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The Angel's Share - Brandy Barrel-Aged

American Strong Ale

alexhahn82

A. Absolutely no head, maybe like 2 bubbles, and I am a semi aggressive pourer who pours down the center to let my beer open up. Smell. Smells of the brandy barrels that it was aged in, Semi tart almost fruit like scent. T. Tart like, almost light vinegar. complex but brandy like starts intense and finishes soft. Mouthfeel. Complex and sour, tart and bitter, yet sweet, the mouthfeel on this is very powerful. Overall. I have a feeling the bottle was bad not sure though, Not sure if its worth the $16 price point.

OB Lager Beer

American Adjunct Lager

alexhahn82

A - Very light straw yellow color with one finger head. S - Very yeasty (surprisingly). T/M - Hmmm. Light and yeasty, yeast would be the main flavor with nice effervescence. O - Super session korean beer. Very nice lager comparable to a Kirin, but its Korean counterpart. Not sure why all the D+ ratings, as this is clearly not a craft beer, and you should take it as what it is, a mass produced session lager for the masses. I would drink this all day over BMC beer. This is an average beer. PP (Price Point) - $6 for a 22oz. bomber at a nice Korean BBQ restaurant I stopped in to eat at. Very fair price for the fact it was purchased at a restaurant.

Paragon Apricot Blonde

Fruit / Vegetable Beer

Bay01

Thanks to holden303 for this one Poured from bomber into Duvel tulip Pours semi-cloudy burnt orange with one finger creamy head. Medium level of carbonation Wow, the nose on this is all fresh apricots, a trace amount of sourness with some breadiness in the background. Taste is very fruity with noticable carbonation, not much actual beer taste here The mouthfeel is this beers weakpoint, it's very thin and almost tea-like, I was hoping for a fuller body to go with the fruitiness The aroma was the best part of this beer, it was not bad by any means but could have been much better with a bit more body IMHO.

Pils

Czech Pilsener

Bay01

Thanks to kscaldef for the bottle, been wanting to try this for awhile. A - Pours a pale straw color, the first pils I've had (even craft) that's cloudy, maybe a good sign. S - Spicy hops behind a toasty buscuit maltiness T - Nice bit of hop bitterness balanced with a malitness that is not overly sweet, finishes clean and dry M - This is less carbonated than most other pilners I'va had and works much better and I think adds to the drinkability. This is a great pilsner, up there with Prima Pils and Dortmunder Gold, if I had regular access to this it would be my staple session beer.

Guinness Extra Stout (Original)

Irish Dry Stout

Krieg

Poured into a pint glass produces a 1 1/2 finger dark tan head that dissipates slowly and leaves nice lacing on the glass. The appearance in the glass is true black. Very roasted fragrance. Nice bitter mouth feel that is not too dry on the back of the tongue. Taste is less chocolaty than some stouts and very reminiscent of a quality roasted coffee. Lower alcohol content allows more to be enjoyed without becoming drunk.

Hoegaarden Original White Ale

Witbier

Krieg

Poured from a bottle the beer is a cloudy straw color with a one finger white head that left no lacing on the glass. Smell is a nice citrus overall. Taste is very citrus with coriander and orange being very noticeable and I found it to be very refreshing. I did not find it to be overly dry and its smooth, cleansing mouth feel was a great combination with beef for dinner.

Bell's Hopslam Ale

American Double / Imperial IPA

Plenum

The 2009 Hopslam is the best I've had to date. The citrus comes through so well, right from the initial pour, and last all the way to the end. This was a brew that I didn't want to end. Great lacing down the glass, actually had to break out a second bottle tonight it was so amazing. I'm going to have to figure out how to score a 3rd case from Shangy's...

Inferno Ale

Belgian Strong Pale Ale

Plenum

Straw yellow is an accurate description of this beer. Very dry beer, which leaves you wanting more. Minor lacing on the glass. Bit on the sweet side, with the hops and some spices making it through. Overall a solid beer. One that I'll be getting again!

Certified Organic Porter

American Porter

Arbitrator

On tap at the Trappist in Oakland. A: Pours a lightly translucent dark brown that seems black until the drink is finished enough to show its ruby-tinged clarity. Small cream-colored head; short retention, no lacing. S: Typical porter smell: coffee-forward with chocolate, and roasted malts coming in last. Nothing too pungent or unique, but perfectly serviceable. T: Same in the taste. Again, coffee-forward, but it is well supported by dark chocolate to produce a likeable first impression. The finish is roasty. M: Medium-full bodied. Low carbonation. Watery in the finish. D: I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. I can think of a few other options I'd prefer over this one.

Sea Hag IPA

American IPA

Arbitrator

Chilled can into a glass. A generous gift from ShogoKawada. Thanks, Phil! A: Pours a murky, glowing sunset orange body in the glass. It is capped by a finger of off-white foam that retains quite well, leaving a few tendrils of lace down the sides of the glass. S: Leafy, herbal, grassy; a touch of citrus. Some yeasty funk is evident, as is caramel malt. It's an interesting nose. I could easily guess that this was Noble-hopped before reading the details on the can. That aspect is well captured. T: It's on the balanced side of things. Not too much crushing hoppiness. It does pack some hefty IBUs, which are apparent when they pull into the finish. During the main taste, they are well disguised by an arsenal of pale malt and caramel. As far as hop flavors go, it's herbal, leafy, and tea-like, with a small citrus presence. It's a nice change of pace, but the hop flavor is dominated by hop bitterness, which isn't so great. M: Overcarbonated. I was able to swirl a lot of it out, but it is foamy in the finish, which really takes away from the flavor. I find it more bitter than flavorful, which is not to my liking. D: It's decent, but nothing I'd revisit.

Bavarian Style Hefeweizen

Hefeweizen

ClavisAurea

I took notes on this beer last night when we ate at Silver Sity Brewery Co. Served from the tap in a hefeweizen glass. Appearance: extremely cloudy, it looked like orange juice so I thought the bartender got it wrong, wispy head Smell: WOW, it was definitely a hefeweizen, classic banana and clove, vanilla and Seville oranges Taste/Mouthfeel: light clove, spice, banana, fresh oranges and vanilla I wish I could afford the keg of this wonderful crap to keep at home. I will be very sad when I move away and can't find this hefeweizen locally.

Henry Weinhard's Hefeweizen

American Pale Wheat Ale

ClavisAurea

12 oz bottle in a pint glass (a sin I know). Appearance: hazy orange, small but firm head Smell: typical hefe, citrus, banana, spicy clove Taste/Mouthfeel: orange like a Blue Moon with a slice of orange, I had to look to see what I was drinking; banana and clove in the middle and very little hop finish Overall, I liked this hefeweizen. It is one of the better American made hefes available in the Northwest. I will most definately buy this in the future and review it again.

Lost Continent Double IPA

American Double / Imperial IPA

Kegatron

12 oz bottle into a globe glass. Thanks go to Bubba83 for this in a recent trade. Pours a coppery amber, with 2+ big fingers of off-white foamy head. Retains with a big creamy dollop that hangs out in the middle of the glass, and laces up the sides with some massive sticky residue. Lots of tropical fruit character here in the nose, along with floral notes and spice, and a malty layer of toasted grains and some light alcohol warmth. The bitterness isn't overly aggressive in the taste, givng off more of a moderate spicy bite. The profiles seems to be more about the slicky sweet and sticky backbone of robust citrus and bready toasted malts. The finish is bitter, spicy, and warm, lingering for a good long bit. The mouthfeel is medium, and despite just a bit of beef to it, this feels very creamy and smooth in the mouth with a lot of hop oil slickness keeping this very easy. The only really sense of alcohol I'm getting, is a flush of warth on the breath after each sip. I liked this. The bitterness wasn't overpowering but on the other hand, there was maybe just a bit too much sweetness balancing things in the taste. Very easy body on this though, that when coupled with the spot on 8% ABV, really kept this drinkable. Thanks again for this Kev!

Samuel Adams Winter Lager

Bock

Kegatron

12oz bottle into a Sam Adams Uber-glass. Pours a clear amber with a nice looking finger width of light tan foam. Not a whole lot of retention was lacing was OK. The aroma is deep with sweet caramel malts, roast, and a little spice. The taste has a nice thick feel of bready sweet malt that gives way to a livey spice character and some dark fruits. The mouthfeel is medium bodied with a enjoyable smooth feel. This is a very tasty Winter Bock and one of the more enjoyable ones from Sam Adams. With a good tate profile and easy drinkibility, it's one that I never hesitate to order up when I'm dining out somewhere.

Hitachino Nest Real Ginger Brew

Herbed / Spiced Beer

HopHeadJim

P.S. I think the picture shown is WRONG. Hitachino Nest Real Ginger Brew has a red owl on the label and "RG" on the neck label. 11.2 fl oz bottle bought at whole foods market, poured into a tall weizen glass. The color is darkish tan and a cloudy deep ale. Head was slight and weak that has shiny lacing but little retention. The nose has huge ginger spices up front and a sour note that seems to come from the yeast. This spiced beer tastes a little sour at first, but once your palate adjusts, the beer starts open up like a Ginger-ale. There is an interesting sweet and sour dryness that refreshes the senses. The mouthfeel is light and carbonated but also has a dryness like white wine. Drinkability is good and refreshing. I definitely like the Japanese approach and characteristics. A great Ginger brew!

Miles Davis' Bitches Brew

Russian Imperial Stout

HopHeadJim

1 pint 9.4 fl. oz. bottle poured into a chalis, and stein for kegs and eggs. Pours very dark and black. Has a nice fluffy and light dark brown head with light lacing. Smell is coffee, chocolate, and faint raisin. Taste has great highlights of toasty espresso, dark chocolate, and a bittersweet finish on the backend. Mouthfeel is light to medium with a soft coating of the mouth and little carbonation. Drinkability is good, especially outa my bday stein. A truly wonderful Russian Imperial Stout from Dogfish Head that is great for football+kegs+eggs+breakfast beer.

