quenching refreshment, too gluey and heavy for that. That said, kudos for the powerful length of the primary flavors without it seeming tiringly redundant. Three bottles might be the most I could throw back in a sitting.
4 out of 5

Andean Brewing Company
Kuka Banana Nut Brown Ale (Ale Brewed With Maca Root, Real Bananas, Natural Banana Flavor Added)
English Brown Ale
New York
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Yields a finger’s worth of deep tan foam, mostly dense, tiny bubbles with an even surface, slightly poor retention, the lacing is a thin sheet which gently slides down the glass in one piece. The liquid is a semi-murky yellowish brown, at times you might mistake the particulate for the fat bubbles which are scattered throughout. The nose could not possibly smell more like banana bread to Entenmann’s banana crumb loaf, loaded with chocolate and caramel accents, glazed nuts, then a dollop of plum to maraschino cherry fruit, dense nostril presence and quite long as well. Full-bodied, thankfully those big bubbles translate into active carbonation which relieves excess weight during the mouth entry. That said, sweetness rules with banana, banana, banana and chocolate, caramel, vanilla bean, and a roasted quality which is reminiscent of coffee beans. The fruit flavors less distinct and receded here. There’s also something vegetal going on, but in a fresh “garden” vegetables way, not a flaw per se and a minor element. As one would expect, a beer to be consumed with certain expectations and used for clear purposes, not a “just pop a frosty” option. Taken at face value, it delivers what it promises.
4 out of 5

Yards Brewing Company
Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale
English Strong Ale
Pennsylvania
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pleasing finger of eggshell white foam, adequate retention, the lacing sticks for a brief while, more breadth than length to the streaks. Bright zinc orange colored liquid, quite a few visible bubbles and they are super-fat, transparent and clean throughout. There’s a well-cooked bread crust stiffness to the nose, however, at the same time sweet grapefruit to orange citrus, honey and ripe apricot, peach notes, then more peppery, grainy bite, definitely has an earthy funk to it as well, a forest floor covered with pine needles and fallen leaves and branches. Full-bodied, sweet and sticky attack even though the carbonation does punch as hard as possible to get things stirred up. Actually turns appreciably drier through the mid-palate, earthy and herbal. The return of banana and bubblegum seems close to Belgian, loses most of the honey as well as the juiciness in the apricot, peach, apple fruit. The citrus in turn comes off as more sour. The textural fullness extends the finish when most of the primary flavors have begun to trail off. Due to its palate weight can’t say it is sessionable or the like. But it has this unique, just off-center character which ultimately keeps you sipping again and again.
4 out of 5

Two Roads Brewing Company
Rye 95 Rye Tripel Blonde Ale (Seasonal Collection)
Tripel
Connecticut
9.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.49
Offers close to two fingers of a clean white, densely woven head, even surface, retention is a little below average, the lacing is okay, forms wide, long strips but they then slowly slide down into oblivion. Serious amount of particulate floating inside the glass, otherwise it would be especially bright, only a random bubble scattered here or there. Very fruity nose of poached peaches and apricots, bananas, ripe melon, green grapes, sugary pink grapefruit, for the density in the fruit almost seems “airy” per se, cardamom and fennel, not really getting any rye derived spiciness and close to no bread nor yeast components, citrus lasts the longest. Medium-bodied, no excessive palate weight but manages to fluff up and press outwards to either cheek. Clove, ginger and cumin spice are upfront, no real bite to it though. The apricot, banana, grape, cherry fruit dials it back half a notch. Mixes in some sour notes in the mandarin orange and pink grapefruit citrus. Light pepperiness now and then. Overall clean but with some metallic earthiness. It’s a very likable beer, yet it arguably is throwing a few too many ingredients into the pot.
3 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Grainstorm Black Rye India Pale Ale (No. 17 in the Smokestack Series)
American Black Ale
Missouri
7.7%
25.4oz, Single
$9.99
Be careful with the pour or it will fill half the glass, otherwise it’s a few fingers of light tan, very uniform microfoam, looks like it was intentionally whipped up, very good retention, the lacing is pretty much a solid sheet down the glass side, rarely breaks into streaks. The liquid is a kind of muddy brown like pond water, semi-opaque, displays a yellow cast near the surface, through it all you can easily see the hyperactive bubbles bursting upwards. The nose is all but totally grapefruit citrus, the rye is consistent but not showy, well cooked country bread notes, light pepper spice, same for the nectarine to peach fruit scents, very smooth and focused, all about that citrus. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and the carbonation really gets it churning, overaggressive. When it does settle into the palate, the grapefruit leads again however the raw graininess is assertive. Some cocoa, the roast is not high-toned, more baked, bready. Pine adds to overall bitterness rather than sweetness, the fruit also tart, a mix of pineapple, nectarine and apple more than peach or apricot. Not trying to hard, that said, the finish while clean could use more flavor, quibbling. Hard not to consume happily.
4 out of 5

Three Heads Brewing
Bromigo Smoked Maple Amber Ale (Malt Beverage Brewed With Maple Syrup)
American Amber/Red Ale
New York
7.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Plainspoken head, about a finger in height, deep tan, mostly uniform surface, average retention, same for the lacing, broad strokes, sticks for a bit and then slides into oblivion. The light filminess helps it catch light inside the glass, as brown as red in the amber color, fades to a metallic yellow at the edges, a few bubbles to be seen here and there. The nose has a liquid smoke additive aspect to it, softened some by the maple notes, bready, touch of apricot to red cherry fruit, the cocoa and powdered chocolate linger longest, has a mild forest earthiness, nothing major, overall comes across as muddled. Full-bodied, not a great amount of carbonation, fluffs up the attack then falls flat. The smokiness tends to cover most all else, surviving best is the maple and the semi-poached apricot, peach, plum fruit flavors. No real hoppiness. Even the cocoa, chocolate maltiness is truncated. Except for a metallic earthiness there’s not much left by the finish. Except for that peaty smokiness. Plenty of that to had, however, it gets boring after awhile.
2 out of 5

Clown Shoes
Hoppy Feet (Black India Pale Ale)
American Black Ale
Massachusetts
7.0%
12oz
4-Pack, $8.99
Crests around two fingers of deep tan foam, uneven surface, islands of larger bubbles form, slow dissolve, the lacing is very wide and covers half the area above the surface line, notable. Predictably black liquid, impenetrable but not like a slab of onyx, same fade to a yellow tint near the surface, able to see some very tiny bubbles breaking the surface too. While the nose offers a zesty orange citrus spritz as well as damp earthiness, the cocoa, coffee bean, vanilla to toffee rule things, after that nutty and bready, any foundational grassiness cloaked, stays dry on the whole, tends to hover more than lift and dissipate. Full-bodied, layers nimbly on the tongue, even greater emphasis here on chocolate, cocoa, mocha with coffee and vanilla notes, all feels “powdered” and not sticky sweet. Able to show more greenness which helps it be fresher, seems to fit with the roast well, even touch of chicory at times. More lactose than spice. Minimal fruit, hard to tease out distinct flavors. The orange to grapefruit citrus rises through the finish. Nice how the palate weight remains after the flavors release. It’s very well made but not something many could pound all night.
4 out of 5

Clown Shoes
Tramp Stamp Belgian-Style India Pale Ale
Belgian IPA
Massachusetts
7.0%
12oz, Single
$2.99
Fluffy head, dimples deeply in a few spots, pretty much bone white, tight weave overall with good retention, the lacing comes in thick stripes, tends to move like flexible metal mesh. Bright, vibrant orange colored liquid, inclines more to red-brown than yellow, very clear and crisp looking, you see a fat bubble here or there. From a distance the nose is powerfully floral yet as you get closer more dominance in the well cooked bread dough, herbaceousness, sharper spices and pepper, moderate pine sap and likewise the peach, nectarine scents are quiet, takes a little opening up but there is a decent bubblegum component. Medium-bodied plus, foams up some in the mouth, carbonation big rather than prickly. As a result, it sits there and slowly percolates rather than flows. Spicy attack, ginger, cardamom, caraway then spiced orange peel, not getting a consistent yeast presence. Here too the peach, apricot, pear, apple flavors have minimal thrust, ending up in a drier texture. The bitterness not fully to be pinned on the herbaceousness, more like sour grains. Pine more present, the bubblegum to banana notes mostly retronasal than perceived as flavor. It’s actually pretty good and can easily be understood as a smashup of two styles.
4 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
Hop, Drop ’n Roll India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
7.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Modest off-white head, somewhere around a finger’s worth, dissolves away fairly swiftly, the lacing too is spotty with slightly under average stickiness. The liquid is gauzy if not close to cloudy, arguably as close to a reddish amber as true orange hue, there’s a few lazy bubbles visible, tend to be on the fat side. Robust nose filled with pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, ripe apricot, peach, pineapple fruit, honey, chocolate powder, the pine sap is sticky and glues the freshly mown grass to your nostrils, hot tar, black pepper, metal shavings, its pungency is not all sweetness. Full-bodied and a touch heavy, the carbonation makes a decent stab at getting things swirling but it has its work cut out for it. Very piney and herbaceous, that tarry earthiness adds to its bite. The grapefruit and orange citrus here tends more towards bitterness. Still, no lack of cocoa malts, honey and caramel flavors. Tropical nature to the fruit, pineapple, guava, papaya in addition to the peach, apricot base. Serious amount of dry residue left during the finish, tends to dampen the exuberance of the sweeter elements. Overall, it smells and tastes wonderful, perhaps would benefit from adding greater cleansing freshness to the mouth feel.
5 out of 5

Coronado Brewing Company
Jurata Baltic Porter (Collaboration With Cigar City Brewing Company)
Baltic Porter
California
8.0%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Pours a fairly substantial head, cresting over three fingers, modest tan color, openly knit with a preponderance of larger bubbles and mottled surface, above average stick to the lacing, only a few streaks but they are thick. Toss up if the liquid is dark brown or black in color, when it turns to a deep orange at the glass bottom you can tell how naturally clear it is, scattered tiny bubbles with good plus activity. For all of the cocoa and mocha toast in the nose, as much as anything it smells like a root beer float with vanilla ice cream, you also get coconut flakes, cashews, plum to dark cherry fruit, and finally a pleasing hoppy kick, does not have the overall weight nor thickness one might expect. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and closer to light than full. The carbonation gives it a steady prickle, higher degree of roast favors coffee and bitter dark chocolate notes. As well as playing up tar to asphalt nuances. Without the soft mouth texture or sweet chocolate, caramel it basically comes across as a straight up rendition rather than “something special.” The nuttiness builds with time but hard to find meaningful fruit flavors. Leaves a longlasting perfume behind. Pleasing, just expected more.
3 out of 5

Yard Owl Craft Brewery
Farm House Ale
American Blonde Ale
New York
6.5%
22oz, Single
$8.49
Fairly aggressive pour barely gets you a finger of bleached white foam, this rapidly dissipates to a thin, spotty dusting across the surface, the lacing has some moderate stickiness, forms thicker streaks which themselves then slide down the glass. The liquid is a washed out zinc orange color, transparent with a slight gauziness, good amount of bubbles visible, fat and very active. The nose has an unassuming richness to it, quite fruity with apricot, peach, pear, banana scents accompanied by cinnamon, nutmeg spice and vanilla bean, gains some shape via lemon zest, metallic earth and pepper accents, even a little herbal grassiness, good staying power as well. Medium-bodied, strong carbonation gets it churning right off the bat, almost hyperactive. Still, plays up that sweetness in the apricot, peach, yellow apple, cherry fruit, not as much banana. Floral more than spicy here, the earthiness more evident when first pouted and well chilled. The lemon citrus component helps it keep freshness when it otherwise seems to get lazy and sluggish. And that carbonation certainly extends the finish, without undue sweet residue. Simple as in not overtly complicated, not a bad thing. Made for a sunny day and a hearty lunch. And then a nap.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2014

Yard Owl Craft Brewery
Fire Pit Golden Ale
American Pale Ale
New York
6.0%
22oz, Single
$8.49
You get just past a finger of bone white foam, not very dense but does manage to hold on for a good long time all the way across the surface, the lacing has minor stickiness and slides slowly down the glass in sheets. Cloudy golden colored liquid, very full in the glass and bright, only randomly scattered large bubbles for any visual sign of carbonation, no noticeable particulate, just gauziness. The nose is soft and enveloping with flowers, chamomile, clove spice, white grapefruit pulp, mild stiffening via pepper and salt notes, more well cooked bread crust than grassiness, gentle notes of banana, apricot and peach, overall subdued but not because it has nothing to say. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, again quite soft, and creates a pressure out towards the cheeks. On the sweet side and the carbonation not really active enough to stem this. Not that it needs stemming, has sufficient spiciness and more hops and earth presence here. Less of the esters and leesy stuff, sweetness seems to come a lot from grains than malts, not getting any cocoa, vanilla type stuff. Same basic apricot, peach, golden apple, pear fruit, loses most of the banana. Pleasing, perhaps more of a cooler weather beer, appears made more in European than American style. Nothing dramatic about it but solid.
3 out of 5

DuClaw Brewing Company
Cocoa Fuego (Stout Brewed With Chocolate & Chipotle Peppers)
American Stout
Maryland
7.5%
12oz, Single
$2.29
Strong pour gets you around a finger of deep tan foam, airy and loose, bubbles off swiftly, any lacing slides off the glass rapidly as well. Dark brown liquid but not of that onyx-like impenetrability, more vaguely cloudy, this noticeable most at the surface where it takes on a yellowish tint and you can see some loosely aggregated bubbles break the surface. The nose seems artificial like vanilla liquid drops or cake icing, powdered chocolate, something like maple syrup, not that roasty and the chili pepper element comes and goes, beyond that a light touch of plum fruit, just not a lot going on here and what is there is bottom heavy and lacks lift and separation. Light to medium-bodied, flat mouth feel from the low grade carbonation. Vanilla and chocolate, lesser toffee and sweetened coffee. Can’t say it is dry but any true sweetness gets steamrolled by the hot pepper which wins, places and shows. After a few sips there’s not much registering beyond spiciness. The flatness does not help. Does taste more roasted than the nose would suggest. Displays length on the finish almost by default because the spice heat lingers so much. Not especially enjoyable, you kind of really need to be in the mood for it beforehand.
2 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
King Titus
American Porter
Maine
7.5%
16.9oz, Single
$8.99
Pours a huge head, almost half the glass, very slow to sizzle off, fairly dense even with a good mix of differing bubble sizes, the lacing forms a broad intricate spider webbing across the glass sides. The liquid is a fully opaque dark brown to black, barest hint of orange at the glass bottom, looks as much a stout as anything. The nose is dry and very roasty, malty with powerful presence in the dark chocolate, coffee bean, coconut flakes department all the while staying nicely balanced, adds complexity via white grapefruit zest, roasted nuts, tar, charcoal and campfire smoke, as pleasing for not pushing the envelope too far as for what it does offer. Light to medium-bodied, smooth but has grip and traction and in no way evanescent nor wimpy. More milk to lactose, vanilla bean here to pair with the chocolate and coffee, restrained sweetness. That curious grapefruit bursts through here too, retronasally floral, makes you think there’s some sneaky hops lurking about. Not as earthy here, some of that coal tar stuff but that’s it. Carbonation level is active, yet lets the primary flavors soak in and lengthen. Clean finish. The paucity of fruit flavors is odd, minor cherry to dark berry at best. Extremely well done.
5 out of 5

Bruery, The
Sour In The Rye (Sour Rye Ale Aged In Oak Barrels) (2014 Edition)
American Wild Ale
California
7.6%
25.4oz, Single
$19.99
Very frothy head, crests around one finger, almost entirely extra large bubbles so it’s gone like that, no meaningful lacing to speak of. Strong glow to the liquid, really captures light inside the glass, gauzy rust orange to yellow in color, filled with very fine, microscopic bubbles. The nose is laser like in its precision, tart lemon to orange citrus, moss, forest floor matter, white pepper, caraway seeds, mostly green apple and pear fruit, a little peach pit, needs to warm to get the most out of the rye but even then not getting much oak element, glimmer of caramel, its muscular nature keeps it loitering for some time. Medium-bodied, the sourness and overall bite activates the palate right off while here the oak brings some textural creaminess in addition to vanilla and butter notes. Even dill weed, as created by some American oak barrels. There is a certain volatility to it, like an anxious finger tapping. Again, loads of sour grapefruit, lemon, orange citrus. Rye bite, sourdough bread, dried yeast, nothing “doughy” or uncooked. Close to peaty at times, definitely earthy and evokes the “sous bois” character. Carbonation is delicate, does not distract from intentional sourness. Green apple, pear, cherry, apricot fruit, more snap and crackle than juiciness. Linear and angular finish, no soaking into the palate, zips across the tongue. Refreshingly easy to drink.
5 out of 5

FiftyFifty Brewing Company
Eclipse Imperial Stout (Stout Brewed With Honey) (Aged In Oak Barrels) (Blue Wax = Old Fitzgerald Barrel)
American Double/Imperial Stout
California
9.5%
22oz, Single
$30.99
Big pour gets you maybe half a finger of dark brown foam, not dense enough to last long, the larger bubbles cling to the glass walls, the lacing comes as big splotches, random and irregular, below average stickiness. Black liquid, not even worth commenting on, just black. Steady steamroller of a nose, for all its might not showy, thickly layered coconut custard, vanilla fudge, milk chocolate, caramel, toffee, not really boozy nor toasty, more like being in a cake eating contest, fig, date, apricot fruit, overall more smooth than complex, wears its weight well enough. Full-bodied, the carbonation adds sufficient fluffiness to puff up the attack and relieve some palate weight. A touch drier here than expected in terms of texture. More oak grained booziness but zero burn. Molasses, caramel, butterscotch, mix of both milk and dark chocolates, vanilla and coconut. After that is some tarry earth and breadiness, lifts when the floral aspect demurely asserts itself. Cherry, plum fruit equally mixed with apricot, banana, date fruit. Given its weight, releases well at the end and without truncating the finish. Leverages all it has, no desperation to impress, once more just lacks the subtleties to intrigue.
4 out of 5

Mission Brewery
Dark Seas Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
8.8%
12oz, Single
$2.99
Pours only a thin head but it does cover the surface, extremely dark brown colored bubbles, sizzles off swiftly, there’s a few lacing streaks of credible width, probably better than expected based on the head. The liquid is pure black, completely opaque, no way to even see if there’s any bubbles inside. The nose is a close to symmetrical split between bitter dark chocolate and coffee beans, good thrust as well in the raisin to plum fruit scents, touch of mint and vanilla bean, the roast is not overpowering which allows the strength of the sweet dessert like qualities to linger. Full-bodied, leverages its dryness to good effect, keeping it clean and well-paced. You do also get more roast here as a result, puts an aggressive charge into the coffee, chocolate, toffee, coconut flake flavors. The cherry, plum, fig fruit recedes some here, same for the flowers, mint and licorice. No citrus presence but there is a breadiness. Minimal burn from the alcohol, however, you feel the buzzing right off. Carbonation is average, takes awhile to even remember to gauge it. Long finish without going overboard trying to make an impression. Pretty good stuff.
4 out of 5

Rushing Duck Brewing Company
Ded Moroz Russian Imperial Stout (Winter 2013-2014)
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
11.2%
25.4oz, Single
$10.99
Pours a miniscule dark brown head, just covers the surface and then fizzles out, in turn there’s very little lacing to be had, more like a thin, broad sheet that slides off the glass at a steady pace. The liquid is the obligatory impenetrable black, can’t see any color at all, no orange nor yellow tint, oddly when you tilt the glass you can see a muscular rush of bubbles just below the surface (so, where’s the head). The nose is comprised of thick, dense milk chocolate, café au lait, caramel and toasted coconut, after that in distant second place comes plum to prune and cherry scents, challah bread, flowers and licorice, minimal counterbalancing hops presence. Full-bodied and leaden, not much carbonation, maybe enough to convince it to move a couple inches left on the couch. Same simplified array of chocolate, vanilla, caramel, coffee with a slight uptick in general toastiness. You have to swallow real hard to get it moving fast enough to go down the chute. Some orange zest mixed into the muted flowers, more like uncooked dough here than bread per se. Hey, the flavors hit the sweet spot for this type of beer but it needs a kick in the ass, to show some life. Otherwise it gets tiring to drink.
3 out of 5

Amarcord Birra Artigianale Italiana
AMA Bionda (Ale Brewed With Honey)
Belgian Pale Ale
Italy
6.0%
25.4oz, Single
$9.99
Pours a huge head, easily half the glass, whipped up and airy, off-white in hue, below average stickiness results in only wispy lacing. Gauzy deep yellow colored liquid, consistent throughout, only a few fat and lazy bubbles visible. The nose has a clear honeyed to corn syrup sweetness, sweet grains too, white grape to peach fruit scents, chamomile, its relative lack of complexity does bring cleanliness to the table. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is not that strong, a creamy attack changes to faint prickling sensation by the finish. Again, more grain and sweeter bread dough than hops, it’s going to bite you. Slowly you can discern lemon peel, clove, cinnamon stick, nothing here which is overtly malty either. The apricot, peach, pear fruit is fairly solid from start to end. Inoffensive, appears content to just play it safe.
3 out of 5

Sloop Brewing LLC
The Red C (A Red India Pale Ale)
American Amber/Red Ale
New York
6.7%
22oz, Single
$7.39
Finger plus of larger bubbles, close to no denser foam, eggshell white in color, thins out swiftly, the lacing looks like a spider’s web which slowly dissolves in the wind, no consistent streaks. Reddish brown liquid with a more bronzed amber orange than bright tint, looks “unfiltered” and verges on cloudy, there are some tiny yet active bubbles in there breaking a sweat to get to the surface. Pure pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus rise decisively in the nose, quietly mixes in flowers and yellow apple, apricot, pear fruit but it curiously stays on point, citrus and more citrus, no real herbaceous bite, likewise, no real malty cream, while monochrome its utter freshness is very appealing. Medium-bodied, broad palate coverage with the sort of creaminess which is not soft so much as yielding, it caresses the mouth’s contours but stays nimble. Touch more cocoa and pine here, the grapefruit citrus moderates into apricot, peach, kiwi fruit flavors. The carbonation is good plus, a complementary aspect. Maple sugar candy, molasses more than honey or pine, as stated before it consistently chooses cleanliness over reaching for complexity and potential jumble. Yet, in no way simple, just ups the drinkability.
4 out of 5

Three Heads Brewing
The Kind India Pale Ale
American IPA
New York
6.8%
12oz, Single
$3.59
Fairly thin head, no more than half a finger which does not have much retention, in turn the lacing is weak with minimal stick. Filmy liquid, translucent, traps light inside to create a glow to the base yellow color, touch deeper orange at the core, you can see a tiny bit of bubbles, no noticeable particulate inside. The nose is kind of arch, bitter and grassy, very hops dominated, pepper, sour bread crust, dried grapefruit rinds, conjures up sufficient honey, pine sap and caramel to take a lot of sting out of it, more grainy than fruity, moderate dash of apricot, peach, pear fruit, on the whole it covers what it needs to, could be cleaner/fresher as well as separate out the scents better. Full-bodied, getting on heavy, the carbonation has a grinding, slow churn and it basically clings to the mouth pores rather than scrub. More sweetness here in the pineapple, peach, nectarine fruit as well as grapefruit, orange citrus. However, its dry mouth feel is complete. Plenty of grassy hops, the pepper, oil, and bread crust keep the malt, cocoa submerged. It is not unbalanced, simply too dense to refresh. Has flavor, not hot, and what’s there finishes long. No real complaints, maybe gets lost in the pack.
3 out of 5

Moa Brewing Company, The
Imperial Stout (Stout Aged In Pinot Noir Barrels)
Russian Imperial Stout
New Zealand
10.2%
12.7oz, Single
$6.99
Yields two fingers of dark brown foam, dense on the whole but there’s larger bubbles interspersed here and there, retention is very nice, even surface, the lacing is more large splotches than streaks. Clean black liquid, buffed to a high shine, you can just make out a few steady streams of bubbles against the glass sides, no hint of orange nor yellow at rims, glass bottom. The nose is slightly muted, has a slight vinous quality but mainly it casually delivers milk chocolate, anise, vanilla bean and plum to black cherry fruit, no real hops presence, however, does not over depend on sweetness for effect, as it warms you get campfire smokiness. Medium-bodied, very smooth with velvety carbonation, zero prickle. Loads its weight and flavors upfront and glides from there. Here the oaky toast and smoke more pronounced, notes of grilled meats, earth and that same campfire thing. Restraint shown in the milk chocolate, vanilla, caramel and café au lait flavors. On the dry side, stays balanced and more clean than puckering. Any fruit is cherry, black raisin, fig, minimal lingering sweetness. Clay, iron and damp earth stick around most through the finish. Here the Pinot Noir influence not so much.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Noonan Black IPA
American Black Ale
New Hampshire
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Pours a big, frothy brown head, close to three fingers as it crests, full-on mix of bubble sizes, from huge to tiny, dimpled all over, the lacing is thin but forms broad sheets which cover close to half the available glass space. Black liquid yet has a shiny brightness to it, this in spite of the chunky floaties inside the glass, hard to visually gauge the carbonation, shifts to a yellow hue along the rims. The nose is sweetly roasty, oodles of chocolate, coffee, hard toffee with even more malt after that, it’s hoppy in a mellow fashion, more cleansing than herbaceous, subtle floral lift, not much fruit but maybe a little earthiness. Full-bodied, thicker and denser than expected, the carbonation is slow to unwind but it does not feel flatfooted. Here too there’s a strong emphasis on roast although it does adroitly avoid bitterness. Coffee beans, cocoa, mocha more than milkiness, although there’s moments of root beer and vanilla. Mutter of quinine. The mouth feel is grippy and dry, more pine and cut grass than flowers or citrus. Again, hard to discern clear fruit presence, more apricot, maybe cherry. Because it starts with such intent and energy, it’s hard for it not to finish likewise. Sticks to the basics, does them well enough.
3 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Smitten Golden Rye Ale
Rye Beer
Michigan
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.79
Pure white foam head, tightly woven microfoam, semi-aggressive pour yields a little over a finger, retention is okay, the lacing streaks are meager but long, average stick. Filmy golden colored liquid, lots of fine particulate floating throughout, semi-opaque as a result, few visible bubbles. Very grainy nose featuring spicy rye notes, black pepper, orange and grapefruit rinds, once you get past the initial burst there’s underlying sweetness found in honey notes and peach, apricot fruit accents, light touch of mineral water and cigar ash before it floats off. Medium-bodied, the carbonation charges right out of the gate, gets things churning. On the dry side even as the rye is not over the top, hoppy with no lack of leafiness even if it’s the grains which take precedence. Stronger citrus presence here, lemon to orange. As in the nose, the apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit holds off before showing. The finish is filled with earthy, metallic notes, creates added bitterness. That said, balanced on the whole, drinking well chilled helps. You can tell it is well crafted, however, it also has a sort of lowbrow “throwback” feel and taste to it.
3 out of 5

Prairie Artisan Ales
Prairie Ale (A Belgian-Style Saison Ale)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Oklahoma
7.0%
25.4oz, Single
$13.49
Wispy bleached white head of extremely airy foam, amazing for how swiftly it evaporates down to the surface, looks like a video game, no lacing at all. Light, shiny golden straw color, easy to see through, full throughout with huge bubbles which steadily move with authority, a proverbial maelstrom in the glass. The nose suavely unfolds pressed flowers, clove spice, sour orange to grapefruit citrus, has a vinous quality to it, it’s too wiry and focused for the banana to bubblegum aspect to shine, same for any sweeter element, be it the apple, pear or the meadow breeze, the yeastiness is like just about to baked bread, not like dessert “baked goods.” Full-bodied, has a heavier which impairs it getting out of the gate, carbonation injects some fuel into this. White grape, pear, apple, apricot fruit lean and mean, bursts through and picks up speed from the pepper, clove, and metallic earth components. Noticeable for its freshness and cleanliness, once it breaks past the mid-palate it develops a lighter feel which makes it food friendly. Minimal banana and ester presence. Very interesting, obvious it belongs in this category but it doesn’t play to the crowd, quietly classy and willing to accept your lack of appreciation.
4 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Red Wheelbarrow
American Amber/Red Ale
Maine
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$9.49
Pours a deep, dense head of minimally three fingers, very even surface, light brown in hue, very impressive looking, slides immediately down the side of the tilted glass, only a rare streak of lacing to be found, the overall retention is excellent. Filmy amber red in color with a healthy glow, you have to get really close to see the active bubbles within, overall the color may be closer to brown than orange, on the dark side. The nose mixes cocoa. floral water, orange peels, baking spice and a stiffening amount of bright hops and hard crust baguette, while there’s little that is bitter it never feels too sweet, the peach, apricot, red cherry, pear fruit scents are much more complementary than the star of the show. Medium-bodied, creamy mouth feel with close to zero softness, has an understated muscularity. Not a lot of roast, dryness comes from the grassiness, dark chocolate powder, bread grains and bare touch of black pepper. Caramel, spiced oranges, chamomile, basil and oregano, the breadiness is not sweet but is a steadying cornerstone. Peach, apricot, nectarine fruit with a touch of pineapple. It has a slimmed down fluidity which you don’t find often these days in this beer category. Goes on and on at the end, entirely unforced.
5 out of 5

Central Waters Brewing Co.
Glacial Trail India Pale Ale
American IPA
Wisconsin
5.5%
12oz, Single
$2.39
Pours an adequate finger’s worth of clean white foam, a lot of larger bubbles, retention is weak, the lacing fares better, broad streaks, not thick depth-wise but do stain the glass sides for some time. Bright coppery orange hued liquid, easily transparent, holds hue intensity through rims and glass bottom, any visible bubbles are super-tiny. The nose focuses on bitterness, unprocessed grains, grapefruit pith, pepper, green leafy matter and tarry earth and ash, not that much pine, even less by way of pineapple, peach, apricot fruit scents, has very good punching power but relatively weak richness of scents hampers length. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is strong and creates a “waves crashing on the beach” effect, never quite allows you to relax. Mild uptick in flowers, pine and malt, arguably the same for the peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit flavors. Salt and pepper, pretzel dough, sour breads, fairly bitter but not as much as the nose might suggest. Light cocoa and caramel soften the finish a little. Not watery, no overt flaws, just simple and kind of caught in the middle without a clear idea of what it wants to be.
3 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Union Jack IPA
American IPA
California
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.89
Fluffy white head, crests about one finger, good amount of larger bubbles, probably hampers retention, the lacing in turn is more frothy than sticky and sticks in gobs more than sustained streaks. The liquid is more of a bright sunset orange than gold, very good depth as well as brilliance, only a few bubbles visible. The nose is pure and focused, leans on a clean floral dimension, grapefruit and lemon pith, white pepper, there’s solid cocoa and chocolate grounding the nectarine, apricot, pineapple, star fruit scents, refrains from indulging in sweetness, more about punching through. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, has a firm feel and the carbonation has a steady prickle more than creaminess. Sweeter here as caramel joins the chocolaty maltiness, at the same time slightly more juiciness in the white to pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus. The fruit has a tropical profile, just not the slutty juiciness often associated with pineapple, papaya, guava to nectarine fruit. The pine notes as much cone as outright sap, restrained. All this said, it does crackle with a quiet energy, can play up bitterness while not seeming herbaceous or puckering. Styled for thoughtful enjoyment and grows on you with each sip.
5 out of 5

Midnight Sun Brewing Company
Moscow Russian Imperial Stout (Ale Brewed With Rye)
Russian Imperial Stout
Alaska
11.0%
22oz, Single
$14.99
At first pour the head is thin but then it just slowly escalates close to three fingers in the glass so watch out when you pour, dense, looks like a dark brown murky pond, the lacing is thin and long yet sticks very well. The liquid is the predictable blackest of black, no discernible color and no visible bubbles. The nose is heavy and sluggish, big emphasis on that rye as well as dark chocolate, coffee, milk and toffee crisp, semi-muted plum, fig, date, raisin fruit scents, its relative lack of roastiness allows a floral dimension to bloom, orange zest too, not that complex. Full-bodied, super-creamy texture, however, the booziness adds bite and unsettles overall smoothness. Rum raisin ice cream, chocolate, coffee, the alcohol brings out butterscotch, caramel tones. More roast here, perhaps the rye factors in although on the taste scale it is not dominant. Tar, earth, asphalt as well as dampened campfire smokiness. Light ginger spice and orange citrus, as in the nose it’s all about the rich maltiness. The carbonation has minimal prickle, just helps build that creamy texture. Lingers very nicely, turning pleasingly bitter at the end rather than reaching for maximal sweetness. Drinkable, powerful, just too monochrome to be a benchmark beer.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2014

Clown Shoes
Vampire Slayer Imperial American Stout (Second Anniversary Ale)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Massachusetts
10.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
While the pour yields over three fingers of foam, it is almost all big, delicate bubbles which are able to sustain longer than you’d think, surface looks like the top of a milkshake, the glass sides are all but fully covered in lacing, as if spray painted. Completely black liquid, no sign of any other color, no way you can see any bubbles, solid. The nose slowly builds, not aiming to knock you out with one blow, milk chocolate toffee, vanilla layers itself like a thick cake, plum, black cherry fruit, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts, there’s a grainy bite and a sweet smokiness too, does kind of lurch as it dissolves but the alcohol isn’t vicious, just clumsy. Full-bodied, dense and making it slow to react. The plum, cherry fruit sweeter here, like a fruit cake. Not to downplay the milk chocolate, coconut, caramel, oatmeal notes. The carbonation starts to lend it creaminess then oddly stops. Very light citrus and flower accents, has a tea leaf to tobacco leaf smokiness. Its weakest point might be its lack of flow and thirst quenching capability, both of which seem within its reach. Enjoy how the sweetness trails off through the finish, making it fresher and potentially more food friendly.
4 out of 5

Slumbrew (Somerville Brewing Company)
Porter Square Porter (Porter Brewed With Cocoa Powder With Cacao Nibs Added)
American Porter
Massachusetts
6.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$7.49
A big pour will get you just about two fingers of deep brown foam, so-so density, dimples and bubbles off at a good pace, looks whipped up, the lacing is more splotches than streaks. The liquid is black and opaque, more like filmy, cloudy than block of onyx, browner rims and you can see about as much carbonation as could be expected given the circumstances. The nose has a soft roastiness but more so like firm chocolate, mocha to vanilla fudge notes, the cherry, blackberry fruit wafts in and out, croissants or other flaky dough stuff, baking spices, sweet nuts, just easygoing and unassuming, you’d be relieved to be seated next to it at a dinner among strangers. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, firm and possessed of a moderate creaminess. The roast elevates a notch, coffee to bitter dark chocolate. Still, caramel, vanilla bean soften the edges. Muted dark fruits, sweet doughiness, hazelnut, has it but minimizes the metallic, mineral water dimension. Has fullness through the finish which many beers in this category lack. No complaints, your verdict will depend on whether you are looking for reasons to like it or dismiss it.
4 out of 5

Speakeasy Ales & Lagers
Prohibition Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
6.1%
12oz, Single
$2.39
Nice, big fluffy head, over two fingers of deep tan foam, mottled surface, good portion of larger bubbles, the lacking streaks are thick and stick strongly. The liquid is a noticeably dark amber, red base which leans more towards a bright brown than orange, very clear but as “opaque” as this style of beer can get, hardly any bubbles visible at all. Chocolate and caramel get the nose started, like a German chocolate cake, stiffens with grains, quinine and pine sap, with a brush of white grapefruit you’d almost start thinking it is a weird sort of IPA, the golden raisin, peach, yellow apple, fig fruit subdued, ends with a sort of dampened campfire smokiness. Medium-bodied, creamy attack, plush and soft, not much prickle in the carbonation. Lots of coconut oil, cocoa and cola bean through the attack but not that sweet. Something like sweet cigar wrapper next to the metallic earth, fallen wood and hops, the white grapefruit and orange citrus comes and goes but bites when it is there. As in the nose, the peach, apricot, raisin fruit waits until the end to begin to strut. Displays good personality and switches things up frequently enough to keep you interested.
4 out of 5

Bolero Snort Brewery
Blackhorn American Black Lager
American Black Ale
New Jersey
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Normal pour yields a massive head which fills close to half the glass, looks like a root beer float, airy and whipped up, forms a huge crater in the middle, dark tan to brown in hue, when there is room for lacing it’s thin yet has pretty much has to be washed out of the glass. Black liquid, fully opaque, aura of orange rust around the edges and glass bottom, darker than expected. The nose is mostly roast and toast, black chocolate and coffee, raw grains and country style bread, moderate mixed citrus and dark fruits, while there’s a good amount of underlying sweetness the roast makes it difficult to register most anything else. Full-bodied, heavy and on the creamy side, the carbonation gives it a gently churned feel. Chocolate, coffee, caramel, roast, roast and roast. Which, oddly, does not make it that bitter, suggesting the base material is sweet. Grain, mineral water, muted florality. No real fruit presence, more citrus. Hard to deny it’s a one trick pony (and in some ways closer to a Schwarzbier than anything else), but if you like that pony it’s easy to drink and does not leave any unsettling aftertaste.
4 out of 5

Cigar City Brewing
Hopped On The High Seas (Dry Hopped With Hop #529) (Caribbean-Style IPA)
American IPA
Florida
7.2%
12oz, Single
$2.99
Pours an unassuming half finger of pure white foam, even surface, fairly dense weave, good retention given it doesn’t start from much, the lacing has super stickiness, forms solid rings around the glass sides. Mild filminess to the deep golden hue, the bubbles are tiny but fill the glass from side to side, only the merest yellowing at the rims, looks like it wants to be taken seriously. While the nose has a sweeter base in orange and grapefruit citrus, it leaps at you with leafy herbaceous matter, pepper and biscuit, some black tea leaf, it’s fruity with peach, apricot, pineapple notes but never seems sweet nor juicy, minerally, what it may lack in complexity it more than makes up for with raw power. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, quite dry with a tacky, sticky mouth feel. The pink and white grapefruit, blood orange citrus more zest than pulp, any pine sap or florality no match for the peppery to minerally bite and crisp leafy earthiness, some tar or charcoal accents mixed in. The papaya, pineapple, nectarine fruit fights like the dickens but does not reach the finish line, adding to its overall bitterness. The carbonation is taut and keeps the rhythm up tempo. Not particularly longlasting at the end, can’t call it a casual sipper but clean and direct enough to serve well as a food beer. (Can)
3 out of 5

Flying Fish Brewing Company
Exit 16 Wild Rice Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
8.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.99
You get a finger of bone white foam, the head has a fairly dense weave but has so-so retention, the lacing comes in broad sheets which slowly slide down the glass side. Clean, pure golden color, not especially vivid but bright and shiny, the bubbles are fat and dispersed, slowly rising to the surface. Powerful nose that explodes out of the glass with a sweet mélange of tangelo and pink grapefruit citrus, very floral, pine sap and honey, underneath is the stiffening presence of pretzel dough and salt, somewhat chocolaty, the nectarine, peach, pineapple, papaya fruit persists quite well, gregariously rich. Full-bodied, thick and close to fluffy, pushes across the palate like a rug unfolding. The carbonation has some punch yet no way can it clean up the underlying sweetness of all that grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus as well as peach, apricot, mango, pineapple fruit. No noticeable herbaceous edge, perhaps a slight minerality and it may be that the rice contributes to a drier finish and overall smoothness. Alcohol managed well. Not particularly complex nor challenging, however, if you enjoy a sweeter and softer style of IPA then this is pretty much a slam dunk.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2014

Deschutes Brewery
Class Of ’88 Imperial Smoked Porter (Collaboration With Great Lakes Brewing Company)
American Porter
Oregon
9.1%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Does not pour much of a head, an aggressive pour down the middle yields a half finger of more larger bubbles then woven foam, dark tan in color, bubbles off rapidly, the lacing is likewise close to nonexistent. The liquid is clean and surprisingly transparent, only a few visible bubbles, the hue changes to a more orange to yellow cast near the surface and rims. In the nose the smokiness is very direct and upfront, close to Rauchbier quality, but overlaid with caramel, butterscotch, molasses notes as well as chocolate, oats, charred game and peaty earth accents, perhaps some plum but not especially fruity, overall its presence is light of touch and tends more to lift and drift off and settle in. Light-bodied, the smokiness and general fire camp roast seems to mask the other elements rather than support them. Chocolate, vanilla bean, toffee and a light breadiness but one would be hard pressed to call it sweet. The shyly efficient carbonation does not give it pep, the mouth feel is smooth if unmemorable. Smattering of banana among the plum, cherry fruit base. You can’t call it understated due to the smokiness, so conversely it leaves you wished it had more desire to rock out with gusto.
3 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Firestone Walker’s Double DBA (Barrel-Aged Imperial Special Bitter 2013) (Proprietors Reserve Series No. 002)
English Barleywine
California
12.0%
22oz, Single
$15.99
Barely pours a head at all, even with a heartily aggressive pour. A few bubbles aggregate again the glass walls, no real appreciable lacing either. There’s a strong, bright glow to the orange to light brown hued liquid, needed given the high level of particulate floating about inside (bottle stood up for weeks), plenty of widely dispersed bubbles as well, looks like a lot of activity in the glass. The nose is balanced and does not betray excessive alcohol presence, a good underlying roastiness stiffens its nostril presence so it’s not overly sugary, still no lack of molasses, caramelized brown sugar, butterscotch, at the same time you get green apple, fig, golden raisin, spiced orange peel and a heavy floral musk, you get more lightly metallic earthiness at it warms, easy as she goes. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and likewise smooth and flows effortlessly, not looking to make a huge display of itself. More leafy herbal qualities here, bready like challah bread or breakfast rolls. Fruitier with apricot, peach, cherry mixed in with the fig, raisin, date base. Chocolate truffle, toffee, butterscotch, cream soda give it the desired appeal, no sugar bomb. The carbonation could be considered mildly on the high side for the style, not obvious but rock steady and adds to its overall freshness. More for those who want a food friendly version of the style than an experience unto itself.
5 out of 5

Williamsburg Alewerks
Washington’s Porter
American Porter
Virginia
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Peaks around one finger’s worth of deep brown foam, many larger bubbles, disappears very quickly with only a thin ring around the edges, the lacing is equally thin to nonexistent. The liquid is a fully opaque brownish to black color, once in awhile you’ll see a tiny bubble break the surface, barely any sign of an orange or yellow tint. The nose lays it all on the table immediately, fully loaded with malty chocolate, coffee ice cream, vanilla, marshmallow, caramel scents, challah bread too, there’s good roastiness to it too but not really texturally sharpening the sweetness, no citrus, no earthy qualities, it’s a one trick pony but it nails that trick. Medium-bodied, surprisingly focused and dry in texture, the carbonation is strong and full of pinpricks across the palate. At times you do get a light minerally aspect along with mixed sweet grains. Besides that it’s back to the cocoa, coffee, cola, vanilla bean, whipped cream and so on. Monochrome yet has very good length, the flavors persist for some time. It does not overreach, does not good unduly sweet, it’s just a friendly, malt driven porter, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
4 out of 5

Anchorage Brewing Company
Bitter Monk Belgian Style Double IPA With Brettanomyces (Ale Aged In French Oak Chardonnay Barrels)
Belgian IPA
Alaska
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$16.99
Pours a big, three plus finger head of loosely knit foam, bleached white, its airy nature causes it to sizzle off at a steady pace, at the same time the lacing is wispy and even fluffy but that lasts a good long time. The gauziness to the liquid teases out some deepening orange hues to the base yellow, not many bubbles, somewhat flat visual appearance. The nose has a fresh directness to it, white grapefruit energizing pear, apple, and peach fruit scents, only lightly herbal, salt and pepper, dried bread crust, has a sourness to it and cleaner than expected, zips in and zips out. Medium-bodied, the carbonation never quite catches so it stays soft and does not percolate as it might otherwise. Cinnamon, nutmeg sprinkled on top of pear, apricot, peach, pineapple fruit. The white grapefruit, lemon citrus by far the most aggressive element, and here the grassiness turned up a notch, contributes to its overall sourness. Floral, notes of quinine and saline. Becomes more dry through the finish, has earthiness but, again, of a clean nature, no real funk. Glides well and there’s no rough spots at all. About as quaffable as one might expect from such a brew.
4 out of 5

Port Brewing Company
Mongo India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Pours a solid finger plus head of rich foam, light tan in color, forms some big surface craters as it starts to evaporate, the lacing streaks are noticeably thick but could stand to stick a little longer, takes some time for the surface to lose its final coating. Bright metallic orange hued liquid, close to rust, huge amount of equally large bubbles bursting upwards throughout the glass, inclines more towards a reddish tint than yellow. Aims for a real classic nose, pine, green grass, herbs, orange to grapefruit citrus, the peach, apricot, pineapple fruit scents are there but it is not anywhere near going for sweet, salt and saline notes, the malts seem to smoothen more texturally than provide a real olfactory presence, it’s all tightly woven together, no movement wasted. Full-bodied, while the attack is very creamy the experience is not of softness, a pervading dryness is there, you keep licking your lips to remoisten them. Light honey and the pine as much sap as needle or cone, mildly sweetens the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus. Moments of florality but nothing near the strength of the oily herbaceousness, skanky even, in a good way. Malts subdued here too, some caramel and malted milk balls. The carbonation is broad and energetic, no pinpoint finesse. A little too rich overall to be sessionable, however, what you do throw back will be enjoyed.
4 out of 5

Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project
Jack d’Or Saison Americaine
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Massachusetts
6.5%
22oz, Single
$8.69
About a half finger of bright white foam for a head, mixed bubble sizes, doesn’t seem like it wants to stick around much, the lacing is sort of wispy and itself only sticks around long enough to be polite. Bright yellow liquid, shiny, vague orange tinting, not many visible bubbles, despite the shine sort of lifeless. The nose produces the expected notes of banana and bubblegum but then it veers into another realm with tar, black earth, tea leaf, farmland funk, more peppery than floral, pulped oranges, not much fruit, mainly white pit fruit, this puts the “farm” in farmhouse. Full-bodied, muscular and not willingly mobile, same sourness from muddy earth, metal, fallen leaves, quinine, dried pine sap. The citrus recedes and the fruit still refuses to step into the breach. Banana, leesy yeasts and flower water try to pretty it up but nothing is shaking off the funk. Which, in the end, is not a bad thing because it gives it a veneer of authenticity. Carbonation is nothing special, enough to give it a swirling effect. Hard not to characterize this as a “food beer” where when paired correctly any perception of lack will be filled by the dish. But not a casual sipper.
3 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
MO
American Pale Ale
Maine
6.0%
16.9oz, Single
$6.99
Pours a large frothy head cresting around three fingers of eggshell white foam, very whipped up and airy, lots of dimpling across the surface, the retention is so-so, the lacing is comprised of a few razor thin but very long streaks. The liquid is a pleasing light orange with a mild metallic sheen, quite clear and pretty, slight yellowing at the rims, plenty of fat bubbles, no beads, all randomly dispersed. The nose has a certain purity to it, milled grains, sour mixed white citrus, spoonful of honey, pine cone, not very sappy, minimal herbaceousness, soft cocoa maltiness, needs to warm to really release the peach, yellow apple, apricot fruit scents. Full-bodied, in fact a little too broad shouldered as it tends to progress slowly through the palate. Here it’s much more floral and the white to pink grapefruit and orange citrus a bigger overall element. The fluffy carbonation helps relieve some weight and create lift and mouth perfume. The sweetness of the apricot, peach, pear fruit takes hold with force. Some peppery notes but the graininess lost a bit. Otherwise, does a good job of masking the total sweetness and making it a blended experience versus bunch of soloists jockeying for position.
4 out of 5

Anchorage Brewing Company
Galaxy White IPA Bottled With Brett (Ale Brewed With Spices And Fruit Fermented in French Oak Wine Tanks)
Belgian IPA
Alaska
7.0%
25.4oz, Single
$13.99
Thin bone white head, mostly loose and bubbles off swiftly, very bright and seems to reflect light nicely, the lacing is the sort which initially forms a very thin yet broad sheet but has little stick and as a whole it just glides down the glass sides. Cloudy yet bright canary yellow colored liquid, very difficult to see any bubbles inside the glass, warm luminescence to it. The nose most prominently hits you with tart white grapefruit notes, lots of salty accents and burnt dark bread crusts, more finished bread than yeasts, quite grassy, there’s something like an herb infused olive oil thing going on too, maybe pineapple or nectarine but you would be hard pressed to call the scents fruity. Medium-bodied, the carbonation swells immediately through the attack which gives it a creamier mouth feel, needed for when that lemon and white grapefruit citrus slash on through. Pepper and salt, green grass, clove and coriander, all contribute to a bright, tangy experience. Here the peach, apricot, nectarine and persimmon fruit is sweeter and more longlasting. There is a certain vinous quality, not sure I’d call it out and out bretty, likewise the yeasts are tame and not particularly softening. Fresh finish, given the elements it throws at you remains very good on the drinkability scale.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2014

Williamsburg Alewerks
Tavern Ale
American Brown Ale
Virginia
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Gives you a little under a finger’s worth of mostly larger bubbles so there’s not much of a tight weave to the head and it dissolves off quickly, light tan in color, the lacing shows some initial stickiness but then slides downward without much fight or gumption. The liquid is fairly filmy and opaque, brown color base but with a great deal of orange tint, you don’t see many bubbles floating inside. Heavy malted and sweet nose, bursting with milk chocolate, butterscotch, root beer, vanilla and even coconut notes, challah bread and honey covered nuts, when warmer delivers more plum and cherry fruit scents, really nothing there for counter weight but it’s agreeable enough to not matter. Medium-bodied, has a bit more zip and punch than expected, decent prickle from the carbonation. More dough, bread notes here which suck up some of the sweetness. Not to say it lacks from chocolate, caramel, toffee and vanilla goodness. Still, tastes as much like soda as it does beer. Which is not necessarily a bad thing but you kind of have to be prepared for it. Cherry, golden raisin, fig fruit flavors. Nutty finish. Pleasurable.
4 out of 5

Williamsburg Alewerks
Wheat Ale
American Pale Wheat Ale
Virginia
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Little over a finger of cream white foam, lots of medium sized bubbles give it both an uneven surface and a looser weave, still retention is credible and the lacing streaks thick and longlasting. The liquid is mildly fuzzy, a deep orange to yellow color, slightly like freshly rusty water, very few bubbles visible. Sweet grains, caramel and a shovel full of pink grapefruit, lemon and tangerine citrus in the nose, peach, nectarine and lesser pineapple fruit, veers off with some peppery notes and dark country style bread but overall stays juicy and sweet. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, starts off grassy and biting but the overt sweetness of all that pink grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange citrus pretty much crushes anything in its path. As when sniffing it, the citrus plays up the peach, apricot, nectarine to pineapple fruit and here draws out added cocoa powder and pine elements. The carbonation is average to below so, however, it just seems to have a naturally creamy mouth feel. Not really getting the wheat, nor any strong bread, grain presence. Some spiciness and a fistful of minerally earth. But really it comes across as a simple, sweet, citrus bomb. Easy to drink for sure, likely get bored with it after a second bottle.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Piercing Pils (A Czech-Style Pilsner Brewed With Pear Juice, Pear Tea And Saaz Hops)
Czech Pilsener
Delaware
6.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Crests above two fingers then settles into a nice moderately thick level, good foam density, some surface dimpling, off white to eggshell color, the lacing is wispy but sticks with strength. Mild filminess to the yellow gold colored liquid, light orange tint at the glass edges, the bubbles are few but fat and move at a decent clip, looks richer than your standard pilsner. The pear fruit comes through very clearly on the nose, trace amount of florality would seem sweet were it not for the sale and pepper, dark bread and black tea leaf notes, clean kind of herbaceousness, ends with an allusion to mixed white citrus and metal shavings, not tightly woven as a fabric but nice enough to sniff. Full-bodied, would suspect the juice gives it extra heft, pulls down into the palate, the carbonation is not weak per se but in no position to do much about anything. The pear there yet gets sucked back into the whole by its overall sourness and that earthy, metallic bite. Spicy, especially peppery, herbal but not “green,” tree bark and less breadiness and citrus than might be desired. It does stay as lively as possible through the finish, dry while not excessively so. Some floral lift at the very end. An experiment worth putting into action.
3 out of 5

Honsebrouck, Brouwerij van
Kasteel Winter
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
11.0%
25.4oz, Single
$10.49
Not much of a head, enough to cover the surface and then simmer off, a lot of larger bubbles contributes, the lacing is lackluster as well. The liquid is a predictable murky brown with a yellow outside ring, running counter to the visual impression it’s like the whole glass is filled with a swarm of tiny bubbles, overall close to fully opaque. The nose lays on some serious roastiness with coffee bean, caramel, crème brûlée notes, candied nuts, mocha powder, peach, cherry and plum fruit, lower level of baking spices, it has a dry kind of feel to it which keeps the sweetness in check, no overt hoppiness but again it does have a sort of stiff posture which hops can provide. In the mouth it’s fairly full-bodied, smooth for its weight and here too it starts sweetly and ends drily. The roast and toast extravaganza continues, crazy nuttiness, all this coffee, then butterscotch, toffee, chocolate dust and vanilla bean. Light bread and scone notes before something akin to tobacco ash and open fire cinders. More herbaceous and leafy if never outright hoppy. The carbonation is moderate but shows up when it’s needed most. Very flavorful and vivid, a total cold winter night in front of a roaring fire sort of quaff.
4 our of 5

Williamsburg Alewerks
Chesapeake Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Virginia
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Modest head, under a finger, just off-white, moderate pour yields a good amount of larger bubbles, likely contributes to rapid dissolve, the lacing is a touch wispy but does cling nicely. The liquid is a semi-cloudy metallic yellow to ochre, very few bubbles and the filminess makes them hard to see anyway. The nose has a pleasing stiffness to it, dried orange peels, salt, pretzel dough, good mix of grass and flowers, as it warms it delivers more peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit scents, average length. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, low on the carbonation yet leaves a certain dryness behind. This hinders the flow of that apricot, pineapple, peach fruit, blunted sweetness and tartness. Very earthy to downright dirty, not in a bad way but clearly it is not going for maximal smoothness. Saline and grassy elements trump the orange, grapefruit citrus, even as the latter has kick and tries to lend sweetness. Chooses to get sticky on the palate rather than refresh and cleanse. Maybe the hops are too aggressive for an easy drinking APA, or there’s too little counterbalancing malts. Not bad really but nor is it memorable.
3 out of 5

Neshaminy Creek Brewing
County Line IPA
American IPA
Pennsylvania
6.6%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Barely a finger’s worth of wispy white foam, with lots of larger bubbles it dissolves rapidly to a thin surface coating, the lacing fares a little better with long, sticky streaks all along the glass sides. The liquid is shiny and fully transparent, an attenuated orange to then yellow color, only a few random bubbles visible. Very floral nose, violets and lilacs, orange blossom, gentle apricot to peach, apple fruit notes, segues to cut grass, salt, pepper and hard bread crust, there’s some funk in the hops yet it also has a cleansing purity to it, not much to be found by way of really sweet maltiness. Full-bodied, thick enough to be sluggish, not a lot of carbonation. The tangerine, orange to white grapefruit citrus a larger factor here, just outpoints the metallic earthy and herbaceous qualities, which themselves are formidable. The fruit lacks sweetness but there’s bite in the pineapple, papaya, nectarine, peach flavors. More grainy than processed bread, touch of peppercorns and pine cones. By the end unwinds enough that the floral dimension gets assertive. If you like your IPA’s on the bitter side while still mostly balanced, this should be in your wheelhouse. Wisely keeps it simple when it could get overcomplicated.
3 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
YuleSmith Winter Holiday Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Rich, creamy head, close to three fingers, tan in color with an orange tint, for as fluffy as it is has wonderful retention and the lacing is strong too, long, thick streaks form every time the glass is turned. Dark, if clear, amber red color, kind of has a metallic sheen to it, not quite beads but lots of large, healthy bubbles swirling upwards inside the glass. Excellent balance between malts and hops in the nose, cocoa, hard coffee candy and malted milk balls interplay with sweet pink grapefruit, pine sap, lemongrass and a pinch of white pepper, basic apricot, peach to pineapple fruit yet restrained, as it gets warmer the damp herbal matter element becomes more pronounced. Full-bodied, the buoyant carbonation frames the attack and makes it less blockish and more apt to settle gently on the tongue. While the texture is dry and after 4-5 sips you start to feel a tacky residue building up, the flavors are all ripe sweetness, especially that pink grapefruit to tangelo citrus. Floral, piney, sweet and sour enough to play up papaya and pineapple over the apricot and peach. Some biscuit notes among the caramel and molasses, as in the nose saves the more bitter or leafy herbaceousness for last. Given the multitude of things going on, stays balanced and integrated and, even better, highly drinkable.
5 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
2XMas (Ale Brewed With Figs, Orange Peels, And Spices)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
New York
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Two fingers of dark yet oddly glowing tan foam, looks backlit or something, full mix of bubble sizes and pretty good retention for the category, same could be said for the lacing, sticks well. Crystal clear liquid, deep coppery brown, inclines more towards red than orange, not that many bubbles but they rise with swift insistence, pretty enough overall. The nose is all cardamom, anise, pine sap, clove and cinnamon, huge cleansing lift in the nostrils, milk chocolate and orange peels, not getting the figs nor other fruit here, basically smells like the bowls of seeds and stuff at the entrance to an Indian restaurant. Medium-bodied, tightly woven carbonation, erect posture, on the dry side given the constituent elements. Ginger, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, cola, chocolate, light caramel. Again, has a sort of mentholated cleansing feel, fresh and tingly. Still not getting much fig or other dried fruits, some light apple or peach maybe. Soft undercurrent of blanched nuts. Easy to see how the intensity of the spices could polarize, love it or hate it. Finding it food friendly and lack of sweetness adds to versatility. Could not do more than a couple in a sitting but they would be enjoyable start to finish.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2013

Tröegs Brewing Company
The Mad Elf Ale (Ale Brewed With Honey And Cherries)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Pennsylvania
11.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$14.99
The head is on the thin side, a semi-deep tan color, not very dense and evaporates swiftly, average lacing without much stick. The liquid is an attractive coppery red with a dark orange tint, large amount of super tiny bubbles swirl about inside, excellent clarity does not weaken the richness of hue, handsome. The nose is full but not soft, filled with sweet honey, molasses, baking spices , candied orange peel and a mix of cola and chocolate, the cherries come through clearly, consistent and unambiguous, no secrets hidden. Full-bodied, Walks at a good pacing, not brisk, but on no leisurely stroll either, the carbonation fluffs it up when needed. The citrus is mixed but helps temper the honey, caramel, chocolate stuff. The cherry fruit base pulled in opposing directions by plum and strawberry flavors. Cola, maybe licorice, there is a sweet smokiness to it as well. Not really as well spiced as one might hope for a Belgian Strong Dark Ale, maybe more like a Winter Warmer. The length is so-so. In a fun and convivial environment you could easily through 3-4 of these back in spite of the ABV, alone at home, one, maybe two. There’s no intellectual hook.
4 out of 5

Het Anker, Brouwerij
Gouden Carolus Noël
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
10.5%
25.4oz, Single
$9.99
Mild dusting of a head across the surface, dark tan brown, swiftly pulls back to the glass sides, the lacing streaks are quite thin but have some stick to them. Murky dark brown colored liquid with more of a yellow tint than anything else, not a lot of visible effervescence, nothing truly remarkable about how it looks. The nose offers licorice, cola, orange spice, lightly roasted chocolate, fig, date, banana and hint of green apple, pleasing for how it does not overdo the sweetness and stays openly knit and airy, finishes with lingering nutmeg, cinnamon and splash of witch hazel. Medium-bodied, for its relative sweetness and mouth grip it has decent fluidity. Carbonation is light but generally up to the task. Initially tastes like a root beer float. Vanilla, malted milk balls, ginger, licorice, orange citrus, Brazil nuts and butterscotch predominate. The fruit has a darker complexion here with prune and cherry trumping the date and fig, not really showing a lot of esters nor breadiness. Likewise, no boozy “heat” on display although you can feel it once a good portion of the bottle is gone. Gains peppery bite as it warms. Fashions a dry, punctuated finish which helps it marshal an argument for being a good food beer and not just an after dinner sipper.
4 out of 5

Port Brewing Company
High Tide Fresh Hop India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
6.5%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Produces a big, fluffy head upon the pour, loads of whipped up larger bubbles with multiple peaks and valleys, slightly off-white color, the thick streaks of lacing stick powerfully and overall retention is very good. The liquid is a pale yellowish gold, clear but not quite watery, not many bubbles but what’s there are big and fat and move upwards with determination. Muscular nose features a dash of salt and pepper, pretzel dough, leafy green matter, black tea leaves, more earthy than sweet, the orange citrus and white pit fruits pushed into the background, gets more metallic and arch as it warms albeit not offputtingly so. Full-bodied, the carbonation is perhaps too gentle to relieve some of the bitterness from the palate, very hoppy with an excess of grassiness, earth, quinine, and pepper notes. Weight sort of prevents it from staying “refreshing,” however, there’s briskness in the tangerine, white grapefruit citrus and arguably more pineapple, green apple, nectarine, peach fruit. Dry finish with white pepper, iron flecks and backroads brown dirt. Its relative lack of smoothness and sweetness makes it more of a food beer than a casual sipper on its own.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2013

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Warlock (Blackwater Series) (Imperial Stout Brewed With Pumpkins And Natural Flavor)
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
8.6%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Pours a very large head, very airy and comprised of larger bubbles, appears to have minimal density to it, basic tan color, not that dark, uneven surface, while the lacing streaks are thin they are numerous. Close to opaque but not quite, the color is a deep chocolate brown, the orange tint evident at the outer reaches, hard to see any bubbles at all, looks like a “tweener” would not guess stout per se. Oodles of ginger snaps, cinnamon, honey, pumpkin and milk chocolate to the nose, minimal roast or toast, all sunny sweetness, mild pie dough to yeast accents, extremely pungent and longlasting, like standing next to an exhaust pipe. Medium-bodied, lighter than might be expected, creamy texture even with average carbonation at best. On the sweet side, the pumpkin and accompanying baking spices are dominant and are smeared in vanilla frosting. Cola accents, sometimes tastes like RC cola. More roast here, teases out mild coffee to dark chocolate. Turns hollow at the finish, loses its initial intensity. At the same time becomes more like a “normal” stout. Needs an extra gear to really impress.
3 out of 5

Williamsburg Alewerks
Redmarker Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Virginia
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
An aggressive pour yields a little around two fingers of off white foam, mostly larger bubbles and it dissolves down to the surface swiftly to leave a spotty covering across the surface, about average stick to the lacing, thin streaks here and there. Reddish brown liquid, more of a metallic orange at the glass bottom and rims, clear and easy to see through, few visible bubbles. The nose offers malt, mocha, hard caramel, scones and pie crust, boozy vanillin notes, mix of red cherry to apricot fruit, turns to mixed unprocessed grains after awhile, lacks some in the length department. Medium-bodied, likewise on the stern side in the mouth not clenched per se but not flowing openly. Dry in texture even without much carbonation and prickle, stunts the flavors a bit. Cocoa, cola, smidge of black licorice to go with the pie crust, challah bread, and pastry dough. Has a mineral water component as well. There’s no real flaws here it is simply hard to warm to, doesn’t offer depth or richness in any one area. Drinkable but you’d likely lose interest halfway through the second bottle.
3 out of 5

Williamsburg Alewerks
Drake Tail India Pale Ale
American IPA
Virginia
7.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Little over a finger of eggshell white to light tan foam, lots of different bubble sizes with a mottled surface, adequate retention, the lacing comes in very broad sheets but then slowly slides down the glass sides. Cloudy coppery orange hued liquid, more gauzy than transparent, widely dispersed fat and sluggish bubbles throughout, has visual “density” to it. Sweet, approachable nose of tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus, cocoa led maltiness, supplemented by less aggressive pine sap and white pepper notes, comes with a credible amount of apricot and peach fruit scents too, it needs to warm up some to release the underlying herbaceous hoppiness. Medium-bodied, somewhat low carbonation gives it a firm mouth feel rather than creamy, however, this is some prickle going on. The white pit fruit has a dried fruit kind of sweetness, same for the pineapple flavors. Semi-tart feel to the orange, tangerine to white grapefruit citrus. Some breadiness and grassy bite, not simple even as it displays its constituent parts clearly. Malty finish softens its contours, very likable and easygoing.
4 out of 5

Atlantic Brewing Company
New Guy IPA
American IPA
Maine
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
The head crests a little over a finger, off-white, some dimpling but evaporates too swiftly for you to really notice it, the lacing is thin yet does hold onto form broad sheets. The liquid is a rust orange, strong swirling storm of tiny bubbles within, at times they look like a fine sediment, overall looks slightly watery. While the nose has a malty foundation and cocoa, vanilla powder notes, there’s pronounced sourdough bread, quinine, sour lemon peels, iron flecks and lawn grass which stiffens it in your nostrils and closes it down some, not much fruit or other sweeter elements to balance these out. Full-bodied and on the heavy side, curiously based on visual inspection the carbonation is weak hence it doesn’t dance much on the palate. That same metallic bitterness persists here, amplified to distraction. To be fair, the cocoa and caramel also increases and you get a mix of indistinguishable white pit fruit. The citrus is a muddle of white grapefruit and lemon. Leafy without being harshly “green.” The overall dryness leaves your tongue desiccated by the end. Nothing really pleasant enough about it to entice you into finishing the bottle.
2 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
American Beauty (An Imperial Pale Ale Brewed With Granola & All-American Hops)
American Pale Ale
Delaware
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.49
Pours a really big head but it’s mostly air, the larger bubbles pop and sizzle down rapidly although it is fun to watch, eggshell white to light tan, not a lot of stick to the lacing, tends to slide down the glass sides. Light gauziness to the coppery orange color, closer to a reddish brown than yellow, the bubbles are few but they are fat and move with some speed. The nose is diffuse and easygoing, a gregariously sloppy array of sweet grains, orange pulp, honey, hay, white pepper, good amount of apricot to peach fruit, finishes more soft and estery than hoppy, slight vinous quality. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and consistent filling cheek to cheek, not soft per se yet not biting nor unduly bitter. The honey to yogurt aspects lead alongside orange and grapefruit citrus, again the apricot, peach to yellow apple fruit plays a sizable role. Malty and the granola is evident with each sip, sweet grains give it an even consistency start to finish. More floral through the finish, some pine sap too, the sweeter side of hops. The carbonation is on the creamy side and helps it ooze over the tongue. There’s nothing you can say it nails 100% and, as before, it’s not a beer of pinpoint precision. But it is extremely satisfying and something to just kick back and enjoy.
4 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
2XRye Double Rye Ale
Rye Beer
New York
8.1%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.49
Little under two fingers of tan foam, islands of larger bubbles break up an otherwise even surface, peters out to a thick accretion along the glass edges, the lacing is broad and gluey, in some spots covers everything from liquid surface to top rims. Very clear, to the point of almost diminishing its color, coppery orange to lighter red, more orange to yellow at rims and glass bottom, sluggish bubbles. Straightforward nose, crisp and openly knit, sweet orange to pink grapefruit zest, the rye comes through easily, however, it still has a somewhat creamy texture in the nostrils, mixed sweet grains, light pepperiness, strong underlying maltiness, ripe peach to nectarine fruit scents, maybe banana as well, just hangs pregnantly like a rain cloud. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, soft and fluid but not creamy, the rye has an edge and that peppery quality is spotlighted. Grapefruit, lemon citrus, pine, wildflowers and a flourish of milk chocolate and caramel as it goes down the chute. The carbonation is not steady, more an irregular pulse but on the whole keeps the beer inclined towards dryness. Leaves a metallic earthiness behind as residue. Good drinkability and could see putting back 2-3 of these in a sitting, which is likely on the high end for this type of beer per se.
3 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
2X Stout Double Milk Stout
Milk/Sweet Stout
New York
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger plus of uneven, frothy foam, lots of larger bubbles to mottle the surface but good head retention and covers the surface for some time, the lacing is thin on the whole but sticks well. Very dark brown colored liquid, not quite black, opaque nonetheless, no filminess, you don’t seem the bubbles until they break the yellow tinted surface. Forceful but not heavy nose driven by chocolate powder, mocha and just a strong general maltiness, blends in anise, vanilla and a little whiskey like booziness, vague plum fruit, the breadiness is akin to scones or raw oatmeal, not devoid of hops but no single descriptor jumps out at you about this part. Medium-bodied, neither too dry nor too sweet, just full of malty goodness, chocolate, caramel, cocoa, vanilla, licorice, brown sugar, needs to warm up to get any coffee grounds. It isn’t that milky though. The carbonation is tight so it isn’t too fluffy and it is about as crisp as you’d want without it getting too dry. Here the hops lend a mild bitter touch at the end with citrus and a hint of pine more than grassiness, maybe even peppery. The thing is, it’s subtle in all the good ways, making it an enjoyably sessionable beer rather than lunging for the “wow” factor.
5 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Rhye IPA (Big Beer Series)
Rye Beer
New Hampshire
6.8%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Nice big head of around three fingers, very even surface even with a full spectrum of bubble sizes, dark eggshell white in color, nice retention plus the lacing is quite thick and sticks like glue. The liquid itself is a paler orange to yellow gold, has a sort of metallic sheen to it, fully transparent and shiny with extra tiny bubbles rising quickly within. The nose comes on first with tangy white grapefruit to mandarin orange notes, followed closely by dried grass and hay and then veers into cocoa powder and flowers, minimal breadiness but what’s there is country style, very light pineapple, peach to nectarine fruit scents. Medium-bodied, the carbonation seems creamier through the mouth entry but afterwards tends to prickle in support of the bitter herbaceousness and hoppiness. Peppery with some saltiness too, any pine or flowers come across as dried in nature. That said, there’s juice in the sour orange to lemon citrus. The rye clearer here and helps fill the blank spaces left by the spotty mixed white fruit component. Minor maltiness peeks out by the end, cocoa and caramel. No alcoholic heat but it is fairly intensely bitter which can create a similar impression. Just seems attenuated and lacking in volume and palate weight, especially at the end.
3 out of 5

Yards Brewing Company
Cape of Good Hope Epic Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
8.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Pours a generous close to three finger head of airy, loose cream white foam, mottled surface, decent enough retention, looks like a fallen soufflé, the lacing is thick in some spots and has excellent stickiness. A light cloudiness deepens the yellow to orange rust hue, translucent, not many visible bubbles, kind of interesting looking. The nose offers salted pretzels and a rich grapefruit, orange citrus component, this aided by pine sap, cocoa and dewy flowers, as the apricot, peach fruit gets in the act, so does a stiffening herbaceous streak, comes out with a nice spectrum of scents. Full-bodied, at times thick unto heavy, the carbonation makes a good effort of it but lacks the strength to whip things up. Definitely on the sweet side with pine, pink grapefruit, tangerine, lilacs, coriander, cumin spice and something close to eucalyptus. The peach, apricot, pineapple fruit has a semi dried fruit nature. All this noted, the finish dries out big time and while it is not as herbaceous here, it does have a little zip to it. Quite malty as well, no lack of cocoa and caramel. Brash, has an infectious smile but won’t make immediate friends with everyone. And it’s probably alright with that.
4 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Red Thunder (Malt Beverage Aged In Wine Barrels)
Baltic Porter
Pennsylvania
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$8.99
Mediocre head of about half a finger, lots of larger bubbles which diminish its staying power and it’s all quickly gone, lacing likewise on the weak side. Clean black liquid of full opacity, no real orange or yellow tints, just some brown around the edges, no real way to visually gauge the carbonation. Malty nose with cocoa, mocha, coconut, butterscotch and vanilla bean, maybe a hint of sour red wine but no real “vinous” presence, at the same time no real hoppy bite either, dries out the longer it lingers in the nostrils, seems like a straight up porter. Medium-bodied, slightly creamy during the attack then gets quite dry and close to dusty in texture. Chocolate, vanilla, caramel, a light dose of black licorice and coconut as well as scone bread. The carbonation is weak and it moves at a sluggish pace. Glimmer of cherry to plum fruit, not a lot of lactose or milky qualities. While it’s posture is nice, still wish it moved more gracefully. Still not sure what the wine barrels contribute, except some sour notes through the finish. By no means a bad beer, just unsure of what makes it “unusual” versus a basic rendition of a traditional style.
3 out of 5

John Crabbie & Co.
Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer (Malt Beverage With Natural Flavors And Caramel Color Added)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Scotland
4.8%
11.2oz, Single
$2.75
Thin bleached white head which kind of seems more like agitation from the pour than a full-on foamy head, dissolves rapidly, the lacing is at first thicker than expected but slides down the glass smoothly. Crystal clear pale orange colored liquid, the bubbles are widely dispersed but of good size and active, very shiny overall. The nose is smooth and pure ginger but at the same time not overbearing, has a breezy airiness to it, some orange citrus too, floral with powdered sugar but basically it’s ginger. Light-bodied and spicier here, has tangy bite to it, quite refreshing. In this vein has more tingle than actual flavor intensity, wisely chooses to keep the ginger cruising steadily rather than making a gargantuan statement. Same orange citrus thing, maybe some anise too or cane sugar. Way too easy to drink, particularly when well chilled. Can see this going with a variety of spicy cuisine. Or a box if ginger snaps. Likable.
4 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Dark Depths Baltic IPA
Baltic Porter
Massachusetts
7.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Moderate depth to the creamy finger plus head, deep tan color with very good retention, same thing with the lacing, broad streaks which stick around for some time. The liquid is a murky muddy brown with orange rust tones and it lightens around the edges, tiny bubbles form active beads. The nose is sweetly roasted featuring chocolate, caramel, butterscotch and licorice, some plum, black grape and cherry fruit scents, not devoid of hoppiness but not that green, some straw or hay, floral but wish it had more leafiness, ends with an uptick in smoky tar, alcohol is present. Full-bodied and somewhat foursquare in the mouth with less carbonation than needed for its density. Again plays up the cocoa, mocha, caramel, cola and creamed coffee aspects, here balanced out by a metallic earthiness. More breadiness and yeast, mild dose of esters. The florality gets muted, same for the dark fruits albeit there’s some prune in there. Opens and unclenches a touch through the finish as orange citrus and hops cleanse some. It is boozy but not unbalanced, little about it conveys a sense of an IPA, but drinkable for sure.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2013

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Grumpy Monk Belgian IPA
Belgian IPA
Massachusetts
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
About a finger’s worth of fairly dense foam, good retention with only moderate dimpling, the lacing is pretty thick as well if of average stickiness. Deep bronzed color, as close to light brown as orange, huge amount of particulate floating throughout the liquid, the bubble beads are few but when present they are active, looks on the “serious” side on the whole. Grainy and herbaceous nose, to the point it cloaks the sweet spices, yeast and fruitiness, minor white citrus tones, as it warms turns more floral and allows for notes of banana and cherry. Medium-bodied, it is on the dry side which takes a good bit of fluffiness out of the otherwise soft carbonation. Peppery, cut grass, dried pine sap, more dried flowers than yeast, has a vinous quality from white grape accents, supplemented by cherry and apricot fruit, the banana remains muted. Manages to cling to your mouth pores well through the finish, extending its presence. There’s nothing actively wrong with this beer but little exciting about it and it does not possess an easy, seamless flow which would make it a candidate for simple pleasurable drinking.
2 out of 5

Stevens Point Brewery
Whole Hog Limited Edition Pumpkin Ale (Ale Brewed With Pumpkin And Spices)
Pumpkin Ale
Wisconsin
7.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$7.99
Close to a finger of deep tan, not dense nor airy, just a scattershot of larger bubbles, boils down to the surface at a steady clip, the lacing is not that sticky but certainly better than most in the category. Not cloudy but darn close to opaque liquid, sunset red up close, more a mix of browns and oranges further away, few bubbles visible. The nose is clean and direct, cinnamon to clove spice, orange peel, the pumpkin is ripe but not sweet, light breadiness without it being pie-like, touch of cocoa powder too, nothing here overdone or unnecessarily flamboyant. Medium-bodied, has enough prickle from the carbonation to keep the sweetness in check, even has a sort of tart, metallic edge at times. Otherwise, straight up fresh pumpkin with cinnamon, nutmeg spice, chocolate and vanilla accents. Less citrus here, mostly orange, some lemon. Stays balanced and the flavors cruise at a steady altitude, you don’t get worn out by it. Finishes cleanly yet with bite. Easy to like and, again, doesn’t try too hard, always a plus in my book.
4 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Crème Brûlée (Blackwater Series) (A Stout Brewed With Vanilla Beans)
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
9.5%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Pours a bold and close to four finger head of dark foam, airy but not wispy, has better retention than you’d think, only minor surface dimpling, the lacing is thin and haphazardly spread across the glass sides. Clean liquid if predictably opaque, like buffed onyx, tiny hint of orange at the rims. The nose is like having a German chocolate cake smashed into your face, coconut, caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, only a slight roasted edge, some candied oranges, this has a “take no prisoners” approach. Full-bodied, same story in the mouth, unbearably sweet like a hose force feeding you toffee, caramel and butterscotch. This almost makes it hard to register the vanilla and chocolate. The carbonation is super soft and adds to the fluffy character. Heavy on the Maraschino cherries and again candied oranges. Does an odd bitter twist at the end. Can’t fault it for intensity of flavor but it was a concerted effort to finish the bomber.
3 out of 5

Sixpoint Brewery
Resin
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
9.1%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Almost two fingers of fairly dense foam, lots of mixed sized bubbles which tends to dimple the surface, keeps a nicely thick coating across the surface for some time and the strings of lacing, while thin, stick like glue. Very gauzy haze to the otherwise borderline luminescent orange to yellow color, opaque with a very fine particulate visible, similarly the carbonation is active but so tiny you have to peer way up close to see it. The nose plays it straight up, maybe somewhat high toned, slaps on the pink grapefruit to tangerine citrus, pine sap, bread crust, saline, pressed dried flowers, cocoa and a wedge of apricot and peach fruit, leaves a drying sensation in your nostrils, kind of a masculine showoff. Full-bodied, thick and layered even as the dryness sucks all the moisture out of your mouth. The carbonation gives it a creamy texture but it is hard to register this. The grapefruit, lime, orange citrus has flavor but not so much sweetness, lacks length. So, it’s the pine, salt, cut grass, pepper led spice and pumpernickel type bread which gets out to play. Teeters on the edge of too dry and bitter but manages to stay relatively balanced. Masks alcohol decently. Not sure I could drink more than two in a sitting, the second would be a slow affair.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2013

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Plum Noir (Blackwater Series) (Imperial Porter Brewed With Italian Plums)
American Porter
New York
8.0%
22oz, Single
$8.99
The pour yields only a thin coating across the surface, barely half a finger and soon to dissipate, wispiest lacing imaginable. The liquid is opaque but remains mostly in the dark brown area rather than black, allowing for a yellow tint at the rims, the bubbles are tiny and appear to be widely dispersed. In the nose the plum comes through clearly but stays lowkey and out of the spotlight, as a result it’s the basic cocoa, chocolate, coffee and cola bean leading the way, scone and croissant flakes, beyond this is a light leafy and metallic touch which gives it some spine, overall not a heavy presence with nice liveliness. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation is light but what’s there is crisp, not much fluffy about it. The plum stays at about the same level here, recognizable yet not dominant. The cola, chocolate and vanilla upfront, not sweet enough for more caramel like notes. A touch bready but not doughy nor yeasty. Noticeably drier through the finish. The earthy, metallic aspect is pleasurable and also adds punctuation at the end. Overall, too simple to hold your interest past a few sips while still nothing stopping you from throwing it back uncritically.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Latitude 48 IPA
American IPA
Massachusetts
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Close to two fingers of fairly dense foam, eggshell white, some dimpling going on, retention level is good, likewise the lacing comes in thick sheets with admirable stickiness. Bronzed orange liquid, closer to brown than yellow, good clarity with tight, active beads of tiny bubbles. Expressive nose, floral with heavy sweet citrus dew, pine sap and peach to apricot fruit, also hits you with some toasty, bready notes and roasted cocoa, at times close to coffee, more of a puncher than a finesse boxer. Medium-bodied, there is a bitter bite but this is quickly overcome by the fluffy carbonation and general creamy mouth feel. Emphasis remains on the orange, pink grapefruit citrus, flowers and pine. While it lacks a keen edge, there is some pineapple, mango in there with the peach, apricot base. The roast maybe higher here, dries out the finish with mocha, cocoa and bread crust. Not getting much caramel or butterscotch, more metallic or earthy accents. Pretty consistent profile nose to palate, not sure of freshness of bottle, may have had a fresher, more brisk demeanor in its youth. But pleasing enough in a basic sense and decently sessionable.
3 out of 5

Maine Beer Company
Mean Old Tom (Stout Aged On Natural Vanilla Beans)
American Stout
Maine
6.5%
16.9oz, Single
$6.99
Froths up past three fingers of loose foam, mostly larger bubbles, lots of dimpling, very dark brown coloration, the lacing is wispy but has stickiness to spare. Pitch black liquid, perhaps a touch flat and not a lot of shine, you can see little pin pricks of carbonation as the bubbles reach the surface, otherwise opaque. While there’s a good deal of roast to the nose it is not overdone and allows the chocolate, vanilla and licorice to sweeten things up, date and fig fruit, dose of candied nuts, lasts well without losing its relaxed feel. Medium-bodied plus, has a pleasingly dry texture without sacrificing flavor. Cocoa, milk chocolate, coffee more than vanilla. Carbonation keeps it refreshing not fluffy and soft. There’s plum, cherry and light fig going on. At times there is some booziness, odd given its relatively light ABV for the type. Comes up with a bit of mineral and earth for depth. Fashioned in a classic style, has length and cleanliness. Leaves you without much to say, preferable to just enjoy it.
4 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Imperial Compass (Bottle Conditioned Sparkling Ale Brewed With Rose Hips & Citrusy Hops)
American Pale Ale
New York
9.0%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Pours a couple fingers of bleached white foam, very whipped up and airy, no density at all albeit retention level is good, even dissolve. Any lacing slides off the glass as if greased. The liquid is the color of goldenrod, while faint and transparent it has a certain luminescence to it too, there’s a faintly visible particulate floating about, the bubbles are active but widely dispersed, no beads. Salt, grains and grasses frame the core of lemon to lesser white grapefruit citrus in the nose, built for focused penetration, a slice more than a punch, its herbaceousness makes it a bit tough to get at the apricot, apple fruit scents and naked dough notes. It’s close to full-bodied, the carbonation somehow manages to be thick and clingy, helps it press into all your mouth pores. Lots of lemon and then some orange and lime mixed in, all of it sour and bracing. The greenness and pepper and salt stuff too keeps you puckering. More like pretzel dough or rye here than sweeter breads. Something like the bowl of seeds and spices by the door of an Indian restaurant, the kind you are supposed to slowly chew on. Lots of dry extract as it finishes. Peach, apricot, green apple, pear, all with more crackle and snap than juicy wetness. Not the easiest to drink.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Whitewater IPA (Wheat Ale Brewed With Apricots & Spices)
American IPA
Massachusetts
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours a big, frothy head up to three fingers, dense but dimples, just off-white color, good stick to the lacing, the retention is above average. Cloudy yellow to orange rust hued liquid with a huge amount of particulate floating about, cloudy but you think it would be clear otherwise. Crisp, hoppy profile to the nose, malty too but it is the grains which rule and create a cutting quality to it, peppery as well with some salinity, the apricot only comes through haphazardly, overall more aggression than complexity. Medium-bodied, has sufficient creaminess in the mouth to take out some of the bite. And the apricot is a much larger presence here. Pepper, pumpernickel bread, pretzel dough, salt, has a noticeable leafy herbaceousness too. Hard to tell if the grapefruit citrus sweetens or adds tartness. Faint hint of cumin or coriander but, again, more salty and peppery than anything. At the very end, more retronasally, gives you banana and bubblegum notes. More malty with cocoa at the end too. Its interesting and a beer worth trying but in the end doesn’t cohere with a single minded nature.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2013

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Positive Contact (Ale Brewed With Apple Cider And Spices, A Positive Combination Of Fuji Cider, Slow Roasted Farro, A Bit Of Cayenne And Fresh Cilantro)
Witbier
Delaware
9.0%
25.4oz. Single
$12.49
Pours a big, airy head, well over three fingers, bleached white, dissolves at a speedy clip, very little stickiness so not much lacing appearing. Transparent with a dilute yellow to orange coloration, quite a few fat and lazy bubbles rising within, looks as much as a cider as a beer. The nose is both crisp and sweet, the apples come through as well as cinnamon spice, there is a leafy spiciness but not sure I’d peg it as cilantro, some orange zest and peach to apricot fruit too, yeast and pie dough, no hops of note, has very good staying power which is pleasing in place of the missing complexity. Full-bodied, super creamy and coats the entire mouth. The carbonation is all fluffiness, no cleansing aspect. The apples supported by banana, peach, pear and that same cinnamon, nutmeg spice. The cayenne comes through as an afterthought, muted. Even the flavors are sweet the texture gets dry by the finish so any yeastiness becomes truncated. More enjoyable colder, not that it gets flabby as it warms but the components start to blur. No problem throwing it back but leaves you with little desire for a second or third glass.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Rhizing Bines (Life And Limb) (An India Pale Ale Brewed With Bravo And #644 Hops)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Delaware
8.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.49
Finger plus of foam, frothy and dimpled, all kinds of bubble sizes yet dense overall, creamy white in color, excellent retention, the lacing is thick and covers the glass sides in sheets which pretty much refuse to budge. Faint dullness to the yellow to orange rust colored liquid, there’s some fine particulate floating about inside which may explain this, the bubbles are few and far between and tiny enough to perhaps miss, that said it does capture light within it well so there’s a warm glow. Thick and heavy nose dripping with pine sap, orange and grapefruit juice, molasses and caramelized brown sugar, peach, apricot to pineapple fruit and a substantial floral dimension, for interplay there’s a touch of pepper and lemongrass, clings more than extends. In the mouth it is full-bodied, sappy, viscous and resinous. Pine, molasses, caramel hard candy and challah bread combine with the more sweet than sour pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus for a friendly mouth entry. The carbonation tends to fluff and soften which takes some of the kick out of the pineapple, papaya, nectarine, peach fruit. Grassy but not green, the maltiness lacks clear character but anchors it in an undifferentiated, homogeneous fashion. Easy to drink even as it makes you think it is more complicated than it really is, this being part of the genius of Dogfish Head.
4 out of 5

Blue Mountain Barrel House
Local Species (Ale Aged In Bourbon Barrels)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Virginia
6.6%
25.4oz, Single
$11.00
Pours a humongous three finger head of eggshell white to tan foam, dense with an undulating surface, excellent retention given how whipped up it is, the lacing is on the wispy side but sticks tenaciously. Translucently clear, like vellum, coppery base that turns equally brown and orange, very few bubbles to be seen. The nose has a fresh if not quite clean profile, stone, poor dirt, pepper and dried grapefruit pulps and grains, the hoppiness sneaks up on you then, wham!, the apple, pear, peach fruit is direct and underripe like you wish you left them on the counter for just another day or two, no meaningful trace of bourbon barrel aging. Medium-bodied, smooth with a pleasingly creamy texture, even the underlying sourness can’t interfere. That said, the cherry, apricot, red apple, pear, peach fruit sunny and tart in just the right way. There’s an earthy, leafy element but not thick enough to be like “sous bois” or deep forest in character. Mostly orange citrus with a hint of lemon. Clean yeastiness, some banana, spicy without any one spice leaping to the fore. Harmonized and very drinkable, probably one of those beers best not categorized, just enjoyed.
4 out of 5

Olde Hickory Brewery
Daniel Boone (Ale Aged In Oak Bourbon Barrels)
American Brown Ale
North Carolina
8.5%
22oz, Single
$7.29
Extremely wispy and airy head, almost entirely very large bubbles with so-so retention at best, general tan color, given this there’s a little more stick to the lacing than expected if not anything spectacular. The liquid is murky, like a still stream, all browns and oranges and yellows, you can kind of see through it but there’s hardly any visible carbonation. The nose is oak influence to the exclusion of most else, coconut custard, butterscotch, vanilla, toffee, creamed coffee and then heavyset prune, date, raisin, dried apricot fruit scents, cinnamon and nutmeg too, a trace of yeasts or unbaked bread dough, has a vinous quality as well, not especially balanced. Medium-bodied, has weight but not proportionately distributed density hence it trails off some at the end. Here there’s a nice nuttiness and more breadiness which zaps some of the undue sweetness out of the caramel, butterscotch, toffee, coconut, crème brûlée flavors. The low carbonation makes it sluggish. The peach, apricot catches up some to the date, fig, prune base. It has flavor, not intensity and after half a glass it’s too monochrome to hold your interest.
2 out of 5

Cricket Hill Brewing Co.
Reserve Ale Imperial Porter
American Porter
New Jersey
22oz, Single
$12.99
Thin head, mostly larger bubbles which pop quickly enough, very dark brown in hue, minimal lacing and what’s there has no real stickiness. The liquid is black but you also notice its clarity, that is, it’s spotless and while opaque it doesn’t look “heavy,” you can see tiny bubbles within, tinge of yellow at the rims. The nose has a solid roast to it, coffee and dark chocolate, also boozy with caramel, butterscotch and vanilla notes, plum and cherry fruit, what perhaps characterizes it as a porter rather than stout would be a lack of “heaviness” in the nostrils, more open and airy. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation is light but what’s there is prickly. Even boozier here, doesn’t say barrel aged on the label but would not be surprised. Caramel, coconut oil, butterscotch, vanilla fudge, chocolate, coffee, the whole nine yards. The roast and toast higher here which lessens the presence of any dark fruits, although you primarily get dates and figs. Some graininess and unprocessed cereals but stops short of any hoppy leafiness. Gets heavier and sweeter as it warms. Not going to get kudos for drinkability but the flavors are vivid and longlasting.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Tasman Red IPA
American IPA
Massachusetts
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Yields close to two fingers of tan foam, dense yet dimples quickly and then dissipates before holding a nice coating across the surface, still mostly smaller bubbles, the lacing has very good stick and forms broad strokes across the glass sides. The liquid has a rusty red to brown hue, more yellow-orange at the bottom and rims, bright and clear, the bubbles are very widely dispersed and move slowly. Big malty nose of caramel, toffee and butterscotch as well as honey and pine sap moving onto dates, figs and dried apricots, there’s some roast under it all but hard to find a strong hops presence. Full-bodied with a softer, creamy texture even as the carbonation brings a pleasing prickle to it. More bread and scone like notes here, minerally and earthy but no ignoring the caramel, toffee, cocoa and molasses. Has enough leafiness here to create added IPA feel. Still, malts rule the roost and the only real bite is a dry residue long after you swallow. Interesting and flavorful, however, I get kind of fatigued by sipping it.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Third Voyage Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Massachusetts
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger plus of cream white with a reddish tint, mostly dense foam yet with a couple of islands of larger bubbles, not much dimpling and the retention is very good, not a great deal of lacing but what’s there has good width and sticks nicely. Dark amber to red rust colored liquid, closer to brown than yellow, no real beads just widely dispersed lazy bubbles floating about. The most pronounced element of the nose is its sheer thickness, fills the nostrils completely, composed of pine sap, white grapefruit pulp, peaches and nectarines, vanilla bean, sweet grains, molasses and honey, there’s not much “bite” to it and it clings more than lifts. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and sappy here too, carbonation gives it the old college try and does succeed in part to lend freshness. That said, the molasses, caramel, brown sugar, candied oranges, pine sap and cocoa powder keep it very much on the sweet side of things. Has some hoppy, leafy kick but nothing powerful enough to dictate terms. Clean, no earthy nor minerally notes, some breadiness or dough notes. Lasts well, holds heft and flavor. Not sure exactly what makes this a DIPA except it says so on the label.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2013

Dark Horse Brewing Company
Fore Smoked Stout
Smoked Beer
Michigan
7.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Demure head, little less than a full finger and fizzes off rapidly, dark brown in color, minimal stickiness in the wispy lacing. The liquid is unsurprisingly black and opaque, lightens up just enough near the surface to see active carbonation and a mild orange tint. The nose is not vastly smoky, more a solid toastiness and roasted nuts and cocoa powder, very chocolaty, no real fruit presence nor citrus, minor notes of mineral water, cereal grains and granola, not overblown but steady and longlasting. Full-bodied, the carbonation brings a light prickle but not much overall activity or freshness. Instead, you get a lot more roast although I’d still call it chocolate and cocoa than coffee related and it only gets smoky when close to room temperature. Grains, tar, black tea, iron flecks, not much going on which is overtly sweet. More earthy with campfire ember accents. Here there’s some apricot, cherry to lower plum fruit flavors. In its favor it is smooth without excessive creaminess, drinks well but not ingratiatingly so. Marked most by its unremarkableness, no flaws, not quite generic, just a beer. Sometimes that is enough.
3 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Rabid Duck Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
North Carolina
10.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$14.99
Pours a nice full, two finger plus head of dark brown color, uneven surface but not really dimpled, good retention and never quite evaporates down to the surface, the lacing initially forms broad sheets but only average stick. The liquid is a standard black or just maybe the darkest brown imaginable, close to impossible to gauge the carbonation level visually. The nose is overloaded by toasted dark chocolate and mocha powder, supported by licorice, vanilla bean, café au lait and challah bread notes, good amount of mixed apricot, cherry, plum fruit, ends via a suggestion of leafy sous bois and earthiness. Full-bodied yet creamy enough that the weight melts off quickly. The carbonation is appropriate for a beer of its size and it doesn’t feel heavy. The chocolate once more dominates the rest. However, the almonds, coffee, vanilla, mint and cola bean ain’t shabby. No alcoholic burn and the roast and toast isn’t as potent as in the nose. Possesses good flow and the finish is tactfully succinct, which may not be desired by all. Here the plum, cherry, blackberry fruit tends to hang off to the side, not overly sweet. High level of drinkability, not going for the jugular in the “wow” department.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Sixty-One (India Pale Ale Brewed With Syrah Grape Must)
American IPA
Delaware
6.5%
12oz, Single
$3.49
Odd pinkish white head, mostly loose larger bubbles which crest around one finger and rapidly decline from there, the lacing is smooth sheets with close to zero stickiness. The liquid looks like cranberry juice diluted with water, bright but lacking in intensity, very active bubbles, rising rapidly to the surface. The nose is sour, cranberry, cherry, red grape fruit, pulped oranges, minerals, cracked pepper, comes across more as wine than beer. Light-bodied, the carbonation tries very hard to create presence and does add crispness. However, it still seems dilute and lacking in heft. Here you do get more leafy qualities and grain to well baked country bread. The quinine to mineral persists. Hard to discern any clear malty flavors, more of a textural contribution. Citrus peel, same array of cherry, raspberry, strawberry type fruits. Some dried pine sap and pressed flowers as an aftertaste. Monochrome and not really all that interesting. You easily get tired of sipping it, albeit it is not flawed in the strong sense.
2 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Long Strange Tripel Belgian-Style Ale (Smokestack Series)
Tripel
Missouri
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Big, very delicate head, close to four fingers of off-white foam, so interwoven you hesitate to call them discrete bubbles, some dimpling before is slowly settles back down into more of a gentle wave, pleasing amount of stickiness in the lacing, broad streaks too. The liquid has a hazy golden yellow to apricot orange color, fierce amount of bubbles but dispersed and not in tight beads, seems to be some very fine particulate throughout. The nose starts off with a peppery burst before cinnamon, clove and allspice begin the sweetening, culminating in banana, peach, apricot, white grape and spiced orange peels, over time you also get toasted bread crust, pretzels with a white vinegar edge. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and thick, the carbonation creates a rich creaminess rather than refreshing briskness. Here the sour orange to white grapefruit citrus leads the pack leading into salt and pepper, clove, chamomile and bitter grasses, the latter welcome as a foil to the at times dried fruit sweetness in the apricot, apple, peach, pear, pineapple fruit, fairly tropical. On the clean side and not blatantly yeasty, its sourness keeps the palate tightening. The banana and bubblegum make a minor appearance at the end, retronasally and stronger as the beer warms. Great drinkability, no overt sense of its higher ABV.
5 out of 5

Epic Brewing Company
Smoked & Oaked Belgian-Style Ale Exponential Series Release #17 (Barrel Aged)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Utah
10.6%
22oz, Single
$11.99
Moderate finger’s worth of humble light tan foam, mix of small to medium sized bubbles, not much retention, this lacing is close to nonexistent, it’s there for a second but no stickiness whatsoever. Very mild film to the muddy to clay brown and orange color, looks like the water after some catfish hunting, few bubbles visible but the beads are active and tight. The nose is right out of the play book, dripping with coconut, butterscotch, caramel, crème brûlée and a sweet smokiness, light banana and then apricot, peach cobbler, for the ABV avoids undue alcoholic heat. Full-bodied, the attack has a tingly carbonation but it does not last consistently through the mid-palate and finish. By no means is it lifeless but there is nothing refreshing nor lively about it. The cola, butterscotch, caramel, coconut to dried beef jerky, peat and smoky camp fire just anchors it deeper, no joyous dancing. Very smoky in a sweet vein, again the apricot, peach, cherry fruit is all concentrated like a dessert. There is a metallic and earthy element which becomes more evident through the finish. This beer has character and personality but not a balanced harmony.
3 out of 5

Yeastie Boys
Rex Attitude
Smoked Beer
New Zealand
7.0%
11.2oz, Single
$6.99
Even a cautious pour yields half a glass worth of dense bone white foam which is reluctant to fizzle off, not much lacing, the head just arcs as you tilt the glass and slides back into itself. Faded gold to straw in color, you can see through it but likewise it’s hazy plus there is a veritable storm of bubbles filling the glass. The nose is pure peat and damp campfire smoke, invasive presence in the nostrils, if you get quiet and concentrate there’s actually a good bit of apricot and peach fruit in there, otherwise salt, cured bacon and leafy underbrush and twigs, not especially diverse but, hey, it was not meant to be. Light-bodied, very creamy mouth texture, surprised by the lightness as many smoked beers aim at more heft on the palate. Not so surprised by the creaminess based on the visual carbonation, more soft than bright and refreshing. The smoke is less intense here but lasts longer as it adheres itself to your mouth pores. That fruitiness persists and you might also get a floral musk peeking out now and then. The peat takes on a sweeter character here, still gamey, ashen and earthy with a metallic edge. If you want to register the complaint it’s monochrome, fine, but it’s not coming across as unbalanced. It’s a slow sipper, duh, like a dram of Scotch, just need to pour it out in small increments so it doesn’t get warm.
4 out of 5

Dark Horse Brewing Company
Tres Blueberry Stout
American Stout
Michigan
7.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Crests near a finger of very dark brown foam, mix of bubble sizes, no dimpling just evaporation due to the surface, thin streaks of lacing but these do stick decently. The liquid is a full brownish black with some particulate visible, more than any bubbles, maybe some faint orange tint around the rims. The aromas do evoke ripe unpicked blueberries rather than juicy juice, good bit of roast to the cocoa, dark chocolate scents, vanilla, toffee and some heavy cream, not getting much other fruit or citrus, likely cloaked by the blueberries, has nice purity and thankfully is not really all that aggressive. Medium-bodied, light carbonation but this doesn’t seem to effect the freshness and the light fluffiness allows it to soak in but not get clingy. The blueberry flavor displays restraint and lends as much sour kick as sweetness, if you are looking for blueberry syrup you will be disappointed. Sneaks in some softer coffee notes alongside the chocolate, mocha, at the same time the roast is stronger than in the nose. Not much flavor hop-wise but texturally they may help stiffen it up some. About as “sessionable” as these type of beers get and not gimmicky.
3 out of 5

DC Brau Brewing
Penn Quarter Porter
American Porter
District of Columbia
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
About a finger plus of dark brown foam, mostly dense and tiny bubbles and quick to dissipate evenly across the surface, the lacing actually has better stickiness than expected, thin but wide splotches. The liquid is just about black or at least the darkest shade of brown, impenetrable like a stout, hard to gauge the bubble activity within the glass. Rich and densely packed nose of dark chocolate, coffee, malt and caramel, black cherry and plum fruit scents, touch of bracing quinine and iron flecks, clean on the whole, sufficient roast that it doesn’t seem overly sweet, again very good fullness and length. In the mouth it is full-bodied as well with an overall dry texture. This accentuates the earthiness which at times has a volcanic soil aspect, metallic. Here too it seems herbaceous but not necessarily in a hoppy manner. The chocolate, mocha, coffee has a good toast to it, not as dominant. Hits you with a burst of something like Cherry Coke. The carbonation is not obtrusive while churning at a steady rate. Vague praline like nuttiness. Presents moderate complexity while taking pains to cover all the basics of the type. Decent drinkability too. Nothing to quibble over.
4 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Vortex II Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
North Carolina
11.2%
22oz, Single
$11.49
Pours a thin but consistent head, maybe half a finger tops and that disappears swiftly, actually leaves behind more lacing than you’d expect, broad streaks which then slide off the glass. Following the script the liquid is blacker than coal, fully opaque and only near the surface can you discern the active bubbles, mild orange aura to it too. The nose is like getting smacked in the face with a German chocolate cake and then doused in coffee, caramel, butterscotch, and sweet nuts, some black licorice too and definitely on the boozy side of things, any cherry or plum fruit scents buried under the chocolate, the herbal hops must themselves be strong to be as noticeable as they are. Full-bodied, it would be suffocating were it not for the aggressive carbonation which pulls off quite the feat in lifting it and creating a sense of motion. More licorice, toffee, butterscotch, molasses, coconut, dark chocolate and Brazil nuts, its sweetness masks a lot of the underlying textural dryness. It does get clingy and sticks to the mouth pores, this in spite of the overall smokiness which is massive. The fruit remains mainly plum and cherry but also some date and fig too, not really prune. Packs some wallop and you feel the alcohol halfway through the bomber, more balanced when well chilled than closer to room temperature. Relentless.
5 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Single-Wide IPA
American IPA
Missouri
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours a dense two fingers of light tan to eggshell white foam, all microfoam, starts to dimple almost immediately, the lacing is mostly broad sheets and it tends to slide down the glass sides with ease. Dark coppery orange colored liquid with a few random beads of big, fat bubbles, yellower along the rims. The nose has burnt pizza crust, lemon and white grapefruit zest, salt and pepper, pine cone, malted milk balls, peach to apricot fruit, while it has power it has more restraint as if it strives to be a literal textbook exemplar of an American IPA. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation pushes it up towards the roof of your mouth which relieves a good deal of bitterness from the grassy hops, pine and general leafiness. More floral here and the white grapefruit is drier and more pith. Yeast and lees, doughy in that dry way. The peach, apricot jazzed up by pineapple, nectarine and mango nuances. The maltiness woven into the whole, doesn’t really stick out on its own. Stays well carbonated through the finish, smooth while desiring your attention. Again, going for the “classic” character and more or less succeeds.
4 out of 5

Finch’s Beer Co.
Fascist Pig Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Illinois
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack Can
$11.99
Not much of a head, comes up with a thin layer across the surface which disappears on the quick side, what is there is on the light tannish side, likewise you get minimal lacing, if that. The liquid definitely has the amber red glow going on, more sunset orange at the glass bottom and rims, not many bubbles are visible, no surprise given the head. The nose is big and pungent, emphasizing cocoa and mocha, quite malty, sweet grapefruit, sour grains like rye bread or pumpernickel, molasses, pine sap, peach and apricot jam, the scents themselves seem like they should be sweet but there remains a textural dryness inside the nostrils, excellent staying power. In the mouth it is full-bodied, has a lightly prickly carbonation which haunts the background, otherwise marked mostly by an overall astringent bitterness which keeps it vertical and erect in posture. The maltiness still big time, cocoa and chocolate powder, yet sourness in the grapefruit and tangerine citrus stops it from getting too sweet. The fruit flavors are tropical but softer like guava or mango rather than pineapple, closer to apricot. Some peat and earth notes and you can feel the booziness both in the flavors and texture as well as literally. Grainy but not grassy, hops do catch up and take a leading role through the finish. Good stuff, not a beer to have on its own, needs like a brisket or very flavorful, dense dish to pair with. Even then one and likely done.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2013

Atwater Block Brewery
Decadent Dark Chocolate Ale (Malt Beverage Brewed With Chocolate)
American Stout
Michigan
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Mild head, maybe half a finger of deep tan which is gone lickety-split, not much stick in the lacing which is more of a thin, slippery sheet than anything else. While the liquid is pure black it doesn’t seem “impenetrably dense” for effect’s sake, thin aura of yellow around the rims, there you can see a blip of carbonation. The nose is extremely creamy, maple syrup, molten milk chocolate, caramel, coffee ice cream, malted milk balls, light cherry fruit, not overtly sugary nor is it lacking posture, simply a one trick pony. It’s light to medium-bodied in the mouth and drier than expected based on the nose, tighter punch to the carbonation too. The chocolate, cocoa, coffee, malt flavors are all there, however, they lack resonance and depth. More grains and oats and a dried to blanched nuttiness as well. Here there’s some herbal hoppy kick. Any fruit gets cloaked by the roast, minor cherry, plum at best. Tacky character, dries onto your tongue. Plenty of retronasal cocoa powder. Unfortunately it is sort of lifeless and turns watery at the end. Ehh, what can you do.
2 out of 5

Asheville Brewing Company
Shiva India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Pours a clean white head of two fingers, mixes in enough larger bubbles that it craters and dissolves off fairly swiftly, very airy, the lacing is wispy but does circle around most of the glass. Fairly deep golden to amber colored liquid, very slight gauziness to it, few beads but what bubbles are there remain big and slow to move. Lots of pine in the nose, more grassy than floral, dry pith character to the white grapefruit, orange citrus, salt, pretzel dough, a touch of quinine or iron flecks too, hint of apricot or pear fruit but really there’s few scents which suggest sweetness or sugariness but it does have a muscular freshness to it. Medium-bodied, dry yet that carbonation gives it a decently creamy texture. Dry enough still that the pine gets reined in, more thrust in that sour white citrus. Keeps that metallic edge, more unprocessed, raw grains than dough or bread. Black tea or tar accents. Here there is a tiny bit of mocha or cocoa as a malty calling card. The apricot, peach, apple fruit lacks heft. Not overly smooth nor fluid, have to assume this is the intention so it’s a matter of whether you like this style of drier IPA or not. Not finding it especially refreshing.
2 out of 5

Lost Rhino Brewing Company
Pretty In Pink Saison (Ale With Pomegranate Juice Added)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Virginia
5.8%
22oz, Single
$9.50
Pours a big three plus finger head of extremely delicate microfoam, even surface, decent enough retention, for lacing gives you a few thick streaks but not a lot overall. Very murky liquid, like a churning muddy stream, definitely has a pinkish cast to it which throws off analyzing the base color, hard to see any bubbles inside. The nose presents a gently soft array of yeast, banana bread, lemongrass, wheat germ, clove, white grapefruit pulp and sour cherry and pomegranate fruit, able to stay full while using that sourness to penetrate and freshen. Full-bodied with a mostly creamy texture, you don’t really feel the carbonation in an active sense but there is always an underlying dryness and mild tingle. The fruit isn’t quite all that pomegranate dominated, you get cherry, cranberry and raspberry notes too. Some tart pucker but more sweet overall. The clove, ginger spice stays in the middle ground, the white grapefruit to orange citrus veers more to sour. There’s a dried straw to hay herbaceousness to it, nothing green. The yeast stays yeast, not bread nor baked goods. Given its weight stays refreshing, smooth and quaffable.
4 out of 5

Green Man Brewing Co.
Porter
American Porter
North Carolina
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Thin head, crests around one finger’s worth, deep tan in color, disappears very quickly, mostly tinier bubbles, doesn’t really have lacing per se as a razor residue after you tilt the glass. The liquid is an impenetrable black with a yellow aura around it, upon very close inspection there’s a few bubble beads visible. The nose is filled with brazil nuts, cashews, vanilla, caramel and brown sugar, cherry and red berry fruit, while sweet and roasty also has that telltale “organic” metallic, mineral water touch to it, no overt signs of hops, however, the overall feel has a refreshing stiffness to it, not soft and flabby. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation has decent activity and that mineral water aspect gives it cleanliness. The cocoa, chocolate, vanilla, cola, coffee bean, nut flavors have cut, not overly roasted nor burnt. The black fruits more muted here, particularly as it becomes successively drier from mid-palate through the finish. Here you do get a grassy twinge at the end too. Seems calculated to appeal to those with a sweet tooth while also remaining food friendly and trim, light of step. A good summertime option for those who like Porters.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2013

Highland Brewing Company
Imperial Kashmir IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
North Carolina
10.2%
22oz, Single
$9.29
A good amount of larger to moderately sized bubbles gives the head an irregular surface, little under two fingers high, clean white in color, thick sheets of lacing with excellent stickiness. Mild orange amber in color, not really golden, not especially clear and curious absence of any visible bubbles. The nose is extremely sweet with coconut custard, juicy pink grapefruit, molasses, flowers and apricot, peach fruit, balances this out with pepper and cut grass notes and lighter metallic earthiness, strong nostril presence with lots of length and staying power. Full-bodied, creamier and more carbonated than expected based on visual inspection, almost heavy at times. Here too it emphasizes its sweetness with pink and white grapefruit, mandarin orange citrus and pine sap in addition to pineapple, nectarine, apricot fruit. The florality gets lost in the mix. Maple syrup, molasses and brown sugar keep the love fest going but, at the same time, there a hardness to the finish, pepper, baked bread crusts, meadow grasses to green straw. It is boozy for sure and its syrupy texture keeps it adhered to your mouth pores long after you have swallowed it down. Likely over the top for many but if you enjoy the full metal jacket approach now and then this may be up your alley.
5 out of 5

DC Brau Brewing
The Corruption
American IPA
District of Columbia
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Pours two fingers of deep off-white to tan foam, on the delicate side and dimples a fair bit, few larger bubbles, retention is decent and it holds onto a solid coating across the surface for some time, the lacing has plenty of stick and the streaks are wide. The liquid is a bright amber red to sunset burnt orange, however it is dimmed some by the large amount of sediment floating about, strong storm of tiny bubbles swirling about. The nose is crisp and lively, the white grapefruit, salt and pepper, green grass, lower presence of dried flowers and pineapple to peach fruit, has dark bread crust and scone notes but only a touch of malty cocoa powder, focused on doing a few things well. Full-bodied, for all of its dryness the carbonation gives it a mostly creamy mouth feel and texture. Again leads with sour tangerine, white grapefruit citrus, here you get more pine and there’s slightly more juice to the pineapple, nectarine, apricot, apple fruit. The leafy herbaceousness remains a cornerstone and that peppery kick contributes to its erect carriage. Minor breadiness but has a burnt edge, like well done pizza crust or something. A little malt sweetness at the end, more an afterthought than anything. Aggressive, not pushy.
4 out of 5

Perennial Artisan Ales
Hommel Bier
Belgian Pale Ale
Missouri
5.9%
25.4oz, Single
$12.00
You get a rich, frothy head of two fingers, somewhat airy so it starts dimpling right off and retention is average to average plus, off-white in color, randomly assigns big splotches of lacing to the glass, not consistent around the sides. The liquid is a coppery orange, more red tint than yellow, loads of effervescence, a cloud of hyperactive tiny bubbles churning inside. The nose has a decided leafy, earthy quality to it, metallic and with notes of cracked black pepper and sourdough bread crusts, there is a softer side featuring banana, flowers and peach pits, not getting much citrus, earthiness builds and gets close to asphalt or tar at times. Medium-bodied and firm, the carbonation is lower than would be expected based on visual inspection and it is dry and slowly paced from mouth entry through finish. Produces that metal, mineral to earth side in spades, the herbaceousness is not green and biting, more like fallen leaves, twigs and bark. Increase in sour oranges, decrease in flowers and pepper. The banana, bubblegum persists, low level of apricot, apple, peach fruit. Baking soda, bread crusts and toasted dough, not sweetly yeasty. The dryness impedes length of flavors, accentuates its bitterness. Refreshing in its own way, not really a personally favored style.
3 out of 5

Baltimore Washington Beer Works
Tell Tale Heart Ale
American IPA
Maryland
7.3%
12oz, Single
$2.25
Solid finger plus of clean white foam, dense and not delicate in appearance, no dimpling but not the best retention ever, the lacing takes the form of sheets which slowly roll down the glass sides. While clear there does seem to be an extremely fine particulate inside the liquid, the bubbles are sparse and loosely aggregated, if that word is even applicable, close to coppery red but really more orange to yellow away from the core of the glass, pretty in a simple fashion. The nose is noticeably sweet and leans heavily on pink to white grapefruit, tangerine citrus, close to the exclusion of all else, flowers, peach, pear, apricot fruit, could be considered herbaceous but the lack of bitterness does not support, albeit has a nice cleansing sensation in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, taut with some push from the active carbonation, while there’s still all that grapefruit, orange citrus and white pit fruit, the grassiness, pepper and toasted baguette help tilt things back towards the center. Conversely, caramel, molasses, pine and coconut bring it back to the sweeter end of the spectrum. Dry yet with minimal bitter bite, curious to know what the IBUs are. Its friendliness wins you over, why not enjoy rather than parse and quibble?
4 out of 5

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Captain’s Kölsch
Kölsch
New York
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Light and airy head of a bit over one finger, bone white, mainly small to medium sized bubbles, dissolves away swiftly to a patchy surface coating, no real lacing to speak of. Perfectly clear liquid, bright yellow, consistently hued throughout, loosely strewn bubbles of good fatness slowly bubble upwards. The nose is full of hard country bread crust, salted pretzels, quinine, minerals and cut grass but on the other hand, banana, bubblegum and sour orange to lemon citrus, honey, nothing floral nor broadly fruity about it, ends on a pepper and salt note. It’s medium-bodied with a creamy entry which slowly stiffens into a firmer presentation of bread, grains, corn muffins and biscuits and more of that mineral water, saline stuff. More floral and added peach, apricot fruit, the syrupy texture helps the sweetness persist. Maybe a pinch of cocoa. It’s satisfying more in a warm your belly way than refresh you after mowing the lawn way. As with many, seems like it wants to please too many disparate expectations and thus suffers from lack of clear purpose. But no problem throwing back a couple.
3 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
Pacific Reign Imperial IPA (Ale Brewed With Honey)
American Double/Imperial IPA
North Carolina
9.8%
22oz, Single
$8.00
Almost foamed out the top of the bottle once opened from a gentle standing position, initial pour filled over half the glass with foam. After it calms down there’s still a two to three finger head, all delicate, lacy of an off-white, eggshell color, more canyons than craters or dimples, curiously once there’s room the sheets of lacing slide easily down the glass sides. The liquid is a gauzy zinc orange to yellow hue, full opaque to the point where you can’t see the bubbles which must be there based on the head, holds the light well. The nose smells fairly straight up, the honey presence is faint and it’s comprised mainly of pine, flowers, wheat germ, coal tar, peach, apricot, pineapple fruit scents and salt, more crisp and herbaceous than malty, sweet, good fullness as well as staying power. Full-bodied, lots of fizz and swirling action, needed as the base material has a thick, syrupy feel. Pine, tangerine, pink grapefruit rule, the flowers lower but the honey maybe a touch more noticeable, almost more like maple syrup. Yeast, bread and unprocessed grains, never quite gets leafy but has bite. Again, hard to find a clearly consistent malt presence. Think this might have been caught at a time when the sweetness faded a little, overall seems balanced enough but there’s no one element which jumps out to grab your attention.
4 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Rye Of The Tiger IPA (Rye India Pale Ale)
Rye Beer
Ohio
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Pours a modest half finger of foam, tiny bubbles with a very even surface, moderate retention, the lacing comes in sheets sliding down the glass sides, little stickiness. The liquid has some glow to it, a light and transparent coppery orange, more yellow further out and at the glass bottom, lots of carbonated activity within. Lots of citrus on the nose, orange, tangerine, lemon, tends to sweeten it up, honey and flowers, more doughy than cooked bready, the rye not as powerful as expected, mildly peppery, noticeable cocoa and malt presence. Medium-bodied, has a kind of fluffy mouth feel, you can tell the bubbles visible in the glass work overtime in the mouth. Has more rye and sour grain bitterness here even as that tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus inclines it towards sweetness. Pine, flowers and then black tea to tar and charcoal notes, in between you get some apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit. The roast can be aggressive at times but not out of control. Very good but not great, needs more consistent presentation throughout and a higher degree of drinkability. But this is mostly quibbles.
3 out of 5

Stoudt’s Brewing Company
Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
9.43%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Close to two fingers of eggshell white foam, dense but some much larger bubbles at the point of pour, dimples more like deep valleys, settling into a fairly thick mist across the surface, the lacing is haphazard but clings well where it is. Rich golden orange hued liquid with a more yellowish aura, not hazy but does have a mild translucency, good amount of super tiny bubbles streaming upwards but you have to get close to see them. The nose has some salted pretzel and grains before yielding to tar, black earth, tangerine to mandarin orange citrus, pine pitch, mild flowers and peach, apricot fruit, seems to want to push deeply into the nostrils but not so as to disturb anyone. In the mouth it’s full-bodied with some prickle but a generally creamy mouthfeel, noticeably sweet with powerful pink grapefruit, tangelo, mandarin orange citrus as well as bread dough, pine, wheat germ and lemongrass. The carbonation keeps fluffing the pillow. The fruit is also sweetly tropical with pineapple, mango, nectarine, white peach flavors. Not much hoppy bite given it’s a DIPA and all, the malty smoothness blossoms through the finish. Yeah, maybe a touch warm but not getting any real alcoholic heat. Sweetness salves all wounds.
4 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
Top Shelf Series: Imperial Coco Loco Porter (Brewed With Cacao Nibs And Coconut)
American Porter
North Carolina
9.7%
22oz, Single
$11.00
Pours a frothy, close to two finger head of deep tan color, mostly a tight weave of small bubbly foam with some dimpling, excellent retention and loads of stickiness to the wide streaks of lacing. The liquid itself is a murky brown to black, opaque, lots of little chunks floating about, most of them presumably coconut flakes, switches to a more yellow tint around the rims. The nose has a palpable roasted nature, coffee, chocolate, cocoa and, duh, coconut, touch of vanilla and molasses as well, has a dry grainy side too, at moments something like white grapefruit to orange pith, not quite leafy but does have the texture of an herbaceous penetration into the nostrils. Full-bodied, thick and kind of heavy, anchors itself to the tongue rather than flow through the mouth. The roast and toast even higher here, more bitter than sweet, little sweetness left in the coconut. Coffee, cocoa, mocha, and caramelized brown sugar. Allowing for this, does have a creamy mouthfeel and a soft carbonation. Touch of black licorice and orange spice, banana, peach, apricot fruit. The hops are there while woven into the total fabric. Energetic for the sake of being energetic through the finish, admire its moxie but sacrifices some balance.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2013

Uinta Brewing Company
Crooked Line Sea Legs Baltic Porter (Wood Barrel Aged)
Baltic Porter
Utah
8.0%
25.4oz, Single
$14.99
Be careful as it pours a gargantuan head, easily fills half a pint glass with creamy dark brown foam, even mix of larger and denser tiny bubbles, fair amount of dimpling give how airy it is inside, better than average retention, same for the lacing, good thickness to the streaks and sticks well. The liquid is more black than brown, opaque enough to be a stout and with little hint of any orange or any true color. The nose has a natural feeling fullness to it but in no way heavy, the milk chocolate, cocoa powder and vanilla remains semi-sweet at most, Brazil nuts and cashews, some peaty smokiness but stays pure, keeps the toast on the down low, passing waft of flowers, any fruit scents stay muted, develops a sort of mineral water tang to keep the nostrils fresh. Medium-bodied, compact and polished, impeccable balance and completely devoid of ostentation. Chocolate, caramel, toffee and a hint of toasted coconut and scone, just the right amount of booziness from the wood. Again, has a peat, grass, earth side, here you get some cherry, apricot and peach fruit, more snap than sugar. Soft, refreshing and ultimately about as well-mannered as any guest you’d invite to your table.
5 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Dark Truth Stout (Smokestack Series)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Missouri
9.7%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.49
Pours a nice two finger head of dense, dark brown microfoam, even surface with minimal dimpling, retention is above average, leaves quite thick streaks of lacing behind as well. Obligatory pitch black liquid, opaque yet near the surface you can just make out a strong presence of bubble beads, little to no hue change to orange or yellow. Powerful nose of bitter dark chocolate, roasted coffee, caramel, flowers, licorice and plum to cherry fruit, there’s cereal grains and oats in there plus some pine sap and more leafy herbaceousness, has a good deal of discernible hops for the category and in no way overly sweet. Full-bodied, while generally creamy in texture it is on the dry side and can stiffen up on you. Again lots of chocolate, here the licorice to anise almost outmatches the coffee, molasses, caramel, certainly plays into enlivening the flowers and white citrus. Fewer grains but more pine and garden herb notes. At times smoky, does a great job of shifting on you so you can’t really peg it down. Takes awhile for you to more consistently register the plum, date, golden raisin, cherry fruit. Long lasting without being pushy, you taste it some time after you have swallowed. An achievement of complexity without excessive makeup.
5 out of 5

