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 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 “hophead.” So, this may effect his assessment. Although, of course, not what he chooses to stock on the shelves. Ya’ll come down and see us, ya hear?

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 February 2010

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

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

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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