Tire Bite Golden Ale

Kölsch

Rhadryn

Yellow and transparent in appearance, the foam made some interesting swirl patterns that stuck around for a while. It has a very mild smell, predominately alcoholic (which seems unusual for beer). It tastes boring. Very mild in everything, although the hops do come out enough to remind you that it's beer. I like the mouthfeel of just about every flying dog beer that I've had, and this is no exception. Light on the carbonation, but not so much that you forget it is there or suspect it. It has a pleasant smoothness, although this one feels a little thinner than the others. I wouldn't want to drink more than one of these, although it is pretty good with food because it doesn't have a chance to overpower the food. In conclusion, this beer can't really be offensive except to your wallet if you bought it hoping to enjoy it a lot.

Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale

American Pale Ale (APA)

Rhadryn

It looks like a basic amber. It has a sweet citrusy smell with hints of bananas. My first impression upon tasting it is of the carbonation, which is too strong for me. It tastes pretty sweet, definitely some banana, and pretty sweet. Very nice flavor overall, I just wasn't too keen on the carbonation, and wouldn't drink a lot of it for that reason.

Petrus Winterbier

Belgian Dark Ale

ChicoraBoy

Aroma is tart and a little fruity, like cider about to turn. Some earthiness. Bit of sour cherry or vinegar, but some sweetness. Off-white thin foamy head atop a slightly hazy amber-brown liquid. Low soft carbonation and medium watery body. In general the taste is pretty watery. Mild tart/sweet start with a bit of apple cider vinegar. Very subdued flavors. Finishes mildly with a bit of astringency but no bitterness. Mild choke cherry after and leaves taste buds dry. Overall, kind of weak in taste.

Saint Landelin Blonde

American Blonde Ale

ChicoraBoy

From the can - metallic and sweet aroma with some hops. A bit fruity. Dull gold-amber clear liquid with a white, small lacing head. Had a medium watery body and medium-high carbonation. Medium sweet, wheaty start. The finish is lightly hoppy and not much bitterness. After is dull with some honey and wheat. Masks the 6.5%ABV well.

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

American IPA

badenglishihave

12 oz bottle poured into pint glass. A: Typical IPA. Wonderful thick head and white lacing, looks better as you drink it. S: Citrusy and dry, lots of hops presence. T: Initial bite and then the hops hit you hard. After that subsides you get a tinge of spices, cinnamon/nutmeg. IPA's aren't my favorite but I can appreciate this as a good example of its kind. M: Smooth and foamy... almost too foamy, but not bad enough to be unpleasant. D: Pretty easy on the tummy; plus relatively low ABV for an IPA. Not really up my alley but a good holiday IPA.

Summer Ale

American Pale Ale (APA)

badenglishihave

A: Typical summer ale. Pleasant but not especially stand-outish. S: Not great. Slightly sweet, metallic smell. T: Poor taste. Has a bite and a metallic aftertaste that resembles the smell. M: Typical summer body, not bad. D: Lighter than some comparable wheat beers. Bottom line: Not really worth it.

Abrasive Ale

American Double / Imperial IPA

anell213

Appearance: Bright copper. What little head is there slowly dissipates. Smell: Didn't even have to put it up to my nose to smell it. Hoppy, grapefruity, saliva-producing goodness. Taste: Very hoppy but an excellent malt backbone to balance. Mouthfeel: Little chewy, perfectly carbonated. Medium-light body. Overall: Move over, Pliny and Hopslam.

Duchesse De Bourgogne

Flanders Red Ale

anell213

A: Pour into a tulip. Reddish/brown body, good amount of carbonation. Little head. S: Did not smell great. Some funk/tart fruit, but I didn't find the smell overly appealing. T: I found the taste overly appealing, however. Cherry, pear, wine, very little vinegar. Sour, but not too sour. Great blend of sour, tart, and sweet. M: Light, very slightly chewy, good amount of carbonation on the tongue. O: Ordered this beer randomly from a beer list without know anything about it. Ordered two more after that.

Sartori Harvest IPA

American IPA

OskarL

Pours a clear amber/copper color with a white three finger head that has good retention and leaves nice sticky lacing. Smells of noble hops, pines, grass and citrus. Taste is grassy, piney hops, herbs. Hints of yeast, alcohol and some sweet malts in the background. Finishe with some bitterness lingering for a while. Mouthfeel is medium bodied, low carbonation and smooth.

Angel

Belgian Strong Pale Ale

OskarL

Appearance - Hazy pale golden, with a lot of carbonation and a big head with big bubbles that settles and leaves lacing. Smell - Spices, malt, hops, fruity and some alcohol. Taste - Bitterness from the hops, spices, malt and some phenols. No fruit in the hop taste, just bitterness... Mouthfeel - Lots of carbonation, a bit thin for the style.

Dragonhead Stout

English Stout

Vvall

I loved this !! But alas,at 5 bucks a bottle it is too expensive to drink on a regular basis.It poured black as coal,with not much head or carbonation and smelled divine.The taste was exceptional,and went down nicely.I will treat myself to this again...soon.

Widmer Hefeweizen

American Pale Wheat Ale

Vvall

I found this kind of bland for a wheat beer...but not all together bad.It went down easy and left no real aftertaste,but I expected more flavor.I would have it again,because it was not undrinkable...but I have had better.Worth a try if you have never had a wheat beer and want to work your way up to the stronger flavored ones.

Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

Russian Imperial Stout

MaxxDaddy

Poured a beautiful jet black from the bottle with a somewhat thin, creamy tan head. I may have poured it too cold and the aroma was faint. Smelled like chocolate, coffee, and alcohol. Tasted like chocolate at first, then coffee and a hint of nuttiness. Finished chocolatey and alcoholic. The mouth feel was very nice, oily and slick. This was my first impy, so it was quite an experience. As it warmed up, the aroma was more pronounced, but toward the alcohol side. Some people seem to be of the opinion that sitting on this for a bit is best. I agree with that camp. See you next year Brooklyn BCS.

Prima Pils

German Pilsener

MaxxDaddy

My first pilsener, so I dont have much of a grasp on the style. Aroma was very hoppy, sensed a little grass. Light yellow with a snow white head. Nice and smooth on the way in and finishes hoppy and dry. I enjoyed this quite a bit and sure wouldnt mind having it again.

Sweaty Betty Blonde

American Pale Wheat Ale

WonderWoman

Updated 09/04/06: I basically stand by what I had written before however I would like to add that the smell this time was more of a citrus fruit than banana, and the taste had quite a bit of lemon tang to it. I wasn't served with a lemon, thank goodness, but it still had that nice citrusness to it. I once again enjoyed this beer. Original: This beer poured a cloudy light copper color. Smelled of yeast and bananas. The taste was of canned peaches and bread dough. It had quite a bit of carbonation with a dry finish. I felt this was a great hefe. I had this beer after a weekend of backpacking, my mind was quite numb and my notes on this beer were sparse. Im sure it deserves more description than I can decipher from my notes

Dominion Oak Barrel Stout

American Stout

WonderWoman

Poured a dark brown with a thin head. Smelt of smoky malt and molasses Tasted smoky and oaky with hints of bitter grape seeds. It finished with a lacquer after taste. The mouth feel was smooth and bubbly I felt this was an ok blended stout. Not the best and certainly not the worst.

Trader Joe's 2010 Vintage Ale

Belgian Strong Dark Ale

LordAdmNelson

I liked this beer pretty well, especially considering the $5 price-tag. Typical appearance for a BSDA, decent head and some retention. Nose is dominated by spices, especially heavy on the cloves. Flavor has moderate intensity malt bill with some darker fruit and sweetness underpinning a pretty heavily spiced beer. MF is a bit thin, in my opinion, though it is a good and enjoyable drink. Definitely a value beer.

Kasteel Donker

Quadrupel (Quad)

LordAdmNelson

Reading the reviews here makes me think that I got a bad bottle. Until I have another (which I probably won't for a while), I think this post should stand. I am of the opinion that bad bottles reflects the overall quality of the beer's production and thus should be factored into the beer's rating. Poured a murky brown with minimal head. Nose is all phenols and a fake grape-y-ness. Gross. Taste is the same, this over-sweet, fake awful grape note. Feel is fine, drinkability is zero. Awful, awful, awful. Drainpour.

Wild Blue (Blueberry Lager)

Fruit / Vegetable Beer

Matthias726

12oz bottle with big ugly dog on the front. "Blue Dwag Brewing" in Baldwinsville, NY. A - Pours a deep blue/purple hue, somewhat hazy. Unsubstantial head dissipates rather quickly. S - Smells like tart fruit juice...no detectable hops in the nose. I don't think the nose seems too far off from a cheap lambic, really. T - Lots of tart blueberry flavor, but the alcohol bite is just nasty. Can't detect any malt...just lots of blueberry and a "cheap" taste that reminds me of malt liquor. This almost tastes like something you'd get from mixing blueberry extract with Mickey's. M - Very carbonated. Lots of bubbles and fizz on the tongue. Sharp, boozy aftertaste that takes me back to my freshman days of drunken shenanigans. D - This is not very drinkable if you're expecting a beer. It really does taste like cheap malt liquor with fruit extracts. Down the drain with this one. Notes: I had not idea that this was really brewed by AB, though I should have expected that for any "beer" that gets a cool label and wide distribution yet still has major flaws. It'll probably be popular with kids possessing indiscerning taste buds.

Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Fresh Hop Ale

American IPA

Matthias726

Pours a deep, clear amber with a lingering massive, foamy head that reminds me of a root beer float. Lots of sharp, floral hops in the nose with very little malt. Maybe it's because I've been painting today but this cuts through almost like pure hop oil. Taste is crisp, fresh, piny hops. A bit of biscuity malt makes it in there somehow, but this is definitely a beer that emphasizes the hops - which is really no surprise considering the "Fresh Hop Ale" tag on the front. In my opinion this is almost pushing into IPA territory. Hops dominate and hold forth. Mouthfeel - medium carbonation and a medium light body. I'd say it's perhaps a tad watery, but my amateur palate is still too distracted by the hoppy residuals. Drinkability - if you like generous amounts of piney hops in your pale ale, this is the beer for you and it's quite drinkable. For those non-hopheads (it seems as if our numbers dwindle more and more each day), this beer might be a tougher sell. Notes: I'm not a hophead in the least, but I can appreciate the work that went into this brew. Tastes incredibly fresh, but the sharp oiliness of the hops is a little too aggressive.