Triple C Brewing Co.
Up All Night Breakfast Porter (Porter Brewed With Honey & With Coffee Added) (Winter 2012)
American Porter
North Carolina
10.0%
22oz, Single
$14.49
Average finger or so head, very little retention to the dark brown foam, ends up pooling around the edges, the lacing is haphazard and not sticky at all. Jet black liquid, fully opaque, no sign of sediment, thin line of orange at the glass bottom. The nose comprised mostly of carob, roasted coffee, molten caramel and then licorice, good base of oats and sweeter grains, not getting much honey here, more smokiness than milkiness, quick burst of green hops at the end along with white citrus zest, can’t quite discern any clear fruit scents. Medium-bodied, a little lighter than expected, has enjoyable flow but the close to zero carbonation does not pep it up much. Sure, there’s lots of coffee roast, dark chocolate and mocha, not sweet enough for a lot of caramel or vanilla cream but there. Licorice, orange peel, cola, oats, scone, flowers but still no honey. The lactose shows at the finish, particularly as it warms. Handles its ABV very well and even has a high refreshing quotient, just not sure what unique signature it offers which warrants the stiff price of entry.
4 out of 5

Yeastie Boys
Pot Kettle Black
American Black Ale
New Zealand
6.0%
11.2oz, Single
$7.49
Damn near foams out of the glass with an average pour, gives you about a finger of LIQUID below the head, excellent retention not helping matters, it’s a very deep brown color, quite airy with hardly any larger bubbles, lots of cratering as it does finally dissolve, the lacing is thick and above average. The liquid likewise is a dark brown, clean but mostly opaque, with a brightening orange cast at the glass bottom. Heavy roast to the nose, coffee beans, dark chocolate, baguette, hard toffee, at times leafy with pungent white citrus and also pine sap notes, too much toast for much fruit to come through, lots of kick and energy. Medium-bodied, dry with an almost dusty texture to it. The carbonation acts like sandpaper gently scrubbing the tongue, doesn’t really provide lift. The coffee roast knit back into a larger and milkier chocolate base, more caramel than toffee. The white grapefruit citrus remains comfortably in second place. Pine, licorice and some cherry pit next, the more you sip the hoppier it seems. Might actually benefit from additional smokiness. Does not strive for crazy complexity, chooses an interesting array of flavors and keeps the recipe simple.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2013

Uinta Brewing Company
Crooked Line Tilted Smile Imperial Pilsner
American Double/Imperial Pilsner
Utah
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$8.99
Pours a big frothy two plus finger head of eggshell white, mainly dense microfoam but some larger bubbles interspersed here and there, adequate plus retention, the lacing is actually much stronger than you’d expect and the residue all but fully coats the inside walls of the glass. The liquid is a dull rust water orange, light in hue and more pale yellow at the rims and glass bottom, the widely dispersed tiny bubbles are active as they rise. The nose is quite fruity with pear, yellow apple, fig and peach notes, some pepper and then salted pretzels, more straight up malt than associated scents like chocolate, not herbaceous but has a stiff spine, some cornmeal but the good kind. Full-bodied, almost heavy for its type with an unusual emphasis on sweet citrus, a blend of lemon, grapefruit and orange, very dominant. Leafier here, the hops come through in a drying sense, helps balance out that citrus as well as the apricot, pear, mango, cantaloupe fruit. At times close to honeyed. The carbonation stays on the fluffy side and spreads it like glue across the palate. Buttered biscuits and some sweet corn but nothing in the area of adjunct land. This is a definite “take” on the style and not a classic rendition, as such more likely to polarize. But, in the end, it’s fun taken on its own terms and just thrown back in that spirit.
4 out of 5

Dark Horse Brewing Company
Scotty Karate Scotch Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Michigan
9.75%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
A strong pour gets you enough agitation to cover the surface, deep brown, fades swiftly to a gathering around the rims, close to zero lacing. The liquid is a murky orange rust to reddish brown mud, lots of particulate floating around, barely lightens to yellow at the outer reaches. The nose evokes a bakery full of German chocolate cake, caramel covered pastries and butterscotch, nice for the amplitude of the scents without heavy clinging in the nostrils, spreads further into hazelnut coffee, cola and some poached apricot fruit, not that alcoholic, minimal hops presence. Medium to full-bodied, slight fizz during the mouth entry but the carbonation overall is lacking. Smokier here with tar, sauna stone and scorched camp fire earth notes, delays the entrance of the chocolate, toffee, butterscotch and honey, more yeast and bread dough. Past the mid-palate dries out, this before the apricot, peach, golden raisin and orange citrus really take hold. As in the nose hides its ABV well. Could use something to stiffen it and create more energy in lieu of carbonation. Otherwise, it comes across as a traditional rendition of the style.
4 out of 5

Ken Schmidt/Iron Fist/Stone Brewing Company
Mint Chocolate Imperial Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
California
9.6%
12oz, Single
$3.99
An aggressive pour yields a slow building finger plus of super dark brown foam, mix of all bubble sizes, the larger ones contribute to above average dimpling, the retention is fairly good and, although thin, there’s more lacing than one might normally expect from the beer type. Jet black liquid, fully impenetrable, very smooth in appearance though, as if highly polished stone. The nose is as advertised, bodacious mint and milk chocolate, smells straight out of a candy shop, if you focus hard you might also get orange peel, black tea leaf and some scone notes but this is mainly supposition. The palate is slightly more developed, full-bodied, the carbonation is a little lower than it needs to be to keep the pacing brisk. Oats, granola cereal, coffee bean, orange citrus and vanillin drift in and out, has more general stiffness, this evidenced by more bitter dark chocolate than milk chocolate presence. The mint remains close to overpowering, especially retronasally. Overall, has good balance and handles the ABV fine. If you really like mint chocolate you will really like this beer. I really like mint chocolate.
4 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (Smokestack Series)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Missouri
8.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.69
Pours a huge head at first, easily four fingers, extremely delicate, almost no bubbles per se save a few fat ones around the point of pour, bone white, looks like a soufflé as it settles, wispy yet sticky streaks of lacing. Hazy golden colored liquid, the lightness of the particulate hides it well, filled with active streams of bubbles. The nose is gently forceful, nutmeg, clove, caraway seed and lemon peel, taut yeastiness, softer pinch of bubblegum, as the spice normalizes you perceive more apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit, the banana stays further in the background, longlasting presence but even better stays fresh. Medium-bodied, tighter and more focused than expected from looking at all those bubbles, the carbonation is active but not frothy. Mixes in some sour white grapefruit and orange to the lemon base, refreshingly citrusy. The yeasts again are not doughy nor too soft and it is not on the funky side of the spectrum. Clove, nutmeg but also basil and oregano, not herbaceous as in grassy but herbal as in garden herbs. Blends in pineapple and mango with the peach, apricot, pear base. As it warms takes on a more honeyed dimension. Dryness ensures erect bearing through the finish. Very thoughtfully put together while not over-intellectualized.
5 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Phin & Matt’s Extraordinary Ale
American Pale Ale
New York
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Average finger’s worth of just off-white foam, full mix of bubble sizes, lots of dimpling but decent retention, the lacing is thin but spreads into broad sheets and sticks nicely. Bright yellowish gold color with a touch of zinc or rust to deepen it, crystal clear with only a few random bubbles visible, looks kinda adjuncty. The nose is grainy with a strong pepper component, also offers pizza crusts, cornmeal and some orange to lemon citrus to sweeten it up, same for the vague apricot, peach fruit accents, becomes leafier and greener as it warms. Medium-bodied, has some prickle to it and seemingly intentional bitter bite, on the hoppy side for an APA. Then it has the resinous feel without the pine flavor. More of the pepper, rye to pumpernickel bread, mineral water and with larger presence of savory garden herbs than flowers. The tartness suggests a space reserved for grapefruit citrus and more tropical like pineapple, nectarine, papaya fruit but the chair left empty. Its overall dryness tends to distract, not that it lacks flow but you start getting bitter beer face.
2 out of 5

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Liquid Gold (Belgian Style Ale Brewed With Spice)
Belgian Pale Ale
New York
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Pours a fairly thin head of bone white, mostly tiny bubbles which dissolve off swiftly, the lacing likewise close to nonexistent. The liquid is a shimmeringly bright yellow, fully transparent, only a few bubble beads but these are highly active. Very expressive nose of banana, strawberry, apple fruit, clove and cinnamon, bubblegum and all kinds of general yeastiness, undercurrent of powdered milk chocolate, here too it is pure and unblemished, preferring a spring to its step than grounding itself firmly. Light to medium-bodied, fluid with a sort of metallic ring to it at first which makes the attack somewhat bitter. The carbonation churns steadily and agitates more than let’s the underlying creaminess take hold. White pepper and lemon peel beat the clove, nutmeg, allspice to the punch. Eventually turns more resinous in feel which brings out more yellow apple, peach, banana, melon fruit. That cocoa maltiness persists. A lot going on retronasally. Lower yeast presence, more unbaked dough than bread or scone, etc. and certainly outpaced by the grassy nip. Overall, it’s pleasing to quaff, guileless and simple to the verge of innocence. You’d lose interest after a couple of dates.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
75 Minute IPA (A Bottle Conditioned India Pale Ale With Maple Syrup)
American IPA
Delaware
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$8.99
Whipped up white head of mostly larger bubbles, dimples if not craters, the lacing is a little less sticky than expected, overall the retention is decent. Cloudy bright orange to yellow hued liquid, no bubbles visible. The nose is soft and actually unassuming, emphasizes sweet orange, grapefruit citrus, maple of course, pine sap and cocoa, smells like a bowl of fresh fruit with melon, grape, peach and apple scents, fresh and floral with nary a trace of bitterness and no booziness either. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with a light fluffiness from the broad spreading carbonation. Has a drying texture underneath which sucks out the excess sweetness from the pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus and peach, apricot, pineapple fruit. Here too leans on more agreeable pine, flowers and malted milk balls than hoppy bite, this causing the effect of a more easy drinking style but leaves you wanting in the complexity department. Sweet orange pekoe tea. The maple is there yet not really a major factor, could just as easily be called honey or caramelized brown sugar, just a thread in the weave. At times could be a sweetened oatmeal breakfast with a slice of grapefruit on the side. While quite nice, not something you’d especially remember even if you’d be happy if someone handed you a glass of it.
3 out of 5

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Freshchester Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
New York
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
You get a decent finger plus off-white foam, lots of larger bubbles forming islands across the surface, retention is a little below average, the lacing accords itself better, nice thick streaks encircle the glass and they pretty much stay there. The liquid is a spotless and transparent coppery orange, more reddish at its core and yellow around the rims, few but very strong bubble beads, high level of activity. Quite hoppy nose with spotlight on orange to grapefruit citrus, black pepper, green straw, peat and earth, coal tar and baked country bread, the fruit is mostly pineapple, nectarine but held in check, same for any cocoa or malty notes. Medium-bodied, amply prickle and activity from the carbonation, has a slight gluey texture otherwise, sticks to the palate. The pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus sweeter here, elevates with it the milk chocolate. Still, the peach, pineapple, green apple fruit struggles some to enunciate. Becomes more floral and less peppery the more you sip it and it warms. It’s an even draw on yeasts versus cooked bread accents. The herbal bite lessened although there’s more than enough bitterness at the end. Well thought out and as fun as it is interesting to dissect.
5 out of 5

Bruery, The
5 Golden Rings (Belgian-Style Golden Ale Brewed With Pineapple Juice And Spices)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
California
11.5%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
A very aggressive pour yields two plus fingers of mostly larger bubbles which has it simmering down to the surface at an accelerated pace, just off-white and not quite tan in color, has a few decent sheets as you turn the glass but none of the lacing truly sticks. Slight gauziness to the liquid with a very fine sediment floating about, looks like slightly rusty orange to yellow water, only a few fat and lazy bubbles to be seen. The nose is yeasty and clearly on the sour side with obvious pineapple backed up by cherry, white grape fruit and clove to caraway seed spice, tart lemons, witch hazel, white pepper, damp earthiness and ending with a rose petal led floral lift. Just about medium-bodied with an initially fluffy carbonation which tones down swiftly as it passes through the mid-palate. Comes off as almost acidic, has plenty of grip and the pineapple and lemon team up for a mouth puckering tang. Wild yeasts, coriander and cumin spices, and pepper keeps it percolating. Not at all boozy, perhaps all that sourness masks this some. While amped out and stylized, does not push the envelope too far. Could easily pair this with the holiday ham and such.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2013

Blue Mountain Barrel House
Dark Hollow (Imperial Stout Aged In Oak Bourbon Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Virginia
10.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.59
Average pour yields a thinnish half finger of deep brown foam, loose with an uneven surface and somewhat poor retention, the lacing comes in a razor thin yet very wide sheet down the glass side. While the liquid is standard issue black near the top it turns to a more yellowish hue and you can see some bubbles dispersed throughout. The nose has a gentle persistence, more smooth and creamy than roasted, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla fudge more than the chocolate, gains tone from licorice and flowers, adding in some rum cake, scone and plums but without any booziness, good balance. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and surprisingly graceful and fluid, glides right along. The carbonation is tight but unobtrusive, stops it from getting glued to the tongue. Here there’s more roast, focus on toasted coconut, café au lait, dark chocolate and then caramel and molasses. Again you get licorice and perhaps cola bean, at times you’d say it’s minty. Plum, blueberry fruit, touch of fig, a pleasing interplay of sweet and sour. Overall, this is very toned down for the style and within its idiom borderline sessionable.
4 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Choklat Imperial Stout (Blackwater Series) (A Stout Brewed With Chocolate)
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
10.0%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Aggressive pour yields a thin head of very dark brown, that’s gone quickly too, any lacing is incidental to tilting the glass side to side. De rigueur impenetrably black liquid, razor thin touch of orange rust to the edges, impossible to gauge carbonation visually. The nose is pure chocolate through and through, like chocolate cut with chocolate and a dash of chocolate on top, after that you might discern malted milk balls, vanilla, banana and a smidgeon of black licorice but really this is one repeat bass note of thudding chocolate. Full-bodied, layers itself on the palate until you have to make a concerted effort to move your tongue, creamy and soft, however, the carbonation actually manages to give it a needed nudge forward now and then. Not sure where it comes from but there’s a vanilla, caramel whiskey oak barrel thing going on. Minor plum and blackberry fruit accents. Not much roast nor clearly present hops. Yet, it is not without a bitter, more dark chocolate aspect. No alcoholic burn. This is about as close to pure chocolate flavored a beer can get retaining a soul and without it becoming a laboratory malt beverage.
4 out of 5

Catawba Valley Brewing Co.
Firewater India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pure white foam, mostly miniscule foam that evaporates as if it was hollow, dissolves down to a thin broken surface coating, the lacing forms a solid sheet down the glass sides, almost coats any free space. Deep golden hued liquid, touch of zinc orange, it slightly hazy but up close it’s not like the liquid is full of particulate, more like it’s filled with tiny bubbles in suspended animation with only a few random larger bubbles showing any movement. Simple nose, even on the clean side, displays hard crusted baguette, grapefruit and more earth than grass, light minerality, not much fruit but minor floral notes, on the soft side, easygoing. Medium-bodied, its general creaminess adds weight. Carbonation comes across as low. Lacking in bite but the herbaceousness does accrue by the end. No sweet citrus, rather on the malty side. Again, has a metallic, minerally side. Bready finish with some honey. Agreeable if dull and without distinct personality, could stand to possess a cleaner, more succinct finish.
2 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Devil’s Britches India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.89
Hits you with two fingers of highly whipped up and loose foam, quite delicate and dimples easily, sort of eggshell white in hue, leaves a lot of thinner yet sticky streaks of lacing. Bright amber red in color, immaculately transparent with a few scattered beads of active bubbles. The nose is peppery with a saline quality too, dried grapefruit and orange pith, rye, pine tar, gets more floral as it warms, same for the cocoa powder and apricot to peach fruit scents, complexity sort of sneaks up on you. Medium-bodied, tight weave to the carbonation, lively with erect posture. On the dry side yet there’s tang in the orange, grapefruit citrus and great support from the pine, pepper, black tea leaves, forest scrub accents. Has moderate malt backbone, mostly powdered chocolate, not that sweet, more texturally softening. Really grips the palate, sticky and resinous, even factoring in that carbonation. The fruit is mainly apricot, pineapple and peach with a hint of red cherry. Long aftertaste, hoppy bite refuses to let go. Pushes the hoppiness card but doesn’t overplay its hand, nicely balanced.
4 out of 5

Coronado Brewing Company
Blue Bridge Coffee Stout (Ale Brewed With Coffee)
American Stout
California
5.4%
22oz, Single
$6.89
Pours a solid three fingers of very dark brown foam, while frothy with many larger bubbles the retention is credible and long lasting, the lacing comes in fairly thick streaks but this tends to slide away swiftly. At first glance the liquid seems black but it is likely the darkest shade of brown possible, completely opaque, no visible bubbles, no hint of other coloration at the rims. The nose is quite roasty with a heavy emphasis on the coffee, quite milky too, black fruits and raisins, oatmeal and other sweeter baking grains, splash of mineral water, overall it’s not that sugary but likewise it does not have a noticeable hoppy charge to it either. Full-bodied, dense and reluctant to move freely, it has a strong drying effect on the mouth, to the point where it impairs the flavors. Coffee, powdered dark chocolate and a hint of molasses yet no core of sweetness, the plum, cherry fruit diminished and no citric nor floral element. The minor doughy breadiness helps. Carbonation is low but not absent. Some chicory notes at the end. Smooth but the dustiness adds to its lack of flow and slightly dilute ending. Not horrible but nothing I would purchase a second time.
2 out of 5

Musketiers, Brouwerij de
Troubadour Westkust Black Imperial IPA
American Black Ale
Belgium
9.2%
25.4oz, Single
$13.59
An average pour easily fills half the glass with tan foam, mostly smaller bubbles but not a dense microfoam, excellent retention and as it slowly dissolves starts to dimple and take on a more delicate wispiness, once it leaves enough room to assess things, thin but ultra-sticky lacing is revealed, random broad blotches across the insides of the glass. Extremely murky brown liquid with a yellow tinged glow to it, too opaque to see if there’s any bubbles around. The nose has an explosive quality to it, a hand grenade of cocoa, coffee, rye bread, burnt caramel, dried cherries and raisins, pine needles and charcoal, softens some into oats and other cereal grains, what’s interesting is how it lacks ostentation and no one element shouts above the others, hard to achieve this kind of integration at its size and volume. It’s medium-bodied and has an overall dryness which lessens its weight, much more roast here and crisp snap. Bitter dark chocolate, coffee bean, leafy herbaceousness and cracked pepper, only after some time will it let out the sweeter caramel to butterscotch notes. Some cherry and dark berry but the fruit is light and close to zero citrus presence. The carbonation has some gears in reserve and keeps it kicking forward. At the end you get a good dose of black licorice and sour breadiness. Both texturally as it vibrates and in terms of flavor intensity, long finish. Intelligently impressive.
5 out of 5

Epic Brewing Company
Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout Exponential Series Release #7 (Stout With Cocoa Nibs And Coffee Added And Aged In Whiskey Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Utah
11.0%
22oz, Single
$11.69
Slow building head crests at around a finger of dark brown, equal mix of larger bubbles and dense foam, excellent retention which sort of means the lacing gets crowded out, what’s there is isolated chunks which themselves stick well. The liquid as expected is pure black, barely a hint of yellow or orange anywhere, as a result impossible to gauge the carbonation/bubbles visually. The nose is indeed boozy yet also delivers a vast array of sweet scents such as licorice, coconut oil, mocha, café au lait, vanillin oak and a good deal of plum and black cherry fruit scents, produces green apple and floral nuances as well, actually not as punishingly long as it might be and presents itself as gracefully as can be. Full-bodied, average to slightly below average carbonation, not inert but moves like a freighter among ice floes. Loaded with milk chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, coffee ice cream, anise and coconut, it’s like cramming a German chocolate cake down your throat. Not as much black fruit here but also more hoppy bite, on a few sips you sense a latent grassiness struggling to be heard. The orange citrus candied and close to syrupy. Finishes with notes of macadamia and pecan nuts. Lack of carbonation shortens finish but maybe it’s for the best as less monolithic as a result. Excellent beer which just needs some more gym time to loose the flab and tighten up its game.
5 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Yorkshire Stingo (Ale Aged In Ale Casks Matured For Over A Year)
English Strong Ale
England
9.0%
18.7oz, Single
$11.99
Be careful with the pour or you will get half a glass of frothy, loosely knit foam, mostly medium to large bubbles which is sort of unusual for its size, retention is excellent and it simmers down at a slow pace, as a result, though, the lacing is close to nonexistent, first because there’s no space, second because the head is glued together so tightly. The liquid is a cloudy copper red, hard to see any bubbles, captures light well, particularly as it takes on a more orange rust to clay cast near the glass sides. The nose is infused with vanillin oak and toffee, molasses notes, pralines and figs, just short of dates, fruitcake, lightly boozy, not overly roasted and actually comes out on the demure side, not short but compact. In the mouth it’s close to full-bodied and super creamy in texture, rises to coat every pore in your mouth. That noted, not too carbonated and there’s ample opportunity for the vanilla, caramel, caramelized brown sugar and maple syrup to settle in. Not that sweet, indeed, finishes on the dry side. Stays in the range of fig, golden raisin, dried apples with a hint of orange peel. No perceptible alcoholic heat. Tactful without impairing your ability to simply enjoy it.
4 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Bristlecone Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
Utah
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours a half finger of off-white foam, mostly a weave of tiny bubbles, disappears quickly, the lacing is razor thin but does stick well enough. The liquid is crystal clear and there’s a fair amount of active bubble beads visible, light amber brown in color, consistent throughout and above average brightness. The nose is a split between carob, caramel, pie crust flakes, nuts and cherry pits and then quinine water, minerals, earth and a splash of herbal greenness, not really emphasizing overall sweetness. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is not high but very steady and stays with you from first to last sip. As a result, has a streamlined presentation which here too is on the dry side. The butterscotch, chocolate and toffee flavors front loaded and airy, again no real sweet grip. Bready and at times close to yeasty were it not also infused with that metallic bitterness. The fruit is muted and citrus more or less absent. That bite keeps you awake and receptive yet you keep wishing there was more length in the primary flavors. Stylistically correct and has good drinkability, won’t get you bloated, likely improves when consumed with food.
3 out of 5

Anchor Brewing Company
Our Special Ale 2012 (Anchor Christmas Ale)
Winter Warmer
California
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Pours a solid froth of smaller bubbles with a couple of islands of larger bubbles, crests at less than a finger, decent enough retention, the lacing comes in random streaks and fares better in terms of sticking around. The dark brown hued liquid shows its transparency up close, pure and clean, fades to a yellowish orange at the rims and glass bottom. The nose is based in caramel, cola, chocolate, cinnamon stick and orange spice, there’s a presence of plum and candied cherry scents, it’s not over-spiced and displays a natural restraint, no real hoppiness but perhaps a metallic note before it all dissolves. Medium-bodied, there’s a steady carbonated fizz through the mouth entry which lessens the overall sweetness. More emphasis here on milk chocolate, cola and vanilla, the spices come across as caraway or anise more than holiday dessert baking spices. Light orange citrus, here the black fruits take a step back. In its place are some soda bread and scone nuances. Turns very dry through the finish, losing a good bit of its flavor. Overall, seems regal like fallen nobility, wants more to command than ingratiate.
3 out of 5

Keegan Ales
Joe Mama’s Milk (Milk Stout With Coffee Added)
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
8.0%
12oz
4-Pack, $10.99
Aggressive pour barely yields a thin coating across the surface, dark brown and quick to dissolve, the lacing is wispy but does stick very well. The liquid is an extremely dark brown to black color, possesses a light orange tint around the rims. The nose subtly builds into a crescendo of coffee, cocoa and general toastiness, light dark fruits mixed into the above average hoppiness, never gets as milky as you think it might, stays streamlined and focused, more roast than sweetness which helps it penetrate deeper. Medium-bodied, nowhere near heavy, here the carbonation puts some spring in its step. Not sugary sweet, undercurrent of butterscotch and molasses while the emphasis remains on roasted coffee, dark chocolate and vanilla bean. You get some mixed white citrus, more than any herbal leafiness or earthiness. Seems to go much more for drinkability than overt complexity and, if so, succeeds. Mild cherry to even apricot fruit. Dryness welcome and keeps it refreshing. Quite enjoyable and free of the bombast one finds often with brews like this.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2013

Uncommon Brewers
Baltic Porter (Ale Brewed With Licorice And Star Anise)
Baltic Porter
California
7.8%
16oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
The pour yields close to two fingers of active foam, plenty of larger bubbles and snap, crackle and pop across the whole surface, very dark brown color, given that fizziness not surprising head retention is average at best. The liquid is equally dark and opaque, stays more in the brown than black range, this supported by the orange aura around the outside, appears clean and unblemished, hard to discern any bubbles present. The nose loaded with roasted coffee, mocha and chocolate notes then moves from toast into sweeter caramel, licorice, banana bread and lower levels of peach, apricot fruit and orange zest, not that complex but highly pungent and lingering. Medium-bodied, creamy in texture with a fair degree of booziness to it, evokes something close to vanillin oak, coconut and butterscotch. Piles on the roasted chocolate, coffee and the licorice a major factor too, almost minty at times, pinch of nutmeg. The carbonation is on the low side and tends to accentuate that creaminess. After awhile, hard to really register much past the chocolate element, minimal cherry and peach fruit flavors as well as little hoppiness. If you like roast and can see past the booziness it’s easy enough to pound down.
4 out of 5

Goose Island Beer Company
Christmas Ale (2012)
American Brown Ale
Illinois
7.3%
12oz, 4-Pack
$5.99
You get a solid finger’s worth of tan foam, mostly miniscule bubbles with an island of larger ones at the pour spot, dissipates a bit quicker than preferred, the lacing is a broad thin sheet which, in turn, clings very nicely. The base liquid is clear, however, there is a huge amount of sediment floating about creating an overall opaque appearance, red brick to orange clay in color, can’t see any bubbles with all that muck. The nose is rum cake to fruit cake, baking spices, sweet vanilla and caramel, surprisingly boozy and alcoholic, has more subtly present orange citrus, bread crust and burning caramelized brown sugar notes, the fruit muted. Full-bodied, on the heavy side even if generally creamy in texture, just feels like it’s running with ankle weights on. More dry than sweet, the grittiness of the sediment an obvious factor in impeding flow. The carbonation is mild but sufficient. Piles on the chocolate, caramel, butterscotch and ginger, clove spice with pine sap and orange citrus, here the hops get more assertive. Not that yeasty nor bready, the fruit is kind of cherry to mixed berry, the sort of thing you’d find in a chocolate and fruit dessert. Not as boozy as the nose but you do perceive some heat and imbalance. Despite the above it’s really a pretty good brew – three previous bottles consumed before this write-up were better suggesting earlier consumption for optimal pleasure (sediment too a concern).
3 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Black Ops (2012) (Stout Aged In Bourbon Barrels)
Russian Imperial Stout
New York
10.5%
25.4oz, Single
$19.99
You should pour carefully or half the glass will get filled with dark brown microfoam, very whipped up and almost delicate, no dimpling, close to zero lacing, slides right off the glass sides. The liquid is, naturally enough, jet black and seems clear, no visible bubbles, touch of orange at the rims. The nose features roasted cocoa, caramel, coffee and anise, close to too muscular for the flowers and tangerine to shine, low level of plum and fig fruit scents, no discernible hops presence, really not that boozy at all. Full-bodied, dry yet creamy in texture, here you get more butterscotch, caramel, coconut and vanilla bean from the barrel treatment. Also still loaded with cocoa, mocha with more cola to black licorice than coffee accents. Too dry for the cherry, plum and raisin fruit to spread. The carbonation is arguably too fine for the overall body weight. Has good integration and balance yet not so much richness of flavor and flow. 3 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2012

Stone Brewing Company
12.12.12 Vertical Epic (Ale Brewed With Spices)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
California
9.0%
22oz, Single
$7.49
Pours a thick two to three finger head of mostly medium to larger bubble sizes, moderate dimpling, very dark brown in color, excellent retention with wispy but tenacious lacing. The liquid itself is pure coal black and entirely opaque, can’t see a single bubble in it. The nose is like walking into a bakery, rich chocolate, mocha and coffee, ginger, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg spices, vanilla and cola, fruity in a fruitcake way like raisins, dates and nuts, some sweet breadiness too, pine and sour orange notes scurry about in the background, more hops in there than you’d think at first, especially as it warms. Full-bodied, the creamy texture helps it coat the palate as that cavalcade of baking spices dance about to create a wonderful inner mouth perfume. The chocolate could not get richer if it tried, you might as well cram a German chocolate cake down your throat. The coffee tartness provides some balance, luckily the yeastiness more drying than softening. Given its density, kudos for the carbonation even reaching the discernible stage. Mint, anise and lilacs add a touch of makeup. The prune to plum, golden raisin, fig, cherry fruit never gets too sweet and actually stays in the shadows. This beer tastes like December during the holidays.
5 out of 5

Caledonian Brewery Company Limited, The
Newcastle Winter IPA
English India Pale Ale (IPA)
England
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Pours a solid two finger head of just off-white, quite frothy and whipped up, at least half filled with larger bubbles which causes a good deal of dimpling, while thin the lacing streaks do stick well. Completely transparent shiny copper orange in color, more yellow than any deeper red or brown, only a few fat and lazy bubbles to be witnessed. Pretzel dough, saline, pepper and metallic shavings most apparent in the nose, more earthy than hoppy, close to devoid of herbaceous bite, eases into softer caramel and toffee notes, some apricot or cherry but no real deep fruit nor citrus presence, decent penetrating power but more sour than crisp so doesn’t too much once deep in there. Medium-bodied, creamier in texture than expected, the carbonation creates a fluffy sensation. Here that butterscotch, toffee stuff gets closer to the lead, even as the metallic earthiness does not really abate much. At times it seems more bready or biscuity but not consistently so. Again, no grassiness nor any of the other descriptors common to the American IPA, keeps up with the salt and pepper combo as well as some light asparagus or Brussels sprouts for contrast. Soaks into the palate well. Suspect this would be more enjoyable with food than casually sipped on its own.
2 out of 5

Keegan Ales
Mother’s Milk
Milk/Sweet Stout
New York
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
The pour crests at about a finger’s worth of rich dark foam, subsides swiftly down to a consistent surface coating then finally pulls away to the glass sides, the lacing is wispy and without stickiness. The liquid is a super-clean opaque black, hints of brown to yellow at the glass bottom and rims, no visible bubbles. The nose consists mostly of roasted cocoa, sweet baked bread, anise, caramel and cola bean, trace of plum, actually comes off angular and dry so that any milkiness seems lost in the shuffle, not overly roasted but lifts well. Medium-bodied while on the firm and muscular side, not softly textured. The carbonation is light, however, it does last fully through each sip. Again, not that milky per se more crisper cocoa, mocha to coffee notes along with cola, orange peel, molasses crisp and pine. Given the higher level of roast, harder to discern clearly the hoppy bite but one suspects it is higher than usual for the category. Mix of black fruits sweeten the mid-palate. Overall, falls on the dry side so there’s no real naturally sweet length. Fairly sessionable and neutral enough to be versatile at the dinner table. Probably would benefit from slightly more sweetness and general liveliness.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Winter Ale
Winter Warmer
Pennsylvania
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Close to no head, just a think layer of light brownish tan across the surface, swiftly gone, virtually zero lacing as well. The liquid is murky enough to achieve opacity, otherwise some brightness to the reddish brown color, some lighter orange tones further out, only the merest trace of bubbles. The nose emphasizes soft sweetness in the form of caramel, molasses, brown sugar, roasted nuts and soda bread, some carob and cinnamon like spices too, no real fruit or citrus presence, you get more oats and general grains as it warms. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, somewhat bottom heavy, paucity of carbonation does not help this situation, just sort of lays there until it suddenly loses weight through the finish, ends short. More bitter dark chocolate and cocoa here, hints at a sort of burnt quality. There are softening vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, toffee, nutmeg, creamed coffee and some cola bean notes as well as that soft baked dessert goods quality. Given the general sweetness of the flavors curious how texturally dry it is. Nothing which meaningfully bespeaks the presence of hops. Flavorful, can’t say there’s anything wrong with it per se but you forget you’re even holding a half full glass, not a good sign.
2 out of 5

Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery
Deviant Dale’s India Pale Ale
American IPA
Colorado
8.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Close to three fingers of deep eggshell white foam, good mix of bubble sizes with moderate dimpling and extremely strong head retention, the lacing in turn impressive with broad, ultra-sticky streaks covering the glass sides. The liquid is a cloudy coppery red color which takes on a more orange to yellow haze further from the glass center, while opaque still hard to see any bubbles within. The scents positively leap out of the glass into your nose from a good ten inches away with outsized white grapefruit, lemon orange citrus, pine sap, cocoa powder and then tropical pineapple, papaya to nectarine, peach fruit, noticeable grass and pepper kick to it as well, softens into honey and molasses, not an incredibly complex experience but plenty of intensity and verve. Full-bodied, the carbonation is soft and downy which creates more sticky, clingy texture as well as length rather than cleansing freshness. The chocolate, cocoa and vanilla maltiness more pronounced, piles more sweetness onto the pine, honey, caramel, sweet tea and at times cola bean accents. Curiously the grapefruit, lemon citrus pulls back into the whole here albeit no wallflower. Same for the peach, apricot, nectarine, pineapple fruit, especially as it takes on a metallic, quinine like edge through the finish. Hides the alcoholic heat well, This is a “big boy” and arguably a double IPA in character.
4 out of 5

Duvel Moortgat NV, Brouwerij
Tripel Hop (2012 Selection)
Belgian IPA
Belgium
9.5%
25.4oz, Single
$17.99
Solid finger’s worth of bone white, like newly fallen now, all whipped up microfoam, minor dimpling, above average retention, leaves a full surface coating for some time, no real sticky streaks for lacing more like a broad thin sheet which covers the glass side as it slides back into the froth. Cloudy yet bright yellow liquid, close to fully opaque, given this you can easily see the maelstrom of tiny but active bubbles throughout. The nose is very fresh, like a spring day after hours of cleaning, rife with citrus spritz, lemon, mandarin orange, grapefruit and then pine sap, leafy forest matter, has a burst of white pepper which cuts short the apricot, peach fruit scents, light banana too as well as bubblegum, ends with expanding floral breeze albeit that cleanliness really makes it hard for things to cement in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, on the drier side, the carbonation is extremely steady yet with a more gentle touch, helps create an expansive mouth presence. Here you get a greater amount of clove, ginger spices, they do remain secondary to the pepper. The herbal matter isn’t arch nor bitter, actually pairs well with the grapefruit, orange citrus. As with the spices the apricot, peach, pear, pineapple fruit fares better here and there’s a few moments of almost outright sweetness. The yeasty, bready moments support this. Quite drinkable and sneakily complex, rewarding more for enjoyment than analysis.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2012

Keegan Ales
Hurricane Kitty
American IPA
New York
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thinnish off-white head with an even surface which dissolves off at a steady clip leaving a ring around the outsides, the lacing forms thin sheets which slide down the glass, not much stickiness. Pretty reddish amber color, spotless and shiny, glass filled well with a storm of loose bubbles, more of a yellow tint at the surface and glass bottom. There’s plenty of crisp snap to the nose, black pepper, salt, pretzel dough, a fern like leafiness, metallic earth, dried orange pulp, no strong presence in white pit fruit, pine nor flowers, consistent cleansing scrubbing sensation without arch bite. Full-bodied, tart with plenty of prickle, the carbonation lends a sandpapery texture which combines with the wet hop feel, all moist leaves, damp earth, wet stones and pine cone to give it big bite. The white grapefruit to sour orange comes through clearly. Any fruit stays in the shadows. Yet, you get a touch more caramel, cocoa and honey to at least attempt to soften the finish. Leaves an oily residue behind on the tongue. No meaningful alcoholic burn. It’s definitely for “hop heads” while not necessarily for the those who also want a lot of sweetness in an IPA.
3 out of 5

Sixpoint Brewery
Brownstone
American Brown Ale
New York
6.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Average finger’s worth of tan foam, moderate dimpling across the surface, disappears steadily but final retention near the surface is very good, not much lacing to speak of. Hazy brown liquid with a strong orange influence, almost looks like rusty water, very active carbonation throughout. The nose does a good job of creating an even spit between sweeter chocolate, toffee crunch, cola bean notes and an earthier, grassier hop presence, almost metallic or minerally at times, nothing here has too much cutting punch to it while also stays firm, maybe could soak in a bit more for added length. Medium-bodied, comes on quickly with carbonated churn in the mouth which likely keeps it drying than otherwise might be. So-so richness to the cocoa, malt, caramel, coffee bean flavors, not a lot of roast but there is decent yeastiness in a dry powder form. Less earthy and minerally here, about same level of herbaceousness with a run up in pine and grapefruit pith. No real fruit flavors. Curiously, sweeter colder than as it warms. Extends the finish well without sacrificing freshness, the bitterness could be ratcheted back.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2012

Sierra Nevada
Estate Homegrown Ale (2012)
American IPA
California
6.7%
25.4oz, Single
$8.99
Simple pour yields three plus fingers of orange creamsicle off-white foam, good density, no real dimpling, extremely slow to dissolve, great retention, curiously the lacing is not as sticky as expected, a few decent streaks here and there. Bright orange rust look to the liquid, tends more towards yellow than red or brown, scattered languid bubbles float randomly, zero haze. Pine, orange and grapefruit quietly materialize in the nose, tight spine of malt, nothing here pushes deeply into sweet territory, salt, hard sourdough and fresh leafy greenness are stronger calling cards, a touch too dense to lift or create a wafting perfume, so clean that there’s barely any bitterness in there either. Full-bodied, close to thick if not heavy, can’t fault the carbonation which is okay in its own right, creamy start before bitterness spreads here. The grapefruit, pine, charcoal and pepper are dry even as the hops keep that moister leafiness. Through the finish a smattering of cocoa, malt and hard caramel attempt a sweetening flourish. Have to admire how it sets a goal and then goes for it, even if in the end it lacks any one very strong characteristic on which to hang its hat. Can get through back the whole 750ml but doesn’t leave you craving more.
4 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Firestone Walker’s Wookey Jack Black Rye IPA (Proprietors Reserve Series)
American Black Ale
California
8.3%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Even a slow, measured pour yields half a glass full of deep tan foam, decent density with an island of bigger bubbles remaining at the pour point, retention is very high, to the point it annoys as you can’t get at the liquid to sip it, the lacing is haphazard but what’s there is thick splotches. Dark, opaque brown hued liquid, slice of zinc orange at the glass bottom, few if any bubbles visible inside the glass. The rye is indeed present in the nose, however, on the whole it is sweet in a clean manner, pine, grapefruit, caramel, chocolate, scone crumbs wrapped around a core of apricot, peach, pineapple scents, fresh hops give it penetrating punch without unnecessary bite, admirable for its sinewy linger which never seems forced. Medium-bodied, the carbonation creates a tight weave but its active and keeps things bubbling along. Some rye, pumpernickel notes yet not very bready, once more relies on grapefruit, orange citrus, pine and flowers for most of its initial effect. Chocolate, molasses, anise only bring mild softness, instead it wants to stay erect as the leafy herbaceousness dries out the mid-palate. The roast mostly present as aftertaste. That pineapple, nectarine, apricot to papaya fruit drier here and thus further into the background. Taste-wise not boozy but there is a certain headiness to it. It crackles with the kind of energy and verve which makes you want to gulp as much as sip.
5 out of 5

Belfast Bay Brewing Company
McGovern’s Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
Maine
5.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Yields over two fingers of super-dark brown foam, very airy and loose, fizzing off at a quick pace, plenty of dimpling along the way to a thin surface coating left behind, minimal lacing to be had. The liquid itself is jet black with the vaguest hint of orange at the rims. The nose feels firm and in no way soft, focuses on dark chocolate, coffee, scone, anise seed, no truly sugary component involved, the oats dried rather than cooked or even cookie status, it’s sufficiently densely packed that even the roast doesn’t lift much, mild hoppiness comes through at warmer temperatures. Medium-bodied, noticeably dry and chewy, again the oats and grains seem uncooked and dusty even, comes across as semi-bitter, heavy on the roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa and then black licorice and dried orange peels. Hard to truly peg the hops for the pucker factor near the end, maybe yes, maybe no. Carbonation seems low given the density of the material. With each additional sip you can’t help but wish it were a little sweeter with more length. No fruit nor something like caramel, vanilla. In the end, feels “traditional” but not so much a fun style of stout to kick back with and spend an evening.
3 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Oat Imperial Oatmeal Stout (Blackwater Series)
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
10.8%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Dense finger plus of dark brown foam, mix of differing bubble sizes, dissolves down at a moderately steady pace leaving a solid surface coating behind, skimpy lacing looks like miniature iron mail, no stickiness. The liquid is the expected jet black color, impossible to tell if there are bubbles inside or not, hint of orange at the outermost edges. The nose is all chocolate, toffee, butterscotch and coffee ice cream, probably more flowers than oats although there is a granola, breakfast cereal element going on, might be some plum or cherry fruit there but that chocolate is overwhelming. Full-bodied, lands on the palate with a thud like an anvil. Eventually the carbonation lifts it to create space to move a little, but not much. Blend of both dark and milk chocolate, heavy duty licorice in the mix, vanilla bean, flowers, pine, mint, caramel, molasses and hazelnut coffee too. Once more the oats seem relegated to the background. Gets hoppier retronasally yet without any real sting. Can appear a bit boozy at times. That noted, props for the vividness of the flavors and for all of its flash doesn╒t wear you down trying to consume it. Hard to think of what food you╒d pair it with, though.
4 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Side Project Volume 17: Samurai Krunkles (Ale Brewed With Ginger With Green Tea Added)
American IPA
Georgia
7.1%
22oz, Single
$8.49
Gives off a solid finger of just of-white foam, mostly loose smaller bubbles with an island of larger ones at the spot of pour, not much retention and the lacing is wispy and random. Hazy deep yellow to zinc orange hued liquid, very consistently colored throughout, holds light well which lends it a warm glow. The ginger is clearly there in the nose and the green tea also comes through credibly, pine and tangerine too along with biscuit and some powdered malt like Ovaltine, the apricot, peach, pineapple scents tend towards fruit cocktail type concentration. Full-bodied and somewhat slow to change direction, moves like it just woke up from a nap. More dough, bread, yeast stuff going on, at the same time more peppery and herbaceous tang, pine and orange, grapefruit citrus. The cocoa and chocolate more bitter than malty sweet. Here the ginger and green tea subsumed back into the whole, the latter more present as it warms. The carbonation is adequate, nothing remarkable pro or con. Wish it stuck to its guns and really let the green tea through more convincingly. Still, as is it’s curious and familiar at once and not bad by any stretch.
3 out of 5

Defiant Brewing Company
Belgian Style Tripel Ale
Tripel
New York
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$7.99
Thin, initially fluffy head of white tiny bubbles, the final thin surface coating continually renewed, the lacing forms a solid sheet on the glass side but no stickiness, just slides down into the liquid. Pleasing light haze to the bright yellow hued liquid, warm sort of opacity, strong beads of thicker bubbles percolate throughout. The nose has an unassuming sturdiness, tightly weaves together the tart orange citrus, yeast, clove, honey, floral water, peach to apricot to fig fruit, too clean for real earthiness, pinch of white pepper, for all its freshness has a syrupy texture in your nostrils, decent lift for its heft. Medium-bodied, somewhat hyper carbonation, nowhere near excessively foamy but makes it harder for the flavors to settle in. Clove, nutmeg, cardamom, then a blast of lemon, blood orange and grapefruit, great cut without being too dry nor puckering. The yeastiness is fresh and fuels a country bread to baguette character. Yes, there is a bit of banana and bubblegum there but really there’s a lot more basic apricot, peach, pineapple, green apple fruit. Honey much lower, much higher florality. Gives you the textbook array of the style while maintaining a clean profile which increases drinkability. A good food beer.
5 out of 5

Sixpoint Brewery
Bengali Tiger
American IPA
New York
6.4%
16oz, 4-Pack (Can)
$9.99
Easily pours three fingers of loosely knit orange cream colored foam, turns lacy and dimpled as it dissolves, very delicate, only a few random splotches for lacing. The liquid is a base orange bronze color of light haziness, more yellow than brown or red for secondary tint, close to no visible bubbles, what is there is miniscule. The nose is straight down the middle classic IPA featuring grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pine sap, flowers, baguette to biscuit breadiness, slightly more pepper bite than chocolate softness, the fruit scents range from peach and apricot to mango and pineapple, overall pulls back from punching too hard. Medium-bodied with a softish style carbonation, this helps it sink in and cling as it also tends to the drier end of the spectrum, becoming more bitter near the finish as well, before that has a certain oiliness to it. Metallic earthiness with more tart zest in the white grapefruit to mandarin orange citrus, here clove and cumin spice take precedence over any bread, yeast or florality. The pine element fights hard for space, though. While tropical per se, the lack of juiciness in the papaya, mango, pineapple, nectarine fruit flavors has the fruit downplayed across the board. Nicely balanced and not trying to make some bold statement, content to humbly stay within the parameters of the category. If you like drier beers, even close to sessionable.
4 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Mutiny Fleet Land Ho! (Black Pilsner Style Lager) (Collaboration With Devils Backbone Brewing Company)
Schwarzbier
Maryland
5.25%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Normal pour fills a third of a pint glass with dark brown microfoam, no larger bubbles at all, burns off swiftly with minor dimpling, like delicate whipped head of a latté, very little lacing and no stick to what’s there. The liquid is a spotless deep brown, not quite black, strong orange to yellow tint at the top and bottom of the glass, not really seeing many bubbles. Malty, roasty nose of caramel, mocha, molasses, caramelized brown sugar and raisin, cherry fruit, presents a peppery side too, as it warms there’s a leafiness too but nothing which really bespeaks a strong hops presence. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is stronger than expected after visual inspection, however, the mouth feel remains on the creamy side. Same high level of toast and roast, more like coffee and cocoa powder than sweeter caramel. Some vanilla bean or cola perhaps. At the same time lemon to sour orange citrus asserts itself and the leaf, grass element bolder as well. The texture is dry and the fruit more of a demure cherry, apple, golden raisin, fig. Leaves a lot of that malty roast behind as a residue. Not a lot of personality yet nothing which perturbs. Can’t say it leaves you yearning for more.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2012

Goose Island Beer Company
Matilda Belgian Style Ale (Pale Ale Fermented With Brettanomyces) (2012)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Illinois
7.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Hyper fizzy head on about a finger, off-white with an orange tint, all tiny bubbles which boil off at a sprint, retains a decent surface covering, the lacing at first leaves wide splotches but they don’t really stick much. Gauzy orange rust color, closer to yellow than to brown or red, strong whirlwind of loose bubbles zip about within, holds the light well within it, stays bright. This is a yeast dominated nose with banana, bubblegum, clove and sweet unbaked pie dough, also has a large black pepper component, truly not that funky, the peach, pear, fig scents clean and fresh, touch of coal tar or black tea leaf, ends with spiced orange peel notes. Full-bodied, at once bottom heavy and soaking into the palate while the churning carbonation lifts it into a decent perfume. Has a salty, saline quality to go with the pepper and clove, here more like a mix of fennel and Darjeeling tea. The orange, lemon, grapefruit citrus plays a major role, more sweet than sour. Supplements the apricot, pear, fit, banana fruit and sweetens further. The dough has a mildly more baked quality, not raw dough. Creamy texture extends finish and keeps it clinging to the mouth pores. Does a very admirable job of providing subtle complexity which would not turn off the neophyte while impressing the experienced.
4 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Pumpkinfest (Oktoberfest Beer Brewed With Pumpkin And Spices)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Georgia
6.1%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
You get a finger’s worth of fizzy foam which dissolves down at a steady clip, mostly smaller bubbles, dark off-white color, the lacing is wispy to close to nonexistent. Very clear and bright brownish amber hued liquid, becomes more zinc orange towards the outer reaches with a final shift into yellow, hardly any visible carbonation. Big clove and nutmeg in the nose, vanilla and cocoa along with, of course, pumpkin, pie crust to scone for breadiness, mild yeastiness, has a liqueur like quality even as at times there’s a short burst of grass and pepper. Medium-bodied, has a hard mouth feel, lacks graceful movement and flow. The carbonation is light, what’s there has a tight prickle. Dry on the whole, the ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon has a spicy cumin edge too. Cocoa powder more than honey, brown sugar or caramel, in keeping with dryness. Whisper of peach, apricot fruit, any sweetness more derived from that pie dough, baked goods component. Loses any hoppy bite here but does have a mineral water feel which aids a fresher finish. Not sure it finds a clear direction and then takes it but pleasant enough, if quaffed uncritically.
3 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Harvest Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
New York
6.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Very loose foam, rises quickly to around a finger and falls back just the same, very little retention, off-white color, close to no lacing as well. The liquid is crystal clear and sparkles like freshly cleaned glass, for as fast as the head rises, close to zero visible bubbles inside the glass, light amber orange in hue. The nose features orange peel, ginger root, scones and baked bread, hoppy in an herbaceous way, not much sweetness here, black tea leaves, more metallic than earthy. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation is average at best, while clean there’s little life and spring to its step. Malty with cocoa, coffee bean, toffee accents, the orange to lemon citrus noticeable, more pine here as well as peach, apricot, cherry fruit. About half and half grains versus full-on bread, lacks honey or bread glaze. Finishes with an increase in florality and blanched nuttiness, that metallic edge about as close to bitter as it gets. Flat mouth presence contributes to its inability to interest you. Still, no real annoying flaws just the absence of any superlative element.
3 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
2012 Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
California
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Creates a frothy two finger head on the pour, quite airy and thus dissolves down swiftly, deep tan in color, the lacing appears sticky at first but only a few streaks persist. Very clear brown hued liquid with a metallic orange tint, some yellowing around the edges, the bubbles are so tiny at first you hardly see how many there are. While the nose has a crisp mocha to cocoa toast to it along with coffee notes, behind that is sweeter caramel, nougat, glazed nuts and honey, gains stiffness from surprisingly strong lemon zest, cut grass and dried flowers, not much fruit, more of a slugger than a glider. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with a good deal of fizzy carbonation to assist in relieving its weight. More of the nuts, roasted coffee, cocoa and general toastiness, here with more pumpernickel to sourdough bread notes. The roast tends to keep the sweetness in check, allowing for some toffee and butterscotch. The hops have a bitter oiliness to them which is actually for the better as they create a herbal pucker at the end and continue the drying sensations so the mouth feel is not overly creamy. Well-balanced and sessionable, its lack of decisive direction may be offputting to some. Should prove a versatile food beer.
4 out of 5

Goose Island Beer Company
Harvest Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Illinois
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Close to two fingers of loose, frothy foam, mild dimpling as it settles down, strong retention across the surface, the lacing is not very broad, however, displays good stickiness. Clear copper brown in color with a few trace bubbles lazily rising, more of a yellow cast around the rims. In the nose you get pretzel dough, salt and miscellaneous bread crust then honey, cocoa malts, peach pits and lemon rinds, oddly neither sweet nor grassy, like it doesn’t want to commit to a specific direction, slightly better than average staying power. Medium-bodied, its firmness creates additional palate presence. Malts, cocoa, caramel, honey yet not that sweet, the carbonation is subtle but effective, scrubs the tongue well. The lemon citrus brings out more earthiness and likely more pit aspect to the apricot, peach, apple, fig fruit. The well baked bread never a major factor, just one of many drying elements. Leaves you wishing it showed more exuberant personality, not that it’s playing it safely but you just sense it could have been more complex with some effort.
3 out of 5

Sierra Nevada (In Collaboration With Russian River Brewing Company)
Brux Domesticated Wild Ale (Belgian-Style Ale Refermented In The Bottle With Brettanomyces Bruxellensis)
American Wild Ale
California
8.3%
25.4oz, Single
$14.99
Hard to say it even has a head, all loose bubbles which evaporate even during the pour leaving nothing across the surface nor any lacing. That said, the carbonation could not be more aggressive visually, a maelstrom inside the glass, the liquid a light amber to rusty yellow color, clear and without any haze. The nose comes across as reluctant to share, starts to unfold and then pulls back, you kind of get half-offered yeast, matted field grasses, dried orange peels, uncracked peppercorns, dried apples and peaches, dried honey, are you getting it seems dried yet, truly not that funky and, as a result, maybe not as lengthy as it might be otherwise. Full-bodied, the high level of carbonation evident with each sip, churns inside the mouth, no settling down. Allowing for this, the sourness comes through crystal clear, some barnyard funk to animal fur accents. Lots of lemon, orange, grapefruit citrus but the texture dries it out even as there is indeed underlying juiciness. Attenuated apple, pear, peach fruit, the pepper and cut grass to hay fare better. What it lacks is decisiveness, decide who you want to be and go for it. Instead you get a dialed back version of a distinct personality.
3 out of 5

Allentown Brew Works
Fegley’s BrewWorks Hop’solutely Triple India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
11.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Finger plus of just off-white foam, mostly tightly woven smaller bubbles, even surface, adequate retention, lacing weaker than expected. The liquid is a glowing rust orange, very clear and more yellow at the glass bottom and rims, only a few widely dispersed bubbles visible. The nose is very thick and arguably stickier than the lacing, really grips your nostril hairs with poached peach, pineapple, guava scents, tangerine reduction, pine sap, chocolate, offers white pepper and a smidgeon of peat and grassiness but nothing near full-on herbaceousness. Full-bodied, steady initial foaming action on the mouth entry, subsides swiftly as the tangy booziness takes over. Again, sticky and gluey in texture, nothing nimble about it. Dense pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus, tropical feel to the fruit, more guava, papaya, pineapple than peach or apricot. Mixes in cocoa, malt, honey and molasses along with that pine sap. Sweet all the way through, any pepper, grass mutters at best. Really comes across as extracted for effect, no natural flow to it. That said, if you have a fondness for sweetness you can add a few points to the final tally. Is there a category for dessert beer caliber India Pale Ales?
3 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Crooked Line Detour Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Utah
9.5%
25.4oz, Single
$8.49
Whipped up head with more craters than dimples, easily over three fingers during the initial pour, loosely knit enough to settle down into an even thick coating across the surface, the lacing is ultra-sticky and remains in full sheets rather than thinner streaks. The liquid is a noticeably dark copper to amber color, stays transparent this notwithstanding, only the tiniest smattering of bubbles visible. The nose is thick and pungent, even if not the longest lasting, coconut custard, pine sap, candied orange peels, floral musk as well as sharper peppery and grassy notes, curiously the apricot, peach, pineapple fruit seems to get lost in the mix while in no way weak, ends with an earthy and close to peaty flourish. Full-bodied, verges on a foamy attack, only the herbal bite and overall bitterness slices away the foam to prevent suffocation by down pillow. The pepperiness takes it up a notch, more pith in the lemon to grapefruit citrus. By the mid-palate vanilla, coconut and caramel accents salve some wounds. Gets a little creamier as it opens into the apricot, peach, nectarine, fig fruits. Not very biscuity, some darker grains present. Mouth texture is sticky and resinous. Not aggressive per se, however, nothing to just pop and pour without some prep work first.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Imperial Pumpkin Ale (Ale Brewed With Pumpkin And Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cardamom, Cloves)) Pumpkin Ale
Pennsylvania
8.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.49
Light half a finger head of tan color which evaporates down very quickly to an almost foamless surface, likewise the lacing is nonexistent. Copper orange colored liquid, a few trace bubbles zip about, yellows around the rims, pleasing overall clarity. Given the richness of its pungency the nose has a stiff texture and feel, plenty of pumpkin there, more so cinnamon, clove spice and something reminiscent of cola, also some lemon citrus and well baked pie crust notes, rises deep into your nostrils and stays there for some time. Medium-bodied, equally firm feel here in the mouth, the carbonation more muscular than expected based on visual inspection. Mixes some milk chocolate into those baking spices, sort of softens things a touch. The pumpkin is strong without being really sweet. Biscuit, scone with a moment of cornbread, here there’s a stronger honeyed aspect. The floral dimension expands through the finish, extending things further. The level of spicing is pretty outrageous so if you want lowkey or demure, this is not for you. Otherwise, get ready for a spice fest.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2012

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Imperial Pumking (Ale Brewed With Pumpkins)
Pumpkin Ale
New York
8.6%
22oz, Single
$7.99
An aggressive pour gets you a bit over a finger’s worth of off-white foam, does has a soft orange tint to it, majority smaller, finer bubbles which evaporate swiftly, lacing has minimal stickiness as well. While light and transparent, the liquid still has a bronzed metallic orange cast to it, yellows some around the rims, multiple swiftly paced beads of bubbles, good overall shine. The nose is extremely smooth and moves as if there simply couldn’t be a bump in the road, molasses, cinnamon, glazed piecrust, whipped cream, even some chocolate and nuttiness, the sweet spices here mask some of the pumpkin foundation, hint of fig or apricot fruit, strong lift without drawing attention. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is on the thin side and could arguably provide more structure. That said, has an overall dry texture even as the constituent parts are all sweet as hell. The pumpkin stronger while still paling before the clove, cinnamon spice, brown sugar, orange marmalade, crust flakes and more whipped cream and caramel. At times it seems to almost have a floral perfume. There is a loss of grip through the finish. If you want sweetness without undue heaviness, check it out.
4 out of 5

Long Trail Brewing Company
Brewmaster Series Imperial Pumpkin (Ale Brewed With Pumpkin & Spices)
Pumpkin Ale
Vermont
8.0%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Head crests at over a finger of dark tan, orange tinged foam, good mix of different bubble sizes, dissolves to a basic coating, lacing takes the form of not so sticky sheets. Bronze to red rust colored liquid, mostly translucent with a fair amount of visible bubbles, turns a bright yellow around the rims. The amount of pumpkin in the nose is above average, however, it is really the brown sugar, maple syrup which dominates, followed on by cocoa powder, nutmeg, candied orange peel, has a certain toasty feel to it, has an herbal underpinning to the spiciness, carries itself proudly. Medium-bodied, has a softer and creamier mouth entry which then stiffens as the carbonation sets, creates a tighter weave. The pumpkin flavor melds with mocha, coffee, whipped cream, cinnamon and nutmeg along with an orange zest infusion. Seems indecisive in terms of wanting to be structured or sweet and fruity, would probably benefit from just going for it full throttle on the pumpkin. Mouth perfume too heavy to lift much. It’s actually a quite pleasing brew, only needs to have more fun to excel.
4 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale (Brewed With Natural Flavors)
Smoked Beer
Oregon
5.6%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Average pour yields close to a half a glass of foam, settle initially around two fingers, bigger bubbles give it airiness which gets it to then settle around a finger plus before resuming dissolve down to the surface and just a few islands of foam left, creates close to no lacing. Cloudy bronzed colored liquid, like is was tanning with Bain de Soleil on, fades to yellow at the rims, bubbles close to visibly absent. The nose has a rubber scent, like a new car mat or something, then maple and cinnamon, caraway seeds, spiced oranges, pancake batter, very light hint of bacon fat or sweet smokiness, no noticeable fruit presence, trails off quickly without much length. Medium-bodied, lack of carbonation helps it seem heavier and thicker on the tongue. More baked ham and pork than true bacon, the molasses and maple obvious. Orange rind, baking spices, pecans, minor pine and floral accents. The smokiness lacks concentration and thus it’s missing lift. Likewise, kind of expected it to be sweeter with more depth to the maple flavoring. Not horrible but uninspired and uninspiring.
2 out of 5

Goose Island Beer Company
Honker’s Ale
English Bitter
Illinois
4.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Light tan head, crests at close to three fingers, very delicate microfoam which dissolves down at a steady pace stopping short of the surface to leave a solid coating, albeit with minimal lacing surrounding it. Gauzy orange-amber colored liquid, fades to yellow around the edges, not a lot of visible carbonation. The nose has a good deal of biscuit but more so sweeter caramel, butterscotch, candied oranges and lighter nutmeg centered spice, peach to dried apple fruit, there’s some hoppy zing present but it does not last as you really draw the scents in and breathe out. Medium-bodied, foams up too much during the mouth entry but then settles back to release substantial chocolate, caramel, toffee flavors alongside juicy orange, tangerine citrus. The peach, apricot, apple fruit keeps the mouth feel soft and round. Harder to find any meaningful hops presence here than in the nose, however, dries a touch as it ends, never quite cloyingly sweet. Lacks good posture, slouches throughout.
3 out of 5

Goose Island Beer Company
India Pale Ale
English India Pale Ale (IPA)
Illinois
5.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Yields two plus fingers of frothy, loose eggshell white foam, its delicacy causes it to crater, more like form long valleys, nice retention once it gets down to a surface coating, the lacing is thin but wide and sticks extremely well. Light amber color consistent and bright, mild yellowing around the edges, not a whole lot of bubbles but what’s there keeps coming, manages to catch your eye. Yeasty and honeyed in the nose while concurrently maintaining a bitters to peat and green hops edge, peppercorns, tangerine rind, as it warms more caramel and apricot to nectarine fruit scents appear, full presence and good lasting power. Medium to full-bodied, creamy mouth feel that has it both coating the palate and pushing outwards towards the cheeks. Perhaps slightly over-carbonated but depends on what texture you desire. Some mineral water, quinine, bitters through the attack then it’s warm biscuits, honey, caramel, orange to tangerine pulp, wet flower petals and even some mint leaf. Full peach, apricot, pear, green melon fruit. No matter how you slice it, not very herbaceous, not very toasty, not very spicy, neither sweet nor dry. As if insidiously crafted to appeal yet defy description of why it’s appealing.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2012

Uinta Brewing Company
Crooked Line Cockeyed Cooper (Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine Ale)
American Barleywine
Utah
11.1%
25.4oz, Single
$11.49
You get a decent tan colored head, just over a finger’s worth of mixed bubble sizes, retention is above average, the lacing is a thin but full sheet which sticks to the glass sides. The liquid is a lightly filmy copper brown, touch of yellow at the edges, curious lack of visible bubbles. Broad nose, really fills out, very sweet with ginger, nutmeg, vanillin oak, butterscotch, molasses, there’s some charcoal to peat like notes in there, green apple, pear, fig and white grape scents in there, more rye or buckwheat than loaf of bread type stuff, at times smells like a baseball rosin bag, turns more roasted than hoppy at the end. Full-bodied, does a good job of being dry in texture while sweeter in flavors, the oak treatment obvious throughout. Vanilla, chocolate, caramel, brown sugar and flan flavors predominate, yet there’s also a bitterness which comes through bringing nuts, smoked grill fat, cigar leaf, citrus peel and wheat germ to the fore. The fruit diminished and receded back. The carbonation bigger than was suggested visually but nothing more than a basic simmer. Stays on an even keel through the finish, no great change. It’s a big boy that seems to want to correct you if you make what it considers a misinterpretation of itself.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Urkontinent (Ale Brewed With Wattle Seed, Amaranth, Rooibos, Myrica Gale And Honey)
Dubbel
Delaware
8.0%
25.4oz, Single
$13.99
Made a loud hissing noise during the pour, yields close to two fingers of very lacy and loose foam which disappears swiftly to leave virtually nothing left across the surface, the lacing is close to nonexistent. The liquid is a deep mahogany brown, it depends on the angle but more yellow tinted than orange, clear, not many bubbles visible. The nose offers a broad array of sweets, including cola, root beer, molasses, brown sugar, café au lait, chocolate and hazelnut, has a roasted quality but smooth texture, does produce some mild hops as well as raw bread grains, given the scents it presents has erect posture if not stiffness. Medium-bodied, curious for how dry it is during the mouth entry, some pucker, the carbonation has a tight weave, doesn’t last long but tingles a good bit at first. Similar profile of cocoa, cola, ginger, molasses and Indian spices, flaky dough, orange spice, sweeter nuts, witch hazel. Not much distinct fruit present, the citrus or most hop signifiers too muted. It has an admirable steadiness to it, above average complexity but no showiness, just keeps teasing you to figure it out. This all in good fun, the beer has plenty to enjoy on the surface, no thought needed.
4 out of 5

Bruery, The
White Oak (50% Ale, 50% Ale Aged in Bourbon Barrels)
Wheatwine
California
11.5%
25.4oz, Single
$17.79
Barely energetic pour fills half the glass with wispy off-white foam, luckily it is so airy and whipped up that it dissipates quickly to a thin if consistent surface coating, as might be expected not much stick in the lacing, what might be there. Super-cloudy orange which lightens at the outer edges, even given its opacity you can see a maelstrom of bubbles whipping around inside the glass, has a relaxed feel about it. The nose displays an initial burst of wheat and then lemongrass, follows up with honey, vanilla bean, caramel, grape skins and some coal and earth, gives up a bushel of peach, apricot, pear fruit scents with a little mixed sweet citrus on top, overall most notable for its restraint even as it openly offers the benefits of the barrel aging. Full-bodied, sweet yet with a sour side as well. Here banana and bubblegum comes through along with wheatgerm, mild sous bois and then that honey and lees. The orange peel is clearer, hint of a poached fruit character to the peach, apricot, pear, pineapple and apple fruit. It is damn foamy, the increasing dryness through the finish helps temper this. Interesting for how you sense its complexity but can’t quite tease them apart. The oak influence is moderate and not dominant. Creaminess helps it hug the palate and last longer.
4 out of 5

Goose Island Beer Company
Nut Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
Illinois
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Finger plus head of airy, evenly surfaced foam which dissipates very quickly, like nothing left at all, the lacing is wispy at best and likewise there and gone. Clear brown colored liquid, soft orange tint and then yellow further towards the rims, good amount of active tiny bubbles which are widely dispersed. Extremely sweet nose of caramel, chocolate, toffee and creamed coffee, notes of candied nuts, there are some cereal grains and scone in there but nothing offered which could stiffen the feel and counterbalance the sugary aspects. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is finely grained so to speak but does stir things about the mouth. Here you get more bread, yeast, nuts and anise to temper the excesses of the chocolate, caramel, coffee. Hint of orange peel, does not produce any metallic nor roasted notes nor anything remotely herbaceous. While the mouthfeel is soft there is a general cleanliness to it, minimal residue at the end. In many regards simple, but better put as pure of purpose. Nothing more needs be said.
4 out of 5

Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project
Baby Tree
Quadrupel (Quad)
Massachusetts
9.0%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Pours a light half finger coating across the surface of a dark tan color, mostly mid-sized bubbles, average retention, nothing unique either way, the lacing is basically a thin solid sheet which glides down the glass sides. The liquid is a dusky brown base, shifts into orange and yellow hues nearer the glass sides, actually notable for the lack of chunks floating about and general cleanliness, not many bubbles visible but when you swirl the glass it foams up again rapidly. The nose is dry and lean but not lacking, grass, yeast and packed dirt appear first, yielding to honey, brown sugar, maple syrup and orange peel, even as apricot, fig, date fruit appears never seems sweet, not getting a lot of spice scents, stays properly mannered and focused. Medium-bodied, very creamy and gently carbonated mouth texture which helps in distracting from the dryness, mouth almost gets parched as the glass gets drained. Again, not for any lack of chocolate, molasses, maple syrup, toffee or licorice flavors, even some coffee hard candy notes in there. Touch of ginger, the citrus element diminished. Fig, golden raisin, yellow apple, apricot fruit stays measured. Minimal traces of clove or banana, some yeastiness. Smooth, wears its alcohol level well, nothing to complain about.
3 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Crooked Line Labyrinth Black Ale (Ale Brewed With Licorice Sticks And Aged In Oak Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Utah
13.2%
25.4oz, Single
$11.49
Moderately aggressive pour fills half the glass with outrageously dark brown foam, tightly woven and dense, not much dimpling but there’s random explosions of larger bubbles which act like fireworks on the surface, very nice stick to the lacing, broad streaks which eventually settle back downwards. The liquid is black as night, fully impenetrable, not a hint of color anywhere, the only sign of bubbles was as the pour resolved itself. The nose is rife with coconut custard, German chocolate cake, black licorice, caramel and orange zest, fistful of grainy hop bite, peach, apricot and cherry cobbler accents, pushes the limit of desirable sweetness, toasty bread notes help relieve its density. Full-bodied, starts to foam towards the roof of your mouth, even the carbonation scaled to make an impression, give it credit for helping manage the sweetness. Less noticeable licorice here, more toffee, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla bean and coconut oil. Were it not for an herbal sting at the finish it would be all but completely a “dessert beer.” Floral dew and pine sap bring the malts and hops further into accord. The fruit flavors more mixed than distinct. Over time starts to suggest barbecue grill smoke. The generally creamy mouth feel persists completely start to end, again, fights hard to ensure nothing distracts you from it. Hard not to respect its powerful statement, just be careful in choosing when to open it, by no means a casual quaffer.
5 out of 5

White Birch Brewing
Hop Session Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
New Hampshire
5.1%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Moderate pour yields a half glass full of an off-white head, virtually all dense foam with a slowly dimpling surface, the foam oddly pulls away from the glass sides as it dissolves even as the overall retention is excellent, the lacing is thin but super-sticky. Light orange copper highlights to the golden hued base, thick cloud of bubbles rise steadily, definitely hazy and mostly opaque, noticeably unfiltered. Firm nose of black pepper, pretzel dough, coriander and cumin spices, dried orange peels, trace earthiness, mild apricot to peach fuzz, burnt mocha powder, at times something like tobacco ash, excellent complexity without striving too hard, holds its fullness for an extended period of time, deepens as it warms. Full-bodied, has some give but not close to soft in texture, the carbonation provides a steady churn but nowhere near the high level you’d expect from the way it virtually foams over the glass. Has a sort of Belgian feel to it with clove, coriander, cinnamon spice flowing through, strong dose of salt and pepper. Not much citrus but decent amount of apricot, yellow apple, peach fruit. Baked sourdough and some rye as well. Herbaceous finish without too much bitter bite. Agreeably challenging even as the texture dries and gets semi-gritty.
4 out of 5

Wachusett Brewing Company
Black Shack Porter
American Porter
Massachusetts
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Close to two fingers of very loose and airy microfoam, surface loses its evenness as it dissolves, not a lot of retention, the lacing wispy and randomly spread out. Light brown color with a strong orange to yellow cast around the rims and glass bottom, transparent for its type with a fair amount of visible bubbles. Cocoa, cola bean, butterscotch, brown sugar sweeten up the nose somewhat but more toasty than sugary, bready with a metallic ring to it, hoppiness puts some spring in it yet without many distinct qualities. Light-bodied, perhaps on the dilute side, lacks enough flavor vibrancy to make up for the lack of palate heft. Coffee, mocha, cocoa and malt powder more roasted than anything else. Spring water, quinine and a certain stoniness to it, no real suggestion of fruit or citrus. Does keep that cola thing. The carbonation is hard-edged and churns more than smoothes. Not a lot left through the finish, dry and dusty in texture, simple in character.
2 out of 5

The Portsmouth Brewery
Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
New Hampshire
6.0%
22oz, Single
$5.95
Two fingers of rich, dense foam, very dark tan with an island of larger bubbles at the spot of pour, retention is average, the lacing forms wide sheets which slowly snake down the glass side, leaves a few splotches behind. The liquid is extremely dark brown falling short of black, displays an orange tint at the glass bottom, sufficiently opaque to mask most bubbles within. The nose is super-heavy on the sweet roast, loaded with chocolate, toffee, coffee and a pinch of ginger, a burst of white grapefruit comes through clearly, the oats make it drier than sweeter, that said the grains smooth and there’s not a real hops presence here, lifts into a broad musk. Full-bodied, not that heavy, creamy carbonation helps it slowly move through the mouth. For its weight has good freshness and a svelte middle, in addition to the grapefruit you get pine and flowers, hops showing more get up and go here. Sneaks in cherry and peach fruit accents before building up mocha, cocoa, toffee and caramel, the oats likely add as much gluey texture as real flavor. Roasty residue extends the finish well. Good stuff, particularly if you are not looking for sweetness overload.
5 out of 5

The Portsmouth Brewery
Murphy’s Law Red Ale
Irish Red Ale
New Hampshire
5.5%
22oz, Single
$5.95
You get about a finger of light eggshell white foam, island of larger bubbles in the middle, fades away at a steady clip, a few splotches of lacing but that’s it. Coppery orange brown color of average clarity, turns a yellow hue around the rims, broadly scattered large bubbles, nothing close to beads. Molasses, milk chocolate, honey and sweet bread dough fill the nose, some cola and then pine sap, not a great deal of hoppiness happening here, conversely truly not as sweet as the various elements make it sound, has pretty good length. Medium-bodied, creamy mouth feel with a lot of carbonation which tends to diffuse the flavors and contributes to a drying finish, where a metallic side comes through. Otherwise, it’s a basic array of cocoa, caramel, malt, butterscotch and toffee with a touch of café au lait. The grains are sweet with a light toasted quality, again the hops remain in the background. Moment of peach or apricot pit or fig. Whisper of earthiness and matted straw. Overall, on the sweetish side for its type but friendly enough.
3 out of 5

Offshore Ale Company
American IPA
Massachusetts
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.65
Thin head, barely half a finger of orange tinted eggshell tan color, the lacing has decent thickness but close to no stickiness. Cloudy yellow-orange liquid, opaque and holds light easily, hard to see any bubbles floating inside. The nose full of grains, wheat and sourdough, pepper, earth and grass, spoonful of molasses yet not a lot of pine, citrus or pit fruit, small dose of cocoa, kind of tough and gritty and without a sustained sweet component. Medium-bodied, the carbonation grinds things in place, not much spreading out. Cocoa, mocha, orange peel, pine and nectarine to pineapple fruit give it a nicely typical IPA profile, at the same time it stays within itself, no distracting burn. Credible malt presence, brings more sweetness than any citrus or flowers. Compact ending without seeming short. Lack of flash might tempt you to underrate it.
4 out of 5

Offshore Ale Company
East Chop Lighthouse Ale
American Blonde Ale
Massachusetts
4.2%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Thin, if consistent, layer of bleached white foam across the surface, not one to linger very long, any lacing slides down the glass like greased lightening. Luminescently pale yellow color, healthy amount of loosely assembled bubbles floating about, fully transparent. High-toned nose of herbal matter, quinine, corn husks, sea salts, pressed flowers and squeezed lemons, more cleansing than refreshing, goes lightly on any fruit element, by the same token only a dusting of malt powder to smooth it out texturally as well as provide any sweetness, bracing like an after shave. Medium-bodied, sharp carbonation and a dry mouth feel gives a wiry muscularity, hard to find a beer of this relative lighter weight feels this firm. Tin, stones and streamwater combine with bitter grasses and country style bread to create as much chewiness as possible. Layer on sour white grapefruit accents and peach pit and apple skin and it keeps sandpapering away at your tongue. There’s a soft malty residue at the end, never becomes unattractively tart. Not afraid to show personality and keeps its reach within its grasp.
3 out of 5

Ska Brewing Company
Mexican Logger (Mexican Style Lager)
American Pale Lager
Colorado
4.2%
12oz, 6-Pack Can
$10.79
Close to two fingers of very loose and dimpled bright white foam, sizzles down to the surface in no time, the lacing forms thicker stripes and sticks better than expected. Simple golden hued liquid, a few lazy bubbles drift here and there. Sweet and full nose of corn syrup, malt, cocoa, honey, peach fuzz and a brief shot of grassy hops, not that interesting yet plenty of richness in what’s there. Medium-bodied, some carbonation tickle while overall heavy and clings to the palate. More sweetness via honey, corn, molasses and malted milk balls, peach to apricot fruit and a splash of mixed citrus. Simple bread grains and oats, little about it seems hoppy. Mild metallic ring near the finish. Certainly not offensive, just leaves you with very little to say about it. So, that’s all there is to say.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2012

Founders Brewing Company
All Day IPA Session Ale
American IPA
Michigan
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.39
Adequate finger high head of loose off-white bubbles, not quite foam per se, clears off swiftly to a ring around the edges, the lacing is super-thin but does form decently wide streaks before evaporating. Yellow gold colored liquid with a soft orange cast, only a few fat bubbles visible, scattered about, looks “basic” and unassuming. Piney nose with raw grains, grass, yeast and grapefruit rinds, more floral than fruity, more wheat as it warms, overall has a fresh, taut character, good balance and no burn. Medium-bodied, tight and slightly overly aggressive carbonation, keeps it scrubbing into the tongue which favors bitterness over sweetness. Pepper and herbaceous green grass, grains, pine, black tea leaf, the blood orange and grapefruit pith drying. Thin dusting of cocoa and allusion to anise, malts not contributing much to the final equation. Seems to pull back on just about every ingredient, wants a close race among them all, as a result more calculatedly balanced than integrated. You lose interest after the second bottle.
3 out of 5

21st Amendment Brewery
Hell Or High Watermelon (Wheat Beer Fermented With Watermelon Concentrate, With Added Watermelon Juice)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
California
4.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.39
A little less than a finger’s worth of gossamer white bubbles, not quite foam, dissipates to basically nothing across the surface, no lacing either. Hazy deep yellow colored liquid, holds light inside well, few bubbles, loosely aggregated, nothing leaps out at you visually. The nose is soft and gentle, wheat cereal, biscuit and, duh, sweet watermelon scents, you get lemon juice as well, ends with an earthy and herbal muskiness which is actually welcome for how it broadens the texture and creates contrast against the fruit. Medium-bodied with fluffy carbonation, has some residual prickle through the finish. The watermelon flavoring is not excessively strong, kind of floats through the mouth. There’s a metallic undercurrent more than wheat or bread, although there’s an adequate amount of the latter. Sour lemon to orange citrus brings added refreshing qualities. At times you might find a spoonful of molasses. Nothing here really distinguishes it but it’s unflawed, not entirely without appeal.
2 out of 5

Bear Republic/Fat Head’s/Stone Brewing Company
TBA 2012 (Ale Brewed With Brown Sugar & Molasses)
American Brown Ale
California
7.1%
12oz, Single
$3.59
Big, third of the glass worth, head of nothing but huge delicate bubbles which pop and dissolve at an extremely rapid rate, virtually nothing left within seconds, the lacing is slight and with minimal stickiness. Cloudy brown liquid with a red cast, turns to a bright yellow around the rims, active bubbles if widely spread and without beads, looks like dirty catch basin water. The nose evenly split between pine, orange citrus, grass, flowers and then that molasses to honey and coffee, the peach and apricot fruit comes down in the middle, while the scents last long they come off as on the sluggish side. Medium-bodied and heavy, the carbonation lacking and it tends to press down into the palate without much movement, some scrubbing sensations. The malt, cocoa, coffee and molasses lead the way here, as it progresses the hoppy citrus and pine and meadow grasses pick up. Steady enough peach, yellow apple, apricot, pear fruit, there if undistinguished. Touch of Brazil nuts and glazed sandwich rolls. Its density makes biggest impression, not really that much flavor complexity. Nothing to entice you beyond the first bottle.
3 out of 5

Caldera Brewing Company
IPA
American IPA
Oregon
6.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.59
Creamy two finger plus head, off-white with a mostly uniform surface, slight dimpling, nice retention, almost no larger bubbles, the lacing is wispy yet clings well. Coppery colored liquid, as close to brown as orange, clean and transparent, the bubbles are extremely miniscule and loosely arrayed. Straightforward nose of pine, grapefruit citrus, flowers and cocoa, sizable chunk of peach, apricot, guava fruit scents, very persistent and large in scale with no heat nor burn, just real easy to sniff. Medium-bodied with a touch more foaminess than one might prefer, does give it a pleasingly soft texture. As in the nose keeps it simple with pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pine, lemongrass and flowers. Not as sweet as the scents suggest, has a dry tacky feel. The cocoa and malt provide pockets of relief and rest. The pineapple, apricot, nectarine, papaya fruit somewhat demure but finish well. On the whole balanced while favoring the hops and tart aspects. No problem putting down two to three in a row, good sessionability for the ABV.
4 out of 5

Lees & Co. (Brewers) Ltd, J.W.
2007 Harvest Ale Limited Edition (Matured in Lagavulin Whiskey Casks)
English Barleywine
England
11.5%
9oz, Single
$8.99
Serious amount of sediment, like where’s the cheesecloth? Otherwise, bright and clear amber orange coloration with a reddish cast, close to total absence of any head or lacing, even a vigorous swirl gets you nothing, no bubbles visible, looks dead in terms of carbonation. The nose is highly aggressive and gets right in there, beef jerky, leather, pork rinds, candied orange peels, vanilla pudding, very heady and boozy, poached apricots and peaches, honey and licorice, deserves to be allowed to come close to room temperature to truly strut its stuff. Medium-bodied, while heavy in some respects not leaden and certainly moves agilely while it stays aligned with its overall goals. The gamey, leathery qualities persist, it’s like having a smokehouse in your mouth, is this liquid pork? The dried fruit quality peach, apricot, nectarine, apple fruit thick and viscous start to finish. Here the caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, cola bean oak dominant, particularly as it warms. This is a beer meant to be slowly sipped in front of a roaring fire with a cigar in hand. Smoky with its own tobacco and ash qualities. Has to be taken at face value, there’s no great beers, just great bottles of beers. Psyche.
4 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Hoppy Bunny ABA
American Black Ale
North Carolina
7.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Easily over two fingers of dark brown foam, good mixture of bubble sizes which causes some dimpling, takes some time sizzling down to the surface, solid ring of lacing around most of the glass, tenacious grip. The liquid is black and opaque but not quite so dense that you can’t see the tiny bubbles rise, thin ring of orange at the glass bottom. Real roasty, toasty nose of cocoa powder, ground coffee, vanilla bean, oats and unprocessed grains, the interplay between malts and the hoppier pine, white citrus notes quite pleasing, really stiffens in your nostrils without seeming heavy, very longlasting. Medium-bodied plus, carbonation at first gives it a fluffy mouth feel, however, overall dryness wins out. Licorice, more of that mocha to cocoa powder and roasted coffee, nutty at turns. The orange to grapefruit citrus has a harder time finding its voice here. More floral than grassy, hops add more texture than flavor. Minor notes of peach, cherry, black grape fruit. Smoky like a wood grill. There’s a lot of energy here which may now and then mask some of its complexity. Real intense, need a glass of water to rinse the flavors out.
5 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Hyve Honey Ale (Ale Brewed With Honey)
American Blonde Ale
Utah
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours close to two fingers of eggshell white microfoam, dissolves rapidly without much dimpling, leaves a thin coating of islands across the surface, curiously the thin lacing sticks in complete sheets down the glass sides and refuses to budge. The liquid is a light coppery orange color, very clear with loosely scattered if active tiny bubbles, very little change around the rims and glass bottom, maybe slight yellowing. The nose is salty and pretzel-like more than honeyed, wheat germ and cut grass, whisper of pressed flowers and orange rind, pinch of cocoa powder, the peach, apricot fruit silently nods when it meets your eye. Medium-bodied, for as dry as it is the carbonation gives it a soft and fluffy mouth feel. The honey a notch higher here, no more, sweetens the lemon to orange citrus and bolsters the yellow apple, peach, apricot fruit, at least through the mid-palate. More wheat and unprocessed grains than green hoppiness. Retains that element of salt with some white pepper too. Balanced with no one part sticking out above the rest, not going to break any new territory but super easy to throw back.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2012

Green Flash Brewing Company
Palate Wrecker Hamilton’s Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
9.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$14.89
Foams up over three fingers of off-white, delicate with a few deep dimples, retains well at about a finger, the lacing doesn’t stick as you think it might, you get a few, albeit thick, streaks here or there. Murky to opaque orange rust colored liquid, more red than yellow tint, very few visible bubbles. The nose is classic, lots of orange to grapefruit citrus, pine, honeyed bread, flowers, pepper and milk chocolate, fills out with resonant pineapple, peach, nectarine fruit scents, thick and syrupy nostril texture, too dense to really lift much. Full-bodied, the carbonation relatively light for the heaviness you get here too, glues itself to your mouth pores as well. Pine sap, cocoa, orange and both white and pink grapefruit pith, the bitterness creates the initial impression of dryness, however, it stays juicy through the flowers and pineapple, mango, nectarine, apricot fruit. The pepper and earth components extend the finish, lots of reverb, even more prickle than expected with the so-so carbonation. Isn’t breaking new flavor territory but amplifies everything while staying well balanced. That honey sneaks out onto stage through the finish, brings some caramel and molasses along. Impressive.
5 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Razor Wit Belgian Style White Ale
Witbier
North Carolina
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.79
Finger plus of pure white foam, delicate and dimples easily, dimples quickly and then forms a thin layer across the surface, minimal lacing. Big storm of bubbles inside the glass, no beads, not quite transparent with a certain dullness to the light orange hued liquid, even with slight yellowing at the edge of the glass presents a consistent depth of hue. The nose is easygoing yet pungent, coriander, caraway, juniper, pepper and tea leaves, strong orange and lemon pith but not so floral, the wheat light as well, a glance of peach, apricot pit. Medium-bodied, were it not for its dryness it would seem really fluffy, heavily carbonated. There is a bitter, if not metallic, touch to it, here the wheat and graininess very apparent. The orange, tangerine citrus steady and the coriander and other spices not looking to hog the spotlight. Any yeastiness does little to soften the texture. A moment or two of cocoa along with that tea leaf and apricot, pear fruit. Lingers well, no wimp by any stretch. Too slowly paced and bottom heavy to refresh fully but you respect the depth of the few well chosen flavors.
3 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
10 Blocks South
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
5.5%
64oz, Growler
$12.00
Pours a big three plus finger head of eggshell white, very airy and whipped up, dimples some as it dissolves off, good mixture of small and moderate bubble sizes, lacing sticks in thicker streaks, retention overall is very good. Very clear brownish amber colored liquid, metallic orange rims, on the whole darker than one might expect. The nose spreads out casually, emphasizes tangerine, orange, pink grapefruit citrus while not getting that sweet, touch of honeyed bread, more fresh flowers and cocoa and then ripe peach, apricot fruit, strong grassy and piney hops for spine while staying mellow. Close to full-bodied, fluffy without being too soft, here the hops really cut right into the middle of things, herbaceous and almost close to tree bark and earth. The cocoa to mocha percolates underneath the tangerine, orange citrus, the latter sweet but not sugary. Steady peach, apple, apricot fruit supports well. The carbonation is maybe a bit heavy handed, could pull back some. More dough and pastry flakes than bread or pretzel dough. Light saltiness. Bright finish that extends things nicely. Pushing from APA into IPA territory but stays within bounds. Has personality.
4 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
Ramble On Red
American Amber/Red Ale
North Carolina
5.2%
64oz, Growler
$12.00
A little under one finger of off-white to tan foam, steady dissolve down to a thin dusting across the surface, the lacing is likewise thin and slides down with ease. Bright metallic amber color with about equal orange to brown tints, hint of yellow at the glass bottom, quite clear, shiny and transparent, very few bubbles visible. While caramel and molasses come through in the nose, it remains primarily driven by dried grass, wheat germ, pepper, pretzel dough notes, touch of white grapefruit pith, no discernible fruit presence but some lactose to help it become creamier in feel as it warms up. Full-bodied, round but not soft in texture, the carbonation is way higher than the head and visible bubbles would suggest, lots of prickle. Here too the herbaceous qualities, salt and pepper, country style bread crust and lemon to grapefruit bite dominates. Conversely, the caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, cola bean accents steady throughout. Light apricot, apple, peach nuances. On the whole, probably just more sweet than dry, with a wiry tautness. Wears its complexity well and stays balanced, stays drinkable a few pints in.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2012

Cigar City Brewing
Maduro Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
Florida
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Light tan head, a little over one finger, very fine foam and easy to dissolve, the lacing has zero stickiness, slides right down the glass sides. Mostly transparent cocoa brown color, reddish tint that becomes orange at the glass bottom, loosely aggregated but stormy bubbles, very tiny bubbles. Chocolate and mocha fill the nose, rich plum to cherry fruit too, molasses crisp, cola, orange blossom, not much here you could peg as true hoppiness, that said, not too heavy nor sweet, steady in its good natured monochrome nature. Light-bodied, the carbonation is on the fine side but incredibly steady, providing freshening lift. The cocoa, mocha accents dry and have some dark chocolate bitterness, hint of coffee as well. The dryness becomes very apparent by the end, here this does create space for some grassiness. The orange citrus finds some lemon accompaniment as well as pressed flowers. High degree of activity in the mouth, might be tiresome were it not for the consistency of its primary flavors.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Noble Rot (Ale Brewed With Grape Must And With Grape Must Added)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Delaware
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$11.39
Bleached white head, very airy and delicate, starts out over three fingers when you pour put resolves down quickly with lots of dimpling across the surface, not a large amount of lacing but what’s there is very sticky and longlasting. The liquid is a pale yellow to orange hue, shiny and fully transparent with a few bubble beads which sustain themselves well. The nose is sour and freshly penetrating, the wine component comes through clearly, boosting the florality as well as peach, apple, apricot, pear fruit, light banana, the citrus is a mix of lemon and white grapefruit, there’s a solid amount of ginger, coriander like spices, more leesy than yeasty, displays good lift given its relative heaviness in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, even sourer here with the addition of a strong grassiness alongside the elevating mixed citrus and unprocessed wheat and grains. You can make a better argument for yeastiness in the mouth, softens things a touch and supports the length of the apricot, peach, pineapple, green apple fruit. The baking spices take a step or two back from center stage. As it warms more of the pils qualities come out. The carbonation level is about where it should be, perhaps a little light. The funkiness is not dominant and, accounting for the overall sourness, the total experience is pretty clean. Good retronasal action after you swallow, extends presence.
3 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Porter
American Porter
New York
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Weak head, maybe half a finger tops of light brown foam, no real lacing to speak of. Immaculate and unblemished black liquid, the rims form a broad orange circle with yellow at the furthermost parts, transparent thereabouts. The nose presents an attractive spine of hops, herbal matter and pressed flowers before yielding the floor to café au lait, milk chocolate, scones, orange peel and cola notes, so much roast and toast, maybe an undercurrent of dark fruits, steady presence and without rough patches. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is soft and downy which adds to the smooth, creamy texture, effortlessly fills in every crevice of your palate. Sweet yet not sugary, hard to imagine more malty roast, all chocolate, cocoa, mocha, coffee, nuts and breakfast baked goods. The orange citrus, pine and pinch of pepper add moderate contrast. Plum and black cherry fruit make a swift appearance. There’s not a lot of nuance nor subtlety here but there’s consistency and richness in spades. Waves of it, in fact.
3 out of 5

Port City Brewing Company
Essential Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Virginia
5.5%
12oz
6-Pack
$11.79
Finger’s worth of close to pure white loose foam, starts to disintegrate swiftly to barely cover the surface, likewise the lacing is thin and easily slides off the glass. Light and transparent orange to yellow in color, few bubbles visible but what’s there are large, clean and clear but not much to look at. The nose is super-sweet with oodles of apricot and peach fruit, milk chocolate and malty caramel, some grass, wheat germ, pepper and lemon zest, perhaps some charcoal, a bit boozy like rum, neither bready nor flowery. Medium-bodied, soft and creamy mouth feel with fluffed up carbonation which extends the sensations from your tongue to the roof, here the orange to lemon citrus matches the sweetness of that apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit. The cocoa stiffer, brings out some coffee and country bread notes, light burnt toast. More of that mineral to charcoal aspect, seems incongruent with the whole. Firms up as it warms so serving temperature may play a role in how you enjoy it. That said, remains very much on the sweet end of the spectrum.
3 out of 5

Hoegaarden, Brouwerij van
Wit Blanche (Wheat Beer Brewed With Spices)
Witbier
Belgium
4.9%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Pure white head, barely reaches half a finger even with an aggressive pour, sizzles down to nothing quickly, no lacing, looks like a tight array of ball bearings sliding down the glass side. While the liquid is the palest of yellows, its glow and ability to hold light inside amplifies its presence, reaches a gauzy opacity, haphazard large bubbles whiz upwards. The wheat is gentle in the nose, a drying supplement to the base of orange and lemon citrus, caraway, coriander, cinnamon and dried yeasts and baking dough, apricots and pears underneath, bare whiff of banana without impairing cleanliness, subtly steady length. Medium-bodied, semi-sluggish and apt to just plop down on the tongue, even allowing for a slight prickle from the carbonation. The anise, coriander, cumin spice supplemented by vanilla bean, these elements contribute to a sweetness throughout that lemon, orange citrus. Peach and apricot pulp, maybe melon or apple too. A few bubblegum notes. Wheat and grains appear about midway to dry out the palate. Keeps a steady message without too many moving parts, user friendly and not out to overtly challenge anyone.
3 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Baba Black Lager
Euro Dark Lager
Utah
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Close to two fingers of dark tan foam, presents a few islands of larger bubbles which dissipate back into an even surface, the retention is very good and the lacing shows above average stickiness. While pure black in color, not fully opaque, the liquid has great clarity despite the hue, a metallic orange cast shows up at the glass bottom. The nose gives up lots of roast, chocolate powder, café au lait as well as a nice spine of herbal matter, no real fruitiness, same for broad hop based scents, there is some country style bread, barley and oats, leans heavily on malts for effect. Medium-bodied, acts like it is trying to develop some bitterness, light grassiness and pine then yields to all that roast and toast, coffee beans, dark chocolate, malted milk balls and sweet bread dough. Comes up with some dried orange peel and licorice notes, adds welcome variety. The carbonation is unobtrusive yet present. Maybe some dark fruits at the end. It’s competent and consistent, pleases you for how it maintains a high energy level from first to last sip.
4 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
2012 Ruthless Rye IPA
American IPA
California
6.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
You get a little over a finger’s worth of very even foam, dense with a few islands of larger bubbles, wispy lacing without much stick, retention is average and unremarkable. Deep bronze hued liquid, clear with an orange to yellow tint at the glass bottom, the bubbles are tiny and spread wide, shines brightly. The rye gives the nose a pleasing rugged to raw feel, scrubs deeply, fairly herbal with grapefruit pith and unprocessed grains, rock salt, you only get the powdered chocolate as it warms, any flowers or fruit muted. Medium-bodied, muscular in feel, flexes more than flows, the carbonation isn’t aggressive nor creamy, just nudges things now and then. The orange, tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus starts out sweet and then yields to the herbaceousness, pine cone and rye. The peach, apricot, pineapple fruit speaks more clearly here. Light toastiness but not doughy nor bready per se. Hard to find a distinct flavor profile to the malts, at most basic milk chocolate. Solidly constructed yet unremarkable, which is not really a slam at all.
3 out of 5

Green Flash Brewing Company
Rayon Vert Belgian-Style Pale Ale
Belgian Pale Ale
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Big head that initially fills a quarter of the glass, very fine and delicate foam of eggshell white, much better retention than expected albeit with minimal stickiness to the lacing. Cloudy liquid with a strong orange rust metallic coloration, perhaps a light brown tint while more yellow at the rims, loosely assembled but large bubbles rise swiftly throughout. Yeast, flowers, orange peel, wheat germ, apples and pears comprise most of the nose, some earthiness but not really as funky as one might expect, good density but lacks staying power. Full-bodied, here in the mouth it’s creamy and bottom heavy, sinks deeply into the palate. Develops a peppery kick as well as added grassiness, supports the tartness of the orange, lemon citrus and clove. Vague minerally aspect but, again, clean on the whole. Dry, the pear, peach, apple fruit feels cellar dried, most of the sweet juiciness gone. Manages to not appear overtly hoppy nor malty, minimal breadiness or doughiness. The citrus outlasts the rest. More interesting than pleasurable, little is casual about it.
3 out of 5

21st Amendment Brewery
Brew Free! Or Die IPA
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Close to three fingers of highly whipped up cream to off-white hued foam, hardly anything but micro sized bubbles, slight dimpling but retention is good enough that it dissolves evenly, the lacing is thin yet highly sticky and pretty much there until you wipe it out. Orange rust colored liquid, more red than yellow, consistent throughout, only a few lazy bubbles to be seen. The nose is full of coconut custard, vanilla, molasses, challah bread, tangerine citrus, pine and tropical pineapple, guava, mango and nectarine fruit, the malts help smooth out what would otherwise be a fairly raw, burning presence, quite strong overall and persistent. Full-bodied, the carbonation tends towards soft and foamy thus there’s not much cleansing feel going on. Sinks in and on the heavy side. The fruit and citrus presents a sour, tart character, more white grapefruit to mandarin orange here with that pineapple, guava, green apple and peach creating pucker. The malts create a chocolate and caramel background alongside the honey and molasses. The pine sap is evident, the floral side lacks spaces to create airy perfume. Some peppery qualities. Feels oily in texture. Certainly intense, likely a love it or hate it sort of experience.
3 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
Midnight Madness (Cascadian Dark Ale)
American Black Ale
North Carolina
6.75%
64oz, Growler
$13.00
Solid finger plus of light tan foam, good mixture of all bubble sizes and excellent retention, barely moves even as a few dimples form, the lacing forms broad streaks which then slowly slide downwards in a solid sheet. Opaque, more blackish than pure black, you get a good bit of dark brown and some orange at the glass bottom and rims, overall fresh in appearance. The nose first hits you with mocha, cocoa notes with a finely burnt character before sea salt, peat, wet meadow herbal matter, the hops determined to spread widely, hence the orange citrus, white pit fruit never enunciates that clearly, some pine, anise and camphor, lots of cleansing, scrubbing action. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is not quite fluffy but does expand from cheek to cheek. The bitterness of the herbaceous hops clear right from the start and that burnt, charred aspect noticeable. Dark chocolate, coffee and hard caramel candy barely sweeten things despite big presence. Pine, blood orange, some flowers but close to no fruit of note. The mouth feel is clean and it creates a strong lifting perfume. Good vibrating finish, keeps tingling. Dryness perhaps makes it more of a meal accompaniment than session beer.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2012

Native Brewing Company
Native Lager
Light Lager
Florida
12oz
6-Pack, $8.99
Thick creamy head, close to bleached white, the microfoam dissolves quickly to a thin surface layer, not much lacing but enough that you can say it’s there. Bright orange to golden color, very clean and clear, so many bubbles it looks like a snow storm. Very sweet nose of sugar cane, honey, corn syrup, quite peppery too with a dried herbaceousness as well, solid lemon zest, surprisingly ripe peach and apricot fruit scents, overall sweet and agreeably simple. Light to medium-bodied, fluffed up from the downy soft carbonation, more adjunct like flavors of corn syrup, meal, honey, sweet spices like nutmeg or coriander. The white pepper element lower here while the grassiness makes for a drying finish. The apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit steady throughout. It is really unremarkable yet at the end of the day it still brings a smile to your face. Makes you not want to analyze it much.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Alpine Spring (A Bright Citrusy Unfiltered Lager)
Keller Bier/Zwickel Bier
Massachusetts
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.69
Bone white head of whipped up froth, crackles with popping bubbles and dissipates quickly down to a surface coating, thin, if any, lacing left behind. Pale metallic orange in hue, slightly yellow at the rims, a few very scattered bubbles randomly arrayed. The nose is not soft per se, however, it does recline into your nostrils with non-aggressive warm bread, flowers, honey and peach pit scents, picks it up some via herbaceous and salty notes, some dried white citrus pith too, strikes a nice balance between accommodating and interesting. Medium-bodied, the carbonation lends it added creaminess, gently fills the mouth. Here the citrus and peach, apple, apricot fruit sweeter, especially as it warms. The honey to brown sugar element fits in just fine here, although tends to cover up the floral side some. The salt and pepper, dried grass and mineral notes dry it out as it gets nearer the finish. Again, neither hops nor malts predominate, any bitterness simply brings needed freshness vis-à-vis the underlying sweetness. Maintains its grip long after you swallow, while easy to drink could as easily be underestimated.
4 out of 5

Mikkeller
Beer Hop Breakfast (Oatmeal Stout Brewed With Coffee)
American Stout
Denmark
7.5%
16.9oz, Single
$11.49
Thick two finger head of super dark brown, surface filled with larger bubbles which contributes to a steady dissolve, you can watch it disappear, the lacing has moderate strength but not so much density. The liquid is fully black, however, you see some tiny bubbles rising inside and the outer rims and surface take on a yellow hue, looks sturdy. The nose offers palpable coffee roast along with powdered chocolate and cocoa, big burst of pink grapefruit and pine betrays the hops presence, in some ways the green herbal nature becomes dominant, minor notes of plum or cherry fruit, doesn’t come across as sweet as expected. Medium-bodied, what’s there feels heavy on the tongue, here the roast more pronounced and bitter, coffee grounds, dark chocolate, mocha, tar, tobacco resin with toasted bread more than softer yeast accents. The pine, grapefruit and leaf to grass hops bust right up the middle, minimal sweetness found on the tongue too. The carbonation is subtly refreshing more than a definite presence. No real fruit presence, the finish becomes more astringent to bitter. Tastes clearly like a fusion of two different beers. More curious than pleasurable.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Out Of Bounds Stout
Irish Dry Stout
Colorado
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.79
Almost two fingers of dark brown foam, highly dimpled surface, looks like someone just whipped it with an egg beater, decent retention given the large amount of larger bubbles, the lacing is not thick but stays present in wide sticky sheets on the glass sides. The liquid is close to black but you come down deciding it’s really just very dark brown, touch of orange at the glass bottom. Loads of roast to the nose, still it’s the green, herbaceous hoppiness which is most evident, this over coffee, cocoa and malted milk ball accents, pronounced floral side too, the burnt qualities make it difficult to discern much fruit, its general dryness makes an impression just smelling it. Full-bodied, close to heavy but more so just dense for the sake of being dense, nothing gained texturally from it. Here the dryness takes some sting out of the roastiness, palate already deadened some. Dark roast coffee beans, cocoa to pine, dried flowers, earth and tar bring big pucker factor. The carbonation does not distinguish itself, however, doesn’t really seem undercarbonated either. OK, a pinch of cherry to red plum fruit. Could give you a little more to love here but no doubting its strong personality.
3 out of 5

Matt Brewing Company (Saranac)
Irish Red Ale
Irish Red Ale
New York
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Moderate one finger plus head of light tan coloration, evaporates too quickly to really dimple, mostly smaller bubbles, the lacing appears a thin sheet which drifts quickly down the side of the glass. Copperish color to the liquid, very clear with a horde of loose bubbles rising inside, more bright orange around the rims. Pralines, candied nuts, brown sugar, molasses, kind of grapey with date, fig, banana aspects, does have a bit more grains and hoppiness than expected, gives it better posture in the nostrils. Light-bodied, would likely feel flat were it not for the quite aggressive carbonation which keeps it sloshing around the mouth. Here you get a light metallic aspect along with quinine and more indistinct herbaceousness. Not as sweet as the nose would suggest, however, you do get caramel, cane sugar, molasses, bubblegum notes along with Challah bread. The fig, apple, pear fruit basic enough, supplemented by some orange peel. The nuttiness helps flesh out the finish. All in all, not bad for what it is but not something I’d seek out per se.
2 out of 5

Full Sail Brewing Company
Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Oregon
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
The moderate head crests a little below a finger’s worth of eggshell white foam, dissipates in a big rush down to a thin layer across the surface, what meager lacing there is sticks adequately. The liquid is more brown than copper, likewise more red than orange, very clear and transparent, extremely few bubbles visible. The nose conveys sweetness via caramel, milk chocolate, pecans and yeast, comes up with a little citrus and herbal hops but remains tame overall, when the floral notes appear they support the sweeter profile, difficult to name any particular fruit aspect. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is on the low side causing it to feel semi-flat on the palate. Drier here with grass, pine, white pepper and sea salt nuances, at the same time there’s nuts, graham cracker, caramel and chocolate to bring it back to the middle. Which is where it resides, pleasurable but playing it safe. Fruitier through the finish with apple, peach and apricot notes. Hard to really fault it but, at the same time, doesn’t get you too excited to pop open another.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2012

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Boont ESB (Extra Special Beer)
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
California
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.49
Creamy microfoam head of eggshell white, doesn’t dimple as much as form rolling hills across the surface, excellent retention with thick and sticky lacing as well. The liquid is hazy and opaque, a glowing orange to yellow color, a few trace loose bubbles discernible within. The nose features honey, bread, cocoa dust, malts with some peat moss, dried lemons, coal tar, matted meadow grasses, some peach to apricot fruit, it’s not really that funky but by the same token the word “clean” does not leap into your mind either. Full-bodied, creamy attack which segues into a bitter finish with a light metal to iodine ring to it. All the apricot, peach, yellow apple, pear fruit as well as white grapefruit to lemon citrus feels pressed, ripe but all the juice forced out. Honey, maple syrup and cocoa fill in some blank spots, buttered biscuit more burnt than undercooked. The carbonation is perhaps too fluffed up to keep the whole clear and linear. It’s interesting at times but not the sort of brew you really want to invest a lot of time or gullet space to.
2 out of 5

NoDa Brewing Company
Coco Loco Porter (Brewed With Toasted Organic Coconut)
American Porter
North Carolina
6.3%
64oz, Growler
$13.50
Dimpled head of a little over a finger, peppered with larger bubbles which create the uneven surface, however retention is very good and the lacing forms an intricate and full weave around the glass sides. Black and fully opaque liquid, some yellow to a dilute orange at the glass bottom and rims, populated with a horde of microcosmic bubbles loosely floating upwards. Very steady roast to the nose without pushing into acrid or bitter territory, dark chocolate powder, coffee, peanut brittle, the coconut almost gets lost in the shuffle, the hops punch throw decisively, pretzel dough, salt, grasses and more sour grain notes, appears to want correct posture and plenty of zip in your nostrils over sweetly soaking in. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is energetic yet fine, lends creaminess to the overall texture. Dark chocolate, cocoa, vanilla powder and butterscotch come to the fore before any coconut, here the roast is dialed back, cutting down on coffee accents. Some raw, uncooked nuttiness. You get mixed dark fruits in trade off for the citric element. The hops less obtrusive here and just add pep and lift to the finish as well as inner mouth perfume. While dry, keeps you sipping.
4 out of 5

The Alchemist/Ninkasi/Stone Brewing Company
More Brown Than Black IPA
American Black Ale
California
7.4%
12oz, Single
$3.29
Nicely whipped up head, crests near two fingers, plenty of larger bubbles forming islands here and there, pretty deep tan color, good retention, lacing is wispier than expected and doesn’t stick much. Murky brown color with a yellow tinge, huge amount of floating particles inside, saved lots of money on filters. The nose filled with pine sap, sour oranges, flowers and pineapple, nectarine, green apple, peach fruit, maybe you get discern some cocoa, mocha or coconut but it’s close to seeming 100% hops, doesn’t last especially long. Full-bodied, bitter and resinous, glues itself to your palate and starts scrubbing away. The coconut, caramel, butterscotch and chocolate comes through clearly here. Still, the pine and herbs bring pucker, joined in this by tart grapefruit to orange citrus. The pineapple, papaya, nectarine fruit sour too and not very flavorful. The carbonation gets aggressive and contributes to its lack of overall balance and rougher texture. The heat is evident, were it not for the sweetness of that caramel and coconut oil you might need a throat lozenge for relief. No doubt it accomplishes its intent.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2012

Highland Brewing Company
Thunderstruck Coffee Porter
American Porter
North Carolina
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Presents two fingers of dark brown foam, islands of larger bubbles create an uneven surface, not the longest retention so it smoothes out as it settles, while thin the lacing sticks for an extended period. Spotless black liquid, now and then you see a few tiny bubbles make a run for the surface, very thin orange band around the glass bottom. The coffee roast in the nose is thick but not heavy and, actually, not as overly dominant as expected, chicory, lemon peel, bitter dark chocolate and a few coconut flakes slip in, some mint or other herbs, dry nostril texture with no real fruitiness, penetrates like an arrow. Medium-bodied, unyielding at moments, yet releases enough to flow forward. As before, the coffee roast is not bitter nor aggressive if omnipresent. Any nuttiness equally met by lemon to grapefruit citrus accents, especially as aided by mineral water flavoring. Sweeter grains and blanched nuts center it. The carbonation has a light fluffing sensation, peters out by the finish. Its lack of ostentation a big plus. Still, for its complete lack of flaws does not particularly compel you to have another.
3 out of 5

21st Amendment Brewery
Back In Black Black IPA (American IPA Brewed With Rich Dark Malts)
American Black Ale
California
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Yields a big three finger head of deep tan color, quite airy, little dimpling, almost entirely microbubbles, the lacing is noticeably thick and sticks excellently. Not quite fully black liquid, more like brackish, muddy water, lots of brown with some yellow touches, plenty of floaties inside too. The nose has a gentle roast to it, coffee, cocoa, mocha and malted milk balls, brings some raisin to plum fruit too, nice floral dew, macadamia nuts, dried orange peel, requires concentration to register its complexity but it is there for the taking. Medium-bodied, at times a touch too foamy but calms down quickly, this added creamy texture helps reign in the hoppiness albeit it by no stretch gets close to greenness or bitter puckering. More dark chocolate and coffee bean than sweeter caramel or toffee, some milkiness though. The nuttiness higher here, that macadamia plus pecan and Brazil nuts. Conversely the citrus recedes yet you get more pine. Not sweet enough for raisin, stays in the plum, peach, cherry and apple range. Clings to your mouth pores, borderline oily. A very interesting as well as chuggable beer that is not worth getting pedantic about in terms of general categorization.
5 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Ta Henket (Beer Brewed With Za’atar, Doum Fruit, And Chamomile)
American Pale Wheat Ale
Delaware
4.5%
25.4oz, Single
$13.99
Pours a monumental head that fills half the glass with wispy of-white foam, not much retention, dissolves without dimpling, the microbubbles all knit together, average lacing, not a lot but what’s there sticks in wide splotches. Copper orange to yellow in color, decent clarity, hue depth also adequate, like zero bubbles to be seen, kinda just looks like “beer.” The nose is quiet to subtle, brown bread crust, pretzel dough, salt and pepper, orange to lemon reduction, peach, apricot, pear and melon fruit scents, the chamomile comes through clearly, honey and then some cloves but really no one element leaps out at you here. Medium-bodied, more savory than sweet, carbonation is low but still more than you’d expect from visual inspection, salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, metallic flecks and a light pinch of clove and cumin. The chamomile more muted here, however, the orange, lemon, white grapefruit citrus lasts fully throughout. As in the nose, mildly surprising strength in the apricot, peach, apple, melon fruit, nothing too sweet but ripe and consistent. The herbaceous element rises as it warms. As with many one-off beers from this producer it very credibly feels as if it was made according to some exacting ancient recipe. Naturally, this can be a good or a bad thing.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
American Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Oregon
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Nice, full two finger head of orange-tinted tan, almost all microfoam with an even surface and delicate to the touch, the lacing is not overpowering but where it sticks it sticks in thick streaks. The liquid is a cloudy, glowing, opaque amber red, every bit true to the category, equal parts brown and orange rust, hordes of loose bubbles scattered throughout. The nose seems to take pains to play down the malt side of the equation, all pine, peat, salt and pepper, unprocessed grains and dry earth before allowing room for any butterscotch, caramel hard candy or cocoa accents, does not display discernible fruit nor citrus notes, lasts well without being showy. Medium-bodied, outsized carbonation fluffs it up big time in the mouth, at times you feel like its gonna escape your pursed lips. While there is an underlying astringency, here you get a lot more caramel, toffee, creamed coffee as well as cocoa roast. The grains turn towards country style bread and biscuits, less herbal. Here you get a splash of grapefruit and sour orange alongside the more saline aspect. Stains the palate deeply, you can taste it fully long after you’ve swallowed. Well-crafted and unique in subtle ways.
4 out of 5

Butte Creek Brewing Company
Organic Porter
American Porter
California
6.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Thin head of basic tannish brown, dissipates swiftly down to the barest surface coating, the lacing slides fully off the glass sides back into the abyss below. Clear liquid, mainly brown yet with a strong reddish cast, you get a hint of metallic orange at the glass bottom, widely dispersed storm of tiny bubbles easily visible. The nose is fairly demure, has a clean roastiness to it, dark chocolate, mocha, coffee beans, more grapefruit than other citrus, cherry and blackberry fruit, some mineral water, keeps hinting at deeper complexity but then not delivering. Medium-bodied, the active carbonation takes its feet moving and creates counterpoint to the underlying creaminess. Basic profile of chocolate, cocoa, coffee, caramel, condensed milk and cola, not truly that roasty nor toasty, while not that sweet either. Here more orange citrus evident, teams up decently with bitter herbs and bread grains, nothing overtly grassy. Some earth, metal, sparkling water aspects. It’s extremely safe and by-the-book character at once it’s strength and weakness. Very good drinkability.
3 out of 5

Full Sail Brewing Company
Session Black Lager
Schwarzbier
Oregon
5.4%
11oz, Single
$1.59
Around a finger of deep tan foam, lots of larger bubbles interspersed creating a dimpled surface, not much retention and dissolves to the surface quickly, any lacing evanescent as well. Rich brown to orange in color while remaining fully transparent, shines vividly in the glass. The nose is not really that smoky and puts the spotlight on caramel, honey dolloped breads, brown sugar, cola bean and a touch of café au lait, minor element of grains and yeast, the plum to black cherry fruit has some prune in it, average length and staying power. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is not that big, however, it does steadily churn across the tongue and relieves some sweetness. That said, the smokiness here too is a barbecue grill nature and plays to the molasses, caramel, brown sugar, grilled nuts, cola and mocha chocolate. More breakfast danish sort of breadiness than dinner breads or pretzels, no pronounced hops presence. The fruits more a mix than distinct flavors, dark berries and cherries. In the end it’s the carbonation which saves it and allows it to be “sessionable.” Could put back 2-3 before getting bored.
3 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Hop Notch IPA
American IPA
Utah
7.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Sort of thinnish head, around a finger’s worth of just off-white foam, moderately tight weave helps retention until there’s just a few islands left, the lacing is wispy but sticks alright. Exquisitely clear copper orange colored liquid, glistens in the glass, virtually no bubbles visible though. Playfully scented nose of hothouse flowers, pine sap, pink grapefruit to tangerine citrus and an erect spine of herbal hops and pepper, the apricot, peach, pineapple fruit more muted, in the end more sweet than bitter but not lacking in the latter, quietly worms its way into your nostrils like it owns the deed. Medium-bodied, places the bitterness and leafy hoppiness upfront for an initial puckering effect, then allows the general creamy mouth texture to take over, orange pekoe tea, licorice, pine, sourdough bread segue to fuller pineapple, mango, peach, apricot fruit. Pink and white grapefruit, tangerine, mandarin orange, citrus soup in your mouth. Carbonation has a keen prickle to it but neither broad nor especially long lived. Very clean finish, refreshing and tingly. Could drink a lot of these ice cold.
5 out of 5

Butte Creek Brewing Company
Organic Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
California
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Pours a large three finger plus head of extremely delicate off-white foam, craters more than dimples, you can feel the bubbles pop against your lips, while thin and wispy the lacing sticks very well. While clear enough, the orange to yellow liquid has a metallic sheen and traps light within to glow, given the immensity of the head few bubbles visible within. Bitter nose focusing on pretzel dough, salt and pepper, green grasses, sour lemons, earth and a metallic minerality, light cocoa powder presence otherwise malts pretty subdued, same thing for any mixed white pit fruit scents, lasts decently but stays monochrome. Full-bodied, dense with the sort of carbonation which pushes against your cheeks rather than scrub clean. More baked bread and grains than raw dough, not as tart as the nose might suggest, some residual sweetness in the grapefruit, lemon citrus as well as peach, apricot, apple fruit. Still, retains that metallic aspect which in turn elevates earthiness and pepperiness. More leafy than grassy here. Some pine cone, not sweet. Gets tiring to drink after awhile, not good for the category.
3 out pf 5

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Chugged in December 2011

Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co.
Red Nose Winter Ale
Winter Warmer
North Carolina
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Close to two fingers of deep tan foam, dense with good retention and some dimpling, mainly smaller bubbles, while not a lot of stickiness to the lacing it does take a good while to slide down the glass side in a solid sheet. Very deep reddish brown clay in color, some yellowing around the rims, mostly opaque, a few beads of tiny, widely spread bubbles visible. Nose highly spiced, full of cinnamon, clove, anise, juniper as well as mocha, milk chocolate, toffee, strong mixed citrus presence, some cherry, plum, apricot fruit, overall dry in texture, almost dusty. Full-bodied, again spicy with that juniper, coriander and licorice it almost seems like gin at first, then you got a healthy dose of chocolate, cola, clove, nutmeg, caramel and toffee which both sweetens and normalizes it. Lots of carbonation with a fine prickle rather than creaminess. Strong orange citrus infusion. Moderate peach, red cherry, pear, apple fruit. Comes close to trying to do too much but manages to get it all cohering in the end. Fun and can appeal to a variety of personal tastes.
4 out of 5

Lost Coast Brewery & Cafe
Winterbraun
English Brown Ale
California
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Big three finger plus head of dark tan, fairly whipped up and airy yet has decent retention, the lacing is thick yet slides down the glass sides swiftly leaving a streak here or there. Dark brown colored liquid with a yellow tint, fairly transparent, sedate and inviting presence in the glass. The nose has lots of scone, biscuit and flaky dough in addition to cocoa, mocha and caramel, with all this yet manages to stay firm and dry, the plum, cherry scents have a dried fruit character with raisins and dates mixed in, light leafy, herbal matter too which helps give it character and balance. Medium-bodied, lots of carbonation and churn in the mouth, given this still glues itself to the palate. Loaded with chocolate, cocoa flavors, very dominant, the caramel and toffee a clear second. The breakfast breads and doughiness counterbalanced by orange zest and tea leaves. Pinch of cinnamon powder. As in the nose the components suggest sweetness more than the whole delivers, not necessarily a bad thing and makes for improved drinkability. Roastiness present throughout but restrained. Not much not to like here.
5 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale (Ale Brewed With Natural Flavor)
Winter Warmer
California
6.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.49
Little over a finger’s worth of eggshell white to brown foam, fairly dense with decent retention, the few larger bubbles scattered, not much lacing, more of a thin sheet which slides effortlessly down the glass sides. Filmy liquid, lots of aggressive bubbles floating throughout, orange base with brown mixed in, more yellow around the edges, captures light to create a healthy glow. There’s vanilla, clove and caramel in the nose but a lot of the time the peat moss, grains and wet iron notes rise above, light smattering of peach to apricot fruit scents, more textural fullness than aromatics. Full-bodied, sufficient carbonation to create a slow lift, not leaden. Not especially sweet but there’s date, clove, fruitcake to caramel elements, some orange peel and peach, pear too. More scone or biscuit than bread or dough, Not as herbaceous here as in the nose yet the earthy, metallic nuance persists. Root beer and vanilla appear as it warms. Rich finish, no loss of body, maybe contributes to a general sense of booziness albeit without any burn. Strikes you as a food beer, needs accompaniment. Not something you’d want more than a couple of in a single sitting.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Homunculus (A Belgian Style Golden Ale) (Big Beer Series)
Belgian IPA
New Hampshire
9.9%
22oz, Single
$6.59
Pleasantly frothy head of about a half finger, eggshell white, not much retention but the lacing has a good deal of stickiness. Remarkably clean and transparent liquid, shows a semi-metallic orange coloration, only a few random bubbles meandering about within. The nose has a slight grainy to rye quality, boozy too, flowers, vanilla bean, spiced orange peel, more raw pie dough than yeast, maple syrup, peach and apricot then pineapple fruit scents, that booziness helps it last. Full-bodied, the carbonation is present throughout but not sufficient to impact the general creamy mouthfeel, just brings a percolation under the surface. Richer and close to poached feel in the apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple, guava fruit. This aided by juicy pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus notes. Crusty pie flakes and dough, cinnamon and nutmeg, no real “sharp” spiciness, maybe a pinch of pepper. Light pine to green herbal matter nuances but not incredibly hoppy, too heavy and sappy to pierce the palate. Vividly flavorful, not that complex, the booziness present in the mouth too. Quite fun to drink yet hard to imagine drinking a lot of it.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2011

Stillwater Artisanal Ales/Mikkeller
Two Gypsies Our Side
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$12.69
Pours with a head that fills half the glass, very delicate froth of just off-white color, too fine to really dimple, surface looks more like sand dunes, minimal stickiness to the lacing. The liquid is translucent and close to opaque, heavy yellow to orange rust water hue, lots of active bubbles moving about within. The nose comes across as drying, lemongrass, straw, white grapefruit pith, black tea leaves, leesy yeasts, pressed flowers, snap peas, crisp apple, peach, pear skin scents, touch of banana alongside mocha powder, retains focus and sense of purpose well. Medium-bodied, high prickle factor from the carbonation breaks up the muscularity of the brew, still it flexes more than moves. Sweeter tangerine, grapefruit, lemon citrus here, leads the way for basil, pepper and pine sap accents. A bit too tangy for the chamomile-led florality to really soak in, however, the peach, apricot, nectarine, apple fruit able to maintain a steady presence. While leafy on the whole, nicely balanced by softer bread and pastry flake notes. Understated complexity, as if you’ll find in it what you individually seek.
5 out of 5