Third Coast Old Ale

American Barleywine

Arbitrator

Chilled bottle into a glass. 2008 vintage courtesy of Uwftke26. A: Pours a very dark, but still clear, mahogany body with two fingers of cream-colored head that recedes quickly into nothingness. No collar, no lace, do not pass Go, go directly to jail. S: Caramel, grape / raisins... That's about it. T: Very caramelly, with maybe some brown sugar next to it. I pick up some dark fruits in grapes / raisins. There's an underlying bitterness that balances the sugars (which are decently well attenuated anyway). Compared to (say) Adam, this beer isn't particularly complex or inviting, and it's a rare weak spot for Bell's. M: Chewy, with med-full viscosity. Not much heat. D: It drinks fine, but it's not something I'd trade for again when I can pick up Adam and Old Stock locally. Meh.

Oude Tart

Flanders Red Ale

Arbitrator

Chilled bottle into a glass. I've had this three times now, each with an angry, baleful glance that I wasn't taking notes and reviewing this properly. In my effort to hype CA beers, I'm uploading the requisite review. A: Pours a murky maroon-amber-orange body in the glass. It develops a finger of off-white head, which retains very well before retreating into a thin film with a moderate collar. Nice lacing during the sips. S: Lactic sourness, oak, cherry skins, leather. T: Same; it's driven by tart cherries, contributing a mild bitterness from the skins and oak tannins. The finish brings out restrained bursts of supple leather, cheese, and some brown sugar. The aftertaste is mostly tannins and cherry flavor (not the sweetness). Mild balsamic vinegar, but I'm happy that there isn't much acetic acid to this, unlike Rodenbach Grand Cru. M: Medium body, medium carbonation. A fairly crisp, clean flavor. D: Like I said, I had this thrice and enjoyed it. Too bad it took me so long to get around to uploading a review. This is genuinely good, and it's making me catch on to what everyone else seems to know already: The Bruery is worth watching. I'd buy a bottle of this, and then weep silently because I can't eat for a week.

Abel Turcault

Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy

Matt1516

Poured into a pint glass. Dark brown--nearly black with a one-finger head that quickly dissipates. Smells smoky with caramel notes. Tastes a little burnt and smoky, with a bit of scotch flavour. Nice maltiness and the alcohol doesn't over-power. Although it has an initially sweet taste, the late finish is just bitter and dry enough to keep you coming back. If it wasn't for the prohibitive price, I could get used to this.

Midas Touch Golden Elixir

Herbed / Spiced Beer

Matt1516

I know this is an historical/experimental beer and I probably should've been more careful when decanting-but the dregs clouded up the pour. Off-gold appearance with thin head. (Lots of floaties as I mentioned). Smells of honey and grapes. Sweet taste, a little cloying. White wine grapes and saffron present, some honey and heavy on the alcohol--a little bourbon taste on the finish. Can't picture having more than one.

Orval Trappist Ale

Belgian Pale Ale

baso

What a strange bottle for this good trap beer, It seemed me something like an orangeade's bottle, very original! When I poured it i sew a strange solid cap, not very creamy, but solid. The colour was dark orange, and the smell comes very intensly as soon as i poured it. It smells of fruit, maybe apple and there is a little bit of alcohol smell. Taste is similar to other traps very malty and fruity but really balanced. In mouth I feel too much carbonation and a little sense of sticking. But finally I suggest this beer to everyone.. tasting good and smelling great!

Bière Du Démon

Belgian Strong Pale Ale

baso

i bought it in a little 25 cl bottle, i thought that a 12% alcohol beer could be intersting but i was in wrong. These brewers want to hide a bad taste only with alcohol. Maybe it's one the strongest pale beer but it isn't good. Drinking a glass of water to clean my mouth...

Chocolate Stout

American Stout

LeviAllen

Rogue Chocolate Stout pours very nice almost black, nice coffee colored 2 finger head that holds together quite well and lasts throughout. Smells of malt and slight chocolates. The chocolates show their face upon taste, getting a huge dark/powdered hot chocolate flavor, combined nicely with lots of malt. Hops are very present but not at all overbearing. It is very creamy in texture and a real pleasure to drink. Overall this is a great beer, that will always have a place in my fridge!

Samuel Adams Black Lager

Schwarzbier

LeviAllen

From bottle to a glass mug, black with an off white head. Little lacing, but decent head retention. Chocolate & caramel, with roasted almost burnt grains in the background. A bit to sweet, and a touch over carbonated. Not a bad flavor, just not my favorite. Overall it is a decent schwarzbier just not in the top of the pack for me.

Fat Tire Amber Ale

American Amber / Red Ale

Fleetdog

Poursa deep brownish amber with very little head and lots of carbonation. The carbonation isn't too much though. It doesn't seem fizzy or anything like that but you can definately see a lot of bubble activity in the glass. I don't know what it is about the smell of this beer that turns me on to it but I'd venture to say that the aroma of Fat Tire is the most inviting to me of any I've sampled. The bottle describes the malts they use as having a biscuit-like flavor and I must agree. The beer is very well ballanced, a little more bitter at first a little more sweet in the finish but throughout very warm and biscuity for lack of a better word. The mouthfeel is about like that of many other craft beers I've had; not really thick, not too thin. Overall this is a great beer. A lot of my friends who drink macrobrews on a regular basis have told me this is the best beer they've ever had so this might be a good one to offer folks you are trying to turn towards enjoying craft beer over just slamming down cheap beer.

Leffe Blonde

Belgian Pale Ale

Fleetdog

Let me say upfront that I know nothing of the style on this one. Appearance is a clear golden color I had little to no head but I'm gonna go ahead and blame my glasswear and or pouring technique on this one. Looks good but not quite irresistable. The aroma is a little spicier than most beers I am accustomed to. It reminds me of making beer brawts. Like the beer with spices added for cooking before heating it and adding the meat and onions. It really makes me a little more hungry than thirsty. The taste is good. Mellow, not sweet but not much bitter either. Again the flavor is of spice or herbs with a little fruitiness mixed in but overall very light as far as the Belgian beers I've tried. For some reason I feel like this would be a great step up for devout Shiner Bock drinkers. It seems like this is probably the flavor the folks in Shiner were aiming for. Mouthfeel seems about normal to me. Like I said I know nothing about this style or what they are aiming for. It feels about like american macro non light beers. Over all this one is pretty good, deffinatly worth a shot but probably not something I'll be craving.

Lindemans Gueuze Cuvée René

Gueuze

Rhettroactive

From 355mL bottle to tulip glass at RFD in DC on 5/28/11 *From notes A: Pleasant and crisp yellow-gold. A three finger head is the product of a good pour. Very little lacing remains as the head fades. S: Tart apple and a bit of musty limburger. T: Fresh pear, apple tart and mouth-watering malic acid overwhelm the palate. It's quite complex, yet light and easy to drink. The balance of dry fruit and sour funk is close to perfect. M: Fizzy - it drinks like a flute of Cava on a warm summer's night. The bubbles reall help to curtail the intensity that would be present without the carbonation. O: Lindeman's Gueuze Cuvee Rene is the perfect entry-level Gueuze. It's approachable for the novice, yet worth returning to time and again for the ol' pro. This may not be the top Gueuze I've had, but it's consistantly one of the best.

Black Hole

Russian Imperial Stout

Rhettroactive

From 12oz C&C bottle to Bruges hybrid glass on 9/28/11 *From notes -- The synthetic cork was a pain in the pass to get out. Don't say I didn't warn you! -- A: Brownish black. A hard pour yields not head and zero lacing. S: Dense black fruits. Really concentrated vapors here. T: Kinda pruney. Not a whole lot of coffee on this one other then the finish, which really isn't all that pleasant. Just a bit too dark. M: Oily and way undercarbed. O: Mikkeller's Black Hole was a middle of the road RIS. I wouldn't go out of my way for this, as there are better options on the market.

Licher Pils

German Pilsener

Yvaithe

This is one of my favorite german beers. It goes down nicely and the taste isn't overwhelming for this pilsner. I've had this from tap and a bottle. Both are enjoyable and perfect on a thirsty summer day.I love it and I can't wait to have a few more when I go back to Germany in June. Cheers!

St. Bernardus Abt 12

Quadrupel (Quad)

Yvaithe

Went to my distributor a few days before Christmas hoping to land a few bottles of Chimay Blue. Just so happened that someone snagged the last of them. The owner suggested this heavenly nectar. Pours a wonderful deep brown, the smell is amazing. I found myself taking a sniff before every sip. The taste just knocked me out. I had never tasted anything like this and I wanted more. Suffice to say, I have 3 packs in my fridge now. An amazing ale that needs to be tried by any Beer lover!!

Samuel Adams Double Bock (Imperial Series)

Doppelbock

bierfly

A nice addition to the SA line. Poured a ruby-red with a fawn colored head. Decent lacing and a sweet smell. Very creamy mouthfeel, went down like silk. Has the trademark SA licorice taste, with an extra sugary sweetness... would make an excellent dessert beer. Good drinkabilty, won't even notice the 8.45 % ABV. A different dopplebock that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Spaten Münchner Hell (Premium Lager)

Munich Helles Lager

bierfly

Being a big fan of the Optimator, I thought this brother beer would be a good choice. However, I was somewhat disappointed. It poured the classic amber with a one-finger white head. Lacing was minimal and disappeared quickly. The aroma was slightly bitter, and had hints of spice and hops underneath. The taste was bland, much like a U.S. macro brew, with a cracker/malt finish. Dry and watery... a classic underachiever beer.

State Pen Porter

American Porter

chocosushi

12oz->Oktoberfest Mug A ~ Pours dark brown with a great cap of brown head that's gone in 60 after leaving globs of foamy lacing about the glass that is on par for the style. S ~ Vanilla extract, weak coffee, dark malts T ~ Starts a little too sweet. Reminiscent of Diner Coffee with too much french vanilla added to it...Herbal/Earthy hop flavors in the midst of the sweet flavors. Malt & lactose sweetness make up the bulk of the body. M ~ Finish is nice. Too effervescent, which doesn't play well with the sweetness. Needs more dry roasty bitterness. D ~ Wouldn't revisit, but not a drain pour by any means. Worth a shot, but maybe get a single to try.

Lionshead Pilsner

American Adjunct Lager

chocosushi

Bought a 24 of these as well as another cheap lager from Byron's Liquor in OKC for a gathering of friends and food. A ~ Looked like a typical "Adjunct" beer, very light. Actually A shade darker than PBR S ~ Nothing to it. Water, Corn, and Maybe a touch of barley. T ~ More to it than a typical swill beer. Some sweetness, not a heavy hop profile, but enough to get down. Easy to pound, I'm sure, because of how nonthreatening it is, with nice malt, but no real lingering flavor. M ~ The lack of flavor causes the mouth feel to be one of alcohol and regret for how dry one's mouth will feel after 3-4 beers. Overall not terrible, a good by for a BBQ or Bonfire. Better to be supporting LBC than supporting the Big 3. Especially in OK where all Big 3 products are 3.2, and thus even more pointless/tasteless... Prost!

Penn Gold

Munich Helles Lager

Barraclou

Appearance: One of the most wonderful beer appearance I ever experienced. It pours a nice golden colour with a good white head. Smell: It was malty, but a little too shy. Taste: That's very hoppy and sweet. It is very addictive. Mouthfeel: Carbonation is just perfect to me, but its overall mouthfeel is just a little bit over the average. Drinkability: It was pretty good and refreshing. I had this beer during a Pirates game at PNC park. It was also a very good thing to find local micros there and helped me out to avoid BMC awful macros. Also, its price was about the same thing than the others brands sold on location. If I got the opportunity, I would drink it again.

Milwaukee's Best Premium

American Adjunct Lager

Barraclou

Presentation: Another economy brand called itself "quality beer". My bottle was brewed under license by Molson in Canada. 4.6% ABV Appearance: It pours a pale straw colour with lots of carbonation bubbles. That's a very typical macro look. Smell: At least, it got an aroma, but it smells adjunct (corn). Taste: Fade. It got almost no flavour. Just some faint grains. Mouthfeel: It is very thin. That's just carbonated water. Drinkability: It is cheap priced, because it is cheap. You pay for what you got. In my case, I bought just a single one for that review and it will probably be my last one.

Trout River Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

Oatmeal Stout

Jayo3000

This beer is a deep brown rudy hue, it is opaque in a color and if not held up to a light it appears black. Very small head about 1/4" that quickly forms into a thin ring around the glass. Small retention and very scant lacing. Smell is chocolately but the smell of alcohol peaks through I think it smells alot like Kahlua, some fruity flavors black cherry or raspberry, with spicey hints at the end. Taste is punchy and not smooth as I expected it is sweet but tangy, I think the sweet roasted malt flavors are overcome by the flavor of some hops in this beer. Sourdough taste just before the bitter taste takes over. The aftertaste is clean but bitter and earthy taste almost grassy or leafy. Mouthfeel is thin with little carbonation. Beer is not very lively. I would have expected something heavier. Overall I was disappointed I wanted a heavy sweet stout to close out a cold day. What I got was a sweet tangy beer with very little body. I even let it warm up a little hoping the brew would thicken up and the flavors would meld but the alcoholic taste was only increased and the beer never thickened up. I dont think I would try this again unless I got it for free.

Ommegang (Abbey Ale)

Dubbel

Jayo3000

Poured from the bottle very lively with alot of carbonation. The color is a hazy amber, reminded me of maple syrup. Full 1 - 11/4" head with good retention and plenty of lacing. Smell was smooth and sweet the scents flowed together. Started sweet and fruity: red apples, raisins, and oranges. Finished like a spiced bread smoothed out with a hint of honey. Very malty and a slight tang. Smooth well rounded flavors the beer was a sweet cakey flavor. Red apple and floral blueberry/cherry flavors. Sweet/Tangy flavors rounded out to savory clove, cinnamon, honey, and orange flavor in the end. After taste is sweet/bitter and moves nicely into the nose with remanants of the inital smell. Aftertaste does not linger long. Mouthfeel is medium to thick. Smooth with lots of carbonation and livliness. This is one of my favorite beers and the one I am reviewing is the last in my case. The case started out a little strong as the flavors were more seperated. This particular bottle was cellared for about 3 months and that short time really did a nice job to round out the flavors. Great beer would drink it any time its a great end to a long day.

Bourbon Blueberry Imperial Stout

Russian Imperial Stout

davedahl

Nose is sweet and rich, no berries yet....wait for it... Rich smooth complex flavor. Creamy full mouthfeel. Berries and bourbon on finish. There's the berries! Warming alcohol on finish. Fantastic bourbon imperial stout. The berries make it better but they're just SO subtle that you really have to concentrate to pull them out. Little more berries would really balance the bourbon and alcohol nicely.

Troegenator Double Bock

Doppelbock

davedahl

A: nice thick light-tan head of 2.5 fingers. Opaque auburn S: smell is carmely malty goodness, maybe a whiff of fleshy fruits (plums)? Multi-dimensional in its maltiness. M: end is slighlty metallic but nice carmel-malt finish. T: rich jucy carmely complex malt base. Some ripe fleshy fruits. Damn delicious. D: highly drinkable. The 8.2% alch is hidden well. Very nice full tasty dopplebock that cleans up enough for another drink...but not so much to forget about it.

Pale Ale

American Pale Ale (APA)

Wintermute

Very short, cream coloured head. Average head retention and there was some lace. Light brown with amber/red tints. Very clear and no chill haze despite being served ice cold. Had a malty sweet smell that overpowered the hops. The faint hops aroma was kind of soapy. My impression at the time was that they were using both American and British hops. Decent body, smooth texture, moderate carbonation. Fairly clean tasting. There was a nice mild bitterness at the start that carried through to a more prominent finish. There was also a slight bitterness left in the aftertaste. It had a subtle sweetness as opposed to maltiness. My review may be slightly off/biased as I had this on my way back from 4 weeks in SE Asia.

Singha

Euro Pale Lager

Wintermute

630 ml bottle, Pinte Blues Pub, Chiang Mai, Thailand White head of large bubbles with OK head retention. No lace. Clear, pale yellow liquid. Mild lagery smell. Almost no hops smell at all. Very faint sour smell of lager DMS. Thin mouthfeel, little body. Taste is sweet and lagery. Almost no hops in the taste either. Fairly clean aftertaste.

Dundee Pale Bock Lager

Maibock / Helles Bock

GordonQuid

Poured into a pint glass. Golden amber with a thin head, ample lacing. Smells a rich, sweet grain. Like a honey nut cerial. Some slight noble hop aroma too. Taste is slightly sweet malty goodness. I am pleasantly surprised at first. There is some lingering grainy texture but I can live with it. This is actually a very good Helles Bock. Light and drinkable with all the qualities of the style.

Kona Coffee Macadamia Coconut Porter

American Porter

GordonQuid

Poured into a dimpled English pub mug. Dark chocolate in color with a nice one inch thick tan head. Ample lace with tight creamy bubble formation. Smells of toasted nuts; aroasted almond quality. Coffee is huge in my nose along with some sweet maltiness. Taste is dynamic and complex blend of rasted coffee, nuts, fig and coconut almond cluster cookie. Very satisfying shape shifting as it warms; even more blended flavors. Very dangerously drinkable but look out this stuf will kick your ass. Cheers!

Samuel Adams Triple Bock

American Strong Ale

Tawnos

1995 vintage. Wow... this thing is 12 years old! Pours a THICK dark color, leaving tons of yeast coating the inside of the bottle. Swirling gives NO hint of carbonation, but leaves thick, sugary legs on the glass. Also leaves behind some small particles of what look like sugar. I don't know what's expected from a beer this old and this strong, so I'm rating purely based on how appealing it is to me. Smells sweet, like maple syrup... no hint of alcohol. Molasses and woody tones are all there, but very little hops or other beer like flavor. The taste is horrible. It's both sweet and sour, unquaffable. I basically have to stop here, because I can't bring myself to drink more. It feels okay in the mouth, and has a decent aftertaste, but taste is wretched.

Consecration

American Wild Ale

Tawnos

Poured into Duvel Tulip glass. Batch 002x3 Pours a pleasing woody red/brown, 1 finger head quickly diminishes without lacing. Nothing out of the ordinary for a wild ale. Smells amazing, black cherries and funky oak. It's highly reminiscent of a great Gueuze I sampled in Belgium - perfectly aged. The taste is awesome. My girlfriend calls it a cross between sour gummy worms and red wine. I get what she means - there's a pleasant fruitiness, but it's not overly sour, more a tart sweetness, balanced with the minimal beer undertones. A wild that even the Belgians would drink proudly. The slight bite on the mouthfeel is all that keeps this from a 5, there. It's well rounded with a puckering start that gives way to a mouthwateringly-sweet finish I'd drink more if they weren't 20 each ;). This is a beer I cannot think of a food to pair with. It stands alone to be tasted, enjoyed on its own merits.

Humboldt Brown (Hemp Ale)

American Brown Ale

clay003

I was surprised by the dark, red-amber color. nice off-white/tan head. initial taste reminds me of a brown ale, and malty, then the carbonation comes in which helps. but finishes poor for me, sour carmel lingering a bit too long. tastes fine at first, then leaves me disappointed (only because i really enjoy humboldt brewing company's other brews so much).

Olympia Beer

American Adjunct Lager

clay003

I am a big fan of olympia. Of course it is not an artisan crafted small batch lager, but I have to agree with other reviewers notes talking about perfect summer back yard days enjoying this satisfying AAL (the kind of beer dad drank) all afternoon. Put the biases and prejudice on hold for a day and reach in the cooler and crack open a beer we might not see around for too much longer.

Gritty McDuff's Scottish Ale

Scottish Ale

FLAbeergutinMASS

My first Gritty review, however, the Gritty Pub Ale back in '89 was probably my very first craft beer. Not a bad offering overall, deep ruby color along with a healty white, wispy head. decent floras and sweet flowery malts on the nose. I think the batch I bought might have been on the long side of being youg, but it still had a decent, slightly balenced malt-infused hop bite at the end. At 6.3% a pretty healty beer, weighs a bit heavy but pretty tasty.

Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout

Russian Imperial Stout

FLAbeergutinMASS

On the coldest day this winter, I decided, what the hell, I'll pay $9.00 for a bomber of this stuff. Worth it? Sort of. Buy it agian? No. I was a little hesitant because I did not like the regular Yeti, too burnt. However, this one has taken that characterstic, mellowed it, and added some bark. Very nice oaking, as I mentioned slighty less burnt than it's brother, coming across with nice roasted malts, followed by a twist of vanilla and clove. Aftertaste is mellowed by dark choclate and hazlenut. Normally I don't like reviewing beers with so many similes , but this ones deserves it. Another fantastic offering from Great Divide. Too expensive for my tastes though. Worth a try.

Lectio Divina

Saison / Farmhouse Ale

FleeVT

750ml corked green bottle into a Chimay goblet. A: This Florida brew pours a beautiful amber that glows yellow towards the tapered bottom of the goblet and culminates in an amber hue with a thin white lace. The only thing lacking was a billowy head that is a Belgian tell. S: Sweet fruits on the nose, predominately pears and berries. Complex with caramel malts and faint hops dominating the alcohol backing. T/M: More fruits on the palate with pear, again, leading the march. This has a real jammy taste that is fantastic, and hints of clove keep this complex. Not overly done, as the balance is great, a great example of the style. The is a heavier bodied brew that sticks to the sides of the mouth. Mild on the carbonation side. D: Excellent sipper. Finally, Florida can be proud of more than just its orange juice!

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock

Doppelbock

FleeVT

330ml brown long with no dates to speak of poured into a mug. A: Thick and syrupy, a deep brown coming out of the bottle. Once in the glass it is pretty much black with only the faintest of light penetration around the edged. A glorious tan head adorns the viscous oil, clings to the glass and my nose. S: Imagine a old school chocolate malted milkshake with a hint of vanilla essence added. It's a beautiful thing. The chocolate malts have a nice roasted finish. Very little hop spice or alcohol on the nose. T/M: A meal in a bottle, as one would expect from a Doppelbock. A nice mild carbonation gives the otherwise creamy brew a bit of purchase on the tongue. Roasted toasted malt with some brown sugar and caramel flavors. Nice finish that lingers with that warming alcohol sensation. Extremely deep complex beer. D: A slow roller to savor. I don't know why I waited so long to try this one. Should be the standard for the style.

Decadent Imperial IPA

American Double / Imperial IPA

bigsilky

Good Lord. What a let-down. Almost no hop aroma. Thin bone-white head that seems to have the way of the aroma. Not really carbonated to a suffecient level. A slight dried fruit flavour on the first sip quickly rots through the alcohol dominated mid-palate. I really don't see what can be so interesting about this guy. Thie 10% is not well hidden at all, in fact it's the white elephant in the room with all the other elements turning a blind eye. This beer tastes cheap. The beer claims a rather high IBU level, not evident with no earthy or sprucy hop notes. The second time I tasted this beer was worse than the first, b/c I was expecting it this time. Again from a bottle, different place, different batch. Still crumby. Why Ska? Why?

Harveys Christmas Ale

Winter Warmer

bigsilky

Nip bottle into a snifter glass. Served slightly cooler than the room. Gorgeous amber hue and nice white head. Begins with notes of dry fruit and is soon eveloped by waves of nutty toffee and orange laiden butterscotch. Hops give a nice clean finish and balance. Certainly one ot seek out.

Creme Brulee (Imperial Milk Stout)

American Double / Imperial Stout

BoosPackage

Very rich and sweet. Small light brown head with little to no lacing. Dark brown/black color.Tastes of caramel, vanilla and burnt chocolate. Smells amazing! Tastes almost as good. Burnt taste lingers a little. Like i said a bit rich but still a delicious sipper!

Reunion: A Beer For Hope 2011

American Brown Ale

BoosPackage

Pours dark with subtle mahogany color. Light brown head and substantial lacing. Well carbonated with tight bubbles. Smells of cocoa, nuts, and a tad of vanilla. Tastes of roasted malt and light cocoa. Nice balance of cocoa and vanilla. Flavor of chile on the finish but not as much heat as stated. Overall a really good brown ale but i was left wanting more....

Hahn Ice

American Adjunct Lager

bovrilburger

Tastes like absolute cat piss. This was the skunkiest, most revolting beer I've ever had the misfortune to drink in my entire life. There isn't anything redeeming about this beer - its not even cheap. I will never drink this abomination of beer again, and I suggest you avoid it at all costs.

Matilda Bay Dogbolter

Munich Dunkel Lager

bovrilburger

I was lucky enough to have a few pints of this just recently and was amazed at what a fantastic brew it was. Heavy and creamy, smells absolutely divine. The smell reminds me of Cottee's chocolate sauce for ice-cream, and tastes similar too. Very strong chocolate notes, and a little bit of subtle coffee floating about. Top notch beer.

Murphy's Irish Stout

Irish Dry Stout

aslanskeep76

My first nitro-can and I was in heaven. Beautiful creamy head once the nitro effect was over. Almost black with hints of red amber when put to direct light. Head stuck to the side all the way to the bottom of my goblet. Not much smell, light coffee/chocolate. Taste was great for me. I am a sucker for a creamy headed stout. Had a malty flavor with a slight coffee taste. It did alot more for me than Guinness Draught Style. Mouthfeel was about standard, just enough carbonation to not be considered flat. Very drinkable stout.

Dundee Original Honey Brown Lager

American Amber / Red Lager

aslanskeep76

A decent cheap brew. Pours a light copper. Smells slightly of honey. Has decent taste; sweet and bready. Mouthfeel is very carbonated. This is an easy to drink and easy to find beer. Not a great beer, but if your jones'n and there isn't a quality beer store around, give it a try.

Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss

Fruit / Vegetable Beer

Kevin400

I don't know why this is called beer. Should be lumped into the "alternative malt beverage" category. A shame to the noble Weiss name. Obnoxious sugary berry candy like taste. I think the berries are just esters and there were no real berries used in the brewing. There is the slightest hop bitterness that I think would have been better left out. There are some great berry wheat beers and this is not one of them. Would be better with no alcohol, then you could give it to your kids and tell them that they now put Kool-Aid in bottles.

Chief BlackHawk Porter

American Porter

Kevin400

This dark and somewhat creamy porter has hit the nail on the head with its burnt but not charred charachteristic. It is adequatly bitter but does not exceed to be characterized as "bitter". The burnt taste pushes the envelope for this rather thin bodied beer. Any more without a thicker mouth feel and it may be too much. As with all Tyranena beers, they are best enjoyed by themselves and not in a session.

Trappistes Rochefort 10

Quadrupel (Quad)

auroracrisis

11.2oz into a snifter, wish I had a chalice for this. May go buy one tomorrow because I'm going to be reviewing some quads this week. Murky chestnut brown with a dirty eggshell color head that dissipates soon after pouring. Then disappears. No head for the duration of the session unfortunately. Some legging as the beer is drank down. Raisins and candied figs are the most forward on the nose. Behind that we have a distinct booze smell similar to rum, with some toffee and Belgian candy sugar. The alcohol really tickles your nose and becomes more apparent as the beer comes up to temp. Opens with rich toffee and raisins. Moves further into a touch of chocolate, spice, and yeast. Dessert bread qualities like nutmeg and a rum glaze. More of that nice Belgian candy sugar and figs. Pretty complex and much better than the nose. Medium body with moderate carbonation. A tad sticky and some heat then tingle from the booze. Great fruity raisin and fig character with some spice, toffee and chocolate, booze to compliment. A great, available authentic quad. Definitely world class in some regards, but could use a head. But who cares how the beer looks in the end?

Rodenbach Grand Cru

Flanders Red Ale

auroracrisis

750ml into a Russian River tulip. No date on the bottle or cork. Pours hazy burgundy with a creamy light beige head that sticks around for most of the session. Fruity aromas of cranberries, grapes, and sour cherries are the most forward. Followed by aged balsamic and sweeter malt. A touch of tannin and more fruit. Opens with cranberry and crab apple like flavors that quickly move into a biting balsamic vinegar. Again, tannin and more fruit. Grapes and sour cherries. Mouthfeel is pretty much spot on. Smooth and some what creamy, with a thin-medium body and a tickle of carbonation. A touch of drying as well. Grapes and cranberries intertwine with some earthy tannin and oak flavors, with a biting sourness. A great, widely available example of a great Flanders acid ale. Glad this one is popping up again in my area. For the price, it is the definition of a bargain. My only complaint is that it isn't bottle conditioned. I would love to see what some yeast in the bottle may do to this one with time.

Lengthwise Kern County Crude Porter

American Porter

Idratherbdrinkin

Poured into my pint glass from a brand new growler. A: Black with no light passing through, a 1 to 2 finger head of off white fine bubbles. S: Smells like a bittersweet chocolate, also coffee aromas. T: At first it tastes of coffee and then switches to a sweet creamy finish. Long lasting aftertaste of coffee. Fantastic. M: Medium mouthfeel, not to light, not to heavy and syrupy. D:Can drink this all day... Right on Lengthwise, keep up the great brews!

Hefe Doppelweizen

Hefeweizen

Idratherbdrinkin

Poured into a proper glass on an average sunny spring day. A: Has a beautiful golden color with bits of yeast floating through out. At first the head did not want to stay in the glass but after a few sips it mellowed out to a large 3 to 4 finger white head. If I didn't know this was American, I would have guessed it was German in origin. S: My smeller is not the greatest, but it smells like sweet fruit. The smell is not strong nor is it weak. T: After reading the first review and tasting the beer myself. The description of unripe fruit hits the nail on the head. At first, it starts sour and tart, upon swallowing, my mouth waters and is left with a pleasant aftertaste. Very soon after, my mouth will dry up and leave me ready for another sip. I really like this aspect of the beer a lot. This is not your usual german banana, clove, bubblegum affair. M: Mouthfeel is nice, the carbonation is minimal, pricking your tongue and cheeks a little bit. Not to heavy and not to light. D: This is dangerously drinkable in my opinion, even with 7% alcohol, you could down a full pint of this with lunch and be ready for a second. I usually don't buy American hefeweizens or wheat beers because of all the wonderful German offerings that are just as available. If you are really feeling like an authentic German offering, this won't satisfy you but if you are looking for something new, I would recommend this.