Dugges Ale & Porterbryggeri AB
1/2 Idjit! Imperial Porter
English Porter
Sweden
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$7.79
Super aggressive barely yields a head, thin layer of large dark brown bubbles, no foam, gone in a nanosecond, same can be said for the more or less nonexistent lacing too. The liquid is dark brown to black with a serious amount of big, chunky floaties inside, touch of yellow around the rims. The nose comes off as quite dry and dusty even, cocoa, mocha, coffee grounds, anise, dried flowers, challah bread, sour lemon peel and fig, peach fruit with a metallic edge. Medium-bodied, flat mouth presence with little carbonation or real energy to it. While the roast is very evident, there’s sufficient vanilla and butterscotch to sweeten up the dark chocolate powder and cocoa, albeit that coffee element pulls it back towards bitterness. That black licorice, anise and floral thing persists, were it deeper it could really turn the tide for this brew. There’s a freshly herbaceous pucker through the back half which relieves some monotony. This aided by a certain salinity to brininess. Interesting even if you can’t say it’s all that satisfying.
2 out of 5

Butte Creek Brewing Company
Organic Pilsner
German Pilsener
California
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Thin head, barely more than a covering layer of bleached white, hard to call it foam, the lacing is thin and slides swiftly down the glass sides. Pale glowing yellow colored liquid consistent throughout, very few and widely scattered loose bubbles. Sweet nose of honey, biscuit, buttered scone, cocoa powder, almonds, floral water, lemon juice, then peach and apricot fruit, has a hoppy herbal side but it never rises above accompaniment element. Full-bodied and much foamier than expected from its visual appearance, fills the mouth close to completely and close to heavy for its type. Caramel, honey, butterscotch, biscuit, croissant, corn syrup and lemon peel. Garden herbs, wildflowers, wheat germ, saline, and a light quinine touch. Green and red apple, pear, peach fruit full with both juice and snap. Can’t quite say it is refreshing, easier to aver that this beer makes it hard to kick back and relax.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2011

Otter Creek Brewing/Wolaver’s
Oktoberfest
American Amber/Red Ale
Vermont
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Finger plus of darker tan foam with an orange cast, good mix of bubble sizes which likely contributes to the so-so retention, not much lacing there, a few wisps here and there. The liquid displays a pretty orange rust to zinc color, captures light well and glows warmly, minimal visible bubbles, if any. The nose has a taut, erect presence with saline, pretzel dough, biscuit, green grass, rye, and cracked black pepper, mutter of flowers but very little fruit, peach and apple, and only slightly more lemony citrus, penetrating power and length best attributes. Medium-bodied, lots of prickle and tight carbonation, surprising given how little was visible. Oily, if dry, mouth feel, clings to your pores. The salt and pepper and hoppy herbaceousness streak to the forefront, more pretzel, pumpernickel and sourdough bread notes. The malts smooth out the finish but flavor-wise there’s no real distinctly sweet malty flavors. As it warms you get more orange and lemon pith. This in turn brings out some minerals and metals. At first makes you curious, after awhile it just starts to tire you out.
2 out of 5

Butte Creek Brewing Company
Organic India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
6.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Big foamy head, easily over two fingers, airy and delicate yet with excellent retention, almost so whipped up as to not look like distinct bubbles, the lacing has more moderate stickiness but what’s there clings. Filmy dark orange colored liquid, mostly consistent with a slight yellowing at the rims, lazy fat bubbles spread widely rather than in beads. The nose has a clear cocoa, chocolate touch which pairs with the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus and flowers for an easy to access experience, goes light on the grass or any biting hoppy elements, splash of pine, very pungent during the pour, in the glass it could use more length. Full-bodied, the carbonation keeps it aggressively swirling around the mouth, probably relieves some of what remains formidable sweetness, especially candied grapefruit, tangerine, orange citrus. The cocoa powder still present if quieter here, instead you get a lot more herbal bitterness and unprocessed grains and a touch of earthiness. Solid core of peach, apricot, pear, red apple fruit. While the flavors are sweet, the tacky residue it leaves on your tongue makes for a drier finish. Friendly in style, refrains from seriously challenging you.
3 out of 5

Paulaner Brauerei GmbH & Co. KG
Oktoberfest-Märzen
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Germany
5.8%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$11.69
Light tan to eggshell white colored head, crests at about a half a finger, minimal retention and evaporates down to the surface quickly, little stickiness to the lacing as well. Clear amber orange to brown in color, lightens to a yellowish orange at the glass bottom, only a trace of bubbles visible. While there’s a decent core of malted milk balls, caramel and molasses to the nose there’s also a surprising amount of herbaceous notes and raw grains, at times gives it as much of a pretzel dough as bread character, offers more lemon zest than mix of peach, apple, pear fruit scents. Medium-bodied, zesty and refreshing mouth feel with that herbal side paired with pepper and flowers, the lemon contributes to forestalling the arrival of the caramel, molasses, honey aspects. White raisin and fig supplement the peach, apple fruit here and helps sweeten the back half. Carbonation is somewhat weak, more tiny prickle than a real contributing presence. Still, overall its freshness is appealing and it hits the “sweet spot” frequently enough to stay balanced and approachable.
3 out of 5

Cigar City Brewing
Jai Alai India Pale Ale
American IPA
Florida
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
About a finger’s worth of off-white foam, not especially frothy and the retention is average at best, the lacing comes in solid sheets but little stickiness. Murky orange-amber in color with more of a brown than red cast, solid glow throughout, not too many bubbles visible. Sweetly hoppy nose of pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pineapple, nectarine, apple fruit and flowers, does show a piney resinous to cut grass and herbaceous side, peppery too, powerful lift and staying power. Full-bodied and close to thick, coats the palate and heavy on the tongue. The carbonation has more fluff than prickle but not that strong in either sense. Dry on the whole, the orange, lemon, grapefruit citrus dominant yet without sweetness. More biscuit, bread here with a touch of honey. The florality very pretty and spreads through the finish. More bite than juice in the peach, apricot, nectarine fruit, falls short of tropical. Very consistent presentation and very good balance, perhaps not that complex but easy to enjoy and doesn’t unnecessarily seek to push the envelope.
4 out of 5

New Belgium Brewing Inc.
Hoptober Golden Ale
American Blonde Ale
Colorado
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
You get two fingers of pure white foam, loose and delicate, heavily dimpled surface with islands of larger bubbles, lots of stickiness leaves serious lacing residue behind. The liquid is not cloudy but it’s not crystal clear either, golden yellow with a vague hint of orange, random super-tiny bubbles float within. The nose first hits you with pepper, green grasses and grains as well as white grapefruit to lemon zest, slightly warmer there’s richer apricot, peach fruit and flower accents, ends with an earthy, metallic ring, aggressively jabs you. Medium to full-bodied, given its generally creamy mouth texture it is surprising how bitter it can seem at times, the hops are green and verging on mean. The pepper, saline, quinine and just plain poor dirt at once lends it punch and dries things out some. The white citrus adds more scrubbing sensations. Hidden off to the side are the peach, apricot, pear fruit as well as floral dew. It’s on the aggressive side, that creaminess really saves it from becoming overbearing. Could put down a couple in a row but that’s it.
3 out of 5

Uinta Brewing Company
Punk’n
Pumpkin Ale
Utah
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Mildly whipped up one finger head of mixed bubble sizes, fades away quickly to leave a thin coating across the surface, the lacing is wispy and not longlasting either. The liquid presents a pretty orange bronze color with a brown tint, moderate transparency and only a few visible bubble beads. The nose features much more spice than outright pumpkin, loads of cinnamon and ginger scents as well as flowers and lemon peel, has a brisk and penetrating feel to it, cleansing presence in your nostrils. Medium-bodied with a fizzy, if clipped, carbonation which stirs things up during the mouth entry. Here the pumpkin comes through much clearer along with a vanilla to whipped cream aspect. This not to diminish the sharp spices, no denying them from start to aftertaste. The white citrus larger while there’s also bread crust and straw notes, more “hoppier” than “hoppy” per se. Well-integrated and thirst quenching, delivers the flavors you expect without overdoing it.
4 out of 5

Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co.
Buckshot Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
North Carolina
4.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Thin head of dark cream white, lots of larger bubbles help it dissolve down to the surface quickly, any lacing slides down the glass sides rapidly enough too. Very clean and transparent amber red color, lightly hued, only a few random bubbles scattered here and there. Sweet nose of caramel, toffee, chocolate and croissant to pastry dough flakes, does manage to mix in some bitter hops notes, green and leafy, light black tea accents, little really discernible fruit or citrus elements. Medium-bodied, foamy and on the creamy side in terms of mouth feel, here you do get peach/apricot and lemon peel along with the cut grass and mineral to metal fleck flavorings. In the end, though, it still comes back to the malty caramel and toffee stuff. Some pucker on the finish. Credible enough but not likely something I’d actively seek out. Suspect it tastes better on draft than in the bottle as here.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2011

Erdinger Weissbräu
Oktoberfest
Hefeweizen
Germany
5.7%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$12.49
Huge frothy three finger head, close to bone white, while delicate has very good retention and staying power, close to no lacing though. Mild haze to the bright golden color, slight zinc tint, plenty of thick bubble beads visible and pretty damn transparent when factoring for that haze. Sweet nose of honey coated oats, orange glaze, molasses and challah bread, solid contribution by apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit too, pretty floral dew notes, more yeast than real baked bread, attractively open and appealing. Full-bodied with broad, fluffy carbonation which creates more volume in the mouth. The softness allows it to soak into your mouth pores while it still has a relatively clean finish. Lots of fruit here, a range of apricot, pear, apple, peach and a hint of banana, sweetens further with orange pulp flavors. The wheat seems incidental to the whole. More caramel and toffee than hoppiness, suggestion of clove or other sweet spices. Sufficiently dry finish to avoid sugary residue. Quite fun to drink but not necessarily a complex, cerebral brew.
4 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Belgo Anise Imperial Russian Stout (Ale Brewed With Anise, Oak Chips & Belgian Yeast) (2011 “Odd Year” Release)
Russian Imperial Stout
California
10.5%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Just under two fingers of deep chocolate brown colored head, the foam displays decent retention, more stick found in the lacing, splotches all over the glass sides. The liquid is the obligatory starless night black, fully opaque, barest hint of orange rust hue at the glass bottom. The nose is milky with hot chocolate, licorice, anise, toffee and scone crumb notes, even with its dense presence in your nostrils there is some white citrus and pepper lift, quiet undercurrent of herbal matter too, nice persistence. Full-bodied, can’t quite call it creamy in feel because it’s so layered and heavy, but has more contour than bite. The anise is, of course, pronounced and here seems to alternate between supplementary spearmint or ginger nuances. Cola, milk chocolate, coconut slide onto the stage. Sweet lemon extract. Moderate doughiness or breadiness. The carbonation gives it a good try but it’s up against a lot here, tickles best as it finishes. Not an especially complex brew but one which will satisfy if you find the primary flavoring agreeable. If not, won’t be of much interest.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Joe’s Premium American Pilsner
American Pale Lager
Colorado
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Thin but creamy bone white head of moderate staying power, a minute or so later dissolves off to a dusting across the surface, the lacing forms a solid sheet at first but it too doesn’t stick around long. Mild cloudiness to the otherwise brightly glowing yellow hued liquid, scattered tiny bubbles throughout. The nose has a sharp profile to it, salt and pepper along with sour lemons and a pinch of dried lawn grass, more earth than dough or bread, barest hint of apricot but no real fruit presence nor is there anything you’d really call sweet per se, deepens into the nostrils well. Medium-bodied, highly carbonated but tightens up into little pinpricks as it progresses through the palate. Grains, grass, earth, minerals and iron flecks predominate, more biting and bitter than fresh, although does invigorate. White grapefruit joins the lemon citrus and a slight uptick in the apricot, peach, red apple fruit department. Some sourdough to rye bread notes. Hard to discern a meaningful sweet malt presence. Certainly very active and energetic, however, not a beer you can easily relax with.
3 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Pennant Ale ’55
English Pale Ale
New York
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Moderate one finger head of darker cream white with less than average retention, the lacing forms a thin sheet down the glass sides that slowly slides into oblivion. The liquid is a slightly murky, muddy orange hue, as close to brown as to red, some loose bubbles trying to form beads here and there. There’s some roast in the nose alongside the caramel, honeyed nuts and hard butterscotch candy scents, does have a greener, more herbal side as well with some mixed white citrus spritz, apricot and apple fruit, muscular and lasts for some time. Medium-bodied, the carbonation wants to make it fluffy but it is pretty damn dense, not a beer which just glides down the chute. On the sweet side, the caramel, scone, soda bread pairs well with the peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit. Some lemon peel but nothing sour nor biting. Again, presents a grassy undercurrent but by no means a focal point, brings some bitterness to the finish. Suggestive of complexity while remaining safely accessible, I can see this as an “adventuresome” beer to some. Otherwise, would drink it if handed one but unlikely to seek out for further purchase.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Avery Anniversary Eighteen (Dry-Hopped Rye Saison)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Colorado
8.12%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Semi-aggressive pour gets you past three fingers of highly whipped and frothy eggshell white to light tan hued foam, solid retention down at around a half finger, the lacing forms broad streaks and sticks like glue. Coppery brown colored liquid, clean without blemishes, soft translucency prevents full clarity, hue consistent throughout. The nose first hits you with dry grains, rye and hay notes but there’s definitely a caramel, flowers and yeast component along with banana, peach compote and dried orange peels and black tea, tries to reassert a pepper and sea salt edge but to only middling effect. Full-bodied, the carbonation deserves kudos for adding to a somewhat energetic pacing, however, there’s lots of grip, especially in the sour pucker department. Rye and pumpernickel bread predominate, more crusty than soft insides. This plays up the pepper and green grass elements although the hoppiness never goes for the jugular. Apple, apricot, pear fruit more lean than softer banana. Lemon and orange and dried wildflowers contribute to erect posture. Really stays in the middle without taking unnecessary chances, touches of bubblegum and banana yet doesn’t go out on a limb to highlight the individuality of its elements. Has all the familiarity you crave with a slight swerve to make you think you’re in uncharted territory. Plays it safer than it should.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2011

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Jahva Imperial Coffee Stout (Stout Brewed With Coffee)
American Double/Imperial Stout
New York
10.6%
22oz, Single
$8.39
Aggressive pour easily gets you three plus fingers of head, creamy with moderate density, tickles your lips as it steadily dissolves down, a few islands of larger bubbles, thin web of very sticky lacing. Pure black liquid, clean but no real visual hook, full opacity. Not that roasty in the nose but shovels of cocoa and mocha powder, more like an infused coffee than pure java, then licorice and honey, maybe some wood or cigarette ash, grilled nuts, has a good core of peach, apricot, cherry and blackberry fruit, surprisingly on the whiter fruit end of the spectrum. Full-bodied but does have smoothness and flow while shedding heaviness moving forward. More like café con leche than American coffee, nuts, anise, flowers, cane sugar, coconut and chocolate powder. There’s some hoppy bite but nothing beyond merely adding posture. Given the types of flavors present, it finishes remarkably dry. Clings to the mouth pores if a tenaciously tacky manner. There’s a nice breadth of flavors but they never take on a distinct personality nor get right up after you. As a result, it seems more like a fun wine to chug than be challenged by. The lack of alcoholic burn is appreciated.
4 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Summer Solstice (Ale With Natural Flavor Added)
Cream Ale
California
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack (Can)
$12.49
Half finger of eggshell cream white color, densely solid with an very even surface, settles down to a thin surface coating, the lacing comes as a thin sheet down the glass sides, slips downward with ease. Glowing filminess to the amber to zinc orange liquid, easily opaque, very consistent from top to bottom. The nose does have a strong herbaceousness to it but quickly settles down into more vanilla cream, fudge, orange citrus and toffee to chocolate notes, pepperiness and rye bread notes bloom as it warms, the peach and apricot fruit scents more dense than expressive. Medium to full-bodied, the creamy mouth texture adds volume if not weight per se. Easy to identify the vanilla, butterscotch, honey elements but it’s the pepper, garden herbs, tea leaf and country style bread which gives it complexity. The orange creamsicle pairs well with pine notes. The carbonation is active but in a more fluffy than tightly woven manner. What deserves credit most here is how it remains true to its category but doesn’t settle for “simple” and leaves it open for the imbiber to just groove on the creamy sweetness or follow the more unique elements.
4 out of 5

Saint Somewhere Brewing Company
Saison Athene (2010) (Bottle conditioned Saison brewed with chamomile, fresh rosemary and black pepper)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Florida
7.5%
25.4oz
Single
$12.99
Good white froth through the pour but no real head per se as its gone immediately after the pouring stops, zero lacing as a result. Gauzy orange rust to yellow coloration, curiously there’s lots of bubble beads of larger sized bubbles but still no head, moderate opacity. The nose offers up a lot of tangerine, mandarin orange citrus along with rosemary, as much lavender as chamomile, very brisk overall with emphasizes green apple, pear and peach pit fruit scents, kind of too clean to really have an earthy, herbaceous side, good length. Medium-bodied, very tangy and at times close to bitter, the carbonation here weirdly “hard” and adds to chewy mouth feel. More peppery but nothing is going to come close to the primacy of the rosemary. The orange, tangerine citrus juicy and sweet before adding to the sour pucker at the end. The yeast not able to soften things much. Green apple, cherry, apricot fruit plus, a solid blend of disparate fruit flavors. Some black tea leaf notes. Too tightly wound for the chamomile to create a floral lift. This one has character in spades but it’s not that much of an easy drinker and it’s good to know that going in.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2011

Sprecher Brewing Company
Kriek Lambic (Ale With Door County Cherry Juice)
Lambic-Fruit
Wisconsin
5.0%
12oz, Single
$3.69
You get a thin coating of white to pink foam when pouring but after that it’s all gone except for what continues to break the surface from the general carbonation, no lacing. Bright red color, like a lollipop, lots of debris floating around inside, the bubbles are spread fairly widely and slightly sluggish. The sour cherry fruit comes through clearly in the nose, some green apple too, lemon juice, some yeasty breadiness, earthiness but no discernible spice. Full-bodied, the cherry juice adds weight and volume, arguably could use more aggressive carbonation to increase its ability to refresh. Once again, the cherry most dominant factor by a country mile, alternately sour or sweet. Lemon, apple and some leafy to twiggy notes bring some liveliness. The yeast is raw and more dough than anything baked. Moderate pucker at the finish but not that strong. No noticeable change when warmer. Nice enough but nothing to go hillbilly nuts over.
3 out of 5

Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V.
Negra Modelo
Münich Dunkel Lager
Mexico
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.69
Thin, less than half finger, head of loose larger bubbles, wastes little time all but totally evaporating, insufficient foam to leave much lacing behind, no stickiness. Deep brown hued liquid, however, crystal clear and transparent, mixes in light orange rust to yellow nearer the glass bottom. The nose is gentle and engaging, featuring caramel, toffee and corn syrup notes, honey and challah bread, brush of orange citrus and white pit fruit, low but noticeable toastiness, the hops kick it in a little late but stiffen the texture before it all dissolves. Medium-bodied, the carbonation a bit excessive for the level of body and flavor but does help on the refreshing scale. More of an orange to lime citrus presence as well as flowers and scrub grass, still there’s little debating that the caramel, malt, butterscotch and danish flakes remain in the driver’s seat. Any nuttiness weaves in and out, inconsistent. Apple, grape and apricot fruit flavors stay in the background. By the finish the carbonation weakens enough to create a smoother mouth feel. Earns its place as one of the more credible Mexican beers generally available.
3 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Imperial Gemini (50% Unfiltered Hoppe, 50% Unearthly) (Blended Unfiltered Ale)
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
10.5%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Huge frothy three finger head of off-white to slightly tan foam, miniscule bubbles of delicacy which create hills and vales more than dimples, forms broad sheets against the glass walls which slowly cascade downwards, very nice retention. The liquid is a murky chrome orange, just too dark to see more than shadows through it, pales to a more yellow hue at the glass bottom, minimal visible bubbles. The nose is like getting hit in the face with a coconut custard pie, however, no mention of oak use on the bottle, honey and caramel, has nectarine, papaya, pineapple, guava dried fruit and pink grapefruit reduction, some lemongrass, while it is big in scale for sure, thankfully avoids heaviness. Full-bodied, fluffier than might be expected from visual inspection, foams up in the mouth forestalling the herbaceous bite, pine and earthiness. The coconut custard recedes a few inches but this territory then occupied by butterscotch and caramel. Here the fruit moderates into guava, mango, peach and apricot with less tang while the tangelo, pink grapefruit citrus itself shows more bite and less overt sweetness. Sappy texture through the finish, stains your mouth pores. A big boy that makes its impression but not something you want to pound all night long.
4 out of 5

Brùton, Birrificio
Stoner Italian Special Blonde Beer
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Italy
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$15.99
Close to two fingers of slightly off-white microfoam, cluster of slightly larger bubbles aggregate at the spot of the pour, gentle stickiness in the wispy streaks of lacing. The liquid is actually a bright lighter gold hue but it is darkened substantially by the vast amount of particulate floating around, can’t really see through it. Given the yeasty, leesy elements in the nose it remains appealingly fresh and endowed with ripe apricot, peach, pear fruit, juicy orange citrus and pressed flowers, also produces wheat germ, pretzel dough and sea salt notes, never showy but always persistent, has a long presence. Medium-bodied, soft and creamy mouth entry with gradual stiffening as the carbonation starts to slowly scrub your palate. Honey and maple syrup accents pair with that peach, apricot, cantaloupe fruit to make it sweet overall, the orange to lemon citrus has a sherbet character. No lack of wheat, rye, multigrain breads, though. Sprinkles in salt and pepper while also possessing a light mineral water quality. Strikes you as happy with itself and wanting to make you smile too.
5 out of 5

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
Firestone Walker’s Reserve Porter (Proprietors Reserve Series)
American Porter
California
5.8%
22oz, Single
$5.49
A good pour has it crest at close to two fingers of loose, mostly smaller bubbles, whittles itself down rapidly to a fairly solid, steady tan to light brown surface coating, the lacing is quite credible, not thick but gonna need to be washed out of the glass. The reddish-brown liquid is of moderate clarity and neither close to transparency nor opacity, gives up a washed out orange to faint yellow hue around the rims. The nose has a pleasingly clean purity about it, malt cocoa, baker’s dough, anise and walnuts, maybe a hint of florality and glimmer of grapefruit, even without an obvious hops presence comes across as balanced overall. Medium-bodied with restrained yet ever-present carbonation, no bumps in the road, “tactful” comes to mind. There’s a lot more cocoa, mocha, dark chocolate here with toasted coconut to coffee accents. Blends in anise, rosemary spice, orange peel and a murmur of peach, apple, apricot fruit. More leafy, as in moist and fresh, than outright herbaceous, the hops component contributes to overall pacing and then lift at the end. Nothing to remark upon does not necessarily mean unremarkable.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
World Wide Stout (A Very Dark Beer Brewed With A Ridiculous Amount Of Barley)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Delaware
18.0%
12oz, Single
$8.99
Yields finger’s worth of deep tan foam, I’ve yet to hear as loud of a head as this, thunderous bubble popping, sizzles down to the surface with swift ease, a middle island refreshes regularly with new foam, no stick at all to what would otherwise be called lacing. Pure black liquid, immaculately clean and shiny, almost shockingly so, thin layer of metallic orange at the glass bottom. More char than roast to the nose, kind of like being in a smokehouse, then licorice, mint, the pine, flowers and grapefruit make this a hophead’s sort of stout, has a full-on mix of plum, cherry, grape, pineapple, peach fruit scents, the full spectrum. Full-bodied, low in carbonation yet smooth enough for good flow. The smoky roast in complete control and the barley sets a sweet foundation for the ensuing licorice, anise, orange marmalade, pine, carob, nuts and molasses. The grassy tingle and herbaceous bite has the power to break through the sweetness, especially at the end. An intentionally extreme beer, I’d use it solely as a dessert beer if purchased again.
4 out of 5

River Horse Brewing Company
Hop-A-Lot-Amus Unfiltered Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Jersey
8.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Three fingers of orange-tinged tan dense foam, mottled surface but no real dimpling, very good retention, curiously most of the lacing slides off, the wisps left pretty much dry where they are. They say unfiltered and they mean it, dense with floaties, brownish amber red in hue, mild softening to orange at the glass bottom. Sweetly hoppy nose emphasizing pink grapefruit, lime, tangerine citrus, pine resin, floral sap and semi-tropical pineapple, nectarine, mango, peach fruit, noticeable cocoa aspect, pinch of pepper, not that herbal, overall stays on the soft side. Close to full-bodied, here the bitter grassiness comes back with a vengeance, easily pushes back the grapefruit, orange citrus a notch or two as well as tarts up the pine element, the flowers pushed even further towards the rear. Conversely, you do get some chocolate, cocoa and caramel to sweeten the pot. Leaves your throat tingling at the end, some burn. Lots of intense flavor but in need of tighter synthesis.
3 out of 5

Ithaca Beer Company
Apricot Wheat (Wheat Ale Brewed With Natural Apricot Flavor)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
New York
4.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bleached white head of large bubbles which are gone seconds after the pour, no lacing at all. Huge amount of bubble beads inside the murky dark golden to amber colored liquid, close to fully translucent. Strong apricot on the nose with peach and yellow apple too, soft lemon juice accents, the wheat component is relaxed and hard to individuate, slightly honeyed, maybe the graininess comes out more as it warms. Medium-bodied, smooth and close to soft, only the carbonation adds a steady tickle. Not overly sweet but, again, the apricot is by far the dominant aspect, as supported by pear and peach along with juicy orange and lemon citrus. Moderate dosage of wheat, rye and some biscuit. Dries up sufficiently by the end to achieve balance, this without impinging on the friendliness of the fruitiness. If you want an apricot beer, this should be on the short list.
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Summer Love Ale
American Blonde Ale
Pennsylvania
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Little less than a finger of clean white foam, mostly smaller to medium sized bubbles, above average retention for what head is there, in turn the lacing is wispy but lingers in thin lines across the glass sides. Bright golden colored liquid with loose bubbles percolating throughout, light metallic reflective sheen, no real hue change at the rims or glass bottom. The nose is full of pepper, rye, pumpernickel and then dried flowers, dried oranges, lemongrass and a forgiving overall herbal bite, hints of apricot or peach fruit, while there’s no clear malty sweet element it doesn’t seem one-sided. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has some serious churn to it and gives it more energy than creaminess. Lots of green matter, earth and twigs/bark while remaining quaffable and never bitter. Pepper and some cumin to coriander, the flowers and mixed white citrus too dry to soak in. Pear, peach, apricot fruit more skin and pit than juice. Unprocessed grains and wheat germ around. When it’s ice cold it is thirst slaking and has the scrubbing power to remind you it’s there with each sip.
3 out of 5

Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co.
Wildflower Witbier (White Beer Spiced With Coriander, Chamomile And Sweet Orange Peel)
Witbier
North Carolina
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Little past a finger’s worth of bleached white foam, dissolves down into scattered islands and a thick accumulation against the glass, when swirled you get a full sheet of lacing along the glass but it’s greased and slides down the sides with ease. The liquid’s filminess helps the sandy yellow color glow, hard to see but there’s a few beads of tiny bubbles there. Innocently fresh nose of just cut flowers, baking spices, orange and lemon peel and raw pie dough, just exactly as advertised, pear, apple, apricot scents crunchy without seeming underripe, full lift. Medium-bodied, lots of foaminess yet the carbonation has a firm wiry quality too, definitely creates erect posture during the mouth entry. The coriander, ginger, caraway spice persists whereas the flowers can’t quite compete and falls back. The orange, lemon citrus struggles moderately too as well. The dough more bready here than pie or pastry like. The fruit too mixed to parse out. Mineral water notes through the finish. Because of its texture it likely would seem more complex to many than it is in terms of flavor and overall balance.
3 out of 5

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Sea Monster Imperial Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
California
10.0%
22oz, Single
$9.69
Gives you a solid finger of brown foam, very even with pimples of larger bubbles scattered here and there, settles evenly too with no dimpling, the lacing is thin but possesses highly credible stickiness and ads visual appeal. Fully opaque black liquid with barely a touch or orange at the glass bottom, not much more can be said. The nose is rich and powerful while unassuming and quite content to let you come to it than assault you, cocoa, mocha, licorice, Brazil nuts, vanilla powder, orange zest, oat cereal and granola, some cherry, plum to black grape fruit, not getting any real booziness here, sinks in without a thud. Full-bodied, likewise here it is clear it could make more of an “impression” than it does, the coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla bean brown sugar, licorice never that sweet while the hops bring pine, orange citrus and a non-bitter herbal component. The same cherry, plum, currant fruit evident and maybe a touch bolder. The carbonation is not absent but is no doubt simmering very slowly on the back burner. Those hops give it spring through the finish. Again, it is not too sweet but, by the same token, it would be difficult to call it a dry stout. You can call it highly enjoyable though.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
St. Boisterous Hellerbock
Maibock/Helles Bock
Pennsylvania
7.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
The head crests over a finger of some of the loosest foam possible, big bubbles pop and evaporate swiftly, the foam barely coats the surface, zero lacing. No beads, just random huge bubbles, has a clean light golden color of a slight metallic cast. The nose is based in pretzel dough, black pepper, orange marmalade, peach, apricot, green apple fruit scents and caramel, noticeably sweet overall with a moderate hoppiness at most, produces cereal and granola notes as it opens, quite full nostril presence. Full-bodied, its plushness and generally weak carbonation undermines the pepper, grass and straw but it is not wimpy, simply sweeter than may be desired. Displays orange, tangerine to almost pink grapefruit pulp citrus. Layers on the apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple, sugary and close to dried fruit in nature. Still, feels obligated to add a bitter twist to the end, this in spite of a syrupy mouth texture. Overall, feels and tastes like a “normal” everyday lager sent to finishing school and made from higher quality ingredients.
3 out of 5

Pangaea Brewing Company (Brewed At Sand Creek Brewing Company)
Liljas Hop Nest Monster Extra Pale India Pale Ale
American IPA
Wisconsin
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Two plus finger of bone white head, thick coating of delicate microfoam with excellent retention, more cratering than dimpling, sticky lacing stains the glass walls almost completely. Somewhat dark golden color that flirts with amber, no visible bubbles but there are some floaties in there. Broadly arrayed nose, curious lactic notes alongside an otherwise conservative orange, lemon citrus, pine cone, dried flowers base and a smattering of apricot, peach, yellow apple scents, small amount of brown sugar and caramel makes for a soft landing. Medium-bodied, the gentle and mostly fluffy carbonation acts as a counterbalance to grass, hay, herb elements. Touch of pepperiness enlivens the middle while the apricot, peach, pear, apple fruit swell to fill in most blanks. Dries through the finish. No one element leaps out at you but it coheres as a basic “fastball down the middle” IPA that is drinkable, if not memorable.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2011

Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Cerveceria
Mexicali Special Dark Beer
Münich Dunkel Lager
Mexico
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Gives up two fingers of eggshell off-white color, densely woven foam although fairly poor retention, does however settle down in a steady surface coating, the lacing appears in the form of a thin complete sheet sliding down the glass wall. The liquid is a clear brown amber, not quite dark enough for mahogany, much more orange around the rims and glass bottom, loose scattering of bubbles random throughout. Malty nose of milk chocolate, caramel, butterscotch and coffee ice cream, displays nuttiness and sweet grains as well, while there is a sizable portion of hops and earth it has been more or less “defanged” and serves merely as counterpoint to the sugary malts. Medium-bodied, very soft in mouth feel and texture with a round foaminess than only gently prickles now and then. Has a mineral water freshness to temper the sweet inclinations of the caramel, toffee, chocolate flavors. Touch of orange citrus here as well as florality, likewise room made for subtle apple, pear, red cherry fruit. Again, more grains or granola than grasses, hardly anything “bitter” about it. Ends cleanly and without dulcet residue. Credible as a “sessionable” brew and can see putting a few down accompanied by spicier Mexican or other similar fare.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Robert Johnson’s Hellhound On My Ale (Ale Brewed With Lemons)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Delaware
10.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Very foamy, a pour down the middle of the glass yields an initial four fingers of tan to eggshell white, considerable amount of medium to larger bubbles which keep it loose and add to dimpling, retention is good given this, the lacing is not only sticky but thick and pushes piles from the glass. The liquid is an burnished orange chrome to zinc metallic color, some tiny floaties in there. The nose steadily builds in presence, mixing mocha and cocoa notes with a base of sweet tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus, pine and rose petals, its grassy bite cancels out some of the sugariness in the apricot, peach, apple fruit, develops some peat and earth nuances, not simply dependent on sweetness for effect. Medium-bodied, here the foaminess attempts to soften the brunt and create a more creamy texture but only partially succeeds, the bitterness of the grass and herbs the largest factor plus the alcohol brings some burn here. The citrus more lemon, white grapefruit, sour orange in the mouth, sticky and drying. The florality cloaked some, the cocoa to milk chocolate and caramel notes pick up some of the slack. Conversely to the nose, the ripeness of the apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple fruit brings sweetness. Any pine dry and tacky, maybe a pinch of pepper. After awhile the bitterness wears you out and draws your attention from the array of flavors.
3 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Iniquity Imperial Black Ale
American Black Ale
New York
9.0%
22oz, Single
$7.39
Two finger plus head of churned up, larger bubble infused dark brown foam, more hills and valleys than dimpling, the lacking streaks are thin but numerous and cling very well. The liquid is black but without the über-density of so many, allows you to get a sense for its innate clarity, this more so as there’s a wide burnt amber coloration at the glass bottom, quite attractive overall. Thick, close to dewy nose of warm milk chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, licorice, candied orange peels, cashews, all this tends to cloak the plum, cherry, apple fruit, too soft to be really roasty, the florality the most pronounced signature of any hops, nothing close to herbaceousness. Full-bodied, the carbonation builds quickly, possesses a tight enough weave to keep the mouth feel firm. Layers of chocolate, coffee, caramel, butterscotch, for all of its sweetness stays in balance, especially with a mineral water, earth element in play. More green grass and a touch of pine here, the orange citrus met equally by white grapefruit. Has a tingle to it but has a “wet” and clingy feel and does not ever take on a powdery texture. To me, drinks like a chocolate infused porter but, hey, I am unsure if anyone knows what an “American Black Ale” is supposed to taste like. Just tastes good tonight.
5 out of 5

Sprecher Brewing Company
Black IPA
American Black Ale
Wisconsin
22oz, Single
$5.89
Be careful when you pour or you’ll get half a glass full of deep brown foam, airy enough to resolve downwards rapidly, loose tiny bubbles popping across the surface, the lacing forms fairly thick streaks and possess excellent stickiness. As one might imagine from the label, the liquid is jet black, vague orange glow at the glass bottom. The nose has a good amount of roast without being annoying or pushing bitter, almonds, cocoa, dark chocolate, cafe au lait, these tend to outlast the pine sap, orange peel as well as green apple, pear, peach scents, no meaningful herbaceous bite, not sure based on the nose that you’d peg this as an IPA, black or otherwise. Medium-bodied, finishes with good lift and release, however, in general it is wiry and firm with no fat on its bones. The roast is smooth with mocha, cocoa, dark chocolate, falling short of coffee and with no real sweeter aspect such as caramel. The orange citrus stronger with a hint of lemon or white grapefruit. The carbonation brings more fluff than necessary, odd given the overall taut feel and could just as well be more tightly knit. Metallic, minerally ring to it, still clean and does not seem interested in delving deeper in earthy, grassy territory. The same white fruit array of pear, apple, peach, apricot appears near the finish line. Very good, if not especially memorable, could throw back a few particularly if ice cold.
3 out of 5

Alpine Beer Company
Captain Stout
American Stout
California
6.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Large and bubbly head, easy three fingers during the pour, large concentration of big bubbles in the middle simmers down to a more consistent surface which retains at the one finger level, dark brown in hue, the lacing is thin yet clings impressively to the glass. The liquid is fully black, skips brown and goes straight to orange for a thin stripe at the glass bottom. The nose is noticeably dry and somewhat sour as well, oats, grains, breads, sour milk mixed in with dark chocolate, cocoa and coffee grinds, more herbaceous than nutty, the fruit is muted but what’s there is sweeter than the rest of the scents, nectarine, peach, melon, the roast outlasts all else. Medium-bodied, if flatfooted, picks a spot and just sits there. The carbonation is too weak to add liveliness. Same emphasis on coffee, cocoa, mocha with heavy roast leading to dry mouth feel. Here orange citrus sweetens the pot some, even as the apple, peach, white grape fruit struggles to find a place, not the usual darker fruit profile. The nuttiness comes through more, the bready, yeasty notes less so. Keeps its weight throughout and never gets undesirably bitter. Leaves you wishing there was more breadth of flavor as well as sweetness, drinkable but not remarkable.
3 out of 5

Cucapá Brewing Company
Chupacabras
English Pale Ale
Mexico
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Around a finger’s worth of orange tinted tan foam, more uneven surface than dimpled, mix of bubble sizes, adequate retention and nothing more, the lacing does stick excellently though. The liquid is a mix of brown and orange hues, perhaps too dark for pure amber, mildly more yellow around the rims, not much visible carbonation. Grainy, hoppy nose that is decidedly on the bitter side of things, the grapefruit to orange citrus sour and dry, even the flowers seem arch, the apple, pear, peach fruit scents fill out as it warms while retaining cut and penetrating power, cocoa and vanilla powder maltiness rounds things out somewhat, sniff when you want a challenge back at you. Full-bodied, on the heavy and leaden side, the carbonation is soft and full bringing a creamy mouth feel to match up against the general bitter bite. Sort of boozy feel and bourbon like flavors, the peat moss to crabgrass keeps it green and mean, lots of salinity and minerality too. The orange citrus tart and more pith than pulp. Comes across as well-malted, however, the caramel, chocolate, cocoa flavors are hard pressed to speak clearly but do feed into that hard alcohol profile. Interesting and not sure it easily fits into any recognized style.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Holy Moses White Ale (White Ale With Spices And Chamomile)
Witbier
Ohio
5.4
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Presents two fingers of bleached white microfoam, light and airy, delicate dimpling effect as it dissolves, decent retention and the lacing too sticks around a touch longer than expected. Pale yet bright straw yellow colored liquid, considerable amount of bubbles whirling around as well as fine particulate matter, certainly plays the part visually. Unusually thick and dewy nose, lemon to orange juice and reduction, coriander and cinnamon spice, croissant dough and fresh yeast, lemongrass and violets, apricot, peach and some banana fruit, the chamomile semi-muted. Medium-bodied plus, feels fluffy and very expansive, the carbonation helping it fill the mouth entirely. The clove, coriander, cumin to black pepper spice gives it verve and here the lemon, orange citrus drier and with more zing. There is a bitterness in the grassy element, more pronounced as it warms. Yeast, pie dough, honey comes through, finishes sweeter with elevating apricot, peach, apple fruit. The flavors are deep if not especially complex, what makes the beer is the alternation of textures, very tactilely engaging.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2011

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Sculpin India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
7.0%
22oz, Single
$9.69
Average pour gets it foaming up close to half the pint glass, settles for a bit in the three finger range and then down from there, slightly off white, hard to imagine more whipped up froth and airiness, very good retention as well as gluey stickiness to the thick lacing streaks. Deep golden hue to the liquid, slightly metallic looking, consistent throughout, curiously for all the foam virtually no visible bubbles. Sour, zesty orange and grapefruit citrus sets the tone early in the nose, pepper and salt, fresh green grass, pine cone, pressed rose petals, wild yeasts, way in the back row you may find a few chocolate and coffee notes. Full-bodied, here the huge foaminess brings a creamy texture to balance against the bitter invasiveness of the hops. Grains, grasses, snap peas, pepper, coarse country breads, pine, coal tar, no doubt your tongue tingles and feels alive. The sour grapefruit, orange citrus leaves some room for the apricot, peach fruit to vaguely soften things. As in the nose, the cocoa, malt and coffee accents are super-subtle, more present at warmer temps. Given its high energy level is not over the top and pretty close to true stylistic form. Hard not to feel refreshed after a few sips, doesn’t need to be mixed with Red Bull.
4 out of 5

Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Parrot In A Palm Tree Holiday Baltic Porter (Malt Beverage Aged In Port Wine Barrels)
Baltic Porter
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Finger and a half of large bubble dominated head, steadily settles down to a consistent surface coating, solidly brown in hue, the lacing is not particularly thick but what’s there has decent stickiness. Mildly murky yellow brown colored liquid, up close more transparent than expected, not to call it transparent per se, orange rust at the glass bottom, a few bubbles laze about here and there. Malted milk balls, coffee ice cream, nuts and pie crust flakes make up a good portion of the nose, the date, black and golden raisin, fig, apricot fruit a consistent presence, some orange zest and juice, gossamer pepperiness, on the whole not as boozy as might be expected and more intelligently integrated rather than showy. Medium-bodied, the carbonation can kick up some dust and keeps things rolling at a fast clip from the tip of your tongue down past your tonsils. Flowers, pine and green apple flavors tease out drier malt and cocoa powder, not that sugary sweet. This not to underestimate the coconut, butterscotch, molasses and candied nuts. Smooths out appreciably through the finish bringing more peach, cherry, raisin and fig to the fore, mix of red and white fruits. The orange citrus a light touch at most. Hard to derive clear hop flavors but its general erectness and drier nature suggests their presence. More vinous than woody, no real char or oak toast. Hard for a beer with this much going on to seem close to subtle but pulls it off. High drinkability given its inherent nature.
5 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
Beerhive Tripel (Ale Brewed With Honey & Ginger) (2010)
Tripel
Michigan
8.47%
22oz, Single
$8.59
Crests above three fingers of looser microfoam settles down to a steady half finger of orange tinged off-white color, the lacing starts to move swiftly down the glass sides than suddenly seizes up and sticks. Light gauziness to the glowing amber color, sunset reds and oranges, very fine and tiny bubbles. While the nose is sweet it is in no way heavy and maintains admirable clarity among its elements, the honey does not seek too much terrain, likewise the ginger is fresh and clean like at a sushi bar, has a lingering pepperiness as well, then milk chocolate, sweet lees, apricot, peach and nectarine fruit scents, as much peat as flowers, longlasting presence. Medium-bodied, again fresher and more nimble than might be expected, the carbonation light on its feet and greases forward momentum. Hard to make a case for it as a classic “tripel” but taken on its own merits, there’s a lot to like in the ginger, pepper, salt spices and honey, molasses and chocolate, once more, without it being a sugar fest. The orange, tangerine infusion comes at the right time and supports the honey while brings a touch more sourness. Coats the palate well by the finish, as a result the peat and dirt elements soak in. This tastes like a luckily executed experiment, to be thought of as “extra-category” and, if so, not that hard to find a good few reasons to like it.
4 out of 5

Grand Teton Brewing Company
Pursuit Of Hoppiness Imperial Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Idaho
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Finger plus of orange tinged tan foam, even with a good amount of larger bubbles achieves a thickness and solid retention, slow dissolve without much dimpling, likewise excellent stick to the lacing residue, glass needs to be washed to get it out. Fully opaque without seeming filmy, rich glow in the redwood to mahogany, amber doesn’t really do it justice, virtually no fade at the rims or glass bottom. The nose is packed with scents without getting heavy or inert, super-ripe tangerine to grapefruit citrus and molten milk chocolate leads the bunch, fresh honey, butterscotch, cooling multigrain bread, cashews and Brazil nuts, flowers, has lemongrass, forest floor earth and lichen like growth to bring things into balance, very light pepperiness, remains highly accessible without sacrificing complexity for those seeking it. Full-bodied, the creamy mouth entry shifts into a drier, more tingly feel as the hops assert themselves and the carbonation uses its tight weave to drum out a steady beat against your tongue. Orange, tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus mainly sweet but definitely has a sour edge as well. The milk chocolate remains the primary malt flavor, butterscotch and coconut flakes next, doesn’t push things too far. Ample peach, apricot, pear, yellow apple fruit with a nod towards pineapple and guava. Some pine and flowers, less earthy here but perhaps more minerally. Ridiculously easy to drink. (Bottled on 12/7/10.)
5 out of 5

Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma S.A. de C.V., Cerveceria
Bohemia Clásica
German Pilsener
Mexico
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.19
Little over a finger of pure, blinding white foam, lacks density and with a good portion of larger bubbles resolves down to the surface rapidly, you get a little residual concentration along the glass sides, the lacing is minimal but not nonexistent. Golden colored liquid of credible depth and solid throughout, even darker when peering down into the glass, the small bubbles well dispersed. Straw, sweet grains and corn make up a good portion of the nose, however, it’s not simple nor obvious, has a fine quality which slowly draws out pepper, orange peel as well as peach, apple, pear scents, not that sweet while also avoiding any bitter greenness. Light-bodied with a steady, refreshing carbonation which scrubs the palate. The orange, lemon citrus plays to this nicely, as does the pepper to light clove spice and pressed flowers. Shade of natural country bread but not yeasty, more crunchy in feel. The apricot, peach, apple fruit close to evanescent. Maybe, just maybe, a dollop of honey. Again, more humbly constructed than simple, just a beer trying to be a beer.
4 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Side Project Volume 14: Tomfoolery Black Saison Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Georgia
7.3%
22oz
Single
$7.99
Pours a large three finger plus head of whipped up brown foam, while airy and loose has decent retention, evaporates evenly if without much lacing. The liquid is indeed black as advertised, turns to a dark brown at the glass bottom with a thin stripe of orange. Malty nose doesn’t evoke saison much, milk chocolate, caramel, coconut, Brazil nuts, cloves, cola, sweetly smoky, quiet insertion of orange zest, vague pie crust dough, hard to figure the hops, there is a stiffening feel in the nostrils before the scents all gone but no clear presence. Medium-bodied, however, sluggish enough to slow to crawl after it first touches the tongue. More roast here via coffee bean, darker chocolate and hint of chicory, the carbonation is tight and helps as it can. Sweeter caramel, clove, nuts and orange pulp fill the center but it is drier here than in the nose. Fig, date to apricot, pear, cherry fruit a minor presence. Peppery at times, some dried straw or grass, again few distinct footprints of hops but generally stronger presence through the finish. There’s a fair amount of going on here but it lacks a guiding principle to forge a choral voice.
3 out of 5

Goose Island Beer Company
Pere Jacques Belgian Style Ale (2010)
Dubbel
Illinois
8.0%
22oz, Single
$9.49
Couple fingers’ worth of frothy deep tan foam, dimples a lot due to the presence of many larger bubbles, nothing special about the retention, lacing comes in wide sheets but too slick to stick. Light redwood reddish brown in color, good brightness given the depth of hue, loosely organized but active bubbles percolate throughout, clear until you start pouring the bottom of the bottle. Hard to imagine the being sweeter, loaded with caramel, chocolate, toffee, brown sugar, molasses, prune, fig, plum, cherry and apricot fruit, orange marmalade, bubblegum, candied nuts, on the hops side has pine and flowers, nothing too biting. Full-bodied and on the heavy side, the carbonation has the texture of cotton candy, more gluey than lifting. In spite of this there’s more room for more focused clove, ginger and pepper spice, quinine and earth. This forestalls the eventual onslaught of caramel, toffee, molasses, maple syrup, chocolate and so on, the orange to lemon citrus retains that syrupy and candied character. More yeastiness here with that bubblegum to banana touch. Plum, fig, date, cherry, apricot, peach flavors, nice mix of darker and lighter fruits. Booziness elevates as it warms, more rum notes and feels like it goes to your head faster. One glass is really all you need.
3 out of 5

Cucapá Brewing Company
Honey (Malt Beverage Brewed With Honey)
American Blonde Ale
Mexico
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Finger’s worth of tan to eggshell white foam, a lot of larger bubbles which hampers retention, thin and wispy lacing doesn’t gain much traction either. Orange colored liquid with more of a brown influence than red, subtle yellowing around the rims, not hazy but there is a translucent semi-opacity, no beads but plenty of loose bubbles floating around inside. The nose is fresh with a firm and steady lift, the honey is gentle and not a huge presence, you almost get more chocolate and caramel, mixes in lemon drop candy and pressed flowers, some breadiness, apricot and yellow apple fruit, more sweet grains than grasses and little bitterness. Medium-bodied, the honey steps to the fore here, especially as supported by lemon and orange citrus. Glazed brown bread, more cocoa than chocolate, clear expression of butterscotch and caramel. The carbonation is above average with distracting. The peach, apricot, apple fruit peters out by the finish where it’s more minerally and close to earthy. Still, no green or herbal qualities. Good balance, never gets too sweet as to lose its more refreshing qualities. Nothing remarkable but quite drinkable, could throw a few down in a sitting.
3 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Anvil Ale ESB
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
California
5.5%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Yields about a finger of deep tan foam, high percentage of larger bubbles results in a swift dissipation to scattered islands across the surface, the lacing too slick and crystalline to cling to the glass walls. Deep bronzed color reddish-brown until a bright orange develops at the glass bottom, trim with a mild translucent blurring, rivulets of tiny active bubbles along the insides. The nose barely betrays any bitterness, a novice would be confused by the category name, all softer malts and caramel, butterscotch, heavy cream, milk chocolate, buttermilk biscuits and nuts, nearer to room temperature you get peat and earth accents and a lifting florality. Medium-bodied, the carbonation works hard to prevent things from congealing and, for the most part, succeeds. That said, it is not a thirst quenching, refreshing quaff. The sweetness of the caramel, chocolate, butterscotch joined here by fig, raisin, cherry, apricot fruit flavors. The nuttiness likewise has more of a candied than roasted nature. The floral notes swell in the middle then segue into mineral water, earth, grass. Still, no sense waiting on any bitterness as it’s not really coming. As a quality beer it’s tasty enough, does wear you down some through the second pint. Not sure it’s a “classic” ESB.
3 out of 5

Port Brewing Company
Panzer Imperial Pilsner
American Double/Imperial Pilsner
California
9.5%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Totally out of control head easily fills half the glass with an average pour, just off-white with a loose construction, you really feel it pop against your lips as you sip, more hills and vales than dimpling, lacing all but completely slides down the glass sides. Lightly filmy yellow to orange colored liquid, achieves a full translucent depth, few bubbles visible but they are large and move slowly. The nose retains that pretzel dough, crusty quality with salt and pepper notes, however, more raw herbaceous bite than might be expected, peat and earth, then dried orange and lemon peels, briefly passing peach and apple scents, stiff and penetrating, allows few moments to relax. Full-bodied with a plush and creamy mouth feel, the carbonation is sneaky in how it covers ground cheek to cheek to add further fluff. At first much sweeter than the nose might suggest, grapefruit and orange as much pulp as zest. Aided and abetted by pine sap then appears milk chocolate and some pressed flowers. Apple, peach, apricot fruit competent, still, gets successively drier towards the finish. Offers less yeast, dough, bread than in the nose, maybe it’s the dryness. Keeps the hoppy bite while avoiding bitterness. Just leaves you feeling it’s more of a DIPA than anything else. That said, it’s fun albeit more “interesting” than mindlessly enjoyable.
4 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Mutiny Fleet Imperial Aarsh Red Ale
Irish Red Ale
Maryland
7.0%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Thin head, less than a finger of deep tan foam, mixture of bubble sizes, dissipates with ease, the lacing is wispy, however, sticks in fairly wide streaks. Deep amber red color with a mild metallic orange tinge at the glass, a few meandering bubbles as well as tiny particulate matter. While the nose has a hoppy spine of grass, herbs and pepper, it mostly expresses chocolate, cake crumbs, carob, caramel and grilled nuts, soft touch of fig, cherry, blackberry fruit scents, not especially citrusy nor flowery. Full-bodied, the carbonation may be too fine to do more than lift it just off the tongue. Tends to layer itself on the palate, does have a slight mineral water aspect to balance out the caramel, butterscotch, milk chocolate and coffee candy aspects, never gets excessively sweet although you’re unlikely to call it dry too. Here you get a clearer expression of white grapefruit to orange citrus. Challah bread, scone and lower nuttiness, any toast or roast kept well in check. Fig, apricot, peach, cherry fruit, not as dark as delivered in the nose. Keeps that peppery bite, especially at the end. For its weight has good drinkability, maybe suffers from not taking more chances at forging a distinctive personality.
3 out of 5

Goose Island Beer Company
Sofie Belgian Style Ale (2010)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Illinois
6.5%
22oz, Single
$9.49
Even a careful pour yields near three fingers of loose and delicate bone white foam, looks like whipped egg whites, dimples a lot as it rapidly dissolves down to the surface, minimal stickiness to the lacing. Bright golden hued liquid with decent clarity, what is does have is a veritable maelstrom of bubbles swirling inside, light enough that there’s no discernible loss at the glass bottom or rims. The nose is a tightly woven series of jabs, mostly white grapefruit and mandarin orange, apple, pear and peach scents with an emphasis on skin, flower blossoms and golden honey, moments of clove and pepper, yeast and perhaps a slight briny influence along with moss and other forest floor matter. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is too foamy at first but does subside some with time, also churns things sufficiently to dampen overall sourness. Lemon, white grapefruit, mineola oranges a fine pair for the clove, coriander, cumin spices. The yeast and bread neither too dry nor sweet, helps anchor the whole in the center. Were there more tang and sugar there might be a tropical character to the apple, nectarine, apricot, pear, red cherry fruit. The grassiness keeps it on the lowdown, tickles the tonsils without looking to get up in your face. Factoring for the carbonation, it’s really not that sweet and the high degree of citrus keeps it on the refreshing side of things, good drinkability.
5 out of 5

Otter Creek Brewing/Wolaver’s
Alta Gracia Coffee Porter (Ale Brewed With Coffee And Vanilla Beans)
American Porter
Vermont
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Rich, creamy two finger head of brown foam, mainly a weave of microbubbles, about average retention, leaves thick lacing streaks which might need to be washed out to disappear. The liquid on the whole is black with a slash of reddish orange at the glass bottom. The coffee is obvious from the first sniff, more of a roasted bean quality with a light bitterness, only a splash of milk, cream or vanilla, same for caramel, butterscotch and grilled nuts, strong undercurrent of green grasses, while obviously focused on the coffee does not come across as unbalanced or unnecessarily aggressive. Medium to full-bodied, the dry mouth texture helps it stay refreshing and actually speeds it up rather than slow it down as it moves through the palate. The dark roasted coffee bean element decisive with an oily character and smoky perfume. The vanilla bean lacks the power to sweeten the pot, stays in the background with the honey and caramel. The carbonation does not seem weak yet just manages a steady lowkey prickle. No distinct fruit nor citrus flavors although there’s a sense of the latter. Same hoppy green notes with maybe a smidgeon of pine. Offers a mineral water note to cleanse the finish. High quality coffee intensity here.
5 out of 5

Porterhouse Brewing Co., The
Wrasslers XXXX Full Stout
Irish Dry Stout
Ireland
5.7%
11.2oz, Single
$4.69
A strong pour gets you over two fingers of whipped up and semi-delicate larger bubbles, very dark tan to lighter brown in hue, leaves an intricate web of thin lacing behind around the entire glass sides. Pure black liquid throughout, up against the glass you can see tiny bubbles rising swiftly. The nose not quite roasty but heavy on the malts with coffee, dark chocolate and mocha components, supplemented by caramel, leesy yeast, sour milk and a bit of peat and earth, some undistinguished black fruits, not much lift but what is there lasts pretty well. Medium-bodied with a hard steel posture, stays rigid for no apparent reason. Dry with a creamy mouthfeel from the carbonation until the “bitter end.” Burnt cocoa, powdered dark chocolate lead with a slight sweetening effect from the honey, toffee and prune, plum to cherry fruit. Momentary glance of sour grapefruit to orange citrus. Hay, straw, grass make an appearance. Relentlessly dry and bitter, keeps kicking long after you’re down and stopped fighting back. Even if exaggerated, stays true to the category but hard to imagine putting yourself through more than one in a sitting. The Ireland Irish must be gluttons for punishment if they can drink this in meaningful quantities.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2011

Sprecher Brewing Company
Brewmaster’s Premium Reserve Pipers Scotch-Style Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Wisconsin
8.27%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Little over a finger’s worth of tan to camel hair colored foam, poor retention with it swiftly fizzing down to not even a full surface covering, in turn the lacing is close to nonexistent. Dark reddish copper color with more brown than orange, no filminess but slight translucency, a few random bubble beads to be seen. The nose has a very smoky nature with peat moss, tar, metallic earth and mineral water notes, behind this wall you get caramel, vanilla, banana and butterscotch, some apple and pear fruit, the rambunctiousness of the smoke keeps it in the forefront. Full-bodied, the carbonation is average and there’s not a strong sense of movement, however, it never feels really “heavy.” This may be attributed in part to that smokiness, has a sweeter complexion with honey, mesquite, caramel notes. The peat qualities more part of the whole here, not as acrid. Still has a metallic rust ring to it, enough so to challenge the banana, peach, apricot, fig fruit flavors. Smattering of mixed citrus zest. Mouth feel gets drier as it finishes. This is a very interesting beer with some unique qualities, would show best with a cigar or a hearty meal like beef brisket.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
17th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA (Pale Ale Aged On Oak Chips)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
10.0%
22oz, Single
$9.39
Pours a lush two to three finger head of dense foam, orange-tan in color, admirable retention, the head is solidly woven enough that the lacing is wispy at best. Copper hued liquid, the red embellished by orange and then brown and yellow tints, clear with a surprising lack of visible bubbles given the volume of the head. Distinct vanillin butterscotch and caramel scents to the nose, touch of bourbon, the energetic herbal matter outlasts the sweeter grapefruit, tangerine notes, mixes in standard pine as well as a patina of chocolate dust. Full-bodied, dense with a slowly churning sort of carbonation. Sweetly glazed bread with honey, ginger and coriander. Then comes the vanilla, caramel, cocoa oak explosion, this cloaks most else. That said, decent amount of peach, apricot fruit to buttress the pink grapefruit citrus. The herbaceousness recedes a bit here and mixes into a leavening earthiness to tame the bitterness factor. Its weight and sticky palate grip makes it such that refreshing of thirst quenching are not phrases likely to come to mind. The malts play an increasing role in smoothing out the mouth feel both towards the finish and as it warms. Steroidal but not misshapen.
4 out of 5

Alpine Beer Company
Duet IPA
American IPA
California
7.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
With a solid pour you get about a finger of just off white foam, majority medium to larger bubbles with below average retention, runs down to the surface quickly, the lacing sticks in random splotches more than streaks. The liquid has a zinc orange metallic look to it, much closer to yellow than any red, no cloudiness, a few trace bubbles here or there, consistent down to the glass bottom. Hop-driven nose of pretzel dough, salt, pine cone, herbaceous matter and earth, gets right up in there and starts scrubbing, plenty of brawn in the grapefruit to blood orange scents too, not a lot of fruit, mixed white pit fruit, thin dusting of cocoa powder accounts for the presence of malts. Close to full-bodied with a noticeably firm mouth feel, the carbonation has the grit of semi-fine sandpaper, persistent from mouth entry through finish. The tangy white grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus zings your tongue alongside the pine, iron flecks, pepper and salt bits. Were the total experience more “wet” the peach, nectarine, apple fruit might appear more tropical. Cocoa, mocha accents dry themselves, offers some yeast to multigrain bread dough. About as “chewy” as a regular IPA can get, not really an easy sipper but deserves attention for achieving personality.
3 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
X Extra Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
California
5.0%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Huge frothy head, easily over three fingers, close to bone white, completely delicate and airy microfoam, decent retention notwithstanding with moderate dimpling, the lacing tends to glide off the glass walls rather than stick. Pale golden liquid, faint hint of pumpkin orange, loads of tiny bubbles rise throughout, average clarity. Bodacious tangerine, white grapefruit citrus swells in the nose, lighter pine and flower petals nothing close to that citrus, murmurs of pie dough, clove and then apricot, peach, pear fruit, the malts must be most evident via textural smoothness than scents, the hops here nowhere near bitter bite. Medium-bodied, a touch foamy during the mouth entry, small surprise given the visual bubbling and head. The citrus no less dominant here, however, more focused and sour, white grapefruit to lemon. Along with this comes more pine, coal tar, mineral water and grass accents. Conversely, the florality less pronounced yet this helped by broader peach, apricot, nectarine fruit. Displays enough yeast, dough onto just baked bread notes to soak up some sourness. Some salt to saline nuances through the drying finish. Briskly refreshing, very good liveliness, drinks better with a solid chill on it.
5 out of 5

Green Flash Brewing Company/Pizza Port Carlsbad/Stone Brewing Company
Highway 78 Scotch Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
California
8.8%
12oz, Single
$3.99
Thinnish head which peaks at less than a finger of off-white, tan foam then disappears swiftly, no lacing but does caterpillar walk down the glass sides in sheets. The liquid is not as cloudy as you’d think at first glance, just dark and devoid of most glow, the brown, orange color takes on a nondescript hardwood look, lightens into copperish hues at the glass bottom. The nose is oddly of few words, starts off with molasses, maple syrup, brown sugar, baker’s chocolate before veering of into prune, raisin, cherry, apricot fruit, some floral dew and orange reduction, neither boozy nor showing taut hoppy accents, maybe some forest brush smoke, not a lot going on here. Medium-bodied, the foaminess crests early through the attack and lends an appearance of weight that may not be there. Caramel and butterscotch take the leading role from the chocolate powder, molasses, coffee and vanilla beans still there’s a tacky quality to the mouthfeel, gets your mind thinking dry regardless of sugar content. Orange and tangerine citrus, pine, pressed flowers, adopts a more typical “Stone” sweeter hoppy profile, no meaningful bite. Scone, cereal, challah bread help fill the blank spots. This is an OK beer that, given its pedigree, should be better. (Bottled at Stone)
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Headwaters Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Pennsylvania
5.1%
12oz
6-Pack, $11.49
Straightforward finger of off-white foam, nothing unique about its retention, the lacing holds on in spots, transparent and spotless liquid of a red-tinged orange color, metallic sheen, very few bubbles to be seen, if any. During the pour a bodacious amount of pink grapefruit, orange citrus bursts forth, lively bitter hops keep you on your toes, some pine tar and earth, baguettes, salt and pepper, a pinch of bittersweet chocolate powder but not that malty, conversely the hops never use this opportunity to go for the jugular, quiet confidence leads to extended nostril presence and overall balance. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation is made of tiny, scrubbing motions with little foam. Strong mineral water, quinine, metallic character which gives it a raw and rugged freshness. Sourdough and wheat bread notes, salted pretzel dough, dried lemon and white grapefruit pulp, green lawn grass, some pine. Carob and mocha but no real sweetness in any of the usual malt-derived flavors. Florality spreads enough to allow it to avoid astringency. The hoppiness suggests pineapple, nectarine or papaya but, again, lacks the sweetness to deliver on this. More interesting warmer, more satisfying colder. A tactful, almost patrician, quaff.
4 out of 5

Stoudt’s Brewing Company
Fat Dog Imperial Oatmeal Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Pennsylvania
9.0%
12oz
6-Pack, $16.99
Finger plus of moderately dense dark tan foam, a few islands of much larger bubbles here and there, average plus retention, good thick streaks of lacing as well. Black liquid, certainly opaque, does offer up a dark brown to orange at the very bottom of the glass. Richly layered nose of chocolate, cocoa, café au lait, cinnamon spiced oatmeal, maraschino cherries and blackberries, brush of pine cone, the hops bring more stiffness than scents into your nostrils, pleasingly unforced length. Full-bodied, while massively scaled manages to avoid heaviness and any leaden qualities. Even with a bitter quality to the dark chocolate and mocha crisp component, still sweet with flowers, orange juice, cinnamon, cherry, blackberry to blueberry fruit, dab of raisin and molasses too. Carbonation keeps plugging away, credit due for insistence. The oatmeal flavor is distinct and at times sort of brings a nuttiness to the show. Some tar and asphalt notes in there at the end. Dry and crisp finish, the roast and the orange citrus arguably last the longest. Given its overall makeup and character, stays damn drinkable.
4 out of 5

Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V.
Victoria
Vienna Lager
Mexico
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Aggressive pour only gets you about half a finger of mixed bubble size head, pure white, lacks meaningful retention as well as lacing. The liquid is a blend of browns and yellows based in orange, has a metallic sheen which brightens it some, clear on the whole, a few lazy bubbles meandering here and there. Basic nose of grains, wheat, straw and then banana and corn, mild presence of flowers and peach, apple fruit, nothing really stands out from the pack, while uninteresting equally inoffensive. Medium-bodied, for its overall weight comes across as dense and unyielding, were it not for the charge put into it by the carbonation you might not feel it move. The initial sweetness provided by the banana, yeast, clove, flowers and corn fades in the face of wheat germ, rye and dried brown straw. Lowgrade mixed white citrus and stone fruits. More dirt than earthiness, increasingly metallic through the finish. Not much more to say, lacks the native complexity to elicit further prose.
2 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery/Victory Brewing Company/Stone Brewing Company
Saison du BUFF (Ale Brewed With Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
6.8%
12oz, Single
$3.99
Pours a huge frothy head of close to four fingers at first, could not be a more bleached white if it tried, as pure as freshly fallen snow, the surface has the consistency of whipped egg whites, decent retention closer to the surface, minimal lacing. Faintly glowing yellow color, consistent throughout, sort of pilsner-esque in hue, numerous highly active bubble beads fills the glass as well. The nose is texturally dry, at times almost makes you want to sneeze, pepper, raw grains, grass, bitter grapefruit to mandarin orange pith, after some acclimation displays pleasingly broad florality, fresh and just ripened apricot, peach, apple fruit scents, overall could stand a little more bottom. Medium-bodied, as might be expected the foaminess is noticeable, carbonation brings creaminess to an otherwise bitter, more high-toned experience. The white pepper persists and here the parsley, sage, et. al. more pronounced, you suspect that the apricot, peach, nectarine fruit has receded some, taking sweetness with it. The white grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus stays sour. Sourdough bread and maybe a shot of rye. Not a lot of “give” here outside of the carbonated fluff, perhaps waited too long to open it. (Bottled at Dogfish Head)
3 out of 5

Schloss Eggenberg, Brauerei
Samichlaus Classic
Doppelbock
Austria
14.0%
11.2oz, Single
$5.49
Extremely loosely knit and delicate head, gets close to two fingers during the pour but dissipates explosively, gone rapidly into a thin layer across the surface, as one would expect the lacing is likewise haphazard and short-lived. Quite clear amber red in color, light enough that you get yellow aside the orange hues at the glass bottom and rims, a few lazy bubbles visible here and there. The nose is incredibly sweet and fruity, oodles of raisin, fig, date, prune along with plum, cherry scents, no lack of ginger, cinnamon spice, syrupy canned orange slices, lilac air spray, molasses and honey, milk chocolate, lighter raw cookie dough, nothing distinctly opposes the sweetness yet does not seem out of balance. Medium-bodied, hard to believe that it’s actually sweeter and more syrupy here in the mouth. This even with fairly sharp-edged carbonation and a peppery kick. Molasses, maple syrup, honey coat the tongue, then chocolate, ginger, juicily sour orange to lemon citrus help it retain a credible energy level. The cherry, apricot, fig, golden raisin, banana fruit thus avoids a darker fruit complexion while staying concentrated and sugary. More scone, croissant, pastry flakiness here. Not sure how they categorize this as a “Doppelbock,” it’s much more intense than most. No alcoholic burn and, again, stays balanced, absolutely a “dessert beer” and understandable why it’s released during the winter. (Bottled in 2009)
4 out of 5

Otter Creek Brewing/Wolaver’s
Alpine Black IPA
American Black Ale
Vermont
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Big, close to three finger head, rich mix of varied bubble sizes, even dissolve without much dimpling, dark tan in color, lacing more along the lines of broad splotches than streaks, very good stick, barely moves long after the head settles. Liquid color certainly lives up to its billing, black and opaque, even if not “dense” in appearance, thin orange rust influence at the glass bottom. The nose is a pleasing mélange of malts and hops with cocoa powder, mocha, ginger snaps, walnuts and then tangerine zest, green hay and grass, wildflowers and a glance of apricot, red apple, cherry fruit scents, good stiffness and length. Medium-bodied, too tightly woven to be heavier, plus the carbonation has a steady, lifting quality which prevents too much soaking in. More overt roast here, at once plays up its overall bitterness while emphasizing mocha, cocoa, molasses, dark chocolate. That tangerine to white grapefruit element keeps the energy high while adding a bit of needed sweetness. Pepper and clove spice keep it lively, the herbaceousness stays in check. Not as floral here, however, the apricot, peach, apple fruit a tick higher. Dry finish with good grip and palate coverage. Excellent example of a category growing in popularity.
5 out of 5

Mad River Brewing Company
John Barleycorn Barleywine Ale (2008)
American Barleywine
California
9.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$15.79
Deep tan head of nicely dense foam, however, you can see the bubbles pop, moves like a barrel of worms until there’s nothing left across the surface, lacing is negligible. Full on chunks floating throughout the yellow-brown liquid, vague amber darkening at the core, muddy waters. Shows a few bourbon like notes alongside the chocolate, butterscotch, banana, fig, some corn and sweeter grains, mild orange reduction, scone to soda bread, has an unfortunate lack of explosiveness and weight, kind of folds in on itself. In the mouth it’s close to full-bodied, durable carbonation helps it expand across the palate decently. More fig, yellow raisin, date and then cherry, banana, blackberry notes, still not quite sweet. Brown sugar, maple syrup and chocolate likewise clearly present yet without much soothing ability. Orange reduction with an infusion of more sour white grapefruit. Nuts and rum cake, carrot cake. Metallic undercurrent along with a light pepperiness. Not sure if this bottle has faded some but it just comes across as lacking in self-assurance and richness of expression. So, physically drinkable without making you want to drink it.
2 out of 5

Coronado Brewing Company
Orange Avenue Wit (Wheat Beer Brewed With Spices)
Witbier
California
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.69
Bleached white head of close to two fingers, delicate and close to wispy, dissolves rapidly down to the surface, forms a thin sheet along the glass walls, almost reminds you of chain mail armor, credible stickiness given its thinness. Dark yellow to a shade before orange in the glass, would likely be clearer were it not for the spice particulate floating around, plenty of bubbles, larger and with good vigor. The nose on the whole is quiet so it does not take much for the orange zest to take a leading position, there’s a sweet spice presence as well as a pinch of pepper however both fade into the fabric, the wheat notes stick in your mind via power of suggestion, turns more floral as it warms, decent peach to apricot fruit as well, the malts likewise folded into the whole. Medium-bodied, the carbonation gives it good posture and increases overall mouth presence, Firmness tends to carry it beyond simple quaffing wit, this may be for the better or worse depending on your expectations. The orange infusion does well in not overplaying its hand, same for the coriander, anise seed type spices. The honey too brings needed sweetness but within a thought out framework. The malts tastes like malt as in malted milk balls. More quinine than wheat, grain or yeast flavors, not herbaceously bitter. Ultimately, not intellectually interesting, however, no problem throwing a few back if ice cold on a hot summery day.
3 out of 5

LoneRider Brewing Company
Peacemaker Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
About a finger’s worth of creamy tan foam, pools of larger bubbles spread throughout, the lacing sticks well at first and then peels off the glass sides, retention could be a touch stronger. Gently hazy orange copper color, seems to want to get to a redder hue but instead veers off into lighter yellow, few bubbles visible. Considerable cocoa and chocolate dust in the nose, supports the sweetness in the orange, tangerine citrus as well as peach, nectarine fruit, otherwise dominated by keen herbaceousness, pine cone, peat, forest underbrush, drives into your nostrils like it’s trying to kick down a door or something. Medium-bodied, somewhat calmer here but still flexing its muscles and trying to put its “six-pack” on display for all to see. This impedes a more fluid flow, enters the mouth and then gets stuck during the mid-palate. The mixed white to pink grapefruit, orange citrus clearly the major force, have to credit its inherent sweetness for its ability to stand up to the archly bitter and herbaceous hops, hard to believe this falls under the “APA” category. Pine, white pepper, black tea, twigs and tree bark support the general direction. The carbonation is strong and adds prickle without diminishing the overall density. On that score, weight outlasts most of the flavors, perhaps due to the paucity of apricot, peach fruit. In any event, tiresome halfway through the first bottle, not something I’d want to “session.”
2 out of 5

Deschutes Brewery
Mirror Pond Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Oregon
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Two fingers of straight ahead, basic off-white to tan foam, loosely constructed and infused throughout with larger bubbles, simmers down evenly, you get a sheeting effect on the glass sides at first that just keeps gliding rather than break into stickier streaks. Somewhat cloudy reddish orange hued liquid, consistent throughout with hardly any color loss at the rims, a few strands of bubbles here and there. Settles into your nostrils snugly and confidently, no great fanfare just multigrain bread, biscuit, tea leaf, green grass and pressed flowers, lowkey milk chocolate to toffee accents, a brush of apple, peach, pear fruit and then a splash of orange peel, fits together nicely as a whole with no one element dominating. Medium-bodied, similar user-friendly and balanced, knit-together presentation, little bit of pepper and maybe ginger spice or soy, then wet green hops and earth. The more you sip the more the bread, biscuit asserts itself, more dough than raw grains. It’s smooth enough already that it does not need the malts to do too much work in this department, hence the chocolate, vanilla and peanut brittle mostly under the radar. Nothing unusual about the carbonation, brings some fluff as much as churn. Mixed white fruits, moderately surprising you don’t get more citrus but nothing unsettling. Maybe a tick more bitter at the end than needed, otherwise delivers a compact, clear message of a brew which can be consumed in good amounts.
4 out of 5

Napa Smith Brewery
Organic IPA
American IPA
California
7.1%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.69
Gives you two fingers of creamy off-white foam, above average density as well as credible retention, a few larger bubbles interspersed through the froth, slides down the glass sides surprisingly easily, no much lacing left behind. Some cloudiness deepens the otherwise bright, glowing orange zinc to copper color, mild fade to a yellow-orange mix at the glass bottom. In the nose, once you get past the rich honey, caramel, butterscotch and sweet orange to tangerine citrus, it’s all grainy hops, green grass stony dirt, oddly not a lot of fruit, just a simple presentation of apricot, peach notes. Close to full-bodied, foamy but not soft, the carbonation shows both energy and persistence. Skips a lot of the sweetness here to get to the earth with tar, coal and pepper elements, bitter herbaceousness just about seals the deal. It’s likely the latter which makes the tangerine to pink grapefruit so sour. Some pine tar but no real florality and, again, the peach, apricot, apple fruit slight. Dried, unprocessed grains abound. Little room to move given to the honey, cocoa, carob and what is granted comes way after the bitterness has cemented itself. Appears consciously stylistic, one might say it’s no surprise that “Napa” is on the label.
3 out of 5

Napa Smith Brewery
Lost Dog Red Ale
American Amber/Red Lager
California
7.2%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.29
Around a finger if eggshell white foam, flat and consistent surface, a few larger bubbles here or there, simmers down to the surface steadily but in no rush, thin and wispy lacing splatters the glass sides randomly. The liquid is a foggy blend of equal parts brown, red and orange, sort of like clay silt, dark enough to fend off any hue difference at the rims and such. Sweet nose emphasizing molasses, caramelized brown sugar, pine, taffy, violets and a moderate amount of apple, pear, peach fruit, the hops add a stiffening to its posture in the nostrils but few distinctly bitter scents, ends with some soda bread to scone accents. Full-bodied, as the carbonation strives to achieve a fine edge, it comes across as heavy, if not at times leaden. Floral breeze, light orange zest and mocha to cocoa lend a layer of foundation, yet this doesn’t quite create the overall sweet impression made by the nose. Conversely, though, it’s not like the hops make any big charge into the mouth, this beer stays squarely in the middle middle ground of things. Pine, freshly baked white bread, tonic water and minerals arguably lend the biggest charge through the finish. If you don’t mind chewing some, you could put a few down in a sitting, otherwise a fairly enjoyable one-and-done scenario.
3 out of 5

Guinness Ltd.
Smithwick’s
Irish Red Ale
Ireland
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Loose and delicate head, even if it tops out over three fingers, eggshell white, mainly microfoam with a hilly surface, decent retention given its delicacy, thick streaks of lacing, albeit razor thin. Trim amber color with a redwood brown influence, pleasingly aggressive bubbles streams, orange tint grows around outer edges. Mildly burnt character to the nose, like sugar left too long on the stove, malty with toffee, chocolate powder, carob, roasted chestnuts, has its loamy/earthy side as well, pinch of pepper, touch of unprocessed grains but little outright bread or dough, can appear herbaceous at moments, especially when warmer. Medium-bodied, foamy with a level of carbonation arguably above what the body should have to support. Smooth like fine sandpaper, you feel some grit and then it immediately releases. The sweetness seems frontloaded, cocoa and carob, cola, licorice, honey and orange peel before a momentary flutter of apple, pear, cherry fruit, then more biting grass and straw notes, semi-caked in dirt. Still, the carbonation ensures a creamier finish. Good pub beer style, likely better on tap.
3 out of 5

Deschutes Brewery
Hop Henge Experimental IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Oregon
9.0%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Huge, highly agitated and delicate head, mostly larger bubbles with noticeable thin skins as it were, retention is okay given this observation, the lacing is more like big splotches here and there than streaks. Crystal clear light amber to redwood color, hue drops off enough at the rims to evoke more of a metallic rust orange, only a few bubbles floating around. While the nose does present a pinch of white pepper as well as moss, tar and something like volcanic ash, truly it’s about being as sweet as possible, caramel, butterscotch, milk chocolate team up with orange and grapefruit pulp to fill up your nostrils, the apricot, peach, pear fruit verges on syrupy with a touch of honey, given all this curious lack of staying power. Full-bodied with a sticky, clingy mouth feel, as if it wants to glue itself to your mouth pores. The carbonation is weak, if remaining at a consistent low drone. More bread, pie crust accents here, some custard as well in addition to the base of butterscotch, caramel, coconut and molasses. The tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus wet, juicy and equally sticky itself. Touch of golden raisin and fig to the pear, peach, yellow apple, mango fruit, lacks the tang to get more tropical. The pine element is mostly resin and sap. Its density starts to fatigue the palate once you’re halfway through the bomber. Tempted to say it’s one for the real hopheads among us but the sweetness factor flies in the face of such a statement.
3 out of 5

Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Existent
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
7.4%
25.4oz, Single
$12.69
Pours maybe half a finger of the loosest foam you could imagine, the bubbles are large and impossibly thin, wispy lacing, if truly any. Very dark brown to black colored liquid, doesn’t seem to possess any cloudiness, hint of orange or yellow around the rims and glass bottom. The nose has a grassy to herbaceous core but really is driven by cocoa powder, malt, powdered dark chocolate, all dry and dusty, slowly blends in orange peels, licorice and scone, maybe a brush of raw nuts, any fruit indistinct, same for florality. Medium-bodied, the weak carbonation makes it feel more stern and unyielding, pours itself into the mouth sort of like wet concrete. Very dry with the same bittersweet dark chocolate, cocoa, coffee bean fueled attack, about the only thing “wet” might be the grapefruit to orange citrus, even as sour as it is. Earthy enough with peat moss, lichen, fallen forest floor matter component, yet this too can’t avoid the dryness of the high grade roast and toast. Minimal bread or yeast accents. Perhaps a slight uptick in fruit, this cherry, apricot, red grape in nature. It’s as if it does not lack length per se, more so it just stops. Leaves you with this nagging feeling like you are missing its intended message.
3 out of 5

Mother Earth Brewing
Silent Night Imperial Stout (Ale Aged In Oak Bourbon Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$19.69
An aggressive pour will yield two plus fingers of loose froth, mostly larger bubbles with not much power of retention, pops and fizzes down to a solid surface coating which does retain, the lacing is thick and goopy, almost sloppy. Follows the script completely, perfectly black liquid with nary a trace of orange nor yellow to be found. The nose is a cavalcade of coconut custard, vanilla pudding, butterscotch, rum raisin with white grape, peach, cherry fruit and then a slight uptick of toastiness as the hops and grassiness exert themselves mildly, conjures up an alright spritz of orange, the oak treatment very clear yet not boozy, this in its favor. Full-bodied to the point where you begin to question it as a carbonated beverage, like where’s the bubbles and fizz. Still, sharper profile here with added emphasis on the orange, grapefruit citrus verging on lime, grains and more rustic breadiness. Cocoa powder, vanilla extract, hard butterscotch candy, caramel eventually gains traction. Funny, has a relatively lowish alcohol percentage for its type yet sneaks up on you, buzz develops swiftly. Grape, plum, cherry fruit not sweet enough to challenge the overall roast factor which ends up favoring coffee grind notes. If it could maintain more weight and sheer forward momentum through the finish might approach “behemoth” territory. As is, struggles to keep itself balanced and with clarity of message. That said, if you want some stout fireworks you should be pleased. Price is ouchy, though.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2011

Laverstoke Park Farm
Organic Real Ale
English Pale Ale
England
5.0%
16.9oz, Single
$6.99
Pours a huge, loose head which comes close to filling half the glass, delicate in a pastry dough sort of way, you’re almost afraid to touch it, dissipates more around the glass sides than the center, bone white with close to zero lacing. Fuzzy orange color, a bit like zinc or rust water, not hard to see through, fair amount of loose bubbles floating around, more yellow around the rims. The nose brings a whiff of honey and fresh pine sap but it’s more centered around raw grains, bitters and straw/hay, old dried up orange and grapefruit rinds, manages some apricot and peach to lessen the brunt before disappearing. Medium to full-bodied, the carbonation seems to spread it more widely across the palate than lift or agitate. More lemon to citrus bite, conversely more honey and pungent floral elements. The malts give it some cocoa powder and caramel, however, these are ground into a more homogeneous texture than distinct flavors. The dough has a semi-baked quality, this brought out more by salinity, pepper and forest floor scrub and earthiness. With each sip your mouth becomes drier and drier. Peach, apple, pear fruit feel cellar dried and aged. It grows on you some and shows better as it warms, easy to see this performing better with food than on its own.
3 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Grand Cru Belgian Style Dark Ale
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Colorado
11.0%
22oz, Single
$8.49
Produces close to three fingers of whipped up dark tan foam, lots of larger bubbles, however, has decent retention and sufficient stick to the lacing to be worthy of the name. Mostly clear liquid of deep mahogany red and brown hues, maybe a growing orange stripe at the glass bottom and rims. The nose is virtually all sweetness, dripping maraschino cherries, prunes, figs, grapes, raspberries and then cinnamon, clove, orange pulp, cola, milk chocolate, scone and danish flakes, finally a bit of earthiness and forest scrub yet nothing unduly herbaceous or even funky, be this in the good or bad way. Full-bodied, foamy carbonation gregarious if sloppy. Same full-bore level of sweetness here with honey, maple syrup, toffee, butterscotch, chocolate all in the mix. Mildly fresher array of fruit with white grape, pear, peach and apple equal to any prune, date, fig, cherry aspects. The cola, licorice, kinda Dr. Pepper thing keeps on truckin’ and the cinnamon to coriander spice fits in just fine. The overall “wet” mouth feel keeps the orange to tangerine citrus juicy and more pulp than peel. Minimal hoppy bite and, again, no herbaceousness. Not very yeasty nor bready, at most displays a light nuttiness. Sweetness wear you down some, alcohol sneaks up on your buzz-wise but not burn.
3 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Little Hump Spring Ale
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.89
Bone white foam, touch over one finger, very fine microfoam, too much so to even dimple, dissolves steadily to a respectable surface coating, the lacing forms as a thin sheet which gently breaks apart as gravity pulls it downwards. The liquid is a base yellow with a soft metallic orange edge, full transparency, only a few scattered bubbles to be viewed, slow moving at that. The nose has a cleansing, high-toned feel focusing on tangerine, mandarin orange, white grapefruit citrus and pretzel dough with a good dose of white pepper, granola and fresh grain cereal, at times it really does come across as pilsner-like, given its erect and lean nature there’s ample sweet apricot, peach, nectarine fruit scents. Medium-bodied, sort of a stern mouth feel, not “serious” per se but built like an old school, traditional beer that is cleansing and mouth-watering while also strong enough to stand up to all kinds of food. The carbonation has a tight weave and it’s damn dry from start to finish. Salt and pepper, pretzel dough to rye, quinine, dried lawn grass, all these tend to outscore the peach, apricot, apple fruit, even pushing the grapefruit, blood orange citrus back some. All that scrubbing leaves the palate alive and pulsating at the end, however, maybe fatigued as well. It brings the word ╥honest╙ to mind. Not sure I could drink more than two bottles in a sitting, though.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Irish Red
Irish Red Ale
Massachusetts
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Nicely whipped up and frothy light tan head, crests around two fingers, decent staying power in spite of its general delicacy, in turn has a credible amount of lacing sticking around. Brown to red amber in color, darker than most while also unblemished with transparency and clarity, decent activity in the bubbles. The nose is very malty and smooth with caramel, toffee, milk chocolate, brown sugar and ripe cherry, plum and apricot fruit scents, has some peat, tar and earth elements as well, light grass presence but hops not factoring in here. Full-bodied, well-carbonated and close to fluffy through the attack, immediately covers the mouth from cheek-to-cheek. Lays on that molasses, brown sugar, maple, caramel, however, a brush of pine, orange citrus, raw grains, and straw helps dry it out as it moves forward. Retains that mix of cherry, berry to peach, apricot fruit. One of those beers that’s hard not to like when it’s in your glass and going down the gullet but unlikely to make you want to pull the trigger on a future purchase.
3 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Old Guardian BELGO Barley Wine Style Ale (2011 Odd Year Release)
American Barleywine
California
12.0%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Two plus fingers of tan-orange foam, moderate density, mixes in some larger bubbles without much dimpling, forms a good layer across the surface which lingers well, the lacing forms solid sheets which slowly glide downwards without much residue. Cloudy amber red with more brown in the center and brighter orange at the glass bottom, a few scattered bubbles visible, deeply hued for sure. There’s a burnt edge to the nose which highlights the smokiness as well as caramelized sugars, candied orange peels, pine sap, equally concentrated and close to dried fruit apricot, peach, pineapple, cherry with fresh ginger slices to boot, avoids extremes of both hoppiness and maltiness ending up in a muddle in the middle. Full-bodied, thick and bottom heavy, this in spite of super-creamy carbonation. The ginger, coriander, clove spice pairs with orange peel, caramel, toffee, pine, too boozy and rough and tumble for the florality to show a lot. Curiously, any yeast or dough notes seem to get stamped out, never mind anything remotely tasting like barley. It carries the signature “Stone” profile but little grace and balance. The finish is at once very sugary and astringent.
2 out of 5

Moylan’s Brewery
Dragoons Dry Irish Stout
Irish Dry Stout
California
5.0%
22oz, Single
$5.19
Large three plus finger head of loose, larger foam, heavily whipped, dark tan to outright brown in color, the lacing is haphazard but sticks fully where it lands. Just about pure black liquid, no color to be hither or yon, appears trim and clean. Taut and wiry nose, hits you with it, but it is indeed a punch, cocoa to malted milk balls, lighter caramel, orange peels, the hops have a subtle aggressiveness and pine and grass appear in uncommon percentage, plum, black grape, cherry fruit scents thick enough to anchor things, doe snot appear fashioned to gently soak in, no love handles. Full-bodied with a muscular enough structure to keep things limber and nimble with the added weight. Cocoa, dark chocolate nibs, coffee, hard toffee, the orange citrus a very dry zest, leads swiftly into pine sap and tea leaf accents. The carbonation has a finely granular character while still bringing a fair degree of fluff. Smokiness builds sip after sip, with it a semi-bitter nuttiness. Lots of elements, not so much harmony. As a result, does not deliver high scores on general drinkability.
3 out of 5

LoneRider Brewing Company
Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen
Hefeweizen
North Carolina
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Close to two fingers of bleached white froth, mostly loosely knit microfoam which would dimple more if it wasn’t evaporating so solidly across the surface anyway, the lacing comes in the form of thin sheets rather than streaks, here there’s credible stickiness. Mildly hazy, not cloudy, yellow-orange hued liquid, mostly transparent, touch too dilute to really diminish much at the rims or glass bottom, has a decent glow to it. The nose brings strong clove, cinnamon spice as well as banana and honey aspects, spiced orange peels, ripened unto syrupy peach, apricot, pear, grape fruit scents, little pepperiness but nothing distinctly “wheaty” about it, too sweet overall for that. Full-bodied, here in the mouth there’s more corn and meal than dry, bitter wheat or unprocessed grains. The sweet honey, banana and clove notes only really challenged by the effervescent carbonation, which itself could show more restraint. Undercurrent of mineral water below the juicy peach, apricot, pear, pineapple, white grape fruit. The orange to lemon citrus has less focus than in the nose. Odd tacky residue left on the tongue, stays drying after the flavors long gone.
2 out of 5

Lost Coast Brewery & Cafe
Alleycat Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Gives you a half finger of off-white foam, mix of multiple bubble sizes creates a dimpling effect right from the start, not much retention so enjoy this while you can, thin surface coating fares better, the lacing too delicate to stick much. Faintest gauzy quality in the reddish amber liquid, true to the category, remains mostly transparent, yellows out at the glass bottom. Malty nose of cocoa, chocolate powder, brown sugar and hard toffee candy, the orange to tangerine citrus more sweet than sour, very lightly roasted nuts, has spine without the hops getting all herbaceous on you, curious lack of distinct fruit scents. Medium-bodied, the carbonation puts a big charge into it, close to a whirlpool effect, definitely keeps it scrubbing along the mouth walls and tongue. Here too favors the malts, if by a closer margin, the cocoa and brown sugar not that sugary and knit into the green grass to straw and orange, lemon led citrus. Hard to say the florality ever gets it in gear. More nutty with an echo of tarry earth through the end. Makes an earnest attempt at fashioning a distinct personality but two or more missteps scotch the deal. In the end, you search unsuccessfully for an underlying guiding principle.
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Black Cannon Black IPA
American Black Ale
Maryland
7.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Bit over half a finger of tan foam, the base of denser bubbles undone by larger bubbles which dissolve things down to thin surface coating at best, the lacing sticks around better albeit you will not need to wash it off the glass. Impenetrable black liquid, a deep metallic orange accumulates at the glass bottom for color. The nose is hoppy and herbaceous enough to earn the title of “IPA,” pine and grapefruit to tangerine citrus shine through clearly, mixed flowers as well if to a lower degree, the roast is high-toned and focused, expresses itself as coffee bean and cocoa, nothing soft, as a result its briskness close to its finest attribute. Medium-bodied with good activity in the carbonation, the tingle helps to play up the hoppy bite and grass to lemon, white grapefruit citrus. Much higher roast here with big time coffee, dark chocolate and mocha flavors, nothing shy nor that sweet about it. So, it covers the hops and malts both, if blending them into a flatter whole. The peach, apple fruit shows a more tropical pineapple, nectarine stripe. Too aggressive to put down more than a couple in a row.
3 out of 5

Craggie Brewing Company
Dubbelicious Belgian Style “Double” Ale
Dubbel
North Carolina
6.5%
16oz, Single
$5.99
Very thin head, practically gone before its there, light tan in hue. Lightly filmy liquid, the metallic orange base favors yellow over brown by a hair, the minuscule bubbles more dispersed than in beads. At first the nose suggests earth, peat, wood ash and tar before settling into only semi-sweet banana, bubblegum, spiced oranges, biscuit and corn meal, the apple, pear, white grape scents in turn not overdone, overall marked most by gentle weight and persistent outwards expansive pressure. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has a slow, steady churn to it which slackens the pacing and at times makes it feel heavier. Drier than expected, with more tangy bite as well, pleasing emphasis on lemon, orange and a touch of white grapefruit citrus. Here the malts rise a notch, offering mocha to cocoa dust. The yeastiness seems kind of regal, a tough sort of breadiness, not going to pretty itself up with too much honey or banana notes. Some granola or cereal in there. Same pear, apple, peach, grape fruit flavors, pleasant enough but tending to veer away during the mid-palate. Not a lot of “give” here, stylistically appears best suited for the dinner table than casual sipping.
3 out of 5

Anchor Brewing Company
Porter
American Porter
California
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Gargantuan head, even with a measured pour, easily fills a third of the glass with densely packed microfoam, more peaks and valleys than dimpling, benchmark retention, shit ain’t going nowhere. the lacing produces broad, sticky streaks here and little of effect there. Pretty much jet black to onyx colored liquid, sliver of dark zinc orange at the bottom, The nose is much more sour and penetrating than many of its ilk, as if it wants to show sour milk next to the powdered cocoa and caramel. slight pickled quality to it, the more you sniff it the more you realize that it has a lean, semi-defiant attitude that almost wants to play down any roast to toast as well as plum, cherry, apricot scents and leave it all to the standoffish malts to win the day. In the mouth the sourness doesn’t try to hide, lemon and orange front and center, herbal streak there too. Hard breakfast pastry character to it, not soft like a croissant but not entirely charmless either. Loads of cocoa powder and coffee, heavy duty, coats the peach, apple, pear fruit close to fully. Has a distinct personality, something I’m willing to accept readily, still not a beer that seems interesting in crafting a fully enjoyable experience.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2011

Tröegs Brewing Company
Nugget Nectar Imperial Amber
American Amber/Red Ale
Pennsylvania
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Large, close to three finger head, mostly tan to eggshell white froth and medium-sized bubbles, above average retention, the lacing breaks into thin streaks and splotches but stays put thereafter. Spotless metallic zinc to copper color, as orange as red, multiple beads of active bubbles stream upwards. Sweet honey, pine, rose petals and then pineapple, nectarine, peach fruit blossom into the nose, the more bitter herbaceousness does not swing the pendulum too far in the other direction, the tangerine and grapefruit notes stick in the middle ground, slight cocoa to mocha powder maltiness before it all dissolves, does an excellent job of expressing hoppiness without any burn. Medium-bodied, semi-creamy texture with gently massaging carbonation, freshening lift too. Here the more tart tangelo, pink grapefruit fully equal to the pineapple, apricot, peach, apple fruit. At the same time the dusty cocoa, chocolate adds to its general dryness and erect posture. This not to ignore the quiet presence of cane sugar, molasses and caramel. Pine and tea leaves come through at the end, not especially spicy. Has the I.B.U.’s to satisfy the hophead while staying accessible to the layperson.
5 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Mutiny Fleet 2010 Hang Ten Weizen Doppelbock
Weizenbock
Maryland
10.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Two fingers of tan foam, loosely constructed with a dimpling surface, popping bubbles across the surface until close to gone, not much lacing but what’s there is thick and sticks nicely. Semi-cloudy burnt orange-brown color, lazy larger bubbles, yellows some at the glass bottom. Smells at first like banana purée, pink bubblegum too, candied apple, pear and apricot, cinnamon, honey topped wheat bread, however, not that grainy, orange juice, sugary without much counter-balance, just enough lift to escape being tiresome. Full-bodied, dry attack with active carbonation, slowly unveils the banana, bubblegum, maple syrup, toffee and milk chocolate. Apricot, cherry, peach fruit ripe but not sugary per se. Breakfast breads, cinnamon and ginger spice. More oats and rye than wheat. Hard to find the hops and determine what they are supposed to add. Likely best poured as a “dessert beer.”
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Below Decks Barley Wine Style Ale (2009)
English Barleywine
Maryland
10.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
A little less than a full finger of light tan foam, smaller bubbles on the whole, lacing forms broad sheets yet with little stickiness. Clean liquid, if as much dark brown as any red or orange amber, multiple beads of strong tiny bubbles. The nose is sweet even for the category, molasses, caramel, maple syrup, butterscotch, milk chocolate, spiced orange reduction, it’s boozy but not overpoweringly so, peach, apricot and pear close to a dried fruit character, the barley, oats and sweeter grains almost an afterthought. Full-bodied, all credit to the carbonation for trying but not quite tough enough to take the chunkiness out of the whole, has a leaden feel. Still, no lack of cocoa, chocolate, caramel, toffee and maple with a fruitcake to challah bread element as well. Here, a light hoppy bitterness comes through, a welcome addition. Brings sour orange with some lemon. The spiciness is there but without clearly distinct flavors. Wears you down by the end of the glass.
3 out of 5

AS Tartu Õlletehas
Viru
American Adjunct Lager
Estonia
5.0%
10oz, Single
$2.49
Close to two finger head of bone white and delicate microfoam, hard to even see the contour of most of the bubbles, retention is slight at best, simmers down swiftly, lacing fares about the same, some immediate stick then gone. Clear golden straw color to the liquid, pale yet attractive, only sparse bubbles visible, not much difference towards the rims. Noticeably sweet nose of corn syrup, honey, cane sugar and potato bread, waft of orange citrus, rice and mixed grain, no real herbaceous character, highly innocuous. Medium-bodied, good solid bottom keeps it anchored in the palate, remains on the sweet side here too with that corn and other adjuncts, honey and caramel, the orange citrus pulp and sweet, notes of standard peach and apricot fruit. Moderate hay, meadow grasses, once more avoids any really herbal bite or overall bitterness. The carbonation is light but tight enough to help it finish with elevating dryness. Nothing really noteworthy, does have high drinkability and general smoothness.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Conway’s Irish Ale
Irish Red Ale
Ohio
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Little below a finger’s worth of light tan foam, full mix of bubble sizes and types, settles down into a decent layer across the surface, the lacing starts off in thin sheets before breaking into thinner sheets sliding down the glass. Immaculate red amber color that captures light very well, brightening as a result, the bubbles appear haphazardly, you can see some big ones glued to the glass bottom. The nose has a big malty profile emphasizing cocoa, toffee, scone and danish, more breakfast flakes than lunch bread, mix of pepper and pine, at best get generalized white citrus, the peach, apple, pear fruit scents hover in the background. Full-bodied with somewhat sloppy carbonation, foams through the mouth like a gregarious fat guy. There’s a tart to outright sour element here which tempers any excesses in the foundational sweetness. More grain bread in play here, some rye too. Still, honey, caramel, chocolate and brown sugar discerned. Orange and lesser pink grapefruit take the baton without a hitch. Apricot, nectarine, peach fruit with a little pineapple for good measure. Finishing with even more chocolate on the scene. While very good not sure how many I could drink in one sitting.
4 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Wee Heavy Scotch Style Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
North Carolina
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.89
Finger plus head of creamy foam, full tan color with a light orange tint, dissolves until it reaches a steady thick coating across the surface, no lack of sticky grip to the sheets of lacing. Deep amber color, about equally red and orange, utmost clarity to the liquid, good scattering of bubbles throughout, brighter zinc orange at the glass bottom. Fairly boozy nose, leans on caramel, honey, brown sugar and candied orange peels for effect, mild dried fruit concentration to the peach, apricot, apple fruit scents, almond with a hint of cashew, over time a herbaceousness grows to the fore with supporting earthiness. Medium-bodied, the high activity of the carbonation increases its mouth presence, muscular. The sweetness of the caramel, molasses, cocoa and butterscotch packed into the mouth entry, dries out into semi-sour orange and white grapefruit citrus as well as a pinch of pepper. The apricot, peach, nectarine, apple fruit comes with notes of golden raisin and fig too. Peat, hay and charcoal dry it out a touch more. It wears its complexity with ease and comes close to convincing you it’s not even that complex. For its burly demeanor, good drinkability. Needs a heaping of beef brisket and potatoes.
5 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
9.6%
22oz, Single
$4.79
Finger plus of very dark brown foam, somewhat loose with more than a few islands of larger bubbles frothing up and popping away under the surface, lacing much slicker than expected, barely registers on the way down the glass sides. The liquid isn’t really black, more like the darkest possible brown this side of black, razor thin aura of orange at the glass bottom. The nose is all about rich, milky chocolate, cocoa, vanilla fudge and caramel with a candied orange infusion, no substantial roast nor toast, just sweetness which also infects/infuses any hoppy pine, herb nuances, blindfolded you would think you were in a Hershey’s factory. Full-bodied, softly contoured and expansive in the mouth, close to sloppy bear hug status. Cola, licorice and a lighter orange reduction swirled into the milk chocolate and caramel foundation. Carbonation is average to slightly below. Follows the nose with a good punch of pine and green matter, the hops sinewy and active under all the malts. That said, this is definitely a stout built for visceral pleasure above striving for either complexity or sheer brute power. Earns its place at that table, simplicity is not always an insult.
5 out of 5

Green Man Ales and Brewery
Stout
English Stout
North Carolina
6.5%
64oz, Growler
$12.99
Pours a very thin tan head which displays minimal retention, close to gone before it’s even there, the lacing is equally wispy but does manage a little staying power. Black liquid with a dark brown tint at glass bottom with a slight stripe of orange, zero filminess. Dry, close to dusty, nose of bittersweet chocolate, cocoa powder, anise seed, orange to lemon peel, touch of mineral water, well-baked country bread, no clearly discernible fruit scents. Medium-bodied, does a credible job of planting itself on the tongue in spite of its overall high degree of dryness which would otherwise deaden the palate to it. The carbonation flips things periodically, more of a factor than expected visually. Dark bitter chocolate, cocoa and mocha powdery and eventually yield to burnt coffee notes. Orange mist with some floral underpinning, less of the breadiness than in the nose, curious that. Black grape to cherry the most you get for fruit. Roast really expands through the finish, dampens most sweet aspects. Not exactly sure what the brewery considers to be the separation point between a porter and a stout.
3 out of 5

Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Import Series Vol. 2: A Saison Darkly (Dark Ale Brewed With Spices)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
8.0%
12oz, Single
$5.99
A moderately aggressive pour fills half the glass with extremely delicate tan brown microfoam, so gossamer it’s hard to say it has a steady dissolve. a little more lacing than you’d think given the character of the head. Dark brown colored liquid with a fair degree of murkiness to it, yellow aura, given its darkness the bubbles must be brawny and active because they are clearly visible. The nose displays a thickly constructed cocoa toast, very chocolaty, blending in orange peel, ginger spice, creamed coffee and lighter mintiness, the black cherry, blackberry, apricot fruit scents are nothing spectacular, however, there most of the time. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is tight and active from the first sip, brings a lot of energy to the show. Brings on all that cocoa, mocha, chocolate, more toast than roast so less coffee. Has a more sour side here, tart grasses as well as more biting orange, lemon citrus. Less baking spices, here more stuff like sage, basil or thyme, almost oily. Its dryness helps separate and highlight the various components. Parts fit together well, understated complexity. Just pour it way before you want to drink it.
4 out of 5

Alaskan Brewing Company
Smoked Porter (2010)
American Porter
Alaska
6.5%
22oz, Single
$6.29
Full finger’s worth of deep brown head, some froth but lots of much larger bubbles as well, about average retention, the lacing much more impressive with broad, sticky streaks that just don’t go away. Black liquid, still also comes across as very clean and without any haze at all, you gets some metallic reddish-orange at the glass bottom and rims. “Smoked” is absolutely truth-in-advertising, the smoke is deep, broad and energetic, brings out a woodsy side as well as dried herbs, coffee bean, cocoa, anise, there’s some caramel in there but sweetness is not a main goal here, more orange zest than any cherry or berry fruit, as you adjust the smoke seems to even bring out meat fat or beef jerky notes. Medium-bodied with a super-firm mouth presence, glues itself in place. This achieved even as the carbonation brings muscular kick and scrubbing action. The smoke doesn’t have the same complexity here, the trade-off might be that the tongue can register the sweetness in the plum, cherry flavors. Coffee bean, mocha powder, bittersweet nibs, some vanilla bean too. Its earthy side comes out more here, herbal matter helps add to overall balance, mineral water too. As you’d expect, the smoke still outlasts the other flavors.
4 out of 5

Tibet Lhasa Brewery Ltd
Lhasa Beer
Euro Pale Lager
China
4.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Thin, bleached white head, solid right after the pour yet disintegrates with ease to just a few bubbles along the glass walls, the lacing seems greased with PAM spray. Light golden hue to the liquid, fades to a yellow with ease, derives presence from a slight gauzy quality, random, widely dispersed bubbles here and there. The nose is mainly sweet cornbread, malt, flowers and molasses, modicum of apricot, apple and pear scents, while there’s an element of souring milk, nothing very green or herbaceous to be found. Medium-bodied, bottom heavy and sinks into the palate even if imbued with a fair amount of fattish carbonation. More corn, straw, hay and lesser amount of dough. Mixes in a pinch of salt and pepper, helps keep it try and cancel out most of the unnecessary honey or molasses notes. Again, more floral than grassy but the latter catches up here. Something akin to ginger sprinkled on the meager apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit. No big flaws but it is what it is.
2 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
IPA
American IPA
California
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Finger plus of creamy off-white foam, dimples across the surface but has the density to retain its presence nicely, same can be said for the thin but steady lacing streaks. Copper orange color with a metallic sheen, about as red as yellow in tint, tiny bubbles drift around here and there, highly transparent. Clean, brisk hoppy nose of tangerine, pink grapefruit zest, pine sap, damp brown earth and sour grasses, honey, lavender and a dab of chocolate not going to take the edge off, however, it’s on the sweet side anyway, has apricot, peach, nectarine fruit but doesn’t get tropical. Medium-bodied, has an undeniable firmness about it, the carbonation is thick and pops of languidly yet there to the very end. Offers as much mineral water and tonic water as it does lemon, grapefruit, mandarin orange citrus, stays dry, even in the face of the extract of the primary material. The pineapple, nectarine, papaya, peach fruit dry, short of concentrated. Glimmer of cocoa or coffee bean, otherwise little malt presence. The pine and flowers curiously seem short-lived too. It’s almost like a sharpened knife blade but without any food on it, having not cut into anything yet. The thought keeps nagging at you that it’s, umm, just a little boring.
3 out of 5

Shenzhen Kingway Brewery Co., Ltd
Kingway
Euro Pale Lager
China
4.5%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Highly whipped up head crests at about two plus fingers of pure white foam, looks like the top of a freshly made milkshake, as loose as cotton candy and dissolves about as fast, nothing there a good 30 seconds after the pour, the lacing seems scattershot at best, splotchy. Pale, somewhat washed out yellow color, crystal clear, horde of loosely assembled huge bubbles, nothing like beads. Sort of angular presence in the nose, impelled by green grass, straw, pretzel dough, salt, cornstarch, the grape to yellow apple fruit scents sweet without needing much maltiness, more floral as it warms. Light-bodied, not quite watery but evanescent is one way of putting it. Salt and pepper and quinine make you most aware of its presence, stale pretzels, hay, lemon water, while not bitter you can’t really say it’s sweet either. Corn syrup. Not a lot of fruit, malt or even hops, it’s pretty much a generic beer like what you’d find in the can labeled “Beer” in Repo Man. Works if you are broke and in college.
2 out of 5

Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Autumnal
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
7.2%
25.4oz, Single
$13.99
Gives you a solid, close to two fingers of light tan foam, while almost exclusively tiny bubbles does dissolve quickly, for lacing presents an unbroken sheet down the glass walls, like armor mail, finally breaks into non-sticky rivulets. The nose is earthy unto a bit dirty, peat moss, tree bark, mixed grains, the orange citrus has a powdery, candied character, freshly picked and then cellar dried aspect to the apple, pear, peach scents, more weightless concentration than sugariness, light honeyed glaze and cocoa powder lend the needed sweetness, ends with elevating herbaceousness and pepperiness, especially if allowed to warm some. Close to full-bodied, fuzzy carbonation gives it a looser mouth feel. More upfront chocolate and mocha pretties up the mouth entry with a concomitant emphasis on dried apple, apricot, peach, pear fruit, touch of banana as well. More toast than roast, some coffee notes. The orange to lemon citrus a presence throughout while not looking to solo, brings sourness at moments. The earthiness less arch and more floral than green here. The spices don’t achieve clarity, except maybe for the white pepper. Studies a lot to make up for lack of innate ability.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams) & Weihenstephan
2010 Infinium Ale
Bière de Champagne/Bière Brut
Massachusetts
10.3%
25.4oz, Single
$20.99
Very large frothy, crests at over three fingers of bone white foam, hordes of micro-bubbles, craters as much as dimples, powerful sheets of lacing which slide downwards at a languorous pace. Brownish orange color, at times suggests red or yellow, seems to change a lot given the viewing angle, consistent in the steady flow of tight bubble beads throughout. The sour, vinous aspect to the nose frames the whole while making adequate room for butterscotch, caramel sweetness and a blend of white grapefruit and blood orange citrus, more outright herbaceous than hoppy, buttered croissant flakes, strong apricot, peach and yellow apple fruit presence, at times peppery, overall truly needs what sourness it can muster or would smell way too sweetly. Full-bodied, in spite of the constant gentle churn from the carbonation tends to recline across the palate rather than move. Lots of white grape flavor, at once welcomes and pushes aside the peach, apricot, apple, banana fruit flavors. The honey, ginger, butterscotch, toffee accents weight it down further. Reduced and heavy, the sourness in the mandarin orange, lemon citrus can╒t bring life. Barley, lentil, and sage lend some breadth. The doughiness mostly unbaked and raw. Lingering tacky sweetness through the finish, could use added freshness and lift. Much credit granted for uniqueness, leaves you with the impression that this is a beer best served super-fresh, like growler fresh. (Served in a Riedel Vinum Bordeaux stem just because)
3 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2011

Sierra Nevada
Hoptimum Whole-Cone Imperial IPA (2011)
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
10.4%
24oz, Single
$8.59
Even a careful pour might fill half your glass with whipped up foam, creamy eggshell white, excellent retention, takes a good long time for the larger bubbles to initiate dimpling, at the same time, once the head recedes the lacing is glued to the glass sides. Light orange amber colored liquid, sparkle and transparency, yellows some around the rims, only a few, scattered bubbles to be seen. Sweet hop notes rule the nose, sweet pink grapefruit, tangelo, lime citrus, pine sap, then pineapple, papaya, nectarine, apricot fruit scents, likewise has a solid amount of milk chocolate and licorice too, the grassiness displays energy while quite willing to step aside in favor of the sweeter aspects. Medium-bodied, not quite creamy in texture but does have softer give when not expected. Caramel and chocolate take some sting out of pine, lemongrass, green hay hop notes, Odd in that the flavors are sweet, the texture dry and at times biting. More tang in the pink to white grapefruit citrus, lemon too. Pine, black tea, sage and marjoram spice keep you back on your heels. The carbonation possesses enough fluff factor to tame the rougher edges of the pineapple, papaya, guava, nectarine fruit. There just might be a little too much going on here, hard to relax when it’s in your mouth.
4 out of 5

Olde Hickory Brewery
The Event Horizon 2010 (Aged In Oak Bourbon Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
8.5%
22oz, Single
$11.99
Center pour gets you three fingers of extremely dark brown foam, the top comprised of larger, thin-skinned bubbles, hence dissolves at a swift pace, does leave thick, messy slabs of lacing behind and the final layer across the surface has staying power. About the blackest pour you will ever see shoot out of a beer bottle, this said when logically black is just black and does not admit of gradients. Naturally, fully opaque. The nose is like a chocolate factory on fire, all roasted and toasted cocoa, mocha, caramel, coffee ice cream, butterscotch and even a suggestion of chicory, all this with a good dose of pine and orange zest blended in, the booziness gives the fruit scents a plum, raisin, cherry cast, dessert-like, otherwise too monolithic for much else to enunciate clearly. Full-bodied for sure, dry and powdery in texture, you can feel it cake up on the tongue, the oak wood evident in many different manners. So much chocolate and cocoa that it’s kind of embarrassing to mention other components, the caramel, butterscotch and honey a distant second. Rum raisin, alcohol drenched poached plum, cherry to pear fruit. Lower pine here, more dried herbal and grass matter, tree bark. The grill smoke adds a helpful sour dimension. Underneath the intentional “black star” density is a fairly complex beer trying to get out. If it had more flow and “give” it would be highly notable within its category.
4 out of 5

Bruery, The
3 French Hens (75% Belgian Dark Ale, 25% Ale Aged In French Oak Barrels)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
California
10.0%
25.4oz, Single
$12.89
Wispy head full of delicate deep brown bubbles, strong pour gets you close to three fingers at first, quickly whittles itself down to a thin coating across the surface, the lacing is thin depth-wise but sure coats the glass sides well. Clear mahogany brown color with a vibrantly bright orange tint, sparkly glass presence, compensates decently for the lack of head retention. Smoky sweet nose of caramelized brown sugar, molasses, graham cracker, rum, vanilla, bread pudding, the yellow raisin, fig, peach, apricot, nectarine fruit scents mix sweetness with more bite, the orange peel accents favor the latter, booziness enlarges its presence and length while, thankfully, avoiding any burning sensations. Medium-bodied with a grapey vinous texture as well as flavoring. The carbonation manages an aggressive churn through the attack plus, then trails off. The sourness bolstered by red cherry, raspberry fruit, the golden raisin and fig take a step back. Some banana, more baked into bread than raw fruit. Never gets green, some tea leaf and orange pith, the oak toast here edges out any more acrid smokiness. Funny how sweet you think it is at first only to slowly relent and change your mind with each next sip.
3 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Imperial IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.7%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.79
Strong pour only gets you less than a finger of albeit dense cream white foam, nothing unusual about the lacing, what you’d expect from the category. Soft gauziness to the otherwise luminescent zinc orange color, not much hue change throughout. The nose first goes heavy on caramel, nougat and toffee, makes even the orange citrus syrupy, stocky pine sap to boot, the florality gets submerged some, light fruit paste quality to the apricot, peach and pineapple scents. Medium to full-bodied with a sappy carbonation which adds minor churn at best, the palate easily replicates the nose with chocolate, caramel, toffee and butterscotch by far the major flavors. Slightly more edge in the tangerine, white grapefruit citrus. The stickiness undermines any clarity among the pine, flowers, cashew nut and forest scrub elements. Pineapple, papaya, nectarine, apricot fruit sweet yet somehow not sugary, no easy flow, too gluey. Tasty for sure but it just bogs down in itself and lacks for almost any refreshing qualities.
2 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Oxymoron (A Teutonic India Pale Ale) (The Midnight Project Brew III – 2010) (Collaboration with Terrapin)
American Double/Imperial Pilsner
Colorado
7.2%
22oz, Single
$7.79
Frothy eggshell white head, close to a finger in depth with above average retention, extremely strong lacing, thick brush strokes. Bright glow to the reddish orange liquid, soft cloudiness but, on the whole, easy enough to see through, few scattered bubbles visible. Sweet orange and grapefruit citrus bubble through the nose, equally matched by pepper and a saline touch, lots of pretzel dough and rye bread, overall pungency and thickness in your nostrils helps the peach, apricot, apple, pear scents last, the hops bring out more green herbaceousness than may be preferred. Medium-bodied, tight carbonation scrubs as well as impels things forward. Dry with more bitterness than astringency, the rye, pumpernickel and salt give it energy but precludes much softness of texture. The orange, white grapefruit, lemon citrus keeps its juiciness start to finish, welcome presence. Pine resin, cut grass, tar and the generalized hoppy greenness play a large role. The peach, apple, apricot fruit average in length and depth. Okay beer, maybe trying too hard.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
S’muttonator Double Bock (Big Beer Series)
Doppelbock
New Hampshire
8.5%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Finger’s worth of loosely woven light tan foam, moderate retention, minimal lacing at best. Amber red color with a mixed reddish orange hue at the glass bottom, the liquid is clear and transparent, perhaps in large part due to standing up the bottle for some time, you can see a good quarter inch of sediment in the bottle bottom. The nose has both alcoholic fumes and a syrupy, clingy texture to it, raw brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup and dark chocolate, maraschino cherries to plum, rum raisin, baker’s dough, sufficient pine and flower accents to signal the hops in the background, same for the spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, the carbonation moves from active to sluggish with no clear pattern. The sweetness is concentrated in molasses, cane sugar and cocoa. The raisin, plum, cherry, apricot fruit seems front-loaded and releases into tart white grapefruit, mandarin orange citrus during the mid-palate. The dough more fully baked here, pie crust and muffin. Pine, grass gains clarity of voice here. Fluid progression through the mouth, the alcohol more heady than burning. Seems like a beer best had with dessert, something like flan or pudding.
3 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Hibernation Ale (English Style Old Ale)
Old Ale
Colorado
8.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.69
Presents two fingers of reddish tan foam, decent density with smaller, tighter bubbles, mild dimpling with good retention at the half finger point, thick streaks of lacing. Dark red-brown color, closer to redwood than mahogany, more translucent than opaque, clearer and brighter orange at the glass bottom. The nose emphasizes cocoa and mocha powder, dusty texture, dried oats, scones, Brazil nuts, concentrated cherry to plum fruit scents, as it warms the orange citrus spreads out, overall more of a gentle toast than deep roast, the hops linger in the background. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is in overdrive from the start, this churning helps to mask a lot of the underlying dryness. Again with the powdery cocoa, mocha, coffee, even the caramel seems this way. Well-baked pastry dough to scone, muffin flavors, well beyond yeasty. Mixed nuts, orange peel, here a little pine sap gets into the mix. The plum, cherry, blackberry fruit gets pushed off to near the finish. At the end gets more earthy with fallen wood notes, nothing close to herbaceous. Extra bonus points for the dryness, not taking the easy overly sweet route.
4 out of 5

Bootlegger’s Brewery
Black Phoenix Chipotle Coffee Stout (Ale Brewed With Coffee & Chipotle Peppers)
Chile Beer
California
6.7%
22oz, Single
$6.29
Vigorous pour gets you two plus fingers of creamy dark brown foam, all micro-bubbles with a uniformly flat surface, you can see hundreds of bubbles popping at once as it simmers down to the surface with ease, the foam glides down the glass sides in solid sheets, no lacing. As expected, the liquid is pure jet black without a trace of color, appears to have no haziness. Wastes no time unleashing the chipotle peppers, albeit the heavily roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate and cocoa, follows up with lactose, cumin and coriander spice, over time the pepper recedes in favor of earth, muddy straw and cigar ash. Medium-bodied, firm and muscular, the weak carbonation would surprise if you only viewed the glass after the pour and not minutes later when there is absolutely no bubbles to found anywhere. As a result, the heat and spice are able to soak in and maintain as consistent a presence as the bitter dark chocolate, coffee and milk cream. Except for the burn there’s no real roughness, smooth enough overall texture. Oatmeal, corn bread, biscuit breadiness is doughy and not that sweet. Momentary touch of orange peel. Any greenness is akin to tea leaves or tobacco wrappers. Not particularly complex but does show determination in getting its few words across.
3 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout 2010 (Malt Beverage Brewed With Natural Flavors)
Milk/Sweet Stout
Georgia
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.29
Two fingers loose and agitated super-dark brown foam, almost all larger bubbles with minimal retention, lacing slightly weak as well, not much stickiness. Jet black and as shiny as polished onyx. Softly expansive nose of chocolate pudding, carob and cocoa and unvarnished milk, notch down you get coffee ice cream, butterscotch and apricot, yellow apple fruit with a spritz of orange, mild wet flower petals, some fizzy mineral water, the lack of a distinct hops presence makes it sort of a one trick pony. Medium-bodied, very fluid and slick, glides over the tongue and down the chute with ease. Milk chocolate, lactose, vanilla bean, caramel, all not overly sweet and close to devoid of roast or toast. Oats, licorice, then something like rosemary in place of hoppy herbaceousness. Carbonation keeps moving, no let up even if little effect. The mineral water just metallic enough to scrub up the finish a bit. Very agreeable sipper.
4 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Old Numbskull Barley Wine Ale
American Barleywine
California
11.0%
25.4oz, Single
$11.99
An average pour yields a super-sized, frothy head of reddish tan delicate, large bubbles which dimples down to the surface, while wispy the lacing pretty much there for good. Vibrant sunset red color, all burnt and aglow, the orange influence helps maintain transparency and brightness, only few scattered micro-bubbles to be seen. Tangerine, grapefruit initiates its presence in your nose, the pine, vanilla cream, coal tar, moss and lichens, toffee hit you scattershot, takes awhile to sort it all out, the breadiness is sweet and close to fruitcake, however, the nectarine, apricot, pineapple scents not aggressive, overall the hops clearly in control and, while messy, the good kind of messy. Medium-bodied and lighter of touch than expected, the carbonation flips the flavors like flapjacks in your mouth. Here you feel the alcohol and there’s a whiskey, vanilla, oak barrel aspect upfront. The tangerine, pink grapefruit, blood orange citrus remains a major factor. Pine sap, floral dew, orange pekoe tea, moves into plusher golden raisin, fig to apricot, nectarine, mango, pineapple fruit. With some warming you get additional caramel, honey coating. Overall sweet and not that dry while at the same time not uncritically relying on sugar to impress. Hard to fully accept it within its typed idiom.
4 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Lukcy Basartd Ale (A Slef Trbitue To 13 Yaers Of Arognace)
American Strong Ale
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Huge three finger head of whipped up reddish-tan foam, larger bubbles in the center of the pour, slowly starts to dimple, lacing curiously lacks the expected stickiness. Gauzy burnt red color with equal brown and orange tints, for its darkness holds light inside well. In the nose there’s a big initial splash of juicy pink grapefruit and tangerine which yields to dried pine sap, freshly mown grass and tea leaves, mixes in a touch of carob but the edgy pineapple, papaya, nectarine, apricot fruit scents don’t allow for much softening effects, light resinous texture. Close to full-bodied, the hyperactivity of the carbonation both lifts it up off the tongue and scrubs the palate repeatedly. Very bitter, however, more of a knit together whole here with the pine, tea leaf, cedar, cigar ash, tree bark and leaf elements one big punch. As a result, the still ripe grapefruit, orange citrus recedes fairly far into the background. Even the nectarine, apricot, pineapple, green apple fruit woven tightly into the fabric. At the end, as the carbonation fades, it gums up some, decreasing drinkability. Definitely tastes like a Stone product but, perhaps, its reach exceeds its grasp.
3 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Hell Hath No Fury Ale (American Dubbel Dark Ale)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Michigan
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$15.99
Nicely full two finger head of dark brown foam, a more aggressive pour creates larger bubbles and hurts retention, lacing streaks possess admirable thickness. Pure black liquid, darker than most imperial stouts, maybe a glint of brunt orange. Big, sassy nose of cinnamon stick, ginger, anise, milk chocolate, caramel and graham crackers, then loamy with fresh, soft forest floor matter and a saline edge, due to the latter smoky rather than roasty, overall good punch into your nostrils and then longlasting presence. Medium-bodied, more muscular than heavy, sinewy forward progress from sip to swallow. While generally dry, the robust chocolate, cocoa, coffee aspects heard loud and clearly. Licorice, toffee, cinnamon and spiced orange peel come next. You’d think that dryness would create more room for the herbal matter and earth but it sort of recedes here, more mineral water and dried straw instead. Yeasty but not bready, shy murmur of apricot, peach, apple fruit. Carbonation plays it lowkey, there when you look for it. Smooth finish leads easily to subsequent sips.
5 out of 5

Hair Of The Dog Brewing Company
Adam Hearty Old World Ale (Batch Number 78)
Old Ale
Oregon
10.0%
12oz, Single
$5.19
Thin head yet a solid layer of densely woven foam across the entire surface, below average lacing but some there. Murky black colored liquid, yellow around rims and glass bottom more than yellow. Huge charred, smoky nose full of ash, black soot, burnt kindling wood, peat moss, diesel fuel, Chinese black tea, bitter dark chocolate, caramel, candied cherries and rum soaked plums, spiced orange peel, comes after you like there’s a million dollar bounty on your head. Full-bodied, lots of grip, not sticky but it soaks into every pore it can find in your mouth, dark chocolate, mocha, caramel, brown sugar, grill smoke and molasses baked ham. Grape, cherry, apricot, plum fruit, all over the map, sweet and close to dried fruit concentration. The carbonation brings a softer fluffiness, however, overall a minor factor. Resinous leafiness, tree bark, more black tea, the sweetness registering here tempers the edge of the smokiness. Plays good cop and bad cop all rolled up into one, stings the palate then salves the wound. Main flavors last forever.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2010

Ska Brewing Company
Ten Pin Porter!
American Porter
Colorado
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Slowly foams up to a finger of dark tan brown, many larger bubbles brings it right back down to the surface, credible lacing but nothing that unique. As black as any stout, meager hint of orange at the outer rims, completely opaque. Very dry and malty nose full of cocoa and mocha powder, ground coffee, oats, dried molasses, brown sugar, floral like orange, other citrus blossoms, the hops more of a blunt punch that crisp penetrating presence. Medium-bodied, the carbonation too hyper for the overall mouth weight and feel, churns things too much, keeps it dry too, flavors don’t have much chance to soak in. No denying the coffee, dark chocolate, mocha dust component, some licorice, molasses and graham cracker but not much else. Smoky to the point of closing in on ashen, cigarette or wood ash. Orange peel, quinine, mineral water tighten the weave further. Cloves and cinnamon stick. Too muscular and “in your face” pour moi but well enough crafted and can see other folks liking it.
3 out of 5

Cucapá Brewing Company
Obscura
American Brown Ale
Mexico
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
The head crests close to two fingers, however, loose enough to dissipate with haste, deep tan in color, thin sheets fall down the glass walls rather than more sticky lacing. Cloudy brown liquid, has enough orange tint give it a rust water look, through it all a steady stream of bubbles remains visible. Curious sour edge to the nose, close to vinous, metal to mineral water, cocoa and chocolate powder dry, cinnamon, mixed grains and granola, cherry, red grape to apple fruit scents, it’s not lean overall but chooses to express itself with few words. Medium-bodied, sourness the major factor here too, the carbonation needs to chill some, keeps its weight even as flavors fade. Emphasis on grape, apple, cherry, cranberry fruit, less earth to metal, softened by the chocolate powder. Sour oranges there too, just hard to avoid sourness. Barley and lentils, not close to herbaceous. This is certainly a unique take on the style, happy to have tried a bottle but no need to seek out more.
2 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Wee Heavy Scotch Style Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
California
10.0%
25.4oz, Single
$11.49
Finger plus of moderate tan color, frothy with many scattered bubbles throughout, causing some hills and vales, simmers down to the surface with only few, if thick streaks of lacing. The liquid is about the darkest brown possible, but not black, deep amber glow hums at the glass bottom. Gargantuan malty nose of molasses, maple syrup, butterscotch, vanilla fudge, creamed coffee with cherry, plum, fig, golden raisin fruit scents, spiced oatmeal, hops close to absent, any peat or earth a cursory embellishment, just lays on the sweetness. Full-bodied, possesses a high roast which is not exactly typical for a wee heavy, at times drinks as much like an imperial stout. That noted, has a deeper sourness to the cherry, raspberry, apple fruit, lessening the raisin, fig, date accents. More orange peel here, brightens the chocolate, molasses, toffee flavors. Presents an appreciated sort of booziness, this spreads across the palate due to the fluffy foam of carbonation. Vanillin flavors rise through the finish, The earth, peat moss, forest scrub murmurs but never clearly enunciates. The sheer verve of the flavors outstrips its flaws, in the end appears to be seeking “imperial wee heavy” status.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery/Victory Brewing Company/Stone Brewing Company
Saison du BUFF (Ale Brewed With Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
6.8%
12oz, Single
$3.99
About a finger’s worth of pure white foam, short-lived and settles into a thin surface coating, no real lacing left behind. The liquid is a pale metallic gold yellow, lots of tiny floaties easily visible, enough loosely scattered bubbles to keep them moving about. The nose is light and almost spritzy with emphasis on florality, white grapefruit to lemon zest and pepper, at this juncture the parsley comes through the most of the herbs, what apricot, peach or pear fruit scents present stay on the demure side, its breezy demeanor really wins you over. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with tight bursts of carbonation which brings added freshness to the texture. The grapefruit, lemon, orange citrus has a fine touch and sparkles well. Pine and white pepper blend into the noticeable four mentioned herbs, through the mid-palate turns towards lightly baked bread, yeast and honey. The hops too start to bring a subtly growing grassy bitterness. More grip here by far when compared to the nose, hugs the tongue closely, this even as the bodacious citrus tries to create more perfume. Extremely drinkable. (Bottled at Victory)
5 out of 5

Sprecher Brewing Company
Brewmaster’s Premium Reserve Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Wisconsin
7.9%
33.8oz, Single
$15.69
Standard pour creates two fingers plus of deep brown foam, high quantity of larger bubbles present which hampers retention, the lacing forms a solid sheet down the glass sides before eventually breaking off into streaks. Pure, opaque black liquid top to bottom side to side. The nose slowly builds into a crescendo of coconut, bittersweet chocolate, butterscotch, licorice and black grape, cherry, plum, apricot fruit, splashes some challah bread, baking dough as well as a touch of orange marmalade, while not distinct bit-by-bit, the hops help maintain erect posture in your nostrils. Full-bodied, stern and steely mouth presence like the beam skeleton of a building just under construction. Not a sweeter sort of RIS, offers as much dry oats, grains and straw as chocolate, coffee, caramel or butterscotch. Comes across as a “sturdy” or “rugged” sort of beer, licorice, pine, menthol and then the cherry, blackberry fruit not that pretty, more so chewy. The carbonation, to its credit, softens the mouth feel and helps thing saturate the palate. Given lack of sweetness, the char is also subdued. Develops an earthy, sour twist at the very end. Smooth and sessionable over remarkable.
4 out of 5

Kern River Brewing Company
Class V Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$5.39
Two fingers of deep brown foam easily achieved, appears denser than it must be because it does evaporate swiftly, albeit with a considerable amount of lacing left behind. While the liquid is pure black you sense that it’s very clear with no haze to it, meager suggestion of orange at the very glass bottom. The nose is close to downright slutty, piling on the coffee roast, semi-sweet dark chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, pecan, Cool Whip as well as raisin, fig, cherry, apricot fruit, in turn brings yeast, mineral water, pine tar, white pepper and a good shock of herbaceousness. Full-bodied, very creamy and smooth in texture but not necessarily soft, displays good posture and some bite. Layers of chocolate, caramel, fudge, cappuccino while remaining towards the dry side, oatmeal, grains and that minerally touch all present. Lighter presence to the cherry, fig, raisin, plum fruit but consistent. The carbonation adds some fluff and certainly is responsible for a lot of the creaminess. More nut oil than primary nuttiness. The oatmeal, granola aspects dry but not hard. The pepperiness lower here. The coffee turns more bitter through the finish, nice pucker factor. Unassuming complexity, each individual flavor is deep and resonant and plays well with others.
5 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
10.10.10 Vertical Epic (Ale Brewed With Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc Grapes And Chamomile)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
California
9.5%
22oz, Single
$8.49
Weak half finger head, loose and watery, bleached white in color, gone swiftly with minuscule lacing left behind. Clear golden colored liquid with a coppery tinge, very few, if any, bubbles visible. Sour, vinous nose of white grape, pear, apple, apricot fruit, close to high quality vinegar at moments, gives you sharper baking spices, tart lemon to blood orange citrus and angular yeastiness, not much “soft” going on, but wait for the pepper and grass to catch on, not especially longlasting but does cleanse your nostrils well. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is not light per se, just tight and angry. However, this isn’t enough to fight off the heaviness, tends to lack movement if not insanely full-bodied. Floral with more of that grape, pear, green apple, apricot, peach fruit, skin and pit accents. Peppery with unprocessed grains more than green grass, something like chicory. Clove and mint. Puckering lemon, white grapefruit, tangerine citrus. Not as estery as one might expect. More yeast than even raw dough. The sourness is not so much of an issue as is the way it fatigues the palate. A bomber is too much for a single sitting.
3 out of 5

Nectar Ales
Humboldt Brown (Ale Brewed With Hemp)
American Brown Ale
California
5.7%
12oz, Single
$1.69
Two fingers of nicely frothy deep tan foam, mostly larger bubbles yet has decent retention, more sheets of lacing than streaks, you can see it slowly slide uniformly downwards. Light gauziness deepens the otherwise clear reddish brown colored liquid, takes on a zinc orange cast at the rims and glass bottom, pleasing to look at. The nose has a casual softness to it, mocha, cocoa, molasses and cinnamon, ginger spice, spiced orange peel, then a moss, herbal element which one assumes is hemp derived, abbreviated burst of apricot and peach scents, there’s a mineral water to tonic water component which lends additional stiffness to its posture. Medium-bodied, chocolate, caramel and butterscotch first into the pool, albeit not in a very sweet manner, more cinnamon and nutmeg, more like a cake than pie, perhaps due to the quiet peach, apple, apricot fruit. Raw Brazil nuts. The lemon, orange citrus dryish and more pulp than peel. Same minerally, earthy “organic” character to it, brings freshness but not flavor. The carbonation is not that big but arguably higher than needed given the lightness of the flavors. Smooth texture and easy to quaff, but where’s the beef?
3 out of 5

Anchor Brewing Company
Our Special Ale 2010 (Anchor Christmas Ale)
Winter Warmer
California
5.5%
12oz
6-Pack, $13.69
Huge head, average pour fills half the glass with a heavy whipped up froth, brown in color, craters more than dimples, leaves broad streaks of thick lacing. No haze but still a noticeably dark brown color, the reddish tint does not strengthen until the rims, burnt orange mixed in there too. Firm presence in your nostrils, milk chocolate, molasses, gingerbread, clove and cinnamon sticks, for all of that doesn’t come across as too sweet, drying hoppiness makes the bread crust, yeast elements drier, the relative lack of fig, apricot, pear, apple scents contributes to overall dryness. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation foamy and too dominant a force for the flavors to overcome. Ginger, clove spice the second biggest force, then a sour lemon dimension. Almost a note of quinine. As in the nose, noticeable lack of apple, apricot, fig, date fruit. The cocoa and mocha powdery and dusty. Increasing sourness through the finish. Has purpose and attitude, I guess you just have to like what the final product was intended to be.
3 out of 5

Telegraph Brewing Company
Oatmeal Stout (Batch No. 58)
Oatmeal Stout
California
6.6%
25.4oz, Single
$8.99
Average pour will fill half the glass with foam so watch out. The basic head is two to three fingers of extremely airy and loose foam, dimples only insofar as it is not evaporating fast enough to create a level surface, solid dark tan color, have to give the lacing above average stickiness. Immaculately unblemished and pure black core, while opaque there it’s cleanliness allows for some clarity at the mahogany red to orange glass bottom, looks like it was filtered a dozen times or something. This is a winey, grapey quality right off in the nose, close to floral at times, lifts decisively and with determination, if only to get pulled back down into a blend of mocha, cocoa, semi-sweet chocolate with coconut flakes, scone and oatmeal raisin cookies, the plum, grape, cherry a steady role player, roasty and toasty at might even suggest meatier sweetbreads at times. Medium-bodied, handles its weight well by turning denser, the muscularity concentrates the caramel, dark chocolate, toffee, licorice flavors, by not stretch a sweet beer, roasted coffee and grill smoke obvious throughout. The pastry dough, challah bread element and sweet glaze keep it playing the middle of the spectrum. Vague orange citrus at best, whisper of pine sap, same for a subterranean grassiness. Dried oats, like you’d scoop out of a burlap bag. Chiseled is one way of putting it, not a plush, sloppy bearhug of an oatmeal stout. Can see this being a good food beer.
4 out of 5

Mission Brewery
Hefeweizen
Hefeweizen
California
5.3%
22oz, Single
$5.39
Finger plus of off-white microfoam, the bubbles seethe like a can of worms, dissipates down to the surface with the pedal to the metal, lacing slides down the glass sides as if greased. Slight gauziness to the metallic orange to yellow color, steady dispersion of bubbles, visually pretty much plays the part. White grape, peach and pear fruit in the nose, sour orange and lemon citrus pulp, pretzel dough, wheat germ, white vinegar, small dollop of honey, hard to find any meaningful malt presence. Medium-bodied, on the lighter side but does sink into the tongue decently enough. Sourness elevates here with a leading lady in the mandarin orange, white grapefruit and lemon citrus. Clove, coriander spice with a metallic touch, raw dough and yeast as well. The grape, apricot, peach, pear fruit stronger than in many peers, manages to sweeten the finish a notch. The carbonation is hard core and for the better as it manages to paper over a few flaws. The funny thing is that it keeps teasing you into wanting to like it but then drops the ball.
2 out of 5

Alpine Beer Company
McIlhenney’s Irish Red
Irish Red Ale
California
6.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Light head, crests at maybe half a finger, between cream white and the lightest tan, a lot of larger bubbles with not so much foam, lacing about as non-existent as can be and have still momentarily been there. Lighter amber red color with orange rims and glass bottom, damn close to fully transparent, widespread bubbles quickly kick upwards. The nose is fairly airy and light with a soft malty, caramel, molasses, honey, cocoa and pie flake core, not that sweet but sweet enough red cherry, grape, apricot, apple, pear fruit scents to outweigh the grass, hay component, citrus stays in the background, the stuff is there to be more appealing, however, simply isn’t clearly keen on taking many steps to please. Medium-bodied and on the soft side, an amiable jiggle and “more to love” going on, still the carbonation tries to add more precision and leanness, if ultimately failing. Good deal of cocoa, milk chocolate powder with caramel mixed in, powdery texture yet sweet. The lemon, orange citrus is tart and lacks the zest to persist to the end. Bready, more towards rye or maybe pumpernickel than whiter dough. Faint metallic earthy ring. Tenuous apricot, peach, nectarine, apple fruit. Not flawed, in the end commits the cardinal sin of just being boring.
3 out of 5

New Belgium Brewing Inc.
2º Below Winter Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Colorado
6.6%
22oz
6-Pack, $10.29
Finger plus of heavily whipped up and dimpled foam, cream white in color, almost all medium to larger bubbles, wispy traces of lacing streaks here and there. Transparent, completely see-through liquid of yellow gold to flat amber hue, close to complete absence of bubbles within. Bakery-like nose of honey, brown sugar, pastry flakes, nutmeg and cinnamon, orange extract, even something like cola, some yeast but no funk, the yellow apple, pear, peach, white grape fruit fit into the whole unassumingly, suggestion of bitter grasses before finally dissolving. Medium-bodied, most of the weight front-loaded, there’s sweet granola, cereal, bread grains plus the honey and molasses, cinnamon and nutmeg. The orange citrus slightly candied without being a big factor. The carbonation too fine, foams to no specific purpose. Solid core of peach, pear, apple fruit, maybe seems fruity because there’s nothing especially “bitter” about this beer. The finish isn’t weak per se, more like the flavors and textures just lose whatever unifying force they had at the start. Nothing wrong with its drinkability if you want to pound uninteresting beer.
2 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Decadence 2010 Anniversary Ale (English Style Old Ale)
Old Ale
California
11.0%
25.4oz, Single
$11.99
Aggressive pour into the center of the glass yields maybe half a finger of deep brown head, large amount of bigger bubbles, vacates the premises like the cops are banging on the front door, wispy lacing at best with average staying power. Super-cloudy, muddy looking liquid, dark mahogany with more of a redwood look at the glass bottom, fully opaque. Ultra-sweet and heavy nose of coconut custard, butterscotch, maple syrup, cola, nutmeg and cinnamon, needs to warm some before you get banana, plum, fruitcake, poached apricot scents, presents an orange reduction too, submerged but discernible are some herbaceous, grassy notes, clings to your nostrils like a barnacle. Full-bodied, very expansive, covers the palate cheek to cheek, on the heavy side, might benefit from more spring to its step. The custard, coconut, caramel, bittersweet chocolate, butterscotch, whipped cream flavors pair up with more banana, cherry, apricot, peach, pineapple, date fruit flavors to ratchet up the sweetness factor, luckily it avoids becoming cloying. The orange to lemon citrus forges a credible presence and helps provide spine. Which is needed since the carbonation is close to non-existent. The grassy, earthy notes hold off until the very end but are there if you are willing to wait. Ponderous beer, even for the general category.
3 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Christmas Ale
Scottish Ale
Michigan
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Light head, finger of light tan to eggshell white, lots of larger bubbles which dissipate at a rapid clip, doesn’t come up with much lacing. Gauzy orange rust in color with a burnt red dirt edge, slight loss of depth at the rims, loosely arranged bubbles spread throughout the glass. Clean evanescence to the nose, dried grass and straw, peat moss, pepper and sage, mild caramel and chocolate accents, as it warms you get more apricot, peach, yellow apple scents as well as scone, soda bread and honey. Medium-bodied, here the carbonation too active, prevents many of the flavors from finding a center and then soaking in. Noticeably dry, leads once more with a grassy earthiness, followed on by dry grapefruit, orange pith. The yellow apple, pear, apricot fruit tenuous, in turn not enough honey, toffee to elevate overall sweetness and bolster the fruit. Smidge of pepper and other bitter herbs, leading into a sour finish. Not horrible, but doesn’t make you especially want another bottle.
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Yakima Glory Ale
Black IPA/Cascadian Dark Ale
Pennsylvania
8.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Close to two fingers of very dark tan to brown dense foam, very good retention, dimples slightly but holds at a finger for a long time, virtually no larger bubbles, curiously then the lacing not so sticky. Deep mahogany brown to amber color, transparent for all the richness of hue, hyperactive fine bubbles rise throughout, very pretty. Molasses crisp, maple syrup, bittersweet chocolate and a bodacious amount of sweet tangerine, tangelo citrus, dried pine tar, the nectarine, pineapple, apricot fruit slowly run down by earthiness, sage, peppercorns, moss and lichens, deserves props for having a lot going on yet coming across more as an integrated whole than bunch of parts. Full-bodied, the carbonation maintains a fineness in spite of strong activity, adds a fresh, cleansing feel. Quite hoppy, green grass, pepper, pine, however, the floral side smothered some by the dark chocolate, caramel, toffee, molasses. The tangerine, orange, grapefruit citrus plenty zesty, less purely juicy than in the nose. Garden herbs, cereal grains, tea leaves. Bitter without being tiresomely so, the malts massage the pain out well.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2010

Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Cellar Door
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
6.6%
25.4oz, Single
$12.69
Extremely delicate and openly knit head, crests at about two fingers of bleached white but dissolves faster than Carl Lewis running the 100 meters, has some lacing but this is fairly momentary too. Light yellowish color with some orange to it, looks kinda like an adjunct lager, strong beads visible within, clean hued consistently. White pepper, clove, coriander filled nose with an abundance of orange peel and blossom, a whole lot of poached apricot going on, supplemented by ripe peach, green melon and pear scents, baking glaze and pie flakes, right amount of yeastiness with mustiness, the florality remains subordinate to the spice, lavender and lilacs, more stickiness in the nostrils than lift, full and extended presence. Full-bodied, here in the mouth the carbonation able to relieve some unnecessary weight and bring tingle to the tongue. Drier feel brings the apricot back to earth, woven into the nectarine, pineapple, peach, yellow apple fruit, juicy but not possessed of tropical bite. Pepper, marjoram, sage, bay leaves there as well as something close to wasabi. The tangerine, tangelo citrus lively but dry. Too clean for substantial earthiness or yeastiness to accumulate. Cherry and a brush of honey reverberate through the finish. Can’t exactly relax while sipping it, conversely not sweating you either.
5 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
So Fresh & So Green, Green (Fresh Hop Beer)
American IPA
Georgia
6.6%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Easily yields two fingers of fine, airy foam, light tan in color, delicate when against your lips, slight dimpling, steady evaporation, the lacing sticks in thin sheets rather than streaks. Clear amber color to the liquid, mix of brown, red and orange with a metallic rust cast, clear and transparent with almost no bubbles to be seen. The nose delivers as advertised, both fresh and green, so youthful in the glass you want to card it, sparkling orange, lime, grapefruit citrus, just mown bermuda grass, pine sap, garden flowers and dried honey. Has a pie crust to scone side as well, not yeasty. The carbonation shows verve and a tight weave, sets a brisk pace for the flavors. Peppery and close to salty too, brings a mineral water to quinine bite. “Just picked” quality to the peach, nectarine, apricot, red apple, melon fruit, good presence throughout but too young for the sugars to have concentrated. There’s not a lot of complexity here, however, the freshness makes it a very versatile food beer, can see this going with a wide range of dishes.
4 out of 5

Van Eecke N.V., Brouwerij
Poperings Hommel Ale
Belgian IPA
Belgium
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$9.59
Frothy off-white head is semi-loose with a fair bit of larger bubbles, quickly brings it down from over two fingers to a thin coating across the surface, the lacing is wispy but there. Light orange to yellow color, hazy with close to full opacity, a few beads here and there visible. Earthy, peaty, tarry nose with lichens, tree bark, black tea leaves, brown rice before slowly switching gears into lemon, orange pith, biscuit, white pepper and a small core of apricot, white peach, yellow apple, white grape fruit scents, lasts well. Full-bodied, the carbonation is gentle and pushes things out towards your cheeks. Clove, pepper, yeast and country style multi-grain bread trump the damp earth, forest floor matter components, still the grapefruit, orange citrus more dry pith than zest or juice. The apricot, peach, apple fruit not that sweet, spiked by cinnamon notes. Then maybe witch hazel and banana as it warms. Never fully loses the earthy, wet grass dimension but doesn’t seem unclean.
3 out of 5

Port Brewing Company
Wipeout India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
7.0%
22oz, Single
$4.29
Dense microfoam starting off close to three fingers high, dimples as it dissolves with close to zero “bubbles” appearing, just off-white in color, plenty of lacing splotches left behind. Softly filmy burnt orange to zinc colored liquid, soft yellowing at the rims and glass bottom. Sweet, hoppy nose built mainly on pink grapefruit and tangelo citrus, pine and honey, no curveballs thrown here, pepper spice and lemongrass, muffin dough, slight suggestion of powdered malt chocolate mix, the graininess not sharp while still a big part of things. Medium-bodied, in the mouth it’s dryness and clinginess together elevate the bitterness factor. The grapefruit, tangerine and lime citrus remains sweet but leaves a dry pith residue behind. Pepper, green straw and hay, basil, pine and some general tree leafiness. The malts come off as blended into the whole rather than distinct elements, you really have to use your imagination to get any chocolate or caramel notes. Carbonation level is very good, allows soaking in but does eventually battle that clinginess through the rear palate. Starts to inch into DIPA territory but stays within its category parameters. Well done, especially for hopheads with a sweet tooth.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Fresh Hop Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Colorado
6.1%
22oz, Single
$8.49
Average pour gets you close to three fingers of creamy eggshell white, starts to dimple and turn wispy immediately, then holds on nicely once it’s down to a thin coating across the surface, the lacing has super stickiness, you’d need to sponge it off. Solid light amber to orange rust color, above average brightness and clarity, minor yellowing at the glass bottom. The nose has some weight to it but, predictably enough, openly weaved with an airy freshness to the wet herbal, vegetal scents, the orange to grapefruit citrus might be the second strongest component, however, still mellow, the pine relaxed too, mild earthiness, no distinct malt scents, you almost make up the cocoa dust out of your imagination. Medium-bodied, fine prickle to the carbonation, makes for an active mouth presence, close to conjuring up mineral water feel and flavor. Pleasant orange, lemon, lime citrus, nothing unduly sweet as regards the peach, red apple, pear, pineapple fruit. More breadth to the cocoa, mocha powder but, again, not more sweetness. Conversely, the hops are green and moist and pungent but not bitter in any meaningful way. Pepper, flowers, pine, earth all artfully arrayed throughout the palate. Classy, but its private school pedigree gives it an air of remove.
3 out of 5

Port Brewing Company
Anniversary Ale (4th Anniversary)
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
10.0%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Wispy finger of a head, light tan, mostly larger, quick to pop, bubbles, delicate in appearance, very little grip to the lacing. Full-on cloudiness and opacity, pumpkin orange, little but more of banana skin yellow further out, any light that punctuates the surface gets trapped well. The nose comes across as chunky, “nimble” not the word gliding off your tongue, apricot, peach, pineapple, apple scents with a dried fruit edge, tangerine, tangelo, pink grapefruit notes as sweet as sour, pine sap, floral musk, the malts are cast in a supplementary role, mocha and hard toffee, by the same token close to absence of herbal, grassy bite. Full-bodied, layered on the tongue, choose to go for maximal sappiness over brisker pacing. Glazed aspect to the grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus. Carbonation has a tighter weave but little staying power. Sugary apricot, peach, nectarine, guava fruit flavors. Pine, flowers, tea leaves all sappy, has the texture of a skin moisturizer. White pepper, clove spice clumsy like a dull butcher’s blade. The creaminess through the finish helps extend the whole. Some breadiness, whole wheat and sourdough. This is one relentless beer, however, subtle nuances ain’t on the menu. Just trying too hard.
3 out of 5

Hair Of The Dog Brewing Company
Blue Dot Double India Pale Ale (Summer 2010)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Oregon
7.0%
22oz, Single
$7.79
Curious lack of a head at all, even with a vigorous pour, wispy white bubbles here and there, close to zero lacing too. Super-murky, like it was muddy and then ran through a sieve, a mix of red to orange clay in the deeply translucent core, no change in hue at the rims, just lighter. Wet, concentrated nose of fresh hops, earthy funk, tar, black tea leaves, a carton of sour pink grapefruit juice, dried pine sap, the hops pungent but without a keen edge, the malts bring caramel, cocoa powder, butterscotch, blends in some pumpernickel bread and mixed grains, peppery as well. Full-bodied and heavy, like a bowling ball crashing through a window. Tangy but sweet on the whole, the pulpy juice of the pink to white grapefruit and orange juice impossible to deny, Caramel, toffee and warmed milk chocolate come next, albeit briefly as the pine tar and lemongrass, pepper, peat moss and rye to pumpernickel bread come through. Oddly, never gets really herbaceousness in a puckering way. The apricot, nectarine, pineapple, guava fruit less of a presence than might be expected. Stays fat and wide in the mouth through a prolonged finish. If you like ’em big…
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Namaste (Beer Brewed With Coriander, Orange, And Lemongrass)
Witbier
Delaware
5.0%
25.4oz, Single
$8.59
Close to a finger of bone white head, sort of dilute foam, no density with many larger bubbles, as a result, very little retention, lacing fares better, not many streaks but the ones there stick around. Pale golden orange color, however, has a nice luminescence to it which fills the glass, on the whole transparent but with a serious gauziness. Fresh and open nose, full but not close to heavy, the orange peel matches up with the coriander, nutmeg, cinnamon spice, maybe even a touch salty at times, the lemongrass stays in the background, nothing herbaceous going on here, by the same token the cocoa nibs about all you get for malts, as advertised citrus and spices 99% of what you find in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, foams up a good deal to increase palate coverage, little room for lift. More all of this heft, mouth feel is smooth and there’s no roughness nor bitterness to be found. Orange, lemon, traces of white grapefruit citrus abound. Coriander, cumin, clove and ginger spice more sweet than zesty, hence the smoothness. You get more yeasty, leesy accents here, suggestion of banana too. The peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit simply stated. Easy to drink, if there’s any nuisance it’s the carbonation.
3 out of 5

Emelisse, Bierbrouwerij
Emelisse Imperial Russian Stout
Rusian Imperial Stout
Holland/Netherlands
11.0%
10.14oz, Single
$5.69
Manages a half finger of ultra-dark brown, mix of smaller bubble sizes, okay retention given where it started from, not a great deal of lacing. Black throughout, nary a trace of color. Thick dark chocolate, caramel, toffee and chocolate cake icing grace the nose, boozy rum notes, walnuts, raisin, plum and blackberry fruit scents, spiced oranges, moderate amount of oats and wheat flakes, the roast is not over the top allowing the sweetness to carry the load. Full-bodied, dense and close to immobile, the carbonation soft and works hard to little effect. Much toastier and roastier here, brings coffee, bittersweet dark chocolate, carob and elevated white grapefruit citrus. The mouth texture is dry given its weight and the sort of flavors it offers. More rum to bourbon flavors, you know this is 11.0% alcohol from the first sip. Coconut, walnuts to pecans, more caramel as it warms. The hops add an unusually high herbaceousness to the proceedings, Given its density and relative lack of fluidity its length seems natural and unforced and it doesn’t seem insufferably heavy. The booziness the biggest distraction.
4 out of 5

Boulder Beer Company
Hazed & Infused (Dry-Hopped Ale)
American Pale Ale
Colorado
4.85%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Simply arrayed head of creamy off-white, mostly medium-sized bubbles with average retention, not much stickiness to the lacing. Dark amber color with a strong brown influence to the red base, only really orange along the rims, fairly clear and transparent given the depth of hue, more loose bubbles floating around than beads. Smooth nose, big malt presence with cocoa, carob, toffee and peanut butter, meager display of tangerine zest, little more pine, even more flower petals, gives you one solid burst of peach, apricot fruit scents, again, very fluid presence. Light to medium-bodied, here it is also demure and at times almost shy. Very active tight prickle to the carbonation, keeps the mouth scrubbed clean. This heightens the tangerine, orange, lime citrus. Earthy, plays well with the pine and tamer herbaceous elements. Honey replaces a lot of the cocoa, caramel flavors, malts and hops well-balanced against each other. Nothing “remarkable” about it, this seems intended as it eschews fireworks for solid craftsmanship.
4 out of 5

Thornbridge Hall Country House Brewing Company
Saint Petersburg Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
England
7.7%
16.9oz, Single
$8.99
Close to three fingers of dark brown head, the foundation is dense foam but the surface is a web of delicate medium-sized bubbles perpetually popping, decent cling to the wispy lacing. If you peer at it intently and for some time you’ll see that the liquid is the darkest brown achievable before becoming black, thin aura of orange around the edges. Goes very heavy on the chocolate in the nose, mix of dark and light, with coconut and caramel notes evokes German chocolate cake, scone and oatmeal with raisin, plum and green apple fruit, the hops most evident in helping stiffen the nostril feel more than provide aromas. Full-bodied, dense foaminess starts off through the soft attack before subsiding into a smoother, deeper progression forward. Cocoa, coffee candy, baking dark chocolate nibs rule as expected, the grilled nuts, warm pie crust, croissant flakes. Here you get some mixed orange to lemon citrus, perhaps even a sprig of pine, that’s it for hops. The thing it does best is give you a concentrated burst of all the chocolate paraphernalia without ever seeming to go overboard, balanced and lowkey to the final sip. Even accounting for the ABV, dangerously sessionable.
5 out of 5

Mission Brewery
Shipwrecked Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
9.25%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Big, two plus finger head of dense foam with a top layer of larger bubbles, eggshell white to slightly tanner, above average retention with many thin, wispy streaks of lacing. Deep orange rust color with more of a reddish inflection than brown or yellow, brighter, lighter orange at the glass bottom. The nose is dominated by ultra-sweet tangerine, pink grapefruit, lime citrus, fresh and juicy, piles on with honey, molasses and caramel tones, wet pine sap, the apricot, peach, pineapple fruit scents generous as well, hints at a bitter herbaceousness underneath but this component all but fully submerged in the sweetness, likewise the florality too delicate to spread widely. Full-bodied, more of a balanced presentation in the mouth as the hops can truly work on a tongue and fully bring a dry peppery, grassy bite into the mix. Before it does so, however, lots of space granted to the honey, molasses. caramel and chocolate and the ever-bodacious pink grapefruit, tangelo, lime citrus juice. The pine has more snap to it, the florality still too timid. The carbonation is credible but largely ineffective against the gluey mouth feel. A thicker, sweeter style of DIPA.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Claymore Scotch Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Colorado
7.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Finger’s worth of rich brown color, full range of bubble sizes with poor retention, lacing fares just slightly better, The liquid is a very deep brown but does avoid blackness, fully opaque, you get some amber red to orange tint around the rims. The nose is not especially heavy but it sure is sweet, loaded with molasses, butterscotch, maple syrup, caramel, cola bean and milk chocolate, as well as plum, black cherry fruit, brings a hoppy greenness and peppery kick too, scone and oatmeal accents, firms up appreciably before evaporating in your nostrils. Full-bodied, more broad than deep, skips nimbly across the tongue, the carbonation has a fine tightness to it. Still packed with molasses, maple syrup, chocolate and toffee but not as dulcet as in the nose, the cherry, blackberry, apricot fruit ripe with a fresh feel. Oats, multi-grain bread flavors dry it out a touch, minimal greenness or real bitter bite, however, the hop presence is clear. Grill smoke, perhaps even meaty at times. Good contrast of elements, drinkability is very good for the beer category.
4 out of 5

Cazeau, Brasserie de
Tournay Black Belgian Stout
Foreign/Export Stout
Belgium
7.6%
11.2%, Single
$5.69
Mammoth head, even a slow and steady pour fills two-thirds of the glass with tan airy microfoam, craters in the middle as it starts to slowly evaporate, the lacing is more like thin sheets and in turn stick well. Completely black liquid, thin sliver of orange at the bottom of the glass. Direct nose, almost tame, of dark chocolate, freshly ground coffee, malted milk balls, grape, cherry and plum fruit scents, has some hoppy kick but no distinguished individual scents. Medium-bodied, starts out creamy but dries up as it progresses, losing its softer texture. Carob, chocolate, coffee, butterscotch and a decent nuttiness set the table. Fresh grain brown bread, the kind of eat in chunks rather than slices. Slides you a slice or two of orange citrus. The carbonation has a tighter weave and more punch than expected given the delicacy of the head. Not much hops presence. It’s credible but nothing special.
3 out of 5

Korenaar, Brouwerij De Dochter van de
Courage (Special Limited Release Winter Ale 2009)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
8.0%
11.2oz, Single
$5.69
Weak head, barely musters enough tan foam to cover the surface, same thing if you give the glass a solid swirl, very little lacing. Lighter reddish brown colored liquid, noticeable cleanliness and transparency, yellows around the rims and glass bottom, a few beads of smaller bubbles spread throughout. The nose tends to wander all over the place without an organizing principle, caramel and toffee arguably appear first, red cherry, golden raisin, date and apricot fruit, some slightly burnt cocoa powder, earth, two day old scones, dried meadow grasses, anise seed, close to zero citrus or flowers, the hoppiness muted, can’t muster much punch. Medium-bodied, foams up quite a bit, texture is kind of like the consistency of cheap shaving cream. Some banana mixed into the butterscotch, marshmallow, caramel flavors, still remains on the dry side, not a beer for those with a sweet tooth. Grape, cherry, apricot fruit with a smoky bitter chocolate topping. The earth, tree bark and leaves, grasses deaden the mid-palate. Dried orange peels and white grapefruit pith do make a cameo here. It may be the case that this beer was not meant to last a year but it’s doubtfully so. In any event, it is flat-footed with no special element to catch your fancy.
2 out of 5

Botteresse de Sur-les-Bois, Brasserie la
La Botteresse Noire
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
10.5%
11.2oz, Single
$5.69
Frothy head, close to two fingers, dark tan, mostly tiny bubbles with strong retention and easily renewed with a swirl of the glass, about average stickiness to the lacing. Rich mahogany brown color, minor dropoff to yellow and a little orange around the rims, as dark as it is you can see the “floaties” drifting inside the liquid. The nose is close to voluptuous, sour cherry blends with prune, raisin and fig notes, spreads milk chocolate, coffee ice cream, caramel and butterscotch in a thick coat, the orange to tangerine scents favor tartness, the spiciness restrained, however, fights against the natural inclination towards sweetness, finishes noticeably clean and close to refreshing. Medium-bodied, sets itself squarely in your mouth. The carbonation comes on strong at first but does recede well, letting the flavors show better. Cola, anise, orange pekoe tea, caramel, butterscotch, the coffee and brown sugar add a toasty quality. Fresh apple, pear, cherry fruit mixed with fig, golden raisin, date. You get more straight out herbaceousness here than garden herbs per se. As it warms, the latent sourness comes out, particularly through the finish. Nice sense of pacing and change through the imbibing act.
5 out of 5

Straffe Hendrik/De Halve Maan, Brouwerij
Brugse Zot Dubbel
Dubbel
Belgium
7.5%
11.2%, Single
$3.89
Close to two fingers of dense dark tan foam, you’ll get a swell of larger bubbles at the spot where you pour, a little above average retention, just about the same can be said for the thin streaks of lacing. Cloudy muddy brown liquid, more yellow accents to it than orange, clearer at the rims. Spicy, peppery nose, coriander, more than enough to offset the toffee, caramel, milk chocolate component, raisin and fig scents fresh, no over-concentration, a splash of rum, earthy with a leesy edge. Medium-bodied, displays good balance, the carbonation has the right level of churn to keep things lowkey. As in the nose, drier than expected with the earth, grass, peat, charcoal flavors mingling with the rich milk chocolate, butterscotch, caramel flavors. Cherry and apple accompany the raisin, fig here. Less arch spiciness than in the nose. But, conversely more resonant orange citrus. Warming brings coffee, yeast, brazil nut notes. Again, balanced, the parts fit well together, just kinda not so interesting.
3 out of 5

Het Alternatief, Brouwerij
Ambetanterik
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
11.0%
11.2oz, Single
$5.69
Fluffed up and dimpled deep tan head, foams to about three fingers but the bubbles look like a firecrackers going off across the surface and before you know it there’s naught but a thin coating across the surface then that even pools into distinct islands, nothing really of note regarding the lacing. Likewise, nothing unusual about the brown mud in your glass, reddish clay tinge, more of a metallic yellow at the rims, lots of bubbles visible against the glass sides. The nose comes across as semi-clenched, still you get a tight little burst of white grape, green apple, peach and date prior to cocoa nibs, chocolate and cloves, there enduring sourness hard to put on the fruit per se, seems to come from the grass, lemon to grapefruit citrus and metallic notes. Medium-bodied, given human physiology and not psychology, much more sour here, close to puckeringly so. The blueberry, cherry, apple, grape, pear fruit seems like it was beaten to the point of confessing crimes it never committed. The white grapefruit citrus comes across as overripe and all pith. Dry to the point that you only register the carbonation because it’s a bunch of pinpricks. Chocolate and caramel whisper then a barnyardy funk of earth, merde and sweat ensues. Full and maintains palate weight completely to the end. Really hard to get past the pervasive sourness.
2 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Smoked Baltic Porter
Baltic Porter
Colorado
6.2%
22oz, Single
$8.49
Couple fingers of light brown foam, most of which are big bubbles eager to pop their way into oblivion, very good stick to the lacing and more retention than expected once the head gets down to the surface. The liquid pushes into black territory with a very dark brown circle around the outer edges. The nose is almost entirely coffee and dark chocolate, however, neither is especially potent, whiffs of oatmeal, golden raisin to fig fruit, very light orange citrus but a more pronounced metallic ring to it. Medium-bodied, the smokiness here is not sweet, more like wood smoke, kindling ash and charcoal. Over time you get more coffee grinds, bitter dark chocolate, hard caramel candy but never sweetens much. The carbonation is round and full, at time fluffy, a bit more of a presence than desirable. The fig, raisin, apricot, apple fruit sit in the corner most of the time. Overall, it’s dry but not finding many distinct hoppy flavors. Oatmeal, scone and some straw accents. Has a mineral water character to it, yet, not as metallic as suggested in the nose. Trails off during the finish, would likely be more noticeable were there more flavor intensity at the start.
2 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Really Old Brown Dog Ale (Big Beer Series)
Old Ale
New Hampshire
10.0
22oz, Single
$6.49
Watch the pour or you will get close to four fingers of light tan foam, mostly loose smaller bubbles but has a couple of “lilypads” of larger bubbles, adequate retention given where it starts from, the lacing “sticks around” well and lasts much longer than you’d expect at first. Foggy brown-red colored liquid, cloudily opaque with no bubbles to be seen, the rims and glass bottom shift between orange and yellow. Extremely thick and dense nose of molasses, maple syrup, caramel, toffee, milk chocolate covered raisins, dates, figs, prunes, honey dolloped scones, there is absolutely nothing about the nose that is not in your face sweet, chocolate dipped cherry, apricot, pineapple fruit, can’t really expect more concentrated orange reduction than here, defies anything to get in the way of its avalanche of sugar. Full-bodied, at first the tiny bubbled foaminess of the attack thinks you might get something different here but all that molasses maple syrup, toffee, chocolate takes over your mouth like it owns the deed. Date, raisin, prune, fig fruit, you name it, buttressed by apricot, pear, peach, green melon, yellow apple, pineapple flavors, The carbonation is not weak per se but nowhere near being able to handle the weight and momentum of the primary material. Basically, if hops were involved in the creation of this brew, damned if I noticed. Egregiously smooth and satiny mouth feel, creamy. All I can say is that you will do this beer a disservice if you don’t spark a cigar with a wet maduro leaf around it as accompaniment.
5 out of 5

Mother Earth Brewing
Tripel Overhead (Belgian Style Tripel Ale)
Tripel
North Carolina
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Even with a center pour not much of a head, thin coating of cream white with no real staying power nor lacing. Very dark rusty orange color, moderate haze, would consider it transparent on the whole, widely dispersed very tiny bubbles within. Thick and super-sweet nose, built on banana cream pie, molasses, brown sugar and poached peach, apricot fruit, orange reduction, comes up with a solid pinch of white pepper for contrast, mossy earthiness as well, as it warms finds a more balanced presentation. Full-bodied, round and creamy mouth texture gently pushes outwards against your cheeks while softly soaking into the palate. The butterscotch, caramel, maple syrup flavors dominate the attack, slowly ceding ground to the concentrated tangerine, lemon citrus and close to dried fruit apricot, pear, peach, yellow apple fruit. Not as much banana or clove as one might expect, bit players. The pepperiness gone here but the earth, moss, dried tree leaves remain. Hard to call it “hoppy” but for the style credible hop showing. The carbonation works hard to add pacing. It’s a “one and done” for the night beer, still, that one bottle will be a vivid treat.
4 out of 5

Darwin Brewery Ltd
Original Flag Porter
English Porter
England
5.0%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Head gets to near two fingers of deep tan foam, mostly larger bubbles with a steady dissolve, more stick to the fat lacing than thus expected. Very dark brown liquid yet not quite black, you get a wide band of orange at the glass’s bottom. The nose at first makes you think it will be softer and sweeter than it finally ends up, wiry length to the rum raisin to coffee ice cream, molasses crisp and caramel popcorn, more concentration than sugar to the fig, black grape, blackberry fruit scents, more pastry flakes than bread, still touch of wheaties or bran cereal. Medium-bodied, muscular mouth presence with tight carbonation which nevertheless guides the whole from start through the finish. Goes low on the roast and toast, more scone, buttered biscuit, granola with distinct hoppy pep. If anything, there is a semi-burnt edge which plays off the sweetness of the caramel, coffee, chocolate powder, peanut brittle notes. The date, golden raisin, fig joins fresher cherry, apricot flavors. Dry, malty finish, flavors knit together and lift off the palate. Maddeningly easy to take sip after sip. That is, if you treat it is an English porter and not to be understood in the American idiom.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2010

Botteresse de Sur-les-Bois, Brasserie la
La Botteresse Brune
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
10.0%
11.2oz, Single
$5.69
An aggressive pour gets you two solid fingers of dark brown microfoam, the surface very active, a sheet of popping bubbles, then gone, a few splotches of lacing here and there. Thick muddy brown liquid with a lot more yellow tint than orange, completely opaque, doesn’t show any sedimentary chunk. Banana cream pie in the nose, ginger root, cinnamon and cumin spice, more peppery as it warms, spiced orange peel and orange pekoe tea, the milk chocolate and caramel notes get a little lost, fig, date, plum, black cherry fruit scents, excellent resonance and length. Medium-bodied, has a good deal of firmness, however, the carbonation keeps gently churning away and contributes to a pretty inner mouth perfume. Caramel, toffee, chocolate stronger here, pairs well with the ginger, anise, clove spice. The cherry, blackberry, fig, black raisin fruit sweet, stopping short of sugary. The orange, tangerine citrus brings a sour twist. Mossy earth weaves in and out. There’s a lot going on here, more of a rollercoaster ride than well-oiled orchestra. Rollercoasters can be fun.
5 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Märzen (Fest Lager)
Märzen/Oktoberfest
North Carolina
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Finger plus of loose tan foam which disappears quickly, thin lacing without much stickiness. Autumnal red color deepened by some brown hues while more zinc orange at the rims, unblemished transparency, not many visible bubbles. Caramel, butterscotch, maple syrup soften and sweeten the nose, cherry, peach, dried apple fruit notes with freshly baked loaves of white bread with toasty crust, some granola as well, orange marmalade, kind of smells like breakfast. Medium-bodied, foams up during the mouth entry, surprises you given the absence of visible carbonation. Sweet with that toffee, butterscotch, maple syrup, milk chocolate stuff and juicy peach, apricot, cherry, red apple fruit. More scone, granola, and danish flakes than bready here, cleans up and dries out near the finish, able to refresh some as well as satisfy the sweet tooth. Still, don’t think I could put down more than two of these in a row in a single sitting.
4 out of 5

Hoevebrouwers, De
Toria Tripel
Tripel
Belgium
8.5%
11.2oz, Single
$5.69
Two fingers of dense, mostly microfoam with more undulating hills than dimples, cream white, above average retention with strong, thick streaks of lacing. Worn copper color with an orange rust tinge, steady bubble beads easily visible. Smells like this morning’s tangerine, orange rinds with peat moss, black tea, damp forest scrub, the banana led esters are weak with the apricot, peach fruit and cinnamon spice barely registering more deeply, has weight in your nostrils but not that much more. Full-bodied, creamy on the whole, however, it is noticeably more dry than sweet, particularly as the grass, hay, bitter tea leaf notes make themselves at home. More roundness to the orange citrus here, maybe some florality as well. The apricot, peach, apple fruit loaded into the attack, thinning out thereafter. Odd in that there’s little offered at the extremes of maltiness as well as hoppiness. Not sure what the intended message was here but it is muddled for sure.
2 out of 5

Sprecher Brewing Company
Hefe Weiss Wheat Ale
Hefeweizen
Wisconsin
4.2%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.49
Thick pour, fills half the glass before settling down to about two fingers of bone white, wispy, delicate foam, given the looseness of the foam, the lacing displays very nice stickiness. Unblemished, clear golden straw color, turns to a noticeably bright yellow around the rims and glass bottom, given the head almost zero visible bubbles. Remarkably soft nose with minimal wheat or grain presence, banana, bubblegum, clove and cinnamon, ripe apricot and peach fruit scents, raw baking dough, lemon juice, more width than length. Full-bodied, creamy mouthfeel with minimal carbonation, swiftly sinks into your palate. Ginger, cinnamon, clove and flowers team up with the same banana, peach, apricot, pear fruit to keep this one friendly beer. A touch more wheat, hay presence here, aided by more sourness in the lemon, orange citrus. Develops a light minerally edge as it finishes. Extremely easy to drink, however, comes off as simpler than it might otherwise be.
3 out of 5

Wells & Young’s Brewing Company Ltd
Wells Banana Bread Beer (Beer Brewed With Bananas)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
England
5.2%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$9.59
Around a finger’s worth of slightly off-white head, comprised mainly of larger bubbles which means little retention, lackluster lacing as well. Super-clear copper orange color with a darkening reddish aspect, a few lazy bubbles here and there within. Banana goes through loud and clear in the nose, however, fresh and light, not in any estery fashion, cinnamon and vanilla too, sponge cake, lighter granola, lemon yogurt, perhaps a hint of cherry as well. Light-bodied, light enough that the active carbonation prevents a lot of the flavor from soaking in. The banana, fig, pear fruit attenuated, the same for the bread to cake aspect. The lemon and vanilla fold into each other, the spiciness and nuttiness takes a couple of steps back. Without more richness of flavor, the carbonation keeps plowing ahead, detracts from mouth feel. Otherwise, inoffensive and innocuous.
2 out of 5

Stillwater Artisanal Ales
Stateside Saison
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
6.8%
25.4oz, Single
$12.69
Even a gentle pour is going to get you between three and four finger’s worth of light, airy bone white head, the delineation of the bubbles is such that you watch each one pop as the foam disappears, zip for lacing. Fully clear orange rust to zinc color, pales to a yellow tinge around the rims, there’s a wealth of bubbles but no beads at all, more like softly falling snow. But going up. Silky smooth nostril presence, fits like a $1,000 suit, which in some ways may not be for the best, as it makes it harder to grab the scents and identify them. In any event, there’s suave orange, tangerine, lemon citrus spray, a biscuit and scone breadiness, well blended banana, pineapple, peach, nectarine, yellow apple, cherry fruit scents, no clearly dominant force, no real chocolate but the coriander, cumin spice sweet enough to cover, clean with nary a trace of funk. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and the carbonation foams up quickly, certainly contributes to additional perfume, yet forestalls your ability to really get into the flavors. That said, über-friendly orange, lemon, pink grapefruit citrus as well as apple, pear, peach, apricot, cantaloupe fruit. Anise, mint, chamomile more prevalent here. The yeasty notes soften as well as add cling factor. If you can acclimate to the level of carbonation you’ll find that it is a fairly dry beer with good outline and length. Ambitious beer.
5 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
A Little Sumpin’ Wild Ale (Fermented With The Westmalle Yeast Strain)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
California
8.85%
22oz, Single
$4.69
Large, frothy head, over two fingers of just off-white, its delicacy shows as it dimples heavily across the surface, the lacing streaks are thin but will stay there until the glass is washed. Transparent, faint metallic glow to the yellowish-orange color, pumpkin-esque, maybe a subtle brown patina. Typical Lagunitas nose of super-sweet tangelo, pink grapefruit, lime citrus supported capably by pine sap, rose petals, basil leaves and nectarine, pineapple, papaya, peach and litchi fruit, block of milk chocolate, the herbaceousness has more of a savory then green nature. Medium-bodied, the carbonation gives if a fluffy, downy soft mouth entry as well as relieves what might be more fat than the beer can nimbly handle. Mint, basil, sage intertwine here with the orange, grapefruit citrus to temper the latter’s sweetness. Not that this is a “dry” brew texturally, the hops have bounce but no real bite, lets the cocoa and mocha malts, brown sugar glaze and pine oil the joints. The apricot, papaya, peach, pineapple, green apple fruit can let you both enjoy a soaking effect as well as keep it jogging briskly. Bit of biscuit to scone but nowhere near yeasty. Just makes you think of sunshine.
5 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Harvest Ale (Brewed With Fresh Hops Harvested From Our Own Local Hops Farm)
American IPA
Pennsylvania
6.2%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Two finger of cream white foam, orange to tan tinge, full mix of bubble sizes, retention is good but doesn’t last forever, noticeably thick lacing streaks with vast stickiness. Faint gauziness to the otherwise transparent copper orange color, more sunset red than orange, pretty glow. The bitter, grassy hops make their splash first in the nose, gets this out of the way in favor of sweet tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus, pine, wet and smoky earth, black and red pepper, the malt presence is dry and mostly cocoa powder and raw honey splashed baking dough. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is like a flurry of jabs, makes you have to concentrate hard at first. The malt has the same dryness with a more burnt quality, mocha and caramel with a hint of anise. Apple, peach, pear fruit not particularly resonant, more sour orange, grapefruit citrus present. Grass, tree leaves, moss and lichens, retains a damp earthiness. Adds more of that peppery spice. Extremely drying, your tongue is practically begging for water at the end. This even as it never seems excessively hoppy.
3 out of 5

Emelisse, Bierbrouwerij
Emelisse Espresso-Stout
Foreign/Export Stout
Holland/Netherlands
10.0%
10.14oz, Single
$5.69
Big, billowing head of over two fingers, looks kinda like the top of a chocolate milkshake, all whipped up forth, very dark brown, about average grip to the lacing. Full-on black liquid, as opaque as opaque gets. In the nose you actually receive more caramel, toffee and warm dark chocolate before the dark roast coffee burst, this more sweet than bitter, not overly toasty with buttermilk, white bread dough, softest whisper of orange peel, no flowers or grassy accents, the hops likely stiffen nostril presence over providing distinct scents. Medium-bodied, possesses the sort of dryness which shaves off weight rather than sap flavor intensity. The roast again is dark but not vicious or deep, easily admits of a creamy texture without much bitterness. As much milk as dark chocolate, caramel and coconut shavings a minor touch. Pecan to chestnut notes, dried orange peel. Nothing remarkable about the carbonation, even if this is technically a remark. Oats and wheat bread crust, hops play it lowkey. Plenty of coffee flavor through the finish, good length, if you are looking for a blockbuster here you will be disappointed.
4 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Duck-Rabbator Lager Dopplebock
Doppelbock
North Carolina
8.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Close to three fingers of dark tan head, a lot of larger bubbles interspersed throughout, pops and sizzles down to the surface at a steady gait, the lacing slides down the glass side in solid sheets. Very dark brown in color with a mild orange tint, no murkiness at all, just darkness, a pleasing package visually. There’s enough roast to the nose to evoke coffee, dark baker’s chocolate and a pinch of chicory, softened by butterscotch, rum raisin and date to fig fruit notes, very light banana too, the hops more like straw or hay than anything fresh and green, muscular tenacity in your nostrils. Full-bodied, dry and crisp mouth entry, the carbonation well-defined and brisk. Sip by sip you get more chocolate, butterscotch, nougat, molasses and coffee hard candy. The raisin, fig, date, maraschino cherry flavors not overly sweet and strongest past the mid-palate. More of foresty, mossy sort of herbaceousness here, wetter and livelier. Minimal citrus or spice, sticks to the core message. Richness without heaviness.
5 out of 5

Měšťanský Pivovar Havlíčkův Brod, A.S.
Rebel
Czech Pilsener
Czech Republic
4.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Finger and a half of cream white foam, the bubbles explode at such a fast rate you think Willy Wonka is behind it all, gone done to the surface like that, no lacing left behind. Light orange liquid, not pale, transparent with very mild visual distortion, a few scattered bubbles here and there. The nose has a nice liveliness to it, lots of all kinds of bread, like one big marble loaf in your nostrils, sweet golden honey accents, general maltiness then more salt ’n’ pepper than herbaceousness, tame mixed white fruits, it seems like it aims to mix things together like a stew than let the elements stand apart. Medium-bodied, strong through the attack before relaxing and just letting it flow, unfold as it wants. Honey, molasses and caramel very obvious while displaying restraint when needed. The breadiness is more doughy than yeasty and had the crust cut off. A few corn notes. The carbonation somewhat lowgrade, not a deciding factor. More floral than fruity or citrusy. Hops bring tingle to the finish so it does end on an up note.
3 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Rumble (Oak Aged India Pale Ale)
American IPA
Colorado
7.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Two plus finger head of mixed bubble sizes, much larger in the middle, fairly airy but resists swift dissolution, light tan to eggshell white, the little lacing it has it thin but sticks well. Very clear amber orange color, gentle yellowing at the rims and glass bottom, very few bubbles to be seen. Serene, relaxed nose, the orange, grapefruit citrus was already juicy and soft before being joined by cream oak notes, finds amble room for traditional pine, flower and then caramel and vanilla, minor biscuit to granola notes but not very bready. Medium-bodied, smooth with the right amount of hop-driven sourness, scores nicely in the balance department. Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel signal the oak’s presence, more so than it being that malty, Sweet pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus never gets too dulcet. Apricot, peach, mango, pineapple fruit approachable, some bite too. Some pepper and straw/hay at the end. No one element is exemplary or captivating but, in total, just a pleasing quaff.
4 out of 5

Emelisse, Bierbrouwerij
Emelisse Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Holland/Netherlands
11.0%
10.14oz, Single
$5.69
Not much more than a finger’s worth of head but what’s there is dense with very good retention, dark tan color, average stick to the lacing. Impenetrably opaque brown to orange murk, like a muddy creek with lots of clay in the soil composition, this said, you can find some bubbles floating upwards in there. The nose goes super-heavy on the malts, caramel, toffee, chocolate ice cream, fruitcake, raisin bread, creamed coffee, then comes the hops with pine sap, peat moss, coal tar, all of this edgy in stark contrast to the malts, somewhere along the way the fruit, flowers and citrus must have been lost. Full-bodied, sappy to the point of getting heavy and losing forward progression. Here, the bitterness of the hops leaps out first, no doubting it’s a DIPA on that score. Of course, this is not to diminish the power of the malty caramel, chocolate, coffee flavors as well as the sweet breadiness. Maybe you get some apricot or peach here but not much. The pine manages to tease out some orange zest. Its weight never releases and it gets kind of tough to drink, luckily it’s not even a 12oz bottle. Reach exceeds its grasp.
3 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Oarsman Ale
American Pale Wheat Ale
Michigan
4.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Bleached white head, delicate and airy foam, as it dissolves you think you’re watching a film on fast forward, some dimpling and the lacing stays around much longer than expected at first. Extremely pale yellow color, if with a slight luminescence, the haze prevents crystal clear transparency, big stream of bubbles more or less right in the middle of the normal pint glass. Lemongrass, wheat, sage, pepper, pretzel dough, mandarin orange zest, green apple and apricot to peach pit fruit scents, light yeasty funk. Light-bodied plus, the carbonation has enough toughness and tight weave to keep what weight is there present through to the end. Very citrusy, tart lemon, orange burst. Yeast, sourdough, the wheat tastes grainy and unprocessed. Close to no fruit, some sour apple, pear and apricot. In the back half, though, there’s a glancing brush of honey and caramel. Have to say it has a lively, crackling presence in the mouth, no way you are not noticing it there. Low ABV helps but overall bitterness makes this a two bottle tops in a sitting beer pour moi.
3 out of 5

Abita Brewing Company
Pecan Harvest Ale (Ale Brewed With Louisiana Pecans)
American Brown Ale
Louisiana
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.69
Solid two fingers of cream white foam, good density, mainly micro-bubbles with a few just “small” bubbles here and there, retention is above average, thin lacing at best. Light amber to copper orange in color, good consistency throughout until some more yellow at the edges, transparent, no meaningfully visible bubbles. The nose offers a coating of molasses glaze to the base of roasted pecans, nothing very pushy or dominating here, not bready more like scones or hard biscuits, more pepper spice than and flowers or other softer element, maybe caramel, it’s a toss-up but, overall, probably more malty than hoppy. Medium-bodied, sets itself in the mouth firmly, carbonation has strength but rarely exercises it. Sweeter in the mouth was upfront caramel, toffee, maple syrup notes, maybe even orange peel. The pecan component is middling, never absent but no star of the show either. Less general roastiness than expected. Oil, stream water, grass than something like banana and bubblegum, little by way of apricot, peach fruit. No glaring defects nor anything to piss you off, just not much going down.
2 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Side Project Volume 12: Hopzilla Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Georgia
10.8%
22oz, Single
$8.59
You get a solid finger and a half of pure white foam, lots of mixed bubble sizes, likely contributes to the lack of head retention, curiously, little stick to the lacing as well. Deep haze to the light orange to yellow color, almost witbier in look, good amount of lazy bubbles float slowly within. Builds steadily at a moderate gait in the nose, white pepper and green grass make a brief obligatory show, then bow out in favor of concentrated apricot, peach, pear fruit scents, floral musk, and slabs of tangelo and pink grapefruit citrus, so strong is the former that the not insignificant pine, cinnamon and caramel accents shunted to the side. Full-bodied, seems like it was created to cannonball into your mouth with authority. Fluffy and soft carbonation has it spreading near and far, an interesting tactile counterpoint to the highly concentrated apricot, peach paste, supplemented by pineapple, guava, kumquat fruit of equal density. The pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus sweet yet so layered, there’s not much zest. Has as much pine tar on it as George Brett’s bat. Rouses up a shout of white pepper and grass but this is mostly for show. This is a DIPA for those with a serious sweet tooth.
4 out of 5

Fuller’s (Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, Griffin Brewery)
Fuller’s 1845
English Strong Ale
England
6.3%
16.9oz, Single
$5.09
Gives you a solid two finger head of deep tan color, mostly tighter foam with a few islands of bigger bubbles here and there, good retention and the lacing, while not that sticky, does slide slowly in sheets down the glass. Bronzed orange to brown color, good clarity without sacrificing depth of hue, only a few tiny bubble beads which come and go. Boozy nose, vanillin whiskey notes, butterscotch and freshly whipped butter, stronger hoppy grain and hay notes, date, dried pineapple and apricot fruit, the maltiness has more edge than you might expect, lots of push, even if in the face of a lack of scent diversity. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is tightly woven and contributes to a firmer mouth feel. Still has that whiskey barrel touch, just without any vanillin creaminess. Fig, date, raisin flavors, simply without deep sweetness, the same for the candied red cherry and more basic apricot fruit. The orange citrus joined by tarter white grapefruit and a little lemon. Smoky, burnt kindling ash accents. The general bitterness more in place here, pushes the molasses and maple syrup off to the side but not off the map. Kind of an “intellectual challenge” sort of brew, not so much immediate, visceral pleasure but each sip keeps you focused on it.
3 out of 5

Inselkammer (Brau Von Aying/Ayinger Brewery), Privatbrauerei Franz
Oktober Fest-Märzen
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Germany
5.8%
16.9oz, Single
$3.69
Pours a big three finger plus head yet so loosely knit and comprised of huge bubbles that it is gone almost before you can try to measure it, zero lacing as well. Bright orange amber color with a metallic cast, clear and transparent, abundant streams of bubbles visible, especially after first poured. Sweet, bready, malty nose full of molasses, honey, caramel, fruit cake, golden raisin, date, apple fruit, orange glaze, with some milk chocolate for good measure, a dried graininess appears as you acclimate to it. Lighter-bodied with plenty of fizzy carbonation to keep it swirling actively from start to finish. Its inherent sweetness helps it gain some traction, Honey, sweet butter, maple syrup, orange peel, root beer and chocolate bits pretty up things first. Challah bread, croissant flakes and buttermilk up next. Keeps that golden raisin, date aspect but blends in fresher apple, pear, apricot flavors too. As with the nose, it is not like there’s no hops at all, they just seem to fill in cracks rather than stand center stage. This is about the perfect bottle size for the flavors, any more and it would get tedious.
4 out of 5

Greene King/Morland Brewery
Abbot Ale
English Pale Ale
England
5.0%
16.9oz, 4-Pack
$11.49
Half finger of cream to eggshell white color, mostly dense foam with a few larger bubbles here and there, retention not an issue since not much to start from, no stick to the lacing, however, it does slide down in an extremely solid sheet. Creamy nose feel with a sour, lactose edge, banana pudding and milk, green apples and pears, hard toffee candies, somewhat floral yet you can’t really say there’s any hop-driven bite, the malt seems to win by default, smattering of mixed spices, stutters too much. Medium-bodied, for all the fluff and creaminess cannot achieve deeper mouth presence, carrot and celery notes there as much as toffee, butterscotch or cocoa. The hops are weak and cannot come close to lending spine to the whole. Little bit of citrus, the carbonation is soft and kind of a wuss. You get a very clear message which makes you think it is as it should be. Allowing for this, not this imbiber’s cup of tea and pretty damn glad the glass is close to empty.
2 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Festbier
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Pennsylvania
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Finger of deep tan foam with a mild orange tint, loose and bubbly, weak retention but does a solid dusting across the surface, the lacing slides easily down the glass sides. Noticeably clear amber copper, mixes in browns, red and oranges, transparent, few bubbles visible inside. Lots of cereal, granola, biscuit and grains in the nose, quinine or mineral water too, pepper spice, takes awhile for a caramel or toffee scents to get going, walnuts, limited but steady orange citrus, no real distinct fruit component. Medium-bodied, there’s a strong, wiry carbonation to it which keeps it moving at a brisk pace. Not that sweet, seems closer to the “traditional” Märzen recipe with grain, pumpernickel bread, corn husk, walnuts and chestnuts, white pepper. As in the nose, subdued orange citrus as well as peach, pear, yellow apple fruit. Thin patina of milk chocolate and caramel. Overall, it’s a nice little brew but not really that interesting.
3 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Brandon’s Kölsch Style Ale (Highland Cup 2010)
Kölsch
North Carolina
5.5%
22oz, Single
$4.39
Light bone white head, really too thin to call it a “head” per se, gone almost before it’s poured, no lacing. Faint haze deepens the orange to worn gold color, very consistently hued throughout, no visible bubbles. The nose features air dried harvest apples, peaches, a splash of sour lemon and orange zest, sweet grains, then a pleasing floral breeze, no one element stands out above the rest, a nicely integrated presentation. Medium-bodied, given how it looks the carbonation chugs along nicely. Perhaps on the sweeter side of the style, juicy orange to lemon citrus, honeyed white bread, the apple, pear, grape, peach, banana fruit once more have that sweet, getting shriveled “stored in the cold basement for a couple of months” feel. Touch of malted milk balls, however, you don’t get powerful caramel-like stuff, just a smooth, calming influence. Nothing herbaceous nor biting, no bumps in the road. Dry finish, maybe could use a little more punctuation. Glass gets empty real quick like.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Bitches Brew (Ale Brewed With Honey And Gesho)
Russian Imperial Stout
Delaware
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$10.99
Finger plus of very dark brown foam, full mix of bubble sizes but does have adequate retention, minor stick to the lacing. Pitch black liquid, full opacity with nary a trace of color. Thick roast to a nose that is otherwise motor oil thick, dark chocolate, chicory, vanilla powder, café au lait, little bit more orange marmalade than pine or flowers, eventually run down by maraschino cherry and raspberry jam fruit accents, eventually becomes so dense you can’t parse much more out. Full-bodied, the carbonation has fluff factor and adds to the overall creamy mouth feel. Coffee, dark chocolate, vanilla, honey and caramel vivid but actually not that sweet. Comes off more as slow roasted than crisp and toasty. The florality struggles to be heard. Hint of clove, cinnamon stick spice. More brioche than bread or yeast. Loses some palate weight at the end but there’s sufficient retronasal action to keep it alive. Impressively scaled, curiously could stand to be sweeter.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2010

Bruery, The
Mischief (Belgian-Style Ale Golden & Hoppy)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
California
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$11.79
Finger of bone white foam, mix of many bubble sizes, enough fluff that the retention is decent, forms sheets of lacing which slowly slide down the glass side. Light orange to deeper yellow in hue, not especially hazy but not transparent either, dispersed if steady bubbles. The nose has a certain tightness to it, led by wet grass, pepper, unsweetened multi-grain bread and a shock of sour white grapefruit pith, blends in whole cloves and green apple to pear fruit scents, again there’s not a lot of give and what is there evacuates in a straight line. Medium-bodied, the carbonation also has a tight weave to it, hints at foaming up but then pulls back. More than in the nose the orange marmalade to white grapefruit citrus is in clear control, tart, sour and bitter, omnipresent. Momentary brush of banana before meager pear, apple, pineapple fruit come on. Pine resin, coal tar and damp hay anchor it further onto the tongue. Hard to find any clear malt elements, perhaps some chocolate near the finish. A very muscular beer which makes you break a sweat with each sip.
3 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Reunion ’10 (A Beer For Hope) Belgian Style Scotch Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Georgia
8.5%
22oz, Single
$8.59
You get a little more than a finger’s worth of very loose, bigger bubbles for a head, poor retention, just about nada for lacing too. Deep amber to brown color, dark enough that it pushes transparency to the edge, clean though with no haze, more coppery orange at the rims. Heavy duty esters in the nose, banana, bubblegum, vanilla fudge, barely makes room to accommodate the molasses, brown sugar, butterscotch notes, not to forget the fig, date, golden raisin, dried apricot fruit scents, makes you think it’s a one trick pony until the bitter hoppy burst before it finally evaporates. Full-bodied, real heavy, doesn’t anchor itself on the palate as much as sink to the bottom of the sea. More banana, fruitcake, maple syrup, molasses, caramelized brown sugar, milk chocolate, you name it. Were it not so heavy you might consider the texture to be creamy, certainly the weak carbonation would not stand in the way of such a judgment. Offers a dose of floral dew and orange juice, the hops have less maneuvering room here than in the nose. It’s truly an enjoyable beer but no easy quaff and arguably best understood as a “dessert beer” to give it the best chance to shine.
3 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s Organically Produced Ale (Organic Best Ale)
English Pale Ale
England
5.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.79
Finger plus of white foam with just a light eggshell tint, slightly below average retention, does settle into a decent blanket across the surface, slippery lacing. Fully clear, yet with a haze, light catching a glance of the sun on a summery day, pumpkin orange with some yellowing near the rims, hardly any visible carbonation. There’s a thickness to the nose which belies its fresh lift, the sour orange to grapefruit citrus creates a full zest in your nostrils, more yeast than bread, plain yogurt, uncooked oatmeal, maltiness appears more textural than presence of specific scents, dollop of dried honey, green apple and pear, sneaky and hard to describe complexity. Medium-bodied, much more firm than heavy, sets itself authoritatively in your mouth. Lots of mandarin orange, grapefruit, lemon citrus, pulp richness and neither sweet nor sour. More yeast and yogurt with more multi-grain bread with some honey mixed in. Same late harvest apple, pear, peach character, ripe without too much juiciness. Momentary shadow of flowers and hops stiffens the finish and brings punctuation. While pleasing to just throw back not a simple sipper either.
5 out of 5

Hacker-Pschorr Bräu GmBH
Original Oktoberfest
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Germany
5.8%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$12.49
Little over a finger of cream white foam, more froth than density, gone quickly with close to nothing left across the surface, lacing slides off the glass sides as if greased. Remarkably clear, as if buffed into a high polish, the color of an older copper penny, more zinc at the glass bottom, there’s a few loosely gathered bubbles inside. Dry, crisp nose of clove, ginger root, rye bread, barley, dried orange peels, offers more green leafiness than malty sweetness, pinch of apricot, apple, peach fruit, extremely understated and saying that may be an understatement. Light to medium-bodied, equally dry here with an energetic spring to its step, bready with baking spices, just not indulgently sweet. Orange and lemon citrus close to giving a mineral water feel, metallic at times. The carbonation has a good, tighter weave, keeps it off the tongue. Honey and molasses accents help it a good deal, substitute for clear malt flavors. Light apple, apricot, red cherry fruit. A very refreshing beer that, if you don’t mind some sourness, is easily poundable.
4 out of 5

Korenaar, Brouwerij De Dochter van de
Finesse (All Malt 3-Cereal Triple)
Tripel
Belgium
8.5%
22.4oz, Single
$14.99
Solid finger of off-white foam, moderate density helps it dissipate at a steady, slower rate, the lacing accumulates more in splotches than streaks. Bright carrot orange color, very slight turn to brassy yellow, opaque and captures light inside fully, the loose bubbles kind of remind you of a snow globe. There’s a corn flake, shredded wheat aspect to the nose at first, then takes a big turn toward peat moss, tar, wet brown earth and clay, thin peppery zip, none of this to ignore the attractive mango, peach, apricot, melon fruit scents as well as chocolate coated caramel, repeated sniffs once more bring the metallic rust and earthiness to the fore. Full-bodied, not so much dense as stuffed with fluffy carbonation, like a down pillow. Here you get a big round spoonful of orange marmalade and pink grapefruit juice in front of honey, cane sugar and hard caramel candy. The apricot, peach, nectarine fruit keeps an element of mango and papaya nearby. You still are served some metallic shavings, dirt splattered stones and dried field grasses but nowhere near as hoppy or earthy as the nose. There’s a regal bearing here, refuses to simply sweeten itself as to ingratiate. Which heightens drinkability. You can drink it quickly, that is if you can stop simply sniffing it.
5 out of 5

Sprecher Brewing Company
Black Bavarian Style Lager
Schwarzbier
Wisconsin
6.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$9.49
You get three fingers of dark tan foam with a center glass pour, moderate density with nice retention, leaves a few thick streaks of lacing. Pure black liquid, a thin aura of orange at the rims and glass bottom. Good deal of smokiness to the nose, sharp but not acrid, furnishes coffee, dark chocolate, mocha, coconut flakes first, slowly blends in licorice, white grape, apple, pear fruit and a glance of burnt grill fat, basic country style white bread, brazil nuts, subtle length. Full-bodied, foams up during the mouth entry but recedes swiftly enough to let its full weight soak in. Pleasing bitterness, the hoppy grassiness and grains play well with the resonant smokiness, more of that mocha and cocoa dust, coffee bean, grilled nuts and vanilla powder, mouth palate coverage. The pork rind and meat fat persists, a nice bonus. Sufficient sweetness to boost drinkability, the fruit more muted and indistinguishable here, close to no citrus presence. Hard to get the residue out of your mouth, takes more than a glass of water.
5 out of 5

Coronado Brewing Company
Idiot IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.0%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Big two plus finger head of eggshell white foam, loose and highly whipped up, delicate to the touch, nothing unusual about the lacing, average stickiness. Fully translucent and about as close to opacity as a copper orange to amber beer can be, minor fade to yellow at the rims, rests deeply in the glass. Given the strength of the hops in the nose, doff of the cap to the malts for producing as much caramel and butterscotch as is there because after that it’s an avalanche of white pepper, freshly mown green grass, pine, coal tar, buttered biscuits, rosemary and sage, the grapefruit, orange citrus about equally sour and sweet, presents as much pineapple and papaya fruit as apricot or peach, its brute force keeps it driving into your nostrils even after most of the scents have evaporated. Full-bodied, the creamy mouth texture helps to take some sting out of the hops, still, big time bite in the grains, grasses and bitter herbs, close to medicinal or witch hazel at times. Broad sweep of pink and white grapefruit, orange citrus, here tartness wins out. Chocolate, caramel surfaces here and there. The carbonation strikes a good balance between fluffy softness and more forward moving churn. Ends with a pumpernickel, rye breadiness. Hops in da house.
5 out of 5

Musketiers, Brouwerij de
Troubadour Magma Belgian Triple IPA
Belgian IPA
Belgium
9.0%
11.2oz, Single
$5.69
Three fingers of creamy orange to tan foam, airy and prone to dimpling, steady dissolve, average stickiness to the lacing. Super cloudy and opaque liquid, however, the red tinged pumpkin orange has serious glow, fills the glass with color, lots of tiny bubble beads visible as well. Sweet tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus explodes in the nose, adds juiciness to the apricot, peach, nectarine, mango fruit scents, brawny peppery component, the pine adds edginess, hard to distinguish clear malt scents but something is softening the harder edges here. Medium-bodied, heavily whipped up carbonation yet fine enough that it does not prevent the weight from getting things sinking into the palate. The pepper and crisp spice pairs up with herbal bite to set the tone early, forestalls the appearance of the tangerine, grapefruit citrus, no small feat. Drier fruit profile, more nectarine, pineapple, papaya than riper apricot or peach, tangy. More dead yeast cells than breadiness, offers a charcoal dustiness too. Near the end releases a swipe of maple syrup and molasses. High marks for drinkability given the ABV. Active, not hyperactive, mouth presence.
5 out of 5

Epic Brewing Company
Mayhem
American Strong Ale
New Zealand
6.2%
16.9oz, Single
$9.99
Close to two fingers of eggshell cream white, credible blend of smaller and larger bubbles, nothing special about its retention, skimps on the lacing. Transparent, clear brown to clay red influenced orange base, consistent hue throughout, only a few bubbles to be found. Grassy, herbaceous hops take over the nose quickly, with white pepper, pine needles and saline notes, rings metallic now and then too, the toffee, caramel maltiness weaves in and out, no steady presence, tart orange to white grapefruit citrus shaves off the sweetness of the apple, peach, apricot fruit, this latter a decidedly bit player. Ends like someone crammed a handful of lichens and moss in your nostrils. Full-bodied, the carbonation broad, churns to fill your mouth as much as possible. Dry mouth feel, hops run the show but avoids herbaceousness per se, more raw grains, meadow scrub and tree bark with that same peppercorn and saltlick touch. Minor peach, red apple, pear fruit, the orange to lemon citrus drops back as well. In turn, maybe an uptick in florality. Cocoa and hard caramel candy helps to add diversity. Sheer density and forward momentum has it making a visceral impression but, flavorwise, lacks nuance.
3 out of 5

Hook Norton Brewery Co. Ltd.
Hooky Bitter
English Bitter
England
3.6%
16.9oz, Single
$5.69
Close to two fingers of mostly huge bubbles causing it to disappear quickly, off-white in color, for as quickly as the head is gone leaves decent lacing residue. Mild haze to the base orange color, suggests as much brown as yellow, fairly consistent throughout with a scattering of loose bubbles. The nose is biscuity with a fistful of grains, dried flowers, corn husks, barley, dried orange peels, dead yeast cells, cellar stored apples and peaches, nothing distinctly malty but, by the same token, doesn’t come across as devoid of malts. Light-bodied, consistent throughout so you don’t sense any dropping off. Barley, wheat germ, corn, sorghum, and yeast, does a nice of job of alternating between bitter and sweet, the very active carbonation moderates between them. Caramel and maple syrup smooth some rough patches, still has a leafy finish. The lemon, orange citrus dry and focus things further. Ends with a kind of peppery kick. The only thing that lowers drinkability is the dryness.
3 out of 5

Gaverhopke, Brouwerij ’t
Extra
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
12.0%
11.2oz, Single
$9.59
Good half finger of light tan foam, but gone as rapidly as the tide going out to sea, a little more lacing than expected but no stick. Light reddish brown color, while mostly opaque no real murkiness, more orange to yellow further towards the rims, shows active, tiny bubbles. The nose does a worthy job of blending peat moss and pepper with coriander, sage, never herbaceous but gets earthy with tree bark and tea leaf nuances, orange peels, minimal fruit, perhaps fig, raisin or green apple, pure and without much softer yeastiness. Medium-bodied, the carbonation fluffs up big time through the mouth entry, you might reflexively clamp your mouth shut. The malts and molasses short-lived, hands off to orange/lemon citrus, charcoal, peat and tea leaves soon thereafter. You get elevated apple, pear, peach, cherry fruit along with the fig and golden raisin. Still, dry overall with grain, wheat, corn husk accents. Broad shouldered but kinda runs out of flavor by the end. More sweetness might have helped.
3 out of 5

Anchor Brewing Company
Liberty Ale
American Pale Ale
California
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Big, creamy off-white head, easily three fingers to start before slowing dissolving off, moderate dimpling and credible amount of lacing streaks left behind. Gentle gauziness to the zinc orange color, fades to a dark yellow at the rims, transparent enough to see the scattered bubbles rising. Apricot and peach fruit scents strong with sourdough bread, pepper and green grasses to give it erectness in the nostrils, the orange citrus downplayed some, the malts stay off to the side, same for the pinch of honey, except for the fruitiness appears to prefer getting dirty in the earth. Medium-bodied with attractive firmness, so much so that it can afford to be slightly over-carbonated with no ill effects. The bitterness clearer here, gives you a strong twist with lemon to grapefruit pith, grass and leafy forest scrub, pepper, even the pine notes seem sour. The floral element naught but a flourish to the apricot, peach pit flavors. There might even be some estery notes underneath there somewhere. Even nearing room temperature does not sweeten appreciably. Well-crafted, likely more as a “food beer” than for casual chugging.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Fifteen Smoked Imperial Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Pennsylvania
10.8%
12oz, 4-Pack
$16.99
Finger of very dark brown foam, loose and half much larger bubbles, the lacing not sticky and slides down the glass in sheets, average retention. As expected, pure black liquid, as in #000000. Raw smokiness to the nose, kindling wood, pork rinds and burnt bacon, dark chocolate and coffee grounds, mildly spicy, thin floral layer helps tease out peach, apricot, melon fruit scents, unprocessed grains more than bread, little by way of citrus or flowers, as if cut from stone no softness, just unbridled power. Full-bodied, while the carbonation comes across as too fine for the job, the overall mouth feel is satiny and fluid. The smokiness remains by far the dominant factor, close to tarry with lots of char. Grill smoke with meat fat, dark roasted coffee and toasted coconut. Hard to find a truly sweet component, paucity of cherry, apricot fruit in addition to orange, grapefruit citrus. Pine tar might be as good as it gets. Hides the alcohol level well. Solidly crafted, crackles with energy, hard to wash the flavor residue out of your mouth.
5 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Barleywine Ale
English Barleywine
North Carolina
11.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Thin head, covers the surface, just, eggshell white, some larger bubbles form an island to the side, zero lacing. Murky liquid, mix of muddy brown to orange rust to sand yellow, completely opaque, no clear sign of any floating matter inside. Richly layered nose of fruitcake, rum raisin ice cream, walnuts, fig, golden raisin, apricot, peach and pineapple, slides in white and pink grapefruit, mandarin orange before the honey and molasses sweetness catches, cuts a sharp enough profile that you can only rarely catch scents of chocolate or cocoa. Full-bodied, drier than expected, however, this doesn’t impede its ability to cover the whole palate. Pine and orange, lemon, grapefruit citrus appear first, certainly has the hops to challenge the malts. Maple syrup, brown sugar are moderate and, while boozy, there’s little burn. The fruit fresher here, less raisin, fig and more peach, apricot, pear, red cherry. Lowkey nuttiness and breadiness, just parts of a whole. You sense that the carbonation is trying hard but still unable to break up the density. Keeps your mind engaged but a bit tiring to drink.
3 out of 5

Brouwkot, Brouwerij ’t
Netebuk
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Belgium
6.5%
25.4oz, Single
$16.49
Finger plus of bleached white foam, fairly loose, minuscule bubbles, dissolves swiftly without much dimpling, lacing slides off the glass like it was greased. Light orange to more yellow gold in color, faint gauziness with a few scattered bubbles within, holds light well. The nose has a pleasing creamy texture to it, punctuated by white grapefruit, tangerine citrus zest, round apricot and peach fruit scents, honey, fresh pastry dough, white pepper and ginger balance each other out, interestingly neither particularly malty nor hoppy, mild cocoa as well as straw/hay, overall just relaxing and soft with no one element dominating. Full-bodied, the carbonation active enough that you can’t call it “soft,” however, it spreads fully across the palate, no pore untouched. The sweetness of the apricot, pear, peach, red apple, white grape fruit offset a touch by the tang of the white grapefruit citrus. More raw dough and yeast than cooked bread, its dryness also checks the honey, sweet baking spices and roasted candied nuts. Full weight through the finish with flavor to spare and some prickle. If it makes sense, there’s complexity in its simplicity which, to me, is the best attribute of this beer style.
5 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Avery Anniversary Lager Seventeen (Dry-Hopped Black Lager)
Schwarzbier
Colorado
8.69
22oz, Single
$8.99
Close to three fingers of dense dark brown foam, very even surface with excellent retention, if you wait long enough you’ll witness strong, sticky lacing. The nose offers moderate smokiness, much more by way of sweet milk chocolate, molasses, butterscotch, close to German chocolate cake, nutty as well, waft of orange citrus, pine, hoppiness accelerates as it warms, just a glance of plum or cherry fruit scents, overall much sweeter than might be expected. Full-bodied, the carbonation is average, which in the context here is not sufficient to keep things moving at a brisk pace. More of the caramel, chocolate, mocha, coffee, coconut flavors, if it is smoky it is like if you left a chocolate croissant too long in the oven, no real “edge” to it. The hops recede back some here, pine shows most because it’s sappy and sweet. Some challah bread and baking yeast stuff. No truly distinguishable fruit. Plenty of vibrant flavor, just seems more like a jacked up porter.
4 out of 5

Hof Ten Dormaal, Brouwerij
Blond
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
8.0%
12.7oz, Single
$5.69
Huge bone white head, easily half the glass at first, sticks over the rims and looks like a puffed pastry, for its fineness good retention, if you can wait for it to dissolve there’s plenty of lacing. Cloudy pumpkin yellow in color, certainly opaque with some glow, you can see a maelstrom of tiny bubble beads inside. Clove and sweet ginger in the nose, estery banana and bubblegum accents, pear, green apple, apricot fruit ripe but not juicy, nice firmness, good dose of pepperiness and grassiness, sorghum, perfectly full nostril presence, yet balanced and not heavy. Full-bodied, close to creamy in feel despite the swirling carbonation, attractive counterpoint. Pepper, clove, ginger, saltlick, the sweetness comes from the bananas, pink grapefruit to orange citrus and finally the apricot, pear, green melon, peach fruit. Mouth feel dries as it moves forward, brings the dried straw, earth to the fore, almost evoking a bitter twist. Changes a good deal as it warms, arguably better colder. For a beer of its heft goes down easily.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2010

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Schwarzbier
North Carolina
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Solid two fingers of dark brown foam, somewhat delicate as it dissolves down swiftly to a full layer across the surface, not much lacing left behind. Very, very dark brown but not quite black colored liquid, turns to a zinc orange around the rims where it displays much clarity. The nose comes across as much roasty/toasty than smoky, freshly ground dark roast coffee, bittersweet dark chocolate, crème brûlée, chicory, all accompanied by red grape, plum, cherry fruit scents and then a brush of oats and whole grain bread, suggestion of orange peel, however, remains firmly malty. Medium-bodied, same general impression in the mouth of more basic roast than smoke, the chocolate, cocoa, coffee, caramel flavors dry and about 2/3 bitter, 1/3 sweet. Given the dry mouth feel, the plum, cherry, blackberry fruit flavors have less of an impact here. The carbonation is moderately high and stirs things up consistently. More sweet grains than dough or bread, staves off some bitterness. Not a lot of refreshing lift but keeps plowing straight ahead, no questioning the length of the finish. Wish it had more of a smoky edge, however, it is absolutely a pleasurable beer to quaff with very good drinkability for the type.
4 out of 5

Bruery, The
Trade Winds Tripel (Belgian-Style Ale Brewed With Rice And Thai Basil)
Tripel
California
8.1%
25.4oz, Single
$7.99
You need a super-controlled pour or 2/3 of the glass will get filled with ultra-fine foam that takes close to forever to dissipate down towards the surface, truly hard to imagine it more delicate without blowing away in a soft breeze, pure white, some stick to the lacing, more blotches than streaks. Very soft haze to the zinc orange color, more yellow than copper or red, transparent but not perfectly clear. The nose has a tight core of orange, lemon citrus all spiced up by ginger, coriander scents as well as basil, lemongrass herbs and such, the maltiness shifts around in the shadows but is there to lend smoothness to the texture, some almond sliver like nuttiness, has lift and enough “off center” feel to keep you intrigued. Medium-bodied plus, the carbonation soft and fluffy and spreads it all around the mouth, gently works the flavors into your mouth pores. Coriander, ginger root, turmeric and then sweet and sour blood orange, lemon citrus, has more of a grassy streak than garden herbs, albeit the basil easy to discern, Apricot, peach, pear, cantaloupe fruit accessible, ripe without being too juicy. Slight metallic ring to it as well but not sour nor offputting. Familiar yet unique, a highly desirable trait in high end craft beers.
5 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
14th Anniversary Emperial IPA (June 2010)
English India Pale Ale (IPA)
California
8.9%
22oz, Single
$7.49
You get a finger plus of bleached white form, somewhat of a loose weave, average retention at best, oddly the same can be said for the lacing. Super-cloudy liquid, more of a dark yellow than orange, big, dispersed bubbles float upwards, could easily pass for a hazier witbier, where’s the orange slice? The answer is, in the nose where orange, lemon, grapefruit citrus predominates, the honey and pine needles about cancel each other out, more grass and fallen wood than flowers, burst of pepperiness, in the end buffered by generous peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit, increasingly so as it warms. Full-bodied, more integrated in the mouth, parts on the same page. The pine and tangerine, blood orange, pink grapefruit citrus brings out more sage, basil, white pepper notes while the fruit develops as much pineapple, papaya as apricot, peach, albeit not in a sugary sense. Interpolates a pinch of cocoa but the malts move when commanded by the hops. On the whole dry but not bitter, softens when you need it to. Keeps fullness and palate weight through the end. The first half glass or more has you intrigued but by the end of the bomber, the law of diminishing returns seems to be kicking in...
3 out of 5

Lost Coast Brewery & Cafe
8 Ball Stout
American Stout
California
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.79
Two fingers of rich brown color with a full range of bubble sizes and a slow dimpling down to a solid blanket across the surface, gives you some short but fat lacing streaks too. Full-on black liquid with a thin band of orange-yellow around the rims. More toast than roast in the nose, carob, mocha, milk chocolate chips, cookie batter, licorice before a brush of minerally earthiness, the hops present a pinch of pine sap and mixed white citrus, nothing major, fruit scents close to nonexistent. Medium-bodied, muscular and sets itself firmly in the mouth, the carbonation fine but persistent, keeps things on the straight and narrow from start to finish. More of a roast here, blending in coffee and dark chocolate with carob and molasses. Floral dimension spreads wider. This may spark the plum, cherry fruit some. More tar than mineral inside the sprinkle of earthiness. I don’t have a problem with its moderate body per se, would like more flavors intensity at the end, though.
3 out of 5

Atwater Block Brewery
Cherry Stout (Malt Beverage Brewed With Cherry Concentrate)
American Stout
Michigan
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Dense two finger head of dark brown, even with some larger bubbles has good retention as well as above average lacing for the category. Pure black liquid, no haziness, a touch of orange peeks out at the bottom of the glass. The cherry loud and clear in the nose, supplemented ably by roasty cocoa, mocha and coffee bean shades, quality orange citrus presence too, more flaky pie crust and pastry than biscuit or bread, has an overall dry textural feel in the nostrils which helps it stiffen and linger more. Full-bodied without getting ponderous, the carbonation feels comprised of tiny pinpricks but there’s a lot of them and they work overtime. The cherry has a red fruit, sour quality with traces of raspberry tagging along behind. Dark chocolate, caramel and coffee thicker and more bittersweet here, no real dulcet moments. More of that tart orange to lemon citrus with a mineral water component. A little more bready than pastry-like, maybe part of the dry mouth feel. Appears to have been constructed to highlight the fruit flavors, along the way sacrificing chewiness for a more brisk character. Not especially nuanced but no problem throwing one back quickly.
3 out of 5

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Raspberry Eisbock (2007)
Eisbock
Michigan
13.5%
6.32oz, Single
No real head, more like lacing across the surface, even a big swirl hardly gets anything going, no true lacing along glass sides. Orange-brown muddy river inside the glass, fully opaque yellowed rims, curiously you can see the carbonation steadily rises to the surface where it breaks into nothing. The nose is heady stuff, a dessert of raspberry preserves, melted dark chocolate, caramel, orange infusion, coconut flakes, texturally full and expansive while actually nowhere sweet enough to annoy, mild whiskey notes but no burn. Medium-bodied, the carbonation works hard to lift the flavors off the tongue while here adds an underlying sourness which restrains more of the sugary side. The raspberry fresh and natural with supplementary sour cherry accents. The German chocolate cake element marches on, caramel and coconut with a cream cheese brush as well. A touch grainy as it warms. The orange, lemon citrus brings bite to the finish, helps refresh palate for the next sip. More muscular than many Belgian Framboise lambics, which boosts drinkability. A beer worth seeking out.
5 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
16th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA (Pale Ale Aged On Oak Chips)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
10.0%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Couple fingers’ worth of light tan foam, the surface is mostly larger and delicate bubbles yet underneath appears denser, steadily settles down, lots of wispy lacing streaks all over the place. The liquid is a very clear coppery orange, enough red in there to deepen things before a more metallic orange rims. Molasses crisp, dark chocolate powder, hard caramel candy leads in the nose, the wood aspect doesn’t add unnecessary booziness, strong mélange of orange citrus with floral dew, raisin bread to English muffin breadiness, the hoppiness is unexpectedly demure, some peat and earth but all user-friendly, the peach, apricot, nectarine, mango fruit elevates as it warms. Full-bodied, canny enough to ensure there’s a spine of grassy, herbal hops but, really, lacks the cutting verve of many aggressive DIPA’s. Pink, white grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus imbues minor sour swipe while also helping it grip the palate. Caramel, brown sugar, bitter dark chocolate, keeps things in balance, especially with the boozy woodiness. In the end, though, the sweetness does gain the advantage and keep it on the “easy to access” side of things. Not a lot of challenging complexity but, hey, nothing makes you want to stop taking another sip.
4 out of 5

Contreras, Brouwerij
Valeir Extra
Belgian IPA
Belgium
6.5%
11.2oz, Single
$5.69
Heavily whipped up and foamy head of close to two fingers, mostly larger bubbles which burst on the way down to a big island resting against the side of the glass, just off-white with more lots of splotches of foam residue than streaks of lacing. While fully opaque does capture enough light to highlight the yellow hay to paler orange hues, not that hazy but can’t see any bubbles anyway. The nose first hits you with corn, grains and pressed lemon rinds, some orange pekoe tea and clove, light mutter of apricot, peach, apple fruit, no distinct malty accents, conversely no real hoppy bite either, sheer fullness in the nostrils its best attribute. Full-bodied, the heavy carbonation gives it a soft, expansive mouth feel, initial impression is of sweeter orange, tangerine citrus alongside honey, oatmeal, corn, basil and sweet tea. No herbaceousness but there is a drying graininess. Maybe, just maybe, some cocoa powder to speak for the malts. Inoffensive, slides down the throat with ease, simply lacks a distinct personality.
3 out of 5

Bavik, Brouwerij
Petrus Speciale Ale
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
5.5%
11.2oz, Single
$3.89
Thin tan hued head comprised mainly of larger bubbles, little retention, same can be said for any lacing. Bright bronze colored liquid, more of a metallic yellow, rust tint around the rims, average clarity. Malty chocolate and cocoa get up into your nose, some toffee, coffee beans then a turn towards peat, charcoal, cigarette ash rather than any grassiness, brush of orange peel along the mix of apricot, golden raisin, apple, pear fruit scents, pleasing enough to sniff even if it doesn’t take any definitive direction. Light-bodied, spreads itself like a thin blanket over the tongue, pervasive presence without the excess weight. Dry texture, the carbonation is average. More grain, bread notes here, the yeastiness is dry as well, deli rye or pumpernickel bread. The citrus more lemon than orange and pith with little juice. Better job representing the apricot, yellow apple, pear fruit, suggests honey more than delivers it. Retains traces of ashiness but it may just be the overall texture. Semi-watery finish, not a bad quaff but, err, nothing “speciale” here.
2 out of 5

Mother Earth Brewing
Dark Cloud Münich Style Dunkel Lager
Münich Dunkel Lager
North Carolina
5.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Solid two fingers of cream tan to eggshell white, airy but doesn’t dimple much, retention is decent just a steady, even dissipation, the lacing steals the show with nice thick streaks clinging tenaciously. Bronzed orange to redwood in color, its clarity is obvious, however, its darkness of hue prevents transparency from any distance, slightly more orange at the glass bottom. The nose unfolds layers of sweet maltiness, caramel, butterscotch, molasses and chocolate fudge, blends in some orange reduction, cherry syrup and brandy-like notes, still you do get a little graininess, if nothing overtly hoppy. Full-bodied without heaviness, inches forward at a slow, steady gait. Drier here than the nose might suggest, that said, definitely leads with molasses, caramel, chocolate and vanilla, maybe even a little licorice before getting to the more natural orange zest. Bready like raisin bread, mild wheat accents. The carbonation is about average and unobtrusive, While dry, doesn’t detract from a softer touch on the tongue. While may lack complexity for some, better thought of as a beer crafted for simple enjoyment. And does very well for itself as such.
4 out of 5

Brouwkot, Brouwerij ’t
Manten
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
6.0%
25.4oz, Single
$16.49
A center pour gets you a half finger of pure white foam, not inclined to stay until the end of the party, visually interesting in how it pools in the middle rather than break into islands, the lacing is light but in keeping with the type. Bright orange color mostly masks the tiny floaties throughout the liquid, holds that zinc tint well and avoids yellowing out around the rims, can’t see a damn thing through it. Sweet clove, coriander spices in the nose, soft leesy notes, more so floral with milk chocolate, honey and then apricot, honeydew, pear, peach fruit scents, really not over the top sweet-wise but, conversely, doesn’t show any peppery or grassy elements for harmonious balance. Light-bodied but there’s major fluff factor to the carbonation which not only gets it pushing up towards your mouth’s roof but kinda trying to escape the mouth per se too. More emphasis on the purity of the fruit here, apricot, peach, pear, yellow apple, white grape make for a nice center to the beer. In fact, almost takes on a more vinous character, the orange juice fits this but the golden honey and molasses would have to represent an overoaked Chardonnay or something. There is that certain lichen, damp meadow earth thing but it’s gossamer thin. Basically, this is “fruit bomb” styled beer that can please lots of peeps but will likely be found lacking by those seeking more nuanced complexity.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Slam Dunkel
Weizenbock
Pennsylvania
7.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Crests at about a finger’s worth of brown foam, mostly larger bubbles which causes some dimpling before pooling off into islands, unremarkable lacing but there for a bit. Dense, murky liquid with a brown base and both red and orange tints, like potting soil and clay clumped together, the fact that you can even see the active bubbles inside is impressive on their behalf. Caramel, toffee and dark chocolate arrive first in the nose, banana split with vanilla and butterscotch on top, fruitcake, ginger and clove, concentrated apricot, peach fruit, for all of this has tact and restraint and doesn’t just dump it all in your nostrils at once. Full-bodied, kind of heavy and leaden, the carbonation has too much fineness to gets those legs pumping and things moving forward. Here there’s a slight metallic, mineral water touch which, along with peat and forest floor scrub, able to match up better against the sweetness. The orange citrus as sour as sweet, nod towards white grapefruit too. The banana, chocolate, caramel, ginger all there, but more compact. Could use more florality to buttress the apricot, pear, peach fruit. Satisfying in its own way but the sheer palate heaviness wears on you after awhile.
3 out of 5

Mother Earth Brewing
Weeping Willow Wit
Witbier
North Carolina
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thin bone white head, very loose and dissolves into tiny islands quickly, the lacing is likewise wispy but there. Light yellow to pale orange in hue, soft gauziness prevents full transparency, a few lazy bubbles float here and there, given its overall paleness has nice shine. Big spice box of a nose with coriander, ginger, cinnamon shoveled in next to a healthy helping of sweet orange and lemon zest, wheat germ next with a touch of granola and dry oatmeal, stays on the sweet side of things, avoiding any sharper hoppiness. Medium-bodied, well-carbonated and creating a cloud of inner mouth perfume no problem at all. Same game plan as the nose, release the sweet spices, sweet orange to lemon citrus and dewy florality and watch it go. Honey coated oats, banana and bubblegum, light on the wheat. Poached to dried fruit apricot and peach fruit. Comes across as more of a light dessert beer, maybe even a fruit/vegetable beer. If you have a sweet tooth nothing here to dislike.
3 out of 5

Silly S.A., Brasserie de
La Divine Belgian Double Blond Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Belgium
7.5%
11.2oz, Single
$4.29
Very thin, if truly any, head, more like a coat of white primer across the surface after some swirling and agitation, in keeping no lacing to speak of. Plenty of haze in the liquid but kind of sunshiny in its own way, really holds the light in there, sort of just ripe pumpkin yellow-orange hue, the translucency masks a lot of color definition. Wheat, wheat and more wheat permeates the nose, like a box of Wheaties, then honey dappled orange pulp, basic floral arrangement scents, at times close to graham crackers, drier malts, the peach, apricot, red apple fruit negligible, has a very pleasing lift and country airiness about it. Medium-bodied, the soft fluffiness of the carbonation helps fill the spaces between your tongue and your mouth roof. The wheat, sweet grain, even corn, flavors persist, light clove spice but no pepper or biting spice. Light banana and bubblegum join with the peach, apricot, watermelon fruit, nothing near undue sweetness. The malts seem to lend more textural smoothness and satiny feel than flavors. The hops quite tamed on the whole, the end sum being a beer which has good weight, ground coverage and a deep, if narrow, band of flavor. Would happily drink it again but would be hard pressed to seek it out.
3 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Side Project Volume 11: Boom Shakalager (Bavarian Style Imperial Lager)
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Georgia
9.0%
22oz, Single
$8.59
Strong two+ finger head of light tan to eggshell white foam, high degree of larger bubbles reduces retention, settles down to the surface quickly, the lacing does have adequate stick, though. Deep copper penny appearance, very good clarity with as much brown as red in the core and more a pure orange rust around the rims. Pronounced sweetness to the nose, plums to prunes, molasses and caramel, candied oranges, milk chocolate, allowing for this there is a solid spine of hops with both floral and herbaceous aspects, segues from baking spices to a pepperiness before it dissolves, never quite achieves liftoff. Full-bodied, tries real hard to spread itself cheek to cheek and then up and down, the carbonation strong enough to help ground coverage but not strong enough to add any refreshing qualities. Cane sugar, maple syrup, toffee, orange reduction, not as sweet here as in the nose although sweetness in the nose is technically a category mistake. Glazed white bread or potato bread more than graininess, still not quite flaky dessert crust. The fruit more red cherry, golden raisin, apricot and peach, no full-on dried fruit dominance. Pine, flower petals and hay to wild meadow grasses display hops, slight bitterness and mild astringency at the end but not really metallic as far as I can ascertain. Adequate degree of flavor intensity but no real complexity nor sense of twists and turns as it progresses. Which, arguably, for the price you should get.
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Mutiny Fleet Smoke On The Water Smoked Porter
Smoked Beer
Maryland
8.0%
22oz, Single
$5.49
Big two to three finger head on average pour, deep tan in hue yet airy and light, keeps an even surface with no dimpling, lacing shows highly credible stickiness. Jet black color, looks like most imperial stouts. The nose is almost all milk to dark chocolate with coffee ice cream and licorice, so much malt you just start wondering where the smoke is, touch of pork rinds and oats, no significant hops presence, comes across like a chocolaty porter more than a smoked beer. Medium-bodied, firm presence in the mouth if perhaps kinda immobile, albeit without the massiveness. Chocolate, cocoa, mocha in spades, light coffee roast. Sliver of grapefruit citrus helps stiffen things. No real fruit, maybe apricot or peach pit. Carbonation is smooth bubbles up now and then, not a major factor. Candy character doesn’t bring out much earth, tobacco or herbal qualities. Maybe some brazil nuts or cashews. Biggest issue is that it’s just monochrome with no sense of development or subtler nuances. But tastes good.
3 out of 5

Hair Of The Dog Brewing Company
Fred From The Wood (2009)
American Barleywine
Oregon
10.0%
12oz, Single
$6.99
Thin cream white head which disappears about as soon as it arrives, you also get a razor thin stripe of lacing in a few spots. Thick brown-orange creek mud inside the clear, strong effervescence visible, brighter zinc orange around the rims. Big, dewy nose bursting with caramel, molasses, honey, vanilla fudge and a big spoonful of orange marmalade, ginger and cinnamon spice, dates and maraschino cherries, there’s something like a bitter rye edge more than grassiness, for all of its sweetness has excellent posture in your nostrils. Full-bodied, sappy clinginess adds to the weight. There’s tang from the mandarin orange, pink grapefruit citrus but overmatched by the dark chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, molasses, honey and pine sap. A sip or two reminiscent of Cherry Coke. Well layered apricot, nectarine, guava, fig, date and golden raisin. Some orange pekoe tea leaf notes too. The carbonation isn’t light per se but fluffy in texture and not changing the creaminess. Ends with rising bread yeast, introducing some movement. Vivid flavors, would be better if it dialed it back a notch.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery/Victory Brewing Company/Stone Brewing Company
Saison du BUFF (Ale Brewed With Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme)
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
6.8%
12oz, Single
$4.99
Finger plus of frothy white, mixture of all bubble sizes, loose enough to dissipate quickly, little, if any, lacing. Hazy light gold to darker yellow in color, although not the clearest liquid lots of bubbles floating upwards within. Orange blossom and cinnamon catch first in the nose but it’s just a second before the noted herbs take over, white grapefruit too, yeasty but not soft nor leesy, witch-hazel, nothing here overly malty, leafiness predominates, extremely long presence with a full, pungent lift. Medium-bodied, nicely balance with same amount of fullness from start to finish. The herbs once more dominate and there is a clear, strong note of basil as well. Nothing crazy about the carbonation level but it does add to the total cleanliness factor. The tangerine to pink and white grapefruit lend a sweet and sour juiciness. Slight yeast to baker’s dough element. Much more savory ending and aftertaste, good deal of retronasal activity. Hard to imagine an oddball one-off succeeding much better than this.
5 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
My Antonia Pilsner (A Continually-Hopped Imperial Pils)
American Double/Imperial Pilsner
Delaware
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$7.99
Pour gently or you’ll get a third of the glass filled with delicate, openly knit pure white head, for as soapy as the foam is, good retention with lacing which looks like fake snowflakes dotting the glass sides. Bright orange color, deep enough to have a light bronzed look, transparent with widely spread, if fast moving, bubbles within. Noticeably sweet nose emphasizing tangerine and pink grapefruit citrus, buttressed by peach, apricot fruit, pine cone and fresh rose petals, hardly any bready or doughy notes, slightly more wheat or simple grain, if you think about it being labeled a pilsner you can kind of see it but if someone just handed you a glass of it, pilsner would unlikely be the guess. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is light with a slow churn which keeps the liquid sticky and pressing down on the palate. More general maltiness here, same for pretzel dough and wheat. Yet, still insufficient to match up with all that sweet orange, tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus as well as golden honey notes. Robust apricot, peach, nectarine fruit with a slice of pineapple. Big florality, pretty and matches the creaminess of the overall mouth feel. Heaviness detracts from refreshing factor, however, no denying the vivacious richness of the base flavors.
4 out of 5

Deschutes Brewery
Obsidian Stout
American Stout
Oregon
6.4%
12oz
6-Pack, $8.99
A normal pour just about fills half the glass with extremely whipped up and delicate dark tan foam, eventually settles into two fingers’ worth of craters and valleys, at this level it shows excellent retention and the stickiness of the lacing is unquestionably intense. Pure black liquid, however, looks entirely unblemished and possessed of a sleek shininess. The nose has a pleasingly subdued roastiness to it, slowly unfolds oatmeal, cherry to black grape fruit scents, German chocolate cake, coconut flakes and mixed nuts, more grains than coffee, caramel elevates through the end, balanced and simply presented. Medium-bodied, same general demeanor here, sticks to representing the category rather than reaching for greater heights. Burnt cocoa powder, dark chocolate, grilled nuts and sweet cherry, blackberry, plum fruit lend familiarity. The carbonation has a slow muscular churn to it, helps to get the hoppiness up into the air, bringing snappiness to the proceedings. Not that rich nor sappy but the flavors continue on for some time after you swallow. If you are looking for a basic stout that isn’t too creamy, here it is.
5 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Hades Belgian Style Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Colorado
7.8%
12oz
6-Pack, $12.99
Thinnish head of about a finger or so, pure white without much retention, fluffy, no lacing either. Light metallic glow to the mild orange to yellow color, clear with scattered minuscule bubbles here and there. Yeasty, herbaceous nose with an ashen, stony stripe, not bitter but stiff nostril presence, pepper, cumin, coriander spice, acts like it’s going to hit you with the banana then swerves into green apple, pear and sour lemons, abundance of wheat germ, straw and hay, earthy enough that there’s minimal lift. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation adds a soft, round texture to the mouth, helpful given the general tartness of the flavors, peppery, dried yeast cells, raw wheat and unprocessed grains, the lemon to grapefruit citrus dried out and evanescent. Not much more can be said for the peach, apricot, pear, red apple fruit in spite of the downy carbonation. Clove and coriander as well as some crushed flowers do pretty up the finish. No glaring flaws, just kinda boring.
2 out of 5

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
Hoppin’ To Heaven IPA
American IPA
Ohio
6.8%
22oz
Single, $12.49
Nice two fingers of tan microfoam, delicate in appearance, like a flaky croissant, looks full until you poke that first whole in the crust, that said, pretty good retention and more sheets down the glass sides than lacing per se. Pumpkin orange color, pleasing shine with a slight fade to yellow at the rims, mildest of haze to it, few visible bubbles. Odd for an IPA, leads with accents of cocoa and mocha powder before busting out the tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus, pine and guava, pineapple, nectarine, persimmon fruit scents, waft of pepper and dried herbs, light earthiness and peat moss, admirably stays on the middle path, neither too hoppy nor malty. Full-bodied, you always know it’s there without undue weight, never tiresome. Sweet tangerine, lime, grapefruit citrus cushions the pine and grassiness. Cocoa, milk chocolate, caramel do not sweeten the pot too much. The carbonation has above average activity which tends to shorten the staying power of the apricot, peach, nectarine, mango, green apple fruit, likewise its potential for more tropical bite. Floral dimension more a palate residue than main presence. Smooth without rough edges, easy to drink and welcome as an IPA not trying to be a DIPA. Which happens less and less.
5 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Summer Ale
American Blonde Ale
Maryland
4.3%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.49
Little over a finger of bone white foam, loose enough to disappear swiftly, thin surface coating lasts a bit longer, the lacing isn’t thick but does have decent stick. Perfectly clear and transparent liquid, yellow hue shows more brightness than richness, not dark enough to have much color variation throughout. Bready nose with more toastiness than yeastiness, pinch of both pepper and salt, sour orange peel, more raw grains, minute trace of malts and marginally more peach, apricot, red apple fruit scents, overall cleanliness and good posture best attributes. Medium-bodied, the carbonation seems to whip things up into the air and lessen palate presence. Sweeter here than in the nose, more peach, apricot, pear fruit and fructose sort of notes. Also a dollop of honey and more juice in the orange citrus. Less spiciness, the bready qualities consistent without asking for attention. Comes across as a slightly higher end “working in the yard on the weekend” simple quaffer. not a bad thing but nothing worth the extra coinage either.
2 out of 5

Green Flash Brewing Company
Hop Head Red Ale (Amarillo Dry Hopped)
American Amber/Red Ale
California
6.4%
12oz
6-Pack, $13.99
Big, whipped up head passing two fingers, mixture of all bubble sizes, craters as much as dimples, basic tan to eggshell white color, better retention than you’d think given the larger bubbles, plenty of small splashes of lacing here and there. Nicely rich amber color, fully opaque, slightly more orange at the rims, tiny beads here and there, looks like there could be a catfish living in there. The nose has a welcome relaxed quality about it, semi-laconic unfolding of malts, caramel and milk chocolate segueing into pine, sweet and sour grapefruit to orange citrus, spring blossoms and a croissant, danish flakiness, the green nature of the hops bristles without lunging for your jugular. Medium-bodied, the carbonation adds a slow churn that allows for both palate pressure and measured pacing forward. This is a dry and hoppy beer, no doubt, simply not out to bludgeon you with the fact, gets grassy and piney while always leaving room for chocolate, toffee, bread and caramel. Orange to white grapefruit citrus is tight and lean, neither decisively sweet nor sour. The apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple, green apple fruit ekes out a marginal presence, not a focal point. it’s not keenly balanced but better for it, particularly with the general lack of pushiness. A hop head beer that you don’t have to be a hop head to enjoy.
5 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Devil Dancer Triple IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Michigan
12.0%
12oz
4-Pack, $21.99
Finger plus of deep tan foam with an orange tint, pretty good density but has a lot of larger bubbles which hampers retention, slow and steady dissolve the lacing more thick streaks than “lace” per se. Burnt reddish orange color, close to brick-like, clear and close to full transparency, close to zero bubbles visible inside the glass (as opposed to outside the glass). Drives into your nose like a pick, even the ample honey, caramel and pine sap can’t lessen the brunt of the highly herbaceous hoppiness and sour white to pink grapefruit, close to having a salty saline quality, the pineapple, nectarine, mango, papaya, kiwi fruit scents leaden and gluey, leaves you suspecting that there’s more complexity under the massive density but you’re not getting much of it. Full-bodied is putting it “lightly,” hard to imagine an IPA more densely packed, little sense of movement, impressive if tiring. Pink grapefruit, tangerine, mandarin orange all juicy if not quite vivid. The nectarine, guava, mango, pineapple, apricot fruit steamrolled by the bitterness of the hops, so hard to focus on anything but those hops. Still, there’s some molasses and brown sugar as well as pine, can’t say it’s that floral, would require airiness for that. I respect pushing the envelope but this is too over the top and just very hard to enjoy in its immediacy in your mouth.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2010

North Coast Brewing Company
Old Stock Ale (2009)
Old Ale
California
11.5%
12oz
4-Pack, $11.99
Finger’s worth of deep tan foam, moderate sized bubbles, quick to evacuate and simmer down to the surface, equally weak retention to what lacing does appear. Thick, close to viscous appearance, like orange clay mud in a glass, the brackish look gives way to some yellow at the outermost edges. Smells almost like a bakery or candy store, avalanche of caramel, toffee, butterscotch, milk chocolate, molasses, pralines, cinnamon, bourbon before prune, date, fig and dried peach scents ensue with a slice of raisin bread too, nothing hoppy or even really funky. Full-bodied with surprisingly good fluidity given the voluptuousness of the nose, the carbonation tightly woven yet not smothered in this environment. Here there’s a peat moss, charcoal ash and unprocessed grains element to balance, at least in part, the molasses, honey, butterscotch, milk chocolate, vanilla fudge and date, fig, raisin fruit. Plus there’s a nice glancing blow of orange, lemon citrus to lend zest. Creates more inner mouth perfume than you’d expect too. No session beer but great to finish off the evening with.
5 out of 5

Mother Earth Brewing
Sisters of The Moon India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
6.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Just below a finger’s worth of just off-white foam, minimal retention, ends up with a few lilypads of large bubbles here and there, adequate stickiness to the lacing. Gauzy bright orange with a yellow edge to it,, as opaque as it gets for this sort of coloration, healthy glow. Softly agreeable nose, leans on sweet tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus, pine sap, milk chocolate, chocolate taffy, spiced oatmeal, the apricot, peach, pear fruit has suggestions of both pineapple and banana, honeyed bread, the hops avoid bitterness or bite at seemingly any cost. Medium-bodied, in spite of the lack of head the carbonation keeps a steady churn inside your mouth, luckily it has a dry enough texture to help it anchor well against the tongue. Pineapple, papaya, peach, apricot fruit keep it sweet with some tang, pine, flowers. The milk chocolate, mocha, malt nuances have a dry, dusty effect but keep it sweet just the same. Every once in awhile you got a note of bubblegum. Juicy and sweet tangerine, orange, pink grapefruit citrus. Can’t say that it’s complex and unlikely to please most ardent “hop heads” but it is friendly and with high drinkability.
4 out of 5

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Calico Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.49
Foams up very strongly with an average down the center pour, easily half the glass, settles down to about two fingers of a very delicate, fine tannish head, dimples appreciably, some larger bubbles coming out as a result, below average stickiness to the lacing. Deep amber to coppery orange-red, mild haze but still easy to see through it, metallic cast, just about exactly as you’d expect the liquid to look. Malty nose with ample milk chocolate, malted milk balls, caramel and fresh butter accents, this not to ignore the also powerful pine and pin to white grapefruit citrus, no lack of spine here, not quite floral but good amount of peach, nectarine, apricot fruit scents, ends with a bitter grass and wet kindling wood embers. Medium-bodied, hoppier here with the emphasis on the pine, fresh grass, white grapefruit and blood orange flavors, biscuits, the floral notes succeed better towards the end. Leaves your mouth dry with a tacky residue before half the glass is empty, the caramel, toffee, cocoa powder breaks a sweat to keep what little ground it gains, wish there were a little more sweetness for balance. Instead, you get heavy carbonation in an attempt to provide relief for the tongue. Less out to impress, more solid delivery would seal the deal.
4 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Gravitation (A Belgian Style Quadrupel Ale) (Big Beer Series)
Quadrupel (Quad)
New Hampshire
12.0%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Thin and very temporary layer of brown foam across the surface, ends up with an aggregation of large bubbles huddled against the glass sides, zero lacing. Amberish orange with as much brown to it as red, mild gauziness, the rims turn a glowing yellow. The nose is the joining of two opposite poles, on one side banana, molasses, butterscotch, caramel and fig, golden raisin, red apple, peach, red cherry fruit scents, then peat moss, black pepper, rye, dried straw and bitter coffee grounds, not much “lift” into your nostrils but does have good length. Medium and close to full-bodied, has the sweetness and clingy qualities, just not the ability to sink deeply into your mouth pores. Molasses, brown sugar, caramel, milk chocolate distinct without getting too sweet, lemon and orange peel and apricot, peach, golden raisin, fig and date flavors likewise full yet not sugary. Ginger, cumin spices, tar, forest underbrush dry things out more, one might suggest that the weak carbonation hurts the sweetness, doesn’t get the sugar zipping about. The thing is, it comes across as noncommittal, like it wants to go in a direction more decisively but then relents. Nothing horrible but there needs to be more flavor intensity as well as thrust through the finish.
3 out of 5

Coronado Brewing Company
Mermaid’s Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.69
Solid pour gets you about two fingers of dense light tan foam with a slight dimpling across the surface, retention is about average hence starts to crater as it resolves down to the liquid surface, lacing broad and lends visual appeal. Rich amber red color with as much brown as orange to it, more transparent than translucent, few scattered bubbles visible. The nose starts off like it’s gonna get all hoppy on you then veers into milk chocolate, butterscotch and generalized malts with a raisin bread, orange peel and Brazil nut stripe, can conjure up mixed floral bursts when so inclined, does have an herbal dimension with a very low undercurrent of pine, any fruit sticks to basic apricot, peach, apple scents, nothing unique here but well packaged. Medium to full-bodied, the fluff factor of the carbonation favors the latter. The chocolate, toffee, butterscotch nuances persist but truly are not all that sweet. Probably more sweetness in the tangerine, grapefruit citrus. More of a slow, subtle roast than toast, again something like raisin bread to whole wheat. Dry, erect bearing through the finish. Nothing dumbed down here, strikes you as a “food beer” which may not shine best on its own.
3 out of 5

Coronado Brewing Company
Islander IPA
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$14.89
Good fluffy two finger’s worth of cream white foam, larger bubbles so it steadily settles down to a layer across the surface, wide lacing streaks with above average persistence. Filmy orange color, inclining more to yellow than red, you have to get pretty much eyeball to glass to see any carbonation. While the glass is still inches away from your nose you can smell the tangerine and pink grapefruit citrus, the pine and honey brushed challah bread sweet as well, full-on ripeness in the apricot, peach, mango, pineapple scents, ginger root, few notes of bitterness and certainly no real herbaceousness, the malts oddly don’t seem to develop a distinct personality. Full-bodied, here there’s an edge, tempted to call it more acidic than herbaceous even though the dried meadow grasses and pine have bite. The juiciness of the tangerine, pink grapefruit, white grapefruit tempered by a welcome sour streak, not as one-dimensional as the nose. The breadiness “browner” as in rye or wheat bread. As with the former, more cut to the jib of the pineapple, papaya, nectarine, peach fruit, especially as it warms. The maltiness seems generic and without much character. All this said, it’s not a loser and can be chugged easily if ice cold. Even better if it’s free.
3 out of 5

Two Brothers Brewing Company
Dog Days Dortmunder Style Lager Beer
Dortmunder/Export Lager
Illinois
5.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.19
Very light head, hardly any foam, what’s there is clear white, nada lacing. The slight gauze doesn’t effect the overall transparency, straw yellow color, not that vivid, very few and randomly scattered bubbles, has the appearance of a beer gone flat. Pretzel dough, wheat bread in the nose, the peppery bite and hops give it lots of verve, softened by a light florality, the malts lack distinguishing qualities, some milk chocolate and hard butterscotch candy, solid apricot, peach scents without seeming fruity, overall well-integrated and easy to kick back and sniff. Medium-bodied, carbonation gives it a steady churn without getting in the way of smoother drinkability. The malted milk balls and chocolate ease the mouth entry, then orange to lemon citrus perks things up, greener straw and hay notes. Brings on some ginger, coriander notes too. Quieter tone to the pear, peach, apricot fruit, however, consistently there. Slight turn to bitterness through the finish, keeps it lively. Solid, crafted to be so rather than spectacular, a rarer and rarer thing. Could easily put a few down in one sitting.
4 out of 5