Troubadour Blond Ale

Belgian Pale Ale

boston2bburg

Served this last bottle of a four-pack in a tulip glass. Three fingers of clumpy, sticky, white head settle slowly leaving large patches of lacing on the edges of the glass. A solid thick later of large-bubble head sits atop a hazy straw body. Smells exactly how a Belgian blonde should smell: clovey, yeasty, with a touch of banana. Also smells like yellow cake batter when it warms. The taste is again clovey, phenolic with bready yeast and banana flavors. Spicy on the tongue and slightly sour on the finish. Lots of flavor for a modest ABV. Mouthfeel is fairly spicy and sharp, but also leaves a bit of a silky coating on your tongue. Nevertheless, pretty light and certainly very drinkable. Recommended.

Colonial Wheat Ale

American Pale Wheat Ale

boston2bburg

Poured into a tall Sam Adams weizen glass. Several fingers of soft white head dissapate to a solid covering. Somewhat cloudy and it looks cool as the suspended yeast slowly floats to the bottom. It's a traditional pale golden color, and some thick clumps of lacing form on the glass. Smell is pretty faint - maybe some light lemon, banana, and white cake; yeasty. As it warmed to the last couple sips I got quite a bit sweeter aroma, bready yeast and maple sugar. I don't know what's up with this beer but it seems like they should have scratched this batch. The flavor is sweet and citrus up front but astringent and metallic at the finish. Either the batch was contaminated or the water needs to be treated differently. This tastes like a novice homebrewer's extract beer (and I know of what I speak :). It's too bad, because it looks real good, and if you can get past the sour aftertaste (which I begin to, after several sips) the mouthfeel and body are about right.

Jupiler

Euro Pale Lager

TStandley13

Light color, minimal head, no retention. Light smell as well - a standard lager. Mild taste. Pretty bland. Near end of glass is straight up gross tasting. Watery, moderate carbonation Easy to drink just to drink lots. Would never sit down and "enjoy" a jupiler. I like to call this a drinking game beer.

Tröegs Nugget Nectar

American Amber / Red Ale

TStandley13

And I think I just found my new all-time favorite brew. a- firey deep red in color, which contrasts very nicely with white head that this beer produces. Lacing is very wet, yet holds to the glass long after the beer is complete. A different type of lacing that I have only seen on a few beers before, very moist looking not "foamy" like other beers. s- the smell was my first indication of what I was in for. first smell is without a doubt grapefruity. slight outdoor foresty smell. some other citrus notes such as lemon and orange can be smelt, leaving a nice tangy smell. t- nothing short of amazing. grapfruity, citrusy, with a definite bitter hop finish. slightly sweeter than other ambers/IPAS, but a very pleasant taste and aftertaste. m- very smooth with not-so-aggressive carbonation. I think that they could have carbonated a tad more to give it a more shocking mouthfeel, but I was impressed in the fact that this beer goes down very smooth. d- very drinkable, which is upsetting because I only picked up a sixer....must find more!

Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Natürtrub

Hefeweizen

amw315

Served from a 12 oz. bottle. Awesome golden color, very cloudy and translucent. I love the look of unfiltered wheat beers. Thick eggshell white head that doesn't stay very long. Leaves a decent amount of lacing. The smell is citrusy with banana and hops. The taste is very creamy and smooth. A little citrus, hops. It finishes very smooth with a good aftertaste. Mouthfeel is almost chewy. It is a little heavier than most wheat beers, but I could easily drink this on a warm spring/summer day. Overall, a very well done wheat beer.

St. Rogue Red

American Amber / Red Ale

amw315

Served from a 12 oz. bottle. Pours a beautiful, deep reddish brown color with a finger width of head. Good carbonation and the lacing on the glass is mild. Smelling the beer, there is a hint of fruits, caramel, and bread. Also a slight hint of roasted hops. There is a complex flavor to the beer that starts almost sweet and finishes bitter, and a bit roasty. The mouthfeel is smooth with a full body. I could drink this all night long. This is what a red ale should taste like. Incredibly enjoyable.

Gnomegang

Belgian Strong Pale Ale

FatJesus

Poured into an ommegang tulip from a cage and cork style bottle. Pours hazy orangish yellow with an off white, fluffy head that sticks around for awhile. When smelling I catch very fruity, peppery notes with maybe vanilla and wiffs of the 9.5 alcohol Taste is unbelievable. Fruit, pepper and a nice little sweetness and not a strong sign of the alcohol that I smelled. Coats the mouth very nicely. Defiently what I expected from both breweries. Full of carbonation on the tongue. Leaves you wanting more. Will be stocking up on a few more of these and at 13.99 a bottle you can't go wrong. Get them while you can they are a limited release and will probably go fast.

Moinette Blond

Belgian Strong Pale Ale

FatJesus

Poured into new belgium globe from cork and cage 750 bottle. Poured golden blonde hue with huge white head. Head sticks around for awhile. What i'm smelling is apple or pear, pepper and definitely alcohol in the back. First taste you get a sweet pepperiness then it dries out from the hops and then you get the alcohol. The alcohol just kind of sits in the back making you drink more getting the same results. Mouth feel is slight carbonation getting thicker and sweeter as it warms and finishes dry. Over all it is an average strong pale ale. I like duponts saison better than there strong pale ales. You still get the rustic taste in both. Worth a try.

Schneider Aventinus

Weizenbock

Lars3

I generally try to refrain from reviewing beers that I know I love, beers that make me salivate at the mere mention of them, but sometimes I make an exception and post a completely biased and unscientific review of a beer I think is perfect. This is one of those beers. A: A beautiful dark mahogany (I've seen Mercedes-Benz this color) that lets almost no light through. In an Aventinus glass this beer is a piece of artwork. The head comes up and over the rim of the glass and just hovers there before settling down and leaving a constant white outline on the top of the beer. I love the way the yeast creates mini-clouds inside of the beer after the initial pour before dispersing evenly throughout the beer. S: Aventinus as the banana and clove that you'd find in a lesser weizen, but it also has hints of chocolate and dark fruits that are not only surprising to find in a weizen, but also exceptional for more traditional bocks and doppelbocks. T: So good. I need to have a few of these on hand at all times, but I never have more than one or two a month. It is a beer that is too good to be consumed everyday. It needs to be savored and reserved for special occasions. The same dark fruit and chocolate flavors melt over the malty yeastyness that would be found in other weizens. There is a sweetness that comes out as the beer warms, but it is perfectly balanced by the hops. M: I actually prefer the mouthfeel of Hefeweizens and Dunkelweizens to this, but it is still a wonderful thing to hold in my mouth. There is a subtle sting at the back of my throat, but otherwise this beer goes down perfectly. This is dessert in a glass. D: Oh God does this beer go down smooth. If it wasn't for the 8%+ abv and the $4+ price tag I'd probably find more "special occasions" to enjoy this beer. As it is I think Aventinus is a perfect beer and nothing will inhibit my drinking of it.

Lindemans Gueuze Cuvée René

Gueuze

Lars3

A typical 750mL corked bottle in a Lindemans - Merchant du Vin flute. This beer looks like thick gold (if that makes any sense to you). This is what TV tells you beer should look like. A thick golden color, with a perfect fizzy white head. The smell is quite tart and sour, but not citrusy. Something else all together, yet something I cannot identify. I suppose in the future I'll identify this smell to this beer. Wow! That is unlike anything else I've ever tasted. My first Gueuze, and I'm blown away. This is tart, sour, acidic, and amazingly dry and refreshing. The Lindemans flute is a small glass and I have to slow myself down. I could easily drink this whole bottle in 10 minutes. As the beer warms the taste stings my tongue longer and with greater intensity. Now it is sipping time. It is tough to judge the mouthfeel on this one, the beer attacks my tastebuds leaving my other senses slightly numbed. The beer does feel light on the tongue, however. Dry beers tend to give me heartburn, so I would rule this out would when it came to regular drinking. However if I found a way to get around this peculiar genetic oddity I would like to think I could drink this beer on a regular basis. Today is a hot and muggy day, and I can think of no better beer than a low alcohol, light and dry Belgian ale for a day like today.

Carlsberg Crown

Euro Pale Lager

cpagh

The smell is light and fresh, with notes of malt and flowers. The body is light yellow with a thin light head. The taste is again light and fresh, with a light taste of sweetness from the malt, and notes of fruit. The aftertaste is limited with a medium bitterness that stands for some time. The mouthfeel is smooth with medium carbonation.

D'Arcy's Dublin Stout

Irish Dry Stout

cpagh

The smell is of roasted malt with notes of dried fruit and liquorice. The appearance is a black body with a large frothy head. The taste is roasted malt with notes of dried fruit and smoke, with a bitter finish. This brew has a oily texture and a lively carbonation.

Mojo Risin' Double IPA

American Double / Imperial IPA

cford1

I first had this beer on my 21st birthday. It was the first IPA I had ever had, and opened me up to the world of good beer. The appearance is a blend of yellow, orange, and red and not perfectly clear. Poured with a slight head of roughly one inch that last nearly throughout the whole time I am drinking. The smell is strong. Sort of a mix of Amarillo and Centennial. It first overwhelmed me, but I readily grew to appreciate it. Even after having several IPAs and IIPAs since this beer, Mojo Risin' is still my favorite. I prefer it to DFH 60, 90, and 120. To me the blend is perfect; a mix of orange, grapefruit and slight lemony flavors. Mojo Risin' will certainly always have a place on my top beers list. If you see it, pick some up.

Miller High Life

American Adjunct Lager

cford1

Presentation: From a keg in my house, into large glass mug. Appearance: Very pale looking, darker than something like Natural Light though. There is moderate head with a little staying power. Smell: Smells a lot like corn to me. Especially when it is served at a warmer temperature. Taste: Rather thin body, although more than cheaper beers. Taste a lot like it smells with a moderate corn/barley flavor. Overall: Its certainly better than Nati Light. But certainly not something I would drink given a larger budget. Great for college, not for much else...

Super Friends IPA

American IPA

STEG

Cloudy amber-orange in color almost a light brown, not much head after a quick pour into a Sam Smiths Victorian Pint, probably due to the two day old 3/4 growler (I sniped the last of the keg). I can't accurately grade the head or the lacing so It'll just be on the color which is intriguing to me. Smell has Brett, skunky hops, and blood oranges. Taste has booze, blood orange, slightly piney hops and plums. Mouthfeel is smooth with light carbonation, slightly syrupy as well. Drinkability is good there's a bit of booze but otherwise not bad. ATTN Ithaca: Make this again, bottled preferably.