Nectar Ales
Black Xantus Imperial Stout Special Limited Release
Russian Imperial Stout
California
11.0%
22oz, Single
$15.99
Aggressive pour yields virtually no head at all, swirl all you want, you’re not getting any form or lacing. While jet black, clear enough to see a solid burnt orange tinge at the rims and glass bottom, nice of it to allow for some color. Smooth coffee, chocolate fudge, almost German chocolate cake, in the nose, not quite doughy nor bready, biscuity, if anything, the roast noticeably subdued, pleasing wafts of citrus zest, more anise than licorice, good mixture of sweet apricot, plum, cherry, black grape scents, the hops remain in the background. Medium to full-bodied, extremely well-polished and fluid, deftly utilizes its weight to carry the flavors. Hoppy with a pleasing biscuity, piney touch to the attack before cocoa, mocha, dark chocolate, caramel and coconut take the stage, comes close to evoking bourbon barrels. Shows Brazil nut, cashew aspect, stays toasty versus roasty. The carbonation has a slow churn, turns over at a slow rate. The flavor intensity remains complete through the finish. Dee-licious.
5 out of 5

Williams Brothers Brewing Company
Scottish Midnight Sun Dark Porter Ale
English Porter
Scotland
5.6%
16.9oz, Single
$4.19
Thin half finger of brown foam which doesn’t stick around for long, leaves random islands across the surface, given this, more stickiness in the lacing than expected. Blackish-brown in color, opaque but not in a monolithic manner, light glimmer of burnt orange around the rims. Firm, well-packed nose of cocoa, dry dark chocolate, carob and a strong does of ginger, coriander spices, even a pinch of cayenne, the roast not acrid nor coffee-like, more like slowly roasted grains, has no distinct fruit nor citrus scents, long, if unobtrusive, presence in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, muscular presence, not immobile but you have to exercise those throat muscles to prod it down. The Indian cuisine like spices of ginger, cumin, anise and curry clear enough that they push most else to the side. This also hardens the contours of the cocoa, carob flavors. The carbonation moderate at best but does fit the general tone nicely. Odd that, again, virtually no fruit, citrus or other vaguely “sweet” flavors. This is a very intelligent and well-crafted beer, however, one that should be used in select circumstances, preferably with food.
4 out of 5

Long Trail Brewing Company
Brewmaster Series Coffee Stout (Malt Beverage Fermented With Coffee)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Vermont
8.0%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Very aggressive pour yields barley a half finger of tan foam and better peep it quickly before it’s all gone, close to zero lacing as well. 99% black liquid, here and there you might catch a hint of brown. Curious estery notes of bubblegum and banana in the nose then, naturally, coffee, dark chocolate and carob, albeit not excessively roasted, makes room for plum, black grape scents, behind this lurks a hoppy graininess and then raw nuttiness, fairly straightforward were it not for that initial element. Medium-bodied and sheds weight as it progresses forward. Solid roast sans the flesh, more like American roast coffee with cocoa and bittersweet chocolate, lacks any sweetening caramel or toffee, maybe powdered milk. The plum, cherry, grape fruit at times displays a dried fruit concentration just, again, not the sweetness per se. The nuttiness comes and goes. The carbonation could stand to be more active but no weakling either. Nothing here sour nor bitter, a sign that it is more about a lack of flaws than presence of positives. Can’t really say what the hops add. Good quaffability and smoothly fluid enough that you don’t want to look too hard for things to criticize.
3 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale 3rd Release (2010)
American IPA
California
6.7%
25.4oz, Single
$5.49
Average pour comes close to filling half the glass with light tan foam, whipped up appearance, mostly larger sized bubbles, quite slow to dissolve, the frothiness of the lacing gives it unusual thickness. Slight cloudiness to the amber red color, more pumpkin orange at the glass bottom, holds light well to increase presence. Very piney nose with flowers and orange zest in support, you suspect that it could be more herbaceous than it is, takes a softer approach with peach, apricot, golden apple fruit and a dusting of cocoa powder, curiously lacking for breadth of scents, sticks to focusing on the basics. Medium-bodied, sufficiently foamy to increase mouth presence, both weight and momentum persist through the finish, no prob. More carob and cocoa here yet the bitterness factor raised even more, green grass, hay and pine give it a real charge. The citrus more orange to white grapefruit, tart. Most of the florality appears to be lost in the mix. Average dose of apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple fruit, not juicy enough to get tropical yet not absent either. It’s inoffensively drinkable and priced about right. But the 2009 version was better.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
2009 Nemesis (Maple Bourbon Barrel Aged Wheat Wine)
Wheatwine
Michigan
12.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$19.99
Somewhat surprising lack of head, barely gets to a half finger of cream white, weak retention and the lacing almost seems to be left behind by mistake. Fuzzy, cloudy glass of pumpkin orange liquid, shitload of sediment and junk floating about, no bubbles, honestly almost looks like a semi-frozen slushie, intriguing, if not attractive, all the way around. The nose if a full frontal assault of coconut custard, scotch whiskey, fresh maple syrup, vanilla bean, chocolate saltwater taffy, it’s got it all, a short burst of peach and apricot fruit, nothing even remotely hoppy provided here, it’s a steamroller of not only sweetness but sheer heaviness as well. Full-bodied, built as if it wants to foam out of your mouth, not that carbonation is too high, although it is super-fluffy, it just refuses to consider there’s a part of your mouth it is not in. Vanilla, coconut, maple, caramel, toffee, butterscotch, exhausts the whole list. Boozy and close to “heady,” but it is able to spread its ample girth out horizontally so you don’t feel like you just took a 2x4 to the head. Green apple, pear and melon fruit meld with the guava, pineapple, poached peach flavors. No distinguishable hop presence. You have to give it credit for its monological tenacity but you could waterboard someone or make them drink 2-3 bottles of this. Said as a Founders slut. Enough already with the “this one goes to eleven...” mentality.
4 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Samael’s Oak-Aged Ale (Ale Flavored With Oak Chips)
English Barleywine
Colorad
o 15.82%
12oz, 6-Pack
$59.99
Active pour gets you close to three fingers of light tan foam, mostly medium-sized bubbles so there’s retention in a steady dissolving fashion, the lacing is incredibly thick, more a sheer wall than streaks. Dense cloudiness to the reddish brown mud coloration, you might have to want to find a more orange to yellow hue around the rims, close to nada bubbles visible. The nose makes you think Willy Wonka is in the house, vanilla fudge, caramel, milk chocolate, butterscotch, coconut, licorice, nuts, the pear, peach, yellow apple, cherry scents close to dried fruit in nature, somehow manages to develop and erect posture in the complete absence of hops or anything which might keep its knuckles off the ground. Full-bodied, the carbonation is close to zip, this said, it does have more fluidity than expected and is just shifty enough that you can ignore how boozy or hot it is. Sweet plum, cherry, apricot, pear fruit, when paired with all that vanilla, caramel, butterscotch it kinda becomes hard to take it seriously as a “nuanced” beer. Kind of defies you to find a hoppy spine. Homogeneous enough that you have to say, if you have a cigar and the time to smoke it, do so ’cause it may be your last chance. Still, you cannot deny how it massages your primary pleasure nodes.
4 out of 5

Russian River Brewing Company
Temptation (Blonde Ale Aged Oak Barrels)
American Wild Ale
California
7.25%
25.4oz, Single
$19.99
Healthy two finger head of bleached bone white, tiny microfoam throughout, credible retention and more thicker streaks of lacing than expected. Metallic orange rust color, also clearer than expected, strong bubble storm inside the glass, few actual beads. Raw yeasts and super-sour white grapefruit to lemon citrus set the tone in the nose, matted wet straw, old kindling wood ashes, charcoal, then angular green apple, green grape and pear scents, white pepper and caraway seeds, Full-bodied, in large part due to the carbonation foam which feels like someone emptied a fire extinguisher in your mouth, expands to near dripping out of your mouth. Sour, yet would be much more so were it not for that carbonation, keen edge to the lemon, white grapefruit citrus. However, here more vanillin oak comes through to at least momentarily soften things. Does not have the funk of the nose but no sense trying to avoid the earthen straw, mud and animal hide notes. Boozy, even with the relatively low alcohol percentage, pear, pineapple, white grape, apple citrus, were it a wine it would likely need malolactic fermentation. Violets, anise and more caraway, at times recalls dried Indian spices. Its tight grip on your palate extends the finish texturally way past the flavors. Interesting but I’ll be the first to admit that wild ales are not my faves. (Batch 004X2)
4 out of 5

Deschutes Brewery
The Abyss 2009 Reserve (Stout Brewed With Licorice And Molasses With 33% Aged In Oak And Oak Bourbon Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Oregon
11.0%
22oz, Single
$10.99
Two plus fingers of dark brown head, despite the mixture of all bubble sizes, excellent retention and you barely see movement across the surface, yet it eventually settles closer to the surface a few minutes later, leaves a hodgepodge of lacing streaks like paint splattered against a wall. True to the category, pure black liquid, nothing more to say. Punishingly thick nose of black licorice, dark chocolate, toffee, coconut oil, vanilla bean, plum, prune, black cherry, sweet tea leaves, those fake candy orange peel gel candies, overall the roast is tamed to allow perfect balance in your nostrils and reduce the “flash” factor. Full-bodied, but some sips come across as medium-bodied which is an achievement in itself, given the “bigger and bigger” mentality today. Espresso bean, dark chocolate, vanilla extract, caramel, maple syrup and coconut establish the oak presence, sweet while also toasty, covers the full territory from tongue saturation to inner mouth perfume. The licorice starts to come on along with orange reduction and floral musk. There’s an underlying graininess as well as suggestion of cayenne. I don’t know jack about rumors regarding this 2009 version but this is benchmark brew.
5 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Seeyoulater Doppelbock (Aged On Cedar) (No. 10 In The Smokestack Series)
Doppelbock
Missouri
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$8.75
Close to two fingers of deep tan foam, mostly tiny foam and you can see the bubbles pop swiftly across the surface until it’s all gone in a flash, the lacing slides down the glass sides as well. Foggy amber red color, holds the light inside very well, diminishes to a basic orange along the rims. Golden honey, molasses, cane sugar, orange blossom make for an inviting nose, the cedar more of a steady undercurrent than large presence, close to dried fruit nature to the peach, apricot scents, despite all this not cloyingly sweet overall, it starts to dry out in your nostrils, even if without clearly distinguishing hoppy elements. Full-bodied, at first tastes a little like a root beer float, vanilla and brown sugar. The carbonation has a nicely tight weave to it which keeps the tempo up and reduces some of the sweetness in the caramel and toffee flavors. The apricot, pear, peach, banana fruit has richness without seeking attention. Gains chocolate and coffee ice cream nuances over time. Moments of multi-grain bread. No real hop bite, citrus is demure while grass or pine absent. It is difficult to peg clearly but there is good structure behind the sweetness, not a simple beer by any stretch. For its weight maintains credible drinkability.
5 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
LEAF Amber (Spring 2010)
American Amber/Red Ale
North Carolina
22oz
Single
$4.99
Finger plus or tan brown head, complete mixture of bubble sizes, nice cascade across the surface, thick lacing streaks and above average retention. Pleasing amber orange color with some darkening redness, on the cloudy side. Molasses and brown sugar notes give the nose a friendly demeanor, followed on by malty chocolate and then pumpernickel bread and a light pepperiness, never gets citrusy nor grassy, however, you can feel the hops stiffen its presence, smattering of apricot, white grape and peach fruit scents. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is on the fluffy side and keeps things softly expanding outwards. The chocolate, caramel, toffee flavors proportionate to the whole, more loaded into the mouth entry than finish. At the end there’s more of a mineral water, rye, lemon peel array, drier and more briskly refreshing. Pinch of dried flowers as well. That carbonation keeps it reverberating on the tongue after the liquid is all down the chute. Could use a little more richness, however, devoid of any glaring flaws and the nose is very enjoyable.
4 out of 5

Coors Brewing Company
Blue Moon Honey Moon Summer Ale (Ale Brewed With Orange Peel & With Honey Added)
American Pale Wheat Ale
Colorado
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Close to two fingers of pure white microfoam, rapid dissolve down to the surface with only trace lacing left behind. Basic yellow-orange color, quite clear with minimal scattered bubbles visible within. The nose is based mainly on grains, wheat, rye, with rice and corn too, the honey makes itself quietly present, same for the orange citrus, neither would seem a focal point where they not mentioned on the label, light brush of apricot fruit too. Medium-bodied, fairly smooth even as the carbonation’s activity increases mouth presence. The honey here tempers any herbaceous or grassy elements. The citrus remains lowkey, more “blossom” than pulp or juice. Nothing notable about the malts, again, the graininess adds punctuation without much personality. Innocuous, easy to see why a casual drinker might order a bottle.
2 out of 5

Unibroue
Quelque Chose (50% Dark Ale, 50% Brown Ale Brewed With Cherries)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Canada
8.0%
25.4oz, Single
$13.89
A steady, aggressive pour into the middle of the glass yields zero head, just a few bubbles along the rims, forget lacing. Redwood stain in color, mixes brown, red and orange tints together, faint gauziness otherwise transparent, holds light inside the glass well. The nose is like a jar of maraschino cherries, mixing in cinnamon and clove spice, orange reduction, brown sugar and then a musky leafiness, cedar and incense come through as well, sticks to a narrow band of scents. Full-bodied, close to no discernible carbonation, just a little prickle during the mouth entry. The candied cherry aspect far and away most dominant, suggestions of raspberry, red apple as well. The cinnamon, clove, anise spice sweet on the whole but not without some kick as well, reminiscent of fruitcake. The orange to lemon citrus concentrated and sweet, like a soft drink. Strives to offer sour counterpoint but this can’t gain traction. Lingers in the mouth for an incredibly long time, glued onto your palate. Not something you’d want to drink on a regular basis but if you are in the mood for this sort of beer it will deliver.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2010

Victory Brewing Company
Helios Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Pennsylvania
7.5%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Pours a large 3+ finger head of pure white foam, while mostly smaller bubbles, loose with a very whipped up and dimpled appearance, good retention at about a finger’s worth, lacing only somewhat sticky. Murky yellow straw color, strong effulgence, a few beads visible here and there. Rye, wheat bread and white grapefruit to lemon citrus bloom biggest in the nose, soft and generously spread throughout clove and pepper spice, noticeable presence in the apricot, peach, pear scents, the slightest hint of cocoa beans. Close to full-bodied, the carbonation has an aggressive, if fluffy, churn. Friendly orange, white grapefruit citrus and that apricot, peach, persimmon fruit make for a sweet mouth entry, you get the mocha before the wheat, rye, pumpernickel bread. Some moderate grassiness. Not simple per se, but goes for approachability over complexity.
4 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
India Pale Ale
American IPA
New York
6.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Around a finger of off-white foam, mostly medium-sized bubbles with average retention and some trace lacing. Light amber touch to the base golden yellow color, close to zero visible bubbles. Straightforward, no nonsense nose of pine, cut lawn grass, tangerine citrus and some peppery bite, small amount of nectarine, peach fruit scents, comes up with softening chocolate, cocoa notes before dissolving, nothing here really sweet in nature. Medium-bodied, solid weight throughout, the carbonation level fits the body well while an elevation in the mocha, chocolate, coffee gives it much more balance and breadth. The pine is sweeter, more pink grapefruit than orange citrus, the herbaceousness toned down. The pepperiness as well more lowkey, ends in a caramelly finish. In the mouth it is likely softer than most hopheads would want, but does go down easy.
4 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
Hop Sun Summer Wheat Beer
American Pale Wheat Ale
New York
4.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Close to a finger of bone white, loose foam, dissolves down quickly to the surface, not much retention nor lacing. Fully transparent, bright piss yellow, large amount of widely dispersed bubbles visible. Bracingly bitter nose, full of wheat, lemongrass, pepper, some rye notes as well, not biscuity though, drop of apricot pit, the mixed citrus accents get stronger as it warms. Medium-bodied, the carbonation tight and active, almost pushes it through the mouth, This lifts the sourness upwards, plenty of pucker in the grassiness, lemon and white grapefruit citrus, the pepper, straw, hay, wheat add to the scrubbing sensations. It’s close to when you swallow before the malty creaminess appears. Hard to discern distinct fruit flavors. Lots of focus and verve, not that complex, so-so drinkability.
3 out of 5

Southern Tier Brewing Company
2XIPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
New York
8.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Hits you with a solid two finger head of cream white, extremely loosely knit and dimpled surface, not much stick to the lacing. Rich golden color, transparent with a faint gauziness, not much going on bubble-wise. Pine and pungent pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus drive the nose, as floral as herbaceous, spreads broadly rather than penetrate, any pepperiness ably met by peach, nectarine scents, overall comes across as too subdued for a DIPA. Medium-bodied, a little more verve here and willingness to “get after it.” Flowery, the sweet tangerine, pink grapefruit, lime citrus teases out more apricot, peach, pear than in the nose. In spite of this sweetness, and lower grassiness, the carbonation strongly swirls, enough to power it at least through the mid-palate. Manages to turn texturally drier at the finish while also piling on coconut and pine sweetness. Totally inoffensive, yet, just a quaffer.
3 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
England
7.0%
18.7oz, Single
$2.99
Need to pour carefully or you’ll end fill half the glass with deep tan foam, good mixture of bubble sizes, uneven surface, dissolves noticeably slow with an unusually large amount of thick lacing. Dark brown color, closer to mahogany than black, clear liquid, not going for the easy “totally opaque” out. Big time banana, bubblegum in the nose, sweet without needing much from the caramel, café au lait, raisin bread, bread pudding or plum to cherry fruit scents, very low on the roast, quite unusual and unexpected, satisfying at face value. Full-bodied, fairly smooth and fluid without too much weight. Much more roast here in the coffee, dark chocolate, this along with a mineral water aspect gives it cut and definition. Still, no lack of coconut, banana, toffee to join the plum, apricot, cherry flavors. The carbonation not light, more subtle, if no less effective. As it warms you get more pork rinds and bacon notes through the finish. Familiar but individual enough to stand itself off to the side of the pack.
5 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Mutiny Fleet 2010 Letter Of Marque Rye Porter
American Porter
Maryland
7.8%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Over two fingers of eggshell white, mostly denser foam with larger bubbles here and there, very good retention with some dimpling, high degree of lacing stickiness too. Deep brown color with sufficient amber orange tinge to avoid complete opacity, handsome appearance. The nose is not overly aggressive but still gets on you quickly featuring roasted coffee, mocha, malt as well as rye and pumpernickel bread, seems to consciously avoid sweetness, offers more by way of white grapefruit citrus and pine, grassy matter. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has a tight weave, good punch, that said, after the initial impression it starts to press down on the tongue, losing mobility. Heavier on the roast, close to bitter, espresso bean, cocoa bean, dark chocolate, no caramel or similar sweet elements. The white grapefruit, pine fits the roast well, thankfully the grassiness lowered some. Hard to pick out any fruit flavors. Drier at the finish, crafted to make an impression, succeeds at that, not sure it is more than a curiosity in the end, though.
4 out of 5

Butternuts Beer And Ale
Snapperhead IPA
American IPA
New York
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Super-huge, frothy head covers 2/3 of the glass depth, bone white, very airy yet excellent retention, takes forever to get close to just a finger of head, deep lacing as well. Bright yellow gold color, lager-like, maelstrom of bubbles crashing around inside. Doughy, bready nose, more spice and grass, orange peel than anything malty despite the can description of “All Malt,” dry cocoa powder at best, same for the apricot or peach pit nuances, some saline notes. Medium-bodied, not as bitter as the nose has you expecting, although dry. More cocoa, mocha here, the bread more wheat to pumpernickel. Lots of spice and sour grassiness, lemon to orange pith. No fruit and nothing noticeably sweet, could use such for the sake of balance. A weird beer that you can’t really get a handle on.
2 out of 5

Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery
Gubna Imperial IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
10.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Thin cream white head, barely gets to half a finger, not much retention either, lacing slightly above average. Very cloudy with a warm glow, offers a light orange to yellow hue, even with strong translucency you can see many active bubble beads. No lack of grapefruit, orange citrus in the nose, however, most marked by peat moss and lichen sort of scrub notes, charcoal ash and then scone to biscuit breadiness, followed on by golden raisin, peach, apricot scents, pine and honey, sweetens as it warms. Medium-bodied, the carbonation comes off a bit too “fluffy” as if masking the lack of natural heft. Loses a lot of the herbal dimension here, milk chocolate and vanilla pair up with the tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus for a sherbet like mix. Biscuit to corn bread more than “bready” per se. Pine tar like the resin on a baseball bat. Lacks substantive hop bite but avoids slouching. Interesting to try but doesn’t make you yearn for more, methinks its reach exceeds its grasp.
3 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout (Stout Aged On Oak Chips With Cocoa Nibs And Spice Added)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Colorado
9.5%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Surprisingly big head of close to finger’s worth of dark brown foam, mix of all bubble sizes, not much lacing but good head retention in general. Pure black liquid, if black could be blacker, this would be it. In the nose the sweetness of the milk chocolate triumphs over the otherwise formidable roast, coffee beans, grilled nuts, toffee, comes on with oatmeal, wheat and raw grains, more hoppy kick apparent as it warms, little to no presence of fruit or citrus, seems to want to make sure they were not kidding with the word “chocolate” on the label. Full-bodied, here you find that missing kick, a first tastes like chili pepper infused chocolate. Sweetens some as you acclimate, but not much, more cocoa to mocha than chocolate, dusty texture. Roasty coffee takes down any caramel or toffee notes. Carbonation is demure, not absent but there are periods of inactivity. Maybe, just maybe, some orange peel otherwise, again, no fruit nor citrus. The hops add more punctuation than narrative and, really, with all that spiciness it is very hard to gauge the hop nuances, your mouth is kinda, err, on fire. Very pleasing to try and has personality, one bottle is more than enough pour moi.
4 out of 5

Dark Horse Brewing Company
Plead The 5th Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Michigan
12.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Light head, half finger of exceedingly dark brown foam, mostly larger bubbles which impairs retention, credible stickiness to the lacing. Jet black, zero color, only thing visible are a few floating particles within. The roast hits the right balance in the nose, more texturally stiffening than scented, you get sweet chocolate, coconut, light caramel as well as rich plum, golden raisin and cherry fruit scents, flaky pie crust, vanillin oak booziness, anise seed, orange citrus zest, overall soft and well harmonized. Full-bodied, yet smooth with nice fluidity, honestly, here the relatively weak carbonation helps to keep the pace going rather than fluff things up. Dark chocolate, cocoa, mocha and caramel, not so much coffee or real roast. Plum, cherry, raisin, fig, apricot fruit lends sweetness and concentration. The coconut, vanilla fudge, honey glazed dough and croissant flakes likewise. Hard to say both what the hops contribute and what they were meant to contribute. Still, awfully seductive as a pure “guilty pleasure” play.
5 out of 5

Russian River Brewing Company
Supplication (Ale Aged In Oak Barrels With Cherries Added)
American Wild Ale
California
7.0%
12.68oz, Single
$11.99
About half a finger of light tan to off-white foam spreads across the surface, of a fairly loose knit, all tiny bubbles, goes quickly but easily regained with a swirl or two, average lacing. The liquid is noticeably clear, an orange tinged brown, some loss of hue around the rims, plenty of active bubbles visible within. The sour cherry scents explode in your nostrils, evoke cranberry and pomegranate as well, sour lemons but golden honey too, horsehide, lees, drying chunks of rye bread and oats, rosemary and other garden herbs, with all of the barnyard floor and animality, the pureness of the cherry outlasts all the rest. Medium-bodied with a very strong foaminess, this almost necessary to help you palate acclimate to the unrelenting sourness of the cherry fruit. Yeast, lees, tar and a Sherry-like nuttiness fill in many of the open spaces. Very dry, one of the drier beers consumed in memory. As mouth yields to it, more raspberry, nectarine and lemon zest flavors appear. Hard to track any change as it warms, so pervasive is the sourness. A great “experience” brew but not one I’m jonesing to try again any time soon.
4 out of 5

Hair of The Dog Brewing Company
Fred Golden Special Ale (Batch Number 78)
American Barleywine
Oregon
10.0%
12oz, Single
$4.99
Even if you’re careful you are liable to get close to a half glass full of foam, very dense with the tiniest bubbles imaginable, the foam covers the entire inside of the glass so no “lacing” per se. Cloudy reddish orange color, opaque but not so as to not capture light within it, very active bubble beads within. The nose has a sunshiny honeyed quality to it, sweet tangerine and pink grapefruit trump the oats and granola, the latter sweet too, banana, nectarine and apricot fruit, caramel, malted milk balls, the citrus most obvious throughout. Full-bodied and creamy, full but soft mouth presence. The tangerine, lime, pink grapefruit big and bold here too, more honey, molasses, milk chocolate and caramel to increase the sweetness factor. Touch of vanillin tinged booziness, rye and oats without getting too grainy. Fruit cocktail nature to the nectarine, peach, apricot, pear, cherry fruit, straight out of the can. The carbonation accommodates the creaminess, more of a real slow churn than anything else. This does not strike me a “categorizable” beer, more an experimental hybrid. However you take it, it’s sure yummy.
5 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
El Mole Ocho (The High Gravity Series) (2010)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Michigan
8.0%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Close to a half finger of dark tan color, the bubbles don’t seem that loosely knit but the head’s gone in a few seconds, there is a little stickiness to the lacing though. Curiously, while the liquid is actually fairly clear, the grimy reddish-brown color more reminiscent of clay-based mud, more zinc orange hues brighten the rims. Huge jelly roll of milk chocolate, caramel and toffee dominates the nose, that said, cumin, paprika spices present along with a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper, these elements occluded by bodacious prune, plum, black grape, raisin, black cherry fruit scents, if you have the patience you might be able to get some charcoal dust and peat moss, overall the nose gets the “truth in advertising” award vis-à-vis the label. Full-bodied and close to heavy, the sheer mass of it pushes the carbonation off the tongue and outwards towards your cheeks. Oodles and oodles of chocolate, accompanied by butterscotch and caramel, could be sold in the candy aisle as much as the beer aisle. The “Mexican spiciness” gets sort of lost in the shuffle here, if anything more heat than flavor. Focus teases out orange citrus, granola and scone notes. This is a very enjoyable “sipper” that does not deviate much from the script, arguably for the best.
4 out of 5

Stoudt’s Brewing Company
Pils (German-Style Pilsener)
German Pilsener
Pennsylvania
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Large, frothy head, bleached white, mostly big, loosely knit bubbles, leaves a good deal of delicate lacing behind, moderate retention overall. Clear orange color, deeper in hue than expected with only slight yellowing at the outer reaches, transparent, few visible bubbles, certainly no beads. Hyper-crisp nose of rye, dark bread, quinine, lemon peel, celery, pepper, very little soft or giving, minimal apricot, peach, apple fruit scent presence. Full-bodied, even kind of heavy for its type, the carbonation churns steadily, if not for this it might paste itself to your tongue. All the tonic water, quinine, lemon peel, sourdough bread, pepper here too, crisp but not exactly refreshing as the weight is too much and there’s no real lift off the palate. Pear, apple, peach fruit doled out meagerly. Pretzel salt and bitters finish things up. Stylistically, this does ape the German approach, however, it lacks the finesse and drinkability to be considered top notch.
3 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Summer Blonde Ale (AKA Endless Summer Ale)
American Blonde Ale
North Carolina
22oz, Single
$4.99
Bone white head of loose bubbles, slight dimpling as dissolves down from a finger plus to the surface, given the rate of dissipation leaves very credible lacing behind. Crystal clear pale metallic yellow colored liquid, very few bubbles visible within. Pretzel dough, pumpernickel, almost a country style baguette feel to the nose, dried orange peels, white pepper, really rises up into your nostrils, palpable cleansing effect, the herbaceousness all but cancels out any honey, apricot to apple fruit and slight maltiness. Medium-bodied, crisp and dry with the overall mouth weight more impressive than flavor array. This indeed at times “Kölsch-like” and focuses on an array of grain breads, lemon and orange peel, bitter grassiness, pepper and parched brown earth. The carbonation has a keen edge and keeps things fairly turbulent. Tart apple, pear, apricot fruit at best. Hard to peg anything deeply “malty” going on. Have to admit, the dryness does keep you licking your lips and hoping the next sip might slake your thirst.
3 out of 5

Full Sail Brewing Company
Black Gold Imperial Stout (Bourbon Barrel Aged Brewmaster Reserve 2009)
Russian Imperial Stout
Oregon
10.5%
22oz, Single
$9.99
Close to zero head, thin layer of deep brown foam gone in a second, with some remainder around the rims, minimal lacing. The usual pitch black liquid, no variance throughout nor hint at color. Punishing nose of dark roasted coffee, toasted coconut, bitter dark chocolate, hard caramel candy, quite boozy to the point of smokiness and pork rinds, the plum, cherry fruit close to prune and raisin, the oak stiffens its posture enough that hops really aren’t needed nor that noticeable. Full-bodied, sort of glues itself to your palate, not only heavy but immobile. Replicates the bourbon vanilla, caramel, coconut oil, chocolate, charred wood, butterscotch stuff, overwrought to the point of sacrificing some balance. Unprocessed grains, hay and some mixed citrus zest suggest the hops are doing something underneath it all. More fig, date here, the plum, cherry flavors have a concentrated stewed quality. This is relentless beer here, zero subtlety or nuance, just wants to give you the big smackdown. And you get it.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2010

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale
American Strong Ale
California
9.75%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.49
Moderate aggression gets you a finger of eggshell white form, fairly dense and frothy, what’s there possesses decent retention, multiple patches of lacing scattered across the glass insides. Clear bronzed orange color, red rust tinge, loose, widely spread bubble beads. The nose is locked and loaded to please, juicy pink grapefruit, tangerine and lime citrus, honey, fully ripened peach, apricot, nectarine, pineapple scents, mere brush of caramel, light sweet spiciness, under it all an herbaceous earthiness and mutter of charcoal ash. Full-bodied, that earthiness and tar adds some needed rigidity, the carbonation helps as well by tightening up its game and percolating without fluffiness. At the same time, doesn’t lose any of that sweetly ripened pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus nor bountiful peach, apricot, nectarine, pineapple, mango flavors. Here more cocoa and mocha than caramel, drier and powdery. Not suave per se, but manages to work the room completely and then exeunt without anyone noticing but everyone wants to say goodnight before leaving themselves. Having a six-pack on hand is a dangerous thing.
5 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Oatmeal Porter
American Porter
North Carolina
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.59
Pours a big three finger plus head without much effort, mostly fine microfoam with just about average retention, light tan coloration, excellent stickiness to the lacing, coats the sides of the glass. Not quite black just the deepest brown possible to cross into full opacity, glimmer of orange at the rims, muddied appearance overall. Molasses, caramelized brown sugar and honey take the lead in the nose over the ground coffee, dark chocolate elements, the oatmeal is very dry and does not spread broadly, unprocessed grains, orange peel, it’s actually more rough and tumble than expected, not necessarily for the worse. Full-bodied, steely and close to immobile, the carbonation tentative like it’s on a work release program. Coffee, milk and dark chocolate, mocha, black licorice, oatmeal and a touch of rye. Red grape, cherry, apricot fruit with a stripe of orange citrus lend moderate sweetness. Floral hops breeze by close to the finish. Does smooth out at the end, however, this is no casual sipper and you have to focus to get the last few sips out of the glass.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Immort Ale
American Strong Ale
Delaware
11.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Strong pour gets you a finger’s worth of light tan head, mix of bubble sizes, average retention at best, same for the lacing. Reddish mahogany color, murkily opaque but plenty of visible bubble beads, mild brightening to zinc orange at the outermost limits. The nose is like it’s been deep smoked for a day or two, charcoal, peat moss, wood kindling ash, vanillin whiskey, cane sugar, if it was meat it would slide right off the bone, the peach, apricot and any other fruit lost in the mix, same for any citrus, you could stuff a pinch of lichens up your nose and it might not differ too much. Full-bodied, thickly layered, not sloth-like, however, nowhere near nimble. The tar, charcoal, peat, damp black earth components overwhelming here, it’s like being passed through a filter. That said, honey, molasses, caramel not shy about taking the stage either. Let’s call them the “earthy” qualities, whatever they are, they chain up the apricot, cherry, banana fruit flavors although these are in no way evanescent. Not much breadiness nor yeastiness, brush of orange peel. Basically, it’s like standing next to a road crew laying new tar in August.
4 out of 5

Deschutes Brewery
Black Butte Porter
American Porter
Oregon
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Two fingers of tan foam, islands of larger bubbles speed up the dissolving, very good stick to the lacing. Pure black color, as if it’s an imperial stout or something, you see some bubble beads rising along the glass sides, completely opaque, duh. The nose wisely chooses steady penetration rather than brute force, roasted coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate, blanched nuts, tar and earth, celery root, close to herbaceous at times, very little discernible fruit or citrus scents, maybe a drop of anise. Full-bodied, muscular and layered, more interested in posing fully flexed than displaying any fluid movement. The coffee roast, carob, dark chocolate still going on, maybe maple syrup or corn syrup. Here you get an interesting mineral water aspect which dries things out and focuses the aforementioned flavors, the mouth feel has some turbulence. Red apple, cherry, apricot fruit breaks the surface now and then. Muttered suggestion of orange peel. In the end, this is very craftily put together and while it does not always viscerally please it does continuously draw in your intellect.
4 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Rye-On-Rye (33% Ale, 67% Ale Aged In Rye Whiskey Barrels) (No. 13 in the Smokestack Series)
Doppelbock
Missouri
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$8.75
Careful when pouring or you’ll get a head of three plus fingers, loosely knit tan brown color, medium-sized bubbles, looks very frothy, average stickiness to the lacing takes some time to settle close to the surface. Very hazy orange-brown color, like muddy water, fully opaque, no change in hue further from the core. In the nose the oak comes through loud and clear, vanilla, buttered toast and caramel, definitely on the boozy side, banana and bubblegum as well as poached apricot and peach scents, the rye component softer than expected, lowering the overall breadiness, as it warms more mixed citrus comes out. Full-bodied and a real mouth filler, the carbonation ensures every pore covered cheek to cheek. Sweet without turning dulcet, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla fudge and carob, the raw whiskey flavors doesn’t choose sides, dry in that heady, boozy fashion. The rye much stronger here, cuts the sweetness and lends a bitter burst. The orange citrus juicy and sweet, same for the concentrated apricot, peach, cherry, banana fruit flavors. Earthy in a fecund, herbaceous manner. This is a road grader of a beer so be forewarned.
5 out of 5

North Coast Brewing Company
Old Rasputin XI Russian Imperial Stout (Stout Aged In Bourbon Barrels)
Russian Imperial Stout
California
11.2%
16.9oz, Single
$19.99
No doubting the fluff factor here, moderate pour gets you an easy three fingers of dark brown, dense foam, topped off with a crown of larger, dimpling bubbles, takes awhile for things to recede and even see the lacing. Oh yeah, it’s black, not a trace of color in the liquid. Coconut suntan lotion, dark roasted coffee beans, bitter dark chocolate, vanilla bean and a crystal clear burst of whiskey in the nose, plum, black cherry, date, fig fruit, alcohol soaked orange peels, makes no bones about wanting to steamroll your nostrils and not look back. Medium-bodied plus, actually a little less dense than expected. This gives more flow to the coconut, vanilla, butterscotch, coffee, as roasty as sweet and barely leaves space for any of the rye, pumpernickel bread, green hay elements to breathe. The carbonation comes across as pretty strong at first but gets sucked into the black hole of the flavors. Apple, grape, cherry, pear takes a serious back seat to the rest. Absolutely nothing subtle here, if you don’t like the message in the first few seconds the rest won’t change your mind.
4 out of 5

Korenaar, Brouwerij De Dochter van de
Noblesse
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
5.5%
11.2oz, Single
$5.29
Thin bleached white head which evaporates quickly, credible lacing. Clear copper gold color, light enough to appear consistent core outwards, not a great deal of visible carbonation. The nose exhibits peat moss, forest scrub, rye and wheat notes, peppery spiciness, softens as it warms into peach, apricot, pear fruit scents, dried flowers, can’t say, though, that it softens much. Full-bodied, dry with tight carbonation which keeps the overall mouth feel semi-pinched. More peat moss, charcoal, ash accents with grass, celery and bell pepper too. Almost total absence of citrus, the apricot, peach, apple fruit weaker here. Clove spice joins the pepperiness. Country style rye bread, no sweeter doughiness. Chewed up bubblegum notes appear at the end. Disjointed enough to tire you out halfway through the glass, more workout than pleasure.
2 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
XS Imperial Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Oregon
9.0%
7oz, Single
$4.99
Gives you a finger’s worth of reddish brown foam, moderate density, yet, only average retention and little stick to the lacing. Cherry red wood coloration, just dark enough to get to opacity, more rust orange further out from the center. Caramel, butterscotch and coffee ice cream race out in front of the hops in the nose but the green grasses, orange rinds, pine needles run the former down quickly enough, the apricot, peach scents have a weak grip, peppery dissolve with elevating bitter white grapefruit citrus. Medium-bodied, the carbonation churns up the mouth entry to make it seem a touch bigger. More or less the same here except that the spicy pepper, pine and earthiness more pronounced, very herbaceous which ratchets up the sourness of the grapefruit, lemon, orange citrus. As your mouth acclimates to being scrubbed raw you can discern more toffee, caramel, honey maltiness, still, delivered in a roasted fashion. Apricot, apple, peach fruit nowhere near ripe but you can say it marks out a clear place. Provides enough of the raw material but somehow it does not coalesce into a greater whole. Becomes tiring to drink after awhile.
2 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Red Sky At Night Saison Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Maryland
7.5%
12oz
6-Pack, $11.99
Hits you with a half finger of bone white head which is short-lived, settles into a few scattered islands across the surface, curiously more stickiness to the lacing then first expected. Visually as much dilute orange as stronger yellow, excellent clarity and, in spite of the weak hue, has a glow which pleases the eye. The nose has an outdoorsy, natural character, you almost expect to drink it on an actual farm, big time clove, cinnamon, spiced orange and something like mulled cider, country style rye breadiness, the apple, pear, apricot fruit stays within itself even though the spiciness wants to tease out more tropical fruit nuances, waft of banana. Full-bodied for the style, hugs the curves of your mouth. Strikes a good balance between sweet and spicy, all that clove, coriander, ginger sweeps through, lees and raw bread dough, white pepper, then white grape, banana, peach, pear, cherry, apricot fruit. The carbonation perhaps adds too much fluff factor. The lemon, orange citrus a steadying influence throughout. Finish is sort of short but mouth perfume full enough to compensate. Nicely drinkable.
4 out of 5

Saint Louis Brewery/Schlafly Tap Room
Schlafly Dry Hopped APA
American Pale Ale
Missouri
5.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Big fluffy head, off-white, loosely knit with a surface of exploding bubbles, steady dissolve, lacing slides steadily down the glass sides. The hazy orange color has as much red as yellow in it, translucent and close to opaque, average vibrancy. The nose offers sweet tangerine, tangelo citrus, pungent florality, these really dominate the rest, golden honey, green hay, pepper, earthy, leesy yeast, the hops leave very little space for maltiness to develop. Medium-bodied, good firmness and mouth presence, the carbonation adds percolation, doesn’t distract. Tangerine, orange, white grapefruit drier here, still in the driver’s seat. Leafy hops verge on bitter at times, rye bread, flowers join in. Hint of caramel. Apricot, pineapple, nectarine fruit carves out a moderate presence. It’s well-crafted, however, arguably exceeds its categorization, should be more relaxed and fluid.
3 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
American Style Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
5.5%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Finger plus of larger bubbles, delicate, eggshell white, razor thin streaks of lacing, decent retention given the larger size of the bubbles. Opaquely cloudy burnt orange color, slight yellowing at the outer edges, looks dense. The nose has a muted character, pine, tree leaves, straw, white grapefruit peels, peat moss, very light glance of toffee and potato bread, comes across as somewhat “closed” in wine terms. Full-bodied, not bottom heavy, heavy from top to bottom. The carbonation doesn’t overtly appear active but elicits a few burps with ease. Orange, lemon citrus, forest floor matter and earth, slight metallic ring. Doughy, country style bread aspect. Apricot and peach pit, some pear as well. Very little sweetness, the malts don’t coalesce into a recognizable whole, cocoa and mocha there most. Flat-footed finish, plays it close to its vest when it needs something sparkly to catch your eye.
3 out of 5

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Grand Cru (10 Year Anniversary)
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Michigan
9.3%
12oz, Single
Thinnish cream white head even when poured with moderate aggression, the lacing streaks are wide but glide down swiftly. Effulgent pumpkin orange color, the deeper core hints at brown, the outer edges yellow. There’s a certain fluffy frothiness to the texture of the nose, plays up clove, cinnamon, spiced oranges, honey, croissant flakes and then apricot, banana, green apple, cantaloupe fruit scents, follows on with a good deal of pepperiness and touch of peat moss, complex without being pushy. Medium-bodied, firm in spite of constantly swirling carbonation, feels substantial. The volume quieter here with the pepper up in front of the clove, ginger, cinnamon spice. Not that sweet, has a dried fruit character to the apricot, peach, pear, banana flavors, just about the same with the orange, tangerine citrus, perhaps a tad juicier. Pinch of honey. Not unyielding per se, kinda austere. It’s “manly” like drinking a single malt scotch, just where’s the cigar?
3 out of 5

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Fourth Dementia (Olde Ale 2009)
Old Ale
Michigan
12.5%
12oz, Single
You get a good two fingers at first of light tan, creamy foam, mostly microfoam with a pile here or there of larger bubbles, above average retention with a brush of lacing here or there. Unusual clarity for the category with a deep cherry red veneer, only a very slight fade to more base orange around the rims, highly attractive. The nose unfolds at a languorous pace, layers of candied nuts, caramel, toffee, brown sugar, baker’s chocolate as well as prune, black raisin, cherry, apricot fruit, elusive smokiness and mossy notes, displays a great deal of power without clumsiness. Full-bodied and then some, covers every mouth pore like rubber glue. Given its texture and overall sweetness, does stay notably fresh and in movement. Avalanche of caramel, toffee, crème brûlée, butterscotch, chocolate, brown sugar, you name it. Maraschino cherry, poached apricot, golden raisin, prune, fig fruit. Candied tangerine citrus adds more sweet and sour. Carbonation behaves like a lava lamp. An edge of peat moss, charcoal, tar pulls it back from the precipice of oversweetness. Even as it warms keeps its balance, although you do suspect you could light the surface with a match. No port handy, drink this beer.
5 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Kashmir IPA
American IPA
North Carolina
5.6%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.59
Close to two fingers of fluffy cream white foam, preponderance of larger bubbles has it quickly dimpling towards the surface, leaves a good deal of lacing behind. Hazy chrome orange in appearance, traps the light inside nicely, lighter yellow towards the rims. The nose leans on orange, tangerine citrus, coriander, white pepper before allowing for scone, honeyed bread notes, general maltiness more than distinct scents, maybe cocoa, apricot and peach scents demure, more of a slugger than a puncher. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is very active, stirring things up throughout. Here the clove, coriander spice really takes hold. This pairs well with the orange, white grapefruit citrus, the latter not sweet. No lack of green grass, leafy characteristics. Spicier towards the end, as in peppery bite. An energetic little cuss but could use more balance and smoothness.
3 out of 5

Baltika (Baltic Beverages Holding), Pivzavod
Baltika #6 Porter
Baltic Porter
Russia
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$1.89
Even an innocent, safe pour gets you close to three fingers of light tan head, loose and easily dissolved, close to zero lacing. Just to that side of opacity, black trumps brown in the final round, quite clean appearance, ring of dark mahogany and orange around the rims. The nose is sort of annoyingly light but comes up with milk chocolate, coffee candy, golden raisin, apricot, pear scents, unusually lacking in darker fruit, very little roast to it, brush of ginger spice, the hoppiness stiffens things before its final dissolve. Light-bodied, comes across as somewhat watery for a porter, the lack of body here does bring the roast to the fore as it is needed to buttress the cocoa, chocolate, caramel shades. In the same vein, lemon to orange citrus comes forth, accompanied by a brown sugar dusting. The grains, oats and breadiness swell slightly in the middle. Raisin, date, cherry, apricot, a good mix of flavors but needs more richness. All in all, it’s a chuggable summertime porter that luckily enough is priced right for its station.
2 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Tiny Belgian-Style Imperial Stout
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Pennsylvania
11.8%
25.4oz, Single
$8.29
Average pour yields three plus fingers of hyper-active foam. The bubbles pop at a highly accelerated rate and then, boom, it’s down to the surface, while it was there the foam has a dark tan color, no real lacing to speak of. The nose is a slow, steady unfolding of licorice, prune, plum, cherry fruit with a deep dark chocolate, roasted coffee, caramel character, more raw grain than bread, orange zest and flowers, would absolutely have more impact were it not for all but conscious desire to seem monolithic and simple. Full-bodied, Spreads broadly so as to saturate every mouth pore, filling it in with caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, cocoa and coconut. The orange, lemon citrus brings some tang but not that much liveliness. More roast and coffee here, dries out the finish a wee bit. Likewise, more graininess and hops present to add more bitterness. Remains dense through the finish, you basically chew it as much as sip it.
4 out of 5

Boulevard Brewing Co.
Double-Wide India Pale Ale (No. 2 in the Smokestack Series)
American IPA
Missouri
8.5%
25.4oz, Single
$8.75
Whatever you do, the beer wants to foam. The slowest, most careful pour still yields three plus fingers of eggshell white microfoam, could not have a more frenzied, whipped up froth if it tried, curiously it slides effortlessly down the glass sides with minimal lacing. Cloudy copperish red-orange, you can just see through it, your fingers are shadow puppets on the other side of the glass, lightens around the rims. The nose can jab you but isn’t out to score points, the first sign that this is a beer content to just be an “American IPA” and not a wannabe DIPA. Scents of tangerine, lime, pink grapefruit mesh with pineapple, papaya, peach, apricot fruit, more floral than piney but in any case appears fresh and ruddy cheeked the first concern, vague dusting of cocoa powder, just hits you with the categorical basics with dignity and reserve. Medium-bodied, same demeanor as in the nose, maybe the carbonation adds a little too much fluff. Otherwise, very balanced with an emphasis on that tangelo, pink grapefruit citrus as well as pine and then caramel, butterscotch and honey. Never too sweet, just lively, there’s a pleasing herbaceous nip to it. Calms down as it gets near the finish line with elevating carob, chocolate notes. Manages both a clean and lingering finish. Drank the 750ml is about 20 minutes.
5 out of 5

Pausa Café, Birrificio
Tosta (Ale Brewed With Cacao Beans)
English Barleywine
Italy
12.5%
11.2oz, Single
$8.99
Even if you jetstream the pour into the glass you barely get more than backsplash for a head, the lacing just what’s leftover from that. Cloudy brown-orange mud in appearance, there’s a good deal of sediment so don’t try to get your whole 11.2 ounces’ worth, as opaque as non-black beer can get. Soft, gently unfolding nose of sweet cinnamon and ginger, yeast and raw pie dough, almonds, cherry and blackberry fruit, even after letting it warm some you barely get the cocoa or coffee notes, maybe there’s more there and it’s just too understated. Full-bodied, here the cocoa, coffee is sweet with a light roast and much more evident. The baking spices and yeastiness perdures, Modicum of orange peel, almonds and brazil nuts, the fruit shows cherry, apricot but really just a pureed mix. The carbonation at times feels nonexistent. Doesn’t possess the sugary sweetness of many in the “barleywine” style and likely better for it. Doesn’t cause any pain to drink but the price is pretty painful for what you get.
3 out of 5

Mikkeller
Beer Geek Breakfast (Oatmeal Stout Brewed With Coffee)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Denmark
7.5%
16.9oz, Single
$12.99
Two seconds into the pour, literally 90% of the glass is filled with foam. Wait a minute, come back and try again. Glass still half full of dark brown, dense foam. Just leave the glass on the counter, forget about it and eventually it recedes close to the surface, the glass sides about half coated in thick lacing. Pure black liquid, just as the kids like it today. The nose is the quintessential “fist in the velvet glove,” a haymaker of dark chocolate powder, cocoa, roasted coffee beans, chicory, black licorice, never too sweet as the oatmeal and general hoppiness, does not lack a bitter aspect to cancel out excess sugariness. In the mouth it is full-bodied and tilts further towards the bitter, tart side of things. The roast in the coffee more obvious, espresso-like, the chicory and roasted grains get your mouth puckering big time. The dark chocolate, carob, brown sugar more makeup than substance. Carbonation is low but steady at its chosen level, does not feel sluggish on the palate. Suggestion of lemon peel and flowers near the finish. Not getting a lot of fruit here, cherry, black grape, apricot at best. What there is, is roast and more roast. If it were a wine Robert Parker would give it 95 points.
4 out of 5

Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery
Ten Fidy
Russian Imperial Stout
Colorado
9.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Thin but closely woven head of dark brown, modest retention and lacing. True to form, presents an impenetrably black liquid, a starless night in your glass. Heavy nose that texturally pushes outwards to gain as much ground as possible, licorice, white cake mix, toffee, baker’s chocolate, café au lait, not overpoweringly sweet nor sugary, as much white grape and apricot fruit as cherry or plum scents, vanillin booziness, brazil nuts, there’s plenty of different scents in there but they don’t quite cohere into a choral whole. Full-bodied, dense and slooooow moving, oily texture. Coconut, butterscotch, caramel, coffee, carob and chocolate covered raisins, darker complexion to the fruit here, cherry and blackberry with only a brush of apricot. The carbonation itself is slow if steady, more like a drip from a leaky faucet than a steady stream. More roast to it when warmer but, conversely, sheds some weight. More intensity of flavor and it’s a right up with the best.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Wild Raspberry Ale (Ale Fermented With Raspberries)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Colorado
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Finger’s worth of large bubbles, more off-white than tan in hue, OK retention given the bubble size, no real lacing. While the liquid seems an auburn orange, you can’t help but sense a pinkish red, the power of suggestion from the raspberries, semi-murky translucency. Fresh raspberry filled nose, yet without a great deal of sweetness, supplemented lightly by orange peel and cocoa, quiet push of unprocessed grains and straw, overall very subdued. Medium-bodied, more bottom heavy than expected, little sense of progression or movement. Carbonation churns up the mouth entry but gone soon thereafter. Raspberries clearly present throughout, subtler shades of strawberry and apple. Here lemon and orange infused mineral water the second place finisher. Any cocoa or chocolate lessened, perhaps uptick in sweeter bread notes. Indistinct hoppiness, more nibble than bite but never fully absent. Holds back too much, needs to make a clearer statement.
3 out of 5

BrewDog Ltd
Paradox Isle of Arran (Batch 016)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Scotland
10.0%
11.2oz, Single
$8.99
Close to no head at all, just some very large bubbles which would occur if almost any liquid were poured forcefully into a glass, gone quickly with no lacing. Black core but not so opaque as to not allow a metallic orange shine around the rims and glass bottom, liquid appears to be very clear. While well-stuffed with scents, the nose overall is demure and close to subtle, offering milk chocolate, coconut oil, vanilla fudge and toffee first with an underpinning of plum, blueberry fruit, sourdough bread and more sweet grains than hoppy kick, very little alcohol presence. Medium-bodied, the carbonation adds a tight churn to it which helps keep it active and dissipates some of the alcohol further. Chocolate darker here, caramel, toffee and more coffee bean than vanilla, sweetly bitter. Grainier, oats, rye and pumpernickel. Lowgrade cherry, blackberry, apricot fruit. Sweet nuttiness adds another layer of flavor. Steady in the array of flavors it offers, not incredibly broad but there until the end. Puts on more mouth weight as it warms.
4 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Wilco Tango Foxtrot
American Strong Ale
California
7.83%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Finger plus of tan foam, lacks the density for lengthy retention, the medium and large sized bubbles have it cratering soon after the pour, patches of lacing here or there, like splattered on the glass walls. Hazy brownish amber, not red enough for mahogany, translucent but not opaque, some dilution around the rims. Sweet, not sugary, nose of candied orange peel, rose hips, toffee, molasses, coconut, as it warms it sharpens and you get white grapefruit, nectarine, papaya, pineapple fruit, fairly “tropical,” hops dominate without bitterness, herbaceousness. Full-bodied, the carbonation comes close to causing discharge when you start sipping. Here more chocolate, vanilla, toffee and coffee ice cream upfront. As it hits your throat the hops switch things up, pine, flowers, mixed sour citrus and pumpernickel bread. Touch more restraint in the peach, apricot, pineapple, mango fruit, flavorful but not out to smack you down. The molasses and honey return to saturate the finish, coconut oil too. More of a rollercoaster ride than balanced, integrated sipper.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Hoss Rye Lager
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Colorado
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Nice creamy head of close to two fingers, orange tinted off-white color, close to the froth of an orange julius, average retention, covers the surface for some time, a few streaks of lacing here and there. Deep and vibrant metallic red to coppery orange colored liquid, clear with excellent reflective brilliance, quite pretty. Pastry flakes, milk chocolate, honey coated orange citrus, more of a warm butter than toast covering, the rye waits until the penultimate moment to move forward into the spotlight. Medium-bodied, however, lounges squarely on the palate and unpacks a picnic basket of caramel, milk chocolate, molasses, honey, graham cracker, croissant and ripened sweet oranges. The carbonation is like tiny explosions, precise and prickly yet with no staying power. As a flavor the rye has a clear delivery but doesn’t add much texturally, the hoppy side of the equation slacking. The sweetness never comes close to cloying and for a more or less one-sided beer it’s, err, decently balanced. Drinkability highest when coldest.
4 out of 5

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Imperial Crème Brûlée Java Stout (December 2009)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Michigan
8.0%
12oz, Single
Close to no head with an aggressive pour, thin islets of brown microfoam, no lacing. You guessed it, liquid as black as the ace of spades, as impenetrable as a nun’s knickers. Cappuccino, freshly whipped cream, vanilla extract, milk chocolate powder give the nose a soft, enveloping appeal, cherry syrup, brown sugar, this noted it does have an unprocessed graininess to it which approximates hop bite, fills your nostrils and stays there for some time. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with an acidic punch which jolts you and momentarily forestalls the arrival of the cappuccino, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, graham cracker pie crust, cinnamon powder, licorice and baker’s chocolate. As it warms the bitter roast of the coffee becomes more noticeable. There’s also more of a perfumed lift than downwards pressure on the palate. Tart cherry pie wafts through the finish. Within its general category it achieves a distinct personality, which is a rarer accolade then previously.
5 out of 5

Dark Horse Brewing Company
Reserve Special Black Bier Ale
American Strong Ale
Michigan
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours with a slight head of dark brown which tends to then congregate around the glass walls, minimal lacing. Typical jet black liquid, fully opaque and impenetrable without a hint of color. The nose is all about heavily roasted coffee, chicory, malt, hard caramel candy, charcoal ash and tar, soy, at times it seems like citric or floral notes trying to get out but kept locked in the trunk, absolutely takes pains to make you notice it, might be able to benefit from some hoppy balance. Medium-bodied, the carbonation causes an intense swirling sensation through the mouth entry, quite dry and semi-rough in texture. The roast far and away the dominant factor, coffee, dark chocolate, chicory, bitters, soy, less earthy and perhaps more leafy with a hoppy bite. The white grapefruit displays spunk and maybe there’s licorice as well. That said, the roast lingers much longer than any other component.
4 out of 5

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Bourbon Barrel Barley Wine (2009)
English Barleywine
Michigan
14.5%
12oz, Single
Pouring heartily right into the center of the glass yields close to zero head, hence can’t be any lacing either, right? Murky copper orange to brown hued liquid, more orange and general glow further near the rims, remains translucent not opaque. The nose betrays the bourbon immediately but thankfully not the alcoholic burn, vanilla, butterscotch, dutch chocolate, caramel leap to the fore, behind these come candied orange peel, cake batter, ginger and a blend of banana, peach and maraschino cherry fruit scents, underneath lies a subtle lactose funkiness. Full-bodied without seeming heavy, the density comes mostly from the strong bourbon character as well as, here, the alcoholic burn. Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel comes with a little licorice, ginger root. Clamps down a little too hard to give free berth to the orange peel, apricot, peach, cherry, banana fruit, ends on a drying note. The carbonation is somewhat inactive but what’s there is fluffy like a cotton ball. For its type, good drinkability but I would still characterize it as along the lines of a “dessert beer.”
4 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2010

Wild Goose Brewery, LLC
Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
Maryland
5.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
The head gets up over two fingers of loose foam, dimples and evaporates swiftly, light brown in color with not much lacing. Deep brown in color, not impenetrably opaque, even offers a dark orange around the rims where there’s plenty of clarity evident. Friendly, almost unassuming nose of dark chocolate, coffee ice cream, oatmeal, caramel and then a slight elevation in the roast, notes of plum and black cherry too, nothing bitter nor especially hoppy. Medium-bodied, sweet in terms of the chocolate, coffee, butterscotch but the final texture, especially after you swallow, is dry. Oatmeal is clear, however, not that bready nor doughy. The carbonation actually might be a little too strong for its general heft, looses grip on your palate by the end. Again, has a simple presentation of cherry, dark berry fruit as well as a splash of orange zest. No guile, light enough to increase drinkability and nothing glaringly stands out as a negative.
3 out of 5

Peak Organic Brewing Company, LLC
Peak Organic IPA
American IPA
Maine
7.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Nicely fluffed and loosely knit head of bleach white color, crests close to a finger, decent retention as well as broad streaks of lacing. Light orange rust to yellow color, mild haziness helps it achieve more presence in the glass, otherwise transparent. The nose has a brisk, no-nonsense demeanor built on white grapefruit, mandarin orange citrus, cut grass, white pepper, pine sap, the peach, apricot fruit overshadowed, aided by only a light brush of caramel or toffee. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has a very expansive presence, almost like the fluoride foam the dentist gives you at a cleaning. However, the overall bitterness cannot be denied, highly herbaceous and peppery with sour white grapefruit pith. Conversely, more honey present and the peach, nectarine, apricot get some breathing space at the end. If you like “IPA burn” you’ll have no problem with this one, the brewery name sounds like the product of too many focus groups and marketing gurus.
3 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
Night Tripper Imperial Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Michigan
10.8%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Thin head of about a half finger, even with an aggressive pour, gone in an instant, does manage to leave a very thin sheet of lacing down the glass sides for a moment. There’s close to a sour edge to the nose at first, briny with sea salts, this activates the dark roast in the coffee, cocoa scents, anise seed as well as more tart red cherry, raspberry fruit scents than would be expected, lemon peels and unprocessed grains contribute to the erect bearing. Full-bodied, really firm in the mouth, in a somewhat contentious manner. The cocoa, mocha powder and vanilla bean blast right through, any caramel or butterscotch not softening things much. Lots of roast to it, gets leafy at times, without forming too distinct flavors the hops get up in there and help steer the wheel. Pepper spice and dill crop up at moments. There’s some edge to the carbonation but not that lasting. As it ends the roast becomes even more dominant. Leaves you with the impression that this is a very “stylistic” imperial stout and the producer has no problem polarizing those who try it.
3 out of 5

Big Rock Chop & Brewhouse
2009 Bourbon Barrel Aged Flying Buffalo Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Michigan
12.5%
12oz, Single
$7.00
Thin layer of very dark brown across the surface, hard to call it a “head” per se, gone in a flash, minimal lacing. Pure black, like a chunk of onyx or maybe someone painted the insides of the glass black. Smells like a glass of whiskey, bit-by-bit each successive sniff teases out licorice, caramel and vanilla and chocolate taffy, caramelized brown sugar, plum but not prune notes, not afraid to show its power, even warmer not that complex but what’s there has clarity of purpose in spades. In the mouth it’s even more bourbon like, adds in some burn but doesn’t induce the hiccups. Layers of toasty vanilla, the chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, licorice close behind. Carbonation is negligible, slathers itself like sauce on the tongue. Mixed dark fruits followed on by a curious splash of white grapefruit. Offers some sweet bready accents as well, like challah. “Subtle” is the last word that would pop into your mind drinking this behemoth. Very happy to have a pint’s worth, after that, well, it’s a sign of alcoholism.
4 out of 5

Tyranena Brewing Company
Paradise By The Dashboard Lights Doubly Blessed Cherry Porter (Malt Beverage Brewed With Cherry Puree)
American Porter
Wisconsin
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Aggressive pour yields finger plus of light brown microfoam, dissolves away at a rapid pace, very light lacing left behind. Black colored liquid, maybe a momentary suggestion of orange at the outermost edges. Coffee grounds, cocoa powder, dark chocolate all appear in the nose with a serious roasted quality, challah bread, pinch of chicory, any cherry scents are as vague as can be, credible staying power, lasts about as long as you’d want to keep smelling it. Medium-bodied, extremely dry and powdery on the tongue. Again, coffee, dark bittersweet chocolate, cocoa and chicory most present. Close to zero sign of cherry fruit. The carbonation appears to be trying, not so much succeeding. Moderate breadiness, glimmer of a hoppy kick at the end. More or less drinks light a straight-up porter. Competent, but nothing noteworthy about it.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
XS Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Oregon
11.0%
7oz, Single
$4.69
One of those “be careful how you pour” beers as half the glass fills up with brown foam if you’re not careful, extremely fine foam, whipped worse than a mule, too fine to even dimple, above average stickiness to the lacing. The liquid is completely black with nothing more to be said about it. While the nose has a taut muscularity to it, at the same time it’s fairly inexpressive, light and hoppy with citrus and grain notes before the dark chocolate, caramel, creamed coffee ensue, plum and cherry fruit quickly breeze by, could argue that the mixed white citrus accents last longer, more pretzel dough than flaky pastry dough. Full-bodied with a soft, enveloping mouth feel, gently rubs its way into most of your mouth pores. Not to detract from the roast in the coffee, mocha flavors as well as the hoppiness. Dry, fluffed out carbonation too weak to lift things up off the tongue. Fistful of chicory, the white grapefruit pith has more oomph. Despite its body it does not warmly hug you like the best Russian Imperial Stouts do. Quiet mutterings of cherry, berry fruit, shut up by the graininess. Certainly trying to put an individualistic stamp on the style, yet, there is something to be said for truth in advertising.
3 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Baptista
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
North Carolina
11.5%
25.4oz, Single
$15.99
Two fingers of bone white, super-delicate foam, as active as a beehive, causing it to disintegrate swiftly, a few fluffy streaks of lacing left behind. Translucent, semi-hazy liquid, mostly a copper orange which fades to a metallic yellow at the rims, few visible bubbles. Fruit-driven nose of concentrated, dried fruit in style apricot, pear, peach, nectarine, banana fruit with sweet cinnamon and clove spice, orange marmalade, honey and cane sugar, pastry dough, wisely eschews weight for lift in your nostrils. Medium-bodied yet with great traction across the palate, never heavy but has an insistent medium-firm grip. Broad fruit spectrum of pineapple, papaya, banana, nectarine, melon, apricot, pear, all with a caramelized brown sugar, honey and cotton candy coating. The cinnamon, nutmeg spice as well as spiced orange keep the overall feel light and bouncy. Even with its admirable grip, the carbonation whipped up sufficiently to create a musk, if not perfume, in the mouth. There’s a kind of sugary innocence about the brew, however, the sweetness does begin to tire you out after some time.
4 out of 5

Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Olde Brune Sour Cherry Beer (2010)
Flanders Oud Bruin
Michigan
12oz, Single
Poured right down into the center of the glass from six inches above and still no head, no lacing either. Deep muddy brown colored liquid, like you’d expect to find catfish swimming around the bottom of the glass, sort of yellows around the rims, curiously lots of visible bubbles inside yet no head. Sour pie of wild cherries, not the type of sweeter cherries you get in the store, you even get the flakes of hard crust, baking spices and a light blood orange infusion, before it’s gone you get a damp kind of forest floor vegetation, that said, it’s all about the cherries. Very full-bodied, dense and muscular mouth presence, the carbonation adds a tight tickle to stir the pot ever so slowly. Comes close to identically replicating the nose, those sour cherries have a golden honey dappled flakiness, haphazard flourishes of vanilla bean, ginger and chamomile. Here you get more white grapefruit than orange, takes the pucker factor to “eleven.” Not as earthy or green as in the nose. Most effective when warmed up some, gains staying power in both the nose and palate. Admirable clarity of purpose here.
5 out of 5

Redwood Lodge (Redwood Brewing Company)
American Rye
Michigan
22oz, Single
$6.10
Huge, frothy head of larger sized bubbles, looks more like the top of a milkshake than a beer, lots of dimpling, the tan color seems reddish, not much lacing. The liquid itself has a deep auburn hue, the brown base showing strong autumnal red and orange shades, mild haziness but not that opaque. Strong maltiness to the nose, cocoa, molasses, maple syrup then a wicked burst of pepper, cumin, paprika spice along with pumpernickel and rye bread, true to the label, the apricot, pear scents have nice thickness, not displaying much citrus or flowers. Full-bodied, the carbonation gets it swirling in the mouth, yet, in no way fluffy more like a squall. Dry attack brings all that spiciness and sour bread and grain to the fore, here you do get a full-on burst of sour white grapefruit and orange citrus. Pine oil comes through as well, slowly that maple syrup, molasses, honey aspect gains more ground so that by the finish you are left with a softer, sweeter reverb. At the same time the pear, apricot, peach fruit rises above a whisper. For textural purposes wish the carbonation would calm down but the end result might be too sweet if it did.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Batch 9,000 Ale (Malt Beverage Brewed With Molasses And Brewer’s Licorice)
American Strong Ale
Michigan
12.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$17.99
Close to a finger of dense, if active, foam of a dark brown hue, mixed bubble sizes contribute to lack of retention and thin sheets of lacing. Not quite black, just the darkest shade of brown possible, completely opaque, touch lighter around the rims but just a touch. Extremely thick nose yet avoids being too heavy, just piles molasses, honey, heavy cream and licorice in there as advertised, the plum, black cherry, black grape scents absolutely come with prune, date accompaniment, candied orange peels, raisin bread, cola nuts, not smoky but there’s a “bakery air” element to it. Full-bodied and treats your tongue like a piece of veal to be tenderized. Malts, molasses, brown sugar, honey, butterscotch, chocolate slather the mouth pores, booziness accentuates this further. Hyper-concentrated plum, cherry, blackberry, apricot fruit with even more of the prune, raisin, date flavoring. That you can even notice the carbonation is a testament to its stubborn tenacity. The licorice most prominent as an aftertaste, sweetens the finish even further. One bottle is more than enough, would be interesting to try and pound a second.
5 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Fireside Ale (Dark Ale With A Touch Of Smokiness)
Smoked Beer
Pennsylvania
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.59
Nicely whipped light tan foamy head, crests at close to two fingers, loosely knit and settles into a credible layer across the surface, the lacing in turn forms a broad coating down the inside of the glasses with above average stickiness. Clean, light brown color with a lot more orange tint to it than red, fair degree of transparency, simple attractiveness. In the nose the smokiness is apparent yet in no way overbearing, if anything deferential to the molasses, brown sugar, caramel scents, seamlessly blends in scone, flowers, spiced plum and a salt, soy burst, overall relaxed and not out to overcomplicate things. Medium-bodied, a little tighter here, in a good way, focuses the smoke, caramel, molasses flavors and does bring out some grilled meat or barbeque notes. Carbonation is coiled as well, helps push the pacing forward. More scone and sweeter bread elements here, nothing bitter nor biting about it. Loses most of the fruit and flower nuances, as a result never too sweet while certainly not too dry. Hops must be doing something behind the scenes. Sessionable easy drinker.
4 out of 5

Tröegs Brewing Company
Java Head (Stout Brewed With Coffee Beans)
Oatmeal Stout
Pennsylvania
7.5%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Huge, frothy head, deep tan in color with a great deal of larger, more delicate bubbles which helps it dissolve at a steady pace, almost milkshake like in appearance, rings of sticky lacing cling behind. Typical pitch black liquid, does offer a hint of orange coloration at the outermost edges. Very user friendly nose of cocoa powder, chocolate covered raisins, toffee, plum and cherry fruit, oatmeal and cinnamon, the roast to the coffee really not that high, brush of floral notes but the hops presence is negligible. Full-bodied, creamy but not necessarily soft, more as if the carbonation whipped like fresh cream. Stronger roast here, dries out the overall mouth texture. Coffee, vanilla powder, cocoa powder, butterscotch, mixed nuts, lower level of cherry, raisin, fig, apricot fruit. Pinch of baking spices but insufficient to sweeten things much. Could use a little more length at the end.
3 out of 5

Big Rock Chop & Brewhouse
2010 Wheat Wine
American Pale Wheat Ale
Michigan
13.0%
12oz, Single
$7.00
Half a finger of off-white, creamy foam with above average retention, nice thickness to the lacing as well. Translucent amber orange color with a streak of deepening red, doesn’t betray much cloudiness nor is there much sediment in the bottle, warm appearance. Sweet and malty nose, at times almost smells like a wee heavy, candied tangerines, caramel, butterscotch, raisin bread, rye bread, as much florality as anything wheat-related, nothing bitter nor sour to be found, dense enough to stick around for some time. Full-bodied, just as dense here albeit manages to achieve a “jogging pace” forward through the palate. Tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus fleshy and snuggles up to the brown sugar, molasses, caramel, milk chocolate flavors. Even less bread, wheat or other grain flavors here. After awhile, you just have to treat it as a “beer” and take it on its own terms rather than see it in light of what’s on the label. Allowing for this, not a bad brew at all and definitely a winner for those with a sweet tooth.
4 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Maharaja Imperial India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
10.41%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Pours a huge, whipped up head of three plus fingers, cream white, very fine microfoam which dimples here and there, curiously the lacing slides effortlessly down the glass insides without much stickiness. Bright amber orange color with a bit of red mixed in, noticeably clear, to the point you can spot just about every tiny bubble rising within. Boisterous nose of pine sap, tangerine and grapefruit juice, garden herbs, honey, malted milk balls and croissant flakes, the peach, apricot, yellow apple scents almost get shunted to the side and have a dried fruit character to boot. Medium-bodied, however, the “fluff factor” from the swirling carbonation increases palate coverage and makes the mouth on the whole feel fuller. The tangerine, mineola orange, pink grapefruit fruit fest continues here. A veritable pine forest in there too. Never gets bitter but the fruit takes on a more tropical tang with pineapple, papaya seated besides the apricot and peach. White pepper, clove and ginger root there in shadowy form. Strong malty side, yet total sweetness tempered by grassy hops. Lacks fully adroit integration, too much of a showoff, but drinking it is not a chore.
4 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Hopsecutioner India Pale Ale
American IPA
Georgia
7.3%
12oz
6-Pack, $9.99
You get a finger of eggshell white foam, mostly dense with some larger bubbles interspersed, not deep enough to dimple, weak lacing. Light coppery orange color, transparent with a slight yellowing around the rims. There’s a charcoal filter, metallic touch to the nose, not quite earthy, more leafy than citric, the green apple, pear, apricot scents attenuated, not sour or bitter but you struggle to find any sweeter element to provide balance in your nostrils. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, average carbonation and weight, pine and white grapefruit, orange citrus sweetens things some but the malts remain shadowy at best. A pinch of white pepper apparent. Meager apricot, peach, apple fruit. The grassiness and hoppy bite by far the strongest element, does stop short of reaching mouth puckering proportions. Still, dry and not especially lengthy through the finish. Basically, it’s OK.
3 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale (Ale Aged With American Oak Wood Chips)
American Strong Ale
California
7.2%
12oz
6-Pack, $18.89
Two fingers easy of light tan colored foam, islands of larger bubbles, however, displays very good retention and density, thick brushes of lacing. Light cloud to the redwood colored liquid, near to opaque, more of a zinc orange further out. There’s a flatness to the nose, not necessarily a lack of scents per se, just a certain lack of vigor in the vanilla, chocolate base as well as the creamy whiskey notes and golden raisin, red cherry, apricot scents, this leaves extra room for the hops, grains and grasses to assert themselves whereas otherwise they would come off as more contained. Medium-bodied, whipped up and foamy in the mouth to no obvious specific end, More oomph in the caramel, vanilla fudge, mocha flavors, some sweet cedar as well. Same goes for a mild elevation in the nectarine, apricot, pineapple, peach fruit but, truly, not much. Some orange to lemon citrus yet surprisingly light. Seems to depend more on brute power than offering a richer array of flavors. Telltale astringency through the finish puts out any final thought of flavors reverberating.
3 out of 5

Big Rock Chop & Brewhouse
2010 XX IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Michigan
ABV Unknown
12oz, Single
$7.00
About a finger’s worth of off-white foam, average retention, gets down to the surface and keeps a thin coating across, moderate lacing at best. Dark amberish orange color, quite translucent and hazy, about as much brown hue as red, bubbles within shoe good activity. From when you first pop the lid the pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus jumps right out at you, extremely dominant component, even the pine sap, rose petal, nectarine, guava and apricot fruit stay two steps back the whole way, deep underneath you can get some milk chocolate, cocoa and raisin bread, no bitter herbaceous notes. Full-bodied, the carbonation makes it semi-fluffy and easily pushes it out across the whole palate. Here you get more bitterness from the hops, a welcome counter weight to all that pink grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus. The pine, flower aspects crisper. By the same token, the malty chocolate, hard toffee candy flavors pushed some further into the background. Retains full weight through the finish, might even consider it a bit boozy as in contributing to the push forward. Citrus lover’s delight.
5 out of 5

Tyranena Brewing Company
Painted Ladies Pumpkin Spice Ale
Pumpkin Ale
Wisconsin
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
About a finger plus worth of off-white, eggshell foam, adequate retention with a few streaks of lacing to boot. Cloudy copperish orange color, has a visual warmth to it, lightens towards the rims to more pure orange. Bright and lively nose of clove, cinnamon, allspice, orange reduction and, duh, pumpkin, then comes honey glazed baked goods, milk chocolate and lighter straw/hay notes. Full-bodied with uncommon density, the carbonation level is fine, simply a muscularly built beer. Cookie dough, baker’s sugar, chocolate powder catch up to the clove, cinnamon, ginger spice. Here the orange to lemon citrus shows a slightly sour side. In turn, this draws out more grass or straw accents. As a result, more nuanced and balanced than many pumpkin beers. The heft helps it maintain presence through the end.
5 out of 5

Fordham Brewing Company
Scotch Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Maryland
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Thin to close to non-existent head, gone almost before it got there, any lacing too glides down off the glass sides. Very slight haze to the orange-brown color, metallic ring to it, more coppery around the edges but not much loss of hue. Saline quality to the nose, quinine and mineral water, some molasses and caramel but nowhere near the level of sweetness one expect from the beer type, some scone to danish notes, but then peat moss and charcoal, mix of reticent apricot, cherry fruit and orange pulp. Medium-bodied plus, however, loses weight through the mid-palate onto the finish. The caramel, toffee, brown sugar has a hard time coalescing into a unified presence. The pear, apricot, red cherry fruit understated, gains a boost from the orange, lemon citrus. Cereal, granola sort of grains. Tangerine, orange citrus. Golden honey rises a tick at the end. Just comes across as sorta wimpy for the style, like corners were cut.
2 out of 5

Abita Brewing Company
Purple Haze (Malt Beverage With Raspberries Added)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Louisiana
4.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Bone white, frothy head of tiny, airy foam which starts off over three fingers but is gone before you know it, close to zero lacing left behind. Hazy golden orange color with lots of fruit bits visibly floating within, more strongly translucent than opaque. While the raspberries are clear and distinct in the nose, overall the array of scents are light, mostly lemon peel, light honey or pancake syrup, generic malts, not really getting much wheat. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation is leaden enough to add weight rather than create a lighter sensation. Sweet comes mainly from the raspberries and, again, vague maltiness. More wheat and field grasses here as the mouth texture allows for added tactile dryness. Yeastiness softens the finish some, clean enough ending. Monochrome enough that there’s not much more to say but easy drinker.
2 out of 5

Old Dominion Brewing Co.
Dominion Oak Barrel Stout (Oak Aged Stout Fermented With Vanilla Beans)
American Stout
Delaware
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Aggressive pour gets you about a finger’s worth of brown head, loose, semi-dilute foam gone lickety-split, gauzy sheets of lacing slowly slide down the glass. Onyx black liquid, nary a trace of color to be found. Vanilla certainly there in the nose, fudge-like, milk chocolate, coffee ice cream, minor touch of grains and baking dough, lacks the second tier of scents to display full expressivity. Medium-bodied, comes across as too dry and fluffy to make a direct impression, the carbonation gives it a soft and feathered texture. The dryness highlights the coffee bean to espresso and darkens the chocolate flavors, nuttier and higher overall roast. The vanilla more powdered here but maintains a strong presence. No true calling card offered by the hops. Never fully soaks into the tongue, however, lingers as a whole. Wonder where the beef is here.
2 out of 5

Carlow Brewing Company
O’Hara’s Irish Stout
Irish Dry Stout
Ireland
4.3%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$8.89
Big frothy head, close to filling half the glass if you’re not careful, milkshake in look, has the dark brown as well as air-filled foam which creates a hilly landscape across the surface, the lacing shows stickiness and width. Fully opaque black liquid, you can stop typing at that. Nose has a curious sour, lactose edge to it, baking dough and cake mix, maybe barley, ground coffee, raw nuts, more roast than sweeter malts, more like a punch to your shoulder than a staccato burst of scents. Medium-bodied, dryness deadens the tongue sufficiently that you don’t sense much movement or overall richness. Cocoa powder, blanched almonds, coffee, malt, all without noticeable sweetness. The carbonation just uneven enough to prevent a creamy, softer profile. Mineral water and vague herbaceousness draw you further away from any chocolate or vanilla flavors. Almost rugged, as if it’s the beer correlate of a humble “country wine.” Gives you some twist at the end.
3 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Consecrator Doppelbock
Doppelbock
Michigan
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$15.79
Light tan colored head of larger bubbles and loose foam, evaporates with ease into small islands across the surface, zero lacing. While close to fully transparent, vivid reddish brown to metallic orange hues draw your eyes to it, bright and lively. Thick caramel, molasses, brown sugar and candied nuts in the nose, yellow raisins and figs, soda bread and honey buns, mandarin orange, light metallic ring to it, moss and mild leafiness finish the show. Medium-bodied, sturdy and firm mouth presence, the carbonation somewhat tight and gives it punch through the mouth entry. Orange citrus and flowers present at first, just about the sole sign of deeper hoppiness excepting the forest floor greenness and gentle leafy qualities. Malty with all that molasses, toffee, milk chocolate, vanilla bean and golden honey. Apricot, red cherry flavors join the base of raisin, fig, the fruitiness shows a restrained sweetness. Charcoal and metallic earth come on through the end, diminishing the sweetness further. Perhaps too subdued character.
3 out of 5

Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co.
Old Town Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
North Carolina
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Simple head of cream white, gets to about half a finger, loose and swift to dissolve, Cherry wood colored liquid, reddish hues link brown to orange zinc, clear but not exactly transparent. The nose is light in terms of weight but super-loaded with caramel, toffee, molasses, chocolate pudding, cherry and black grape fruit, not much else although you get a swipe of scones and then a quick herbaceous blast. Medium-bodied, bottom heavy enough to gain traction across the palate, particularly as the carbonation is slight. More sweetness, brown sugar, molasses, caramel, milk chocolate, doesn’t reach an oppressive state. The nuttiness sweet as well, not candied though. Apricot and yellow apple join the cherry, grape fruit, mixed complexion. The hops like field straw or hay, not green nor bitter. Faint metallic accent lingers at the end. Easy enough to drink, little pisses you off or, conversely, holds your attention.
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Classic Lager
American Adjunct Lager
Maryland
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Half finger of bright white, mixed bubble sizes with little retention, some delicate lacing to be had. Golden yellow to orange in color, transparent with a soft haze, slowly drifting bubbles within. Pretzel dough, sourdough, multi-grain bread and bitters most noticeable in the nose, mixed citrus notes, touch of spice and grass, lowkey malts allow the presentation to stay crisp and succinct. Medium-bodied, much sweeter here with a clear corn component, dandelion sort of flowers, peach fruit and golden honey. The sourdough to rye bread element persists, more like unprocessed grains, possesses sufficient carbonation to prevent bitterness. Cocoa-led malts manage to break the surface through the mid-palate. Simple enough to come across as a balanced thirst slaker with above average heft for the type.
3 out of 5

Carlow Brewing Company
O’Hara’s Irish Red
Irish Red Ale
Ireland
4.3%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$8.89
Solid two fingers of light tan foam, somewhat delicate micro-bubbles, steady dissolve with much lacing, like froth lapping at the beach. Clean amber color with a little more brown than orange, excellent clarity and vividness. Bready nose with caramel, chocolate fudge, sugar cane and a hint of golden raisin and date alongside the pear, apple scents, the hops come across as mixed drink bitters with a pinch of green field grasses. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has an aggressiveness which comes out of left field, churns things up and favors the bitter, grassy element as well as sour grapefruit, lemon citrus. The maltiness more of a powdery texture here, hence less sweetness in the cocoa, milk chocolate, hard toffee flavors. Some raisin left, more green apple, bosc pear, apricot pit. Flash of cloves. Astringency and overall dryness builds through the finish. Curiously, the breadiness more or less absent. Interesting beer, throws a fair amount of curveballs.
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Siren Noire Imperial Chocolate Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Maryland
8.0%
22oz, Single
$6.75
A bit of aggression on the pour will get you close to three fingers of dark tan foam, mainly larger sized bubbles which snap, crackle and pop their way down to the surface, little lacing left behind. True to the category, pure pitch black liquid, hence nothing to comment on. Good bit of roast to the dark chocolate, coffee scents in the nose, at times verges on chicory, good deal of graininess and hoppy zing so not too much here suggests “sweetness” per se, perhaps anise or candied oranges. Medium-bodied, not as “heavy” as expected, however, the carbonation helps to layer it across the palate evenly and maximizes what density it has. The roast has that same semi-bitter, oily quality to it, like your fingers after squeezing coffee grinds. Dark chocolate, cocoa and a vague swipe of toffee. The citrus like orange zest infused chocolate. Mild nuttiness. More drinkable than complex, agreeable without going out on a limb to reveal its personality.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Edmund Fitzgerald
American Porter
Ohio
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Moderate finger’s worth of tan, eggshell color, fair mix of bubble sizes, swift denouement down to the surface, small streaks of lacing left behind. The liquid is a mostly blackish brown with a patina of metallic orange around the outside. The nose has an excellent balance between roast and sweetness, coffee bean, milk chocolate, licorice, butterscotch, cooked oats, cherry and blackberry fruit, the hops do not reveal distinct scents, however, do condition the texture in your nostrils, lending dry bite. Medium-bodied, firm and displays good thrust in getting from start to finish. More roast in the coffee and mocha flavors here, more granola, oats and bread grains as well. Orange zest makes an appearance now and then. Smokehouse wood notes obscure some of the cherry, plum fruit. The carbonation is moderate, no fluffiness added just a slow mixing of the flavors. Metallic nuances linger at the end and extend the complete presence.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2010

Highland Brewing Company
Seven Sisters Abbey Style Ale
Dubbel
North Carolina
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.59
Close to two fingers of loosely knit cream white foam, lack of density makes for a rapid dissolve, just a touch of lacing. Very clear coppery orange color, captures the light nicely and stays bright in the glass. Attractive core of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger spice in the nose accompanied by golden raisin, fig, peach, apricot fruit scents and a touch of honey and trace of banana, leesy with a final drop of orange marmalade. Light to medium-bodied and noticeably dry, the carbonation has a rough and tumble nature through the mouth entry then drops off quite a bit. The baking spices component drops off, more yeast and raw dough as well as orange to lemon peel. Just enough sweetness in the apple, peach, apricot fruit to prevent things from getting too dry. Maybe some licorice or dried honey notes. Nothing offensive about it, however, doesn’t really engage you and make you want to take that next sip.
3 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
400 Pound Monkey
English India Pale Ale (IPA)
Colorado
6.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Little below a finger’s worth of bleached white foam, enough larger bubbles interspersed to create some dimpling and hamper retention, decently thick lacing though. Light orangish-yellow hue with some gauziness, only a few bubbles seem to move within the liquid. Lemon and orange citrus upfront in the nose, sourdough and black bread notes, peppery, green and herbaceous hops, in spite of this above average concentration in the apricot, nectarine fruit scents. Medium-bodied, dry and almost grainy in texture, pumpernickel and rye, hops have plenty of edge and nervosity, only offer traces of citrus, pine or florality. The malts hard to discern, perhaps cocoa powder evident. Carbonation tries to add some fluffiness and diminish the bite of the hops, this to middling success. Not sure what was supposed to go on here or if it was achieved.
2 out of 5

Moylan’s Brewery
IPA
American IPA
California
6.5%
22oz, Single
$6.19
Close to two fingers of off-white foam, good density, mixture of bubbles sizes, moderate stickiness to the lacing, has the room since not much retention. Cloudy zinc orange color, has a metallic sheen to it, only a little hue loss around the rims. The nose is very peppery and spicy, cumin and celery seed, the milk chocolate notes subsumed in the lemongrass, green foliage and pumpernickel bread, hard for any floral accents to come through, same for any peach, apricot fruit scents. Full-bodied, the severe bitterness hampers its ability to leverage its weight fully. Some churn to the carbonation, however, not enough to really create steady pacing. Vague mocha or cocoa, mostly hops with sour white grapefruit, pulverized floral dust and spice. Quite dry, green grass and leaves, maybe a giraffe would like chewing on this. Somewhat raw, numb mouthfeel by the end, you better have a serious jones for unvarnished hops.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Eliot Ness
Vienna Lager
Ohio
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
You get a little less than finger’s worth of head, dark tan, loosely knit foam, not a great deal of lacing. Reddish orange hue like a fire’s embers, some brown in there, more transparent than translucent but not crystal clear. Maple syrup, caramel and molasses endow the nose with some sweetness, this helps as there’s definitely a metallic, iron fleck aspect to it, minimally processed whole grain bread, caraway seeds trump the slighter peach, pear fruit, while not a lot of scent diversity, penetrates like a mortar shell. Medium-bodied with a fine, if active, carbonation which gently prickles the tongue. Has much more of a mineral water, spritzy feel to it and the metallic flavors fit in better with the fizz to back it up. Sourdough and grains, pepper, orange citrus, emphasis on hoppiness until near the end where caramel, brown sugar, honey calm the nerve endings. Touch more presence in the apricot, peach, pear fruit too. A beer that is much more enjoyable taken as a whole than dissected, good distinct personality but not hard to drink.
4 out of 5

Desnoes & Geddes Limited
Red Stripe Jamaican Lager
American Adjunct Lager
Jamaica
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.89
Finger’s worth of bone white head, loosely knit and without much retention, a touch of lacing here or there. Clear, transparent yellow-orange in color, nothing too distinctive about it, lightens a bit at the rims. The nose has lots of corn syrup, pretzel dough, cereal grains, semi-sour nature to the apricot, apple scents, some spice and wet minerally earth comes through with a big swirl inside the glass. Medium-bodied, more heavy than dense, front-loaded into the mouth entry, declining from there. The carbonation is flat-footed and can’t seem to get anything moving. The malts add smoothness to the texture but not only minimal sweetness. The seems mostly to come from the corn, grains and apricot, pear, apple fruit. The spiciness is still there and adds some life, as does the lemon peel notes. The thing here is that this is an über-friendly beer that deserves better than intellectual analysis. it’s all about context.
3 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Side Project Volume 4: “Dos Cocoas” Chocolate Porter (Beer Brewed And Aged With Chocolate)
American Porter
Georgia
5.8%
22oz, Single
$8.45
Aggressive pour barely yields any head, as in like nada, naturally can’t be much lacing. Offers the standard jet black color, wow, how impressive is it to make a beer entirely colorless? Milky, creamy quality to the chocolate in the nose let’s it spread slowly and gently, smooth maltiness, raisin, plum, cherry scents obvious, no citrus, pine nor grassiness, maybe a pinch of dried flowers, stronger lactose notes present as it warms. Medium-bodied, flat as if the carbonation has evaporated some. The chocolate, cocoa flavoring is not oppressive, always there yet not a blunt instrument to the head. If anything, the caramel, toffee notes seem an echo. Very light hoppy tingle, granola and cereal. Blackberry, raisin, plum fruit a subtle undercurrent. Trails off at the end as if it forgot it was talking to you. Suspect it’s just tired and saw better days in its past.
2 out of 5

Moylan’s Brewery
Ryan Sullivan’s Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
10.0%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Huge three finger head of dark tan microfoam interspersed by medium-sized bubbles, dissolves pretty fast, dimpling along the way, broad splotches of sticky lacing left behind. The nose inundated with roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate and roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate, unusually strong hoppy bitterness as well, boozy fruitiness of rum drenched plums, too intense to really find space for many other scents. Full-bodied, the carbonation swallowed alive by the sludge of coffee, black chocolate, black licorice and chicory. Again, the herbaceous hops granted a lot more territory than in many beers of this style, certainly amplifies its “caged beast” nature. Only a brush of molasses or toffee to sweeten. Better job done by the plum, cherry fruit. Can easily say it would show better with dessert or some other external counterpoint than casually sipped on its own.
3 out of 5

Bruery, The
Saison de Lente
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
6.5%
25.4oz, Single
$11.49
Fills virtually half the glass with bone white loose, highly whipped up foam, doesn’t dimple so much as crater in the middle, takes some time to get down to one finger or so, average streaks of soft lacing. Very hazy golden orange to yellow color, just about completely opaque, touch brighter around the rims. The nose has an unassuming fullness to it, keeps a discernible shape well rather than splash itself in there, relaxed orange and lemon peel, coriander and cinnamon spice, pinch of pepper, the yeastiness too is understated, simply stated peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit scents, beeswax, lingers unobtrusively for some time. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, the carbonated foam helping to increase its palate coverage. On the dry side with a bitter bite in the lemon, white grapefruit citrus which perks up the yeasts and just cooked country bread elements. The spiciness persists, not as easy to parse out nevertheless collectively gives you a kick. Not an obvious malt derived flavors, brush of honey there. Some pressed flowers alongside the apricot, peach, apple flavors. You can definitely call it a “classy” beer, one best sipped slowly over good conversation than intently focused on.
4 out of 5

Haandbryggeriet
Dark Force Double Extreme Imperial Wheat Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Norway
9.0%
16.9oz, Single
$9.99
Loosest head imaginable, all big bubbles of less than a half finger’s depth, quite dark brown, no real retention, lacing achieves little traction. As with so many others, it is black. Black is the absence of color. The nose is much more intriguing, shows a sour lactose dimension which along with the as-advertised wheat and also multi-grain bread ably balance out the plum/prune, cherry, grape fruit along with the nutmeg spice, chocolate, brazil nut elements, the citrus is there but hard to peg as any specific scent, what it does best is keep you off balance and guessing. Full-bodied, monolithic to the point of losing your interest, creamed coffee, butterscotch, vanilla bean, chocolate covered malt balls do the vast majority of the work. Plum, grape, apricot fruit don’t really sweeten things, just add diversity. The grain or wheat component mostly swallowed into the sweetness here, more like cereal or granola than anything else. Light pink grapefruit shades. Hardly notice the carbonation, can’t seem to get out from under the overall weight. Smokier finish provides palate relief. A bit too big for its own good.
3 out of 5

Scottish & Newcastle UK Ltd.
Newcastle Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
England
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thin head, barely half a finger of creamy white foam, mostly larger bubbles leading to a quick dissipation, minimal lacing. Strong orange tinge lightens the brown base, consistent hue largely caused by overall transparency, few bubbles to be seen. The nose is semi-light with sodabread, scone, caramel and orange peel most noticeable, has a minerally patina, ends with a burst of green hay and straw, if it can said to have a “burst” of anything. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is flat enough to keep the liquid layered on the tongue like sunscreen before you shower. Watery as in mineral water, cleansing but without richness of flavor. The caramel and toffee actually diminish as it warms. Hint of white raisin or apricot fruit with blanched nuts. Again, not much flavor left by the finish, just metallic astringency and pucker. Nothing horrible but it is amazing how you can outgrow brews like this.
2 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Fade To Black (Volume 1 Foreign Export Stout)
Foreign/Export Stout
Colorado
8.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.69
Aggressive pour gets you two fingers of foam, plenty of larger bubbles break up overall density, medium tan in color, any lacing is super-thin rivulets. True to its name, black as coal, nothing more to say on this score. Burnt coffee, black licorice, bittersweet baking chocolate, fried fresh butter, roasted chestnuts, the nose almost starts to show some hot tar notes, invasive nostril presence, mutter of figs or dates, the hoppy kick pretty much lost until the penultimate moment. Full-bodied, even more bitter and acrid in the mouth yet, somehow, this ends up being a positive. Coffee, coffee, coffee, dark chocolate, chicory, slightly burnt breakfast biscuits, licorice, wish they added some milk and sugar rather than serve it black. The carbonation has some swirl to it but too fine to do much. No fruit nor citrus, spicy ending with pepper and cumin like flavors. Hard not to admire the purity of purpose here, however, this is not a beer to pop open for casual consumption.
4 out of 5

Anchor Brewing Company
Anchor Steam Beer
California Common/Steam Beer
California
4.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.29
Finger plus of deep tan microfoam, dense even if not the best retention, thin but sticky streaks of lacing. Deep metallic copper color, slight haze only partially disturbs the transparency, lighter orange around the rims. Earthy, minerally nose with its own metallic veneer, apricots and oranges, smidge of caramel and honey glaze, hoppy florality, basically, though, the earthiness its best attribute. Medium-bodied with a big foamy attack that fills your mouth swiftly. This might serve the purpose of disguising some of the bitterness of the grassy hops and sour bread aspects. More minerally here than earthy, like quinine. Apricot, peach, apple fruit match up well with the bitter front, together with the lemon and orange citrus make it a balanced experience. Caramel salves the wounds at the end. These days it is getting tougher to give props to beers which don’t strive for pyrotechnics, but this is a traditional winner which deserves its place at the table of champions.
5 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
California
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger plus of white foam, medium sized bubbles pop here and there, slight retention, settles into a thin layer across the surface, not much stickiness in the lacing. Coppery orange to yellow in hue, hazy, lighter and more transparent around the rims. The herbal hops get out in front of the pack in the nose, the white grapefruit, orange pith follows behind, grainy with a spicy edge, more lactose than florality or maltiness, sheer activity seems to be its strongest aspect. Medium-bodied plus, here its relative lack of movement gives it more gravitas. Sweet touch to the orange, grapefruit citrus, floral dimension a bit stunted. Malts undistinguished, smooth things texturally but don’t add much flavor, light brown sugar. Peach, apricot fruit demure. The bitter residue left behind through the finish actually gets you thirsting for more. Never as good as when you remembered it as a kid but not bad either.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Dortmunder Gold
Dortmunder/Export Lager
Ohio
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Good finger’s worth of close to tan foam, nice frothy look, whipped up, the lacing possesses adequate stickiness. Clear deep orange with as much red influence as yellow, has a metallic brightness to it. Oats, grains, corn husk and some pepperiness most noticeable in the nose, uncooked bread dough, honey glaze, wildflowers, mixed white fruit, no one element jumps out at you but it remains full and satisfying as a whole. Medium-bodied, sets itself widely yet never heavy. The dough here closer to sourdough or pumpernickel, sweet like browner bread than honeyed. Soft carbonation adds to the overall pliancy, yields but doesn’t give. Deeper apricot, peach fruit, the citrus mixed in composition but also more resonant. The maltiness betrays traces of cocoa and mocha, not sweet chocolate. Smooth as she goes through the finish, the hoppiness more a bracing perfume than flavor on the tongue. Quaffable without ever seeming simple.
4 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
XP Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
California
5.5%
22oz, Single
$5.29
Even being careful, pours a head close to half the glass, creamy off-white foam with a fair amount of larger delicate bubbles, some dimpling as it dissolves, above average lacing. Pumpkin orange in color, bright with a faint gauziness, more of a metallic yellow around the rims, quietly effective. Mild creaminess to the nose helps set you at ease and get the pink grapefruit citrus, pear, apple, peach fruit going, although the malts and cocoa powder given equal billing, nothing here very sweet, best experienced as a whole than analyzing the parts. Medium-bodied, uses the weight it has to set itself firmly in the mouth. Again, a more gentle and inviting presentation of the orange, lemon citrus as well as peach, apricot, red apple fruit. The herbaceous bite in the hops much clearer here, yet, not sufficient to upset the apple cart. Pine cone and flower petals spread as the beer warms some. Carbonation might be a touch too fluffy. High marks for drinkability, especially the often hop-heavy hand of the brewery.
4 out of 5

Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu
Spaten Münchner Hell (Premium Lager)
Münich Helles Lager
Germany
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.59
Close to a full finger of pure white foam, delicate enough to dissipate with ease, lacing is thin but there, plain gold color, more yellow than orange, has hue depth in spite of transparency, lazy bubbles slowly rise within. Bready dough on the sweet side in the nose, touch of corn, more bite from something like white pepper than herbaceous grass, while the hops seem to provide direction and a pinch of white citrus, the sweetness of the malts some more dominant. Medium-bodied, has decent heft without giving up much of its ability to refresh. Hay, sweeter grains, corn, more floral here, teases out a small portion of apple, pear fruit and lemon peel. The carbonation is fine yet very active, few flavors soak in fully. The peppery spice remains as a subtle accent. Very solidly put together, easy to quaff and, if anything, suffers from comparison to much flashier brews.
3 out of 5

Pathumthani Brewery Co., Ltd
Singha Lager Beer
Euro Pale Lager
Thailand
5.0%
11.2oz, 6-Pack
$11.19
Good finger+ of pure white dimpled foam, holds steady for a decent while before breaking across the surface, thin rivulets of lacing cling here and there. Orange to dark gold color consistent throughout, transparent but not watery, very few bubbles to be seen. Beery nose of barley, lentils, lemon peel, metallic rust, honeyed malts and cane sugar, can be slightly offputting at times. Light-bodied with a weak handshake, tries to slip the churning carbonation in there swiftly to create presence and distract from the presence of diverse flavors. Honey, corn syrup, malted milk balls, rice mask a good deal of the more bitter hops and grassiness. Undistinguished florality fills in some blanks through the finish. No real glaring flaws but pretty gosh darn boring.
2 out of 5

Lindemans, Brouwerij
Framboise Lambic
Lambic-Fruit
Belgium
4.0%
12oz, Single
$6.49
An aggressive pour yields a hilariously looking pink half finger of foam, the larger sized bubbles pop quickly leaving islands scattered across the surface, the lacing like the residue in a cooking pot. Watermelon pink in color, average clarity but glows sufficiently to hold your gaze. Raspberries, raspberries and more raspberries in the nose, bracing blow of sour lemon, suggestion of watermelon as well, if you really focus there’s a peat moss, lichen foresty aspect but then it’s back to the raspberries. Full-bodied, the sourness and acidity are really what makes it of the high quality it is, keeps things moving at a brisk pace and shaves off excess sweetness. The raspberry flavor concentrated and ripe more than sugary for sugary’s sake. Again, the lemon edge helps frame the fruit nicely. Lemongrass and alfalfa notes odd but welcome. The carbonation hits just the right level of froth to aid in avoiding a sugar coma. Full finish without being tiresome. Flavorful until the last drop.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Moonglow Weizenbock
Weizenbock
Pennsylvania
8.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Huge head of airy, creamy off-white foam, easily three fingers at the height, fine enough to fizzle off swiftly and evenly, hardly any dimpling, any lacing slides off the glass sides with ease. Fat, glowing amber orange although translucently opaque you can see lots of fun little particles floating about inside. Spiced orange peels, orange pekoe tea, cloves all up in the nose, apricots and touch of banana, sodabread, curiously the scents never get as sweet as you first expect, however, by the same token minimal wheat presence. Full-bodied, spreads its ample heft across the tongue and even the slight prickle from the carbonation isn’t getting it out of the beanbag chair. More orange, tangerine citrus, large presence. The wheat more noticeable due to overall dry texture, even in the face of apricot, peach, apple, fig fruit and clove, cinnamon spice. Honey and caramelized brown sugar there is judicious proportion. Perhaps counter-intuitively the dryness helps extend the finish. Good shit.
5 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Black & Blue (Malt Beverage Fermented With Black Raspberry & Blueberry Purée)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Delaware
10.0%
25.6oz, Single
$12.99
Hardly any head at all, even with a somewhat aggressive pour, gone quickly with no lacing to be seen. Murky orange rust color with some brownish orange brick hues too, brightens a touch around the rims. The berry scents come through clearly in the nose, however, these are nowhere near being dominant, grapefruit and tangerine citrus there, raw brown sugar, peat moss, lighter yeasty bread dough, sweeter maltiness more apparent as it warms. Full-bodied, dry, sour and borderline acidic, really gives your palate a nice twist. As in the nose the berry flavors knit into the whole and not clumsily obvious, not a “dumb” fruit beer. More herbaceous qualities here, match up nicely with the sour grapefruit and lemon component. Presents sufficient apple, apricot, pear fruit as well as honey and yeast to keep the sourness in check. Carbonation is light but contributes when it has to in order to continue forward progress. Given its genre there’s a limit to its inherent complexity, that accounted for, sticks to the script well and can’t fault the execution.
4 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Side Project Volume 9: The Dark Side Belgian Style Imperial Stout
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Georgia
8.5
22oz, Single
$8.69
Finger full of highly active dark brown foam which, unfortunately, dissolves swiftly leaving no lacing behind and only an island or two of foam across the surface. Pitch black liquid, barely a suggestion of brown to it, nothing really to describe. The nose completely dominated by sweet coffee scents and heavy cream, mix in the caramel and plum and cherry fruit (with a hint of apricot and apple) and it’s too soft to present much roastedness, oatmeal and cola the last accents to appear. Full-bodied, however, smoother and more swiftly paced than expected from the color and nose. Coffee, chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, coconut, brown sugar show any other element who’s the boss. The oatmeal and sweeter grains joined by a slight grassy edge, light touch of orange citrus. The carbonation level is not particularly high but does help the aforementioned pacing. As it warms you get more chestnut and clove accents. Still, the last flavor left standing at the end remains coffee.
4 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Noble Pils
German Pilsener
Massachusetts
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bleached white head of openly knit foam, forms hills and vales before finally dissolving across the surface, smattering of lacing left behind. Bright metallic orange in color, mostly transparent, few loose bubbles visible. Clean nose of pretzel dough, peppery spice, dried orange rinds and apricot and peach pits, very light corn element, vague molasses as it warms, nothing pushy about it at all, however, displays good staying power the same. Light-bodied with active carbonation, the orange to lemon citrus shows bite through the attack and matches the sourdough, multi-grain bread flavors nicely. Just a smattering of pine resin, the hops aren’t too aggressive. Honey and a generalized malty softness cushion the ending without impairing overall freshness. Excellent drinkability.
4 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Baltic Porter
Baltic Porter
North Carolina
9.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Close to a finger of dark brown foam, thick yet only moderate staying power, about average lacing left behind. Jet black with nary a hint of color anywhere to be found, of course, completely opaque. Toasted coconut, caramel, dark chocolate, whipped cream, cherries and plums, oatmeal in the nose, not much hoppiness but there is a sudden lift before it all disappears. Medium-bodied, the carbonation coils and leaps through the mouth to relieve any unwanted weight or pressure. You get both barrels of that coconut, vanilla, butterscotch, café con leche, dark chocolate right from the start. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry fruit as if slathered in chocolate. Grainy, if not bready, at all the right times, adroitly sidesteps extra sweetness. Manages to linger and clean up at once at the end, let’s you choose how long it sticks around.
5 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
Tribute Ale (Pete’s Brown)
American Brown Ale
California
6.3%
22oz, Single
$5.49
Two fingers of camel tan colored loose foam which possesses enough larger bubbles to speed up the dissolve, slight dimpling, a decent amount of stickiness creates more lacing than usually found in the category. Reddish brown color, opaque with more clarity at the rims as well as an orange cast. The nose much more demure than expected, caramel, milk chocolate, black raisins and cherries, brazil nuts, indistinct roast to it, same could be said for the mixed citrus nuances, little here bespeaks a strong hops presence. Medium-bodied, the carbonation churns and fluffs things up. Malt, carob, milk chocolate powder, caramel and molasses all there but, truthfully, it’s not overly sweet. Lower levels of raisin, black grape, cherry, apricot fruit and the orange to lemon citrus drops off a notch as well. Maybe it’s an after effect of the carbonation but you get a suggestion of mineral water. The nuttiness holds off but shows nicely through the finish. Not bad at all but no aces hidden up its sleeves.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2010

New Holland Brewing Company
Dragon’s Milk (Ale Aged In Oak Barrels)
American Strong Ale
Michigan
10.0%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Thin tan head of mixed bubbles, just covers the surface before fading into islands across the surface, light lacing albeit with some stickiness. The liquid is dark enough brown to suggest black, opaque although at the rims and glass bottom you can see it’s an orangish brown as well as very clear. In the nose oak barrels is no lie, explosive coconut custard, butterscotch, caramel, chocolate covered raisins, maple syrup and just about anything else bearing a familial resemblance to the aforementioned, plums, prunes and maraschino cherries to boot. Medium-bodied, the low carbonation does little to fend off it soaking in like an anchor. Boozy, here you get another blast of vanilla fudge, butterscotch, caramel, coconut, licorice, etc. The cherry fruit has a cola edge to it like Cherry Coke, then slides you date, raisin, prune flavors. Brush of orange citrus. Relentlessly monochrome, if you are not totally into it from the start would need some kind of food to add contrast.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Chatoe Rogue First Growth Dirtoir Black Lager
Schwarzbier
Oregon
Alcohol Percentage Unknown
22oz, Single
$6.59
Even with a fairly careful pout you get three fingers of dark microfoam, craters as much as dimples, takes a long time to dissolve down to the surface, leaving noticeably thick streaks of lacing behind. Indeed, the nose is super-smoky, yet at the same time, there’s a counter-balancing sweet milk chocolate side as well, followed on by licorice, caramel, banana compote, charred driftwood, mixes in cookie dough and uncooked oats, admirable complexity. Full-bodied with little heaviness, the smokiness creates enough perfume that maybe you just ignore the weight. Along with the burning kindling you get pork rinds and general grill fat notes. Bitter coffee grinds, dark chocolate, cocoa, anise seed play big roles. Hard to find any real fruit or citrus flavors in there. It’s almost like a dessert created on an open pit fire. Lasts for a good while at the end. Can’t say it’s a “classic” Schwarzbier but it is a very good domestic take on the style.
4 out of 5

Cigar City Brewing
Marshal Zhukov’s Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Florida
11.0%
25.4oz, Single
Price Unknown
Be careful not to pour too aggressively or you’ll get half a glass of head, all dark brown and mostly foam but also with a few islands of larger popping bubbles, thick and gobby streaks of lacing. Pure black in color liquid, that’s all you can say, not a star in the sky. Cappuccino, milk chocolate, licorice blow through your nostrils like wet paper, the smokiness is more like incense than wood smoke, light touch of plum and cherry fruit, there’s an underlying leafiness, like plant oils on your fingers, otherwise hops a vocal backseat driver. Full-bodied enough that you have to gulp to get it going down your throat, as expected from the pour, the carbonation has a large billowing effect, making it foam up and close to out of your mouth. Less milky here, the roast more pronounced in the coffee bean, dark chocolate flavors, close to bitter. Flutter of caramel, butterscotch. The cherry fruit deepens here, more red than black. Again the hops don’t distinguish themselves through individual flavors, more both a tactile bite and oiliness which cements the whole onto your palate. Monochromatic, as all exemplary steamrollers are. You can’t wash it out of your mouth with a hose.
5 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale (2010)
American Barleywine
California
9.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.89
Close to three finger head with a moderately aggressive pour, light tan in color, more lacey foam with larger bubbles interspersed here and there, very slow to dissolve, very sticky lacing, wants to be the last man standing at the party. Mildly cloudy amber red in color the burnt orange hues more apparent along the rims and beer glass bottom. Honey and cane sugar in the nose, a touch boozy, candied orange peels, uncommonly grainy for the beer style, floral as well, suggestion of apricot or peach fruit. Full-bodied, however, the foaminess of the carbonation only increases its density, to the verge of becoming ponderous. The orange, grapefruit citrus more edgy here and the herbaceousness rises quite a bit. For a barleywine, this is a total hopfest, any caramel or honey accents way in the background. The apricot, nectarine fruit also recedes. Hence, what the hell is sweet here? The weight and viscosity is there, I’m just repeating myself in saying that this lacks the flavor profile of the vast majority of barleywine beers I have had in the past.
3 out of 5

Magic Hat Brewing Company
#9
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Vermont
4.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Delicate head, close to a finger, almost all large bubbles popping in concert, gone lickety split, bleached white in color, very small lacing left. Faded metallic orange, yellow coloration, like old citrus peels even, mostly transparent, vague translucent distortion of light. There’s a sourness to the nose like spoilt milk, even as apricot, peach, pear fruit clearly comes to the fore, wheat germ, light coating of molasses, sweet tea leaves, not much depth nor staying power. Medium-bodied with its weight dissipating as it progresses forward. The apricot right there, followed on by peach, pear and red apple notes. The carbonation is a bit high, doesn’t allow the sweetness to really soak in much. Somewhat leafy, more bitter than herbaceous per se. The malts don’t do much to smooth things out, like a malted milk ball without the chocolate coating. Orange citrus blooms close to when it’s finally down the chute and retronasally. Given its lack of deep sweetness, can’t say it’s particularly refreshing. Actually, kinda boring.
2 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Gaelic Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
North Carolina
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.59
About a finger’s worth of tan head, mostly larger bubbles which dissolve swiftly, the lacing broad but also slides down quickly. Full on amber red with enough brown to darken it into near opacity, more brighter orange around the rims. In the nose there’s a lot of interplay between the caramel, molasses and the pine, herbaceous hops, orange peel, milk chocolate, brush of peach and apricot fruit, long presence in your nostrils. Full-bodied and broadly set, as in the nose it’s impressive for its sheer stature and weight. As a result, it is a good thing the carbonation is very active. The molasses, brown sugar, caramel sweeter upon mouth entry, the overall finish is dry. Very leafy, almost twiggy, the pine and orange, lemon citrus elements drier than expected. Here you get a touch of softer, creamier bread dough with a few lactose accents. Easily drinkable while in no manner simple.
4 out of 5

Hofstetten Krammer GmbH & Co. KG
Granitbock
Doppelbock
Austria
7.3%
16.9oz, Single
$5.49
Very little head, barley gets to a half finger, dark tan in color, zero lacing. Red to auburn brown, noticeably clear, more of a metallic shine around the rims, very pretty. Super-rich nose of caramel, nougat, honeyed nuts, raisin bread, dried apple and pear fruit, cinnamon stick, there is a flinty to stone and tar element which distances itself from all the sweetness, highly credible lingering in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, the initial wave of sugary sweetness settles into a steady pulse and a drier finish. Still, replete with caramel, molasses, brown sugar, nuts, candied orange peels, bittersweet chocolate. The apple, pear fruit here has some plum and cherry in it but not much of a dried fruit character. The hops don’t coalesce into distinct flavors at the end but texturally create more uprightness. The carbonation is medium grade, neither noticeably absent nor present. Well-layered, if not complex, very drinkable.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Olde School (A Barley Wine Style Ale)
American Barleywine
Delaware
15.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$15.59
Two to three finger head of tan colored foam, covers the full spectrum of bubble sizes, very good retention and a good bit of lacing. Coppery orange in color with a slight brown tinge, fully translucent and cloudy, lightens appreciably near the rims. Indulgently boozy nose of whiskey, vanilla, tangerine and pink grapefruit reduction, poached apricots and peaches, ginger root, sugar cane, fruitcake, curious given the richness of the scents, not as longlasting as expected. Full-bodied and thick unto immobility in the mouth, syrupy fruit cocktail of peach, apricot, pear, cherry, pineapple. The alcohol comes close to burning, even in face of the sweetness. Ginger, cumin spice, sweet and sour tangerine and orange citrus, vanilla and caramel swirl takes some sting out. Deadens the palate sufficiently that it remains on the simple side. Drinks like a Port wine, just need a roaring fire and pipe.
3 out of 5

Tommyknocker Brewery
Cocoa Porter Winter Warmer (Ale Brewed With Cocoa Powder & Honey)
American Porter
Colorado
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.89
Gives you about a half finger of creamy tan head, very even surface, swift to dissipate with little left either across the liquid or as lacing. Deep brown color, touch of mahogany, cloudy enough to achieve opacity. The cocoa to milk chocolate is overpowering in the nose, close second are the plum, prune, raisin, black cherry fruit scents, honeyed oat cereal, coffee ice cream, there’s really not much room for much but that cocoa. Full-bodied, the carbonation adds a slight tickle or prickle but, otherwise, it’s a carbon copy of the nose. Cocoa, cocoa, cocoa, milk chocolate, coffee and a hint of licorice. Oats, bran, granola. The honey slightly lower here. No bitterness, nothing jumps out at you as “hoppy.” Maybe it’s the drying texture but less thrust in the plum, prune, raisin, date fruit. Cocoa certainly does linger through the finish. Guess you could say a good example of “truth in advertising.”
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
John John Ale (Dead Guy Ale Aged In Dead Guy Whiskey Barrels)
Maibock/Helles Bock
Oregon
6.4%
22oz, Single
$9.29
Close to two finger head of off-white foam, densely whipped with a puddle of larger bubbles in the center, dissipates easily without much lacing left behind. Good degree of transparency to the copper to amber color, drops off to a pumpkin orange at the rims, very loosely dispersed bubbles within. The oak vanilla, butterscotch, honey notes extremely clear in the nose, peach, apricot, pear, pineapple fruit next, quick burst of pink grapefruit, however, nothing really “edgy,” some cocoa and solid cloves, the indistinct hoppiness gives it lift before vacating your nostrils. Medium-bodied, sort of a flat mouth feel, the carbonation seems half-hearted. Given the lack of zip, the vanilla, butterscotch, maple, caramel oak sinks in even deeper. Kinda nutty at times. Twigs, wood and bark more than grassiness, not that much citrus here, white grapefruit. At times comes close to a coffee rind bitterness. The apricot, cherry, peach, pear fruit not really enunciating loudly. Creamy texture makes it harder to discern individual flavors. If you like the first sip, you’ll like them all. If not, it’s a monochrome, homogeneous glass of beer.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Collaboration Not Litigation Ale (Batch #4) (Collaboration With Russian River Brewing)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Colorado
8.91%
22oz, Single
$7.79
Two finger plus head of light tan foam, dense but dissolves speedily, you can literally watch the bubbles pop, thick ring of lacing around the entire insides of the glass. Heavy cloudiness darkens the amber orange color, fully opaque with minimal lightening at the rims. The nose goes heavy on the clove, ginger spice, banana, apricot, cherry fruit, raisin bread, malty chocolate, light sweet smoke and tar accents, mixed grapefruit and granola, hops display a subtle influence, particularly in checking overall sweetness level. Full-bodied, not quite “foamy” but the carbonation creates a mouthfilling sensation. Sweet, yet, achieves a noticeably dry finish at the same time. Clove, ginger, anise spice, here less overt fruitiness, more raisin, fig with touch of apricot. Yeasty, but raw not bready. Caramel, maple syrup, chocolate powder, maltiness restrained. The citrus more muted and mixed here. As nothing gets exaggerated it maintains a high level of drinkability, even if it’s not that intellectually compelling.
4 out of 5

Cigar City Brewing
Jai Alai Cedar Aged IPA (Humidor Series)
American IPA
Florida
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
Price Unknown
Dense creamy head of off-white microfoam which crests over three fingers even with a measured pour, then curiously steady dissolve down to a thinner surface coating and without many streaks of lacing. While the liquid is cloudy and mostly opaque, it captures light to add glow to the orange rust to amber coloration, only slight hue loss further out towards the rims. Solid burst of pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus in the nose, floral dew, rye and pumpernickel, the cedar notes are sweet as well, pineapple, nectarine, apricot fruit, mocha powder, chicory, really all over the map but not necessarily in a bad way. Full-bodied with a fairly muscular presence, the carbonation almost chewy rather than lifting. The pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus once more leads the way, caramel, pine sap, more subtle floral accents. The cedar stays in proportion, does tame some of the caramel, butterscotch sweetness. Peach, apricot, nectarine, red apple fruit an embellishment at best. At times you think you’re getting something like dill weed. Has a somewhat hyper demeanor but this doesn’t translate into being overaggressive. Just off-center enough to stay interesting throughout.
5 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout
Georgia
8.1%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.19
Don’t pour too aggressively or get a sponge, easy three to four finger head of dark brown microfoam which dissolves at a snail’s pace, fairly thick lacing left behind. Entirely black liquid, like a block on onyx. Coffee ice cream, chestnuts, bittersweet dark chocolate, licorice predominate in the nose, possesses a dry and powdery texture, roasty, doesn’t show much fruit, there is a leafiness there, not green and fresh, more like autumnal drying out leaves. Full-bodied, drops like an anchor into your mouth, the carbonation thankfully has some sizzle to it and slowly gets the flavors moving around. These being coffee, coffee and more coffee. As well as dark chocolate, nuts, chicory and raw baking dough. Turns very dry through the finish, hops appear to contribute more to the texture than array of flavors, not the creamiest of stouts. Any oatmeal accents lack staying power. Very much in your face style, not a beer you have a casual relationship with.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2010

Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery
Old Chub Scottish Style Ale
Scottish Ale
Colorado
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Light head, barely gets to one finger, dark brown color, gone in a flash, no real lacing, no foam islands. Mahogany brown in color, mild fogginess to it, more copper orange around the rims. Fruitcake scented nose, full of sweet baking spices, nuts, milk chocolate, butterscotch, coffee ice cream, cola, only sign of hops might be that it texturally stiffens after a second of two in your nostrils. Full-bodied, layers itself like syrup on your tongue, if the carbonation didn’t have a prickle to it it would be too cloying for sure. Brown sugar, cola, caramel, butterscotch, ginger, cinnamon, honeyed nuts make it a candidate for a Willy Wonka product. More floral here, glazed bread. Impressive in that it maintains a full throttle appeal throughout, however, nuance and contrast are not strong points.
4 out of 5