Honker's Ale

English Bitter

STEG

Poured from a growler into some Ridel crystal. Pours a clear deep reddish brown with a quickly receding white head. Smell mostly of darkfruits and caramel, but not a lot going on here. Taste is more of the same with caramel up front with dark fruit in the back especially a cherry and or currant taste. On growler this is exceptionally cheap and smooth yielding a great mouthfeel and drinkability.

Brewer's Alley Nut Brown Ale

English Brown Ale

ToAzwethinkweizm

Date: 7 March 2011 Glass: 5oz pilsner Type: On-tap Drank on tap at Brewer's Alley in Frederick, MD. Taken from notes: Appearance: Heavy head, little lacing, pumpkin-copper in color. Smell: Oddly pumpkin-like in flavor...at least the spices. Macadamia nut also present. Taste: Tastes of pils malts (seems to be a staple with this brewer). Also lightly-toasted malts, and almonds. Mouthfeel: Lightly-toasted malts on palate between tastes. There is a Thomas Hardy's Ale-type palate flavor, but much, much lighter. Drinkability: This is a wonderful session beer and great with dessert.

Brewer's Alley Oatmeal Stout

Oatmeal Stout

ToAzwethinkweizm

Date: 7 March 2011 Glass: 5oz pilsner Type: On-tap Drank on tap at Brewer's Alley in Frederick, MD. Taken from notes: Appearance: Deep caramel color, constant film, fantastic lacing. Smell: Aroma of unsweetened cocoa and milk chocolate. Taste: Smooth taste with a hint of cocoa and a touch of dark malts. Mouthfeel: Bitter chocolate flavor left on palate, very pleasant....that's about it! Drinkability: Smooth like Guinness but not as bland. I think most non-regular beer drinkers would enjoy this. This ale should be casked.

Kerstmutske Christmas Nightcap

Belgian Strong Dark Ale

Luu777

My first review so I will try to be as descriptive as I can. I received this beer as part of a pack of 5 artisanal Belgian Christmas beers, and I believe that these must have been mis-handled during importation as only 2 of the 5 were drinkable. a- Nice dark brown color. 1/4" head which hung on the glass for some time. s- Yeasty smell. Not very strong t- Malty start but with a sour vinegar finish. Almost like a lemon at the end. m- smooth, good carbonation but not too strong. d- The finish on this beer made it undrinkable. Sad to have to toss it. Would like to try a properly handled bottle.

Jubelale

Winter Warmer

Luu777

A nice Yul beer, hoppier than most and a definite treat a- Nut brown color with hints of red s - like a beer. molasses, hops, malt, with an emphasis on the malty side t- delicious. Start with a nutty molasses taste, bits of plum, and finish with the hops. Just lovely. m - Good carbonation, smooth all the way down. d - could drink a six of these no problem.

Orval Trappist Ale

Belgian Pale Ale

BeerTaster

Appearance hazy copper in color two finger off white head that stuck around untill the last sip. Smell herbal hop aroma and earthy. Taste same as smell with warming alcohol and a dry snapy finish. Mouthfeel mediem body high carbonation. Drinkability a nice pre dinner beer.

Hop Stoopid

American Double / Imperial IPA

BeerTaster

Appearance light amber with a smale white head but had good head retention Smell fantastic lots of hops citrus, pine and some tropical notes Taste same as smell with just enough malt backbone Mouthfeel maby just a bit lite for an IPA but still very good Drinkability very good for such a strong beer I will be buying this one again soon Solid beer by Lagunitas keep up the good work

Armada

American Brown Ale

HopBacchus

I've had this brew many times over the course of my career as a Benelux regular, I figured it was time for me to review it. Pours a deep fudge brown with a thin tan head, it vanishes rather quickly leaving trace amounts of lace. Initially the nose is a bit like an IPA, pine and citrus in the forefront but finishes with sumptuous malts and a yeasty bready smell. Surprisingly large level of citrus, followed by smooth carmel and roasted malts, finishes slightly dry and hoppy. Very good, medium bodies and creamy with low carbonation Very drinkable and well balanced, another fine brew from Benelux

Trois Pistoles

Belgian Strong Dark Ale

HopBacchus

A: This beer looks pours a brown amber with a large creamy head. You can see yeast floating around in the beer. Lacing is impressive thick head vanishes after a bit S: There is certainly a presence of alcohol here but the overwhelming scent is of fresh fruit and Belgian spices there is also a doughy yeast like smell. T: Rich fruity malts are the dominant flavor in the beer mixed in a with faint herbal taste and powerful Belgian spices. Peppery even, M: This brew is well carbonated and creamy, the alcohol makes this beer a bit lighter in body than i would have expected and keeps the brew exciting warming as it goes down overall i would say its medium bodied. D: 9%? uh oh this beer is far too drinkable can lead to disaster, drink with caution.

Racer 5 India Pale Ale

American IPA

breyton490

Bought a 12 pack of 12oz bottles in Jan 2011 on the east coast. Nice hop aroma, similar to what I remember when having this on tap in Heldsberg. Very clear appearance, nice big rocky head. Nice bittering, very good IPA, but not very drinkable. Mouth feel was thick and syrupy. Alcohol taste evident. I don't think I could drink more than one or two bottles in a sitting due to the heavy, sticky, syrup texture of the beer. Prefer the dryer finish found in a Sierra Nevada or Russian River IPA (RR IPA or Blind Pig)

Choklat

American Double / Imperial Stout

breyton490

Appearance: Jet black, clear, tan head that quickly dissipated Smell: Dark chocolate, hint of alcohol, smelled like I stuck my head in a bag of chocolate bars... Taste: Nice chocolate notes, good bitterness, roast Mouthfeel: Thick, creamy, low carbonation, smooth Drinkability: At 11% ABV, I cant pound these, but a 22oz bottel sipped in a tulip glass over an hour or so was just right. This is a beer I will be buying many more off to have during the cold NE winter.

Uerige Sticke

Altbier

Px2GrafX

presentation: 11.2oz bottle with a shield shaped white, red and gold label on the front. bottle is sealed with a counter-balanced swing-top cork. bottled on date is "25.10" i don't understand this dating system and i can't read all the german text, but the ABV is displayed at 6%. appearance: pours ruby-brown with amber highlights in a tall pilsner. (didn't have a stange) light off-white fluffy two-finger head quickly dropped to a quarter inch that stuck around despite only noticing occasional bubbles rise from the bottom. head laces well but not much stick down the glass. smell: floral overtones. caramely malt sweetness with a light alcohol aroma. taste: sweet vanilla-caramel again with very, very light floral hop bitters. finishes dry with a hint of alcohol. a little banana bready as the brew warms. mouthfeel: silky smooth and creamy with very little carbonation. not enough carbonation for my tastes, but i assume this is true to style. velvety swallow. drinkability: very drinkable as this is one of the smoothest beers i've ever consumed. little to no carbonation makes it even easier to go down, but doesn't help mask the light alcohol finish. overall: i've had this before, but i remember it being better. maybe i should have reviewed it then, and maybe my tastes have changed since then. i'll have another for a best 2 outta three. almost perfect mouthfeel and drinkability to style (and despite what i prefer), but leaves a little to be desired. overall, a very good altbier, and a definite must try.

Samuel Adams Octoberfest

Märzen / Oktoberfest

Px2GrafX

presentation: on tap appearance: poured a cherry dark wood color with copper highlights in a pilsner glass. (all beers in the restaurant were poured in pilsners, so i didn't say anything.) head was a good 1" when it arrived at the table. off-white in color, and lasted for a few minutes before dropping to a thin capper. laced surprisingly well. smell: not much to say here. not very aromatic but smelled sort of metallic much like an american micro lager. there were touches of sweetness and fruit, maybe grapes, but the fruit isn't to style. no hop aroma. taste: again, not overly impressive. there's still that anoying cheap lager metallic taste. it was hard to get past this. there was a lot of malt character, some spice and just a touch of hop flavors in the finish. some noticible diacetyl flavors, though. mouthfeel: the best thing about this beer. medium creamy body with just enough carbonation. the swallow was moderately smooth as well. drinkability: this began more drinkable than it finished. the metallic taste was rough. alcohol didn't hinder, but aftertaste was less than appealing. buttery bitterness made this hard to finish. overall: to start, this isn't one of my favorite styles. i'd like to review this again from the bottle to see if any of the negatives were from the restaurant or the tap. the buttery and metallic flavors made this hard to tolerate, and they aren't normal for this style. better luck next time.

Saint Arnold Fancy Lawnmower

Kölsch

briman

Poured from tap into standard pint glass. Appearance was pale gold, with little or no head. The nose had slight grassy/grainy elements. No hop aroma to speak of. As for taste, this one really isn't my style. Seems like your basic craft beer version of a light beer. Very light maltiness, clean finish. It's very clean, crisp, and light on the tongue & palate. A little to watered down for my personal taste, but if you need something light to drink in the dead of summer after mowing the lawn, this one would certainly refresh you, though the refreshement quality is more like water would be as opposed to a really satisfying beer. As for drinkablility, this one is obviously made to satisfy those who like to tip back a few light beers on a hot afternoon.

Schneider Weisse Original

Hefeweizen

briman

Served from bottle into standard pint glass. Pours a clear slightly dar amber color. Nice thick fluffy head, off white, average retention. Not much lace. Aroma is strong banana and clove, maybe even a little touch of apple in there. Taste starts a bit malty, with a faint caramel malt contribution, eventually picking up the fruit notes towards the back. Complex fruity aftertaste lingers a bit in the finish. The banana notes are a little more subdued in the taste compared to the nose. I really get more of an apple taste in this beer...almost like a cider to some degree. Medium body. Moderate to high carbonation gives almost a spritzy characteristic. Honestly, the carbonation is a little to biting for my taste, so based on that drinkability is rather low.

Slam Dunkel

Weizenbock

chemmie

Who doesn't love a good dunkel? It pours a cloudy brown. Real cloudy with a nice thick white head. Smell is of wheat and bananas. The banana smell is real strong in this one. The bananas continue into the taste. There's a little kick from the alcohol in the back, but mostly you get the sweetness from the banana. This is a tasty brew, and possibly one of the best dunkels I've ever had. There's a little sour taste in your mouth afterwards, but another sip of the sweetness can cure that. I'm really enjoying this.