Cigar City Brewing
Warmer Winter Winter Warmer
Old Ale
Florida
10.0%
25.4oz, Single
Price Unknown
Huge head even with a semi-passive pour, up over three fingers of deep tan foam accompanied by larger bubbles of varied sizes, extremely slow to dissipate, strong webbing of lace left behind all over the glass sides. As a result, you have to wait some time to even get the scents able to show, then golden raisin, fig, milk chocolate, these contrasted nicely by white pepper, crushed clove, dried hay, pine cone, suggestion of white citrus, most compelling is not so much the role call of scents but the constant interplay among them. Full-bodied, bottom heavy and once it gets into your mouth only moves when prodded. Apricot, red cherry, raisin, fig, pear fruit spiced up by nutmeg, clove, allspice and a touch of cumin, cola nut and vanilla bean present and accounted for. The brown sugar element has a somewhat caramelized, cooked quality to it. Plenty of downy fluff in the carbonation, lacks the muscles to lift things up into the air. Very subtle grassiness at the end soaks up some of the extra sugar. No arrow left unused in its quiver when all is said and done.
4 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Double Bastard (2009 Release)
American Strong Ale
California
10.5%
22oz, Single
$7.59
Pours up to a two finger head of frothy deep tan microfoam, pools of larger bubbles here and there, dissipates a bit quicker than expected, however, no lack of broad lacings left behind. Fully opaque red rust to amber color, like a glass of metallic mud swirled about, no variance throughout. Boozy nose of coconut custard, caramelized brown sugar, molasses, ginger snaps, raisin bread and then releases the pink grapefruit, mandarin orange citrus, pine sap and green straw, unprocessed grains. Full-bodied, the carbonation like a jelly roll, gets everything cascading left and right, for better or worse, it is certainly active in the mouth. Sweet and alcoholic, as if barrel aged. The caramel, molasses, butterscotch not to be denied, coats the palate like a blanket, were it not for the carbonation and the bitterness of the hops it would move into old ale or barleywine territory, even the grapefruit, orange citrus feels reduced. Pine and flowers here seem more obligatory than natural, steady presentation of the cherry, apricot, peach fruit, lower degree of dried fruit character. Admirably, not imbalanced yet it’s not a beer founded in clarity of parts and choral harmony.
4 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Fifteenth Anniversary Auld Asheville Vintage Ale
Old Ale
North Carolina
9.5%
22oz, Single
$5.59
The head gets to about a full finger then drops down swiftly to an aggregation of larger bubbles around the rims, has enough stickiness to create broad, thin webs of lacing. Super-cloudy amber-brown with a semi-brightening copper tinge, mild switch to orange rust around the rims. The nose has a natural denseness to it, like sediment which has settled over time. Mix of Italian plum, blackberry, pear, red apple scents, allspice and nutmeg as well, violets, no real super-sweet notes, by the same token, nothing that comes close to attack of the hops from outer space, maybe some pepperiness as it drifts off. Medium to full-bodied, which is a way of saying it manages to stay limber given its inherent density. Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg spice there but it’s really the honey, molasses which gets it to cling to the mouth. The citrus and flowers are mute, more cola and cocoa powder. Not estery, fresh with clearly defined peach, pear, plum, cherry fruit and a certain raw nuttiness. Molasses, beeswax, brown sugar frame the finish but it’s never too sweet. When you account for what is present as well as what is absent, this is a very competent beer which made a clear decision to err to the side of safety over planting a flag in the sand.
4 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Milk Stout
Milk/Sweet Stout
North Carolina
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Large, two finger plus head of very fine dark tan foam, whipped up appearance with a good deal of dimpling as it dissolves, some lacing. Pure black in color, faint trace of yellow-brown at the outer edges. Well-stuffed nose of milk chocolate, caramel, licorice, the coffee has only a soft roast to it, plum, cherry and a little bit of apricot, no overt hoppiness, however, the breadiness has a whole grain, natural roughness to it. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with a wiry, wound-up carbonation which more or less keeps things from spreading too broadly. Dry cocoa powder, malt, caramel and coffee candy, vanilla bean, it offers a breadth of similar flavors without excess sweetness. Not roasty, at times perhaps some nuttiness. The fruit is basic cherry, blackberry, apricot, fig, not too “dark” in complexion. Put best thusly, easy to drink but not simple.
4 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
DuganA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
8.5%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Gigantic head formed through the pour, settles into a consistent three fingers of dense, dimpled foam, just off-white, big stripes of lacing as well. Only mildly hazy, there’s a metallic rust, copperish cast to the color, holds hue depth nicely through to the rims. The nose presents a deceptively strong maltiness of caramel, toffee and butterscotch underneath the effusive pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus, pretty damn strong pine, rose petals and nectarine, pineapple, papaya fruit too, remains thick in your nostrils for some time. Full-bodied with a stickiness which increases its mouth presence. More of a bitter hoppiness noticeable from the start, the pine and herbaceous elements tighter, more punch to them. Additionally, more sour pucker to the white grapefruit, orange citrus. Thankfully, the carbonation has a fluffy, expansive feel which ameliorates some of the bite. The nectarine, peach, pineapple, yellow apple fruit can be edgy at times, relaxed at others. Caramel, brown sugar, licorice play a much more supplementary role here. Some biscuit, dinner roll breadiness. Shows a credible ability to stay within itself even though its built to make an impression.
4 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Merry Monks' Belgian Style Golden Ale
Tripel
Pennsylvania
9.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.89
Delicately frothy microfoam, gets close to three fingers upon the pour but dissipates swiftly, even surface without much dimpling, similarly no real lacing left behind. Super-hazy yellow-orange color, fully opaque, lightens a touch at the outermost reaches. Aggressively sweet nose of apricot paste, poached pears and peaches, banana compote, golden honey, cinnamon, dessert yeast, orange juice, clove might be the hardest edged element there, a one trick pony. Full-bodied with a fluffy feel, like a mouth full of cotton candy. Which is not far from how it tastes too. Banana, strawberry, peach, apricot, pear, red cherry, pineapple, a veritable fruit cocktail sloshing about. Luckily, there is a bitter kick at the end, almost shocks you awake. Orange, lemon citrus alternates between sweet and sour. Coriander, clove, nutmeg spice, but without much directed role. Pulls some of its shit together by the end, but this is probably as random as everything else. Good if you have a serious sweet tooth.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Nosferatu
American Strong Ale
Ohio
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Nice thick finger plus head of mixed bubble sizes, dark tan in color, steadily dissolves, does leave broad streaks of lacing behind. Deep bronze color, translucent and holds the light inside well, more amber orange around the rims. Complex nose of caramel, honey, pine sap, white grapefruit pith, tea leaves, raisin bread, fig fruit, subtle kick from the grains. Medium-bodied, there’s more foaminess than expected during the mouth entry, after that the carbonation settles down. While very much in balance, the hops come out ahead by a good bit, grains, pine, pressed flowers and an herbaceous bite evident throughout, especially at the end. That said, the strongest element is the white grapefruit, mandarin orange citrus. Milk chocolate, toffee, honey and clove drift in and out, never truly making it taste sweet at any given moment. Blend of apple, pear, peach, banana, cherry fruit, yet, with minimal sweetness. It’s an unusual beer which certainly holds your attention.
5 out of 5

Kiuchi Brewery
Hitachino Nest White Ale
Witbier
Japan
5.0%
11.2oz, Single
$4.79
Whipped up froth gets to about one finger of pure white, then rapidly fizzles down to the surface, very little lacing left behind. Fuzzy light orange to yellow liquid, easy to see the particulate floating inside, given lighter hue it’s just about entirely opaque. Clove, coriander, cinnamon stick and orange zest do most of the work in the nose, straw, meadow grasses and garden herbs right there, close to earthy at moments, apricot and peach pit all for fruit scents. Medium-bodied, the carbonation doesn’t lift as much as paste the liquid to the roof of your mouth. Sour orange, grapefruit citrus an eye opener, coriander, ginger spice, white pepper, wheat germ, develops just the right amount of rougher texture to extend the finish. More tart than many witbiers but none the less enjoyable for it.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Sparkling Ale
Tripel
Michigan
9.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.79
Loosely knit had of multiple bubble sizes, huge upon the pour but settles down into a half finger of dimpled white foam, highly credible amount of lacing left behind. Perfectly clear pumpkin orange color, yellows some around the rims, kinda looks like a cheap adjunct lager. The nose couldn’t smell any different than what it looks like, sweet fig, apricot, date, pear fruit, orange juice, baker’s yeast, some wet hop, herbaceous notes, the ginger, coriander spice a touch lower than expected, still here it fits the beer type. Medium-bodied, extremely smooth and fluid, the carbonation subtle and makes no sudden moves. Pepper lifts the ginger, coriander, allspice, not that sweet overall. Peach, apricot, pear takes precedence over date or fig. The orange and lemon citrus on the dry side, leaves plenty of room for the moss, forest floor earth. The breadiness and honey most apparent through the finish. Seems like a take on a style within the “house idiom” which is interesting but not to be confused with the original.
4 out of 5

Laos Brewing Co., Ltd
Beerlao Dark Lager
Euro Dark Lager
Laos
6.5%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Surprisingly white colored head given the deeper brown to amber hued liquid, you get about a half finger with average retention, good tenacity in what lacing there is. Fully transparent. Direct and simple nose based in caramelized brown sugar, cola bean, rice and processed flour, some okra or greens notes, over time a strong earthiness comes out, not much by way of fruit or citrus, for what it’s worth clean dissolve. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation has a tough edge to it, adds some turbulence. Not that sweet, however, the caramel, honey, brown sugar the most prominent part by default. Can’t shake that vegetal edge, maybe, just maybe some orange peel. More of the earthy, sort of minerally, stuff. You can drink it without pain nor suffering but once the glass is empty you hardly remember it.
2 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
Dog Schwarz (Smoked Double Lager)
Rauchbier
Colorado
7.8%
25.4oz, Single
$8.89
With a highly aggressive pour you get a momentary head of close to a finger but zero retention and soon enough the dark brown froth is all gone, no real lacing. Pitch black liquid, not even a hint of color to be found, the liquid does look pretty clean though. Caramel, molasses, brown sugar, lots of sweet wood smoke without any archness, raisin, cherry, currant fruit in keeping with the other scents, given the type of scents found, dry presence in your nostrils, dusty cocoa powder wins out in the end. Medium-bodied, bottom heavy with the weight it has, anchors itself on your tongue. The smokiness gets close to being salty, aided by elevated graininess and pumpernickel notes. As expected, chocolate, coffee, caramel and molasses the primary mover, dryness does not have a negative impact on the vibrancy of these flavors. With more sips a pork rind perfume develops. Carbonation trifling, hard to say if it even tries to motivate. Smokiness hard to wash out of the mouth which is, after all, the point. (Cork and wire)
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Squall IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Delaware
9.0%
25.4oz, Single
$7.99
Lots of frothy microfoam to the head, with some aggressive pouring easily gets to three fingers, dimples as it dissolves, thick streaks of lacing left behind. Glowing, semi-filmy amber orange color, just a bit of yellow at the rims, presents a steady visual appearance. Remarkably straightforward IPA in the nose, no Dogfish Head curveballs, caramel, toffee, candied orange peel, pine sap, white grapes, apricots, pears, all-in-all remarkably subdued, glazed bread, stays sweet without much bite. Medium-bodied, some fluff to the carbonation, the grapefruit and tangerine citrus is sweet, add in some molasses and brown sugar and even more so. Dried fruit nature to the pear, peach, apple fruit, as concentrated as sweet. Pine sap, the flower petals don’t coalesce that strongly. Some bread, oats and clean graininess. Very enjoyable, but the lowkey personality almost makes you nervous.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Bell’s Special Double Cream Stout
Milk/Sweet Stout
Michigan
6.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Big, aggressive head of dark tan, lots of dense foam yet offers a host of large bubbles as well, excellent retention and strong lacing as well. Onyx black in color, actually black is not a color so more or less colorless. The nose has a dryness to it which controls the sweeter qualities of the dark chocolate, cocoa, licorice accents, the cherry, plum scents show good contour, some scone or flaky dough notes, nothing overtly hoppy but one assumes they contribute to the dryness. Full-bodied, the creamy texture relieves much of the weight as well as a good bit of bitterness. Still, the dark chocolate, coffee bean, cocoa powder has some bitterness. Licorice, orange peel, tea leaves, nuts drift in and out. Lower level of cherry, apricot, apple fruit, subtle. The carbonation is itself smooth but has a relentless power to it, adds to a sense of movement. Very consistent, balanced presentation.
5 out of 5

Bard’s Tale Beer Company, LLC
Bard’s Gold
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
New York
4.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
The head slightly off-white and crests at close to a finger, basic looking with little retention, no lacing. Metallic orange to pumpkin in color, crystal clear and completely transparent. The nose shows molasses, brown sugar and then apple, pear fruit, lemon juice and honey glazed bread, the hops versus malts dichotomy seems besides the point here. Medium-bodied, decent degree of carbonation, the first thing you think is that it tastes like a hard cider with a more grainy texture. Pear, green apple, white grape fruit, starts to turn bitter once it hits the back of your throat. Vaguest of grain, oats aspect, hard to casually understand why this would be grouped as a beer. That said, not disgusting or anything. (Gluten Free)
2 out of 5

Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery
Gordon
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
8.7%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Close to two fingers of nicely whipped up froth, not so dense thus only decent retention, rich tan color, thin lacing streaks but persistent. Cherry red wood, just short of mahogany, copper orange nearer the rims, while transparent there is a gauziness to it. Not the most powerfully penetrating nose yet does not lack for richness in the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus department, wet pine cones, splash of pepper and salt, then pineapple, nectarine, mango fruit scents which are more clear and direct than juicy, juicy, little to be said about the malt side of the equation. Medium-bodied, comes across as a bit stern and could “give” a little more. More floral, good accompaniment to the grapefruit, orange citrus, the latter drier here. The carbonation has a fine sandpapery grit to it, helps it adhere to your mouth pores. Same can be said for the pine element, the apricot, nectarine, pineapple fruit slightly syrupy as well. If there’s any cocoa or chocolate powder, it must be on the bittersweet side and thus can’t separate from the rest. Finishes semi-abruptly. (Can)
3 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Smoke Jumper Smoked Imperial Porter
American Porter
Colorado
9.2%
22oz, Single
$9.29
Careful with that pour, slow and low, that is the tempo, or over the top it goes. Normalized, it gives a two finger super whipped up head of microfoam which doesn’t dimple as much as form sand dunes, very slow to dissolve, the lacing sticks in solid sheets on the glass sides. Pure jet black color, nothing to see, literally and figuratively. Sweet caramel, toffee, milk chocolate coats your nose first then the “truth in advertising” part arrives, smoke, smoke and more smoke in effect, bacon, cranberry, pomegranate, some band-aid, more or less a backwoods smokehouse. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is curiously soft, the lack of lift allows the coffee roast, grill smoke, bacon, leather, bitter dark chocolate to strangle the tongue. Brazil nuts, anise seed, pumpernickel bread, no citrus and only a glimmer of peach, cherry, red grape fruit. The caramel, toffee, coffee components lower. Given the intensity of the smokiness, has a long finish, one of those “gotta wash it out of your mouth” experiences. Expect it to polarize.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Commodore Perry
American IPA
Ohio
7.5%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.99
Pleasing cream white head of above a finger, mixture of foam and bubbles, dissolves at a steady, rapid pace, does leave a good bit of lacing behind. Bright, cloudy pumpkin orange color, semi-translucent, yellows out around the rims. Clove, pepper spice and forest floor matter, lichens swirl up in the nose, tree bark and fallen limbs too, sounds crazy but there’s something like Hunt’s ketchup in there, sour orange zest, peach and apricot pits, not a lot of sweetness in there. Medium-bodied, mouth entry buoyed by foamy carbonation, herbaceous with that same forest-like earthiness and bark notes, even charcoal. Flavor-wise, not much maltiness but they do smooth out the texture some. Orange, lemon pith on the sour side, apricot, peach, red apple, red cherry fruit. More metallic as it goes on. Enough here has one scratching one’s head that perhaps this bottle is not representative. Hmmm.
2 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Burning River
American Pale Ale
Ohio
6.0%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.99
Solid finger’s worth of creamy white foam, a few islands of very large bubbles, average stickiness to the lacing, moderate retention. Clear amber brown with a swift lightening into orange hues, close to yellow at the outer rims, squeaky clean and transparent. Open and gregarious nose of mandarin orange, toffee, brownies and a counter-balance of rye, grains and witch hazel, suggestion of yellow apple, apricot, peach fruit, not crafted for complexity, rather for consistent harmony. Medium-bodied, solid and barrel-chested, moves with deliberation through the mouth. Fairly active carbonation, however, doesn’t break up much of the density. Much hoppier here with grassy notes, grapefruit along with the orange zest, grainy even in texture. The cocoa, mocha powder back into the chorus, more regular “white bread” here than rye. The apricot, peach, apple fruit more pronounced. Touch more bitter at the end, but surely intended. Leaves you thirsty for more.
4 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
North Carolina
5.6%
12oz
6-Pack, $9.49
Two fingers of loose foam, light tan in color, dimples as the bubbles quickly pop, most of the lacing slides away easily. Dark brown-red brick in color, the zinc orange starts to show around the rims, fairly clear for its level of darkness. The nose is decidedly malty but in no way overly sweet, mineral water and straw bundle notes pair up with cocoa, chocolate powder, good cherry to red grape fruit scents, cornbread, pecan shells, stays lively without seeking attention. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has it cresting early in the mouth but isn’t disguising any flaws or such. Caramel, milk chocolate, carob, coffee bean, dry and dusty but deep. Has that same metallic mineral ring to it, like organic in feel. Cherry, white grape, apricot fruit flavors. Pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Finishes with elevating bitterness and hard to peg why. Enjoyable enough but nothing especially noteworthy.
3 out of 5

BrewDog Ltd
Bashah (The Black Belgian Style Double India Pale Ale By BrewDog and Stone)
Belgian IPA
Scotland
8.6%
11.2oz,Single
$6.49
Even with a strong pour you get about half a finger of dark brown head, mixed bubbles sizes and disperses with ease, thin but persistent streaks of lacing. Opaque black color, although you sense it’s supposed to be brown, tiny slice of orange visible at the glass bottom. The nose is dense, features German chocolate cake, coffee ice cream and raisin bread, bittersweet even with the roasted notes, plum, prune, date, maraschino cherry, leaves you wondering where the hops really are. Medium-bodied with a muscular feel, the focus remains squarely on the dark chocolate, cocoa, coffee flavors, however, the hoppy grassiness, pine tar and mixed white citrus much more active here. Roasty, toasty, good thing there is an underlying creaminess to it or it would be hard to drink. The carbonation doesn’t really perk it up. It’s a good brew, perhaps overreaches, certainly overpriced.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2009

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Glockenspiel
Weizenbock
Ohio
8.0%
12oz
4-Pack, $10.99
Little less than a finger of deep tan cream colored head, dissipates rapidly into scattered islands of bubbles, light stickiness to the lacing. Strong cloudiness helps it hold light and deepen the glow in the amber red, orange rust colored liquid, holds richness through the rims. The nose is quite sweet, yet openly knit enough to not become too much so, clove, ginger, nutmeg in action, honeyed mandarin oranges, corn syrup, esters, banana to dried apricot fruit, fruit cake, nothing that briskly penetrating or sharp-edged, dries out well as it lifts and dissolves. Medium-bodied, fairly tight carbonation gives it more density than foaminess. same sort of raisin bread, banana, apricot, peach thing going on, sweet oranges, cloves and a moment of honeyed ham, oatmeal. More chocolate and caramel than found in the nose. Sweet enough to be smooth but there’s also some grit to the texture which holds your attention. Fills the mouth without heaviness, all the way through the finish. Tasty stuff.
5 out of 5

Bruery, The
Rugbrød (JuleBryg-Style Dark Rye Ale)
Rye Beer
California
8.0%
25.4oz, Single
$10.49
Super-hyper head, be careful when you pour, loose and airy foam which dimples but actually holds on longer than you’d expect, light brown hue, no lacing to speak of. Filmy brown color crosses over into full opacity, more amber orange nearer the rims. Ruggedly focused nose, like a ranch sunrise, not pretty, maybe not showered but up and ready to go, milk chocolate powder, slight caramelization like crème brûlée, the rye is not a consistent major presence, supplemented by a mossy, wet green matter aspect and a pinch of pepperiness, it’s very much a “whole” over the “parts” sort of experience. Medium-bodied, carbonation makes for an initial wave of foam crashing down on the tongue. Segues to a mineral water, quinine kind of thing, then the rye and pumpernickel notes finally show up with some force. After that, chocolate, toffee, coffee appear as it smoothes out. No citrus, low level of apple, peach, red cherry fruit, nothing big time. A big point of attraction is its texture and overall sense of “maturity,” that is, it comes across as confident enough in itself to not take unnecessary pains to impress. But still does so with most sips.
4 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Wheat Wine Ale (Big Beer Series) (Malt Beverage Brewed From 53% Wheat, 47% Barley)
Wheatwine
New Hampshire
10.7%
22oz, Single
$6.29
Small head, even with an aggressive pour, mainly big, popping bubbles, dark tan in color, no real lacing. Deep bronzed color, even as it’s close to fully transparent, shades to brown as much as orange, very vivid. While the nose is sweet, has excellent focus an firmness, the butterscotch, toffee and milk chocolate form a controlled explosion, blends in pink grapefruit, pralines, little evidence of wheat or other grains, touch of floral dew, the high ABV curiously seems to extend the scents rather than dampen them. Medium-bodied, most of the weight front loaded into the mouth entry so the carbonation prickle hardly noticeable until the end. That noted, a minerally fizz relieves some of the sweetness from the caramel, toffee, butterscotch components, creates space for pink grapefruit and pine too. Something like witch hazel going on, definitely “boozy.” Apricot, fig, banana, pear fruit of slimmer proportions. Here it comes close to losing it but, as in the nose, there’s a guiding force that keeps the parts in order. But it is pretty damn alcoholic so be ready for that.
4 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Life and Limb (Ale Brewed With Maple Syrup And With Birch Syrup Added)
American Strong Ale
California
10.2%
24oz, Single
$10.69
Gets close to two fingers of deep brown, solid mixture of foam and mixed bubble sizes, very good retention, the lacing ain’t too shabby neither. Very close to black in color but stays within the bounds of darkest brown, a touch of orange gets through at the rims. Relaxed and easygoing nose of milk chocolate, raisins and dates, honey, rum, molasses, gingerbread, sweet but not “sugary” per se, quick burst of pepperiness and trace of earthy leafiness, minimal hops presence. Full-bodied, not heavy but has a big bottom, not a beer with swift pacing in the mouth. The carbonation has a nice fineness to it, not too fluffy. Straightforward caramel, honey, molasses, chocolate flavoring, little deviation from the nose. More breadiness and powdery texture. You get some mixed citrus zing and generalized hoppiness but little of distinct character. Earth, straw and pepper bloom through the finish. Maybe even some bacon. Solid, if unspectacular. (Collaboration between Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head)
3 out of 5

Kind Beers
Belgian Style Red Ale
Belgian Dark Ale
South Carolina
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Frothy finger’s head of cream white color, mostly lager bubbles and dissipates with ease, minimal stickiness to the lacing. Totally clear amber red color with zinc, metallic orange influence, slight drop in hue at the rims, few, if any, bubbles visible. The nose offers clove spice, wheat and grains, not quite rye, peach and apricot fruit, meadowy florality, not especially pungent but the elements which are present work hard. Medium-bodied, the carbonation sufficiently active to help it take up more palate space than it would otherwise. Tinny, metallic ring to it, mineral water and damp earth. Caramel and chocolate accents evanescent, in-and-out quality to the apricot, apple, pear fruit flavors. Clove and ginger, at times notes of baked ham. Contracts through the finish, like it was squeezed. As with its original sibling Pale Ale it’s not horribly flawed just freaking boring. (Contract brewed by Thomas Creek Brewery)
2 out of 5

Indigo Imp Brewery
Winter Solstice (Bottle Conditioned Real Ale With Spices)
American Amber/Red Ale
Ohio
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger plus of standard foam, dissolves so swiftly watching the bubbles pop is like watching a film on fast forward, deep tan color, no lacing, foam slides off the glass effortlessly. Super-cloudy, opaque brick red color with deep brown tones and some zinc orange around the rims, enough bubbles yet visible that you suspect it’s pretty damn carbonated. Minerals, peat moss, light dill pickle touch finds a home in the nose, not really that sour nor arch, has milk chocolate, orange spice, plum and cherry fruit, just presents itself more like, say, an organic wine, no extra efforts to appeal to a broader audience. Full-bodied, has the sheer density to impress during the first sip, as churned up as the carbonation is hardly gets things flowing. Cocoa, allspice, almost more herbed than spiced, as in basil and oregano. The orange citrus soft but constant. Uptick in the sweetness of the date, fig, cherry fruit. The earthiness more knit into the whole here, stands out less. Comes across as very honestly made and without pretense.
3 out of 5

Van Steenberge, Brouwerij
Gulden Draak Vintage Ale 2009
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
7.5%
25.4oz, Single
$12.59
Huge 3-4 finger head if poured down the center of the glass, lacey, delicate foam of larger bubbles which dissipate at a steady rate, too fine to leave much lacing behind. Muddy brown in color with more yellow than orange tinge, murkily opaque with a few bubbles visible. Herbaceous, leafy nose like moss, fallen leaves and wet dried grass, close to salty at moments, light coating of ginger and cocoa beans but nothing about the scents screams sweetness, any fruit is muted figs and dates. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation has sufficient fluff to broaden total palate coverage. Some apple and pear pairs up with the dates but as the cocoa, chocolate element is so dry, again, the lack of sweetness is palpable. Slightly lower herbal, forest-like character, however, does end with an increased astringent dryness. Mixed spices, nothing gains clarity on its own. To be fair, in my explorations of the Belgian Strong Dark Ale category I have been underwhelmed and think the category just doesn’t do it for me. Chances are others will like this better than I.
3 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Christmas Ale (A Handcrafted Ale With Spices And Honey)
Winter Warmer
Ohio
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Two finger off-white head of foam with enough larger bubbles to keep it popping and steadily dissolving down without disappearing, thin streaks of lacing. Copper red color with a little bit of brown to deepen the metallic orange further towards the rims, clean and mostly transparent. Ginger, allspice and cumin in the nose give it verve, thin honeyed glaze, white pepper and juniper keep it high and flighty, the cranberry, bing cherry, red raspberry fruit scents come at you at angles, hint of orange peel as well as backroads dirt and stones, some mocha but the maltiness just one part of many, enjoyable for its leanness. Medium-bodied, firm carbonation keeps a steady backbeat, nothing lazy about this beer. Dry and wiry, as if looking to be more of a thirst quencher than sweet holiday kiss. The honey blends well with the orange citrus while the clove, cinnamon, coriander, ginger spice enlivens throughout. Not many moments of fruit, fig, apple or pear. It is refreshing and, likely, more of a food beer than a sipper on its own.
4 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Backwoods Bastard (Ale Aged In Oak Bourbon Barrels)
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Michigan
10.2%
12oz
4-Pack, $14.49
An aggressive pour gets you maybe a half finger of deep tan foam, swift to evacuate the premises, nothing close to lacing present. Super-cloudy brown-red mud in appearance, barely lightens at the rims, looks like you could catch a catfish in it. Smells like someone hit you in the face with a coconut custard pie, butterscotch, caramel, no kidding about those bourbon barrels, plum to prune, date and maraschino cherry fruit scents, close to zero room for anything else. Full-bodied, thick and treacly, you almost spoon it into your mouth. again, the coconut custard, butterscotch, caramel, vanilla fudge, caramelized brown sugar flavors far and away dominant. Candied orange peel is there. Cherry, plum fruit, once more, in a candied, boozed up fashion. Splash of ginger and allspice. There is nothing subtle about this beer, it’s on you like white on rice. You must drink it under carefully thought out circumstances. You have been warned.
4 out of 5

Huyghe, Brouwerij
Delirium Noël
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
10.0%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$19.99
Not much of a head, thin layer of dark brown bubbles across the surface with minimal retention and no lacing. Kind of an orange to brown hued liquid, mostly transparent with some light bending of the light, widely dispersed bubbles. The nose comes across with peat, flint, tar and earth, borderline sweaty, before orange peel, peach pit and hard toffee candy appear, pinch of clove spice. Light to medium-bodied with a fast rising carbonation, within a nanosecond starts foaming up towards your mouth roof. Only slightly sweeter here, noticeably dry on the whole. Touch extra caramel, toffee and depth in the orange citrus and pear, apple, fig, apricot fruit. Retains sourness via the forest floor, peat moss, tarry earth elements, you never really stop puckering. Even at warmer temperatures does not smooth out or deepen as one would hope. Maybe I’m missing something here.
2 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
The Oracle DIPA Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Michigan
10.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$17.99
Pours a solid finger of densely woven cream white foam with puddles of larger bubbles, good stickiness to the lacing and credible head retention. Strong cloudiness in the burnt orange to pumpkin colored liquid, for this sor of hue close to opaque, mild yellowing at the rims. The nose at first explodes almost purely with pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus, over time opens up room for mossy, wet herbal notes, pepper, pine resin softened by peach, mango, apricot fruit scents, the malts remain in the background, as it warms the hoppy earthiness grows in stature. Medium-bodied, the carbonation foams up a little too much at first, however, the power of the hops crush this swiftly. Sourness makes the grapefruit more white than pink, mandarin orange and a touch of lemon. Bitter herbs, grass and peat moss don’t overplay their hand but keep the whole experience alert and erect, earthy and peppery. Lower dose of pine and flowers, pulls up the rear with the malts. The overall bite draws out more pineapple, papaya, green apple fruit than peach or apricot. As the bitterness recedes through the finish a touch of biscuit or cornmeal comes through. Makes a forceful statement but never raises its voice.
5 out of 5

Anchor Brewing Company
Our Special Ale (Anchor Christmas Ale)
Winter Warmer
California
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.39
Big, fluffy three finger head comes close to pouring over the top, deep tan color, tightly woven foam which dissolves at a snail’s pace, no lacing but hardly any room for it anyway. Opaquely black liquid, noticeably lighter orange at the bottom, similar to a tap poured black and tan, no cloudiness. The nose smells like a Christmas Eve kitchen filled with desserts and baked goodies, butterscotch, toffee, ginger and cinnamon spice, cherry, cranberry and apricot pie, milk chocolate powder, cola bean, not “complex” per se but richly satisfying. Light-bodied, leaner than expected while the carbonation possesses a subtle scrubbing quality. More sour here with a vague pickled quality, drier and less voluptuous. That said, here the complexity does appear and intrigue, even as that butterscotch, coconut and toffee keeps rubbing your pleasure node. Cinnamon, ginger, clove spice subdued, the cocoa powder covers more space. Additional grain and granola notes, sweetened up some. Plum, cherry, cranberry fruit, takes on a darker complexion here. Ends with a coffee roast lift. More packed in here than most, quietly ambitious.
4 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Chatoe Rogue First Growth Wet Hop Ale
American Pale Ale
Oregon
6.4%
22oz, Single
$6.69
Gets you a solid finger plus of dark tan, orange-tinged foam for a head, solid mixture of bubble sizes, above average retention and medium level stickiness to the lacing. Soft translucency adds richness to the red, copper colored liquid, holds the light and glows, more orange rust around the rims. Wet hay, grain, green corn husks, sour mandarin oranges take up much of the nose, the apricot to peach scents more pit and skin than flesh, little bit of pine, the malt and caramel very muted. Medium-bodied, there’s a “fine bubbles” quality to the carbonation, lightly prickly but not really contributing to the whole. Seems more to strive for a bitter zing than deliver it, grassy with that hay/straw, corn husk, wet fallen leaves thing going on, sort of stemmy. The white and pink grapefruit, orange citrus about the sweetest element as, with the nose, the malts are persona non gratis. Dried breakfast biscuits, minimal depth to the peach, pear, yellow apple fruit flavors. Overall, it’s not a bad beer and is certainly not something you’d pour down the sink, however, it is somewhat clumsily executed or in need of clearer goals at the outset.
3 out of 5

Oskar Blues Grill & Brewery
Mama’s Little Yella Pils
Czech Pilsener
Colorado
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Pure white head over two fingers, delicately whipped foam with a good many larger bubbles, that said, nice retention as well as plenty of lacing. Foggy yellow color with a slight orangish cast, fully translucent and close to opaque, summery indeed. Powerful, if gentle wave of white grapefruit, lemon and orange pith drives the nose, multi-grain bread, corn husks, waft of honey, no herbaceous bitterness, no real fruit presence either, thick enough to last for some time even without complexity. Medium-bodied, the carbonation lends slight churn but really seems to make the liquid denser. Again, grapefruit and lemon citrus comes on first then pretzel dough, corn and a minor saline quality. Straw, bread grains, never rough but has a more natural, unprocessed quality. Holds onto its weight through to the end, sticks to a simple message and satisfies for it.
4 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Yakima Twilight Ale
American Strong Ale
Pennsylvania
8.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Huge three finger head that can easily our over if you don’t watch it, very delicate tan foam, airy and dissipates at a steady clip, plenty of sticky lacing left behind above the dimpled surface. Clear brownish amber color, very consistent until a slight fade to orange at the rims, transparent with a flurry of bubbles visible within. Extremely hoppy nose of grains, unprocessed wheat and meadow grasses, not much citrus or pine, any softness comes from molasses brittle, cocoa powder and a touch of apricot, peach, pear fruit, this as much pit and skin as pulp. Medium-bodied, the carbonation very strong and churns inside your mouth like a commercial grade fan. Borderline bitter, here you get mandarin orange and white grapefruit through the attack, some pine and lots of herbaceousness and cereal grains. At the same time, the molasses, honey and caramel recede in the face of the relentless hoppiness. By the finish a pepperiness comes through and, at times, it feels hot. For all of this, it doesn’t seem unbalanced per se, more so an expression of a tightly focused concept. If you’re down with the message, impressive.
4 out of 5

Pugsley Brewing LLC
Sea Dog Bluepaw
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Maine
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thin head, even with an aggressive finish to the pour, leaves tiny islands across the surface and virtually no lacing. Golden straw color of moderate depth, however, remains mostly transparent, plenty of active bubbles visible. Without a doubt, the blueberry scents the major player in the nose, the wheat and grains obvious as well, smidge of lemon citrus as well as malted milk balls, difficult to find a great deal of breadth when you can smell the blueberries three feet away from the glass. Light to medium-bodied, crisp and heavily carbonated, not very sweet even taking into account the bodacious blueberry presence. The wheat and general hoppiness not out to zing you, relatively soft contours to it. The citrus offers mute lemon and orange flavors. Sip after sip, there’s just not much more to say. It is labeled as a blueberry wheat beer and that is exactly what it tastes like.
3 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale
Winter Warmer
England
6.0%
18.7oz, Single
$3.99
Whipped up, dimpled head of a little over one finger, darker cream white, above average lacing, head retention is so-so, settles into a thin webbing across the surface. Burnt orange, metallic rust colored liquid, transparent with plenty of miniscule bubbles visible within. Rum raisin cake and white grapes blossom first in the nose, honey, scone flakes, at times akin to corn syrup, moderate fig, peach, gingered orange peels, overall stays clean and has some lift while keeping a full nostril presence. Full-bodied, thicker here in terms of sheer mouth weight and slower paced, leads with a peppery kick, teases out more ginger and cumin spice accents. There’s a leanness to the flavors if at the same time a persistence start to finish. The rumcake, honey, ginger and orange peels duplicate the nose, lower level of fig, date, peach fruit and lacking in sweetness. Conversely, there’s moments of sweet vinegar to it. Given the mouth weight and lack of flavor intensity, the carbonation too active to help it soak into the palate. Hard caramel candy comes through at the end. It’s alright for what it is.
3 out of 5

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, The
Yule Bock Christmas Bock Beer
Bock
North Carolina
7.0%
25.4oz, Single
$9.99
Little less than a finger of dark cream colored foam, uneven surface but not quite dimpled, good retention and a trace of lacing. Deep amber red color, fully transparent and clear, only slight loss of hue intensity at the rims. Lowkey nose, yet not deficient, oats, barley, nutmeg spice, dark chocolate powder, apple to peach fruit, not herbaceous nor excessively hoppy but does have a nice erect posture in your nostrils. Medium-bodied plus, the carbonation like a steady pulse than real force. Sweeter here in the mouth with an emphasis on dark chocolate, molasses, toffee and cherry, apricot, red apple fruit. Vague breadiness, more like dessert than dinner bread. The hops are suave and dry the whole out in subtle ways, contributing to a clean finish with length. No problem with drinkability, may throw you off, though, if you’re looking for a “showoff” style of beer. (Cork Wire Stopper)
5 out of 5

Mendocino Brewing Company
White Hawk Original IPA
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Bit over a full finger’s worth of dimpled white froth, mixture of bubbles large and small, above average stickiness to the lacing, sticks around for some time. Reddish amber cast darkens the orange base, some yellowing around the rims, slight gauziness to it prevents crystal clear transparency. The nose displays a surprising amount of caramel and toffee to it, pushes some of the pink grapefruit and flower petals a step back, lower level pine resin, decent amount of apricot and peach fruit scents, rather full and heavy rather than cleansing or zingy. Medium to full-bodied, suffers from the same leaden foot here, the carbonation fluffy like a mouth of marshmallows. Sweeter pink grapefruit to tangerine citrus able to institute a more expected IPA feel, the pine and florality adequate. In fact, after a few sips, starts to finish with an herbaceous bitterness. The caramel and toffee elements lower here yet consistent throughout. While there’s overall breadth in the components presented they lack good integration and a sense of direction. Personally, couldn’t put down more than a couple before having to move on.
2 out of 5

Long Trail Brewing Company
Brewmaster Series Winter White (Belgian Style Witbier, Malt Beverage Brewed With Sweet Orange, Bitter Orange And Coriander)
Witbier
Vermont
7.2%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Finger plus head of moderately dense bone white foam, dissolves quickly, lacing glides down the glass sides with ease, after a minute little left across the surface. Extreme cloudiness to the yellow liquid, at times some orange streaks come out, bubbles actually most visible as they break the surface than viewing from the sides. Soft, enveloping nose of banana, strawberry, apricot fruit, orange spice, the coriander supplemented by nutmeg and a pinch of white pepper, nothing pushy about it, just unfolds simply and steadily, very pleasing. Medium-bodied, the carbonation prickles and soothes in a steady rhythm, stays on the sweet side with orange juice component and a little pink grapefruit, the banana, pear, apple, peach fruit like a fresh bowl for breakfast. The coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg spice stays at a steady clip, really helps it stretch out through the finish. Small dose of milk chocolate powder, the breadiness kept to a minimum. Tamed hops remain in the background but must have a role in cleaning up some of the sweetness. The more you sip the heavier it feels in the mouth, as a result you can’t necessarily pigeon hole it as one of those summery, refreshing witbiers. That said, great smoothness and drinkability.
5 out of 5

Buzzards Bay Brewing Inc.
Altbier
Altbier
Massachusetts
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
Peaks at about one finger of pure white foam, larger bubbles here and there, leaves a touch of lacing behind, what head there is vacates quickly. Lightly hued and transparent, washed out brown-yellow, not much really to look at. Whiff of molasses and caramelized brown sugar to the nose, quite grainy yet without a resonant hoppy bite, the malts dry and evanescent, momentary shadow of dried flowers and apricot pit. Medium-bodied, the carbonation pushes outward and takes up a good deal of space. A good thing since the apricot, peach, apple fruit tenuous at best and the toffee and cocoa malt flavors equally vague. Grains, wheat, straw present throughout, flirt with bitterness. Just doesn't have enough flavor to carve out a credible finish. Not "flawed" in a glaring way, more so simply empty.
1 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale
Winter Warmer
Colorado
6.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Don’t pour too aggressively or foam might fill half the glass, otherwise it’s a good 2-3 fingers high of delicate bubbles and foam, starts to dimple across the surface, not much lacing but very good retention. Crystal clear brown to red brick or dirt color, more of a metallic orange at the rims, despite clarity few bubbles visible. Reticent nose, offers meager portions of toffee, malts, orange infused chocolate and then some hop spice, maybe some leafiness like lettuce or cabbage. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation swirls through the attack and momentarily distracts from the lack of flavor. Ginger spice, dried cocoa, malts and orange/lemon citrus try to dance with peat moss, pepper, straw and a nondescript bitter edge. Maybe pear or apple fruit. Consistent quality-wise with most products of this brewery.
2 out of 5

Nøgne Ø
Winter Ale (aka God Jul)
English Porter
Norway
8.5%
16.9oz, Single
$9.59
Full finger of dense dark brown microfoam, barely dimples and leaves sheets down the glass walls rather than lacing streaks, very slow to dissolve. Completely opaque black with the barest hint of orange at the rims. Powerful nose of black licorice, juniper, Vienna roast coffee beans, bitter dark chocolate, caramel and nutmeg, moderately fruity, mainly plum, black cherry and blackberry, the breadiness is dense like a scone, no attempt at relieving the constant weight in your nostrils. Full-bodied, whereas its sweetness is not to be denied, the first thing which strikes you are the powerful hops which ratchets up the bitter bite, especially with grain, straw and pine notes. This helps keep the pacing brisk and shed extra poundage around the middle. All that coffee, dark chocolate, anise, vanilla bean, coconut flakes, ginger there in spades, again sweet but nowhere near “sugary,” more like a dessert truffle or German chocolate cake, more focused on flavor intensity than satisfying a sugar jones. Indeed, almost an electric mouth presence.
5 out of 5

Great Lakes Brewing Company
Oktoberfest
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Ohio
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Fluffy head, crests at a bit over a finger, the larger sized bubbles cause it to evaporate into surface islands swiftly, minimal lacing with no stickiness. Burnt red to orange color, like a summer sunset, light filminess but not quite translucent. Strong burst of cocoa, milk chocolate powder and caramel to the nose, honeyed graham crackers, malty to the exclusion of most hoppiness, no citrus or grass notes, touch of pepperiness. Medium-bodied, somewhat sluggish mouth presence, the carbonation is round and not that refreshing. That said, good depth to the honey, caramel, cocoa flavors without pushing the sweetness too far. Here you get more orange citrus bite as well as a grainy edge, even some poor minerally earth. Smattering of peach, pear, apple fruit, not a player. What’s most nice about it is that it absolutely coheres best as a whole rather than parsed out as parts. Hence, drinkability.
4 out of 5

Bruery, The
2 Turtle Doves (Belgian-Style Dark Ale Brewed With Cocoa Nips & Toasted Pecans)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
California
12.0%
25.4oz, Single
$11.79
Aggressive pour gets close to two fingers of frothy head, all large bubbles which pop like firecrackers, deep tan in color, not much lacing. Yup, it’s black, no color, no light, just impassive blackness. The first sniff lets you know this is one oddball beer, pickle brine and horsehide coexist with cocoa powder, bitter dark chocolate, anise, Brazil nuts as well as pecans, wet coffee grinds, very boozy, hoppy pine and citrus notes cut like a machete down the middle, the mix of plum, apricot, red cherry fruit flits in and out, tenacious cling and presence. Medium-bodied, however, it has such a frenetic personality that its presence is much larger. OK, the cocoa and nuts are evident, but the real charge comes from the semi-savage hop grains and grassiness, as well as pine needle too. The breadiness never truly blossoms, such is the high level of the roast and toast in the chocolate, cocoa, baking spice elements. Caramel and cherry, raspberry fruit act as a minor counter-balance. With time a wet earthiness develops, metallic edge. Nothing shy here, this is a bold, in-your-face beer that is likely to be polarizing. But a true beer geek, like it or not, will be happy to taste it.
5 out of 5

Ridgeway Brewing
Warm Welcome Nut Browned Ale
English Brown Ale
England
6.0%
16.9oz, Single
$5.29
Pours just about the loosest aggregate of bubbles I have ever seen, no foam, just large bubbles a poppin’, no lacing and soon enough no head. Heavy film to the orange rust, brown dirt color, some clarity around the rims. Sweet nose, not too heavy, comprised of malt and chocolate, black raisin, cherry and ginger, cinnamon spice, sweet scone dough too, undifferentiated nuttiness, while nothing hoppy of note for counterpoint in no way cloying. Full-bodied, smooth for its weight and, once more, sweet without being annoyingly so. The baking spices have more bite and there’s noticeable orange and lemon citrus in support. Caramel, maple syrup, cocoa and danish to breakfast breads notes follow the tighter cadence of the carbonation, stretch out nicely. Cherry, apricot, pear fruit doesn’t come across as fully dark fruit or white fruit. At the end your palate is clean while a mist lingers inside your mouth. Tactfully done, thoughtfully integrated for smooth drinking.
4 out of 5

Genesee Brewing Co.
Dundee Original Honey Brown Lager
American Amber/Red Lager
New York
4.5%
12oz
6-Pack, $7.49
Thin, clean white head, the foam not dense enough to prevent a swift dissipation, no real lacing to be had. Clear, mostly transparent copper red to orange color, lightens a good bit towards the rims. The nose bursts with sweet corn syrup, honeyed oats and then orange peel, burnt caramel and a grittier graininess, full nostril presence in terms of pushing outwards but ends up hollow. Medium-bodied, close to fluffy carbonation adds to the body, drier with a bitter, metallic ring, especially at the finish. The honey, corn syrup not as dominant here, at least in terms of ratcheting up the sweetness. Apricot and peach pit notes are nice, minute touch of mixed citrus, buttered English muffins. I mean, it’s alright, but not sure why someone would really choose to drink it per se.
2 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Winter Ale
Dubbel
New Hampshire
4.8%
12oz
6-Pack, $11.19
Gets close to two fingers of dark tan microfoam, dimples slightly as it dissipates swiftly, touch of lacing left behind. Some cloudiness to the orange-brown liquid, metallic sort of look, lightens a good bit at the rims. Nutmeg, clove and cola, pinch of dark chocolate, white raisin, apple, pear fruit scents, overall the nose has many elements yet remains demure, if not reticent, ends with suggestions of chocolate-filled croissants as well as peat moss. Medium-bodied, the carbonation contributes lift and steadier pacing, right-sized to the whole. The flavors lean towards the sweet side but the beer remains pretty dry. Green apple, white grape, pear and apricot predominate, light glimmer of orange peel. Cocoa powder, malts, cinnamon and clove spice work well to create an affable first half even as hoppier grassiness and pepperiness rises through the finish. Roasted qualities work, never bitter nor burnt. While not blazing any new trails, different enough to hold your attention.
4 out of 5

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
Cherry Oak Doppelbock (Oak Aged Ale Fermented With Dark Cherries) (Brothers’ Reserve Series)
Doppelbock
Oregon
9.0%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Not much of a head if, truly, any, a slim covering of tan foam and hence no lacing as well, very curious. Extremely murky brown colored liquid, equally pulled towards yellow as much as orange, fully opaque, looks like you could catch catfish in it. Heavy nose, filled with caramelized brown sugar, toffee, honey and vanillin oak, the cherry scents actually no stronger than apricot or plum, rum raisin ice cream, you get an echo of hoppiness towards the end, otherwise the sheer weight of it all prevents lift and length. Full-bodied, same general approach here with an emphasis on steamrolling your tongue. Caramel, toffee, rum, brown sugar then the oak becomes evident, while sweet also adds a toastiness. This latter element helps tease out more hoppy bite. Again, sure, it tastes of red cherries but in no way does this come close to being a dominant element. That said, clearer as such here with the accompanying raspberry, apricot flavors in the background. Light breadiness or flakiness. The carbonation makes little effort to fight the sweetness or step up the overall pacing. It’s a decent brew that probably attracts its target audience more than moi.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Winter Lager
Bock
Massachusetts
5.8%
12oz
6-Pack, $9.99
About a half an inch head of loose tan foam which swiftly disperses to a thin surface layering, minimal lacing at best. Clear red amber liquid with more orange zinc hue around the rims, easily transparent. Whiff of nutmeg and ginger in the nose, toasted cocoa and caramel, close to white pepper at times, moderate apricot, apple fruit and close to zero citrus presence, it’s really all over the place, sometimes smells like Dr. Pepper. Light-bodied with sufficient carbonation to churn it up into a larger presence. More metallic and herbaceous here with the malts, caramel and molasses a diminished force. Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg remains strong, contributes to its overall dryness. Regrettably, it is a touch boring and suggests more personality than it delivers.
2 out of 5

Laos Brewing Co., Ltd
Beerlao Lager
Euro Pale Lager
Laos
4.9%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
The bone white head crests over a finger, finespun enough that the it collapses down to the surface with ease, nice thin traces of lacing, retains a thin layer across the surface. Washed out orange to worn gold in color, transparent but not squeaky clean per se, few bubbles visible within. Bready nose with a honeyed touch, buttered corn, hay, caramel, no real fruit or citrus presence, just a slavish desire to please by maximizing sweetness and minimizing anything which might offend by requiring thought. Medium-bodied, lowgrade fizz for carbonation, no surprise that the palate has the same character as the nose, all poised to please the lowest common denominator and blend into the pack. Corn syrup, maple syrup, caramel, all this makes it stick to your mouth pores. The hay or grass is without edge, has sufficient hops to have good posture, that’s it. No problem taking another sip, A step above domestic macrobrews, that is its best attribute.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in November 2009

Sint Canarus, Huisbrouwerij
Sint Canarus Tripel
Tripel
Belgium
7.5%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$19.49
Over two finger head of pure white, delicately laced foam alongside big bubbles, they pop so violently they shake the head, thin lacing streaks, dissolves pretty quickly. Glowing zinc orange color, much closer to yellow than red, translucently opaque, very active bubble beads visible. Green apple, crab apple driven nose, lemon zest, pressed wildflowers, pear and pomegranate fruit as well, leesy rather than doughy or bready, possesses a nice filling soft texture but short on the diversity of scents. Light to medium-bodied, presents the same soft and pliant feel, no rough edges. More pepper and spicy bite here, still the lees like element adds to soft feel. Peach, apricot, pear, strawberry fruit light of touch. Gentle lemon, orange citrus component. Stays dry and without anything above moderate sweetness. A friendly beer, the carbonation level keeps it just active enough, however, it does lack a certain measure of personality. For the price, you need something more than just competently put together.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Mogul Madness Ale
Winter Warmer
Oregon
22oz, Single
$6.69
Makes it to above two fingers of dark tan hued foam, not dense enough to retain very long, however, leaves a formidable amount of lacing behind. Dark mahogany brown with rust reddish tinge, fully opaque haze, more burnt orange at the rims. Subdued nose of hard toffee, dark chocolate, roasted coffee and nutmeg, piney at times but without the sap, not much fruit, dense and lacking in movement. Medium to full-bodied, leverages its weight to impress even as, in the nose, sacrificing any sense of progression. Burnt wood notes, pine, caramelized brown sugar, dried maple syrup. There’s not denying the hoppy bitterness right down the middle. Cinnamon spiced latte, cola bean, never really comes close to being sweet. No fruit, some white grapefruit pith. Grassiness elevates through the finish. Whereas many “winter warmer” beers play up the sweetness and try to stay cuddly and friendly, this take is definitely aggressive and forces you to take it on its own terms. Me, I could take it or leave it.
3 out of 5

Boone Brewing Company, LLC
Blowing Rock Winter Ale
Winter Warmer
North Carolina
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Aggressive pour gets about a finger and a half of eggshell white foam, fair amount of moderately sized bubbles here and there, cycles downwards without wasting time, nothing unique about the lacing and it too lacks staying power. Very deep red to mahogany in color, you notice its spotless clarity even given the darkness of hue, bright presence in the glass. Cinnamon, anise, ginger, toffee, vanilla pudding and milk chocolate ensure that the nose is sweet and easy to access, really nothing there to serve as an adequate foil, the oatmeal and plum to raisin scents too parrot the party line. Full-bodied, low in carbonation and flat-footed, a fat dude crashed on the couch. More cinnamon, ginger spice, vanilla bean, toffee, caramel, chocolate, keep the list going. Soft and creamy mouth texture, yet with both the sweetness and ability to soak into the palate lacks length through the finish. Some oats, grains, cereal, bare minimum of hops presence, maybe dried orange peels. Another of so many technically correct, not unpleasurable beers which aren’t even close to developing a personality.
3 out of 5

Otter Creek Brewing/Wolaver’s
Quercus Vitis Humulus (Imperial Series) (French Oak-Aged Ale Brewed With French Grape Juice, Fermented With Champagne Yeast)
American Strong Ale
Vermont
12.0%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Big three finger head of orange-tan hue, agitated, whipped up appearance, big pile of bubbles in the middle, thick lacing down the sides, excellent head retention as well. Dark pumpkin orange color, streak of reddish-brown to it, moderate lightening around the rims, fair amount of haze. Well-stuffed nose of pink grapefruit, tangerine, pine, the grape component obvious but not clumsy, touch of lactose, ripe peach, apricot, pear scents as well, milk chocolate, licorice and cocoa butter, sugar cane, slight graininess but sweet is in da house. Full-bodied, very layered and thick, the carbonation is very fine and somewhat weak. Barley, oats and yeasts provide a foundation for more sugar cane, cola bean, vanilla bean, tangerine citrus, once more the grape juice is a constant undercurrent rather than star of the show. Pineapple, nectarine, apricot, pear round things out further. Uptick of spiciness at the end. It is a little mixed up but interesting enough as a one-off.
4 out of 5

Harpoon
Leviathan Imperial IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Massachusetts
9.3%
12oz
4-Pack, $11.19
Creamy white head of all mixed bubble sizes, gets close to one finger then pops and sizzles down to a surface layering, dimpled along the way, moderate lacing at best. very clear copper orange color, much more red than yellow, noticeably transparent. The nose displays a controlled power, streamlined array of pine sap, pink grapefruit citrus, brown earth and field grasses, white pepper, despite weaker apricot and peach scents appears sweet, likely from toffee and caramel malts, credible length. Medium-bodied, almost as if it tries to be bitter but fails. Creamy texture softens the pink grapefruit, pine and flowers, more sweetness as well in the peach, nectarine fruit. Given all this the caramel, butterscotch does seem larger than it probably is. The carbonation does not adopt a distinct personality, a touch of prickle. Not truly that herbaceous. To its credit it is a DIPA but one of the most “user friendly” versions you’ll find. Thus, certain to make friends hither and yon.
4 out of 5

Het Alternatief, Brouwerij
Eerwaarde Pater
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
9.0%
11.2oz, 4-Pack
$22.69
Super whipped up head of dark tan color, dimples as it dissolves as a swift clip, thick streaks of lacing left behind, eventually settles into foam islands scattered across the surface. Hazily opaque yellow-brown colored liquid, easily visible sediment, might want to stand up the bottle and pour slowly. The first thing which impresses about the nose is the taut, wiry sourness, more inviting than offputting, sour lemons, cocktail bitters, whole cloves and nutmeg, the malts appear dry, like powdered cocoa, not fruity per se, as many raisin and prune scents as cherry or plum. Light-bodied, the sediment does add to a grittier texture, very dry throughout, the carbonation light and moderately active. Sour and yeasty, red cherry, yellow raisin and apricot pits. Brown sugar and carob add a pinch of sweetness. Ends with a swirl of pepper and herbaceousness. Unabashedly idiosyncratic, methinks it would show best with food. As well as closer to room temperature.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Old Jubilation Ale
Winter Warmer
Colorado
8.0%
12oz
6-Pack, $11.69
Creamy tan head of two fingers plus of microfoam, very deep dimples, high quality retention, hence not much room for lacing. Clear red-brown in color, sufficiently dark that you feel it is “transparent” per se even though it is, touch more red-orange around the rims. Sweet nose of mocha, malts, anise seed, chestnuts and cherry, plum fruit scents, there is an odd pepperiness to it as well, not sure why it’s there, turns a bit herbaceous just before it dissipates, overall clings to your nostrils well and lingers for some time. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with a dense, muscular feel, the carbonation is tight and kind of explosive, not the creamy or soft sort of fizz. Even with palpable caramel, malt, chocolate elements not that sweet, restraint found in the currant, cherry, plum flavors. Hint of clove spice and cola. Some grain, grass bite, goes with the undercurrent of smokiness. Deserves kudos for the broad array of flavors presented, however, doesn’t cohere into a unified whole as one might want.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
The Kaiser Imperial Oktoberfest Lager
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Colorado
9.73%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Doesn’t take much of an aggressive pour to get the head over three fingers, kind of eggshell white color of mainly foam with some slghtly larger bubbles, simmers down with ease, leaves nice big sheets of lacing stuck to the glass sides. Very light haze to the orange rust color, red clay tint, minor hue loss around the rims. Has a kind of “first fruit pie of the harvest” feel, peaches, pears and apples, brown sugar, taffy sort of sweetness, croissant or other flaky dough matter, no real hoppy scents, any sweet baking spices play a minor role. Full-bodied, close to heavy, particularly when factoring for the beer style. Density might actually hamper the sweetness some, caramel, rum raisin ice cream, butterscotch, banana compote yet not “sugary” in a meaningful way. Apricot, yellow apple, peach, pear fruit again take on a fruit salad character but not canned fruit cocktail. The cocoa, mocha has a drying influence. Yeasty and doughy in a heavy, dense manner. Floral water, clingy without any refreshing aspect at the end. If you just close your eyes and drink it as “beer” than it can be interesting but, that said, all you need is half a pint to get it as much as is possible.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Fourteen Ale
Wheatwine
Pennsylvania
11.8%
12oz, 4-Pack
$16.19
The head is largely comprised of larger bubbles, hence lots of popping and them islands across the surface, off-white in color, about average lacing. Murky glow to the reddish-orange color, more deeply translucent than opaque, holds the light inside well, lightens sufficiently at the glass bottom to see the sediment. Banana, peach cobbler, taffy, candied oranges, cellar dried apples, pinch of baking spices, any wheat or grains feel like lightly sugared breakfast cereal. In the mouth it’s full-bodied through the attack and medium-bodied thereafter, the carbonation active like waves as the tide comes in. This elevates the tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus quite a bit. In turn, this allows for greater presence in the clove, coriander spice, stops short of tangy. The peach, apricot, apple fruit softened by the banana notes, enlivened by the pineapple notes. Malts, brown sugar and then a burst of white pepper. The booziness does come through but that was to be expected. Probably too much going on to truly coalesce into a unified voice.
4 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Imperial Stout (Big Beer Series)
Russian Imperial Stout
New Hampshire
8.9%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Very solid two finger head of dense foam and widely arrayed larger bubbles, very slow to dissipate, slight dimpling as it does, deep brown in hue, the lacing comes in wide sheets which inch down the glass sides. Pitch black, no sign of color anywhere in the liquid. The nose achieves a good balance between roasted and sweeter elements, bitter dark chocolate, maple syrup, American roast coffee pair up with plum, black grape, black cherry fruit as well as pine, licorice, white grapefruit, not very bready, about as hoppy as any Russian Imperial Stout you’ll encounter. Medium-bodied, svelte like a middleweight boxer, there’s power to the punches but no lumbering around. This likely attributable to the hoppiness, more grapefruit, pine, flowers and licorice than is usually the case. Cocoa, chocolate, freshly whipped butter, grilled nuts appear, then clove and barley, at times might pass for a super-dark barleywine. Grape, cherry, apricot fruit, a mix of dark and white fruit. The carbonation is not a big factor but consistent in what it does. I can’t say this is a “textbook” example of the style but in its own way it is compelling and a helluva drink.
5 out of 5

Big City Brewing Co. LTD
Jamaica Stout
Foreign/Export Stout
Jamaica
7.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.39
Solid two finger head of rich brown creamy foam, whipped up enough to quickly dimple, admirable stickiness to the sheets of lacing. Impenetrably black colored liquid, sliver of copper at the outer edges. Plays up the roasted coffee, cocoa in the nose, licorice too yet not without its bitter side, chicory and celery, more chocolaty as it sits, the scents seem pressed together and thus you don’t get much differentiation among them. Full-bodied and close to formidably dense, the carbonation slowly builds, pops and then builds again. There’s a thick skinned quality to the dark chocolate, cocoa, coffee bean flavors, so robust it can’t help but express itself but perhaps in a begrudging manner. Syrupy at times, however, no lack of hop bite and there’s oats, pumpernickel and whole grain bread aspects. Ends with an allusion to rum, or maybe that’s just the power of suggestion given its place of origin.
3 out of 5

Mercury Brewing Company
Ipswich Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
Massachusetts
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.59
Moderate head, plethora of larger bottles likely contributes to it resolving down to a thin layer across the surface, leaves behind credible thick streaks of lacing. The liquid is blackish brown throughout, nary a trace of any lighter color. Pretty gosh darn powerful nose of dark chocolate, cappuccino, butterscotch and a gentle overall roasted feel, blends in plum and cherry fruit scents, fresh scones and oatmeal, while not present in terms of specific scents, the hops reveal themselves in the erect posture it has in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, dense with a big initial swirl of carbonation which slowly fades off as it progresses through the mouth. More grain-driven and herbal here, produces additional bitterness in the dark chocolate and coffee elements. English muffin, breakfast breads sort of things going on. Here a raw nuttiness develops. Not a creamy sort of stout, has a fizzy mineral water like consistency. Smoky finish, helps it lift into a cloud inside the mouth rather than soak more deeply into the tongue.
5 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Black Chocolate Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
New York
10.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$8.59
Aggressive pour yields over a two finger head of dark brown foam with an island of larger bubbles in the middle, takes a good while to work itself down to a steady half-finger level, nice web of lacing along the glass walls. Onyx black in color, actually since black is not a color it’s colorless. The nose has a pleasingly explosive nature to it for the category, licorice, anise, Brazil nuts, dark chocolate, molasses, caramelized brown sugar, rum raisin ice cream, plum, blackberry fruit, you never feel it is devoid of hops but they are hard to isolate. In the mouth it’s a touch alcoholic at first but the espresso bean, bittersweet dark chocolate, mocha accompanied by licorice and pine. At times has a fruitcake kind of thing going on. Toasty, the hops have an oven warmed grain quality, like 19th century shit. At times it’s grapey, definitely you get apricot, black cherry fruit. It lacks the sheer richness of many RIPs but absolutely hits you with the primary flavors you expect.
4 out of 5

Big Boss Brewing Co.
Bad Penny Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
North Carolina
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours with minimal head, light cream tan color, the foam wasn’t there long enough to really be able to leave any lacing behind. Hazy reddish brown, almost mud-like, has a more metallic red hue around the rims, admits a bit of light. The nose is almost completely chocolate, actually smells like a German chocolate cake, caramel pudding, whipped cream, touch of roasted chestnuts, minimal, if any, fruit, citrus scents, any hops-based elements hiding better than Al-Queda. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is semi-sluggish and doesn’t add texture as the weight is shed swiftly. More chocolate, caramel, toffee, whipped cream, molasses, manages to come across as sweet but not necessarily sugary. Pinch of apricot and cherry fruit as well as cereals, granola. Overall, it’s an innocuous quaff, hits your belly solidly, especially if you like a sweeter beer. I don’t know that I’d purchase it again but would easily down it if handed one.
3 out of 5

Blue Point Brewing Company
Toasted Lager
American Amber/Red Lager
New York
5.3%
12oz
6-Pack, $9.99
You get a finger plus head of off-white foam, creamy foam with slight dimpling, slightly above average lacing and decent retention. Red clay to copper orange in color, just short of full transparency, mild infusion of yellow around the rims. Soft malts in the nose, more texturally present than deeply scented, malted milk balls, dried molasses, buttermilk, not a lot of hop presence, perhaps some orange peel and apricot pit. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is foamy yet stops short of getting too large and diffusing the flavors. Metallic edge to the mouth entry, iron and rust, delays the registering of the flowers and more tart orange to lemon peel. Here, the caramel and butterscotch malty flavors less overt, although you kinda wish they were. Hint of raw nuts. The prickle from the carbonation does extend its presence in the absence of more resonant flavors. No big flaws, simply a bit boring and ho-hum, don’t find it growing on me with repeated sips.
3 out of 5

Otter Creek Brewing/Wolaver’s
Stovepipe Porter
American Porter
Vermont
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.09
Crests at around one finger of dark tan foam, dissipates quickly, you can really see the bubbles bursting in front of you, minimal stickiness to the lacing. The liquid is noticeably clear and clean, were it not dark brown no doubt it would allow one to see through it perfectly, shades more to crimson red around the rims allowing light in easily. The nose is pure as well, almost light, cocoa powder and malt, vanilla bean, cherry and plum fruit scents, slight touch of burnt butter, little by way of hoppy counterpoint. Light to medium-bodied, refreshingly tight carbonation has a scrubbing sensation to it. The cocoa powder comes with a keenly edged coffee element, semi-bitter. Trace of licorice and lighter flowers. Any breadiness is kind of muted as well. Works best when you don’t think, take it as a whole, and just consume. Freshness remains most appealing part.
3 out of 5

Mikkeller
Stateside IPA
American IPA
Denmark
7.0%
16.9oz, Single
$9.39
Super-foamy, even with a controlled pour lost some over the top, two to three fingers of dense microfoam, cream white, eventually starts to dimple but has a slow dissolve, given all this only moderate stickiness in the lacing. Plenty of red rust in the burnt amber orange color, faintly hazy yet still easy to see through, little hue loss around the rims. There’s more fullness than penetrating power to the nose, which is a good thing, as much carob and coffee bean to it as tangerine, pink grapefruit citrus, nothing arch in the pine, pepper or pineapple, green apple, apricot scents, nutty breads, the hoppiness shows poise, no showing off. Medium-bodied, again, it’s no lie that this is in the American IPA style, however, there’s nothing steroidal about it. Green grasses, pine needles, flowers, the pink grapefruit and orange citrus as tart as sweet. White pepper and black tea leaves about as aggressive as it gets. The carbonation is tight and has good follow-through towards the finish. The malts lower here, the same carob, mocha and then coffee but nothing as sweet as caramel, etc. Allows the hops to extend a bitter flourish at the end, about as over-the-top as it gets. Not for those who demand turbo-charged, white light flash of hops in their IPAs.
5 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Chicory Stout (With Roasted Chicory And Organic Mexican Coffee)
American Stout
Delaware
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
The head crests at close to three fingers of whipped up, dimpled dark brown foam, the bubbles burst in swift unison, too frothy for there to be much lacing. Very dark brown in color, falls just short of black, touch of metallic orange at the outermost edges. Light roast to the coffee bean and dark chocolate notes in the nose, the chicory a little less obvious than expected, multi-grain bread, not much of a fruit presence, not hops for that matter, texturally comes off as dusty. Medium-bodied, same dry, dustiness pervades the mouth, like if some coffee grounds got into your mug. Dark chocolate as if unsweetened. Moderately more chicory-led bitterness here. Carbonation stays the middle course. As in the nose, no real fruit presence, same for spices, citrus. Solid enough but definitely monochrome. The overall dryness detracts from mouthfeel. Could drink a few in a pinch but wouldn’t seek this out again.
3 out of 5

Blue Point Brewing Company
Hoptical Illusion
American IPA
New York
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.79
Head tops out at near one finger, smaller foam of light tan color, OK lacing for the type, froth dissipates rather quickly. Extremely transparent, the zinc orange color barely tints the liquid, more yellow at the rims, widely dispersed miniscule bubbles visible within. Pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus by far the major factor in the nose, wet straw and grass next, close to bitters, pine cones, quiet green apple and apricot fruit scents, somewhat blurred malts, touch of something muffin-like. Light-bodied and what body is there drops off during the mid-palate. The grapefruit and tangerine citrus here large as well and tease out pineapple, nectarine fruit flavors in addition to apricot and pear. The carbonation is about average, not a big plus or minus. Astringency on the finish cancels out any show of florality. Once more, the maltiness lacks distinguishing characteristics. Seems more made by recipe than inspiration.
2 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Big A IPA (Big Beer Series)
American Double/Imperial IPA
New Hampshire
9.2%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Just about a finger plus of head, cream white in color, mix of foam and medium-sized bubbles, dissipates faster than expected, lacing isn’t that sticky either. Orange rust to pumpkin in color, strong haziness, only a slight fade to dark yellow at the rims. The nose features bodacious pink grapefruit and pine needle elements, orange blossoms, sweet garden herbs, apricot, peach and pineapple fruit scents, when all this tangy sweetness subsides, milk chocolate softness comes through. Medium-bodied, very round and soft in texture, no bitterness, albeit not toothless. Leans on its sweeter aspects like that tangerine and pink grapefruit citrus, pine, licorice and violets. Not sugary but the fruit flavors of pineapple, nectarine and apricot carry full force. Again, the chocolate and caramel too, The carbonation on the whole is fluffy but not dominant as such. Taken as a whole, this is a friendly styled DIPA which prefers to be friends with everyone it meets than put some stylistic flag in the ground.
4 out of 5

Sterkens N.V., Brouwerij
St. Sebastiaan Dark
Dubbel
Belgium
6.9%
16oz, Single
$9.49
Huge frothy head, given its size resolves down to a half finger swiftly, light cream white in color, leaves solid sheets of lacing down the glass sides. There’s enough yellow in the dark brown color to give it more of a murky muddiness, the carbonation visible through that murk. As strong as the caramel and toffee are in the nose, remains clean overall, dark chocolate covers the plum, cherry fruit scents, some oats and sweeter grains, flower and orange citrus driven dissolve. Light-bodied, very foamy in the mouth, soft and fluffs up the whole experience. The caramel, butterscotch, brown sugar notes are obvious but hardly sweet in an enduring fashion, in fact it’s a fairly dry beer. Orange peels, granola, peat moss slip in, the cherry, plum, banana fruit mostly quiet. Classy and easy to drink, a little more depth of flavor couldn’t hurt, though.
4 out of 5

Hondurena, S.A., Cerveceria
Port Royal Export Pilsner Style
Dortmunder/Export Lager
Honduras
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bone white head of noticeably delicate foam, dimples like it was bubble bath bubbles, crests at close to fingers than dissolves down, thin but persistent streaks of lacing. Pale yellow straw color, clear, not sufficient hue depth to notice much change at the rims, haphazard large bubbles launch upwards with good speed. The nose is simple but clean, sweet cornmeal and cereals, more honey than sugar, apricot pits, white grapes, no bitter residue, marked more by the absence of negatives than presence of positives. In the mouth it’s light-bodied and almost evanescent, the carbonated swirl enhances palate presence. Same general appeal as in the nose, grains, cornbread, molasses, light white fruit, creamy enough with a hint of malts, just not a lot of length. Easy to drink and doesn’t piss you off, two fairly big compliments for beers of this sort.
3 out of 5

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, The
OMB Copper
Altbier
North Carolina
4.8%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
Close to two finger head of cream white, very whipped up froth, freshness extends the head life, unusually high degree of stickiness to the lacing. Copper orange color, as brown as red in tint, very clear and there’s not much fade around the rims. Very bready, yeasty nose with sourdough notes, citrus shades come and go quickly, the malty cocoa late to arrive but there, walnuts and straw, pleasingly erect presence in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, the carbonation comes in waves like the shore with the tide going out. Smooth as it holds onto all its weight, uses the yeastiness and touch of grassiness to keep an underlying prickle. The orange, lemon peel is a mild sweetening aspect, helps to bring out apricot and peach pit nuances. The malts are like malts, as in malted milk balls. It really has no sweetness for impact yet isn’t close to dry. Pretty damn sessionable, strikes you as a beer that you’d pair with vegetarian cuisine, a “food beer.” (Ceramic Wire Stopper)
4 out of 5

Lindemans, Brouwerij
Pêche Lambic
Lambic-Fruit
Belgium
4.0%
12oz
Single
$6.49
Two fingers of super frothy head, almost whipped up, bone white, slow to wind down, moderate cling in the lacing. Light orange to yellow in color, very clear but not close to watery, transparent though, close to hard cider in appearance. The nose very clearly expresses peach fruit, boisterously fresh, touch of lemon and orange citrus, golden honey glaze, lifts and spreads widely, not sure it’s supposed to do more than this. Full-bodied, downy soft carbonation relieves heaviness yet sinks in all the way and requires effort to wash out of the palate. Huge, juicy peach with tang, the orange and lemon citrus a very able supplement, contributes to an uptempo pace and general mouthwatering quality. There’s nothing here that isn’t obvious from the start, however, no less impressive for it.
5 out of 5

Korenaar, Brouwerij De Dochter van de
Embrasse
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
9.0%
22.4oz, Single
$12.99
Dense, close to two finger head of tan color, mostly medium grade foam, larger bubbles scattered here and there, slow but steady evaporation, very credible stickiness to the lacing. Mud to chestnut brown in color, murky and fully opaque, mild yellowing around the rims. Good composure to the nose, milk chocolate, Brazil nuts, scones, nutmeg then raisins, cherries and apricots, never appears sweet or too concentrated, again it fills your nostrils without seeming to want to. Medium-bodied, here it has a tighter and firmer character than in the nose, the carbonation is foamy yet more anchoring than lifting. Chocolate, coffee ice cream, caramel and butterscotch all very flavorful, however, not that sweet. The scone, biscuit element there, under the surface a certain hoppiness percolates without blooming into distinct parts. Very light mixed citrus but there. For all of its firmness, not hard to consume with alacrity. That is, pound. Lack of sugariness keeps the finish fresher and cleaner.
5 out of 5

Hondurena, S.A., Cerveceria
Barena
American Adjunct Lager
Honduras
4.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pure white, fairly frothy given its cresting below one finger, thin but persistent lacing streaks, swift dissolve. Watery yellow color, fully transparent with bubbles visible within. Corn, earth and yesterday’s cut grass typlify the nose, on the sweet side given the paucity of scents, chestnuts, no fruit nor citrus of note. Light-bodied but very foamy which increases the mouth presence. Dried yeast, corn husk and grass most of the flavors, here you get a curious splash of green apple. And maybe some lemon peel. No sweet maltiness, no bitter hoppiness. Seems to be aiming for the Platonic form of “generic beer” and comes close to the mark. While it is entirely uninteresting, not any better nor worse than its cheapie American counterparts. Certainly have had worse.
2 out of 5

Hondurena, S.A., Cerveceria
Salva Vida
American Adjunct Lager
Honduras
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bleached white head, tops out close to one finger of microfoam, the lacing has light stickiness, eventually slides down into the liquid. Very light metallic yellow color, incredibly transparent, more like colored water, the bubbles look like light snowflakes rising instead of falling. Sweet nose of corn syrup, violets, sourdough bread, orange citrus and gentle peach, apple notes, above average lift helps extend its presence. Achieves a medium body, the carbonation lively but fits the whole. Avoids any bitterness, that sweet corn and general malts ensures that. Mineral water character adds freshness. Sourdough and rye offered, more like baked bread than yeast or raw dough. Glimmer of florality too. Not a complex brew, just a pleasing humble one.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Curmudgeon Old Ale (Brewed With Molasses)
Old Ale
Michigan
9.8%
12oz, 4-Pack
$14.49
One finger of orange-tan hued head, mostly dense foam but all kinds of bubble sizes found, foamy lacing as well, clings then slowly slides downwards. Brick red, rust color to more dark amber orange further out, warm and murky glow throughout. Sweey, jiggling jelly roll of a nose, brown sugar and molasses, sure, also coconut shavings, orange marmalade, crème brûlée and French vanilla ice cream, satisfyingly sweet but not insipidly ingratiating, firms up as it sits in your nostrils. Medium-bodied and actually a lot lighter in its feet than one might expect given the sweetness factor. Molasses, caramel, cocoa, cinnamon and coconut cream waste no time in asserting themselves, soft and inviting, at the same time the carbonation subtly lifts things up and prods them forward. Rich peach, apricot, nectarine fruit flavors too while tangerine and pink grapefruit citrus abounds. Full finish that fills the belly and makes you want to refill the empty glass.
5 out of 5

Big Boss Brewing Co.
Angry Angel Kölsch Style Ale
Kölsch
North Carolina
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Two finger crest of bleached white microfoam, very whipped up in appearance despite quick dissolve, the lacing glides down the glass sides rapidly. The liquid is filmy which in part masks the relative paleness of the yellow-orange color, gauzy transparency. In the nose both the yeasts and malts are soft and relaxed, there’s no competitiveness here, baguette bread, touch of bitters, lemon peel, corn husks, snap peas, no real fruit presence and minimal mixed white citrus. Light to medium-bodied with an expansive carbonation which verges at times on fluffy. More corn, grass, half-cooked yeast and biscuit notes, the apricot, peach fruit steps up to take a chair at the table. Same nondescript citrus, though. Unprocessed grains more obvious as it warms. A cut above the obvious but not much more.
3 out of 5

Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Bud Light Golden Wheat (Light Beer Brewed With Coriander And Citrus Peels)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Missouri
4.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$6.89
Thin cream white head, evenly sized bubbles, quick to disperse, no real lacing of note. Meager nose of banana, orange peel and, duh, coriander spice, curiously the wheat aspect doesn’t come through much, and it all more or less blows away swiftly. Light-bodied, steady, turbulent carbonation adds to the palate presence but churns up the flavors so they register less. Similar array of mild coriander, nutmeg spice, orange to lemon peel, banana. Dry and, at times, close to bitter hence more wheat and grain presence. Little length, watery with a slight metallic edge at the end. Hard to imagine this Anheuser-Busch offering passing the grade and sticking around over the years.
2 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
Pilgrim’s Dole Wheatwine (Barleywine Style Ale Made With Wheat)
Wheatwine
Michigan
10.0%
22oz, Single
$5.79
Dark tan colored head, lots of larger bubbles yet avoids retention problems, the lacing has about average stickiness. Glowing reddish hues make room around the rims for deep amber orange coloration, very light haze doesn’t mess up the general transparency too much, Extremely sweet nose of caramel, brown sugar, molasses and milk chocolate, fresh butter too, rum raisin ice cream, light nuttiness, however, there’s not much wheat, grain or anything deeply hop derived, plum, cherry, apricot fruit scents all sweet too. Full-bodied, for its large size and general heaviness, the carbonation is fine and full of pinpoint prickles. Very boozy and alcoholic, you feel a buzz right off the bat. While there’s some dryness at the end, again, sweet and almost like a “dessert beer,” piles on the molasses, caramel, brown sugar, vanilla bean, milk chocolate, you name it. Poached pear, apricot, plum fruit with notes of raisins and dates. Creamy and once more without that much hoppy qualities, more like cereal and granola. Glazed orange peels. Again the comparison to rum surfaces. While it is fairly pleasurable to drink it only has a narrow band of uses, I’d say a tawny port for beer drinkers.
3 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Cold Mountain Winter Ale
Winter Warmer
North Carolina
5.5%
22oz, Single
$4.89
Good density to the one finger head, mixture of all bubble sizes, dissolves down into a steady half finger, dark cream brown in hue, above average stickiness to the lacing. Mostly copper orange colored liquid, reddish brick tint, very clear and holds the light inside well. Light cinnamon, ginger to anise spice swiftly pretties up the nose, the caramel notes show restraint, good fullness in the peach, apricot fruit scents, overall just unfolds at a slow, relaxed pace, nothing flashy. Full-bodied, the carbonation is rich and broad adding to its creamy mouthfeel. Milk chocolate powder, hard toffee, brown sugar and sweet baking spices dominate flavorwise, however, it’s really just not that sweet. Wheat germ, granola notes as well as a faint stoniness. The apricot, cherry fruit lower here but more floral. It’s almost a “cerebral” sort of beer, a contemplator, which one assumes is the intent.
4 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Big Butte Smoked Porter
American Porter
North Carolina
7.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
About a half finger head of dark tan color, thin foam interspersed by many larger bubbles, very good sheet of lacing. You want to call the liquid very, very dark brown but it’s more or less opaquely black. The nose is indeed smoky, loads of roasted coffee, then caramel, butterscotch and nutmeg spice, the cherry, plum fruit has a lighter apricot streak, granola cereal and grains fit in seamlessly, very full nostril presence helps it linger for a long time. Full-bodied, for its density moves at a good pace and doesn’t bog down. The smokiness here comes close to evoking pork rinds and fried pig. Here the coffee more bitter and has less support from toffee or butterscotch, more bitter dark chocolate. The carbonation is rough and tumble but the right kind of turbulence. The cherry, blueberry, apricot, apple fruit speaks clearly, of few words. The smokiness is hard to wash out of your mouth. Not sure how much one could pound in one sitting but it’s good stuff for the style.
5 out of 5

Harpoon
Winter Warmer
Winter Warmer
Massachusetts
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Light tan head which barely covers the surface, forms islands of larger bubbles, fades swiftly but leaves more lacing than you’d expect. Steady flow of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg in the nose, not overbearing, adds in orange citrus, brown sugar, not that sweet and possesses a clear hoppy spine, the apricot and peach scents subdued too and in lockstep with the rest. Medium-bodied, carbonation gives it a charge and perhaps a bit too much churn. The coriander, nutmeg, cinnamon spice is there, lighter on the clove. Presents smooth maltiness yet stays dry and doesn’t soak into the palate much. Grains and hoppy grasses keep it on a generally equal distribution. None of the respective elements deep or resonant, hence in the end it does not make a lasting impression. Swift denouement.
2 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Harvest Ale Wet-Hopped Ale
American Pale Ale
Michigan
6.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
The head crests at about one finger, bleached white and mostly large to very large bubbles which helps it dissipate swiftly, moderate stickiness to the lacing. More dark yellow in color than light orange amber, has a gauziness which traps light inside despite the overall lighter hue. The hops-driven nose is more peat moss and forest floor scrub than grassy, more relaxed and less stiff than expected, orange peel, very light honey, more so pineapple, nectarine bite with softer apricot tones, pine oil, the malts very much in the background. Medium-bodied, here the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus leaps out at you. Resiny pine, more of the forest scrub, has a yeasty side that just manages to carve out a niche. Starts off dry and ends much drier, even as it adheres to your mouth walls it prickles and falls away. Again, little malt balance, a smooth residue at best. Comes across like it serves two masters, one make a big impression, the other stay true to your roots. Very good but not benchmark.
4 out of 5

Smedt/Brouwerij Affligem, Brouwerij De
Affligem Blond
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Belgium
7.0%
11.2oz
4-Pack, $9.59
Solid, foamy head of close to three fingers, very active, bone white, starts to dimple as it slowly recedes, strong streaks of lacing left behind. The orange coloration almost has a metallic glow to it, hazy with little hue loss at the rims. There’s a brisk and clean quality to the nose, sharper overall than expected, peppery with only a pinch of sweet baking spices, herbaceous and grassy as well, dry and high-toned grapefruit and orange citrus, the yeastiness too appears dry and the banana, peach, apple fruit speaks in hushed tones, negligible softening at warmer temps. Medium-bodied, likewise firm unto stern and compact in the mouth, additional clove, cardamom and nutmeg along with the peppery foundation. The carbonation has a tight weave and does not do much to spread the flavors broadly. The grassiness persists, accompanied by unprocessed grains. Little yeastiness nor bready qualities. The orange citrus diminished as well. Meager apricot, peach, cherry fruit with a hint of banana. Distributor sample bottle so one assumes it is in good shape and representative.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in October 2009

Bruery, The
Orchard White
Witbier
California
5.7%
25.4oz, Single
$8.39
Be careful when you pour or have a sponge on hand, even a moderate pour fills half the glass with bleached bone white foam, thankfully it’s active enough to both look like a bucket of worms and dissipate quickly, still the lacing slippery when wet. Extremely light yellow color, no concentration at all and might even pass for an adjunct lager. The nose bursts with clove and coriander spice, potpourri musk and lemon to orange pulp, some soft oat and sweet yeast accents, even with ripe peach, apricot fruit scents lifts into an above average perfume. Light to medium-bodied, prefers to dance ballet than a dirty grind. The carbonation appears overly foamy at first but with more sips calms down and fits the whole. Sweet lemon and orange citrus teams up with yeast and honey glazed bread to make for a friendly impression without overdoing it, retains fresh cleanliness. Pear, apricot, yellow apple fruit substantial but, too, don’t turn things too sweet. Vanilla bean clove, ginger remain in proportion. Oat and graham cracker aspects, the hops here are fully tamed and knit in. The floral side only apparent at the end. Nonchalantly complex, a real easy drinker which rewards focus and attention.
5 out of 5

Jones Brewing Company
Stoney’s Beer
American Adjunct Lager
Pennsylvania
4.5%
12oz
6-Pack, $5.59
Pure white head which is made of medium sized bubbles, dissolves at a very rapid rate down to nothing, zero lacing. Dilute yellow color, fully transparent, no hue depth to lose around the rims. Wheat, rye, corn in the nose, perhaps lightly floral but no real fruit presence nor sweeter malt notes, just a light grassiness underneath. Light-bodied, the carbonation has a tightness to it which lends added freshness. The sweet corn aspect here teases out some peach or pear fruit but just a little. Cereal grains and white bread neutral if not favoring sweet profile. Nothing bitter or herbaceousness, just that light grassiness. Smooth finish, kinda empty, yet better than most alternatives. A simple beer without guile or a desire to rise above its born status.
2 out of 5

Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu
Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse
Hefeweizen
Germany
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Light creamy head of small, tight bubbles which dissipates with ease, ending in islands across the surface, any lacing glides down the glass sides. The liquid’s color is a light orange to yellow, however, it’s so cloudy that it can’t help but appear deep, traps the light into a strong glow. Banana compote, cinnamon and ginger spices, buttery croissant flakes, spiced oranges and a touch of grapefruit, any wheat or oats highly polished, the malts smooth things out even further. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is fluffy and causes the liquid to fill the mouth with a soft, creamy texture. Banana, cantaloupe, apricot and cherry fruit sweet and sweeter still with clove and allspice accents. The orange citrus tighter, mild sourness. Honeyed bread and yeast, minimal wheat presence. The creaminess lengthens the finish well.
4 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
09.09.09 Vertical Epic
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
California
8.9%
22oz, Single
$7.49
Huge dimpled head of dark brown with a complete mix of everything from very large bubbles to delicate foam, slow to dissolve, when it does leaves plenty of sticky lacing behind. Fully black liquid, opaque for sure. Creamed coffee, licorice, toasted mocha, peat moss, tar and charcoal, curry spices and semi-clenched cherry, plum fruit scents, touch of bread crust, can’t seem to locate much hops presence, neither sweet nor dry really. Full-bodied, more indistinct spiciness as well as dried white grapefruit rinds here, forestalls the sweetness. That said, dark chocolate, dark roasted coffee beans and vanilla extract begin to sweeten the pot. Here you really start to get the banana fruit next to the apricot, cherry base. Hay and straw sort of meld with bread grains, increasing the dryness towards the finish. Carbonation is chunky at times. Chilled or at room temperature, not overly complex yet it has an energy level which holds your gaze.
4 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Imperial Russian Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
10.5%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Little less than one finger of dark brown froth, good mixture of bubble sizes, minimal lacing, dissolves down swiftly. As expected, black as the ace of spades, no sign of brown nor orange to be found. Heavy coffee roast in the nose, dark chocolate, licorice, hard caramel candy balanced out nicely by red grape, cherry, apricot fruit scents, little dried fruit character, no real citrus presence but has a hoppy bite and floral dust. Medium to full-bodied, not really that heavy, even as fat and round as the carbonation feels. Active coffee, cocoa roast, close to woody or even smoky, not much sweetness in the accompanying butterscotch, caramel nuances. As well, not much sweetness in the plum, grape, cherry department, could argue more dulcet qualities in the breadiness. Near the finish grass and hay come along with faint wildflowers. The more you sip the more the scrubbing sensation becomes clear. Very close to respectably impressive.
4 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s Pure Brewed Lager Beer
Euro Pale Lager
England
5.0%
19oz, Single
$3.99
Bone white head of 1-2 fingers, mix of bubble sizes has it evaporating quickly down to the surface, very little lacing. Light gold color with a solid glow which adds presence, mostly transparent, some visual distortion. Grainy nose featuring sourdough, rye, wheat and hay scents, never becomes bitter or too herbal, light cocoa dust comes forward with time, has orange and lemon peel wisps but no real distinguishable fruit scents. Full-bodied, a touch heavy and even the carbonation is full, round and slow. More tang in the orange citrus, sour with grapefruit notes. Mineral water component brings light iron shavings. Through all this, the rye and sourdough lowered a couple of notches. If you close your eyes and focus maybe you’ll get some apricot or peach. For its heft, easy enough to drink but no quaffer.
3 out of 5

Genesee Brewing Co.
Genesee Cream Ale
Cream Ale
New York
5.1%
12oz
6-Pack, $7.49
Frothy pure white head, loosely gathered foam that reaches two fingers on the pour and settles into a thin, steady layer across the surface, no lacing. Light yellow to orange color, while not deep has a lot of brightness. Rye and country brown bread, honey, sweet corn and malt make for a generously full nose, soft on the whole with a firming metallic streak. Medium-bodied, holds its weight throughout and possessed of a steady, masculine carbonation. Honey notes, yeast and malt give it that sweet creaminess, no lack of corn and grain too. The hoppiness is there, more to sculpt and lightly dry than lend true bite. Apricot, strawberry, pear fruit. The metallic element less of a presence here. Even as it warms some, doesn’t piss you off. The kind of beer childhoods are made of.
3 out of 5

Bruery, The
Black Orchid
Belgian Dark Ale
California
5.7%
25.4oz, Single
$8.39
Very large head so don’t pour too aggressively, quite fine microfoam of a dark tan color, any lacing glides down the glass sides. Completely black in color, opaque, thinnest streak of orange imaginable at the rims. Roasted dark chocolate, coffee bean, fried butter give the nose a stiff posture, bitters and grass add to this, floral dust and whole cloves, golden raisins mix with cherry pits, on the whole very complex but the smoky roast by far the dominant factor. Full-bodied, the carbonation too is dense, with more of a scrubbing sensation than lift, helps it grind into the mouth pores. Core of sweetness to the cherry, raspberry, apricot fruit, yet, duh, short-lived with all that mocha, cocoa, dark chocolate and coffee grinds around. Dried straw, wheat and oats present, close to corn husks. The coriander, clove type spices either mute or hemmed in by the rest. An interesting assemblage, not sure how much one could consume in one sitting.
4 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Octoberfest
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Massachusetts
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Weak head which barely gets to half a finger before dissipating to weak swirls across the surface, thin streaks of lacing. Nice glow to the red amber color, thins into a zinc orange around the rims. The nose is gently spiced with clove, nutmeg and allspice, followed on by cereal, mixed white citrus and oregano and bay leaf herbs, neither that malty nor that fruity. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation arguably a bit much for the primary material and does not allow the flavors time to soak in. More of that raw spice mixed in with herbs and a light metallic accent. Hard to shake that dilute feeling, no fruit or citrus to fill in the blanks and the malts not very sweet, some dark chocolate dust. The graininess milled down and powdery. Some lift at the end, but without much direction.
2 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Baltic Porter (Big Beer Series)
Baltic Porter
New Hampshire
8.7%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Simple one finger head of mainly tiny foam, very dark brown in color, leaves a credible amount of lacing, however, the head does not seem that interested in sticking around. Little to say about the color except that it is pitch black with no evidence of any other hue. The nose possesses great penetrating power without any sign of showing off, carob, coffee bean, dark chocolate and butterscotch meld into black raisin, date, plum fruit, thick streak of black licorice, doesn’t show much esters, if you can hold off from indulging in it you can find some orange citrus and pressed flowers, hops were indeed used in making this beer. Full-bodied, sturdy and broad-shouldered, has a dense muscularity rather than just be “big” per se. The carbonation is made up of larger, slow bursting bubbles which fit the feel, no fine fizz or extra effervescence. Toasted malt, roasted coffee, butterscotch and cocoa, adroitly maneuvers between sweetness and dryness. Raisin, date, fig, plum, cherry and even some apricot fruit there for the taking. Again, licorice and flowers seem to be next in line. Just the right amount of bitters and grains on the finish to reset the palate for the next sip. This is close to benchmark shit.
5 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Estate Brewers Harvest Ale 1st Release (2009)
American IPA
California
6.7%
24oz, Single
$10.29
Generous head of over three fingers, you have to wait for the foam to subside, nicely dimpled surface, cream white in color, above average lacing. Achieves a metallic coppery coloration, as brown and red as orange, some lightening around the rims, transparent but not crystal clear. The nose is calmly integrated and no one element shines above the rest, the tangerine and pink grapefruit citrus not as sweet as it could have been, pine, licorice and grilled nuts knit in, apricot, nectarine, pineapple fruit scents don’t seek to cut, the caramel and honey display finesse too. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is soft and round and releases weight off of the palate. The hops aren’t what you’d call aggressive but they are most assertive, grass and hay with a resinous quality to the pine and flowers. Spicy with a nod towards white pepper. Malt powder, vanilla extract and a light toffee hard candy element take some of the sourness out of the pineapple, guava, nectarine fruit. Grapefruit and lemon citrus zesty not pesty. The hops never go over the top and there is not a lot of burn, as above, the idea here seems to be “finesse” and not “wow” factor.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in September 2009

Lagunitas Brewing Company
A Little Sumpin’ Extra! Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.74%
22oz
Single, $4.49
Spotless white head, look scrubbed clean, crests at about one finger, assorted bubble sizes, steady dissolve leaving an above average amount of lacing stuck to the glass sides. A touch lighter and clearer than expected, a kind of sub bleached yellow to pumpkin orange in hue, easily transparent. The nose is drenched in pink grapefruit, lime and tangerine juice, pungently sweet with pine oil, scone crumbs, the apricot, peach fruit too friendly to relent and take on tart pineapple notes, difficult to tease out any chocolate or toffee type stuff. Full-bodied, the carbonation is fine and sticks the tongue rather than swirl, this in large part due to the overt heaviness and tactile cling. Not as out-and-out sweet as the nose, however, there’s no less impressiveness in the tangerine, lime, pink grapefruit, just the dominance among them shifted a bit. Pine, ginger and more of a floral dimension although that is too delicate to thrive amidst the bitter grassiness which comes to the fore at the end. Powdered milk chocolate has additional staying power and there’s a punch of carob as well. Not that much breadiness, if anything rough baker’s dough. Apricot, nectarine, golden raisin, honeydew melon fruit flavors. Plays up its strengths from start to finish and doesn’t make much attempt at answering the critics beforehand.
5 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Pumpkin Ale
Pumpkin Ale
New Hampshire
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Solid one finger head, slightly off-white, good mix of small and large bubbles with nice lacing. Filmy orange color, inclines more to red than yellow. Compressed nose, built for speed, clove and nutmeg spice, pumpkin flesh, mixed white citrus, no discernible malts, some hop-like graininess, lightly roasted, stays on message. Medium-bodied, as expected repeats the message of the nose, clove, ginger, cinnamon spice to provide edge to the pumpkin base. Very direct, if not lean, sprinting through the mouth. The same mild orange to lemon citrus touch here. At times, the level of carbonation worrisome but settles down when necessary. Kinda hoppy, maybe. Easy to appreciate the clarity. Refreshing finish.
3 out of 5

Spaten-Bräu
Oktoberfest Ur-Märzen
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Germany
5.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.89
Lifts up to a two finger head of eggshell white cream, soft and foamy with some dimples, little lacing and with a steady dissolve down to the surface. Reddish copper color, complete clarity, only slight drop to rust orange around the rims. Malty with cocoa powder and maple syrup alongside corn, wheat and flour accents, mild raisin, grape and apricot scents, comes with a vague metallic edge as well. Medium-bodied, for its weight the carbonation gets things a little too fluffy. While it keeps the maple, milk chocolate and general malty sweetness through the attack, it dries up considerably thereafter with cornhusks, grass, unprocessed grains and rye bread albeit without any excess bitterness. Here you might get a zip of lemon or orange citrus. Seems more tightly knit and purposeful colder than approaching room temperature.
3 out of 5

Otter Creek Brewing
Russian Imperial Stout
Vermont
10.60%
22oz, Single
$5.99
One to two finger head of dark brown hue, mostly tiny foam bubbles, the lacing forms complete sheets but they slide down the sides with ease. Jet black in color, no sign of any brown or orange. Malty nose of caramel, milk chocolate, creamed coffee, surprising burst of grapefruit citrus which registers way before the raisin, plum, cherry scents, in turn unprocessed grain and grass notes also take on a prominent role, overall hovers more than it lifts. Medium-bodied, creamy, full mouth entry which turns semi-bitter featuring coffee rinds, burnt dark chocolate powder alongside wheat and straw, not quite herbaceous given the latter. The citrus is lower here, more mixed in flavor, however, clearly present. Also more floral as it warms. Does sweeten some by the end but not much. As it finishes a metallic and minerally element comes out. Has a “mature” feel to it, avoids taking a more ungroomed “power” route to impress.
3 out of 5

Köstritzer Schwarzbierbrauerei GmbH & Co.
Schwarzbier
Germany
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Pours past one finger head of frothy brown, the larger size of the bubbles makes it dissolve down swiftly, good lacing but lacking in stickiness. Pure black liquid, albeit an amber glow appears around the rims and glass bottom, the liquid seems clear but hard to tell given the blackness. Soft malts and toffee scents stiffen from the pumpernickel, rye bread element, raisin, date and fresher cherry scents blend in nicely and are sweetened by cinnamon spice, only the slightest roasted qualities and with minimal hops presence. Medium-bodied, fine carbonation dances across the palate and keeps things lively. Coffee roast tightens up the malts, dark chocolate powder and focuses the clove, cinnamon spice as well. Pumpernickel persists but less bready here. Stronger mineral water component. Clean finish with weight downwards on the palate left intact. Sessionable, likely a good food beer.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Theobroma (Ale Brewed with Natural Flavors, Honey, Cocoa Nibs, Cocoa Powder, Ancho Chilies & Ground Annatto)
Chile Beer
Delaware
6.5%
25.4oz, Single
$12.99
The head crests at about one finger then settles into a slight layer of cream white foam, the lacing about average. Has a dusky orange hue, depending on the angle either more brown or more yellow, great deal of bubbles percolating throughout. The cocoa and honey evident in the nose, flaky dough comes close to cookie dough, also has a noticeable peat moss, lichen foresty element, moves into allspice and something close to cumin, muttering of peach and apricot scents. Full-bodied, not as dense as it is sluggish, rolls into the mouth as a boulder would. The cocoa, chocolate powder and caramel soften the orange, tangerine citrus. The carbonation feels like an expanding balloon before it pops from the pressure. Hoppy bitterness breaks through at the end, some corn and cereal nuances. Repeats itself throughout.
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Balto MärzHon Märzen Lager
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Maryland
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thin head even with an aggressive pour, barely makes one finger then dissipates into nothing, no lacing. Light golden hue, slightly yellowed out and dull, mostly transparent, few visible bubbles. Bready, yeasty nose, on the sweet side, apricot to peach fruit, golden raisins and figs, honey, light sourdough note, more hops and white pepper control things as the show dissipates. Medium-bodied, sheds weight as it progresses. Rye, pretzel dough, brown bread and wheat present, no real bite more so this is a conscious foil to the caramel, honey as well as apricot, pear, red apple fruit flavors. By the mid-palate the carbonation becomes a touch too active. At warmer temperatures clove spice comes out. Lemon residue is the final card played. Seems confused about itself.
3 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
15th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
10.0%
22oz, Single
$8.99
Pours a huge head, fills up a third of the pint glass before finally settling down into a two finger dimpled froth of cream water color, the lacing is thin and long streaks here and there. Copper red in hue with a more amberish orange cast around the rims, very clear and bright liquid. Butterscotch, fried butter and caramelized brown sugar percolate through the nose, almost leesy at times, juicy pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus, peppery with notes of jalapeños, close to milk or lactose notes but more like processed cheese, the apricot and peach fruit scents substantial enough but lost in the mix. Full-bodied, not over carbonated, hits the right level to stir things up but not disrupt the flavors’ message. Naturally, the oak influence is palpable and there’s a huge amount of coconut oil, butterscotch, caramel and toffee. When combined with the pink grapefruit, orange citrus and apricot, pear, peach fruit it is definitely on the sweet side of things, not a lot of counterbalancing “bite.” More bready than grassy, and fruit bread at that. At the finish there’s some hoppy burn, welcome at that point. Certainly jacked up in style but not misshapen for it.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Punkin Ale
Pumpkin Ale
Delaware
7.0%
12oz
4-Pack, $8.99
Moderate one finger head of creamy off-white, mostly small foam with some larger bubbles interspersed, not a great deal of lacing. Deep copper orange color, very clear liquid, more reddish influence than yellow. There’s a tautness to the nose which keeps any sweetness in check, more like raw pumpkin spritzed with lemon juice than doused with baking spices, comes on steadily with unprocessed grains and hay notes, refreshing more than resonant. Medium-bodied, the foaminess scrubs but pulls back before getting annoying. The pumpkin flavors stay fresh, however, more cut to the clove and ginger here. The lemon citrus not as sweet as in the nose, as if mixed with mineral water. Near the end caramel and buttery accents appear, softens the mouth feel more than sweetens. Curiously restrained for this brewery.
4 out of 5

Augustiner-Bräu Wagner KG
Augustiner Bräu Maximator
Doppelbock
Germany
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.99
Good thickness and retention to the creamy brown head, eventually settles into a thin layer across the surface, the lacing doesn’t stick. Fairly clear brown liquid with equal red and orange influences, few bubbles to be seen. The nose comes up with suitable doses of caramel, milk chocolate, raisin, apricot and bing cherry fruit, there’s a smoky touch along with peat moss, forest floor matter and dried oranges, the bread notes are dense like pumpernickel, little airiness. Medium-bodied, nowhere near as sweet as one might have expected, has a mineral water sort of freshness and pétillance, not really carbonated in the strong sense. As a result it does not have density and flows by at a pace detrimental to the flavors soaking in. Soda bread, raisin bread, rye and grains elevate here, the caramel, creamed coffee and butterscotch components fade off. The cherry, apricot, peach fruit finds some traction in the mid-palate. Warming doesn’t seem to help flavor expressivity. As it ends the stage mostly held by the herbaceous earthiness. Not sure what the goal was here.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
AutumnFest
American Amber/Red Ale
Pennsylvania
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thick, frothy head over a finger, lots of different bubble sizes, eggshell white in color, lacing has some good grip. Some gauziness to the lighter orange-amber hue, holds light well and the glow compensates for the lighter rims. Nice bready nose, pretzel dough, rye, almost pumpernickel before lemon peel, a vague wildflower dash, no bitterness nor any sweetness for that matter, cigar wrapper and tar more than any caramel or toffee. Medium-bodied, strong carbonation frames the mouth entry and adds presence. Same demure profile to the rye, grain, cereal flavors, added to by a mineral water kind of freshness. At the same time, there’s a dry ashen quality as well, not enough for tackiness but evident as there’s minimal juice in lemon citrus and apricot, peach fruit flavors. Retains its quiet profile, nothing sticks out to either annoy you or tickle your fancy. In the end, you wish it would take a more decisive position now and then.
3 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Torpedo Extra IPA
American IPA
California
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Dimpled cream white head of a steady one finger, slowly works down to the surface, nice web of lacing left along the glass sides. Deep bronze hue, as red as it is orange, remains more clear than translucent, credible glow to it. The nose leads with pink grapefruit and pine oil while not overloading on it either, has sufficient malts to smooth things out, cookie dough, peach, apricot, pear fruit, caramel and moist forest floor matter, lingers for some time. Medium-bodied with a sort of soupy carbonation that whips things up more than desired, lifts the flavors up off the palate before they can adequately settle in. The pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus has more bite here than the nose would suggest, brings out more pine and floral shades. Overall, too dry to let the peach, nectarine, pineapple fruit really shine. Granola and unsweetened cereal present. Any maltiness present mostly as fumes, plays on the bitter card without ever risking offense.
4 out of 5

Cerveceria Mexicana
Ed Hardy Premium Beer
American Adjunct Lager
Mexico
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bone white head, crests at about one finger of bubbly foam and then dissolves down to the surface with no lacing left behind. Very light gold color, fully transparent, a few bubble streams visible. The nose is full of grain, hay, corn, wheat germ with an indistinct malt smoothness, no hoppy bitterness, also no fruit, citrus or flower elements. Light-bodied with a good deal of foaminess upfront to compensate as much as possible. The flavors are exactly like the nose so no sense retyping them. It might be the corn, but it’s actually sweeter than you might expect. Once the foam is gone there’s very little palate weight, hard to be refreshing when there’s no there there. Still, no flaws and relatively inoffensive (if uninteresting). [This is the same as Trader Jose’s, 99% sure brewed at Tecate.]
2 out of 5

Carolina Beer Company
Cottonwood Pumpkin Spiced Ale
Pumpkin Ale
North Carolina
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Very active and frothy head or cream white, the bubbles pop at such a rapid rate that it fizzes down to the surface in no time, no lacing. Deep amber red color, filmy sort of translucency but you can still see through it decently, more copper orange around the rims. The nose is crisp, however, light, the cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg spices jump out at you, the pumpkin isn’t too sweet, mild citrus touch as well, throws in a pinch of brown sugar on top. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with broad and fluffy carbonation, the orange and lemon citrus more present and you get edgier clove and ginger notes alongside sweeter cinnamon and allspice. As in the nose, not too much sugar or caramel dolloped on the pumpkin, retains a natural freshness. Once the fizz subsides, and that’s pretty much at the finish, it displays a more creamy mouth feel. Avoiding excess sweetness good but the carbonation gets a little annoying.
3 out of 5

Golden Beverage Company
BadMonkey Chimp Chiller Ale
American Adjunct Lager
Pennsylvania
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Bleached white head, crests up to two fingers before dissolving down to a thin layer across the surface, no lacing to speak of. Light yellow gold color, fully transparent with few bubbles visible. Unassuming nose of baker’s flour, rye, peat, earth, apricot pit, you feel it there more than smell it, it’s certainly “beery” in an old school tavern way. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation is crisp and tight, keeps the pacing swift. The lemon water, mineral and raw dough keep the ship steady. There’s some saline notes now and then. There’s really just not much to say here – it’s certainly better than Bud or Miller, however, it needs more breadth of flavor to truly break from that pack. 2 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
The Czar Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Colorado
11.73%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Loosely knit one finger head of light brown color, the bubbles pop with ease, any lacing lacks stickiness, swift dissolve. Jet black color, fully opaque, merest suggestion of orange at the rims. Heavy duty dark chocolate, mocha and coffee roast in the nose, malts out the wazoo, plum, black raisin, cherry and blackberry scents add to the sweet profile, there’s a minute portion of graininess but nothing bitter. Full-bodied, however, the carbonation adds a violent swirl which breaks up most of the overall solidity. Minty and floral at first, actually beats the cocoa powder, ground coffee and caramel to the punch. Elevated grains, straw and bread crust elements, adds a drying touch. There’s concentration but not much sweetness found in the plum, prune, raisin, cherry, apricot fruit. There is a slight astringent booziness in the texture. Maltiness lingers more than the other parts which does smooth out and extend the finish. You can be true to the beer type and offer a more nimble, nuanced product.
3 out of 5

Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Summer Ale
American Pale Wheat Ale
Massachusetts
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Moderate head of clean white that drops off into islands across the surface, close to zero lacing. Very mild haze to the yellow-orange color, lightens appreciably at the outer limits. Taut nose of hay, straw, wheat, lemon peel, more muted clove, allspice notes, becomes more bready as it warms, no fruit to speak of. Medium-bodied, in spite of the active and focused carbonation comes across as bottom heavy, moves slowly after mouth entry. The lemon and orange citrus more pronounced, the same for the grassiness, hence has more bitterness and bite. The spice is more diffused and has less impact. The grain and cereal keep coming at you, if without clear purpose. There’s little here that others in the category don’t do better, pretty sure the units move due to brand clout.
2 out of 5

Weihenstephan, Brauerei
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier
Hefeweizen
Germany
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Pours a big, loose head of two to three fingers crest, has bubbles of all sizes, the all pop and fizzle at the same rapid rate, bleached bone white in color, little lacing left behind. Fully opaque from the glowing murkiness, orange rust in color with a light brown tinge, yellows out around the rims. Relaxed nose of clove spice, pound cake, dried molasses, mostly apricot and pear fruit scents with a touch of banana, lightest graininess which could still register as such. Light-bodied, strong effervescence, the bubbles keep coming and coming at you. Accounting for this, the mouth feel is soft and creamy, gently hugs the contours of your mouth. Clove element fits with lighter pine and lemon peel nuances. A touch breadier here, still not much grain. The malts too are polished and do not lend a great deal of sweetness to the whole. Silky enough to last pretty long through the finish. Nothing truly stands out from the rest, crafted to be a whole rather than collection of parts.
4 out of 5

Leffe, Abbaye de
Leffe Blonde
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
6.6%
11oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Holds at a solid one finger head of foam to small bubbles, chalk white in color, the lacing comes in sheets which slowly fall into the liquid below. Amber orange with a mildly darkening brown tinge, no real yellow influence, clear on the whole with loose bubbles visible. Sweet lemon peel, clove and nutmeg and muffin dough keep the nose friendly, hard toffee candies and apricot, peach fruit continues the trend, doesn’t overplay the sweetness and the hops maintain a steady lowkey presence. Medium-bodied, very smoothly textured with a billowing foaminess through the attack. Comes across as semi-sweet with more obvious apricot, pear, peach fruit and sweeter dough to bread notes. Touch of bubblegum. The lemon citrus recedes some while the clove-led spiciness avoids any bite. Past the mid-palate starts to dry on the palate which brings out an undifferentiated grassiness. Plays it safe and stays very easy to drink.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in August 2009

Starr Hill Brewery
Northern Lights India Pale Ale
American IPA
Virginia
7.2%
12oz
6-Pack, $8.99
Super-whipped up head of microfoam, close to three fingers on the pour, extremely dimpled with peaks and valleys, the lacing shows above average stickiness. Murky amber, pumpkin orange in color, slightly lighter around the rims, traps light inside it well enough to maintain a luminous glow. Smooth hoppy nose of pink grapefruit, clove and ginger spice and pine oil, turning to malted milk balls, caramel, scone as well as a peppery kick, good thrust into your nostrils. Medium-bodied, the carbonation tends to add fluffiness rather than lift. As a result, also clings to the tongue and mouth pores rather than scrub. This in spite of a semi-bitter herbaceousness which, along with the white grapefruit to lemon citrus and pine notes, would make you think it should be more edgy. Accents of dark maduro cigar wrapper present. White grape, apricot, peach fruit sweet, however, balanced by that clove spice. Not very bready here, the malt and cocoa powder tones also subdued. Lengthy finish, lasts about as long as you’d want it to. No problem holding your interest.
4 out of 5

Starr Hill Brewery
Festie Octoberfest Lager
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Virginia
4.8%
12oz
6-Pack, $8.99
Moderate half finger head, eggshell white, larger bubbles interspersed throughout the foam, no real lacing, dissolves down swiftly. Light orange-brown in hue, while somewhat cloudy turns to a washed out zinc hue around the rims. Quiet nose of apricot/peach pits and skin, if you had to choose you’d say it’s more malty than hoppy but really it’s a wash, some mocha and bread, more than the nondescript white citrus and dried lawn grass notes, just not much going on. Light to medium-bodied, possesses a big carbonated swirl in the mouth, a handy way of disguising the fact that there’s not much here either. Some bitters and brine, sun dried lemon peels and more dried out grass. The malts are like an aftershadow, you can just make out the general contour but no depth. In fact, watery would be one way of putting it. Even after focusing harder on each successive sip, it is not any easier to find a flavor to describe. Empty finish.
1 out of 5

Weihenstephan, Brauerei
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel
Dunkelweizen
Germany
5.3%
17oz, Single
$3.49
Frothy creamy off-white head of thick foam, bubbles just large enough to dissolve quickly down from two fingers, any lacing slides down the glass sides. Murky light brown to orange in color, fairly muted, actually looks like rusty pipe water. The amount of banana in the nose is shocking, outpaces the mineral water as well as the cinnamon bun, caramel, clove, can’t shake this metallic edge, gentle apricot to pear scents slip in unobtrusively. Medium-bodied, the carbonation has a strong lifting effect, to the point where it combats the flavors as they try to soak the palate. This keeps things waxing and waning, from the chocolate, caramel, clove spice to the fig, date, peach, apricot fruit. Nothing can rise above the rest and enunciate clearly. More dough than cooked bread, retains some minerally freshness. Creates a perfumed moistness in the mouth. You just wish there was more depth and length in the primary flavors.
3 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
13th Anniversary Ale
American Strong Ale
California
9.5%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Red-tan hued head of about a finger plus, dissolves slowly, mixture of bubble sizes, not a great deal of lacing but the streaks there thick. The liquid is light brown mixed with red and orange streaks, almost like muddy clay, some clarity around the rims. The nose evenly split between hoppy pink grapefruit, floral musk and then sweeter caramel, toffee notes, the fruit scents lean on fig, raisin as much as apricot or peach, even as it warms keeps the interplay between sweet and sour. Medium-bodied, has a foamy carbonation which as it fills the mouth creates presence if not pure weight. Front-loaded with molasses, caramelized brown sugar and soft toffee. This leads into chocolate covered raisin, fig, date fruit, the fresher apricot and peach semi-muted. By the mid-palate it’s getting drier and drier, even as there’s a spike in the pink grapefruit and tangerine zest. Keeps the herbal tones in check, sort of medicinal like rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. Pine sap adds to this effect. The finish is indeed hoppy but in an undifferentiated manner, a blast more than coordinated attack of parts.
4 out of 5

Redhook Ale Brewery
Tripel Belgian Style Ale (2009 Release)
Tripel
Washington
10.2%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Pours a very moderate froth across the surface, even when aggressively aimed into the glass, dissolves so swiftly you may not be able to register the light tan color. The liquid has a coppery orange cast to it, like fresh rust, fades to a more yellowish hue around the rims, super-tiny bubble beads visible within. Nothing showy about the nose, enough esters to produce banana accents to the apricot, fig, nectarine base, milk chocolate and coffee ice cream then ensue, candied oranges and hints of clove and pepper finish things off, good lasting power and not too full. Full-bodied in a creamy, loosely knit fashion, the carbonation is quite active and dissipates a lot of the sweetness. That said, fig, date, raisin flavors combine with apricot, peach, pear to create a full array of fruit. The chocolate, mocha element smooth and subtler here. Tenuous breadiness, inclines to scone or soda bread in nature. The orange citrus moderate, stays at a steady level throughout. While dry enough, finishes syrupy like it’s not sure what a clean, succinct ending should taste like. Made in an ingratiating style, in looking to please too many may disappoint those who would be most appreciative.
3 out of 5

Gordon Biersch Brewery
Blonde Bock
Bock
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Lively finger of white froth for the head, dissolves down swiftly, any lacing slides effortlessly down the glass sides. Faint glow to the copper orange color, lightest gauziness prevents complete transparency, hue barely fades to yellow at the rims. Freshly baked bread, orange peel and apricot pit first to appear in the nose, almost more hoppy by default as there’s only a mild cocoa, malt element, banana there too. Medium-bodied, sets itself squarely in the palate, the carbonation seems too fine for the density. Banana compote, apricot, peach and pear fruit make an appearance along with molasses and caramel, all this notwithstanding not particularly sweet. Grainy at times, more like cereal or granola than bread. The orange to lemon citrus diminished here, absent until the finish. Not that smooth but keeps a steady pace. It tastes like a “beer” with something extra but not like a particular style of beer.
2 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
England
5.0%
12oz
4-Pack, $9.99
Pleasing finger+ head of tan bubbles, the largest pop swiftly leaving denser foam to settle across the surface, moderate stickiness to the lacing. Mostly black, at some angles you can see dark brown to orange hues but not much. Very fragrant nose of black grape, blackberry fruit, black licorice and sweetened coffee, hard toffee, minor oats and other grains, nothing bitter here, very dominated by the fruit. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation has a fine prickle to it and keeps things spinning around the palate. More sheer roast in the coffee flavors, bringing out more dark chocolate and cocoa as a result. Hint of witchhazel. Remains noticeably grapey, you also get red plum, cherry and blueberry fruit. Good grip, not too creamy, stands up for itself and not over ingratiating. The toast also teases out additional breadiness. Good length as it finishes, dries out steadily, tidy ending. Quite clear that this is British and not American made.
4 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Black Jack Porter
English Porter
Colorado
6.4%
12oz
6-Pack, $9.99
Pours with minimal head, lacing stronger than any foam on top. Not quite black, just very dark brown in color, turning to a faint orange around the rims. Not a lot of roast to the nose, more caramel, butterscotch, vanilla fudge and then black raisin, plum, cherry fruit, has a spring water freshness to it, not a lot of density, drifts off rather quickly. Medium-bodied, while it doesn’t have a lot of weight it still manages to feel sluggish and unwilling to move. Coffee notes perk it up some but then it’s basically the same story as in the nose, chocolate, caramel, butterscotch and plum, raisin, other dark fruits. The carbonation much more fluffy and active than you’d guess from the absence of any head. Light breadiness with some bitters, here it tastes like fizzy mineral water rather than still stream water. Fairly lacking in complexity and finishes short. Another beer more marked by absence of positive traits than presence of negative traits.
2 out of 5

Nøgne Ø
Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Norway
9.0%
17oz, Single
$9.99
One of the darkest heads you’ll ever see, full brown of two fingers with sufficient larger bubbles to collapse it down to the surface in a minute or so, small streaks of lacing left behind. As the head might suggest, the liquid is pure jet black, fully opaque and devoid of any real color anywhere. The scents burst into your nose fast enough that it takes some time to separate them, more plum, cherry, black grape fruit scents than expected, palpable graininess as well, the hoppy bite there for sure, of course oodles of coffee bean, dark chocolate, mocha powder, fresh milk, shaved coconut, it’s big enough that you can’t differentiate between “lift” and “cling” in your nostrils. Full-bodied, however, lighter and more flowing based off the nose, the roast/toast factor much higher here which crispens things up. Dark chocolate, mocha, coffee, black licorice, on the dry side as a whole, dusty feel upon the tongue. The alcohol evident, on the boozy side. The grape, plum, blackberry fruit more in the background. The carbonation has a fat feel to it, adding creaminess to the texture. Very good, but, like an itch you can’t scratch, there’s something missing here to bring it all together.
4 out of 5

Moa Brewing Company, The
Moa Blanc
Witbier
New Zealand
5.5%
12oz, Single
$4.49
Substantial head on the pour, takes some time to get down to one to two fingers depth, bleached white, tiny microfoam yet interestingly dimpled in spots, slides off the glass too much for lacing. Pale orange hues, really mostly yellow throughout, gauzy enough to elude transparency. Gently penetrating nose of lemon peel, pretzel dough, dry yeasts, dried apples and pears, faint sweet spices, somewhat earthy but not dirty nor funky, has a mineral water touch, nothing feels out of place or desirous of hogging the spotlight. medium-bodied, the carbonation on the fizzy side and lifts things up into the air over your tongue. The clove, coriander spice clearer here, pairs well with the lemon citrus. More floral as well, like a breeze than pungent cloud. Whispers of peach, pear, apple fruit lend minor sweetness. Grainy, cereal and oats more than bread or dough. Turns tart at the end, adds to refreshing feel and primes you for another sip.
4 out of 5

Shaw Wallace & Company Ltd.
Haywards 5000
American Adjunct Lager
India
7.0%
17oz, Single
$3.49
Even with an aggressive pour, not much of a head, mainly comprised of larger, quick to pop bubbles, no foam, white in color, minimal lacing left behind. Raw grainy nose, like unshucked corn, metal, iron notes without mineral water foundation to fall back on, some fuller bread notes, sour grapefruit rind, has a saline quality as well, nothing about it that jumps out as fruit, overall the smells don’t piss you off, it just smells like generic “beer.” Medium-bodied, broad-shouldered carbonation which lasts easily through the finish. Pretzels, sourdough, rye, more cooked than raw, if indistinguishable as elements, certainly makes it evident that this is a straight down the middle of the plate lager beer. Sour mixed white citrus, more iron flecks, an uptick in apricot to peach fruit, pits and skins, maybe fig. Due to the carbonation doesn’t lose weight/palate presence through the finish. Old coriander powder. Without faulting it, or its place of origin, too much it falls exactly into line with expectations. You’re in a cheap Indian restaurant scarfing down some vindaloo chicken and nan and this is the beer you drink there. No mystery, no failure to meet a certain threshold of quality. Great, no, contextually viable, absolutely.
2 out of 5

De Leyerth Brouwerijen (Urthel)
Urthel Hop-It
Belgian IPA
Belgium
9.5%
11oz, 4-Pack
$18.49
Nice big frothy head, pure white of dense foam with pools of more medium sized bubbles, thick streaks of lacing with credible stickiness. Luminescent cloudiness to the full orange color, only moderate fade to yellow further out from the core. Earthy nose, thickly constructed out of spices particularly solid cloves, raw baker’s dough, day old orange peels, the hops like a wet forest floor, pungent yet more verdant than sharp, some banana among the apricot and pear scents, the nose is sugary but it still comes off as more sweet than dry. Full-bodied, the carbonation shouldn’t be any more aggressive than it is, the beer was made to soak into the tongue. More floral here with more oomph in the orange, lemon citrus as well. However, that earthy, herbal component sets the overall tone, even pushing back the hard toffee, banana, golden raisin, apricot, fig flavors. Neither quite bitter nor sour, just keeps the sweetness in check through to the end. It’s a “big” beer and it comes real close to pulling all its disparate elements together into a close woven whole.
4 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Blithering Idiot Barley-Wine Style Ale
English Barleywine
Pennsylvania
11.1%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Light tan brown head, mixture of bubble sizes, the razor thin lacing holds on admirably before sliding down into the liquid below. Muddy brown orange in hue, pretty damn murky although the orange tones brighten the rims and bottom of the glass. Fruity nose of raisin bread, plum, cherry, black grapes and banana, however, doesn’t come across as über-sweet, no lack of malts, mocha, brown sugar, toffee and the usuals, something close to pine resin there, relaxed hops and even the barley content to stay par of the chorus. Full-bodied, more sluggish than heavy, releases up off the tongue decently. The alcoholic booziness more apparent here, slight burn to it. Again, not as overtly sweet as many others, smoky brown sugar and caramel, mocha powder, light charred edge. More fresher cherry, plum, grape, apple than raisin, prune or date. Slightly elevated hoppiness here, particularly near the finish. Carbonation could have more verve. Gets a little smoother as it warms, curious this be.
3 out of 5

Bavik, Brouwerij
Petrus Aged Ale (Ale Aged In Oak Casks)
Flanders Oud Bruin
Belgium
7.3%
11oz
Single, $3.99
Thin head which quickly dissolves down almost nothing, the lacing is made of very minute bubbles but lacks stickiness. Burnt orange to copper in color, good clarity yet the intensity of the coloration gives it additional visual solidity. Sour lemon and orange citrus build first in the nose, cocktail bitters, sharp rye notes, the brown sugar nuances aren’t very sweet, same good be said for the terse apricot, peach fruit scents, more pit than pulp, overall has directness and force. Medium-bodied, here too retains a military erectness and compactness, this in spite of a strong prickly carbonation to it. The inherent acidity to it heightens the sourness of the lemon, orange citrus, touches on white grapefruit. There’s a raw yeasty quality next to the rustic rye bread element. Apple, apricot, peach, cherry fruit more present here, but not by much. The oak comes across as sour too, like dill herb. Keeps you mouth clenching, close to full-on pucker. Can’t fault its energy level and has above average length and tenacity. Just a question of being “in the mood” for this style of beer.
4 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Summer Weizen (Ale Brewed with Chamomile Flowers)
American Pale Wheat Ale
New Hampshire
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Bone white head of about a finger plus, mixture of bubble sizes, lacing slides off the glass swiftly, some dimpled texture. Fully transparent yellow to light orange color, allows the light in enough to take on nice brightness. Bready nose of sourdough, rye and wheat notes, noticeable lemon to grapefruit accents, more sweet than sour as there’s traces of honey there too, moderate peach to apricot fruit at best, very clean and direct which helps it lift and blossom some. Light-bodied, the carbonation comes at you steadily with a fair degree of churn. More orange and lemon citrus than grapefruit, again more sweet than sour. Slightly less honey but more floral. The rye, wheat breadiness comes close to pumpernickel. Dry enough to create some light tacky residue on the tongue after a few sips. The grassiness is more like a tall field grasses than “green grass.” Blends in some cooking herbs but nothing hot or spicy. Steadily grows on you and by the time the first bottle is gone you just might want another.
4 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Maibock (Big Beer Series)
Maibock/Helles Bock
New Hampshire
6.2%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Close to two finger head of bright white hue, mixed bubble sizes, dissolves down swiftly with little lacing left behind. Light gauziness to the orange rust color, more yellow than red, some loss of intensity at the rims, widely spread bubble beads visible. The nose at first is like orange infused dark chocolate, then you get honey coated cereal, cocoa powder and a suggestion of golden raisin alongside fresher apple, apricot and pear scents, light cinnamon and a splash of banana and estery yeasts as well as caramel, however, overall the nose is not that sweet. Medium-bodied, somewhat foamy, bubbles up off the tongue. Malt, licorice, toffee and honey appear without changing the overall dryness that much. The sweet bits are frontloaded and after that the hops add a medium grade bitter, herbaceous edge. As it warms there’s more stickiness apparent. Esters less apparent here, some banana but distant second to peach, apricot, pear flavors. No one part stands out above the rest, a sign of a well-integrated and collected brewskie. Not chuggable yet each sip brings the same pleasure as those before.
4 out of 5

Moa Brewing Company, The
Moa Noir
Euro Dark Lager
New Zealand
5.5%
12oz, Single
$4.49
Funny looking head, two fingers deep and dissolving fast, viewing it from the glass outsides big bubbles, from the open top more dense microfoam, no real lacing, leaves a brown cream dusting across the surface. Very clear amber brown color with red hues, the transparency is almost shocking, more ochre at the rims. Creamy, but not necessarily soft, nose of milk chocolate, malt, cocoa and a touch of cappuccino, still not that toasty nor roasty, brazil nuts and then subtle plum, cherry fruit scents, some sodabread, or scone like bread notes. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is broad and very bubbly, lifts things off the tongue almost immediately. While still heavy on the malts with chocolate, cocoa, coffee accents, there’s more grain, cereal and meadow grass elements to give it erectness. Some peat moss and earth too. The additional hoppiness does not bring bitterness, more so dryness which leads into a crisp, precise finish. Makes you want to categorize it as a “food beer.”
3 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Olde GnarlyWine (2009)
American Barleywine
California
11.0%
22oz, Single
$4.49
Smallish head of cream white to brown, leaves a sheet of lacing which slowly slides down the glass sides, after a minute or so the head has fully dissolved. Strong amber color, as much orange as brown, fairly clean for the style. The nose displays some restraint and doesn’t push the sweetness too much, caramel, honey, tangerine and mandarin orange citrus, Indian spices, the plum, raisin fruit scents balanced by fresher apricot and peach notes, while knit into the whole well, there’s more general hoppiness than many peers. Full-bodied, sticky, clings to your mouth pores like glue. Things more amplified here, the carbonation helps to separate the elements. The pink grapefruit to tangerine citrus gets out in front of the pack. Brown sugar, caramel and honey compact and not sweeter than any other component. There is a lively dark roasted coffee bean edge. Not bready or doughy really, you get a nice floral lift though. Here the apricot, peach, nectarine fruit leads, you might even discern more pineapple than raisin, date or fig flavors. Has the weight and texture of barleywine but in many respects deviates from the norm. Interesting.
5 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas The Big DIPA: Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Maryland
10.5%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Minimal head, tan to off-white in color, the lacing decent yet lacks stickiness. Amber orange in hue, more brown than red, gauzy but you can see through it fairly easily, some dropping off near the rims. In the nose you get super juicy and ripe pink grapefruit to tangerine citrus, pine sap, honey and floral perfume, sweet almost to a fault, no real counterbalancing bitter notes, hardly any bread or grain, some caramel at times, the fruit scents lean towards nectarine, pineapple, papaya and mango. Full-bodied, sort of ponderously heavy like you could tie a bottle around a guy’s neck and sink him to the bottom of a lake. The carbonation totally outmatched and the alcohol gives it a booziness which removes more crispness from the profile. Here you get the syrupy stickiness missing from the visual aspect. This glazes the pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus into your palate along with that pineapple, papaya, guava, apricot fruit. The pine, flowers and honey lead into more caramel and dark chocolate shades. There’s some bitter grain, straw near the end but not really woven into the fabric. If you like sweet beer you might like this more but it’s a case of reach exceeding grasp.
2 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Colorado
10.4%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Curiously pours with close to zero head, even when poured aggressively, no lacing either, the liquid is black while at the outer rims there’s a touch of orange and yellow. Palpable milk chocolate in the nose, outstrips the coffee, butterscotch notes, creamy texture with scents of plum, black cherry fruit as well as lighter chicory and orange zest, not complex just a big, expansive presence in your nostrils. Full-bodied, here there’s a much clearer element of black licorice to lead the chocolate, coffee, toffee flavors. More bite in the chicory as well as other grain and grass notes. The carbonation level is okay but, overall, it would benefit from it being slightly higher. The orange citrus embellished by white grapefruit, a sure sign of the underlying hoppiness. Even without the fizz, manages to stay a little roughly textured on the palate so as to let you know it’s there. Fragrant and longlasting, makes up for lack of complexity with sheer tenacity.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Chateau Jiahu (Malt Beverage Brewed with Honey & Hawthorn Fruit & Fermented with Grape Concentrate)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Delaware
8.0%
25oz, Single
$12.99v Pours up to a two finger head before rapidly evaporating to lilypads of foam across the surface, very little lacing. Crystal clear zinc orange color, fades to yellow at the outer edges. Sweet, estery nose of banana, grapes, apricot, brown baking sugar, cinnamon powder, honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, flowery like a hothouse, a blend of many distinct smells hard to parse apart. Medium-bodied, very low carbonation almost makes it drink like a still beverage. It’s sweet yet, somehow, not as sweet as expected from the nose. Has a fruit juice feel, grapes blended with pear, apricot and yellow apple. The honey more dominant, less brown sugar or caramel. The tangerine citrus juicy and lends momentary tang. Very smoothly textured with a complete grip on the palate, you feel it everywhere. The floral musk takes up more space with each sip. There’s a muscular lift to it, so perfumed that as it gathers around the roof of your mouth it starts to pleasantly dry out on the tongue. More interesting than compelling, a bottle to share not pound by yourself.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in July 2009

Stone Brewing Company
Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale
American Strong Ale
California
8.7%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Large head, slowly works down to around one finger, while it is mostly miniscule bubbles, you get oddly sized larger bubbles here and there and the head does dimple in spots, almost sheets of lacing down the sides, thick and clingy, light brown in hue. Completely and I mean completely black in color, you’d think it was a stout by looking at the glass. Then you smell and, wham, the hops slap you upside the head, all pink grapefruit, pine needles, tropical pineapple, guava, papaya, nectarine fruit, the floral side the weakest hops element, yields to burnt biscuits, lightly roasted coffee beans and peat moss. In the mouth it’s full-bodied, muscularly sinewy and gets right up in your face. While there’s no getting around that pink to white grapefruit, pine sap, licorice and bitters, here there’s more equanimity shown towards the roasted malts and toasty dough elements, blends in coffee bean, hard toffee and a nip of butterscotch. The carbonation more prickly than anything else, fits in with the overall tingle. Balance for Stone is a high wire act blindfolded, but this one comes about as close as the brewery can get. More than any of the flavors you feel the energy bristle through each sip.
5 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Hanami Ale (Ale Brewed with Cherry Fruit)
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
New Hampshire
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
With an aggressive pour gets past three fingers, settles into a finger plus microfoam with pockets of slightly larger bubbles, dark cream white in color, considerable lacing left behind. Cloudy amber-brown in color, quite bright given its general opacity, you get more orange hues near the rims. Lean, if not angular, nose of white citrus pith, rice cakes, bitter grains and whole cloves, not much distinguishable fruit, plenty of cut as it lifts through your nostrils, not slowing down to say hi. Medium-bodied, sour but not bracingly so, more oomph in the clove, cinnamon, nutmeg spice as well as the white grapefruit citrus. The rice and unprocessed grains persist. Over time it sweetens a touch, allowing for cherry, cranberry fruit flavors to emerge. The carbonation is not too fluffy and prods things into a steady gait. Only a vague hint of maltiness, like a very thin coating of caramel. Dries out the mouth by the end, helps to heighten the sourness. A very curious beer, more of a specific “cuisine pairing” brew than chugger, that is for sure.
3 out of 5

Kulmbacher Brauerei AG
Mönchshof Schwarzbier
Schwarzbier
Germany
4.9%
17oz, Single
$4.79
Extremely deep head with an aggressive pour, settles into a two finger deep dimpled froth, mostly minute foam with a few larger bubbles, light cream in color, leaves thin but persistent streaks of lacing behind. Semi-transparent mahogany brown to red-orange in color, especially further out from the center. Hard candy caramel and toffee scents in the nose, red grape and cherry fruit, glazed biscuit and bran muffin notes, roasted pecans, some mocha dust comes out as it warms, the hops have a serene consistency that just about eliminates any undesired sweetness to the nose as a whole. Medium-bodied, creamy textured with a soft, pliable carbonation which helps it cling to the mouth pores more than scrub at them. Admirably smooth, the chocolate, toffee, butterscotch flavors pair with the grape, cherry, red berry fruit to guarantee that the mouth entry will be sweet. This even as the hops more pronounced and apt to add a sour twist towards the end. Actually not overly smoky and you’re more likely to discern white citrus or rye/wheat notes than smoke specifically. Drinkability is high and the dryness at the end contributes to this. Not a lot of “wow” factor yet it steadily wins you over.
4 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
Gonzo Imperial Porter
Baltic Porter
Colorado
7.8%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Pours a solid finger plus head of dark brown foam, mostly medium to larger bubbles, which may be why it dissolves at a steady pace, thick streaks of lacing cling to the glass sides. Fully black and opaque, no brown coloration to the liquid at all. Extremely sweet nose, drips with caramel, toffee, butterscotch, coffee ice cream, hot chocolate, banana pudding, plum and black grape fruit, you name it, its got it. The nose does develop some green hoppy bite but this is an after effect once the sweetness has congealed a bit. It’s full-bodied in the mouth, however, sheds a noticeable amount of weight before it finishes. The carbonation helps break up some of the density in the chocolate, coffee, caramel flavors and here you get more of a roasted edge than in the nose. More scone, baked sweets aspect too while the plum, cherry, grape fruit recedes slightly. Here too the hops surge at the end and lend both bitterness and tingle. Not the most integrated of beers but it does smartly emphasize its best attributes.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Belgica Belgian Style India Pale Ale
Colorado
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Even with an average pour the head froths up to over three fingers, slowly dissolving into dimpled white foam which steadily maintains a finger plus level, the lacing is thin but quite sticky. The nose does express a sort of split personality, raw grainy hops, pine and sour orange peel while also providing a leavening nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon spice with sweet yeasts and a hint of banana to the apricot, peach fruit scents, there’s a strong drying sensation which perhaps ends things before the constitutive parts can knit into a whole. Medium-bodied, light foaminess more than a prickle. There is an ester-like sweetness, banana, fruit bread and fig alongside peach, apricot, yellow apple fruit flavors. Then the hoppiness steamrolls this with cut grass, pine cone, sour lemon and aspirin. White pepper accents build steam with each sip. While it is interesting, it never flows in an unconscious natural manner.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Double Trouble Imperial IPA
Michigan
9.4%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.99v Bone white half finger head of mainly microfoam with a few oddly placed huge bubbles, above average lacing in thin sheets. Solid murk lends translucency to the light orange to yellow colored liquid, traps the light to increase luminescence. Somewhat high-toned nose, zips through there without much thought on sitting for a spell, pine needle and grass sourness and then more slightly bitter tea leaf scents hit you first, honestly the first few sniffs you miss the caramel and butterscotch notes, mandarin orange to white grapefruit citrus also has your nostrils on edge, as it starts to dissolve the peach, apricot scents almost an afterthought. Full-bodied, dense and doesn’t get more than an inch or so into the mouth before sinking in fully. The carbonation may be too fine to cajole things back into motion. Some bitters but mostly grass, green hay and pine bark next to sour grapefruit pith. As in the nose, the caramel and malts in general too little, too late. Sweetest part is the apricot, peach, guava fruit, adds some residual sugar. More scone or muffin baked good qualities than breadiness. Very dry finish, overall the flavor intensity and weight last until the very end.
3 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale
American Pale Wheat Ale
California
7.3%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.49
Good two plus finger head extends right up to the pint glass rims, dense foam with interspersed big popping bubbles, slides right down the sides so minimal lacing until the glass is half empty. Ever so slight gauziness to the orange copper color, has more of a brown tinge than yellow or red, depth of hue retained throughout. The nose sparkles with sweet tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus, golden honey and pine sap, generous floral dew, the grains smell like sweetened breakfast cereal more than something in a farm silo, apricot and nectarine fruit scents lend further depth. Full-bodied, layers itself thickly onto the tongue, luckily has a consistent carbonated fizz to create as much prickle as grip. No duh, the tangerine and pink grapefruit citrus continues to hog the stage while other hops inspired flavors such as pine, flowers and tea leaf don’t do too shabbily for themselves. More honey than cocoa or malty chocolate powder, however, is not really biting and dang smooth given the predominance of the hops. Some biscuit softness. Resiny finish prolongs finish for some time.
5 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
Full Circle Kölsch-Style Beer
Kölsch
Michigan
5.25%
12oz
6-Pack, $11.99
Thin white head of mixed bubble sizes, doesn’t really matter since it’s not around long, no lacing either. Very pale, washed out orange to yellow color, has just enough haze that the transparency is not of water, nothing special to look at. Bready with a little saltiness too but not like a pretzel, maybe peppery at times, then a hard caramel candy sweetness breezes through, no real presence of citrus nor fruit, light apricot or pear perhaps, it’s not that it’s absent in your nostrils, more that it’s “not there.” Medium-bodied, smooth and evenly balanced, no bumps in the road. But this could be attributable to the cleanliness of the hops, no bite nor grass, yeast or citric verve. The carbonation is consistent, more prickle than foam, lends itself to an airy feel. Rye bread comes through nicely. Nice stuff, high drinkability although you won’t blow out any brain cells figuring it out.
3 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Polestar Pilsner
German Pilsener
Colorado
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Bleached white, creamy looking microfoam, pours big and then holds on very well at about half finger level, even the sticky lacing looks foamy. Quite clear and transparent yellow-orange color, no visual match for the head. Very bready nose, neither uncooked nor too sour in nature, like a big loaf of white bread, the lemon peel about as bitter as anything gets, this said, the malts seem muted and submerged in general grassiness, no real fruit scents to speak about. Medium-bodied, not as lightweight as you’d think while still keeping a steady pace moving forward. The fizz is pretty damn active and does contribute to the overall weight. Bready and crusty, pretzel-like with more of a sourness here (duh, sourness is related to taste not the olfactory sense but, hey, it all makes sense in the end). Grassiness not as biting, though, and the lemon citrus toned down too. Touch of peach to apricot pit, skin for fruit. Stays square shouldered through the finish, no wimping out at the end. Not complex by any measure but one might guess that it was made more for hot weather chugging than contemplation.
3 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Cappuccino Stout (Brewed with Hard Core Coffee)
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.29%
22oz, Single
$4.79
Aggressive pour just gets half a finger of cream brown foam, this dissolving down to the thinnest coating possible, lacing pretty much out of the question. It’s pretty murky rather than pitch black, dark brown at the core taking on a yellow cast further out. Curiously, it’s the grapey plum, cherry fruit that you notice first in the nose before the rich coffee grounds, malt, mocha, butterscotch scents spread wide, some sweet scone notes, black licorice, over time a banana edge comes out with sweet baking spices. Full-bodied without a great deal of heaviness, the carbonation as well as generally firm mouth feel ensures that it moves pretty nimbly. The licorice and ginger, cinnamon spice stronger here, as if you’re drinking infused coffee – once that coffee, mocha, caramel hits the set it moves more towards a traditional center. Grape, apricot, cherry, pear fruit, an enjoyable mixture. While not bitter, does stiffen towards the end, a welcome textural change. Lack of chewy density might help make it a warmer weather stout choice.
4 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Brown Shugga’
American Strong Ale
California
9.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Aggressive head on the pour, settles into a two finger cream white mix of mostly tiny bubbles, pleasant thin lacing, very slow to dissolve down to the liquid surface. Curiously penetrating nose, although most of the components are “sweet” in nature it drives up into your nostrils. Scents of molasses crisp, toffee, caramelized brown sugar, white grape, cherry and pear fruit cushion the nose, however, there’s a formidable burst of grapefruit citrus, hay and grass as well, not a sugar bomb but any stretch. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with carbonation which fits the whole, more bitter or astringent feel here without being offputting. The butterscotch, honey, molasses coating mostly during the first few seconds before tangerine, white grapefruit and sourdough bread show up. Some banana alongside the grape, pear, apricot, cherry fruit, not that fruity overall. Gets smokier and more of a roasted chocolate dust edge near the finish. One of this beer’s more intriguing aspects is the interplay between the innate sweetness and the other elements.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Midas Touch (Barley, Honey, White Muscat Grapes, Saffron)
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Delaware
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Some white froth on the pour but gone in almost an instant, no lacing, just a few lilypads of bubbles along the glass walls. Faded orange-yellow in hue, mostly transparent, slow moving and dispersed bubbles visible. Your nostrils feel full but not heavy with scents of cinnamon paste, white grape, pear, yellow apple fruit, honeycombs, lilacs, candied orange peels, sweetly glazed bread, touch of caramel, because of its general fullness it is a little difficult to separate out the individual scents. Full-bodied, the relatively weak carbonation results in a bottom heavy drink, enters the mouth smoothly and then lounges about some. That said, satiny texture, there’s no roughness and while it is sweet it never gets cloyingly so. Grape, apple, pear, kiwi and pomegranate fruit flavors abound. Clove, nutmeg spice is soft and relaxed. The orange, lemon, grapefruit citrus concentrated and juicy. Lightly bready, not much of a hops presence. Never sour but there is a diminishing of the sweetness through the finish and aftertaste.
4 out of 5

Atwater Block Brewery
Voodoovator Dopplebock High Gravity Lager
Doppelbock
Michigan
9.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.39
Nice slick half finger across the surface of light brown hue, dissolves at a decent clip, haphazard lacing left behind. More black than brown in color, very dry and malty nose, like a bag of powdered chocolate, mocha, cocoa, all that shit, lots of roast but stops short of coffee bean, oats and granola, any fruit has a pit or skin quality, dried as in not dried fruit you buy, forest scrub or moss, it’s not tightly woven per se just not expressive. Medium-bodied, the foamy attack subsides through to the mid-palate, here the roast is much higher and does bring a coffee bean edge to the dark chocolate, cocoa bean base. Has that same unprocessed grains feel, dry and crunchy even, plays well off the round maltiness. Some black licorice too. The carbonation might have a touch more prickle to it, stir the flavors up some. Drinks smoothly but after half a glass you’re starting to lose interest.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Festina Pêche (Malt Beverage Brewed with Peach Concentrate)
Berliner Weissbier
Delaware
4.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Bone white in color, irregular, pockmarked head of mixed bubble sizes, dissipates down to a thin layer across the surface with virtually no lacing. Prodigiously cloudy flat yellow color, fully opaque. The nose is comprised of bitter grass, wheat germ, white mineral dust, super-sour white grapefruit to lemon pith, barely a suggestion of peach, or any other fruit for that matter, where’s Waldo, where’s the malts too? Light to medium-bodied, however, so sour that it hardens in the mouth halfway through the sip. Close to bone dry, as a result retains an emphasis on the desiccated white grapefruit, lemon citrus. The carbonation is finely bubbled and has a mostly upfront prickle. Once more, have to ask where the peach flavor is, at best it’s like sucking on a peach pit from yesterday. Stony, pebbly, not earthy nor minerally, just sucking on stones. Lots of wheat, raw grains and grass. It is indeed refreshing but if served blindly you would not come close to guessing what it is labeled as.
3 out of 5

Tröegs Brewing Company
Troegenator Doublebock
Doppelbock
Pennsylvania
8.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Finger level of mixed bubble sizes, thick foam slides effortlessly down the glass sides. The liquid is clear and transparent, has a deep redder tint to the brown base color, more orange around the outer rims. Thick malt influences in the nose, caramel, brown sugar, fried butter, chocolate, then comes candied cherry, apricot, banana and raisin fruit scents, mixes in pumpernickel and cinnamon stick notes, nothing pushy here. Medium-bodied, curious lack of heft and bottom, presents a mineral to streamwater aspect, the clove and cinnamon spice more obvious here, the apple, pear, peach to cherry and raisin fruit not very sweet. Fruit bread, pumpernickel, crust flakes, has a vague kind of sweet breadiness. The chocolate, caramel aspect is dry, echoes through the finish more than spreads widely. The carbonation about average. Trails off at the end, however, has the tact to do so cleanly.
3 out of 5

Tröegs Brewing Company
Rugged Trail Nut Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
Pennsylvania
4.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Finger plus head of light brown foam, mainly larger bubbles, fairly full coating of lacing, stays around for some time. You get more cocoa and mocha dust in the nose than out-and-out nuttiness, kinda roasted citrus peel notes too, not much obvious hoppy presence, smooth and borderline silky nostril texture. Medium-bodied, the carbonation rises above the level of prodding forward, instead kind of disperses the flavors. Malt, milk chocolate, creamed coffee and then brazil nut, walnut flavors. Has a mineral water type of freshness that more or less cancels out the underlying roasted notes. The lemon and orange citrus has a tenuous presence, but there. Any fruit muted and woven into the overall fabric. The hops as well indistinct, present while not an active component. Inoffensive quaff.
3 out of 5

Tröegs Brewing Company
HopBack Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Pennsylvania
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Light, whipped up foam across the surface, cream white in color, thin but clingy lacing. Pale mahogany to amber red in hue, persistent widespread bubbles visible. Pleasing caramel, toffee and heavy cream in the nose, sweeter hops with a mix of tangy citrus, flowers and tea leaf, there’s graininess but no real bite nor bitterness. Medium-bodied, round and foamy carbonation, fills the mouth but without that much weight. Milk chocolate, toffee, caramel accents with a pinch of golden raisin to fig next to the apricot, peach and cherry flavors. More hops, cereal, and grass than in the nose, brings an overall swelling of dryness to it. Orange pekoe tea, more of a tea to wet tobacco edge than floral. Moves at a steady pace, neither slow nor swift. Nicely drinkable but not that thirst slaking.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in June 2009

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Sah’tea (Ale Brewed with Black Chai Tea and Juniper Berries)
Sahti
Delaware
9.0%
24oz, Single
$11.99
Pure white microfoam head which diminishes swiftly, thick streaks of lacing slides down quickly. Glowing golden haze in the glass, more orange bronze in the middle, widely dispersed bubbles appear throughout. Juniper, wood smoke, orange peel, persimmon to peach fruit and clove stick forceful in the nose, whereas the individual scents have considerable intensity, you’re more impressed by the collective lift into a wet perfumed cloud. Full-bodied, thick foamy carbonation makes it denser and more block-like. So, while there’s air pockets present you get more of a totally full sensation cheek-to-cheek. Lemon, grapefruit citrus like meringue pie, the clove and juniper add muskiness to the floral touches. Persimmon, peach, apricot, pear fruit, close to kiwi or papaya without the juiciness. The light smokiness is sweet throughout, the breadiness like a warm waffle. The sour tea leaf comes through, doesn’t add much sweetness in turn. The strength in the flavors ensures an extended finish.
4 out of 5

Tröegs Brewing Company
DreamWeaver Unfiltered Wheat Beer
American Pale Wheat Ale
Pennsylvania
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Close to nonexistent head, ipso facto no lacing. Super-cloudy yellow straw color, were it not so dense it might show some brightness. Clean, unadorned nose of wheat, straw, wild grasses and white grapefruit pith, has a bracing sourness to it that does not have a negative impact on enjoyment, soft clove, nutmeg spice and a whiff of apricot, peach pit. Medium-bodied, dense carbonation keeps it hovering in the middle, not really lifting, not really anchored. Fluffy clove, sort of ginger, spice. Whipped up lemon and white grapefruit infusion, here you get a steady lowkey yeastiness, creates a sticky softness in the palate. Has a light bark woodiness too. The apple, apricot, pear fruit a minor part of the whole, keeps swirling through the end, as a result not very clean, the mild churn keeps flavors ebbing and flowing. On the whole dry, but not parching. Easy enough to drink and a few notches above just the basics.
3 out of 5

Tröegs Brewing Company
Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Pennsylvania
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Adequate finger plus head of mixed bubble sizes, fades quickly with haphazard streaks of lacing left behind. Clear golden orange color, a mild haze does not impair transparency, not many visible bubbles within. Mostly sweet nose, grainy hops and cereal, vague swipe of orange/lemon citrus, softly floral but no pine notes, while not that much malt or cocoa evident, does end on a creamy note. Medium-bodied, the foaminess lends a fluffy cushion to the mouth feel, raises the sour dough, raw bread up off the palate and into the swirl above where the sourness is less present. Not much fruit, peach pit, apple or pear skin. Raw grains, oats, wheat, not herbaceous though. Dryness here eliminates much of any maltiness. Keeps good balance as it nears the finish, not a lot going on but it does stay on point and nothing stands out awkwardly.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Portsmouth Lager
Vienna Lager
New Hampshire
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Light half finger of mixed bubble sizes, fades into islands, minimal lacing. Fairly filmy brown amber in color, more washed out orange to yellow nearer the rims. Honeyed wheat cereal filled nose, molasses, lemondrop, additional sweetened baked goods, elevated does of malt cocoa powder, has gentle contours and an uncommon amount of sweetness. Light to medium-bodied, the steadiness of the carbonation prevents things from settling in meaningfully. Molasses, honey, carob provide a sweet profile similar to the nose, however, grains, brown bread, pumpernickel and lemon water slowly dry things to a tie race by the mid-palate. Minimal, if any, apricot to yellow apple fruit. Breadiness persists, over time draws out a golden raisin embellishment. Without real weight, thus as it nears the finish line your mouth feels like a barely filled pool. It’s an interesting take but it’s far enough from naive expectations to perplex some.
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
WildDevil Ale
American IPA
Pennsylvania
6.7%
25oz, Single
$7.99
Could not pour foamier if it tried, you get an inch of liquid into the glass and the foam is already threatening to spill over. Once you start to pour super carefully you can get 3/4 of the glass full even if it looks like there’s a puff pastry floating on top. The foam is very delicate and microcosmic and takes some time to finally evaporate, this without much lacing. Hazy red amber to orange color, glows warmly, close to complete opacity. Demure nose of apricot, pear, cherry fruit and hard toffee for sweetness, peat moss and fresh topsoil for bottom, peppercorns, lemon peels, tree bark and old cloves, hint of pork rinds, it’s like a potluck dinner where the dishes get placed on the table randomly and without a guiding hand. Medium-bodied, the carbonation in the mouth is nice but shockingly short-lived for all its exaggeration through the pour. As in the nose, no one element sticks out above the others, however, here they dialogue better. The clove, nutmeg stays within bounds and there’s no unnecessary spiciness. The grapefruit, orange citrus doesn’t bite deeply. That peat moss, straw, hay and meadow dampness feels very natural in the whole. I can’t find anything here that expresses a truly sweet feel but the apricot, grape, cherry fruit as well as the hard dark chocolate chunks do what they’re paid to. A beer that is entirely a whole rather than the sum of its parts, grows on you with each sip, especially if you let it set the tempo. (Bottled 3/27/09)
5 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Levitation Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
4.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Slightly thin head, very dimpled and reddish-brown in color, solid lacing, evaporates at a semi-rapid clip. Lightest gauziness, otherwise clear in spite of the darkness of the amber red color, more burnt orange around the rims. not a lot of visible carbonation. Dry nose, some pumpernickel but more like dried cake, the caramel and toffee fade in favor of pine, mixed white citrus and crushed flowers, not much by way of fruit scents, overall dryness contributes to increasing perception of grassiness. Medium-bodied, very persistent prickle to the carbonation, almost like fine sandpaper. More of a scone, muffin or biscuit sort of sweetness, the malts don’t take hold deeply, you get caramel, mocha powder and a light glazed thing but it’s really a showcase for the grapefruit, lemon citrus, pine, hay, metallic tap water stuff. Astringent finish as the body drops off, tacky residue weighs heavily on the tongue. Kinda watery, not sure what others see in this.
2 out of 5

Wells & Young’s Brewing Company Ltd
Bombardier English Premium Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
England
5.2%
17oz, Single
$3.99
Eggshell white colored head, mostly foam rather than bigger bubbles, quickly drops from one finger to a thin surface coating, no obvious lacing. Very clear redwood color, transparency does not diminish the fullness in the glass, brightens into zinc orange around the rims. Well-spaced nose, allows you access to all the various scents without interference, caramel, creamed coffee, scone, sodabread and a suggestion of fruitcake, you get golden raisins, figs, grapes and peach pits, any hops are lowkey and not out to get in anyone’s face, florality too demure, overall depends on sweetness to make an impression. Medium-bodied, the carbonation starts churning from the first sip and shows no signing of diminishing until the bottle is empty. Places itself squarely in the middle ground, no favoring the toffee, chocolate or nutmeg spice or, conversely, the lemon citrus, pressed flowers or field grasses. That said, there’s a noticeable metallic, streamwater aspect, which may be the most bitter thing about it. Not so bready here. Clings to your mouth pores, not sticky like honey, more so oily. So, has decent length in terms of palate presence even if not the flavor intensity to match.
3 out of 5

Lost Coast Brewery & Cafe
Indica India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Cream to light brown hued head, full mix of bubble sizes, holds on at a little under one finger depth, the lacing has above average stickiness. Very cloudy, conjures up as much brown as orange, complete opacity ensures the rims stay a dark orange too. Curiously the nose offers more malt chocolate than expected, sweetens the already concentrated apricot, peach fruit scents as well as the floral dew, nicely piney, however, the grapefruit citrus lacks focus, nothing here to suggest bitter hops or aggressive bite. Full-bodied, not exactly a “get up and go” kind of beer but will tag along if someone else says let’s go. The pine noticeable and the pink grapefruit shows more strength, by no means herbaceous yet there’s a little grain, biscuit dryness. The carbonation is a touch large and seems more apt to make you burp than tickle your tonsils. Same close to dried fruit quality in the apricot, peach, nectarine flavors. The cocoa and caramel play a much more supplementary role here. Big, fleshy finish, makes you have to gulp it down.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Hazelnut Brown Nectar
English Brown Ale
Oregon
6.2%
22oz, Single
$5.99
The head is close to two fingers of big bubbled, dimpled foam, made from larger bubbles so it dissolves somewhat swiftly, lacing clings well. Clear mahogany brown with red and orange inflections, the thick and full beads easily visible. Extremely nutty nose with, duh, raw, uncooked hazelnuts as well as brazil nuts and cashews, very dry with little room left for the dried orange peels, yeast and powdery dark chocolate, overall if there’s a thing as softly textured bitterness here it is. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation isn’t overactive but it is very persistent throughout. Mineral water feel to it, helps keep the nuttiness fresh and raw. On the dry side, any sweetness in the brown sugar, molasses, caramel or dark chocolate more inherent to the definition than immediately expressed. Mutter of apricot, peach fruit. Smooth enough, nowhere as sour as in the nose. The intensity of the nuttiness is interesting but that’s it.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
120 Minute IPA (The Imperial India Pale Ale)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Delaware
21.0%
12oz, Single
$7.49
Moderate head, sinks down to a thin layer across the surface, the lacing very sticky, thicker than mere streaks. Equally thick, cloudy orange haze to the liquid, more yellow gold around the rims. Heavy nose of glazed apricots, peaches and pineapple, this even beats down the sweet pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus, finds room for pine sap and a light dusting of cocoa too, smells like a “dessert” beer. Full-bodied, spicy, hot and boozy entering the mouth. Tiny fizz for carbonation, nowhere what’s needed to cut through the abundant flesh of the apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple, mango fruit. Oodles of pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime pulp. Shovels in molasses, honey and pine sap, relentlessly homogeneous and exaggerated. Not a lot more to be additionally said after the first few sips.
4 out of 5

Black Sheep Brewery PLC
Riggwelter Yorkshire Ale
English Brown Ale
England
5.7%
17oz, Single
$3.49
Gentle cream-white head of about a finger’s depth, good micro-density, credible amount of lacing left behind. Has an amber-brown color of acceptable darkness, more pure orange at the rims with a touch of yellow. Clearly defined nose of cocoa, nuts grapes and peaches, sodabread, relaxed and not out to sell you on anything, throws in a smattering of nutmeg and allspice scents. Medium-bodied, curiously foamy and soft mouth entry, lots of immediate lift and upper palate presence. again, very clean feel with scone, sodabread, cocoa and nuts. Adds in a minerally dimension, streamwater and a little herbal hoppy bite towards the end. Foam lasts through the finish which keeps it friendly. Quite drinkable and has a solid presence without drawing attention needlessly.
4 out of 5

Moa Brewing Company, The
Moa Original Premium Lager
German Pilsener
New Zealand
5.5%
25oz, Single
$8.49
The head is comprised of a bleached white, miniscule micro foam that almost disengaging from the liquid entirely, skinny streaks of thin lacing. Haziness darkens the yellow in the middle but not deep enough to really deepen the rims, the latter much clearer and brighter. Understated nose of lemon peel, green meadow grasses, subtle ginger and clove spices, soft leesy yeasts, rye and a breeze of succinct pear and apple fruit, otherwise that’s it, very expressive but doesn’t range far from the core message. Medium-bodied, very round and lifting carbonation makes it feel like you’re whitewater rafting. The ginger and coriander happening here too, suggestion of orange and lemon zest, demure flowers and honey, you really run out of descriptors in saying it’s extremely elegant and balanced. Never appreciably sweetens nor turns bitter. Leafy as in tea leaves, not green. The malts most evident as residue, smoothing out the finish even more. That said, leaves an intriguing metallic echo behind. Cerebral beer.
5 out of 5

Het Anker, Brouwerij
2008 Gouden Carolus Carolus d’Or Cuvée Van de Keizer
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
11.0%
25oz, Single
$9.99
Simple, presentable one finger of light brown micro-foam, more lacing than expected, very credible. Offers a red-brown base color with an orange tinge, you can easily see the steady streams of bubbles which reinvigorate the head. The sweetness in the nose is consistent and stays within bounds, mix of poached apricots, maraschino cherry, golden raisins, caramelized brown sugar, glazed nuts and cinnamon stick, looks more for balance and follow-through than any one big thrust. Full-bodied, there’s a broad, creamy foaminess to support the concentration and prevent heaviness. Here the caramel, molasses, brown sugar leads clearly into the cherry, apricot, peach, pear fruit, less emphasis on raisin or fig. At times you get banana notes. Serves up nutmeg, cinnamon spice with a hint of clove. Some licorice too. Retains that creamy texture to extend the finish. Even with its relatively high density easy to quaff.
4 out of 5

Black Sheep Brewery PLC
Black Sheep Ale
English Pale Ale
England
4.4%
17oz, Single
$3.49
Good density to the just off-white foam, pleasingly slow dissolve with a highly respectable lacing left behind. As much golden orange as brown in hue, more jaundice yellow around the rims, clear with visible bubbles. Very dry and bready nose, sourdough, raw pretzel dough, rye, quite floral at times, no real fruit presence, hint of powdered chocolate, otherwise it’s a clean and openly knit presentation, more tactful than penetrating. Medium-bodied, dry and, even with above average carbonation, seems reluctant to move forward. Same crisp, sour profile of sourdough, rye, pumpernickel bread, gets drier and drier with each sip. The floral side diminished here, in turn the mocha, cocoa so dry it hardly registers. Vague raw yeastiness. Not much going on here, even if true to the style.
3 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Third Coast Beer
American Blonde Ale
Michigan
4.8%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.49
Thin pure white head, barely lasts a few seconds before dissolving into islands across the surface, no lacing at all. Hazy enough to induce a decent translucency to the orange-yellow color, this haze prevents much hue loss at the rims. Orange and lemon citrus break into your nostrils first, bready in a semi-uncooked manner, somewhat earthy more so than floral, not many fruit scents nor malt sweetness, overall just trails off on you as if in mid-sentence. Medium-bodied, holds its weight consistently throughout and the carbonation plays an able supporting role. There’s some sort of pickled or saline bitterness to it, doesn’t seem directly attributable to the grass, straw, sourdough bread flavors. No malt rescue unit on the scene. The citrus element is mixed and without a clear character. Comes across as “beer” albeit crafted beer, wish the whole was more than the sum of the parts.
3 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Poleeko Gold Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
California
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
The head is whipped like fresh cream into a delicate consistency, close to three fingers on the pour but settles swiftly to a steady half finger, in spite of good head persistence not a lot of lacing. Very deep haze to it, brings the amber orange color closer to red than yellow, near to full opacity. Very dense nose while at the same time mellow about it, sweet pink grapefruit and orange welcome notes of honey, brown sugar glaze and maple syrup, offers fig, apricot, peach, yellow apple fruit scents and a boozy perfume, sneaks in some cocoa powder at the very end. Full-bodied and slowly paced, tends to expand outwards in the mouth even at the risk of seeming hollow. Retains that candied or glazed quality to the apricot, peach fruit, conjuring fig and date accents. More orange to tangerine citrus here. Any floral swipes weighted down by the whole. The carbonation seems irregular, cresting and falling. Cereal, corn and straw most evident through the finish. There’s a bunch of things going on in there, still, probably wouldn’t want more than two in a sitting.
4 out of 5

Anchor Brewing Company
Anchor Summer Beer
American Pale Wheat Ale
California
4.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Frothy, dimpled bone white head, crests a little over one finger, slides down the glass sides too easily to develop much lacing. Luminescent pale orange color, much closer to yellow than any darker hue, fully transparent, the slow, well-spaced bubbles visibly rise. Grainy nose, wheat stalks, pine cone, raw pretzel dough with a light dried earthiness, no distinct fruit scents but there’s some dried lemon peels. While on the whole light-bodied, what body is there gets anchored to your tongue and is not apt to show any sign of forward progress. Dry with the expected wheat, grain, oat or hay type of taste and texture, curiously the carbonation makes it a bit more rough in feel than smoothed out. Any citrus element a bit player here. If it gets warm enough there’s some maltiness near the finish to lessen the bitterness. Would drink one if someone handed it to me, that’s about it.
3 out of 5

Beer Valley Brewing Company
Black Flag Imperial Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Oregon
11.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Very large head, at least three fingers of thick brown foam that dissolves at a glacial pace. When it does leaves considerable sticky lacing behind. It’s pleasing to see some dark brown in the glass mixed in with the basic black color, still it’s completely opaque. Rich, creamy nose of hot chocolate, hazelnuts, vanilla, licorice and molasses reduction, there’s a certain pineyness as well, the plum, black cherry scents skirt around dried fruit nature, as it warms you get a lot more white grapefruit zest. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and the intriguing hoppiness not only keeps the grapefruit and pine front and center but also focuses the black licorice and nuttiness. This not to say that it’s lacking in milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee flavors, far from it. Would have more of a roasted character were it not for the sweet plum, cherry, apricot fruit. The carbonation comes across as tiny prickles more than bubbles. Chicory and licorice build through the finish. This is no soft and cuddly stout, not always perfectly balanced but its ambitions are in large part met.
5 out of 5

Russian River Brewing Company
Pliny the Elder
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.0%
17oz, Single
$4.19
Pours a moderate one finger head of off-white, mixed bubble size foam, some stickiness to the lacing whereas the head mostly gone in about a minute or so. Light golden-yellow in color with a metallic orange tinge which brightens more than darkens, comes extremely close to transparency. There’s a certain bluntness to the nose, like it kicks the door open and then just stands there unmoving in the door way, thick pink to white grapefruit, tangerine citrus notes resonant yet not juicy nor zesty per se, in turn the floral notes more citrus blossom than well-rounded “musk” and the peach, nectarine, pineapple, papaya fruit scents present more thrust than expansiveness, not insanely hoppy nor grassy but sufficient enough to put any malty scents way in the background. Medium-bodied, too tightly wound as well as aggressively carbonated to really get full-bodied. Peppery mouth entry, quite spicy, forestalls the grapefruit, mandarin orange citrus component for a tick or two. Pine resin clearer here, florality a little more hidden. Doesn’t come off as that dry, hence more juice in the peach, nectarine, mango fruit and less tropical bite. Sweet tea leaf oils accrue with time and at the very end you can tease out some cocoa powder. Can’t say it’s not balanced but when you don’t risk many agile dance moves, hard not to be. (Bottled 04/07/09)
4 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale 2nd Release (2009)
American Pale Ale
California
6.7%
25oz, Single
$4.99
Lots of agitation in the cream colored foam, plenty of variation in bubble sizes, hangs onto a half finger coating with generous lacing as well. Mild gauziness to the deep bronze color, suggests as much brown as orange, holds light inside the glass nicely. Fresh biscuity toast to the nose but it’s really the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus which sparkles here, the strong floral dimension never gets heavy while apricot and peach fruit speak up now and then, field grasses present without any herbaceous bitterness. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and manages to convey a dry texture in spite of the ripe sweet tang in the grapefruit, orange citrus. The hops have a sour tightness to them, some tea leaf and tar resin notes too. Carob and cocoa show at times but the malts mostly integrated into the whole package. Here the density inhibits the florality from spreading far and wide. As the name suggests, tastes very fresh and lively.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Dunkel Weiss Dark Wheat Ale
Dunkelweizen
Colorado
6.4%
22oz, Single
$7.99
The head is a coppery brown color, tops off at a finger plus but made of large enough bubbles that they pop off into a thin coating across the surface, lacing doesn’t stick around very long either. Reddish brown liquid with a slight orange lightening at the rims, solid haze gives it as much translucency as you can get without opacity. Very sweet and thick nose of clove, molasses, honey and caramel, with no lack of pralines, milk chocolate powder, apricot, cherry fruit with a touch of banana and, perhaps, tangerine. Full-bodied, finds more balance here with a hoppy floral mist and little grassy nip before the clove, nutmeg spice and molasses, butterscotch and caramel take over. The carbonation puts up a good struggle against the density but eventually falters and gets squeezed out through the mid-palate. Smooth enough mouth feel, allows the apricot, peach, pear and mango fruit to slowly spread wide. Minor pie crust or fruit bread notes. Could probably have been made denser, a good thing it was not.
4 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Old Horizontal Barleywine Style Ale
American Barleywine
Pennsylvania
11.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$14.99
Pours with a one finger head of mid-sized bubbles which rapidly dissipates down to the surface with close to no lacing. Light mahogany brown to zinc orange in color, not especially dark, more hazy than cloudy, clears up around the rims. The nose is so malty in a toasty way that it starts to evoke animal sweat, so on the earthier side of the beer type even with the appreciated sweetness of the caramel, honey and dulce de leche accents, the banana, apricot, fig fruit component in turn not that sugary and opens the door for as much corn as dough. Full-bodied, starts off lighter and then plops with authority onto the palate with no intention of movement. The animal, barnyard thing persists with more pork rind, tobacco and black tea leaf nuances. Certainly trying to impress more via tactile layers of density than sheer sweetness, the butterscotch, flan, toffee, creamed coffee swirl apart via the persistent carbonation. The date, fig, golden raisin, cherry and apricot fruit once more evokes more base concentration than sugariness. You feel the alcohol but there’s no real burn. It’s grip lasts for some time through the finish, even arguably after most of the flavor has gone.
4 out of 5

Russian River Brewing Company
Damnation Golden Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
California
7.75%
25oz, Single
$7.49
Thick bone white froth on the pour, looks like you swirled it with an egg beater, lots of lacing streaks across the glass. Light bronze orange in color, not much hue change towards the rims, clear enough to se the pinpricks of bubbles rise upwards. Sort of a “beery” nose, yeasts and raw pie dough predominate, then there’s orange blossom, clove stick, apricot pits and pear skins, comes across as remarkably openly knit and airy, very restrained sweetness. Medium-bodied, the foaminess in the mouth is gentle, however, takes up a considerable amount of space before finally settling down. The clove, cinnamon spices offset by notes of sharper white pepper. In turn, sweeter orange citrus met by more sour white grapefruit. Not a lot of esters, the apricot, pear, peach fruit succinct and dry. The yeasts too are dry and not overly leesy and creamy. Not “bitter” on the finish but has a certain astringency which might throw off some imbibers. Almost shy about its complexity.
5 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Hop Stoopid Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.0%
22oz,, Single
$4.69
Thin foam spreads across the surface, interspersed throughout are large bubbles, otherwise a tightly knit layer of eggshell white, wide streaks of lacing. Very light haze to the metallic zinc orange hue, glows warmly, the rims retain more orange than yellow. The nose is undoubtedly hoppy but in no way lacks for honey molasses, caramel tones, this in turn sweetens the orange, pink grapefruit citrus as well as the floral dew, the peach, apricot, apple fruit cruises below the radar, really nothing exaggerated nor “stoopid” about this array of scents. Full-bodied, fluffy carbonation lacks precision but fills up the mouth with breadth. Honeyed bread, caramel, molasses meet up with a certain mineral water freshness to staunch excess sweetness. The hoppiness here is strong but nothing unusual, just loads up on the grains, grasses and thick yeasts. Some ginger and pine but, overall, doesn’t look to bite real hard. Carbonation continues to swirl through the finish.
4 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Indian Pale Ale
American IPA
California
7.25%
22oz, Single
$4.79
Uneven hills of white foam across the surface, crests a little over one finger, islands of big bubbles here and there, lacing displays serious stickiness. Copper orange color with a metallic tinge, dark yellow hued rims, not hazy per se but nowhere close to transparency. Dense citrusy nose of pink and white grapefruit, mandarin orange and lemon citrus chunks, pine, crisply baked scones, the fruit scents tart but in no way over the top in striving for tropicality, nectarine, pineapple, peach, guava, powdery mocha from the malts, a floral musk fills the nostrils before it dissolves, extending presence. Medium-bodied, muscular without trying to take up too much room just for the sake of it. While dry and leaving a tacky residue behind, the grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus can be as sweet as it can be sour. Less pine, more general herbaceousness bitterness. The bready or yeasty component reduced. The florality a bit earthbound, yet, no less pungent. Apricot and peach more present as it warms. Has a “rough balance” in that it’s not particularly graceful, more like the guy who can outlast the others keeping upright on the rolling log in the lake.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in May 2009

Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd, The
Wee Heavy
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Scotland
6.5%
17oz, Single
$3.99
Cream brown colored head, good finger’s thickness, mainly small bubble foam, lacing glides off the glass. The nose is a pleasant medley of caramel/toffee, peat moss, fallen forest wood, raisins, figs and cherries, white bread dough, nuts and flower water, quite smooth and without a trace of any rough or bitter qualities. Medium-bodied with a fluffy, soft texture which expands in the mouth, offering more square inch coverage than weight. The carbonation is steady and full, few pinpricks, contributes to the expansive feel. The raisin, date, fig, cherry, apricot, apple fruit a fine mix of dried and fresh fruit characters, pairs well with the chocolate, caramel, nutmeg flavors. The breadiness not a major player, if there more cake than out-and-out bread. Corn and flowers appear more as it warms some. Never too sweet nor dense, the final sip as fresh as the first.
5 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s Organic Cider (Grown from Organically Grown Apples)
Hard Cider
England
5.0%
19oz, Single
$3.99
Bleached white head reaches close to a full finger before evening out into a thin set of islands across the surface. Crystal clear orange to brown bronze in color, little more yellow at the rims but not much, highly reflective. The nose is more an exercise in tact and restraint than array of scents, polished penetration of green and crab apples, very light cinnamon nuance, more by way of stream water and lemon zest, striving for purity. Medium-bodied, fresh and full of tiny pricks of carbonation, as in the nose it’s about precision and cleanliness. The apple flavors never truly sweet, while also never truly sour, strikes a fine balance. Minimum of baking spices on hand, fetching lemon to orange citrus. Just very relaxing and quite easy to consume.
4 out of 5

Pinkus Muller, Brauerei
Organic Ur Pils
German Pilsener
Germany
5.2%
17oz, Single
$5.99
Huge, billowing head of highly agitated foam, pops and slides from three fingers down to a solid covering, leaves a good deal of sticky lacing behind. Sourdough, pretzel and semi-bitter hops pave the road through the nose, lemon peel, tobacco and earthy with a little bit of apple, apricot fruit in there, yeastiness lasts longer than any floral qualities. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is heavy like it’s just a bunch of water balloons in the mouth, no real lift or energy from it. Spicier hops here but still devolves into bready notes of rye, sourdough and, at times, pumpernickel. Has a familiar organic beer wateriness to it, openly knit and not gathering the parts into a whole over simple fluid movement forward. Ends somewhat prematurely. A clean, traditional and inoffensive representation.
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Hop Wallop
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
8.5%
12oz, Single
$5.69
Delicate cream white foam, under a finger and of mixed bubble sizes, above average stickiness to the lacing. A luminescent glow fattens the orange bronze color, lightens to a metallic yellow around the rims, gauzy transparency throughout. Doughy to lightly cooked bread infused nose, sour lemon and orange rinds, pine and straw, not many fruit scents nor malt sweetness, hence has a blunt sort of aggressiveness to it, forces itself into your nostrils rather than settle into them. Full-bodied, dry and covers the tongue like a straightjacket. Sourdough, rye and even more sour lemon takes the stage first, the lowish carbonation doesn’t relieve much of the bitter bite. Pine needles, rusted metal, minerals and general leafy qualities aren’t giving you a moment to relax. Touch of pineapple to guava fruit. The malts cower in the shadows. Homogenous enough that the second half of the bomber becomes sort of a chore to throw back.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Star Island Single (Saison Ale Brewed with Spice)
Belgian Pale Ale
New Hampshire
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Miniscule head upon the pour, barely covers the surface before retreating to the glass sides, does leave some thin lacing behind. Watery yellow to bronze color, fully transparent, hue trails off towards the rims. Really bready, doughy nose with pumpernickel, pretzel, raw yeast and lemongrass aspects, orange peels, some floral water, nothing suggesting sweet spices nor fruit scents of any depth. Medium-bodied, the carbonation provides a dense foaminess which impedes movement. The rye, pumpernickel, sourdough dominates throughout, closely followed on by lemon, orange citrus. Nothing has a keen edge, not that it’s flat more like it’s wound up some. Here you get an allusion to clove and coriander. Banana and apricot fruit most noticeable, yet does not soften the overly sour finish. Not unenjoyable, however, comes across as half-executed rather than fully planned.
3 out of 5

Maui Brewing Company
CoCoNut Porter
American Porter
Hawaii
5.7%
12oz, Single
$2.99
Really huge and airy head, all the bubbles large and delicate, almost like a puff pastry, light brown in color, the lacing is full but slides down the glass sides swiftly. Close to black but it’s more a very, very dark brown color, minimal difference around the rims. Coconut oil, coffee beans and dark chocolate make a succinct statement in the nose, in no way overpowering, firm maltiness with a pinch of flowers and baking spices. Medium-bodied, fresh and fluid mouth feel combines with a spring water lightness to keep the drinkability high. The bittersweet chocolate and coffee more pronounced than the coconut, the latter toastier here than in the nose. Gentle notes of peat moss or forest scrub to it. Strong carbonation for overall weight, weakens the finish. Not as sweet as you suspect it could have been, very appreciated. (Can)
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Old Heathen Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Pennsylvania
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Pleasing one to two finger head which has lots of big bubbles at first which then sink down into sheet of foam, dark brown in color, the lacing slides easily down the glass. Like its immediate peer group, black as the ace of spades. Anise seed, bittersweet dark chocolate and rum cake, sweet baking spices and creamed coffee make up the bulk of the nose, white raisin, fig, pear, peach fruit, interestingly non-dark in character, flows through your nostrils at a good pace. Medium-bodied, the carbonation awkward in how it handles its enthusiasm, hurts overall balance. The coffee, caramel, chocolate as well as raisin, fig, date, apricot, banana fruit keeps it sweet but by no stretch sugary. In fact, it's much drier than expected. The black licorice, flowers and orange peel lend nuance, still, nothing overtly hop-inspired going on. The roast factor is low. Grinds to a halt semi-prematurely. Needs to offer more pleasure or, conversely, more intellectual engagement.
3 out of 5

North Coast Brewing Company
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$8.99
Close to two finger head on the pour, rich brown color, dissipates into a thin layer across the surface but the lacing is super-sticky and longlasting. Easily reaches blackness in color, no real change in hue to be found, opaque, like duh. Bitter chocolate and coffee bean, nuts and cherry, plum fruit fill up the nose, has a distinct mineral and grass element to it which gives it an erect bearing, overall roasted feel gives it lift and an agreeable verve. Medium to full-bodied, prickly carbonation disperses the weight nicely. Black licorice, dark chocolate, coffee bean and brazil nuts give it some breadth. The hops give it a sour twist and slight grain, straw flavoring, floral at turns. Carbonation also brings out a little minerally edge. Has more of a cleansing feel than you’ll find in most RIPs. Not pushy through the finish, a decided good thing.
4 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Twelfth Anniversary Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout (Ale Brewed with Bitter Chocolate)
American Double/Imperial Stout
California
9.2%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Thin head but lasts for some time, dark brown in color with more larger bubbles than foam, about average lacing, not especially thick. As black as black gets, completely opaque with nary a trace of brown nor orange. Predictably the nose saturated by dark chocolate, mocha, coffee roast and general maltiness, pinch of black raisin and cherry fruit as well as cashew nuts. Full-bodied, the carbonation has an aggressive demeanor and keep things churning. This nimble quality allows the chocolate, coffee elements to avoid sweetness while not sacrificing richness. Light toastiness, moderate thrust to the raisin, fig, cherry fruit, close to evoking cola notes. More boozy than having an alcoholic burn. The oatmeal is negligible, one only has to assume hops were part of the fermentation process. Dry finish, a major complaint might be its overall monochrome presentation, no sense of change nor progression. But it ain’t bad.
4 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lumpy Gravy
American Brown Ale
California
7.2%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Finger+ orange tinged cream brown colored head, good mixture of bubble sizes, slow to dissolve, not much lacing slides down the glass like it’s greased. Hard to imagine the nose coming off as more sugary, waves of butterscotch, caramel, molasses, milk chocolate and then banana, plum, rum raisin notes, boozy in a heady way, no nostril searing. Full-bodied, heavy and even a bit lazy, it plops into your mouth and stretches out like it’s ready for a nap. All that toffee, caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, coffee ice cream and raisin, prune stuff going on here too. The carbonation soft and bubbly, adds to the general fluffy feel. At the very end you get a smidgeon of hoppy bite, soon swallowed up. Sweet to the very end and every bit as dense as at the start, arguably closer to “old ale” in style than American brown ale.
3 out of 5

Abita Brewing Company
Strawberry Harvest Lager
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Louisiana
4.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Very foamy, three finger plus head as you pour, settles down to one finger of bone white micro bubbles with a decent amount of lacing. Moderate depth to the yellow-orange color, retains its transparency, hue intensity drops off a lot at the rims. Pure strawberry filled nose, no doubt about that, ripe and even laced with powdered sugar, maybe some golden honey as well, can’t find much past those strawberries. Light-bodied, here the grain, hops and mild bitters create a semblance of balance, the sour lemon pitches in too. Then it’s back to the strawberries, even with less power than in the nose. Tends to cling to the tongue rather than lift, even at its relatively lighter weight. Easy sipper, not overly sweet, almost like an alcoholic strawberry soda or juice or something.
3 out of 5

Abita Brewing Company
Andygator Helles Doppelbock
Doppelbock
Louisiana
8.0%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Soft foamy head of about one finger, mix of all bubble sizes, close to bone white, very credible lacing. Bronze orange to a light brown in color, distorts light easily. Sweetly florid nose with a whole bunch of orange, lemon juice in addition to roasted nuttiness, corn, honeyed bread, sweetened cereal, crunchy apple, pear and peach scents, while thick overall does achieve a little lift. Full-bodied, creamy in feel with not a rough patch in sight, rubs gently into the palate. Lemon, orange and grapefruit citrus dominant here too, juicy and friendly with minimal bite. Malt, corn, granola, cinnamon, dehydrated apple and pear fruit starting to concentrate, some banana. Hint of caramel, toffee. Hard to pick out any keenly edged hoppy components. Stays fluffy and carbonated through the finish, No alcoholic heat but “heady” in a boozy way. Very affable, the John Candy of beers.
3 out of 5

Abita Brewing Company
Abbey Ale
Dubbel
Louisiana
8.0%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Gargantuan head on the pour, three fingers plus with many super-large bubbles, steadily settles down into a think layer across the surface, leaves a thick, frothy lacing behind. Copper red to brown in color, average darkness. Moderate penetration to the nose, golden raisin, date and clove spice, then fresher peach to banana fruit, cocoa and carob, the malt dimension actually less forceful than expected, allows for a trace of mixed white citrus and something like celery to come through, overall drifts off slowly like a cloud on the horizon. Medium-bodied with a thick foaminess in the mouth, more of a smoky, caramelized character to the chocolate, toffee flavors than in the nose. The banana and esters ratcheted up, less concentrated date or glazed fruit aspects. The clove, nutmeg in the house, yet, the mineral water derived dry freshness opposes the deepening of any sweetness. Not especially yeasty nor bready, there is some moss or wet underbrush tones, again perhaps linkable to the mineral water. A touch monochrome but not a chore to drink.
3 out of 5

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Dorado Double India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
9.1%
22oz, Single
$7.49
Pours a steady one finger head, the large to medium-sized bubbles outnumber the general froth, cream white in color with average lacing. You can smell the nose before you get six inches from the glass, boisterous pink grapefruit zest and pine sap rush out to greet you, not herbaceous nor overly sharp, there’s no lack of indistinct soft maltiness to be had, with it comes a hint of lactose milkiness too, coriander and Indian spices present, add punch to the pineapple, nectarine, peach, passion fruit scents, ends with a saline burst. Medium-bodied, the carbonation is huge and fluffy and has it filling the mouth steadily, if without weight per se. Pink grapefruit, tangelo, lime citrus remains the focal point. Pine sap and floral dew up next, very sticky in the mouth, clogs your pores. The creamy texture defangs a lot of the hoppy bitterness, leaves room for coffee beans, mocha powder and cocoa. As it warms more alcohol noticeable, as well as an elevation in sugars in the apricot, peach, nectarine, pineapple, guava fruit. It’s big, bold and brassy and by a whisker pulls it off. Drink as cold as possible.
5 out of 5

Russian River Brewing Company
Blind Pig IPA
American IPA
California
6.1%
17oz, Single
$4.19
Presents a big foam on the pour, a good deal of very large bubbles, settles down to the surface quickly leaving a thick, sticky lacing behind. Medium orange to autumnal yellow in color, more transparent at the rims, good brightness throughout. There’s a toasty crispness to the nose, the white and pink grapefruit accents penetrate but not violently, retains some honeyed bread crust and cereal aspects, light guava, pineapple, nectarine fruit scents, the malty smoothness is sneaky and mostly before it all dissolves, mainly milk chocolate powder. Medium-bodied, a touch lighter than expected given the expressiveness of the nose, the carbonation more broad than fine, lifts things like an air balloon rather than hang glider. The grapefruit, tangerine, lemon citrus sweeter here and, by the same token, the malts more present and soothing. More grass and grain than bread or cereal, a measured rawness to it. A breeze of spring flowers comes through at the end. Admirable alternation between balanced integration and letting the dog off the leash in the park.
5 out of 5

AleSmith Brewing Company
Speedway Stout (Imperial Stout Brewed with Ryan Bros. Coffee Beans)
American Double/Imperial Stout
California
12.0%
25oz, Single
$11.29
Pours with a thin, super dark brown head, doesn’t take long to all but fully disappear. The lacing is thin as well but persistent. The expected impenetrable black color, no variation at the rims nor from any angle. The nose is grapey and sweet at first, soon run down by coffee grinds, bitter dark chocolate and butterscotch, suggestions of nutmeg and cinnamon stick, even as the individual scents fall off the sheer penetrating punch keeps it active in your nostrils. Full-bodied, not quite nimble but never clumsy, just takes some time to change direction. The coffee aspect is obvious, omnipresent and enduring, colors the rest. The grape, plum, cherry and apple fruit shades more black fruit but not always. A shy glance of grapefruit reminds you there’s hops in there and the more you sip it, the more you get semi-bitter graininess. Yes, it can be sour and acidic, but that’s kind of the point. Plays to its strengths but not a simple stout by any measure.
5 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Cattail Peak Organic Wheat Beer
American Pale Wheat Ale
North Carolina
4.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Pours a deep bone white head, settles quickly into a thin sheet across the surface, lacing not very sticky. Cloudy light yellow color with a warm glow, looks “summery.” Crisp and light nose, but has some punch, like a featherweight boxer, wheat, sourdough bread, pretzels, lemon peels, at first seems malty but keener hoppiness takes over, light mixed fruit dash, nothing distinct. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation leaves a bigger impression than the body weight. More sour baking dough, wheat and general grassy sort of elements. The lemon to orange citrus maintains a tenuous presence, no real juiciness. The malt smoothness on the weak side, at times you might get a chocolate powder accent. No one component seems to take the lead, this not meant to suggest harmonious integration rules the day. At times reminds one of an American Pilsner.
3 out of 5

Neumarkter Lammsbräu
Organic Pilsner
German Pilsener
Germany
4.8%
11oz, 4-Pack
Pours a super-thick head, you half to slow it down to not spill, leaves a two finger head if pure micro-foam, pure white in color. Gauzy yellow liquid achieves a translucent veil, hue peters out around the rims. Surprisingly sweet and malty nose, cocoa powder, honey, croissant flakes, pine nuts, touch of apricot fruit, yeasty but doesn’t hit you with any meaningful hoppy punch. Medium-bodied, comes across as kind of flat despite having average carbonation. Any citrus at the start is vague and those honey glaze, baking dough flavors dissipate swiftly into the background. Flowery during the mid-palate. Watery sort of finish, some bready residue and tacky dry texture on the tongue.
2 out of 5

Port Brewing Company
Old Viscosity Ale (Ale Aged in Oak Barrels)
American Strong Ale
California
10.0%
22oz, Single
$5.79
Very dense two finger plus head, deep brown in color and mostly micro-froth with a few small real bubbles interspersed here and there, lacing slides down the glass easily. Entirely, impenetrably opaque, looks more like dark, dark, dark brown than black, no hue changes around the rims. In the nose you primarily get mixed dark and milk chocolate, coffee ice cream, candied cherry, plum, date, chocolate covered raisin scents, when swirled it releases more bitter pink grapefruit and chicory notes, so thick and alcoholic that these fall back quickly into the mix. Full-bodied, has a creamy and strongly carbonated mouth feel which relieves a good deal of heaviness. The chicory, wood smoke bitterness more obvious here, the grapefruit element less so. There’s a drier complexion to the chocolate, coffee bits, hence no real caramel undertones. The plum, raisin, date, cherry, fig fruit shines best towards the finish. Quite flavorful, however, too overwhelming to really enjoy more than a glass or so.
4 out of 5

Lost Abbey, The
2009 Carnevale Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
California
6.5%
25oz, Single
$8.99
Bone white head of mixed large bubbles to pure froth, moderate lacing, settles quickly into a half finger coating. Cloudy yellow color with some orange for hue depth, healthy glow to it and completely opaque. Slowly works its way up to being very full in the nose, unhurried unfurling of uncooked bread dough, orange and lemon rinds, nutmeg and cinnamon spice, underlying earthiness anchors it, the white fruit palpable but doesn’t diverge into distinct parts, ends with suggestions of both white pepper and field wildflowers. Full-bodied, moves like it’s still slightly buzzed from the night before and thrown off by the light when the shades are pulled back at 11:00 AM. Hence, the flavors have the same gauziness as the liquid itself, the slabs of lemon and orange, the just out of the oven sourdough bread, the mixed baking spices and flowers need mastication to get working. Carbonation active for what it has to cut through. Nectarine, pineapple, peach, pear fruit a background element. Overall round texture but definitely firms up the focus through the finish.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Burton Baton (Oak Aged Imperial India Pale Ale)
American Double/Imperial IPA
Delaware
10.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Attractive one finger plus of solid micro-froth, good stickiness and lacing, slow to dissolve. Orange-brown amber in color, noticeably clean and transparent, picture perfect visually. In the nose the juicy pink grapefruit to tangerine citrus gets run down by the caramel, vanilla oak elements, this creaminess also seems to buttress buttery malts and a mix of apricot, cherry, pineapple and date fruit scents, as it warms more pine and molasses comes out. Full-bodied, fluffy carbonation makes it expand rapidly in the mouth, almost overfilled. Very sticky texture in the mouth too, halfway through the glass your mouth pores feel clogged. That said, the momentum in the sweet grapefruit, lime, tangerine citrus as well as the pine sap keeps up the pace. More hoppy here with flowers and wet straw, the oak caramel, molasses tend to blend into the alcoholic whomp. Balanced like a bull in the ring, charges, snorts, charges again. More enjoyable chilled than closer to room temperature.
5 out of 5

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Chugged in April 2009

Pisgah Brewing Company
Porter
American Porter
North Carolina
4.8%
64oz, Growler
$9.99
Pours a solid two finger head of light brown, dense froth, slow to evaporate and with very strong lacing. Very dark brown color, a shade short of black, you get a splash of orange at the outermost rims, impressive looking. Malty nose of carob, milk chocolate, cocoa without making a fuss over it, cappuccino notes as well, nice little burst of black raisin, cherry fruit and mixed white nuts, never too sugary so doesn’t really need hoppiness for counter-weight, could see more lactose notes coming out with aging. Medium-bodied, perky carbonation keeps the bubbles perpetually in the mix, at the same time much clarity in the malt, milk chocolate, cocoa and then cafe con leche, caramel flavors. Through the mid-palate takes on both more florality and a light bitter streak, the hops are indeed in there. Typical organic mineral water component as well. Leaves a strong impression of roast and oils behind at the end.
4 out of 5

Heller-Trum, Brauerei
Hecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (Original Schlenkerla Smokebeer)
Rauchbier
Germany
5.4%
17oz, Single
$4.59
Bone white head, very thin with a pool of large bubbles in the middle, no lacing to be had. Dark brown to mahogany red in hue, close to full transparency, though, very consistent hue. Like, duh, the nose is very smoky, like a dry kindling fire, crispy bacon, touch of molasses like slow roast pulled pork, some pine resin as well, toasty sourdough, solid nuttiness too, some grape to cherry fruit scents, no citrus really. Light to medium-bodied but that smokiness is so bodacious it just fills the mouth. Bacon, beef jerky, saltlick quite obvious. It’s interesting to taste a liquid so woody yet with no hint of oak barrel treatment. There’s a light bitterness which teases out a moment of white grapefruit. Conversely, not without sweet notes of molasses, honey and caramelized brown sugar. Green raisin to fig fruit in minute portions. The finish swirls with persistent smokiness, it doesn’t leave until you intentionally put something else in your mouth to tame it.
4 out of 5

Fuller’s (Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, Griffin Brewery)
2007 Bottle Conditioned Vintage Ale
Old Ale
England
8.5%
17oz, Single
$7.99
Pours with a huge three finger plus whipped up head of microcosmic bubbles, above average lacing. Light amber red color, while you can see through it with ease remains gauzy and not crystal clear, lightens to pumpkin orange around the rims. The nose is dense with the consistency of cotton balls, hence not a lot to draw out, sweet tangerine to orange citrus, sweet malts, drier chocolate powder, potpourri, golden raisin to date fruit, needs to really get closer to room temperature before it expresses much. Close to full-bodied, has a nice fluidity to it which likely prevents more weight from gathering. Tangerine juice, pine cone, baking spices, scone like bready density, sweet molasses too. Smooth and creamy feel, again avoids heaviness. Apricot, date, fig fruit without seeming too concentrated. The carbonation is fairly relaxed, but does lengthen the finish. Mouth feel more important here than flavor breadth.
4 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
The Amazing Kosmicki’s Highly Acclaimed KBS (A Stout Ale Aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels)
American Double/Imperial Stout
Michigan
11.2%
12oz, 4-Pack
$21.99
Even pouring it straight down the center of the glass there’s close to zero head and, as one would expect, no lacing either. Completely black, seems to be the “look” these sort of beers seek. The bourbon inspired vanilla, caramel evident from the first sniff, the nose also features espresso bean, prunes and black raisins, there’s a slight suggestion of flowers but this may very well be more diverse bourbon-inspired scents. Full-bodied, here the trademark Founders smooth carbonation comes in to help you breathe in the face of its sheer density and mass. Avalanche of roasted coffee, bitter dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla bean and burnt grains, followed on by black licorice, orange glaze. There is a noticeable alcoholic burn but it only distracts in a minor fashion. The prune, plum, raisin fruit a touch buried here. As you’d expect, you’d need a hose to wash this out of your mouth, long finish not close to describing it. A testament to intensity and depth more than to complexity. 4 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
The Hairy Eyeball Ale
American Strong Ale
California
8.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Thin head with good retention, mixture of bubble sizes knit together well, dark cream white in color, moderate lacing. Dark brown to red in color, perfect clarity, richness of hue keeps it sitting impressively in the glass. Thickly constructed nose of toffee, caramel, brown sugar, raisin, date, plum fruit, some doughiness but not a lot of roast or toast, nothing beyond minor presence of hoppy citrus or flowers, malt city. In the mouth it’s full-bodied and heavy, pretty much squats on the palate. This even with credibly strong carbonation. There’s more pine and mixed white citrus here, however, the smart money is still on the toffee, chocolate, caramel and honey flavors. The fruit as in the nose half raisin and date, half plum and cherry. Its cloying qualities make it pull up short rather than extend through a longer finish. Flavor intensity is a plus, just wears you down some, not sure I could finish two bottles in a row without feeling bloated.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Michigan
10.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Heavyset one finger head of dark brown froth, very integrated, like a tarp over the surface, plenty of sticky lacing left behind. The liquid is pure jet black, nary a hint of color to be seen. Brawny nose, hurls roasted coffee, black licorice, mint, bittersweet chocolate, not a lot of milkiness or creamy accents, dry and dense like cooking batter, waft of maraschino cherry and raspberry fruit scents, hops muffled if even there. Full-bodied, Very chewy yet with a subtle carbonation which prods the whole forward when it starts to get lazy. Pure coffee, dark chocolate, toffee flavors, spoonful of freshly whipped cream on top. Gentle roast, never that aggressive of a toastiness, much in keeping with a bigger isn’t always better approach. Pine and anise seed brighten the mid-palate and add lift. Dense soda bread doughiness. Subtle white grapefruit tang through the finish. For a beer of its size never comes close to wearing you down.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Whirlwind Witbier
Witbier
Pennsylvania
5.0%
12oz
6-Pack
$10.99
Pours a very thin white head that barely sticks around long enough to be called a “head,” no lacing as one would thus expect. Cloudy straw yellow color, opaque without density, some bubbles inside visible. Unassuming nose of clove, ginger spice, banana, golden raisin scents, more mandarin orange than any other citrus, the bready element more doughy than baked, light does of carob too. Fairly full-bodied, “it’s got back” and moves at a slow pace. The carbonation might be too low and hence a contributing factor in its relative lack of crispness. The clove spice pulls back, the orange to lemon citrus not really taking its place. Maybe a suggestion of apricot, peach, banana fruit. Presents more of a mineral water character which reminds one of organic beers. Honey glazed bread elevates through the finish.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Pale Ale Dry Hopped
American Pale Ale
Michigan
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thin head but frothy and dimpled, off-white in color, credible lacing, dissipates at a rapid clip. More a gauziness than cloudiness, you can see through it from up close and yellow mixes with the orange to lighten the overall hue. The nose is grainy with oat, meadow grass elements, on the whole somewhat flat, corn with a little oiliness, the citrus indistinct, the malts impart a rye bread quality, for its relative cleanliness it is heavy and without much lift. Full-bodied, moves at a slower pace, not languid, but in no rush. More hoppy than malty without being so in a biting manner, just has that herbaceous graininess which keeps it dry and cresting on and off the tongue. For its weight the carbonation is noticeable and helps to funnel things forward. Orange, lemon citrus, not much, if any, grapefruit. More generic “resin” than pine, some nuttiness and malted milk ball flavors. Entirely without flaws, however, needs a touch more verve.
3 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Centennial IPA Dry Hopped
American IPA
Michigan
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thin, eggshell white head, mild retention, lacing more visually impressive. Strong haze to the zinc orange color, overall closer to red than yellow, hardly any fade around the rims. Very good penetrating power to the nose but it’s more remarkable for its balance, on one side the pink grapefruit, dried flowers, green corn husk and pine, on the other scone, mocha, malt powder, whisper of apricot or red apple fruit scents. Medium-bodied, very sturdy and has broad shoulders although in no way, shape or form trying to over-impress. Has more of a sour nip than bitter bite, keeps control of the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus as well as any greenness in the hops. Cocoa and milk chocolate powder pair up with scone to biscuit flavors and golden raisin, fig to apricot fruit. The carbonation possesses pleasing activity but the bubbles are fine and don’t truly scrub. Determined to last through the finish. As in the nose, balance and integration over scattershot complexity.
5 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Oberon Ale
American Pale Wheat Ale
Michigan
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Thin, bone white head, mixture of bubble sizes, dissipates swiftly, equally light lacing. Light cloudy yellow color, opaque in spite of lightness, does have that gauzy summertime look to it. The nose at once anchors itself solidly in your nostrils and spaces out the scents to avoid the kind of density which makes it seem blockish, soft spoken lemon peel, wheat germ, white bread, pinch of sweetish baking spices, more so offers an unassuming earthiness. Medium-bodied, holds onto its weight throughout, from the first sip balance and restraint are clearly among its hallmarks. The wheat, oat, bread dimension round and without greenness, some residual sweetness in the orange, lemon citrus, surely doesn’t require an actual wedge. Cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander spice unobtrusively present. Perhaps some apricot or peach fruit notes. Even the carbonation is demure, if there’s any real complaint it may actually be tactful to a fault. Cleans up well through the finish.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in March 2009

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Pils Czech Style Pilsner
Czech Pilsener
California
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.39
Thin cream white head which dissipates relatively rapidly, no lacing. More of an orange glow to it, yellows out around the rims, not deeply hued, light enough to see the sluggish bubbles rising within the glass. Bready nose of sourdough and baguette, mixed sour white citrus, tea leaves and meadow grassiness, doesn’t push itself on you. Medium-bodied with a hefty does of carbonation to keep it churning around the mouth, active palate presence. More sour than bitter with rye, sourdough bread notes and lemony bite. Pine and dried flower petals there, it takes awhile for the malts to smooth things out. Still, a fairly herbaceous beer which has a refreshing, cleansing side but, at the same time, leaves that sourness as its final impression, along with a scratchy tingle on the tongue.
3 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Holy Sheet Über Abbey Ale
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Maryland
9.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Very little head, if any, same for the lacing. Red, brown mahogany in color, dark yet equally clear and clean, shade more orange at the rims. The nose comes up with milk chocolate, date and raisin fruit, the alcohol is noticeable, malts not able to smooth out the general volatility, light aspect of candied orange peels, has adequate density but lacks expressivity. Full-bodied, the carbonation does not add much texture nor get the flavors percolating. Hence, it’s a bit sticky and more or less sits there as it produces rum raisin cake, date, fig and green apple fruit in addition to mild clove, cinnamon spice. The orange, lemon citrus mutters, touch more clarity to the biscuit and scone elements. Lack of concentration leads to an emptying out feel through the finish. If there’s any flaws, would be the noticeability of the alcohol. Otherwise, just a beer that’s consumable but misses the general mark.
2 out of 5

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
B.O.R.I.S. The Crusher Oatmeal-Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Ohio
9.4%
22oz, Single
$10.89
Gets to just about one finger of thick brown cream, full mixture of bubble sizes, above average lacing, more sheets than sticky streaks. Pitch black, no real color to the liquid, of course completely opaque. Black licorice, creamed coffee, hazelnuts, bittersweet dark chocolate, black grape to raisin, cherry fruit scents, caramelized brown sugar, very dense thus hard to really get full effect, witch hazel and spiced oatmeal break the surface before it’s all gone. Full-bodied is not quite adequate, it’s a damn brick in the mouth, you almost feel like you have to spoon it into your mouth and then swallow hard to get it down. Heavy roast to the coffee, chocolate flavors, caramel and brown sugar too, still too heavy to truly be as sweet as it should be. Grape, cherry, plum fruit flavors only flirt with dried fruit characteristics. The carbonation is near unnoticeable. The licorice comes out at the finish along with a bit of floral mist and mint. Dry, concentrated and obviously built to “crush,” however, even a 22oz bomber is somewhat tiring to finish.
4 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
7.5%
64oz, Growler
$9.99
The head a clear product of being newly poured, thin half finger of tiny cream colored bubbles, dissolves quickly enough, any lacing dissipates easily. Unassumingly complete nose of pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pine sap, floral dew, green grass, it’s unmistakable as an IPA without trying to over impress. In the mouth it is medium-bodied and, once more, harkens back to balanced IPAs where presenting the basics was more than sufficient. Pink grapefruit, tangelo, lemon, citrus and pine make sure you know it is what it is. Dry in mouth feel and very erect in posture, minimal wasted movement. The carbonation waits until it has to act. Really close to the end a carob malt dusting shows. Approachably lively.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Michigan
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Whipped milkshake in appearance head or off-white color, dense micro-bubbles, touch of stringy lacing. Murky glow to the bronzed orange to red brick color, holds the light inside of it nicely and retains hue fully to the rims. Crisp, almost forceful, nose without ever seeming exaggerated, rye and wheat with a touch of pumpernickel, steady lowgrade mixed citrus notes, apricot, nectarine and mango fruit scents without the excess juiciness, too erect to be smooth or creamy, same for bitter, just smells like an unadorned beer. Medium-bodied, lots of carbonation, however, unveils itself at a slow pace. More of a thick skeleton than dense flesh, tangerine and mandarin orange citrus along with floral tea scents come out first. Then the apricot, peach fruit, less tropical here in the mouth. The breadiness is fully baked with a thick crust. The malts never rise over a certain basic presence. The hops don’t take advantage, content to stay in proportion to the former. Definitely a beer best imbibed as a whole rather than considered in its constituent parts.
4 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Rye Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Georgia
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Grows to a two finger head of frothy cream white bubbles, big and actively popping all about. Leaves a decent amount of lacing behind as well. Very light pumpkin orange in color, almost dilute, especially around the yellow rims, transparent throughout. Pink grapefruit and orange citrus break into the nose first, hoppy with pine and floral resin notes too, the rye is present yet in a sharp manner, no breadiness really, light apricot fruit presence, few distinct malt scents, if any. Medium-bodied, fairly foamy for its weight, fills the mouth up that way. The pink grapefruit and tangerine equally omnipresent here, tends to overshadow the more delicate floral aspect. Bags of dried lawn grass present, bitter tea leaf and tar. The rye like bread crusts, no doughy softness. It’s not particularly hard to drink but not very balanced nor as complete as you suspect it may have been.
3 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
India Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
Georgia
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Solid one finger head of varied bubble sizes, light brown in color, pleasing stickiness to the lacing. Dark chocolate brown in color with more of a yellow than orange tint, a hazy murkiness permeates the liquid. Milk chocolate and coffee ice cream fill the nose, followed on my raisin, plum, cherry fruit scents, agreeably approachable, bread grains, honey, touch of mixed white citrus and hoppy bite, about a 60/40 split in favor malts. Medium-bodied, starts to press down into the tongue and gather its weight together, then the carbonation comes along to scrape it off the palate. The hops more in the front here with grass, pine, sour lemon citrus nuances. These reach a simple cruising altitude and then amicably yield to rounder chocolate, honey, caramel flavors. Nutty at moments too. Then finishes with elevating grapefruit notes. Lots of solos rather than choral approach, yet, keeps your interest and doesn't get annoying by going in too many directions.
4 out of 5

New Belgium Brewing Inc.
Mothership Wit (Organic Wheat Beer Brewed with Spices)
Witbier
Colorado
4.8%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Pure bone white head, bleached of all color, not a lot of depth, dissolves down swiftly, leaves no lacing behind. The color is extremely washed out, while gauzy about the palest yellow seen in some time. Nose is light as well, gossamer lemon and orange peel, clove and nutmeg spice, rose hips, vague banana and estery fruit scents, nothing much going on here. Medium-bodied, has weight but the flavors are about as dilute as can be imagined, might be attributable to the scourge of being “organic” which in beer-speak means stripped of flavor intensity. Attenuated orange, lemon citrus, that same clove, coriander, nutmeg stuff, no malts nor real hoppy zing. Tenuous sourdough and metallic water notes. The carbonation level is fine and appropriate per se but appears greater as there’s nothing to really carbonate. Cannot accuse it of a watery finish as that would mean it dropped off from something denser. Better than a Coors Light, I will admit that.
2 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Old Guardian Barley Wine Style Ale (Limited Early 2009 Release)
American Barleywine
California
11.3%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Big three finger head if you pour too aggressively, very slow to simmer down, more microscopic foam than bigger bubbles, semi-sticky lacing. Murky glow deepens the orange-brown color, fully opaque through to the slightly more orange rims. More hop presence in this than any other barleywine beer consumed before, the nose full of grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pine sap and green grass, sharply angular in texture, the tropicality in the pineapple, nectarine, guava, kumquat fruit scents contributes mightily, little cushioning from the rye bread, mocha, carob or scone notes. Full-bodied unto thick in the mouth, even the foaminess seems to add to its density. Not substantially different from the nose in that pink grapefruit, lemon citrus, pine and herbaceousness dominate. Around the mid-palate you might get some malty biscuit or bread but the malt presence drops a notch here, any chocolate comes only when you breathe out. The pineapple, guava, nectarine, peach fruit met by raisin and fig flavors which keep their distance. Keeps rubbing your palate until it starts to get raw. Selfish steamroller, doesn’t consider your feelings at all.
4 out of 5

Pisgah Brewing Company
Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
North Carolina
4.8%
64oz, Growler
$9.99
One finger head composed of a mix of bubble sizes, slightly off-white in hue, steady dissolving leaves no lacing behind. Brown mud in color with a streak of amber red through it, lightens a few shades at the rims. Relaxed nose produces caramel, coffee and cocoa powder at first, takes its time blending in French bread, chestnut and a raw grain side, the freshness of the stream water touches tames any real hoppy edge and let’s the malts stretch out further. Medium-bodied, shows good composure and harmony, each sip exactly like the last. The carbonation is light and gently prods things forward, never interferes with the fairly dry milk chocolate, caramel, butterscotch flavors. No real citrus or fruit component, as in the nose the grain and bread most display the hops. General nuttiness. Smooth as she goes through the finish, no feeling of falling off.
3 out of 5

Chimay (Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont), Bières de
Chimay Grande Réserve (Blue Label)
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
9.0%
11oz, Single
$4.99
Lively foam when you pour it, races to evaporate into dispersed islands of miniscule brown bubbles, close to zero lacing. Murky muddy brown in color, more yellow tinges than orange or red, lots of floating particulate even with a careful pour. The nose leans a good deal on cinnamon, clove like spice and brown sugar for oomph, lesser degree on raisin bread, dry chocolate powder, dried apricots and peaches, figs too, light banana esters, not as forceful as expected, you have to work at drawing out the scents even though the glass has “Chimay” written on it. Full-bodied and a touch heavy on the palate, here the flavors deliver more depth. And while no heat, you can feel the alcoholic content. Clove, allspice, cinnamon spice and orange peel comes at you first, notes of cola and brown bread as well. The carbonation is very aggressive, although not able to cleanse, more so add to the turbulence. Chocolate powder, yeast, raisin, fig, apricot, peach and banana fruit fit into the groove. Dry finish given its body and initial sweetness. Can’t say I could drink more a couple in a sitting.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Insanity (Ale Aged in Oak Barrels)
English Barleywine
Pennsylvania
11.1%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Two fingers settle into a dense one finger head, dark cream to brown in hue, mostly tightly woven tiny bubbles except for a larger swell in the center, plenty of sticky lacing, almost messy. Complete murkiness in the brick red to brown color, like water from a rusty pipe. Thick, treacly nose that slugs its way forward inch by inch, rum raisin, fruitcake, banana bread, black licorice, brown sugar, maple syrup, you name it, it’s sweet, whiskey oak barrels, apricot to green grape scents, compression makes it semi-difficult to parse out individual elements. Full-bodied, heaves itself into the mouth like a cannonball leap into a pool, no alcohol burn but you know it’s potent with each sip. Feels like three sumo wrestlers in a coma reclining on your tongue, it can move, but fleetingly and with effort. The brown sugar, molasses, banana bread, licorice, whiskey, crème brûlée and tiramisu flavors slathered on you. Much to its credit the carbonation is able to at times offer safe haven. While the malts definitely in charge the hops do slip in some corn, field grass, mandarin orange and pine. The pineapple, apricot, fig, date fruit never too sweet, erect enough posture to form a bridge to non-sugar based components.
3 out of 5

Nøgne Ø
Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
Norway
4.5%
17oz, Single
$7.49
Head comprised of a horde of large, swiftly popping bubbles, gets to just about one finger before settling thinly across surface, brownish cream color, not a lot of lacing. Clear red-brown in color, consistent throughout, visibly transparent for depth of hue. Milk chocolate, hazelnuts and pecans, honey and soft caramel make for an inviting nose, dark raisin, date, cherry fruit scents pretty it further, not many discernible hoppy elements, probably add more erectness and structure than olfactory delight. Medium-bodied, polished and smooth, you immediately sense it’s crafted for maximal drinkability and satiny texture than complexity of flavors. Not that there’s a paucity of chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, cola nuances or a floral breeze and slice of candied orange peel. The carbonation delicately swirls the flavors through the mouth. Never gets truly sweet, this would impede the flow. The cherry, raspberry, golden raisin fruit parts fit into the whole seamlessly. Again, nothing profound or never experienced before, just finely executed craftsmanship.
4 out of 5

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
Mean Manalishi Double I.P.A.
American Double/Imperial IPA
Ohio
8.2%
22oz, Single
$12.49
Crests at about two fingers of head, eggshell white with a vast selection of bubble sizes, above average lacing, heads lasts decently as well. Dark amber red in color, equally drawn into brown as well as orange, mild gauziness yet still mostly transparent. You expect it but the full frontal assault of pink grapefruit in the nose still a blow, orange blossom and buttered biscuit, black tea, white pepper, very herbaceous and comes close to acrid smokiness in terms of rough texture in the nostrils, makes you want to pull your nose out of the glass. Full-bodied, to its credit that it can be this witheringly dry and still maintain such weight and pressure on the palate. White and pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus outsized and the pine, tea leaf, tobacco resin and tar keep you wide awake too. Biscuit, pinch of malt powder, smattering of apricot, golden raisin fruit. Herbaceously bitter from mid-palate on. Not a lot of carbonation to provide relief either. Leaves you feeling like you sprinted a mile through beach sand in August.
3 out of 5

New Belgium Brewing Inc.
Fat Tire Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Colorado
5.2%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Well-agitated and active two finger head of creamy white, lacing slides down the glass walls in sheets rather than stick. Very light and transparent zinc orange color, just about as much yellow as any deeper red. Mocha, chocolate cake start off the nose, then corn syrup, dried tea leaves, the lack of a strong roast cedes more territory to the grainy and floral hops elements, almost by default, no citrus. Light-bodied and at times the carbonation foams up enough to make it feel dilute. Malted milk balls, caramel, some biscuit or baguette type of doughiness, here you get a suggestion of sweet mixed white citrus and pine. That said, the floral side drops off a lot even as the corn, raw wheat keep going. Even more watery at the finish, no lift nor final kick.
2 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Local 2
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
New York
8.7%
25oz, Single
$8.99
Big, frothy head with hyper-active bubbles, they pop in front of you like they are on fast forward, about average lacing, everything wants to go “pop.” Murky dark brown in color, the bubble beads which flow near the glass sides clear in their vigor, more jaundice yellow than orange around the rims. Cola, chocolate, molasses, rum raisin, candied orange peels fill the nose, has to make room for an abundance of banana, apricot, cherry fruit, no hoppy spine thus it leans back in your nostrils like they were a beanbag. Medium-bodied, would be heavy if not sloth-like were it not for the foamy carbonation to mask a good deal of the sweetness. Date, prune, raisin, plum, cherry fruit leads with moments of apricot, banana. The floral side lacks clarity, muted by honey, molasses, brown sugar flavors. Leesy quality to the yeasts, round and coating. Glazed nuts. Dark chocolate bitterness appears through the finish, welcome sight. Maybe it’s me but seems overwrought and it takes awhile to get a whole glass down.
3 out of 5

Val-Dieu, Brasserie de l’Abbaye du
Blond
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
6.0%
17oz, Single
$7.89
Solid one finger of pure white foam, as if spooned onto the top of the beer, the lacing clings tenaciously without losing its appearance of delicacy. Simple yellow gold to zinc in color, mostly transparent, attractive without makeup. The nose unfolds green apple, pear, peach fruit as well as a brush of banana and coconut, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice nuances, the floral side brings out zesty lemon notes, the grains and bread understated and not really more than a complement. In the mouth it’s light-bodied with added presence via the churning foaminess. As tactful as ever, gossamer floral dew pairs with lemon and orange mist, just ripened peach, apricot, pear, melon fruit flavors and then a finishing grapeyness. The yeast and white bread accents barely baked, warm and sticks to your fingers. As it finishes, stone and stream water parts cleanse the palate, the flavors washed away as the foam eventually peters out too.
4 out of 5

Hirschbräu (Privatbrauerei Höss), Der
Doppel-Hirsch
Doppelbock
Germany
7.2%
17oz
Single, $3.49
Big initial foam, settles swiftly down to a thin coating of off-white cream across the surface, no real lacing. Mahogany brown with strong red and lesser yellow tints, closer to transparency than opacity. Milk chocolate, rum raisin ice cream, molasses sweeten the nose immediately, finds balance in accents of rye bread, wheat, brazil nuts and almond slivers, while allowing for fig, date, plum fruit scents, stays full a good long while without getting tiring. Medium-bodied, active carbonation adds sizzle to the mouth entry so you can take more time to adjust to the newfound sweet thing swirling about your tongue. Probably less thick and syrupy than many any Doppelbock beers, not to say there’s a paucity of caramel, brown sugar, chocolate goodness, same for the plum, date, fig, maraschino cherry fruit flavors. Here you get less of that rye, pumpernickel bread bite yet it’s definitely there alongside unshucked corn, raw nuts and a soft yeastiness. Wouldn’t call this chuggable per se but you can throw it back at a steady pace. Which, of course, is always a good thing.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Two Hearted Ale
American IPA
Michigan
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Simple off-white colored head, gets close to one finger and runs off into a thin coating across the surface, the lacing shows more tenacity and stickiness. Red to brunt orange in color, takes on a more metallic yellow or rust cast around the rims, clear enough to watch the fat bubbles swim upwards. The nose offers up sweet pink grapefruit and tangerine citrus in spades, wheat, rye and soda bread notes, brawny apricot, peach, pineapple fruit scents, warm spring day explosion of fresh flowers, digs in without bruising. Medium-bodied, lively and energetic from the first sip to last, the carbonation dances a tango across the tongue. The pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus slightly more bitter here, just as much as an overpowering presence. Pretty peach, apricot, pear fruit, swells until pine sap, rye and granola in addition to a malt smoothness brings things closer to earth and elongates the experience into more than a series of punctuation marks. With each bottle it’s drained before you think it’s even half done.
5 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
Red Rocket Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.99
Thick, creamy head, more like suds than bubbles, light red-brown color to it, good deal of lacing. In the glass the liquid manages to appear more red than brown, about as dark as red gets, that said, remains mostly transparent. In the nose the malt scents of cocoa and brown sugar have trouble finding their footing, just about the same for the raisin, cherry, apricot fruit, the big blast of bitter hops, white pepper, straw, cut grass and tea leaves, doesn’t integrate into a whole. Medium-bodied, similar experience in the mouth with kind of flat-footed carbonation not helping organize the gang in one direction. The hoppy bite creates rye, raw grains, pine cone, grapefruit and orange citrus flavors while likely at the same time contributing to its arch dryness and diminishing the enjoyment of the former. Caramel, cocoa and brown sugar can’t sweeten things up much. At times it seems ego-driven, showing off for no real reason. Has the elements to be a superior quaff but without a real game plan it’s just a workout to finish the glass.
3 out of 5

Harviestoun Brewery
Bitter & Twisted Ale
English India Pale Ale (IPA)
Scotland
4.2%
17oz, Single
$6.29
Thin creamy white head that evaporates swiftly, minimal lacing. Pale golden color with a fine gauzy haze to it, much brighter yellow around the rims. Very hoppy nose of of cracked bulgur wheat, lemon peel, dried pine oil, very light peach and apricot pit fruit, overall has a big initial punch then trails off after that. Medium-bodied with full, bubbly carbonation, fills the mouth through the attack. With grain, wheat, green grasses, bitters it’s lean but stops short of turning biting. Moderate kick in the lemon, white grapefruit citrus. The apricot, peach, nectarine fruit livelier and sweeter here, almost teases out some malty cocoa notes. Once the foaminess subsides it’s very smooth and creamy. Good unforced length.
3 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Brother David’s Triple Abbey Style Ale
Tripel
California
10.0%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Minute head, islands of very large bubbles pool together here and there, same basic story for the lacing. Metallic zinc orange in color, you’d expect it to glint in the sun, barely moves to a lighter yellow-tinged color around the rims. Molten caramel, clove spice, candied oranges, banana as well as prune, plum, date and apricot fruit scents, as well there’s a component of wet iron, metallic sweat and the dirt floor of a cold, damp unfinished basement. Medium-bodied, is not quite in control of its sweetness hence you get a scattershot of floral dew, tangerine, orange, grapefruit citrus, caramel and toffee, apple pie and cobbler styled peach, pear, apricot fruit. And that banana custard too. Yeasty too, clings to the mouth pores. Carbonation is weak. The clove and nutmeg spice more muted and less effectual. Only a trace of grassiness. The sweetness does release an inch as it ends so it’s more perfume and the tongue can move freely once more. Maybe it could serve as a literal dessert beer.
2 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Robust Porter
American Porter
New Hampshire
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Very dark brown head, consistent one finger depth, randomly mixed bubble sizes, super sticky lacing. Even through the close to jet black color you can see the bubbles cling to the inside glass walls, no variation nor lightening anywhere. Gets right up in there with roasty, smoky malts, grilled nuts, dark chocolate powder, cappuccino, raisin and lighter prune fruit scents, oatmeal, for all of this a narrow, consistent burst of hoppy bitterness punctures your nostrils, for the better you can never shut off the brain and relax as you sniff. Medium-bodied in terms of sheer palate weight but it is so firm and taut that you’d need a sandblaster to wash it out of your mouth. The carbonation continuously resparks the coffee bean, dark chocolate, butterscotch flavors, much more verve than sweetness. Green grape, fig, golden raisin, red cherry flavors give the fruit profile a dancing lightness. The hops engage, disengage and reengage just to prod things forward. Has you sucking the flavor out of your tongue after you swallow.
5 out of 5

Hoppin’ Frog Brewery
Silk Porter
Baltic Porter
Ohio
6.2%
22oz, Single
$7.99
One finger head of moderately dark brown filled with big old bubbles popping hither and yon, curiously not much lacing. Pitch black in hue without any change to be seen. Clove, anise tinged nose, blunt malt, chocolate burst, the roast recedes as you chase after it, the grape, plum fruit scents come with a sliver of vinegar to them, the creamed coffee just semi-sweet, pinch of toffee, odd lack of penetrating power, like it gets the bra off and then doesn’t know what to do next. Medium-bodied, the carbonation disperses the flavors from the attack on. Toffee, caramel, milk chocolate, cocoa powder all tactful to a fault, the roast lacks lift from below. Oats, unprocessed grains and hay find their way in with time. Black licorice, anise and light orange peel help. Retains all of its weight and forward momentum through the finish but still seems foursquare. Basically, it’s trying to impress and play it off legit at once.
3 out of 5

Hirschbräu (Privatbrauerei Höss), Der
Hefeweisse
Hefeweizen
Germany
4.7%
17oz, Single
$3.49
Full two finger head of the purest white, almost powdery in texture so tiny are the bubbles, very credible lacing for the beer style. Very light golden straw color but derives a deepening from the cloudiness, fades to near transparency at the rims. Sweet nose of baking spices, lemon meringue pie, mint, granola and wheat cereal, whiffs of apricot or banana yogurt, has a lot more density and center than expected, steady follow-through trumps any need for complexity. Full-bodied, as in the nose texture plays the key role, here round and chewy. Lemon and tangerine citrus much sweeter than bitter, helps to keep those apricot, peach, pineapple, banana flavors at the fore. Steady pulse from the carbonation, comes close to getting foamy but then overall density disperses it. Generous cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg stuff going down. Heavy legged finish, lacks the thirst-quenching quality of the top tier of the type.
3 out of 5

Salopian Brewing Company Ltd, The
Entire Butt English Porter
English Porter
England
4.8%
17oz, Single
$5.49
Big head on the pour which swiftly settles down into a half finger froth of large bubbles in the middle with cream nearer the rims, longlasting lacing. Dark chocolate, chocolate mud pie and caramel infused nose with a sweet tobacco smokiness, with time more bitter coffee rind notes appear, mostly canceled out by plum and blackberry fruit scents, gently floral but no real evidence of hoppiness in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, however, the carbonation swirls aggressively through the attack making it initially lighter than that. The roast more focused here, alongside a mineral water aspect and the low alcohol level makes it a refreshing sessionable beer. Dark chocolate powder, caramel, butterscotch and coffee hard candy make it negligibly sweeter than bitter. Fig and golden raisin mix with more plum and cherry fruit flavors, light and bouncy overall. More clarity in the biscuit, golden dough flakes and graham cracker components. Given its relatively light touch coats the tongue nicely and extends its finish without requiring attention.
4 out of 5

North Coast Brewing Company
Old No. 38 Stout
Irish Dry Stout
California
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Mild foam for a head but sits there like it’s waiting for a late bus, patient but ready to go. No real lacing to speak of. Black as coal color, dull orange rust hue at the very outer rims. Carefully toasted nose of dark chocolate, coffee bean, chocolate coated raisins, maple syrup, comes at you slowly with its hands out in friendliness, the hops lack a distinct scent profile but do firm up and sharpen the dominant malts, lasts well but tactfully in keeping with general demeanor. Medium-bodied, probably fuller but it is sufficiently dry that it’s hard for the palate to fully register what’s soaking in. Again, no lack of black chocolate, coffee, licorice, malted milk ball flavors, slight increase in oatmeal, cereal graininess. Carbonation noticeable when you want to notice it, that is, appropriate level. Drying finish brings out shades of tea leaf, lemon peel and poor brown earth. Hits the right notes but not gonna sing the aria.
4 out of 5

Mad River Brewing Company
Steelhead Extra Stout
American Stout
California
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
One of the darker brown heads you’ll find, good two fingers deep and quite dense and reluctant to dissolve, quality lacing as well. As black as the ace of spades, nary a hint of color anywhere, naturally it is fully opaque. The nose is perhaps too dense itself, you have to work at teasing out accents of milk chocolate, mocha powder, carob coated raisins and then apricot, apple fruit scents, coffee oddly absent, for all of its maltiness and lack of hops, there is a saline, metal edge to it before it dissolves in your nostrils. Full-bodied and bottom heavy in spite of its very polished and round mouth feel and suave carbonation. Like it gets to the party and plops down on the first coach it sees. More toast than roast, dark chocolate, carob, licorice, green coffee bean, not very bready, maybe raw grain or meadow grasses. Traces of mixed blacker fruits. Past the midpoint the palate dries out appreciably, you can feel the moisture evacuate. While more or less monochrome flavor-wise, does have depth. And not difficult to drink.
3 out of 5

Hirschbräu (Privatbrauerei Höss), Der
Holzar-Bier
Münich Dunkel Lager
Germany
5.2%
17oz, Single
$3.49
Pleasingly whipped up froth of a head, thin yet aggressively popping bubbles all over. A moderately deep brown sits in the middle of the glass, further out yellow wins out over any orange hues. Presents a sweet and soft profile in the nose without any truly overt malt notes, you get pumpernickel bread, rye, dried molasses, green apple to pear to red cherry fruit, brazil and hazelnuts, overall it’s stripped down to an indistinguishable, if still correct, core. In the mouth it’s Medium-bodied with a good degree of fluidity that knows when to slow down given its lack of flash. The carbonation is crisp and feels more like a higher quantity of smaller pinpricks than foam. Caramel, brown sugar, molasses flavors appear sans true sweetness. The same pumpernickel to rye bread profile exists here, more bready and doughy than grainy. The mineral water element evokes a splash of lemon peel. It seems intent on pleasing in the most self-effacing manner possible, a beer to be consumed heartily by local men with big hands and messy plates of food. As if you can smell the beer stains permeating the walls and floors of the Biergärten.
3 out of 5

Fort Collins Brewery
Double Chocolate Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Colorado
8.1%
22oz, Single
$5.59
Credible one finger plus head of mixed bubbles, consistent light brown color, moderate stickiness to the lacing. Complete blackness throughout, no suggestion of color at any angle. earns its name, hits your nose with a double barrel shot of milk chocolate, after this raisin, date fruit, butterscotch, malt, no real hops based counterweight, mildly bready as in the texture of banana bread. Full-bodied, like a river of chocolate out of Willy Wonka, unfortunately here the alcohol bursts through with some burn and notes of nail polish. Otherwise, mint, caramel, anise, orange peel adorn the palate. The carbonation tries to churn things up, at moments overanxious. Some hops-like astringency at the end as well as banana peel. Stutter steps through the finish, which may be just as well.
2 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Kalamazoo Stout Brewed with Brewers’ Licorice
Milk/Sweet Stout
Michigan
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Thin dark brown head which settles around the glass edges quickly, vacating the center. Lacing not as pronounced as you might expect. Really, truly cannot get any blacker than this, not even a hint of color. Sweet nose of grapes, rum cake, licorice (duh), coffee rinds, wood smoke, dark chocolate powder, more creamy in texture than scents, granola and cereal, as it warms a little more mixed black fruit comes out. Full-bodied, dense attack requires you focus on the act of swallowing. More roast and toast here, charred black coffee, bittersweet dark chocolate and fried butter. This tends to rise up and plaster your mouth roof while the tongue undergoes a noticeable release of pressure. The carbonation does what it can given the compactness of the whole. Same interplay between green grape/apple (acidity?) and darker fruits. No citrus nor flowers. Licorice lower here, murmur. Suggestion of mineral water opens a space for grainy notes. Nothing leaps out at you, perhaps too tightly coiled to strike fully. Tires the palate out before the first glass done.
3 out of 5

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Chugged in February 2009

Highland Brewing Company
Black Mountain Bitter
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thin, loose head, gets close to one finger and then dissolves swiftly, likewise minimal lacing. Very clear light orange to yellow in color, fully transparent. Big curious whiff of banana upon pouring, knits in over time with the grains, wild rice, rye and straw bundles, not a lot of malty counterpoint, note of dried butter like it was left on the breakfast plate that morning. Light-bodied, as in the nose it is open and easy to assess, but mostly so because of its relative lack of complexity. Everything comes in small portions, be it orange to lemon citrus, soda bread, biscuit, straw or hay, wheat, apricot to peach pit styled fruit, or used tea bags. The carbonation is on the low side, so what’s there tends to sag. The banana thing knits into the whole more here. Releases swiftly through the finish, slight bitter astringency left on the tongue. Not deeply flawed at all but lacks the stuffing to hold your interest.
2 out of 5

North Coast Brewing Company
Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Big old head of two to three fingers, mainly comprised of a sheet of micro bubbles with larger bubble dimples, leaves a pretty lacing behind. Sinewy profile in the nose, direct and to the point scents of forest floor earth and underbrush, dried grapefruit and lemon peels, crème brûlée and unshucked corn, the dryness gets arch at moments but always relents, a general maltiness softens the dissolve and stifles an encroaching salinity. Medium-bodied, the carbonation more of a big expansive foaminess than finer prickle. Pizza crust, wheat bread, general toasted dough quite prevalent with a noticeable grapefruit, orange citrus thrust to it. The poor brown earth, stone and matted grasses components evoke a meadow field. The dryness begins to wear out the palate after some time, here the malts a little roasted to smooth out the ride. Still, has a liveliness to it and certain purity of spirit. Could put down 2-3 of these before having to switch to something else.
4 out of 5

Haandbryggeriet
Norwegian Wood Smoked Ale with Juniper Berries
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Norway
6.5%
17oz, Single
$9.49
Very dense head, surface looks like rolling hills of off-white, little lacing and while it starts off over three fingers deep, steadily evaporates downwards. Very dark red-brown color, only if you hold the glass close to a light does the transparency become evident. In the nose it’s easy to finger all the smokiness but it’s not a one trick pony, behind this lays medicinal witch hazel, cocoa powder fried in butter, campfire ashes, peat moss, cinnamon stick and a touch of caramel and toffee for shock absorption, very light squeak of mixed black fruit scents. Medium-bodied, if you could turn your mouth into a fire burning oven, this is what it would taste like. A metallic cave water, tar and Lapsang Souchong tea leaves keeps it aggressive. The carbonation acts like a thin jet stream through the palate, not steadily stirring the pot but creating turbulence. Piney juniper berry influence. Otherwise, the fruit element is very low, likewise no citrus of note. Anise seed and dried strips of game, less chocolate or caramel. Clean finish with expected big inner mouth perfume. A very good curiosity, couldn’t drink more than two in a sitting.
4 out of 5

Green Flash Brewing Company
West Coast India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.49
Thin head but practically immobile, once it sets it’s there, densely packed small bubbles, moderate lacing. Super cloudy orange to bronze color, for all of its murkiness amplifies light well. The nose plays it straight up, loading up on the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus, pine resin, warm tar and cut green grass, no malt presence, just sprints forward with that narrow band of hoppy scents. Medium-bodied, just about the same story in the mouth but the tactile dimension gives it more range. The grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus remains at the head of the class, pine, orange pekoe tea, violets, bitters follow on. Small sized portion of apricot, peach, nectarine fruit. Carbonation does not interfere with its overall sinewy mouth feel, snakes through the mouth through to an elongated finish. Not particularly complex but does pick the right parts to emphasize.
4 out of 5

Founders Brewing Company
Red’s Rye
Rye Beer
Michigan
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Lazy head colored deep cream, lays thinly across the surface but takes awhile before it breaks apart, not much lacing. Dark burnt orange-red in color, slight haziness deepens the hue further, retains depth along the rims. Nose smells as caramelized as burnt, develops scents of brown sugar, white grapefruit pith, pine oil, apricot pit, flower water, on the whole never gets in your face, that grapefruit the most obvious element, more about keeping it all on the same page. In the mouth it’s medium to full-bodied with a steady stream of carbonated pop and sizzle, very active presence. Spicy with a crisp graininess, the citrus a blend of white grapefruit, pink grapefruit and mandarin orange. The malt dimension leaner here, some brown sugar to toffee, appears to act more as a salve for the palate than source of flavor. Nicely floral with a credible level of apricot, peach fruit. Manages to create a unified, consistent presence without ever appearing to attract attention to itself. The finish is long, yet tactful. Never bitter but comes close in the name of refreshment. Pretty damn chuggable.
5 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Imperial Black Mocha Stout Limited Edition 2008
American Double/Imperial Stout
North Carolina
9.5%
22oz, Single
$12.99
Dark brown head, starts off two plus fingers yet recedes swiftly enough to a thin layering of mixed bubble sizes popping all over, scattershot lacing. Onyx black color, defies you to find any other hue anywhere in there, a solid block of black. The nose is like walking into a Starbucks, all roasted coffee, high-toned milk and dark chocolate, warmed caramel, sticky and a mix of sweet and burnt, deepens into plum/prune, date and black cherry fruit, scone to biscuit sort of dense breadiness to it, given the force with which it busts into the nostrils has credible lift and subsequent scent separation. Full-bodied, here one might even say that the sweetness of the plum, prune, raisin, date, blackberry, black cherry fruit trumps the malty coffee, dark chocolate, molasses accents, the latter has a certain bitter astringency through the mid-palate in its corner. Through the density comes a noticeable florality as well as a spoonful of orange juice. Nut oil more present than crisper nutty flavors, soaks in before crunching. Carbonation might seem weak but at least it doesn’t try to interfere with well intentions. Not confused about what it wants to achieve.
5 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Porter
American Porter
Michigan
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Attractively solid head, dark cream in color, stays about one finger deep but stays there, abundant sticky lacing that you’ll have to wash out later. The nose strikes an admirable balance between roast and sweetness, the coffee definitely “regular” with milk and two spoons of sugar, you get carob, hazelnut, milk chocolate powder, caramel hard candies, cherry, blackberry to black raisin fruit scents, touch of burnt oats, without you noticing completely fills your nostrils. It’s medium-bodied, has a good deal of density which appears to have been accounted for by the highly active carbonation. Plenty of chicory bitterness to tussle with the chocolate, cappuccino, caramel flavors. More roast here, both flavor-wise and texturally. The hazelnut, Brazil nut, macadamia nuts lend an attractive thread throughout. The plum, cherry fruit muted here. Moderate corn and grain notes but never gets “hoppy” per se. Dry finish gets you licking your lips for another sip.
5 out of 5

Unibroue
Ephémère Ale Brewed with Apple Juice, Coriander and Curaçao
Fruit/Vegetable Beer
Canada
5.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Huge white foam like a sink full of dish liquid bubbles, the pale yellow gold color has streaks and markings similar to sand art. Without surprise, the apple comes through clear as a bell in the nose, the coriander to ginger spice delicate enough to avoid muskier clove side, citrus breeze of orange and lemon, yeast onto raw pie dough and a vague nuttiness. Light-bodied, presence carried almost exclusively by the enthusiastic carbonation. The lemon, orange citrus much more present here, if not an iota sweeter. While decidedly green apple in profile, there’s yellow and Fuji apple too. The coriander, cinnamon-led spice washed out some by said carbonation. Straw, hay more sweet than bitter. That said, there’s a light pucker in store for you as it finishes. Very little aftertaste or retronasal action. A decent offering, naught more.
3 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
Red Tulip Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Michigan
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Attractive cream brown head of assorted bubble sizes, settles into a steady half finger level with generous lacing. The red mahogany color possesses both brightness and hue depth, semi-opaque without any haze. Caramel and toffee notes of malt take up most of the nose, chocolate covered raisins, barley, candied orange peel, the more you sniff the more you get the underlying leafy hops. Full-bodied at first but does slough off weight nearer the finish. Carbonation contributes to this, while not so helpful here it does you a solid in lessening the sweetness of the rum raisin, toffee, caramel, molasses, cola nut, milk chocolate and cherry, raisin, prune fruit flavors. Less greenness in the hops but they do have a drying effect as well as a more earthy, woody feel. With the richness of the malts and then unwillingness to give in to the sweetness it comes off as at cross-purposes.
3 out of 5

Meantime Brewing Company Ltd
India Pale Ale
English India Pale Ale (IPA)
England
7.5%
25oz, Single
$9.99
Pours with a dense cream white head, mainly tiny, sticky bubbles with a few larger ones interspersed, carpets the glass sides with lacing. Warm glow to the fat sunset orange color, as much light brown mixed in as yellow, moderate transparency. Excellent clarity to the nose with spacing among the pine oil, grapefruit and orange citrus, daisies and other wildflowers, green apple and pear fruit, golden honey and sweet tea scents. Close to full-bodied, here it is more compact and woven into a unified whole. The carbonation level is excellent and carries the flavors while allowing the palate to enjoy the array of textures. On the sweet side of the spectrum, emphasizing pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus, honey and flaky pastry dough. The malt flavor is there, smoothing influence too, but it does not reach the level of chocolate or caramel found in other beers. Light clove and cinnamon spice break through near the end as well as dried oat cereal. Very clean finish with tempting aftertaste and weight echoes across the tongue.
5 out of 5

Harviestoun Brewery
Ola Dubh Special 12 Reserve
Old Ale
Scotland
8.0%
11oz, Single
$7.49
Pours jet black with close to zero head, so no lacing either, thin band of brunt orange around the outer rims. Very aggressive nose of burnt driftwood, metal flakes, rust, sea salts, at times close to dried beef, if you can adjust and fight back you’ll find chocolate and fried vanilla ice cream, plums and raisins. Medium-bodied, as in the nose the flavors have such life that you may at first think it’s heavier. However, it moves easily and without excessive grip on the tongue. Not smoky, smoked as in wood smoked, fireplace embers and slow cooked until every pore says “smoke.” Almost too bitter at times, the alcohol does come through, can you cut beer with spring water? The vanilla and coconut pair with coffee roast, caramel, sweet and edgy at once. The peat, moss, lichen earthiness there, particularly at the end. Whole cloves and notes of smoked ham. Given the absence of a head the carbonation percolates steadily. The retronasal fumes keep coming and coming. More complexity when warmer, more perceptible alcohol too, you choose which you prefer.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
90 Minute IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Delaware
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.49
Somewhat light head, doesn’t quite get past one finger but holds on credibly and surrounded by attractive lacing. Vividly dark orange color with a soft brown tinge, pumpkin-like in an autumnal way, very good clarity. Hits you with a double-barrel blast of sweet pink grapefruit in the nose, followed by honey dappled scone, white pepper, granola, green tea notes, the florality a bit overmatched here, excellent staying power, amplified as it warms some. Full-bodied without getting fat or overly dense, pushes the palate to find the sweet spot where it can impress and still flow forward. There’s a certain fluffiness to the carbonation, not crisp nor foamy. Sweet and juicy pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus dominates here too, the malts polish the palate while adding some cocoa powder and carob flavors. Pine resin, honey and near barley accents come next. The hops beyond the citrus not adding much flavor, just a textural drying effect through and past the mid-palate. Still, more floral here, particularly as residue. Seems relentless in its desire to please.
5 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
Big Bear Black Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
8.1%
22oz, Single
$4.79
Dense two finger head which bursts into large popping bubbles across the top, leaves a good lacing down the glass sides. As one would expect from the name, pure black in color with only the smallest suggestion of orange around the outside. The nose is actually somewhat lowkey, doesn’t force the coffee bean, carob, toffee on you and leaves sufficient room in your nostrils for things to move about, delivers green grape, red cherry fruit scents, whatever orange citrus might be there mostly drowned out, overall clean over complex. Medium-bodied, same demeanor in the mouth, presents suave coffee, dark chocolate, toffee and licorice nuances without any bitter or toasted archness. Allowing for this, the hops do create an erect gait and contribute to a dry mouth feel. Less fruit here and more dried fig or golden raisin. Can’t find fault with the carbonation level. Tapers off at the end, not greatly, yet enough to get you reaching prematurely for a replenishing next sip. I suppose it’s a question of expectations of this beer style versus intentional brewery stylistic expression.
4 out of 5

Unibroue
Raftman Beer on Lees
Belgian Pale Ale
Canada
5.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Fast moving foam in the head, big on the pour, then recedes across the surface like waves on the shore, more yellow-brown in color than orange, just about the level of murkiness you’d expect from the beer style. Unpretentious nose of caramel/chocolate swirls, cinnamon buns and apricot, peach fruit and suggestion of banana, the lemon citrus semi-confectionary, gains steam with clove and allspice scents. Medium-bodied, while predictably smooth and creamy there’s not much verve nor intensity to it. The clove, cinnamon spice is there, the banana, apricot, apple fruit same, there’s even more thrust to the lemon, orange citrus. But it doesn’t come together into a meaningful whole. The carbonation dulls it as well. Light white pepper and tea leaf flavors help. Unfortunately average.
3 out of 5

North Coast Brewing Company
Scrimshaw Pilsner
German Pilsener
California
4.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Generous, if delicate, bone white head, thickness complemented by sticky lacing. Light brass orange color, fading to yellow where glass tapers off. Lowkey persistence in the nose, with sourdough, wild yeasts and wet straw, lemon oil and rock salt, becomes more herbaceous as it warms, however, the citrus scents never get past a barely audible mutter. Light-bodied to watery, minimal palate presence, leans heavily on the bitterness and sour grassiness to remind you it’s there. The carbonation not helping, keeps the flavors from settling in and elevate texture of Pellegrino thing. Pretzel dough, rye bread, the malts appear to offer naught but a softening effect on the overall texture. As it finishes there’s a moment of pink grapefruit and orange citrus but it’s totally dry. It either has to be a lot crisper or offer more flavor diversity to excel in its category.
2 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Palo Santo Marron
American Brown Ale
Delaware
12.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
No ignoring the three finger+ head when poured, compresses steadily but the froth can be spooned out by hand before gone. Completely black in color, hard to find any variance in hue. Nose drips black, golden raisins, dates, rum cake, pan-seared molasses, very boozy, malted milk balls, sticks like glue to your nostril pores, some notes of sharper green apple, thick enough texturally that you enjoy it more just getting steamrolled than trying to pick this apart from that. Full-bodied, as in the nose you feel the warmth of the alcohol but no burn nor bite. All about roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, molasses, rum, and French vanilla ice cream flavors. Green grape, fig, raisin, date, plum fruit alternate between freshness and dried fruit sweetness. Carbonation is sneaky strong, anything which can stir this brew has muscles. A touch of orange or grapefruit at the end reminds you that hops must be a component of the finished product. Can’t say I could put down more than one bottle at a time, the beer equivalent of vintage port.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Best Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
Michigan
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Huge, whipped up head, looks like the foam sealant you use to insulate cracks, light brown in hue with tenacious lacing. Opaque mud brown which drops off to redder brick and then orange at the rims, lightening just enough to see the active beads. At times sherry-like nose of nuts, dates, figs, followed on by caramel and brown sugar, root beer, never slumps nor loses pacing but hard to credit the absent hops for this, simply sticks to a smaller array of scents and deepens them. Medium-bodied, the carbonation level is fine and allows for flavor saturation. Coffee, toffee, milk chocolate on hand but too watered down for much effect. That root beer thing remains. More grain, oats here, texturally tightens towards the finish. Hazelnut and brazil nut too. Creamy, soft texture appealing but cannot make up for how the flavors drop up through the mid-palate. Nothing wrong with a beer aiming to be tactful but you still need a reason to pop another.
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
V Series V-Saison Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Pennsylvania
7.5%
25oz, Single
$9.99
Huge, three finger plus head when poured, however, made of very delicate bubbles which crumble in the glass down into unrelated bubbles across the surface, minimal lacing. Semi-translucent haze to it, imbues a strong glow in the carrot orange to yellow color, just looks friendly and inviting. Round, pliantly textured nose of just picked apricot, peach fruit, fetching floral dew as well, sweet lemon zest, baking dough and a mix of meadow grasses and herbs. Full-bodied, slightly heavy, moves but just at its own pace. Soda bread, lemon tart, orange blossom and honey, apricot, pear, yellow apple fruit in there. Pinch of ginger or cinnamon. Carbonation presents itself as a consistent, just perceptible tingle. Mild vegetal quality, as if the vegetable stew has been on the burner for a couple of minutes. Relaxing enough to drink, yet, as the weight keeps the pressure on through the finish plus adding in a sour twist it's hard to not notice it there at any juncture.
4 out of 5

Unibroue
Chambly Noire Dark Ale on Lees
Belgian Dark Ale
Canada
6.2%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Dark brownish coating of foam across the surface, breaks up into islands where the beads are stronger from below, lacing slides off the glass walls. Pure dark chocolate brown in color, if there’s any variance it is probably more towards yellow than orange. Tons of clove in the nose, then coriander and allspice, orange infused dark chocolate, maybe fig or date fruit but the clove is so overpowering you think you are smelling a Christmas ham. Light to medium-bodied, the foaminess of the attack delays the flavors from settling in. But when they do it’s that clove, allspice. The orange and lesser lemon citrus up a tick here. Gentle chocolaty malts, indistinct. Sweeter nuts, brown sugar and light cherry flavors. While “smooth,” not as suave as some other Unibroue offerings, maybe due to carbonation.
3 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
River Falls Red Ale
Irish Red Ale
South Carolina
5.65%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pours with a solid head of cream colored head, pretty much runs down swiftly to a thin surface covering, lacing shows a bit more tenacity. Light copper red to orange color, complete transparency without seeming watery. The strength of the caramel and roasted coffee is out of balance with the whole, hence the nose is very dominated by the former, over time managing to offer honey oats, burning hay bales, stone moss and a thin slice of lemon. Medium-bodied, here the malts not as roasted, more so Nestle Quik powder, caramel and honey oat cereal. Carbonation fits the overall weight and flavor level. Hops akin to straw slowly lit by a match, one by one. No citrus notes. Finishes smoothly enough, doesn’t lose much weight but didn’t have much to begin with.
2 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
Class Five IPA
American IPA
South Carolina
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Really outsized head on the pour, like four fingers of whipped up froth, off-white, hard to judge the lacing because the head don’t really leave no room for it. Light copper red hue, transparent and yields easily to the more orange, brass colors near the edge. Muffled hoppiness to the nose, like a badger trapped in a cage, the grass, lemon to grapefruit citrus, toasted wheat bread, barley, cornbread, just a touch of pan fried cocoa powder to lend complexity. Medium-bodied, the malt component more involved here, cocoa, mocha and pancake mix join together for a smoothed out attack. That said, the trump card remains the aggressive hops, while not always having its ducks in a row, hits you with white to pink grapefruit, tobacco leaf, tar and meadow grasses. And then continues in the same vein with used tea bags and rosin bags. The carbonation is more or less adequate to the weight and flavor profile. Herbaceous finish by default, nothing else just lasts as long.
3 out of 5

Boulder Beer Company
Mojo Risin’ Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
10.5%
12oz, 4-Pack
$13.49
Rich head, clean white color with a good mixture of bubble sizes, lacing clings well up the glass sides. Very pretty nose, comprised mainly of sweet pink grapefruit and lime citrus, fresh pine sap, the malt present most for smoothing down the texture not for any specific scents, it’s kind of a one trick pony but possesses amazing lift and the clarity of the citrus is impeccable. Medium-bodied, smooth without being fluid to the point of speeding by too fast. Unexpectedly, huge amount of pink grapefruit, lime, tangelo citrus. In the space not taken by this you can discern violets, pine, Earl Grey tea, honey and scone flavors. The carbonation is finely tuned to step forward only to keep the pot stirred and not burning on the bottom. A dollop of baker’s chocolate helps it cling to your mouth pores even more. Apricot, pineapple, nectarine fruit rounds out the whole. Makes you feel dirty for how much you enjoy it.
5 out of 5

Unibroue
Trois Pistoles Ale on Lees
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Canada
9.0%
25oz, Single
$7.99
Solid one finger head, active turnover of micro-bubbles, light brown in color, rapidly slides off the glass sides. Dark brown mahogany color with zinc orange accents. The nose is an avalanche of ginger, cumin, clove spice, spiced orange peel, caramelized brown sugar and attractive floral musk, as it normalizes in your nostrils the cherry, black raspberry scents come through, not anything here of note by way of hops. Medium-bodied, big foaminess which initially has your mouth as full as if an car safety airbag was activated in it. After that it becomes super-smooth and fluid, glides through the mouth. Huge inner mouth perfume of ginger, clove spice, swirls around unveiling orange peel, pine needles and chocolate covered raisins. The yeasty notes are like honey braised phyllo dough.
4 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
Dockside Pilsner
German Pilsener
South Carolina
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Clean white foam of varied bubble sizes, starts off around one finger and dissolves from there, scattershot lacing. Plenty of corn husks in the nose, raw grains, lemon Pledge, grass, crackers, not really sour enough to achieve sourdough or pretzel status, while it has good lift in the nostrils, not much has to leave the tarmac. Medium-bodied, foaminess helps fill out the attack and ad presence. Same watered down profile of corn, straw, hay, tamed hops and a pinch of honey. Similarly, cannot achieve any general bite nor sourness to stamp its personality on things. Nothing wrong with its pacing, neither too fast nor too slow, doesn’t hit any potholes. Given paucity of flavor, were it even just a bit crisper you might pass it off. But, it’s middlin’ from any angle.
2 out of 5

Moylan’s Brewery
Kilt Lifter Scotch Style Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
California
8.0%
22oz, Single
$5.49
One to two finger head of thick, super-tiny bubbles, not a great deal of lacing. Clear, unblemished amber red with more brown than orange, transparent in spite of hue depth. Sweet caramel, molasses inspired nose, cinnamon and clove spice, thick milk chocolate, candied oranges and then the hops kick in big time, punctures your nostrils with grass and dried black tea leaves. Full-bodied, features sweet plum, black grape, cherry fruit to frame the mouth entry. The carbonation makes itself known very quickly, chops up the sugariness even as post-fruit toffee and caramel notes appear. Leaves a lot of mouth weight through the mid-palate when its hoppy bite careens in with pink grapefruit, pea leaves and pine. Keeps churning through the finish, extra energy to spare. Nice smoky finish.
4 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
The Censored Rich Copper Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
5.9%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.49
Credible finger+ head, mostly tiny, dense bubbles which allows it to last well, even as the lacing slides off the glass back into the muck. Metallic red rust color, inclines more towards red and orange but has some brown in it as well. In the nose the hops come through clearly bringing grassy, herbal notes in front of pine, lemon peel, pink grapefruit pith, honey glaze, spring flowers, no really overt malt presence although smoothly textured. Full-bodied, steadily expansive across the palate without becoming leaden. Here caramel and butterscotch supplement the honey to sweeten the pot. More pie dough and pancake mix as well. Never toasty nor roasty, and on the hop side there’s the pink grapefruit, tangerine citrus and diminished herbaceousness. The carbonation at once percolates things slightly and then removes rough spots from the overall texture. It’s very drinkable and approachable but the anticipated higher gear never kicks in.
4 out of 5

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
Drop Top Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Oregon
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Small head of off-white on the pour, no real lacing and what head there is exits like the cops are after it. No aesthetic problem with the copper red-orange coloration, pretty enough in the glass. The nose is very biscuity, baked butter top bread, generous orange to lemon citrus component, orange pekoe tea, jasmine and rose hips, nothing with true edge to be found, primary attribute may be ability to stuff your nostrils like cotton balls. Medium-bodied, the hops noticeable from the start but it still is primarily sweet from start to finish. Honey, just out of the oven pie dough, sweet tea, flower water, orange juice, maybe a touch of saline. Tame and friendly to a fault, appears aimed more at mass appeal than achieving a stamp of individual personality.
3 out of 5

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company
The Original Drifter Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
Oregon
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Thin white head but with good retention and lots of big, popping bubbles, not much lacing. Red copper color just deep enough to hold your gaze and get past transparency, nice fade to burnt orange hues along the rims. Admirable mix of pink and white grapefruit in the nose, floral with chamomile tea notes, spoonful of pine sap, no herbaceous nor ultra-sweet elements, stays within itself and on message, you could sniff it for some time. Medium-bodied, however, most of it is palate pressure and a sense of marching forward rather than flavor. The grapefruit and tangerine citrus starts things off well, after that there’s momentary pine, green hay, wet stone aspects. But after that it’s evanescence leads to homogeneity. Credibly, the carbonation ratchets it down to fit the body profile. It’s drinkable enough for a bottle or two before your mind starts to wander. If the palate could match the nose, that would be something.
3 out of 5

Redhook Ale Brewery
Copper Hook Spring Ale
American Pale Alev
Washington
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Highly agitated head of bone white foam, no lack of sticky lacing as well. Zinc orange color, the liquid is clear enough to both easily see through it as well as fade to a burnt yellow near the rims. Fairly simple, if highly perfumed, nose of floral mist, orange blossom, raw pie crust, anise seed and pine cone, dries out your nostrils over time, minimal hoppy “snap” to it. Light-bodied, smooth but, in truth, watery. Upfront there’s a honeyed concentration with orange citrus and pine notes but it falls off precipitously from there. As with other beers of this light weight and lack of flavor intensity, this makes the carbonation appear unnaturally aggressive. By default, turns hoppy and bitter as it finishes. Devoid of any remarkable characteristics.
2 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning Über Pils
American Double/Imperial Pilsner
Maryland
7.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thinnish cream white head, lacing sticks around longer than the head does. Quite cloudy, adds to glow of the bronze, orange color, only slight yellowing at the rims. Smells like a pilsner that ate three cheesecakes and got so fat it couldn’t get off the couch without two guys helping, super-sweet pink grapefruit and orange juice, golden honey, dates if not outright plummy at moments, touches of coriander and cumin spice, ripe peach and apricot fruit, streaks of grassy, grainy hops without ever becoming more than an embellishment. Medium to full-bodied, very round and dense in mouth feel without at the same time feeling soft. Presents all that ripe, juicy apricot, peach, cherry fruit as well as pink grapefruit, tangelo citrus, thin glaze of honey keeps you smiling and just wanting to uncritically throw more back. The carbonation level is perfect, tiny pricks alone allowing the flavors to soak in fully. The only drawback here may be that it doesn’t taste like a pilsner. My first “Double Pilsner” so maybe I’m ignorant. Maybe.
4 out of 5

Atlanta Brewing Company
Winter Brew Belgian Style Ale
Belgian Dark Ale
Georgia
8.2%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.49
Virtually no head when poured, just a thin accumulation around the glass sides, zero lacing. Deep brown core, further out towards the rims there’s orange and yellow shades, almost fully opaque. Boisterous banana, fruitcake, plum, cherry and ginger, coriander spices, licorice too, the nose is a mother lode of sweetness, milk chocolate, bubblegum, all that junk in the trunk. Full-bodied in terms of weight but weak in terms of maintaining that weight and palate pressure. Seems more foamy than carbonated, prematurely breaks up the concentration of the brown sugar, molasses, chocolate sweetness. Banana, green apple, plum, cherry fruit fade into bubblegum flavors. Dried oranges and tangerines. Not as sweetly spicy as in the nose. Double clutches on the finish, you can’t get to to soak in before it hiccups on you.
2 out of 5

Atlanta Brewing Company
Red Brick Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
Georgia
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Pours with a thin off-white head which doesn’t last long, does leave some streaks of lacing. Brown brick in color with a strong orange tint to it. While overall the nose is light, the caramel and honey notes come through no problem, toasty malts and pancakes, whisper of lemon peel and spring water. In the mouth it is medium-bodied with the same nondescript profile, guileless caramel, molasses, honey with a general malty softness which doesn’t provide the body to get much past the mid-palate. Has that spring water freshness, metallic taste, this aided by carbonation which is too active for the body weight. There’s more hops to be had here, presents a grassy bite at the end and aftertaste. It’s not that it doesn’t cover most of the bases, it’s that it lacks depth.
2 out of 5

Atlanta Brewing Company
Red Brick Blonde
American Blonde Ale
Georgia
12oz
6-Pack, $9.49
Huge, super whipped up pure white head, looks like a snow bank in the glass, thin streaks of lacing, head retention very good. Pale orange to darker yellow in color, not completely transparent and uses what hue it has to maximal effect. Soft, floating quality to the nose, biscuit, croissant and without any sourdough elements, tame hoppiness, maybe a wedge of two of lemon, sweet without any distinct or definable reason why. In the mouth it’s light bodied, sacrifices some crispness to fill out the mouth in a more rounded fashion. Smooth to the point of almost being slick, the hops are driven by grain, wheat and an edge of lemon. The carbonation actually starts out at the right level but as the body falls off, becomes a bit much. I can see the metallic thing some people mention but I think it’s more meant to give it more “beer” character. Crafted for maximal drinkability.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Muse Farmhouse Ale
Saison/Farmhouse Ale
Pennsylvania
6.2%
22oz, Single
$5.49
Pours a good sized head of moderately sized off-white bubbles, irregular lacing, dissolves into islands across the surface. Hazy glow to the orange, brass coloration, completely opaque. The nose is of freshly picked apricot, peach fruit and sliced lemons and oranges, has a soft yeastiness to it as well, nothing sour nor overly sweet, meadow flowers, dusty, dried spices, raw carrots and celery, the consummate descriptor would be relaxed, stays within itself, unconcerned about making impressions. Full-bodied, the foaminess helps push it outwards towards your cheeks. Stronger emphasis here on wheat, grasses and bitters, heightened lemon citrus as well. The garden vegetables component present and accounted for, liquid crudité. The blunted spiciness keeps trying, the fruitiness found in the nose all but absent here. With the lack of sweet elements, admirably avoids sourness overall. Tree leaves, bark and tall grasses extend towards the finish. Doesn’t merit overthinking, better to just let it cool your throat and warm your belly.
3 out of 5

Eichbaum Brauereien AG Käfertaler
Germania Lager Beer
Euro Pale Lager
Germany
4.8%
11oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Lots of froth and larger bubbles on the pour, alabaster white in color, lacing slides down the glass swiftly. Sour nose of green hops, straw, grass, pretzel dough, sourdough, touch of sour lemons, most noticeable attribute may be its sheer penetrating power rather than any set of scents. Medium-bodied, the carbonation at first seems too much but this normalizes the more you drink of it. Uncooked dough, yeast remains dominant, sourdough and rye. Moderate salinity, hits you with that almost standard stream, mineral water aspect in lieu of distinct flavors. Very few citrus tones. Past the mid-palate all you have is texture, a steady, low level scrubbing feel against the tongue. Too heavy to be that “refreshing” but do it up with some sauerkraut and sausage and who knows how it’s impression would improve.
3 out of 5

Eichbaum Brauereien AG Käfertaler
Apostel Bräu
German Pilsener
Germany
4.8%
11oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thick, highly agitated head of pure white, above average streaks of lacing, foam persists well. Light golden straw in color with an orange glint at various angles, fully transparent. While crisp, hard for the nose not to be given the relative paucity of scents, grain, hay, dried grass, comes of as roasty without discrete malt scents, almost zero citrus influence, gone at the same moment it’s there. Light-bodied and more or less dilute, even if you attribute this to stream water freshness or stoniness. The carbonation is a dead ringer for Pellegrino, likewise brings out some metallic notes. Has that grain, grass thing and maybe some corn husk or hay. Really, nothing going on, kind of “beery” in an old fashioned European way but needs more aroma and flavor to hang its hat on.
2 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Boont Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.99
Huge head immediately on the pour, mainly larger bubbles glued together by smaller ones, average plus lacing. Classic amber red color, just about fully transparent, slight fade to yellow-orange at the rims. Very approachable nose of pink grapefruit and tangerine juice, chamomile tea, hard caramel candy, as it warms you get more caramelized brown sugar, that said, balanced enough that you detect no favoritism between hops or malts. Medium-bodied, its unassuming serenity momentarily overshadowed by frothy carbonation through the attack. After that, it’s fair shares of pink grapefruit, orange citrus, wildflowers, minerals, brown sugar and chocolate taffy. No unnecessary bite in the grain, oat components, and breadiness has a taken out of the oven a couple of minutes too early feel. Don’t think of it as a wimp, though, stiffens nicely through the finish. Drinks smoothly while you always know it’s there.
4 out of 5

Reissdorf, Brauerai Heinrich
Kölsch
Germany
4.8%
17oz, Single
$3.99
Pure bone white head that dissolves into a patchwork quilt across the surface, the lacing holds on in a spotty manner too. Bright yellow color with a green streak, while fully transparent there’s nothing that makes you think it is pale or dilute. Very fresh and open nose, sliced white bread, golden wheat, green corn husk, orange infused spring water, while on the hops side of things there’s nothing bitter nor biting about the nose, just a gentle unfolding of “beer” inside your nostrils. Medium-bodied, with feeling carbonated it swells inside the mouth and takes up as much space as possible, just not pushing down into the tongue. Moderately sweeter with elements of pink grapefruit, orange citrus and pineapple, nectarine, peach fruit. None of which dramatically change the overall dry and crisp character of the beer for here the hops are indeed bitterer and add a nice vibrancy to the mouthfeel. There’s a toasted, powdery quality to the malts like sticking a wet finger into malted milk powder. Flavor is not what this beer is about, it’s texture, movement and quenching your thirst.
5 out of 5

Coniston Brewing Co. Ltd
Bluebird Bitter
English Bitter
England
4.2%
17oz, Single
$5.49
Nicely whipped up and thick white foam of a head, no lack of lacing, settles into a one finger level before finally dissolving. Light orange-yellow color, completely transparent and squeaky clean in appearance, lightens some at the rims, not many bubbles apparent throughout. Crisp, briskly paced nose of green, oily hops, pressed flower petals, wet mineral shards, as it warms you get more malt softness to cushion any rougher edges, finishes with ruby to pink grapefruit sour and sweet notes. Medium-bodied, buoyed by a consistent carbonated fizz which keeps the mouth full. That said, plenty of spring to its step, the pink grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus never blows you away but sticks around. Light biscuit and scone breadiness, texture is dry overall but pliant, not desiccating. The grass and grain bits fit with the lighter tea leaf and almost chalkiness. Even after the flavors subside, you feel the gentle imprint on your palate. It’s got that old school vibe.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Third Coast Old Ale
Old Ale
Michigan
10.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$15.99
Real solid one to two finger head, languidly takes its time resolving, leaving lots of sticky lacing in its wake. Cloudy chestnut brown in color with a tint of red or burnt orange at certain angles, fully opaque. Viscous texture in the nose, warm honey and molasses, scones, dates and golden raisins, rum cake, spice jars which have sat in grandma’s cabinets since the 70’s, outside of a touch of grapefruit zest the hop presence is indistinct, if not absent for it. Full-bodied, clings to the palate like a life raft, yet, somehow avoids heaviness. Much more milk chocolate and carob here, plays well with the sugariness in the cherry, plum, raisin, date flavors. Licorice and baked cinnamon spice play a role as well. The carbonation content in its support, breaks up the clinch like a boxing ref. Just as in the nose, the hops exert their presence through the finish but do not necessarily coalesce into distinct qualities. This allows for a cleaner finish while concurrently not staunching the sweet fruitiness, which remains its primary attribute.
5 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Imperial Red Ale
American Strong Ale
California
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Real big off-white head of mostly big bubbles, not much lacing but takes its sweet time dissolving down to the surface. Solid amber red color, fully unblemished and transparent, sits tranquilly under all that foam. The nose has an unassuming power to it, you don’t notice how full your nostrils are until they’re saturated with pine resin, lemon citrus, carob, dried honey, croissant flakes and peach alongside cherry and red apple fruit scents, just enjoyable to sniff without bothering to wonder why. Medium-bodied, same perfect balance between malts and hops as found in the nose. More fruity here with cherry, apricot, peach and sweet apple flavors. More honey and pink grapefruit, lemon citrus too yet never gets “sweet” per se. The grain aspect tempers the herbaceous qualities so it’s not arch nor bitter either. The pine aspects subtle. The carbonation wisely remains in the shadows and allows the flavors to stand or fall on their own. Richness continues through the finish, has soaked all your mouth pores so it doesn’t need fireworks to make you take notice.
5 out of 5

Van Steenberge, Brouwerij
Monk’s Café Flemish Sour Ale
Flanders Oud Bruin
Belgium
5.5%
11oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Pours with a thin head which eventually falls into a sheet over most of the liquid surface, lacing runs up the glass in veins. Brown to burnt orange in hue, more yellow at the rims, while deep it is also clear enough to view the bubble beads. The nose is broad and you feel the beer’s presence in your nostrils, however, it’s not trying to bowl you over, beyond the dense candied cherry and green apple fruit scents and damp forest floor matter, it’s a man of few words, any vinegar notes subordinate to the fruit, freshly rolled bread dough and dried orange peels about the whole of the rest. Medium-bodied, streamlined and without any fat on the bones. The carbonation disrupts the sourness as it enters the mouth and lets it soak in before you start to pucker. The cherry, apple, apricot fruit remains the star of the show and sweetens the lemon, orange citrus appreciably. The uncooked dough element there, very, very lightly spiced and, again, the vinegar component barely registers. Full through the finish, lingers tactfully. For its type, could put down a few in a row.
4 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
Pump House Porter
English Porter
South Carolina
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
The brown colored head is on the light side, thins out quickly and the lacing slides down the glass back into the sea. Pitch black color throughout, only vaguest hint of yellow or orange at the rims. Rich, chocolaty nose, creamy texture inside the nostrils, supplementary notes of caramel and coffee ice cream, very little “roast” to it, mild black cherry and blackberry fruit, not getting many hoppy notes but there is a mineral water, iron fleck component. Light to medium-bodied, the high level of carbonation increases mouth presence and creates an impression of more weight. However, it too emphasizes the mineral, stream water aspect which then dilutes the chocolate, coffee, toffee flavors, the latter here do have a toastier feel. Minimal fruit flavors, the hops come through clearer here and create some bitterness through the finish. Drinks smooth enough, if you decide to keep drinking.
3 out of 5

Unibroue
Blanche de Chambly White Beer on Lees
Witbier
Canada
5.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Pale white head of tiny, very active bubbles which almost seem to scrub themselves out of existence, lacing too quickly gone. Soft cloudiness to the pale orange to yellow color, close to full translucency, bubble beads large enough to be seen. Easygoing nose, just kind of smiles and offers the tangerine, lemon citrus, nutmeg and clove spice close to spiced pumpkin, uncoated malt balls, pie crust flakes, overall has an airy and open presence in the nostrils. Light to medium-bodied, possesses enough sourness in the lemon, orange citrus as well as heaviness in the clove, coriander spices to be fully light-bodied and nimble. Also, the consistent drying sensation concentrates it into the tongue rather than add to any lift. More hop presence, floral and mint residue with a gentle graininess, grassiness. Carbonation churns more than mixes. Extended finish makes it less apt you’ll rush to the next sip.
3 out of 5

Van Steenberge, Brouwerij
Piraat Ale
Belgian IPA
Belgium
10.5%
11oz, 4-Pack
$14.99
Pours with a light white head, pools into bubble islands over the surface, attractive lacing clings for a moderate period. Light orange to yellow color, gauzy and unconcentrated hue allows for flickering hues and slight visibility of the bubble beads. Wet hay, clay and dried orange peels set the stage for the nose, the coriander, clove spice is very restrained and classy, golden apple, banana, pear fruit with a light glaze of honey, on the whole the alcohol is masked quite nicely. Full-bodied yet smooth and easygoing, this in turn without sacrificing the kind of stickiness required to ensure flavor intensity. The carbonation is too aggressive through the mouth entry but does fall into line thereafter. The white grapefruit and lemon citrus on the lighter side here, however, sparked by fruit flavors of pineapple, green apple, papaya and apricot. Some banana but plays, err, second banana. The grass, straw, tobacco ash and stone notes come out stronger as it warms. Gives you a pleasing bitter twist at the end for contrast.
4 out of 5

Eel River Brewing Company
Raven’s Eye Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
California
9.5%
22oz, Single
$7.49
Good aggression in the head, pours up above two fingers and slows drops off from that, nice brownish hue with thick lacing. Very deep brown but not quite black in color, touch of burnt orange around the rims. Solidly built nose of coffee bean, dry dark chocolate, hard caramel candy with no lack of plum, cherry, fig fruit and dried oats in reserve, flutter of black licorice. Full-bodied, heavy enough that the weight fends off the carbonation and forces things down into the tongue. Here, the licorice is clearer although not appreciably larger than the base of coffee, mocha and cocoa. Nothing truly comes across as “sweet,” more so concentrated. As it moves forward traces of orange peel, cherry and plum fruit, corn husk, almonds and mesquite grill smoke drift through. That said, as it nears the finish line seems to draw back into itself rather than expand. If someone handed me a bottle I wouldn’t hit them over the head with it.
3 out of 5

Eel River Brewing Company
Porter
American Porter
California
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Pours a nice enough one finger head, disappears fairly quickly, lacing pretty but too not there for long. Relaxed, non-showy smokiness to the nose, dark chocolate and coffee ice cream nuances, no full bore roast, some cherry and cranberry fruit, allusion to honey dappled bread and oats, very little hoppy to be had. Medium-bodied, smooth and even throughout, no highs nor lows. The coffee, dark chocolate, mocha has more roast here than in the nose. The mineral water starts to take over during the mid-palate and brings with it some orange peel and metallic notes. The carbonation high enough that it never fully soaks into the tongue. Which, combined with lightish body might make this best served as a summertime porter. Mildly more grainy finish. Sort of dilute finish but does have good lift and inner mouth perfume.
3 out of 5

Eel River Brewing Company
Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
4.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Light brown, mixed bubble size head, large on the pour, swiftly settles into a thin, but complete, coating. Red-brown to amber in color, minimal hue change towards rims, slightly more basic orange. Malty nose of carob, cocoa and chocolate covered raisins, you get some plum to prune notes as well, very light orange citrus element, nothing noticeably hoppy, maybe corn syrup or oats. Medium-bodied, light enough that the carbonation plays a larger role than may be desired. As with other beers from this brewery, there’s a palpable mineral water component which at once adds cleanliness while sapping body and perhaps flavor intensity. More presence in the lemon, orange citrus but peel, not pulp. The milk chocolate, cocoa powder an embellishment here rather than cornerstone. Lower corn, more wheat and grain, without bite or bitterness. Peters out halfway between the mid-palate and finish. No flaws as there has to be general presence for flaws to be present in turn.
2 out of 5

Van Steenberge, Brouwerij
Witches’ Brew Golden Ale
Tripel
Belgium
9.3%
25oz, Single
$11.99
Very aggressive foaming in the glass upon the pour, could go head-to-head with Scrubbing Bubbles, light cream in color with micro bubbles and milder lacing. Very hazy golden color with orange streaks to darken it, bubble beads easily visible within. Banana, sour mandarin orange, green apple, pear, clove and violets produce a serene, balanced nose, that said, light enough that some alcoholic fumes rise up. Light-bodied, here the froth actually makes it feel lighter and more whipped up than broader. Sour edge to the mandarin orange, white grapefruit citrus, makes the apple, pineapple, pear fruit more tart as well. And lessens the banana aspect. The clove, coriander comes through well. Both the texture and flavors are grainy, slight roughness all about. The foam outlasts the flavor depth through the finish. Requires stronger focus.
2 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Titan IPA
American IPA
Colorado
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Attractive cream white head with moderate lacing, does dissolve quickly. Deep burnt orange color, allows you to see through it without truly being transparent, more of a rust yellow-red tinge at the rims. The nose is controlled and powerful, full of grapefruit and orange citrus, pine cone, tarry tea leaves, biscuit and pressed flowers, while undoubtedly pretty damn hoppy, it really comes off more as an integrated whole than individual scents. Which here is a good thing. Full-bodied, you can feel it expanding against your checks without the aid of excessive carbonation. The grapefruit, orange, lemon citrus obvious but the tobacco, charcoal, tar, bong resin and wet stone elements most catch your fancy. The flowers come and go with the tide. Despite a relative paucity of malt, not as bitter as expected, drinks well for its weight and overall high energy level. Most excellent.
5 out of 5

Eel River Brewing Company
I.P.A.
American IPA
California
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Average of-white head, better lacing than foam, most of it all gone not soon after the pour. Very light haze to the amber red to orange color. In the nose there’s a thick presence of uncooked hops, wild field grasses and orange citrus, over time more territory acquired by cocoa, malt without any deep roasted qualities, a little cherry or fig fruit, persistent without trying to knock you over. Medium-bodied, above average foaminess during mouth entry, creates an initial impression of more heft. Dries out your mouth in a dulling manner, with each additional sip you feel you cannot register as many impressions as before. Still the pine resin, tea leaf, raw almonds and orange peel notes come through decently. At times minerally. Hard to get at that cocoa maltiness here, most there during aftertaste. Has too much bottom heaviness to be that bitter, this requiring some lift and cut. A decent quaff, nothing more nor less.
3 out of 5

Eel River Brewing Company
California Blonde Ale
American Blonde Ale
California
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Average thickness to the off-white head, lacing dissolves swiftly. Zinc orange color that gains from a slight murkiness, the rims drop off to a yellow squash hue. Sour nose of pine, grapefruit rind, tobacco leaf, meadow grasses and green straw, mineral water, even a touch of tar, presents light biscuit or oats in contrast. Light to medium-bodied, the heavy duty carbonation aims at masking the lack of heft. Through all the fizziness comes orange, lemon citrus peel, dried malts, snap peas, sourdough bread notes. The yeast there but not really concentrated. Lacks some sweeter component to provide contrast. Herbaceousness builds past the mid-palate. Hard to capture many positives, easily drinkable but not sure how it aims to hold your attention.
2 out of 5

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Chugged in January 2009

Eel River Brewing Company
Triple Exultation Old Ale
Old Ale
California
9.7%
22oz, Single
$7.49
Nice solid off-white one finger head of mixed bubble sizes, nothing dramatic about it, steady presence with good lacing. Deep murkiness to the red-brown clay color, complete opacity, an orange aura sneaks in around the rims. Unctuously thick nose of scotch whiskey, molten caramel, butterscotch, carob coated raisins, ginger cookies, barley, plum/prune, not crisp enough to seem toasted but it’s all malt and no hops. Full-bodied, more of that alcoholic rum or whiskey action, no burn but “heady” to say the least. Caramel, toffee, molasses, all the standard descriptors, oats and barley, mulled prune juice, dates, milk chocolate, orange juice. The carbonation makes a good faith effort to rev things up but ultimately can’t. So, better just relax and accept the steamroller of sweetness flattening your tongue. The hoppiness does not truly show strength except as aftertaste. It’s flavorful and easily gives pleasure but it’s kind of like trying to eat a whole fruitcake yourself.
3 out of 5

Nøgne Ø
Porter
American Porter
Norway
7.0%
17oz, Single
$7.99
One finger head comprised of bubbles so large you think you hear them popping, cream brown in color, below there’s a slight brown touch to the basically black hued liquid. Smells like a chocolate cake with chocolate icing while served with hot chocolate, lots of, say, chocolate. Toffee, ice cream scents follow that along with dates, plums, cooked oatmeal, overall more slow roasted than toasty or smoky. In the mouth it has a great deal of density yet still comes across as medium-bodied, the carbonation vibrates through the liquid to prevent full congealing. The dark bittersweet chocolate here matched more evenly by espresso bean, toffee and general maltiness. There’s a nice mineral or spring water freshness below which evokes something like lemon peel or forest pine. Constructed in a subtle style which mandates a good deal of concentration to catch the nuances, nothing obvious here. OK, maybe the chocolate. Very clean finish, resets the palate for the next sip.
5 out of 5

Green Flash Brewing Company
Le Freak Ale
Belgian IPA
California
9.2%
22oz, Single
$9.59
Generous two-finger plus head of uneven white foam that takes a good long time to dissolve and leaves a sticky lacing behind. Zinc orange to copper in color, warm hazy glow to it, draws you in. The mandarin orange and pink grapefruit citrus evident in the nose, avoids excessive sweetness and sourness, flowers and coriander spice add depth, same for the pear, apricot, guava fruit scents, hoppy in a gentle grain-driven fashion, not too bready nor toasty. Full-bodied, pushes into the mouth but ceases the aggression thereafter. The clove, anise, coriander spice beats the white grapefruit, orange citrus out of the starting gate. The carbonation stays at the right level to allow it to retain weight and chewiness, also allowing for clarity and separation of the flavors. The semi-tropical feel of guava, mango, apricot, pear fruit continues, with a glazed or dried fruit character. Momentary pinch of white pepper and salt, however, this only serves as entry to the herbal hops past the mid-palate. Tries hard to achieve a lot, thus don’t see this as a beer to “relax” with.
4 out of 5

Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
HopSlam Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
Michigan
10.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$17.49
Super whipped-up, agitated head of white froth, very sticky lacing. Brightly hued orange to yellow throughout, not fully transparent but clean and quite pretty. The nose is a citrus fest of pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime, if you can adjust to this you might be able to tease out pine resin, rose hips, nectarine, papaya and pineapple fruit scents, not much discernible malt-wise but doesn’t feel out of balance, very credible lift in the nostrils. Medium-bodied, isn’t bitter at all, more stings or pinches the palate than bites it. Same gargantuan element of pink grapefruit, tangelo, lime citrus, equally sweet and sour. The floral dimension a touch stronger, aided by the honey accents. On the other hand, any pine or charcoal flavors step back. Texturally, it’s crisp and lively and built for speed, glides down the chute. No grassy nor herbaceous pucker, the hops taste fresh like you could wring them out with your hands. Carbonation shows a gentle but persistent hand. Real fun to throw back.
5 out of 5

St. Peter’s Brewery Co. Ltd
Organic English Ale
English Pale Ale
England
4.5%
17oz, Single
$4.99
Gauzy filminess to the pale zinc orange color, just about as jaundice yellow in hue as the former. Minimal, if any, head, thus no real lacing. Invigorating nose of sourdough bread, white grapefruit pith, bitters, uncooked hops, earth and mineral water, uncompromisingly direct, swiftly bursts through your nostrils and then gone. Light to medium-bodied, with what heft it has it’s bottom heavy. More of that sourdough, rye bread, pretzel dough aspect, accompanied by grapefruit, dried tea leaves, tar, wet mineral chunks and well water. The carbonation level is average, if not less, and contributes to an “anchored” feel. In many respects comes across as a pilsner. Dry malts add more tactile smoothness than flavor passing the mid-palate, tempers the bitterness. Good drinkability, while at the same time not chuggable.
4 out of 5

Magic Hat Brewing Company
Circus Boy The Hefeweizen!
American Pale Wheat Ale
Vermont
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Very thin head but so bubbly it constantly renews itself. Perfectly clear yellow-brown golden color, light enough to not change along the rims. Full nostril presence, semi-oily feel with resin, tea leaf, wet shredded wheat and a pinch of lemon to orange peel, for its weight the scents lack staying power. Very similar in the mouth, a lot of sheer weight and heft with the flavors attempting to conjure up freshness while instead coming across as hollow. Malts lend more smoothness across the palate than direct flavor. Not intensely wheaty, more a mix of grains and grasses devoid of bitter bite. Moderate dose of lemon citrus. The carbonation is strong, however, unable to create a cleansing sensation at the end. Hence, falls forward awkwardly towards the finish line. Needs more focus and purpose.
2 out of 5

Long Trail Brewing Company
Long Trail Ale
Altbier
Vermont
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Pours with a somewhat weak head, breaks apart across the surface, does leave some thick lacing behind though. Dark amber to red-brown in color, very good clarity with active bubbles throughout. Sweet roast to the nose without malt domination, pine, fresh forest breeze, light dried honey, some salinity alongside hop, wheat, rye notes, texturally equally favors breadth and penetration. Light to medium-bodied, stronger carbonation keeps it active and adds to overall mouth presence. Sweeter here with oats, toffee, honey, never that malty though. Conversely, the hops, rye, pine, mineral water aspects incline things more towards truncated linearity. Seems intentionally watery, as in “stream water freshness.” Granola and oats smooth out the finish further. Real easy drinker, friendly from the first sip to last.
3 out of 5

Allagash Brewing Company
Tripel Reserve Belgian Style Ale Batch #124
Tripel
Maine
9.0%
25oz, Single
$7.99
Full-on cloudy yellow-orange color with a strong luminescent glow, not entirely opaque. The head is strong on the pour, quick to dissolve, the lacing like beach froth, momentarily deep before swiftly pulling away. The nose has a bluntness to it which shortens the clove, ginger spice as well as orange, lemon citrus. The scents of yeast and dough also light and lacking in richness, there’s a little more thrust in the banana, apricot fruit scents. Medium-bodied, a big foam in the mouth scatters things and destabilizes the clarity of the beer’s core message. Here the bready, yeasty component leads, followed on by clove, cinnamon spice, white citrus, honey and pear, apricot, banana fruit. Lacks true density and intensity but no problem with its general drinkability. Perfunctory finish, pacing of a toiler flushing, not fast but inevitable.
3 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Lucky 13 A Mondo Large Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
California
8.3%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Good whipped up quality to the head, contributes to strong lacing, head does subside swiftly despite active beads below. Red to brown brick in hue, tinge of yellow around the rims. Sweetly roasted malts dominate the nose, caramel and milk chocolate stick out clearly, good florality, rounds out with plum, raisin notes, minimal hop presence, maybe tangerine juice, sufficiently dense to persist texturally. Full-bodied, decidedly sweet, plays long on caramel, butterscotch, milk chocolate creme fraiche and toffee components. The large-scale carbonation opens up spaces for the more bitter, drying hops to alter the mouth texture. That said, never “dry” in nature, adds in oatmeal, honey and rice elements. Raisin, fig, plum, cherry fruit. Remains broad and full through the finish. May be too sweet for many palates for this category of beer.
3 out of 5

Moylan’s Brewery
Hopsickle Imperial Ale Triple Hoppy
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
9.2%
22oz, Single
$10.69
Fun just off-white head, thick and buoyant with credible heavy lacing as well. Warm pumpkin orange color that drops into a yellow hue around the rims, perfectly opaque and cloudy. The nose is very confident and throws things at you in defiance, pink grapefruit rind, tar, black tea leaves, cigar wrapper, brown stony earth as well as edgy hop bitterness, don’t even look for malt counterbalance. Full-bodied, floods the mouth like water after a fire alarm went off, cascades this way and that. Here you do get a certain caramel, honey sweetness upfront which then gets flattened by barley, wheat, meadow grass, tarry earth and cigar leaf. Very oily texture slick like you need to lay salt down on the tongue, stays balanced given its excessiveness. The pink to white grapefruit and lemon citrus sour but sweetens at times too. Nicely floral if you can stay calm enough to register. Carbonation is low and more or less not needed structurally. Really a hops steamroller, retains some nuance given this.
4 out of 5

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Big Eye India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
6.0%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Fine froth of micro bubbles, so tiny that it’s hard put to become strong lacing. Red amber color, more yellow around the rims, very aggressive bubbles beneath the surface, more a storm than beads. Hoppy nose with sour lemon and orange citrus zest, wheat, straw, tea leaf, some biscuit or barley, minimal caramel or toffee, pinch of cherry fruit, the nose actually shows a good deal of restraint and tactful length. Full-bodied, not overly dense but together the high level of carbonation plus its overall dryness increase its mouth presence a lot. Lemon, white grapefruit citrus adds more tartness. Here, though, the tea and tobacco leaf aspects sweeter. Touch of molasses helps add balance. Biscuity, bready ending, especially as it warms. Not bad but comes off as a bit one-dimensional.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Double Simcoe IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Pennsylvania
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$11.99
Strong head of creamy white, plenty of diversely sized bubbles, the lacing is thick and sticky. Really cloudy amber orange to brown in color, does capture the light and glow nicely, complete opacity. Enveloping nose, tentacles of sweet grain and oat hops combine with a dollop of honey and croissant flakes to grease it into the nostrils, pleasing orange pulp and pine oil bits, energetic without having to be bitter to achieve this. Full-bodied, does a great job of sinking into the palate without engendering heaviness. Sweet tangerine to pink grapefruit citrus create a bridge between the honey, glazed dough, oat elements and the grassy bitterness and black tea notes. For its density, very smooth and drinkable, in fact, dangerously so. Remains completely rich and full through the finish.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Storm King Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Pennsylvania
9.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.49
Pours a dense two finger plus brown head that just about refuses to dissolve, leaves a thick, sticky lacing behind as well. Pure black in color, virtually no lightening anywhere. The nose displays a measure of restraint and slowly offers up the milk chocolate, creamed coffee, toffee scents which are not keen on stealing the spotlight, allows the grape, plum, cherry fruit to step forward, same for the soda bread, barley and quieter orange peel accents. Full-bodied, close to heavy through the attack but sheds excess weight admirably as it moves forward. The carbonation level is high yet does not prevent the dark bitter chocolate, Vienna roast coffee bean, toffee and heavy cream from accreting. Adds in a spring water freshness and higher orange peel presence. The hops do not coalesce into distinct flavors but do add a general dryness and structure. High degree of drinkability.
4 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
Black Mocha Stout
American Stout
North Carolina
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Dense, opaque black color, MAYBE hints at some brown around the edges. The dark foam is thick if rapidly dissolving, leaves a sticky lacing behind. Borderline acrid, the roast in the nose comes as close to “left on the stove too long” burnt as possible, so much coffee bean and dark chocolate, even the heavy cream noters seem toasty, the grilled nuts, coconut flake scents maintain the breakneck pace and diminish the sweet black fruit element. In the mouth it’s medium to full-bodied, offering full-bore roasty coffee, cocoa powder through the attack. Sweet black fruits and almonds come next, the carbonation is very strong and sweeps these along before they sink in much. Almost minerally at turns. Without sacrificing much toastiness stays on the “refreshing” side of the stout scale, no roaring fire needed. Well-organized finish, lingers more than clings to life.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Hercules Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
Colorado
9.1%
22oz, Single
$7.99
Fun, frothy head of large cream white bubbles, enjoyable to just watch them pop, any lacing left behind doesn’t last. Healthy chrome orange to bronzed color, touch of dark yellow around the rims, murky yet incandescent. Interesting nose of rubber, sneaker sweat, salami and pine resin, not offensive, just weird, then more normalizing orange rind, corn syrup, more fig and date fruit than anything darker, light floral musk appears before it’s all gone. Full-bodied, very broad and filling without becoming unduly dense. The malts bring a touch of caramel and milk chocolate but really just smooth out any burrs in the hops. On that note, the hops lean more towards sweet grains and oats, pine and lemon oil, like you just cleaned the house, The carbonation is by no stretch weak yet cannot disturb the weight presented here. Apricot, white grape, peach and pear fruit come through as it moves forward. Only fault might be it tries too hard to please.
4 out of 5

Founders
Breakfast Stout Double Chocolate Coffee Oatmeal Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
Michigan
8.3%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Full onyx blackness in a glass, appears immaculately clean and unblemished. The brown head craters here and there, uneven, comes with a sticky thick lacing. The toasted chocolate and cocoa element in the nose outweighed by denser oatmeal and bitter chicory scents, the edginess even dampens the sweetness of the raisin, black grape, plum fruit, green coffee bean adds to the cut, does not lack for length in your nostrils. Full-bodied, smooth in mouthfeel with persistent carbonation for its weight. The grapey sweetness frames the attack, plum, raisin and raspberry fruit. Quite soon after the chicory, espresso bean, grilled nut, dark chocolate shades ratchet up the bitterness. The oatmeal and light caramel notes salve the wound. Oily texture develops at the end, extends presence. Fluidity deceptive, after third glass your gut feels a touch heavy.
5 out of 5

Founders
Porter
American Porter
Michigan
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Pours completely jet black with a dark brown head of mixed bubble size and above average lacing, pretty much looks like a stout. Big time roast to the nose, caramelized dark chocolate, cocoa bean slather the grape, raisin, date fruit scents, mixes in grilled nuts and oatmeal, very difficult to tease out any scent evocative of hops. Medium-bodied, quite firm and would be more so were it not for the in-your-face carbonation which continually churns things up. The toasty, roasty chocolate, cocoa, mocha still in effect, here there’s a fried fresh butter element as well. The nuttiness more penetrating while the grape, cherry, fig flavors pull back a notch. Drying texture may be the reason for difference, tactile trumps the olfactory. The finish needs more of an exclamation point, not clean per se but has lifted off the palate by then.
4 out of 5

Unibroue
Don de Dieu Bottle Fermentation Ale on Lees
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Canada
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Full, if delicate, one finger head of tiny cream white bubbles, minimal lacing. Cloudy zinc orange to yellow squash in color, just light enough to allow you to view tiny bubble streams within. Clove, licorice, cinnamon, ginger spice form the backbone of the nose with plenty of flesh to be found in the orange, tangerine citrus and banana, pear, apricot scents, some yeasty softness but that’s about it. Medium-bodied and actually less dense and more openly constructed than the sweetness of the flavors might suggest. The same array of spices appear here, the orange citrus joined by a brush of lemon. The yeast, raw pie dough starts to take on a honeyed feel before notes of straw and wheat balance them out. The carbonation is subtly aggressive and lengthens the whole, particularly the banana, peach, pear, red cherry fruit.
5 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
California
5.7%
22oz, Single
$4.59
Bubbly one to two finger head, more large bubbles than small, when they pop the head recedes swiftly, attractive brown color. The liquid is jet black, only hint of brown or orange comes at the outermost rims. Dark roasted coffee, chicory and bitters and then dark chocolate dominate the nose, fair amount of grape, apple, cherry fruit too, with time more butterscotch, oatmeal, while not complex grows in stature with each sniff and resists vacating the premises. Full-bodied, the high level of carbonation plus the overall lack of sugariness relieves a lot of downward pressure. Not that if “lifts” per se, but forward movement is not a problem. Flavorwise, the roasted coffee, heavy cream, dark chocolate, toffee, oatmeal elements charge right up on you. Taking this into consideration, isn’t malty in an obvious way. Likewise, the hops act more like a sponge at the end as anything else. Loses thrust and follow-through at the end or chooses a more restrained path, choose your own description. But you do want to fill the void with another sip.
4 out of 5

Green Flash Brewing Company
Double Stout
American Double/Imperial Stout
California
8.8%
22oz, Single
$6.39
Jet black and I mean jet black, like a brick of onyx. Pours an agitated two-finger head of dark brown froth, mixed of bubbles large and small, lacing mostly larger bubbles and slides off quickly. Gargantuan melted chocolate and cappuccino coffee driven nose, after that very similar toffee and butterscotch accents, hint of cherry or blackberry fruit, no hops discerned, you’ll either say it has purity of purpose or is monochrome. Very full-bodied, grips the tongue like a vise, while slow to move you sense it’s a choice, not because it’s not capable. Tastes like three slices of German chocolate cake washed down with cafe con leche. Grape, cherry, apricot, plum fruit, much variety in this department. Roasty and toasty more than bitter, you pucker nonetheless. Consistently becomes drier through the mid-palate, suggesting the hops having more textural effect than flavor-wise. Not really “chewy” since it resists chewing on it. There’s a sense of accomplishment when the glass is finally empty.
5 out of 5

Belhaven Brewery Company Ltd, The
Scottish Ale Draught
Scottish Ale
Scotland
5.2%
15oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Extremely creamy white froth of a one finger head, looks more like a smooth plane than aggregation of micro-bubbles, heavy lacing. Clear amber red to copper in color, very consistent. In the nose presents bready, doughy accents with inviting honey, caramel, butter, cocoa powder notes, blends in mild apricot, cherry fruit and indistinct nuts, certainly malty but not devoid of hops. Medium-bodied, while smooth in texture comes across much drier than expected. Tea leaf, grain, bitters and meadow grasses elevate here and there’s a white citrus zest tackiness as well. That said, never loses that overall smoothness and malty appeal of toffee, bittersweet chocolate. The bread, yeast components choose neither side. Fine enough quaffer but nothing remarkably memorable about it. (Nitro-Can)
3 out of 5

Chimay (Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont), Bières de
Chimay Première (Red Label)
Dubbel
Belgium
7.0%
11oz, Single
$4.49
Brownish colored head that swiftly recedes to a thin layer of constantly renewing micro-bubbles. Super-cloudy red-brown in color, like mud or plumbing backup, can’t get any more opaque without being black. The nose unfolds in a slow, if not sneaky, manner, surprising spine and hoppiness to frame the dark chocolate, caramel, coriander, ginger spice and candied plum and cherry fruit scents, banana bread, chooses balance over nostril penetration. Medium-bodied, the flesh is sculpted and hard, no jiggle. A good deal of the sense of momentum comes from the ever-present carbonation. The ginger and clove spice almost turns to cumin, pairs up with grass and grain notes. Without excess sweetness, there’s raisin, fig, date notes and fresher cherry fruit. Bready like fruit-bread or cake not a loaf of bread, leesy as well. Even with nothing out of place, does sort of spin off at the end. Good drinkability.
4 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Shoals Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
New Hampshire
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Pleasingly thick white head with strong lacing, semi-opaque copper to orange-brown in color, draws in light well. Kind of blunt blow to your nostrils of straw, grain, charcoal ash, the hops aren’t as “aggressive” as “relentless,” small edge of grapefruity white citrus, some unbuttered biscuit, smooth smokiness as it dissolves. Medium-bodied, the bitterness continues here with mineral water, iron notes and sauna stone smoke. The grapefruit pith clearer, foresty sort of herbaceousness, floor matter. Even the yeast, bread notes seem to get covered up. Carbonation is palpable, however, can’t really increase the pacing. The charcoal element there, kind of brings out cocoa bean, burnt chocolate nuances too. Palate punisher.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Old Brown Dog Ale
English Brown Ale
New Hampshire
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Almost two finger off-white, cream colored head, slow to dissolve with good lacing. Amber red to brown in color, you get some orange around the rims, soft, gauzy opacity. The nose brings you caramel, butterscotch, maple syrup and fig to raisin fruit without ever feeling sweet, quiet enough nostril presence that the flowers, grains, oats and roasted chestnuts waft through swiftly, nothing falls out of place, intelligently arrayed. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied, the carbonation strongest during entry, as this recedes the butterscotch, toffee, fig, date flavors come forward. Even-keeled yeast, dough notes, more coffee than chocolate although neither major. Smooth with a creamy fluidity, neither fast nor slow to move forward.
4 out of 5

Meantime Brewing Company Ltd
Coffee Porter
English Porter
England
6.0%
11oz, Single
$4.49
Given the relative lack of head upon the pour, very nice lacing, foam a deep brown hue. Color more black than brown with a light orange tinge around the rims. Highly roasted nose, toasty if not charred, more espresso than coffee, features chicory, caramel, bitter dark chocolate, oil and asphalt, brush of candied cherries and plums, nice lift and persistence, not aggressive as much as, challenging. Light to medium-bodied, the active carbonation masks the lack of weight, at the same time allowing the chicory, herbaceous, and raw nut bitterness to ascend. As before, the coffee flavor more bean, espresso, dark roast in nature, piercing and with minimal creamy forgivingness. The mixed black fruit element more muted here. Personality, has that in spades.
3 out of 5

Highland Brewing Company
St. Terese’s Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
North Carolina
5.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Thinnish head but bright white and pretty, colored a light red with as much orange to yellow hues shown, crystal clear and transparent. Bread, orange citrus pulp, light plum and apple fruit, the caramel accents come and go, favors malts but not so sweet and devoid of lift as to shunt aside the hops. Medium-bodied, admirably retains presence while always flowing forward. Offers mineral water, stone accents to clean up the caramel, glazed bread aspect, definitely “fresh” in character despite staying more malty than hoppy. The orange and lemon citrus has the feel of wedges floating in that mineral water. Carbonation above average and perhaps impedes fuller accretion. Not herbaceous in any manner. As innocuous as a sunny spring afternoon.
3 out of 5

Duvel Moortgat NV, Brouwerij
Belgian Golden Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Belgium
8.5%
11oz, 4-Pack
$14.49
The white foam whipped to a fine consistency across the surface, a maelstrom of tiny bubbles, cloudy dark straw yellow, yet allowing for visibility of the streaming beads. Focused penetrating power to the nose, lemon and white grapefruit citrus, onion skin, apple, pear and pomegranate fruit, fresh yeast yet to ferment, light mixed baking spices, hoppy without seeming caught in the “hops versus malts” dichotomy. Medium-bodied, with the firmness to appear denser and larger. The ginger, clove more evident here, teams up nicely with the lemon, grapefruit citrus. The carbonation nudges more than pushes. Apple, apricot, cherry fruit, more snap than juice. Allusion to honey, grain to granola flavors. While well-paced, there’s also a creaminess to absorb any bumps in the road. Pulls it off without any noticeable effort.
5 out of 5

Allagash Brewing Company
White
Witbier
Maine
5.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Glowing cloudy yellow color, almost like it’s radioactive, still you can see the tiny bubbles swim to the surface. Not much head nor lacing. Subtly fills your nostrils with sheer weight as well as clove, coriander spice, lemon peel, vanilla bean, has a lively yeastiness, some banana notes, while light of touch it’s never not there. Light-bodied, fizzy and kind of skittish, never settles down on a branch. The heavier carbonation does whip up the clove led spices, lemon to orange citrus, mineral water and mild metallic flakes. The fruit mainly banana, pear, apricot, more skin and pit than flesh. Creates a lot of perfume in the mouth yet cannot persist through the finish. Goes down without a hiccup.
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Hops Infusion India Pale Ale
American IPA
Pennsylvania
6.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Seriously thick three-finger head when poured, creamy of-white color, full mixture of bubbles large and small. Cloudy amber red color, lightening into a coppery orange around the rims. The nose is bready and grainy, more cooked than raw, plenty of hoppy power and penetration, the only sweetness comes from white grapefruit, lemon scents, really it hits you so hard from the start it evacuates your nostrils quickly and before you can get much more out of it. In the mouth it’s dry and bitter with an oily texture which has it almost congealing on the tongue. Hopped out the wazoo, grass, grain, corn and black tea leaf. The citrus element lower here. Never betrays more than a meager amount of malts. Very long finish, you better like hops.
3 out of 5

Orkney Brewery
SkullSplitter Orkney Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Scotland
8.5%
11oz, 4-Pack
$12.99
Plush, two-finger plus head of brownish white color, no lack of lacing left behind. Red-brown brick color, neither especially clear nor cloudy. Big, soft nose of brown sugar, toffee, coffee ice cream, plum and blackberry fruit, croissant flakes, cinnamon spice, long time before it dissolves, nothing close to hoppiness here. Medium-bodied, given the sweetness of the flavors was expecting more body and heft but moves gracefully. Chocolate coated malt balls, creamed coffee, brown sugar and honey with candied orange slices. The fruit flavors plum, black grape, cherry, however, they recede through the mid-palate and allow the carbonation to provide a drier, smoother mouth texture. Earthier, leafier finish with a light saline quality.
5 out of 5

Kind Beers
Pale Ale
American IPA
South Carolina
7.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Light head comprised mainly of big bubbles which pop easily enough, very clear liquid, red with a zinc orange tint, no visible carbonation. Angular nose of pine resin, grasses, grains and orange pekoe tea offset some by caramel and mocha powder, kicks in there but then lost for words, no real flowers, citrus nor spice. Light to medium-bodied, initial burst of carbonation disappears swiftly. Corn syrup, caramel, unsweetened iced tea can be found among the hoppy herbaceousness. Here the cocoa, chocolate notes seem burnt, pan fried. Pine and something like coal tar shampoo. More mixed white citrus to add to the bite. Smooth enough finish, not much going down, however, nothing pissing you off. (Contract brewed by Thomas Creek Brewery)
2 out of 5

Green Flash Brewing Company
Imperial India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
9.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Hazy glow to the amber red to pumpkin orange color, even through the gauziness you can see the bubbles lifting into the cream colored, thick head which stays past closing time. Sweet, fruity nose of apricot, peach, pear fruit as well as tangerine juice, pine needles, brioche and a bundle of meadow grasses and flowers, attractive fullness while retaining clarity of elements, Full-bodied, spicy, citrusy attack with cumin, garlic flavors next to orange, white grapefruit notes. The carbonation shows verve to break through the overall density and oily texture. While certainly hoppy, not bitter, no pucker, more like an exfoliation. Pine, tar resin, fresh milk, coffee grinds, wax, enjoyable for its ability to change sip to sip. Anvil sits on your tongue long after you’ve swallowed.
5 out of 5

Moylan’s Brewery
Moylander Double IPA
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
8.5%
22oz, Single
$8.49
Nothing shy about the three finger+ foamy head, and don’t expect it to evaporate anytime soon. Solid cloudiness to the dark amber color, lightens to a jaundiced yellow around the rims, seriously looks like a “beer.” The nose unrolls aggressive tangerine, grapefruit citrus, pine sap, oats, black tea leaf, incense musk, rose hips, for all of its complexity doesn’t appear that hoppy nor malty. Full-bodied, offers both palate pressure density and steady forward movement. You get an initial scattering of malty cocoa and caramel and then pink grapefruit, mandarin orange and pine sap. With every sip there’s something which vaguely fights you, like it has something to prove. The above average carbonation keeps it marching forward. Touch of banana next to peach, apricot pit fruit. The dryness at the finish suggests a max of two bottles chuggable in one sitting. Unless you’re blacked out, which always helps.
5 out of 5

Asahi Breweries Ltd
Asahi Draft Beer Super Dry
Japanese Rice Lager
Japan
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Creamy white head of micro-bubbles with good staying power and lacing, clear, pure orange to yellow color with highly visible diffuse bubbles rising within. Grain, freshly cut grass, maybe it’s suggestibility but rice too, peanut shells, hops, with time sweet corn syrup notes settle in. Medium-bodied, curiously enough fairly foamy yet makes it even more bottom heavy. Moderate bitterness, the texture is dry even as the corn, tea leaf, barley, rice and malts dry to sweeten as much as possible, more or less just smoothing things out rather than adding distinct flavors. Inoffensive is the best descriptor, a beer trying not be noticed rather than make a statement.
2 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s India Ale
English India Pale Ale (IPA)
England
5.0%
19oz, Single
$3.99
Good vibrancy in the red-amber color, while clear still captures the eye, the large, frothy head a good two plus fingers deep and takes its damn time dissolving. Sweet malts and roasted caramel, there’s a kind of basement dampness to it, like undisturbed natural growth blossoming, well water minerality and hardness, hops and a grassiness emerge only after it warms appreciably, doesn’t lack persistence per se, more so can’t get its ducks in a row. Medium-bodied, buoyed by broad carbonation, floats in the mouth as much as hugs the tongue. Less of the caramel, malt sweetness here and more of the hoppy bitter, herbal bite, let’s the bread, nut, yeast flavors fall in the middle and then have to pick a side. Not hard to drink at all but needs a bandleader to decisively set the direction.
3 out of 5

North Coast Brewing Company
Pranqster Belgian Style Golden Ale
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
California
7.6%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.49
Full-on cloudiness with a warm yellow-orange glow, slight white foam across the surface of micro-bubbles which disperse swift enough if replenished by streams of bubbles from below. Clove, cumin, coriander and orange spice frame the nose, just-cooked bread and fresh yeasts, poached pear and forest floor underbrush. Full-bodied with frothy carbonation which clings to your mouth pores like scrubbing bubbles. All that clove, ginger, coriander spice alive here with deeper accentuation to the orange, lemon citrus. Texturally, has a semi-creamy feel like buttered dough or warm wax. Pear, banana and some apricot fruit add depth. While it rolls across your tongue, hits the brakes rather than extend at the end.
4 out of 5

Terrapin Beer Company
Big Hoppy Monster Imperial Red Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
Georgia
8.3%
12oz, 4-Pack
$10.49
Nice red-brown color with only a hint of orange at the rims, very clear, the head is virtually nonexistent, pour as aggressively as you like and it’s gone in a second. Malty nose with dried cherries, apricots and figs, very fruity, caramel and sweet orange citrus scents, pie crust and a pinch of cinnamon, the hops enter before closing time to tighten the show some. Full-bodied, malt, caramel, carob, brown sugar comes through clearly on the attack, almost floral at moments. The plum, fig, apricot, date fruit consistently present yet not dominant. Carbonation is subtle but in no way weak. As in the nose, the hops seem inserted at the last moment to get the 747 off the tarmac. There is a chocolaty residue on the finish. Resets well in anticipation of the next sip.
4 out of 5

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Chugged in December 2008

Stone Brewing Company
Pale Ale
American Pale Ale
California
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Light orange-brown in color, fully transparent, has minimal bubble beads but the average sized head lingers well with a fine lacing left behind. The nose is hoppy but not excessively so, more roast to it than sweet caramel, slips you wheat and grain, not fruity nor spicy, perhaps a trace of lemon peel, relaxed and streamlined rather than aggressive. Light to medium-bodied, same basic profile in the mouth of hops, grains, wheat and bitters. Mild citrus tones. Dry mouth feel with the carbonation equal to the weight of the flavors. Gossamer caramel to coffee hard candy flavors. Succinct finish, doesn’t appear short, just ends on a dime.
3 out of 5

Founders
Dirty Bastard Scotch Style Ale
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Michigan
8.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.49
Some filminess deepens the chocolate brown colored base, dusky yellow rims with a touch of zinc orange. The head is on the thinnish side, evaporates quick enough, lacing more persistent. Restrained nose of orange/lemon citrus, apricot pits, round malts alongside non-intrusive hops, pine resin, bread and a slight infusion of dried flowers. Medium-bodied, smooth with enough carbonation to keep a steady forward pacing. Semi-sweet with baking spices, orange peel, honey glazed bread, pine, none of these have the depth nor tenacity to overshadow the hops component. Never bitter, maltiness persists. Pleasing tightening through the finish. Unassuming complexity, no sense in not enjoying the natural fluidity.
4 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Indian Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
Delaware
7.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Very dark brown in color but not black, an orange tinge at the rims underscores the clarity of the liquid, average to thin depth of head yet leaves a full, attractive lacing behind. Brown sugar, toffee, black raisin, plum, licorice, chocolate in the nose, obviously more malts than hops, fat enough to settle in fully and stay until closing time. Full-bodied, all roasty and toasty with sweet malt segueing into dark chocolate powder, coffee, brown sugar. Offers golden and black raisins, figs and dates more than any fresh fruit flavors, however, not saccharine. Carbonation and hops ride in just in time to lead into a cleaner finish than expected. Arguably trying to do too much, still, tasty enough.
3 out of 5

Carolina Beer Company
Cottonwood Endo India Pale Ale
American IPA
North Carolina
5.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Super-thick, close to three finger white head of tiny bubbles which leaves a considerable lacing. Below it’s cloudy and yellow-orange to brown in hue. Semi-sour nose of bitters, yeast, hops, orange peel, has a dash of malts, grows in size as it sits in your nostrils kinda like a rain cloud, not especially complex but can’t deny its being there. Medium-bodied, sweeter in the mouth with butterscotch, caramel notes while remaining a hops-driven beer. Lots of carbonation without distracting fizz. Becomes more bitter with each successive sip, even as it loses body. As with many other beers, nothing “wrong” with it, just in no way compelling.
2 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Winter Storm “Category 5” Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Maryland
7.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Super-clear, almost shiny, amber red to orange in hue, you could read an eye chart through it, the head disappears real, real quick with no real lacing left behind. Nothing archly bitter about the nose, green hops, spices, meadow-like florality and grassiness, nothing too concentrated, the citrus component starts and then stops, not too round nor soft, just angular enough to stay within category bounds. Medium-bodied, glides well for its consciously semi-gritty texture, the malt eases it into the palate and ably hands off to the hops by the mid-palate. Orange rind, pine resin, hard maple candy, hardly any caramel nor chocolate accents. Never really bitter here too, just keeps you off-balance and plunging forward at angles. Really grows on you over time.
5 out of 5

Whitbread PLC
Pale Ale
English Pale Ale
England
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Pale red color, transparent with a slight touch of zinc orange around the rims. The head is fairly thin but persistent and stays together for a credible amount of time. The nose has more density than thrust, like it gets stuck halfway in, on the sweet side with brown sugar, raisin, yeast, toffee, perhaps coffee, as it dissolves there’s a quick bitter twist yet hard to finger the hops for this. Medium-bodied with good carbonation, as in the nose plays up the sweetness without getting cloyingly sweet. The caramel, malt, carob, banana, nut and grain flavors show a sense of how deep to dig in. As a result, finish is drier than attack, even though the hops still can’t be said to play a major role. It’s a credible brewskie.
3 out of 5

Smuttynose Brewing Company
Finestkind India Pale Ale
American IPA
New Hampshire
6.6%
22oz, Single
$3.99
While the orange color is light and closer to yellow than amber, it has a gauzy translucency which deepens it, good one to two finger head of white whipped froth and strong lacing. Unassumedly penetrating nose of white grapefruit, lemon citrus, wheat and rye, pine tar, flower blossom, dry and hoppy without forgetting to allow the tight package to soak in enough to be enjoyed. Medium-bodied, there’s a fun interplay between the sneaky carbonation and the general inclination towards woven balance, sometimes dancing nimbly across the palate, sometimes wanting to grip it firmly and make it listen to the message. Playfully bitter hops and yeasts contribute to an erect posture in the mouth, The white grapefruit, mandarin orange, lemon citrus alternately sweet and sour. The pine and wet tea leaf notes persist, the floral dimension needs more ’tude to get heard. Can’t say it ever tastes “malty” but this element doesn’t cushion things here and there. As close to a “sessionable” IPA as one might ask for.
5 out of 5

Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
Michelob Ultra
Light Lager
Missouri
4.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$5.99
Extremely light yellow color, easily transparent, you can follow the path of the sparse bubbles, the white head pretty yet is swiftly gone. Bitters, hops, dried straw, corn, maybe a whiff of indistinct white citrus pith, while not much body in the nostrils does display pleasing lift. Light-bodied unto evanescent, barely grazes the tongue as it slides by, zero palate grip. More corn, grain, dried cut grass, the carbonation is strong enough that what flavors are there steamrolled. Maybe at the finish the corn turns into more corn syrup. Something which doesn’t exist cannot truly be said to have flaws. Makes lots of people rich, what’s wrong with that?
1 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
60 Minute IPA
American IPA
Delaware
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Golden yellow color of excellent clarity, the clean white head comprised of tiny, swiftly dissolving bubbles. The nose has scrubbing, cleansing feel to it, coal tar, orange peel, sourdough bread, yeast, forest floor growth, the hops act more as a skeletal structure, leaving open spaces between the beams, for all the power it has at first sniff, graceful as it drifts off. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and much hoppier, however, with each additional sip you think it might actually pass for a pilsner. It’s crisp, fresh and invigorating to drink, dries the mouth out in the way that makes you drink more. Tea leaf, tar, earth and grass, dried apples, oats, the carbonation quickens the pace and nowhere near overbearing. Nothing really sweet going on yet not bitter as a result, well-balanced. Goes down quickly.
4 out of 5

Wychwood
Hobgoblin Dark English Ale
English Brown Ale
England
5.2%
17oz, Single
$3.99
Clear orange-brown color, bright presence in the glass with a large, loose head of large, quick to pop bubbles, above average lacing. The nose has an admirable balance between malts and hops, even with light cocoa powder and dark fruits could pass for a pilsner with its grains, straw and tobacco wrapper. Light-bodied, quite smooth with a creamy texture given its lack of heft. Mixed berry, nuts and a hint of caramel, however, in no way sweet. Here, malt dominates the attack with hops gaining the lead through the finish. The high level of carbonation doesn’t disturb the flavor clarity, fits the weight and keeps the brew refreshing. A floral side comes through with the aftertaste. Very tactful and easy to consume.
3 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Baltic Thunder Baltic Porter
Baltic Porter
Pennsylvania
8.5%
22oz, Single
$5.49
Spotless and squeaky clean brown color, dark red-amber at the rims, thin, if persistent, brown colored head of tiny bubbles. While the roast and coffee obvious in the nose, the nuttiness is the leader of the pack, adds a brisk vibrancy which is followed up on by baking dough and flour notes, barley, oats and brown sugar, even with much hops presence has a sinewy, muscular feel in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, yet lighter than expected, goes for smooth fluidity over resonance. The carbonation is strong enough that it disperses the flavors to create an inner mouth airiness and perfume rather than soaking presence. Coffee, butter, cola, brown sugar, would be sweet if not for the aforementioned, polished malty oats and dough. Nothing bitter here, lightly roasted with only a gradual uptick in hops at the end. Drinkability key attribute.
3 out of 5

Lees & Co. (Brewers) Ltd, J.W.
2006 Harvest Ale Limited Edition
English Barleywine
England
11.5%
9oz, Single
$8.99
Super-cloudy with chunks of sediment throughout, filmy brown in color, looks like what backs up out of a clogged toilet. Close to zero head, unclear visually if it’s even carbonated. Raisins, dates, rum cake and bread make up most of the nose, ginger and cinnamon spice, comes across more as a mulled cider or mead than beer, honey, milk chocolate, no hops in sight. Full-bodied, truly it’s a very heavy beer that lands like a lead weight on the tongue. Sherry-like dryness gives the texture a curious contrast to the richness of the raisin, date, fig, plum fruit. The ginger spice and honey not as boisterous, with the non-fruit elements pared back you could understand how this may be classified as “beer.” Does come up with a wee bit of carbonation in the mouth. Semi-bitter aftertaste mildly refreshing after all that sweetness and density. A dessert beer?
3 out of 5

Weyerbacher Brewing Company
Heresy Imperial Stout Aged in Oak Barrels
Russian Imperial Stout
Pennsylvania
8.0%
22oz, Single
$5.69
Fully opaque black color with zero differentiation throughout, big and frothy head upon the pour with plenty of big ole bubbles, lots of lacing and languidly slow to dissolve. The nose is super-rich sweet coffee ice cream, milk chocolate and carob, soft and creamy presence with raisin and maraschino cherry fruit accents, impressive staying power if monochrome. Full-bodied and even more dependent on coffee, buttered toast, chocolate, caramel flavors. The raisin, date, fig flavors keeps the sweetness coming. The roast subordinate to the toast. Hard to tease out any hop influence. Carbonation could stand to be a little higher. That said, moves well and never gets “stuck.” Smooth like a road grader came through. Would like more flavor variety but quite satisfying.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Yeti Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Colorado
9.5%
22oz, Single
$8.59
Inky jet black, looks like a pint glass of espresso, the one finger head foamy with big bubbles, strong lacing. In the nose the coffee and chocolate actually more restrained than you’d think by looking at it, strong blackberry, plum, raisin cake notes, molasses, the lower malt roast allows more hops to surface and refresh, never unloads on you as you expect. Full-bodied, here you get the full onslaught with Kahlua and cream infused coffee, bitter dark chocolate, molasses, a strong bitter roast and some curry spice keeps it agile on the tongue. Good carbonation but hard to register with a beer of this density. Less fruity here but there are discernible mixed black fruits. The hops more present through a grainy bite and drying texture than primary presence. Releases credibly through the finish, allowing for the palate to relax before the next sip.
5 out of 5

Broughton Ales Limited
Old Jock
Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy
Scotland
6.7%
17oz, Single
$5.69
Red amber in color, quite clear and transparent with no visible bubbles. That said, there’s a good one finger head made up mainly of large bubbles. The nose is very active and keeps moving in a chameleon-like manner, molasses, plum, candied cherries, vinegar, the chocolate notes lurk around the borders, mulled cider, more an exercise in randomness than complex but no less enjoyable for it. Full-bodied, most of its weight in the air rather than tongue-bound, like a zeppelin floating in your mouth. Well-carbonated without getting n the way of the flavors. The cherry, blackberry, plum, fig fruit sweet enough to dominate the attack, followed on by biscuit, caramel, malt, orange extract accents. Clean for its weight, the bubbles help scrub and refresh the palate. Can’t really discern the hops, however, in an effective sense not absent either. Easy, but not that easy, to drink.
5 out of 5

Inselkammer (Brau Von Aying/Ayinger Brewery), Privatbrauerei Franz
Altbairisch Dunkel Authentic Bavarian Dark Lager
Münich Dunkel Lager
Germany
5.0%
17oz, Single
$3.99
Highly attractive red-amber color, clear with a dispersed flow of miniscule bubbles, the head one finger deep but stays at that depth for some time. Everything about the nose is subdued half-measures, coffee and heavy cream, lightly toasted malts, raisin fruit, fruitcake, carob, given the lack of hoppy scents, doesn’t require that kind of counter-weight to stay in balance. Light-bodied, here the carbonation does tend to diffuse the flavors prematurely. Same mixture of dark fruits, coffee cream, butterscotch, at times there is a sourness which adds spark. Needs a bookmark, loses its place by the mid-palate. Smooth with nary a rough edge in sight, err, taste, but there’s this nagging sense that something is missing. You just keep waiting for an extra gear.
3 out of 5

Inselkammer (Brau Von Aying/Ayinger Brewery), Privatbrauerei Franz
Jahrhundert-Bier Century Celebration Bavarian Lager
Münich Helles Lager
Germany
5.5%
17oz, Single
$3.79
The yellow color light enough that not only is it transparent, you can se the widespread, large bubbles work their way upwards. Thick head of immaculate white, the foam so fine you almost can’t see the bubbles comprising them. Crisp, well-detailed nose of mellow hops, grain, straw with more of a suggestion of honey than delivery, sourdough bread, the malts smooth out the texture without ever dominating. Light to medium-bodied with persistent carbonation which adds to the body rather than disperse it. Oats, grain, bread dough, lemongrass and lemon peel, clove, at no time bitter nor sweet, expertly treads the middle ground, balance more important than making an impression. Finishes with an impression of apricot and pear fruit. Were the foam slightly lower you could chug a gallon before having to whiz.
4 out of 5

Samuel Smith Old Brewery (Tadcaster)
Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
England
5.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Murky reddish amber to brown in color, very light foam appears when pouring, hard to classify as a head per se, appears calm in the glass. Semi-sweet nose of cherry, raisin fruit, pecans, walnuts, fresh butter, mineral water, rumcake, unassumedly meanders inside your nostrils for some time. Medium-bodied, the fine carbonation suavely keeps the liquid moving in the mouth, at the same time diminishing some of the sweetness. That said, no lack of brown sugar, molasses, fresh mixed nuts, cherry, fig, raisin fruit. Not buttery, creamy, yeasty nor hoppy, just touches the bases quickly on the way to home plate. Spring water freshness. Well-bred classiness rather than profundity.
4 out of 5

Redhook Ale Brewery
Double Black Stout with Coffee
American Double/Imperial Stout
Washington
7.0%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Frothy type of head, lots of big bubbles popping throughout, brownish color matches the black-brown color below, completely opaque. Predictably roasted nose of, duh, coffee, dark chocolate, lighter caramel, then comes muted black fruits as well as grilled nuts, with time a tiny burst of hops shows. Medium-bodied, smooth and bitter enough that the weight never fully settles in. The carbonation is fine yet persistent. Coffee, dark chocolate, caramel, burnt brown sugar and a trace of nuts and oatmeal set the table. More coffee and more coffee. Grapes, raisins and plums. Any hops pushed to the back of the line. Long, supple finish, no problem lifting the glass for another sip. Enjoyable enough but probably too monochrome for the true beer geek crowd.
4 out of 5

Redhook Ale Brewery
Long Hammer India Pale Ale
American IPA
Washington
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Lightly colored, arguably more yellow than orange, easily transparent, thin white head disappears almost as soon as it’s poured. Orange citrus, sweet spices, non-aggressive hops and honey driven nose, has good lift in the nostrils but lack of clear palette of scents makes it appear too airy, smells like “beer.” Medium-bodied, on the sweet side yet inoffensively so, steadily dries out towards the finish. Malty with that same touch of honey, glazed orange and lemon citrus. At times tastes more like a sweeter pilsner than IPA. Pretty damn smooth, no problem gliding through the mouth. Carbonation too high for the overall mouth weight, disperses things. Inoffensive.
2 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Peg Leg Imperial Stout
Russian Imperial Stout
Maryland
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Jet black, like a block of onyx, thin dark brown head, disappears rapidly but small bubbles continue to burst through to the surface, suggesting strong carbonation. Palpable coffee in the nose, however, roasted qualities canceled out some by rich grape, berry fruit scents, molasses glaze, not so expressive as to weigh the malts against the hops. Medium-bodied, fizzy so that things don’t quite congeal. Thin flavor array, the coffee, cocoa powder notes dry, grape, raisin, fig, plum fruit flavors. Relatively low weight allows some hoppiness to come through. Unravels through the finish without much staying power. Not flawed, just plagued by lack of positive attributes.
2 out of 5

Verhaeghe, Brouwerij
Duchesse de Bourgogne
Flanders Red Ale
Belgium
6.0%
25oz, Single
$9.99
Dark rust red to brown in color, has a fuzzy sort of opacity, not really blacked out, more unintentionally veiled. Not a lot of obvious fizz, the head is very light and disintegrates into little islands across the surface. Intense, multi-faceted nose of vinegar, tea leafs, plum to candied cherry fruit, rum, soy sauce, green apple, esters, almost could pose as a very traditional (cubed beef) barbecue sauce. Medium-bodied, playful carbonation crests like waves in the mouth. The sour vinegar component met head on by golden raisin, date and then cherry, raspberry fruit. Yeasty in a subtle way, works consciously in concert with the rest. Tea, tar, kindling wood. Nothing screams hops nor malts, category mistake to think of this beer in those terms. It’s really an intellectual challenge to your taste buds, a can you keep up with the syllabus sort of situation. You may not love it, you may not hate it, but you must taste it.
5 out of 5

Honsebrouck, Brouwerij van
Kasteel Triple
Tripel
Belgium
11.0%
11oz, 4-Pack
$15.99
Rich golden color with hyper-aggressive stream of bubbles filling the middle, renews the light white froth across the surface, clings effortlessly to the glass walls. The nose aims for a steamroller of sweetness, candied lemon to orange peel, honey, molasses, brioche, beeswax, flower water, pear to peach fruit, doesn’t offer much counterpoint, soaks into your nostrils in a simple, upfront manner. Medium-bodied, fun frothy attach which fills up the mouth momentarily, emphasizing golden honey, tangerine citrus, wax, yellow apple, banana to apricot fruit, cinnamon stick, clove, polished mouth feel although one might say the carbonated fizz ain’t all that classy. Looking for hops? Look elsewhere. This is full throttle kid run amok in a candy store sweetness. And it’s good.
5 out of 5

Kona Brewing Company
Pipeline Porter (Made with 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee)
American Porter
Hawaii
5.4%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Black with only a stain of amber at the bottom of the glass, pours with virtually no head nor lacing, you’d almost wonder if it was carbonated or not. The coffee cream is evident in the nose but not as dominant as the branding would suggest, blending in is peppermint, cocoa powder, rum raisin cake, ginger spice as well as a vestige of herbaceous hops. Medium-bodied, starts out strongly with roasted coffee, bittersweet chocolate and raisin fruit. The carbonation high enough to prevent much settling down. The hops never truly bitter here but do tend to dry out the mouth some. Thins out prematurely past the mid-palate, addressed easily enough via another sip but still. Definitely leaves you with more coffee breath than beer breath.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Mocha Porter
American Porter
Oregon
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Brownish head comprised of micro-bubbles, black color with minimal lightening at rims and glass bottom, if the foam didn’t disappear so swiftly could pass for a stout. Lean and focused nose of burnt coffee, caramelized brown sugar and dry mocha powder, the hoppy graininess a large element, not strikingly sweet, choice few words. Light to medium-bodied, curiously bitter attack with the hops front and center. The dryness impedes the spreading wide of chocolate powder and roasted coffee bean flavors. However, the grain and oatmeal draws out a hint of black fruits. Carbonation could stand to be lower, forces things forward before you’re ready. Which then results in a shortened finish. Porter for hopheads?
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Ellie’s Brown Ale
English Brown Ale
Colorado
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Clear brown coloration with an amber tinge, above average clarity for the hue, the head a good 1-2 fingers deep at first with a steady dissipation thereafter. Roasted coffee beans, heavy cream and raw dough and nuts blossom first in the nose, while the toastiness of malts seem in charge, the more bitter hops quietly insinuate themselves into the arena, unrolls slowly as you sniff. Light to medium-bodied, the carbonation noticeably roils things up from the first sip and gets them flowing. Caramel, coffee bean, vanilla, pecans and brown sugar don’t become too sweet for this reason, in turn this also permits the hops to blend grain, oat and mineral water accents into the mix. Does thin out at the end, however, this fits with the overall mouth feel. Requires a touch more decisiveness.
3 out of 5

Anderson Valley Brewing Company
Hop Ottin’ India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.49
Bright yellow-amber coloration, vibrancy erases much of the cloudiness, thin head which exits stage left with rapidity, leaves some pretty lacing behind though. The nose presents an excellent interplay between the hops and malts, never excessively sweet nor bitter (yes, neither is an apt descriptor for scents), honey, beeswax, sweet lemon tea, tree sap, graham cracker, wheat all intermingle peaceably. Full-bodied, same level of harmony in the mouth, the hops poke and jab but then dance backward to allow the mixed white citrus and hard caramel candy to come out. Yeast, resin and bitters with an herbaceous streak act to return the pendulum in the other direction. Carbonation level allows for crests and troughs. Each sip just different enough to keep you, umm, sipping. An IPA to respect, even for those not in luv with the category.
5 out of 5

Clipper City Brewing Company
Heavy Seas Loose Cannon Hop3 Ale
American IPA
Maryland
7.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Glowing amber red color with a low level of cloudiness to it, thinnish off-white head but what’s there sticks around for some time. For the category of beer, the malts accord themselves well and smooth out any hoppy excesses, you get a mélange of orange citrus, floral dew, field grasses, honey coated pie crust and apricot fruit, manages good length without forcing itself on you. Medium-bodied, very good interplay between the sour, bitter hops which create an initial puckering only then to open to sweeter malt and toffee flavors. The orange to pink grapefruit too more sweet than not. Allowing for this, the hops return to rule the finish and tighten all the screws. Lots of tingle on the tongue and ends on a clean note.
5 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Saint Bridget’s Porter
American Porter
Colorado
5.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Pours with a huge three finger plus head like it was whipped in a blender, the black-brown darkness of the beer’s color deepens both the head and the rims. Sweet chocolaty nose with noticeable coffee, caramel components, suggestion of cherry or black grape fruit, very little here to evoke bitterness nor true hoppiness, by the same token not very roasted nor toasty, just kind of “pretty” to smell. Full-bodied, not heavy, pushes it but the fact that it retains consistent sizing throughout lets you get used to it easily. More roast here, focuses the dark chocolate, coffee bean flavors, these deepened by those dark fruit accents. Heavy duty carbonation throws it off kilter once in awhile. Some oatmeal and soda bread notes, the hops make a late appearance and lend a slight bitter twist to the end.
4 out of 5

Redhook Ale Brewery
Winterhook Winter Ale
Winter Warmer
Washington
5.9%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Orange-brown in color, good clarity, light head which is gone almost as fast as it appears. Malty nose with good counter-balancing hops, the caramel and butterscotch notes kept in check, glimmer of orange citrus, nice lift and airiness in the nostrils, average staying power. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied with a svelte frame, this aided by the aggressive hoppiness, here the malts forced into the background with the caramel notes. Hits you with some pine tar, tea leaf, pink grapefruit rind, seaweed nuances. The carbonation is slightly weak, leaving it huffing a bit to move forward. Holds its own but not going to be confused with world-class brewskies.
3 out of 5

Kona Brewing Company
Fire Rock Pale Ale
American Pale Ale (APA)
Hawaii
6.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Strong glow to the amber color, as much red in it as yellow, cloudy enough for opacity, thin head which barely lasts. Lightly roasted quality to the nose, in a sweet way which emphasizes malt, coffee, black fruits and baking spices before yielding to the leaner hopped up scents. Medium-bodied, one might aver that it’s somewhat leaden and plants itself with little intention on moving. The hops more upfront here, lend it a bitterness which is beyond compensation by the malts, pine, golden honey and toffee flavors. Carbonation level high enough to at least try to kick start things. Smoothes out by the end and length of finish is credible. That said, gets easily lost in a crowd.
2 out of 5

Schneider & Sohn, Private Weissbierbrauerei G.
Wiesen Edel-Weisse (USDA Organic)
Hefeweizen
Germany
6.2%
17oz, Single
$3.99
Super-cloudy yet you can still see the thin, active bubble beads, plenty of dead yeast cells floating about, as yellow as orange, the head light and without much froth, however the thin layer that’s there remains for some time, renewed by the ceaseless bubbles. Medium level thrust in the nose but very consistent, offers banana, cinnamon to clove spice, peach fuzz, bread pudding scents with a split down the middle between hops and malts. Medium-bodied plus, its smoothness is exhibited early, flows fast enough you do need to focus to get the most out of the clove, nutmeg spice, spearmint, lemon peel, croissant flakes, banana and fig fruit. Lightish carbonation allows it to soak in well. Persistent finish without ever appearing pushy.
4 out of 5

North Coast Brewing Company
Blue Star Wheat Beer
American Pale Wheat Ale
California
4.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
The yellow-orange hue is light enough for the cloudiness to show fully, looks warm even if it’s icy cold. Very pretty white head comprised of tiny bubbles, disappears swiftly leaving residue around the rims. Clean, if heavy, nose of grain, wheat, wild yeasts with an interesting saline edge, allusion to apricot and peach pits, not especially citrusy, sheer weight sticks around in your nostrils longer than the scents. Medium-bodied, as in the nose attains freshness in spite of its weight and relative lack of movement. Hint of orange rind, otherwise it’s the grain, hops, wheat to keep things more tart than not. Above average carbonation really works to lift things off the tongue. Admirably, doesn’t leave much behind after you swallow, not out to over-impress. Could drink a lot. Just probably not remember it a week later.
3 out of 5

Ommegang, Brewery
Three Philosophers Belgian Style Blend
Quadrupel (Quad)
New York
9.8%
12oz, 4-Pack
$13.99
Cloudy with lots of yeast particles floating about, dark orange rust color, thin head of very fine foam, slow to dissolve, moderate lacing left behind. Sweet nose, the cherry fruit comes right through with honey, molasses, black licorice and candied orange peel accents, heavy on the malts, rum raisin cake, lingers for a long time. Full-bodied if not outright heavy, plops onto the tongue with all its weight. The sweetness of the cherry, raspberry, plum fruit not to be denied here either, even slightly cloaks the ginger, clove spice, licorice, brown sugar and honey. Syrupy texture has it clinging hard to the mouth pores, lack of lift makes it hard to get a clear impression of the malts, never mind the hops. Average carbonation. You damn well better have a sweet tooth to pop one open.
4 out of 5

Ska Brewing Company
True Blonde Dubbel Belgian-Style Golden Ale
American Blonde Ale
Colorado
8.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Light zinc orange color with more yellow tint than deep amber, mild haziness to it but still easy enough to see through. Not much head upon the pour and what’s there dissolves rapidly, some lacing left behind. The nose is somewhat neutral, brings out pressed flower petals, a pinch of baking spices, fresh orange peel, not much fruit, the hops take up a lot of territory. Medium-bodied, starts out on the sweet side but, with those hops, turns quite dry, if not bitter, by the finish. Moderate apricot, peach, golden apple flavors, more lemon to orange citrus here, the spices elevate as well but hard to separate from each other. Some grain and sweet corn notes. Smooth mouth feel and easy drinkability. Could pound it if nothing else was around.
2 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Golden Monkey Tripel Ale
Tripel
Pennsylvania
9.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$12.49
The glowing yellow to light orange color allows the thin, yet active, bubble beads to be viewed with ease, two finger white head upon the pour takes its time fading off. Sweet cinnamon, ginger, clove, anise, cumin spices build through the nose, lively tangerine and lemon zest, suggestions of apricot and peach fruit, alert for the weight it possesses in the nostrils, grips well. Medium to full-bodied, the carbonated fizz teams up with the sweet baking spices for a zesty attack, creates a fetching inner mouth perfume. The lemon, orange citrus entirely in place, much hoppier here in the mouth so fewer fruit flavors. Yet, breadiness and honey glaze directly expressed. Cleans up adequately after itself while leaving sufficient residue to reverb for some time. As far as spiced ale goes, balanced and not pushy.
4 out of 5

Abita Brewing Company
Turbodog
English Brown Ale
Louisiana
6.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.49
Pours with minimal head but does leave some lacing behind, black to dark brown-orange in hue, doesn’t seem “opaque” but is. Toasty, malty nose, on the whole not very expressive, clean as the spring water component shines through, carob, mild graininess, sweetness in check with only a breeze of hops. Medium-bodied, however, comes across as watery and semi-dilute, very initial impression of warm chocolate cake, coffee and marzipan falls off a cliff by the mid-palate. Solid jolt of carbonation tries to waken the patient. Also appears to shuffle towards an uptick of bitterness at the end but doesn’t quite get there. Decent graininess, not flawed or nothing, just boring.
2 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
St. Rogue Red Ale Dry Hopped
American Amber/Red Ale
Oregon
5.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.49
Red-amber color, nothing descriptively inadequate about the name, on the whole clear, full and lingering head without much lacing. Invasively hoppy nose of bitters, grains, grass, cabbage, mixed white citrus, does consciously present a malty side, the lack of fruit scents contributes to its arid presence in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, stern like a governmental bureaucrat, understands what you want, throws up a wall of impassivity so you never can guess ahead if you will get it. Touch of pine resin, raw dough and yeasts, uncooked oatmeal, following up on the nose, the malts appear to be used exclusively as counter-balance. Dry, and at times bitter, goes for a certain style and damn you if you don’t like it. Keeps its foot on your neck way past the finish. If you like super-intensive hops this may be worth the excursion.
2 out of 5

Ayinger Brewery
Celebrator Doppelbock
Doppelbock
Germany
6.7%
11oz, 4-Pack
$13.49
While very dark brown, you can still see that it’s crystal clear without a trace of cloudiness, some orange comes out near the glass bottom, has a very pretty and fine head which dissolves pretty fast. Invitingly sweet nose of coffee ice cream, caramel, butterscotch and chocolate covered raisins, blends in banana, ginger spice, pecans, all malt with no real hoppiness, very well balance nostril presence and staying power. Medium-bodied, the carbonation definitely smoothes out the sweetness and allows for more structural balance from the hops. Brown sugar, caramel, butterscotch, hard coffee candy, here more of a roasty character. Raisin, cherry fruit comes through. Traces of orange peel as well. Maintains a fresh smoothness throughout.
5 out of 5

Harviestoun Brewery
Old Engine Oil Black Ale
Old Ale
Scotland
6.0%
11oz, Single
$3.99
Pours with virtually zero head, perfectly black color, way too opaque to gauge amount of bubbles in the liquid. Extremely malty nose bursting with roasted coffee and nuts scents, hardened caramel, Valrhona chocolate, maple syrup and a glimmer of fig fruit and buttered corn, close to full absence of hop scents. Curiously light-bodied, given the depth of the primary flavors, glides through the mouth. Loaded with coffee bean, mocha powder, hazelnut with even a slight tarry edge. Bitterness breaks through during the mid-palate, gains traction towards end and breathes life into the whole. The level of carbonation appears too high at first but you can get used to it. No citrus but the vague dried fruit nuance remains. Vibrancy of narrow range of flavors amplifies finish.
4 out of 5

Great Divide Brewing Company
Denver Pale Ale DPA
English Pale Ale
Colorado
5.6%
12oz
6-Pack, $10.49
Heavy duty carbonation pushes the head beyond three fingers, rich and slow to dissolve, moderate amber color, not so translucent as to hide the bubbles flowing throughout. Pleasingly airy nose of flower blossoms, orange zest, the light fruitiness accompanied by a curious edge of plastic aprons like grandma in the 1950’s, hops edge out the malts, some breadiness. In the mouth it’s medium-bodied and smoothly polished, the carbonation fairly high and adds spring to its step. More biscuit, bread and borderline butteriness here, the white citrus relaxed, same for the fruit tones. The hoppiness swells in the mid-palate and lets the malts smooth things out through the finish. Admirable balance and drinkability.
3 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
Hog Heaven Barleywine-Style Ale
American Barleywine
Colorado
9.2%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Deep billowing bubbles below the surface during the pour translate into a frothy head of huge bubbles and lots of lacing. Dark copper to brick red in color, about as opaque as this sort of coloration gets. Very sweet nose of dark plum and cherry fruit, honey and molasses, candied oranges, pine needles, coriander, yet for all that about as hoppy as malty. Full-bodied, density effects its pacing, moves quite slowly. More orange, pink grapefruit citrus alongside cherry, melon, peach fruit with sweet tea notes to boot. Sure it ends with increasing hoppiness but not sure why it’s considered to be hoppy per se by some. Minimal bitterness while, conversely, not much chocolate nor cocoa flourishes. Pine, clove and a light moment of tar complete the finish. Maintains body throughout with long aftertaste.
5 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
India Pale Ale
American IPA
Colorado
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Lighter orange, almost as much yellow to it, Good foam on the pour which disappears at a good clip, not much visible carbonation, some cloudiness. Mixed citrus and flowers most prominent, very clean with neither overt hoppiness nor maltiness, any pine is pine cone not tar. Medium-bodied, more carbonation than expected, especially at first. Hops more obvious, lend a drying, semi-bitter character, Grapefruit and lemon citrus abound, malt sweetness rounds out the back half. Balanced yet never strikes you with a distinct personality. Not boring, more like it comes close but no full cigar.
4 out of 5

Bavik, Brouwerij
Wittekerke Authentic Belgian Wheat Beer
Witbier
Belgium
5.0%
11oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Brightly glowing yellow color in spite of the thick cloudiness, good froth on the pour which sticks around, hard to see the bubbles. Light and crisp nose of lemon, oats, barley and bitters, just smells like it’s very dry. Full-bodied even as the flavors and general mouth feel are at first more linear and crisp. Lemon again most present, lots of carbonation in the mouth breaks up a good deal of the denser malt, barley and oat flavors. Starts off dry and gets sweeter as you swallow. Some mixed Asian spices. Lots of aftertaste, this helped by the big body. Slightly tiring, not sure I could pound a six-pack.
4 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
Hop Rod Rye
American IPA
California
8.0%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Frothy head composed of lively tiny bubbles, very slow to dissolve, cloudy amber-brown color with a pleasing glow to it, mostly opaque. Aggressive nose of hops and bitters, mixes in pine resin, white grapefruit pith and field flowers, any fruit is like dried apricot pits, compactness in its punch may inhibit breadth of scents. Lots of foam in the mouth during attack, more full-bodied than medium as it sits very solidly on the palate. Hoppy as a hyper rabbit, less bitter than nose might suggest due to the sweeter grapefruit, tangerine citrus and more present apricot, peach fruit. The rye flavors there but not a huge aspect, blends into accents of hay, straw, fallen pine needles and spices. It expands in the mouth until you have to make a concerted effort to swallow. Stays relatively balanced in spite of its outsized desire to impress.
4 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
Racer 5 India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$13.99
Semi-foggy amber orange color, few visible bubbles, thick appearance with a dense foam which does not want to call it a night any time soon. Sweet nose of white pit fruit and orange to lemon citrus, feels juicy, dewy flower petals, beeswax, manages to stay sweet given its hoppiness, not the longest finish, tactfully concise. Medium-bodied, noticeably foamy as you start to sip, grapefruit, orange citrus upfront, less floral but perhaps more piney and waxy. The hoppiness bolder here in the mouth, brings a mild astringency to the finish. Tries to achieve a lot, at both ends of the sweet/dry spectrum, and mostly pulls it off.
4 out of 5

Boulder Beer Company
Mojo India Pale Ale
American IPA
Colorado
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Can’t imagine a deeper forth on pour than this, takes some time to recede, light zinc orange color with a touch more yellow hues at the edge. Citrusy nose with both fruit and flower tones, on the herbaceous side, a roasted coffee edge lurks off stage, long presence with some lift. Medium-bodied, the pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus starts it off on a sweet note, wheat and lemongrass, powdered violet candy like Choward’s, apricot and peach pit fruit. Pretty damn carbonated on the palate. A little too cloying to count as refreshing but certainly flavorful.
3 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Local 1
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
New York
9.0%
25oz, Single
$8.99
Pleasingly glowing cloudiness deepens the amber orange color, thick white foam across the surface, slow to break up, lots of visible carbonation and bubble beads. The nose is big on the citrus with sweet spices and softly fruity, some raw bread dough notes, digs in without ever seeming to. Medium-bodied, has enough weight upfront to cascade from thereafter, the citrus and sweet spices even more prevalent here, the baked character extends to the apple, pear, apricot fruit nuances. No heaviness as it finishes and the alcohol not discernible at all. Lots of flavor residue.
5 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Pilsner
German Pilsener
New York
5.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Very pale yellow color with an orange tint to it, clear enough to see the diffuse bubbles on their way to making a thin white foam across the surface. Crisp and invigorating nose of hops, grapefruit pith, cigar ash, dried corn, oats, not truly complex but its freshness keeps you pleased. Light-bodied with an enduring bitterness which dries out your throat in such a way that you take another sip to try and wet it down some. Orange and grapefruit citrus present, little malt or any sort of sweetness. Grains and straw, can’t lose that suggestion of ash. The carbonation level is moderately high and adds to the overall high tone. Stylistically correct, requires both high summer temperatures and the outdoors to show best. Still, not sure you could put down more than three bottles before needing to drink a gallon of water.
4 out of 5

Carlsberg Sverige (Pripps Bryggerier)
D. Carnegie & Co. Stark-Porter
Baltic Porter
Sweden
5.5%
25oz, Single
$5.49
Blackish-brown with only a streak of orange to it, weak head upon the pour, what’s there dissolves quickly. Energetic roasted nose of coffee bean, caramel, malt and prune, date fruit, furnishes orange peel, dough and cinnamon stick, doesn’t really attack you, more of a marathon runner than sprinter. Light to medium-bodied, this makes it much easier to chug given the thicker flavors of caramel, toffee, coffee ice cream and orange peel. More white fruit than black fruit here. Nothing bitter about it, smooth and unrolls confidently across the tongue. Long finish, full possession of all its flavors. You could drink a considerable amount before noticing.
5 out of 5

Coopers Brewery
Premium Lager
Euro Pale Lager
Australia
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Light in color, as yellow as orange, very little carbonation upon the pour with virtually no head as well, clearer than most. Fresh nose, almost akin to mineral water, dry presence, dried orange peels, doesn’t appear either distinctly malty nor hoppy. Medium-bodied, sort of toasty but this fades into vague citrus and straw, hay and corn notes. Almost suggests raw breadiness. Smoothness one of its major attributes. Not that much “bold flavor,” more so a steady backbeat. Carbonation about average, maybe more. Technically fine, no desire to drink more.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Raison d’Être
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Delaware
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Clear brown-amber color with minimal effervescence, average head foam, dark orange rims. Roasted dark chocolate and coffee in the nose, the raisin and dried fruit character comes through clearly, texture is smooth and malty without giving up a fresh and lively feel. Medium-bodied, sweet and sugary with rum raisin, plum, molasses and candied orange flavors. Heavy, not in a pure weight sense per se, just clings like syrup. Not much carbonation, this allows the flavors to all sink in completely. Notes of cinnamon mulled cider. Not for everyone but very captivating.
5 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Porter
American Porter
North Carolina
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Just about black core surrounded by ominously red rims, close to two finger head, very slow to dissolve. Nose forged from smoky kindling, chicory, bitter dark chocolate and a smidge of carob coated raisin, subdued but ever-present malts, overall soft presence while perpetually grinding forward. Medium-bodied, based off of the nose a bit surprising it is not heavier. The bitter, sour profile apparent from the first and welcome as it furthers the liveliness, Dark chocolate, coffee bean, bitters, less chicory here. The roasted notes help it lift into inner mouth perfume. Carbonation just high enough to kick it in the rear when needed. The berry and cherry fruit manages to break the surface during the aftertaste. Very solid.
4 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale
American Pale Ale (APA)
Colorado
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Light orange to amber color with a strong storm of bubbles, the thin head rapidly dissolves. Orange citrus, more hoppy than malty nose, somewhat on the bready side, while crisp feel in the nostrils not that much going on scent-wise. Medium-bodied, same general profile as in the nose, more bitterness favors the presence of hops. Orange citrus, touch of cocoa powder, slight roast to it. Most of the carbonation dissolves before you swallow. Clean finish but it would be hard not to finish cleanly with the lack of flavor depth.
3 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
Dogtoberfest Märzen
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Colorado
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Dark copper to red color, head very thick at first, dissipates swiftly, soft cloudiness to it, dark even to the rims. Orange peel, toasted biscuits, light apricot and peach fruit, suggestion of ginger root, not the most expressive beer you’ll sniff on. Light to medium-bodied, picks up weight as it moves forward through the palate. There’s a sort of dulling bitterness to it, not crisp, which flattens the orange citrus, baking spice and herbal aspects. Breadiness fares a little better. Good plus level of carbonation. Caramelized sweet onions. Malts lead the hops until the finish. Not all that.
2 out of 5

Flying Fish Brewing Company
HopFish India Pale Ale
American IPA
Colorado
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Very light amber, more so yellow, in hue, quite clear with thick and active bubbles and huge, dense head of foam. The nose comprised of grapefruit, dried white fruits, mild floral swipes, neither really malty nor hoppy, light presence with strong persistence, not heaviness. Medium-bodied, rich foaminess makes it feel heavier until the suds subside. Non-threateningly bitter, serves up grapefruit to orange zest, sweet spices and mild fruitiness. Stays consistent without any dips nor crests. In keeping, has a calm and collected finish, very smooth, rich while easy to keep sipping.
4 out of 5

Fuller’s (Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, Griffin Brewery)
Extra Special ESB Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
England
5.9%
11oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Deep red to copper color, very fine foam of moderate thickness, few visible bubbles, quite clear and trim. Caramel to butterscotch infused nose, malty with the hop scents darting in and out, tea leaf, red pit fruit, at times roasted but not in a chocolaty way, underneath the sweetness lies some mineral water scents. Medium to full-bodied, level of carbonation matches the weight and allows the beer to pause in the mouth for consideration. Here, there’s more of a dry chocolate powder and malt thing going on than sweeter caramel. Maybe raw coffee beans. Fruitcake kind of flavoring, neither fully candied nor fresh, the fruit does feel formed. Presence extends from tongue to mouth roof. More hops present as mouth residue. But wouldn’t necessarily call it bitter.
4 out of 5

Geary Brewing Company, D.L.
Geary’s London Porter
English Porter
Maine
4.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Very dark brown, close to black, some large and slow bubbles visible, heavy, uneven foam which starts off thick and takes its time dissolving. Heavily roasted nose of malt, dark chocolate, coffee, rum raisin and chestnuts, for the array of scents falls a touch flat. Surprisingly light in body, bitter and noticeably short. Emphasis on raw nuts, coffee bean, dark chocolate powder, more burnt than roasted. The carbonation is pretty aggressive and not entirely in line with the flavors. Some sweeter raisin or fig flavors at the end. Really wants to earn the style rather than taste good.
1 out of 5

Harpoon
100 Barrel Series Session 24 Glacier Harvest ’08 Wet Hop Beer
American Pale Ale
Massachusetts
6.7%
22oz, Single
$5.49
Orange-amber color, touch more yellow at the outermost edges, thin but full foam on top, storm of bubbles throughout the pour. Hoppy nose, energetic and active, dab of flowers and citrus blossom, some allusions to uncooked bread dough. Medium-bodied, very dry and becomes leaner in the mouth as a result. The hops dominate and there’s minimal creaminess or sweetness to detract from its chosen direction. That said, not bitter, more like an herbal tea with floral notes. The lemon, orange peel accents persist. The foam not prevalent in the mouth past the attack. You slow down on the sipping during the second glass, a sign of its striving more for personality than pleasure.
3 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Maximus India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
7.5%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Nice amber color, strong orange around the rims, small beads and thin foam along the surface which swiftly evaporates. Sweet nose of orange peel, lemon peel, pinch of baking spices, malty but not roasted, tightens up well as the scents dissolve. Medium-bodied, heaviest during the attack, here adds in some bitter hoppiness to counterbalance the malt, chocolate sweetness alongside the orange/tangerine citrus, ginger, brioche breadiness. Never gets too dry, clings to your cheeks even as the weight relieves. Acts as if consciously wants to avoid being too complex. A very good beer.
4 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Juju Ginger Ale
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Colorado
4.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$7.49
Moderate haze, strong orange, zinc, pumpkin coloration, very little head and what’s there dissolves swiftly, little sign of carbonation. Ginger comes through crystal clearly in the nose, like a freshly cut root, actually at times evokes tomatoes and basil, like a pasta sauce, I guess it’s more hoppy but who can tell, some mixed citrus. In the mouth it’s light-bodied with the same expected if still huge emphasis on ginger. After you swallow and the residue just sits there the basic ale foundation comes through, grains, hops and some nuttiness. At times licorice as well, fennel seed. Does trail off appreciably as it finishes, semi-watery. It’s OK, even as a novelty.
2 out of 5

Mendocino Brewing Company
Black Eye Ale
Black & Tan
California
6.5%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Moderate froth on the pour, black-brown color with the rims a more dark yellow. Caramel, fresh butter and raisins in the nose, soft and not very roasted. Medium to full-bodied, even and balanced presentation start to finish. More caramel, molasses and chocolate but not at all too sweet, even with that light roast. Maltiness comes through very well. Noticeable dark fruit flavors. Slow but steady pacing, moderate carbonation. Some coffee notes, not as much as other commentators found. Releases well into a clean finish.
5 out of 5

Murphy’s
Draught Style Stout
Irish Dry Stout
Ireland
4.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$7.49
Dark chocolate color with only a suggestion of red at the very bottom of the glass, thin but solid head across the surface. Smoky, toasty nose with cocoa powder, coffee bean accents, maybe some nuttiness, not very active in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, more dense than heavy if clearly a stout. Dry as promised, fashions a clear finish. More of the chocolate, coffee, roasted notes but not intensely so. Soft contours balance out the dryness, not difficult to sip. Momentary bitterness after your swallow, helps break up monochrome at times feel. Sure, why not.
3 out of 5

Musketiers, Brouwerij de
Troubadour Blond Ale
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
6.5%
11oz, Single
$3.99
Pours with an extremely large head, very delicate with the tiniest bubbles imaginable, quite a bit of lacing left behind. Light orange to dark yellow in color, full-on murkiness. Fresh and filling nose of sweet orange and lemon pulp as well as grain, hops, barley, cellar stored apples and pears, thin layer of honey and floral dew. Medium-bodied with sufficient grace to coat the palate while also nimbly dancing forward. The energetic carbonation doesn’t reach an annoying level, as a result just swirls around the orange citrus, granola, peach, yellow apple and hay elements. Deftly treads the middle ground between sweet and bitter, no obvious favoring of hops nor malts. Very elongated finish.
5 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
Mad Hatter India Pale Ale
American IPA
Michigan
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Despite the amber glow and cloudiness you can still see the tiny bubbles racing upwards, the head seems whipped up like a milkshake, leaves a thin lacing behind. Roundness of the nose gives it a subdued nature, easygoing expression of orange peel and dried apricots, the hops and pine resin scents remain even-keeled too, good fullness. Full-bodied, does shed some weight as it progresses through the palate. The nose hinted at it, but here there’s clear chocolaty accents and roast next to the hoppiness. The mixed white citrus sweeter than might be expected, more sweet spices too. Any fruit mainly apricot and peach. Bitterness held in check, allows for a fuller, lengthier finish.
3 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
The Poet Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
Michigan
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Black to very dark brown in coloration, turns to a jaundice yellow at the rims, barely any foam nor head. Chocolate, coffee ice cream scented nose, roasted malts, never reaches bitterness, penetrates well for its overall heavy nostril presence. Medium to full-bodied, fleshier attack, afterwards the weight lifts to the mouth roof. Less coffee, more straight-up chocolate and cocoa. Toastiness persists throughout, again nothing close to bitter. Smooth and only half-creamy, moves slowly rather than cling. That said, long finish even as the dryness increases.
5 out of 5

Ommegang, Brewery
Ommegang Abbey Ale
Dubbel
New York
8.5%
25oz, Single
$5.99
Deep red to bronzed color, mostly opaque, the head comprised of lots of miniscule bubbles, slow to fade, sits there like moving isn’t in the picture. Mixture of fresh black fruits and glazed fruits in the nose, more raw brown sugar than manipulated sweetness, maybe some fresh honey, the roasted malts build as it warms, scents more smooth than invasive. Medium-bodied, very balanced for its weight, gives it a semi-relentless character. Here the red cherry, raspberry, golden raisin flavors ring more clearly, not fruity per se but you’d have to be a moron not to taste the fruit. As a result, the roast is sweeter with more caramel notes. Carbonation level is average, more upfront, dies off. Feels like a well-worn autumnal blazer, nothing fancy anymore but moves where and when you want it to. Truncated end worrisome, though.
3 out of 5

Orange Blossom Pilsner
Florida’s Honey Beer
German Pilsener
South Carolina
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Very clear red-amber color, thin and very white head, looks kind of summery. Orange and tangerine citrus comes through very clearly in the nose, quite fresh, honey a strong second place finisher, mixed floral aspects as well, wheat and hay, very direct and in control presence. Light-bodied, here the honey does not come through as consistently as the orange citrus. Not especially sweet, sufficient grain and straw elements to keep it close to normal pilsner style. Lots of carbonation, most noticeable after you swallow, maybe too much in this area. More pleasant than compelling.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Brutal Bitter
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Oregon
6.5%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Super cloudy amber-orange color, barely shifts to yellow at the rims, huge frothy head that takes its damn sweet time dissolving, like it wants to be in a “Got Milk?” commercial. The nose generously spreads itself broadly, grapefruit and orange citrus, aggressive hops, honeycomb more than honey, whisper of wheat, mixed white pit fruits, nothing here suggests an ESB beer. Medium-bodied, the froth translates into a shitload of mouth foam, almost gotta shut yer trap to keep it in. The citrus and hops again take the lead, followed on by accents of anise seed, nutmeg and cedar. More blunt than refreshing, tries to lift but too bottom-heavy and spreads across the tongue. As sweet as bitter, and truly nothing brutal about it. Granting this, it’s tasty and nothing not worth chugging down.
4 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Chocolate Stout
American Stout
Oregon
6.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Pours with an enormous head, thick and frothy and takes forever to subside, completely black-brown without a hint of yellow nor orange. Dark chocolate, coffee bean, even caramel, touches of plum or cherry fruit, even you can zen out, a nicely bitter hoppiness appears. In the mouth it’s full-bodied yet in no way heavy, nimble as it has some serious carbonation to keep it from sinking too too deeply. Sure, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa, coffee, caramel, it delivers what the label says. And, as the nose subtly suggests, there’s some hoppy spine here as well, not all about the sweetness. Moderate length on finish, as if crafted to be so. No noticeable flaws.
5 out of 5

Schmaltz Brewing Company
He’Brew Messiah Bold
American Brown Ale
New York
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Great deal of visible bubbles, large and thick near the surface even though the foam dissolves rapidly. Dark chocolate brown in color with a weak yellow-orange cast at the rims. Hoppy nose with dry caramel and lots of burnt notes, especially toasted bread. In the mouth it’s somewhat nutty with same emphasis on toastiness, neither particularly hoppy nor malty. Turns watery by the mid-palate, only the roasted notes and bitter nuts kinds it present in your mind. Not horribly flawed, just little going on. Has its shtick and not much else.
2 out of 5

Schneider & Sohn, Private Weissbierbrauerei G.
Aventinus Wheat-Doppelbock Ale
Weizenbock
Germany
8.2%
17oz, Single
$3.99
You could say it has an attractive amber-brown color but it’s as murky as murky gets, bubbles highly visible though and pours with a healthy amount of head, looks serious in intent. Sweet spice laden nose emphasizing clove and nutmeg, malty in a dry way with more carob than chocolate, nice orange citrus reduction notes, dried apple and pear fruit scents, cherry too. Medium-bodied with a great deal of agility, never once feels as if it has soaked into your palate until it has. More of that clove and anise spice, good deal of carbonation keeps any given flavor from achieving dominance. The fruit lowered in favor of wheat, half-baked bread although more banana here. Almost banana bread. The maltiness is not outsized, more textural than flavor oriented. Admirable persistence through the finish.
5 out of 5

Schwelm, Privatbrauerei
Hefeweizen
Germany
5.2%
16oz, Single
$10.99
Luminescent yellow color with a tinge of orange, can’t get much cloudier than this, fully opaque, pours a thick froth which swiftly releases. Banana, clove, gingerbread, apricot paste, vanilla pudding, a bit intense in the sweetness of the scents but if you dig it, you’ll really dig it. Lower yet persistent carbonation helps churn up the sweetness of the same array, banana, apricot, cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh whipped cream, even if in the end all that wins. Grapey too, a fruity styled beer. Long, full finish. Not a refreshing hefeweizen, a satisfying one.
5 out of 5

Schwelm, Privatbrauerei
Schwelmer Pils
German Pilsener
Germany
4.7%
11oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Basic yellow-orange color, minimal visible bubbles but huge froth on the pour, very thick. Baked bread, tea leaf, leans towards the malt in the nose, grain and straw, compact and concise, perhaps abbreviated. Full-bodied, especially for a pilsner, almost heavy and flat-footed. Bread, grain, corn, not overly carbonated. Tightens up some as it starts to finish but too little too late, it has kind of lost your interest by then. Needs more spring to its step and more dedication to a chosen flavor profile.
4 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Celebration Ale
American IPA
California
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Pours with a glowing red color with strong orange hues, thin head, mild cloud with disperse bubbles. Slight smoky malt edge, hint of bitters and citrus peel, lots of lift pregnant pause in the nostrils, more fresh than complex but not boring. Medium-bodied, slight foaminess when you first sip, when this recedes you get the orange, white grapefruit citrus. More bitter than caramelly, any underlying sweetness struggles to surface. Tends to lose grip at the end of the sip and end before you’d prefer. Hint of ginger spice. Nice enough, wouldn’t want to drink a six-pack by myself.
3 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Arrogant Bastard Ale
American Strong Ale
California
7.2%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Glowing reddish color, strong cloudiness, pours a huge inch plus head that takes its sweet time dissolving, very lacey, residue sticks to the glass insides. Bitter hoppy and grainy nose, develops a semi-sweet character without a true source, golden raisins, pine tar, texturally feels like it slowly coils and uncoils in your nostrils. Dry and packs a wallop entering the mouth, bitters, orange peel, roasted grains, verges on grassy at moments. Raisins, cherry pits, peach fuzz, the fruit is there but sneaky. It’s undeniably complex and feels like it would taste different bottle to bottle. Not a beer you can drink while out gossiping with the girls.
5 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Ruination India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
7.7%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Bright amber-red color with plenty of cloudiness to deepen it, good froth with some lacing, hard to see any bubbles. Mixed citrus gives the nose a zesty character, oatmeal, leans heavily on the hops, oily pine and tea leaf, too dense to parse out much else. Medium-bodied with again the kind of density which makes it appear heavier than it is. Some malty softness on the attack but, like duh, it’s the hops which run the show. The grapefruit, lemon, orange citrus does slightly sweeten things. Weight and density consistent to finish. Subtle floral notes. Very good beer that I could not drink very frequently.
5 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Smoked Porter
American Porter
California
5.9%
22oz, Single
$4.59
Dark brown with only a hint of amber red at the bottom of the glass, the bubbles on the pour billow beneath the surface before forming a dense head, too dark to trace bubble beads. Roasted malts, coffee bean, cocoa powder and an herbal streak fashion the nose, hint of rum raisin, takes the turns at high speeds as if wanting to show off. Full-bodied, very smoky with a strong chicory streak, gives it a more dark chocolate and bitter profile. The raisin, plum fruit sneaks onto stage, sweetened by molasses crisp notes. Minimal sign of hops, malt the whole way through. Suggests it could be more bitter than it is, this for the best.
4 out of 5

Stoudt’s Brewing Company
Scarlet Lady Ale E.S.B.
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Pennsylvania
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Deep amber color, the bubbles cling to the glass sides, small head on the pour, mildest of haze, you would not expect much carbonation from seeing it. Dark chocolate and cocoa insinuate into your nostrils, touches of orange peel and candied cherries, does not come across as especially hoppy nor malty. Medium-bodied, smooth enough with some fizz at the start of the sip. The citrus and hops more prominent here, the chocolate component dry and in the shadows. Touch of chicory, bitter at first and sweeter by the finish. Clean ending while still leaving an impression of tactile grip on the tongue.
3 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
Appalachian Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
South Carolina
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Reddish copper color, very clear with nary a trace of bubbles except for the incredibly huge head upon the pour. Nose seems equally hoppy and malty, cherry pits, hard caramel, some apples, somewhat reductive at times and kind of burnt. Medium-bodied with a solid skeleton, lacks movement although not bound up either. Does become much lighter near the finish, however, not in a falling off the cliff way. Caramel and butterscotch do little to soften the profile. More hoppy here. Touch of pit fruit. Not boring per se but nothing leaps out at you about it.
2 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
Deep Water Dopplebock Lager
Doppelbock
South Carolina
6.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thick brown color with as much black to it as amber orange, full and frothy head with big bubbles throughout. Chocolaty nose with oodles of caramel and butterscotch, kind of like a Tootsie Roll, touch of black fruits but really it’s all about the roasty notes. Full-bodied, rife with all that malt, coffee, caramel, toffee and chocolate. Not that rich but only somewhat flat, carbonation adds a little pep. The alcohol here is kinda noticeable. Rum raisin. Not flawed per se but four-square and kind of uninteresting. That would make it an average brew, no?
2 out of 5

Tommyknocker Brewery
Maple Nut Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
Colorado
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Opaque yellow-brown color, not cloudy per se, thick and slow bubbles below the surface, very little head, rims much more yellow. Not much aroma here, some caramel and nutmeg as well as fresh malt but can’t say it smells like much. Medium-bodied, smooth but not polished. Really not that much maple accents, chestnuts and orange pekoe tea, mildly bready, Has enough carbonated fizz to lift it out of its slumber. Maple takes off nearer the finish. Not really that burnt nor bitter, just stale as in lacking movement. Could throw back a couple in a pinch but that’s it.
2 out of 5

Unibroue
La Fin de Monde Triple Fermentation Ale on Lees
Tripel
Canada
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Pours with a very fine one finger head, quick to dissipate, very cloudy orange-yellow color, not gonna see through this, does hold the light for a soft glow. Closely knit nose of pressed lemon and tangerine peels, oats and yeast, light clove, dried flowers, not that expressive but the right parts come through. Medium-bodied with an outwardly expansive mouth feel, could seem hollow if you’re looking for thick body. Carbonation level is above average and churns things up some. The lemon, tangerine citrus as well as clove, coriander, cumin spice remains a primary focus. Pine tar, floral sap come in too. Have to say that the yeast and hops seem more alive in the mouth than the malts. Lots of retronasal action after you swallow.
5 out of 5

Unibroue
Maudite Bottle Refermentation Ale on Lees
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Canada
8.0%
25oz, Single
$7.49
Measure the pour, if too quick half the glass will end up full of head. That said, very active, like scrubbing bubbles, and disappear swiftly. Light brown to dark amber in color, dusky and fully opaque. Very fruity nose of raisin, date, plum, cherry, gingerbread, cinnamon stick with some underlying dark chocolate and rose hips to boot, no hops to be found. Medium-bodied, admirably maintains consistent weight throughout. More chocolate here with coffee ice cream hints too, the sweet plum, cherry, prune, golden raisin fruit a major part without getting out of hand. Carbonation serves more to stir the elements than lift. Clove rather than the previous ginger or cinnamon. Sharpens its focus as it nears ending so as to retain balance and clean up some.
5 out of 5

Van Steenberge, Brouwerij
Gulden Draak
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
10.5%
11oz, 4-Pack
$4.99
Rich brown color with an orange tinge closer to the rims, large frothy head that refuses to dissolve, strong visible bubbles. While there’s caramel and chocolate in the nose at the same time it’s malty with a sour edge, dried black fruits, muscular in a sinewy way, not heavy in spite of overall sweetness. In the mouth it shows sufficient carbonation to relieve excess weight. Caramel, butterscotch, raisins, grapes and cinnamon, nutmeg spice. Orange marmalade citrus accents. Relentless presence, this is a beer that does not want to be washed out of your palate.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
HopDevil Ale
American IPA
Pennsylvania
6.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Beautiful amber-orange color with a frothy head and lots of lacing, bubbles mildly active and slight cloud to it. Sweet nose of spices, cooking bread, mandarin orange, turns hoppier as it warms, deep but not especially penetrating feel. Full-bodied, bitter in spite of a softer underbelly, hops still outdistancing the malts, albeit some roasty notes appear at the end. Orange and white grapefruit citrus with fewer baking spices here. Suggestion of pine tar along with generalized herbaceousness. Carbonation goes a long way to making a whole glass drinkable. Intensely aggressive beer.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Prima Pils
German Pilsener
Pennsylvania
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Very light yellow or dark pee yellow if you prefer, moderate cloudiness with a good thick head yet little lacing, bubbles large and dispersed. Sharp focus to the nose, wheat and field grasses, white grapefruit peels, emphasis on hops with zero roasted nor malty notes. Medium-bodied, not heavy but densely packed, quite dry with a refreshing grain and hops profile. Given its weight, has a remarkably clean and concise finish. Undercurrent of that white grapefruit/lemon citrus lends more twist. Appreciate the uncompromising bitterness.
5 out of 5

Wychwood
Scarecrow
Golden Pale Ale
England
4.7%
500ml
Single
$3.99
Very cloudy and translucent amber orange color, lightens to the color of yellow autumnal leaves around the rims, minimal head. No real nose. Full-bodied with lots of traction on the palate, inching forward very slowly, if seemingly at times, not at all. However, no lift really. Mildly bitter, emphasizing hops, with strong aftertaste. Does feel as if it is foaming up in the mouth more than you’d like. Momentarily suggests light citrus or crudité vegetables or raw corn, latter in a good way. Feels as if it’s fighting you, making it hard to put back.
2 out of 5

Young & Co.’s Brewery PLC
Young’s Luxury Double Chocolate Stout
Milk/Sweet Stout
England
5.2%
17oz, Single
$3.99
The head almost reaches three fingers on the pour yet the bubbles and froth are quite big and as a result it dissolves swiftly, some lacing left behind. Black color with a hint of orange-brown at the outer rims. Gently roasted nose of hazelnuts, dark chocolate powder, cereal and grain, traces of raisin and plum fruit, malts obviously dominant but hops not non-existent. Medium-bodied, lowish level of carbonation, doesn’t force itself on you. Noticeably sweeter here with clear cherry, plum, raisin fruit component. Cereal, granola notes and, no matter what they say, it’s really only moderately chocolaty, carob and dark chocolate balanced and on the whole dry. More so malty with a lightly clingy textural residue. That said, very clean finish, roast and toast remains an extra tick. Smoothness makes it highly drinkable.
4 out of 5

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