Pantius Droppus

American Double / Imperial IPA

chemmie

First, I don't think I got a really fresh bottle. However, I like the taste of aged hops. So, keep that in mind. Pours a nice amber with a good hoppy scent and lots of lacing. The taste was very sweet. I think this was because I got an old bottle. The hops were real mellow and sweetness reigned supreme. I actually love this flavor, so it was pretty good for me. I really could drink a lot of this, but I suppose the hops are much stronger normally. I would like to get some more of this and try it again.

Kamenitza Svetlo

American Adjunct Lager

atchernev

Ideal refreshment for the hot summer days. Light yellow color. Not so dense, short lasting but plesant foam. Good mouthfeel with taste of hops. Some malt and lemon idea. Slight and soft bitterness. Sometimes small acidic aftertaste because of the hard water used.

Ariana

American Adjunct Lager

atchernev

This is the cheaper brand beer, produced by Zagorka AD. Light yellow color, small, yellowish short lasting head. The taste is similar to Zagorka but it leaves the impression of something incomplete. For me it's like spiced water. In spite of this, Ariana's popularity is fast growing, because of its attractive price.

Founders Imperial Stout

Russian Imperial Stout

Ehlonya

Opening Thoughts: Got this one today at the local Rodman's in DC, expecting another excellent brew from Founders. Glassware: 14.4 oz Tall Cooler glass Appearance: Pours a deep opaque hue, the head was dark brown, thick and creamy, lacing on the glass hung a good around for a decent amount of time. Nose: Medium whuff of roasted malts, coffee and cocoa, small detection of licorice or was it anise (can't quite tell) Palate: Roasted malts, bitter cocoa and licorice Mouthfeel: Thick, creamy fairly long finish (this is what a sam adams cream stout should be like) Drinkability: I can see how some folks might not like this due to the bitterness of it. For me, I sat in the garage (30 degree Fahrenheit) sipping on it and puffing on my stogie. Cigar Pairing: I believe you need a strong maduro for this, anything else you'll taste the licorice in the background, as I puffed away a Bahia Blu Robusto, the bitterness became more pronounced.

Pipeline Porter

American Porter

Ehlonya

Opening Thoughts: I bought this at the local market, initially I thought to myself "hey... they sell DFH's here, so how bad can this coffee porter be...". Appearance: it pours well, has a nice thick creamy looking head that fades quickly, average I guess. Nose: I kind of like this coffee-esque smell and you can kind of tell that they used decent quality coffee. (Edit: drinking another bottle now side by side with a Founders Breakfast Stout for comparison. For the 2nd time around nose on it definitely has an ultra weak coffee). Palate/Mouthfeel: Ok, this is where it kind of got me, sure it has an ok coffee taste, but it has about the same consistency as Sam Adams Cream Stout. Plus, it was ultra watery which in my case it tasted like "7-Eleven" cheap shit swill. Drinkability: Definitely a sessionable beer like Budweiser's King of Beers.

Bell's Batch 10000

American Strong Ale

ChimRichels

12 oz bottle A - Hazy burgundy. Barely any light getting through. Moderate head dissipates slowly and leaves no lacing S - Very interesting... I smell raisins immediately, followed by berry/grapefruit from the hops. Deeper digging reveals sweet chocolate and almost a clovey smell? maybe it's all the Belgians getting to my head... T - A lot maltier than the smell led on. Hops taste a lot more woody than fruity as the smell led on. Toffee, caramel and coffee notes are all present. Very rich flavor. Hops are fairly muted, but their pine flavors show up more prominently in the aftertaste. Very multi-dimensional flavor profile. M - Very viscous. Smooth and creamy. O - Quite good. I wish I had more than one bottle...

IBA

American Black Ale

ChimRichels

A - Incredibly foamy head leaves a metric shit-load of chunky lacing all the way down. Body is black. Pure darkness. S - Smells of earth and intense citrus hop resin. The aromatics really mask any of the malt from coming through at all in the nose. T - The roasted malts really come through, and the hops are holding their own as well. Lots of big,intense flavors. Dry on the finish. I think the hops win the aroma battle, but the charred malts dominate the flavor. M - Slick and creamy. Very much full-bodied. O - A really good black IPA, and an exquisitely balanced one at that.

Abbey Belgian Style Ale

Dubbel

DrunkMcDermott

Lovely beer, and a lovely bottle, too. Pours a very big cream colored head that slowly settles into a coppry body. Smell has enough Belgian sugar for everyone. The usual Belgian yeast esters of coriander, and a slight hint of banana toward the finish. Theres also a hint of horseblanket that becomes apparent the further down the glass you go.

Grozet Gooseberry & Wheat Ale

Scottish Gruit / Ancient Herbed Ale

DrunkMcDermott

Another cellared bottle from my stash, so Ill try and compensate for its age (at least 4 years old): Pours a dark murkish brown with a thin head. There is a nice berry smell. The taste shows a slight amount of oxidation, and a malt character that has deepend. Berry taste is slightly too sweet for gooseberries, but then it becomes more tart toward the finish. Any hop character is severly diminished, but I could have thought there were other bittering agents at work. Interesting, and Id say its aged out pretty well.

Chimay Grande Réserve (Blue)

Belgian Strong Dark Ale

carregado

When you pour it, a huge foam appears on the glas, probably due to the refermentation in the bottle and the suspended yeast. The foam stays until you finish drinking it, nice lacing. Hoppy aroma, probably some old hops have been added. Also high alcools due to the type of fermentation. Taste is sweet and bitter with a good balance. The alcool is very noticeable. Shouldn't drink more than one of these. Could be interesting to drink with a meal.

Drie Fonteinen Framboos

Lambic - Fruit

carregado

I visited the brewery some time ago. The production is absolutly tradicional. I tasted the Framboise and felt like a privileged man. It is certainly one of the very best Framboise in Belgium. When you remove the cork you can feel the enormous carbonation the beer has. Good foam, not impressive, but typical for this type of beer. Raspberry aroma, perfect. The balance in taste between sourness and fruit sweetness is also perfect. If you go to Belgium, or live there, go to the Restaurant and taste this great beer.

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale

American Barleywine

burkyburk

2010 year. Huge head, a good inch and a half of beautifully light brownish foam. Strong smell of hops, with a faint citrus smell. The taste was very demanding. Very strong hops and bitterness. Light citrus notes. Pretty bitter on the tongue, definitely a sipping beer. The alcohol content adds a nice warming affect on the way down.

Founders Dirty Bastard

Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy

burkyburk

The aroma was very pleasing. I got dark choc/burnt caramel notes. The smells came out in the taste as well. Chocolatey with the perfect amount of alcohol to blend it all together. Felt so great on my tongue, so much going on flavor-wise. I enjoyed every sip. I had heard a lot of hype for this beer and the rumors were true. It was amazing.

Porter

Baltic Porter

TuckerCarlson

a) clear, dark ruby-amber; 1-inch tan head that disappears quickly; little to no lacing s) sugar & alcohol; a little fruity t) nice dark flavors to balance out the intense sweetness; some dark, fruity flavors up front that lead to burnt sugar and coffee tastes and combine with the drying sensation from the alcohol to form a fairly clean finish for such a big, sweet beer m) viscous, as can be expected d) it's no Okicim, but I'd drink it again

Hop Ottin' IPA

American IPA

TuckerCarlson

a - light reddish amber; two full fingers of foamy, light orange head that falls to a thin cover quickly but leaves some a good amount of lacing down the glass s - at first an almost skunky odor, which fades quickly and is replaced by lots of grapefruit and orange, some herbs, not a ton else (but hey, I've got allergies so, you know) t - lots of everything. kind of like a slightly lesser version of Southern Tier Hoppe with a bunch of fruity citrus flavors, a huge dose of malty sweetness, and a lot of bitterness that's maybe a little more herbal and a little less piney than I usually drink. there's also some kind of weird malt flavor accompanying it that I guess I'd call bready. m - carbonation isn't too heavy, and makes for a satisfying mouthful d - I've had other IPAs and DIPAs with this kind of flavor, and there's something that doesn't quite work for me. Part of it's the more herbal hop character, part of it's the higher sugar content interacting with the herb flavors, and part of it's that weird malt flavor I described. Worth trying, but I won't buy another bottle.

India Pale Ale

American IPA

Jorge

A- Deep cloudy coper with thin, quickly dissipating head. A- Hoppy with malt notes T- Heavily hopped, almost acidically bitter M- Unremarkable, slightly mediciney D- While unimpressive overall, it is quite drinkable. With it's abv, I could put down a few of these. In a beer style known for its strong, sometimes overbearing flavors, Moylan's IPA's relative subtlety is its great strength, nicely displaying all of the typical traits of the IPA with none of the excesses.

120 Minute IPA

American Double / Imperial IPA

Jorge

A- Cloudy amber orange when backlit, 1 cm head quickly dissipates A- Sharp nose, like varnish or resin, but not unpleasant, nor does it remain very strong for long. Apple notes as the beer opens, port accents later. T- Oddly fruity for such a hoppy beer, mellow apple and apricots are present, as is a distinct, pleasant aftertaste of whiskey. Cidery. M- Remarkably light for an Imperial IPA; it's mouthfeel is like a well-mixed high-quality bourbon and water. D- The beer is too wine-y o be a session beer, but it is excellent as a single glass, or one to decant and share.

Faxe Fest Bock

Bock

Tim2000

500 mL can. Pours a clear mahogany brown with a small head that sinks back into nothing very quickly. Faint sugary malt aroma with some hops coming through. Caramel maltiness is quickly joined by a somewhat tea-like and astringent hop bitterness. Fairly sweet with a well-concealed alcohol warmth. Finishes sweet and slightly metallic. Thin with moderate carbonation.

Imperial Stout

American Double / Imperial Stout

Tim2000

341 mL bottle, undated. Inky black brew with a dark tan head that clings to the sides of the glass. Rich aroma of sweet molasses and chocolate. Sweet burnt sugar flavour dominates. Lots of molasses and licorice notes, balanced by bitter hops that linger far into the finish. Warming alcohol and a slight metallic twang round this one out. Carbonation is low and mouthfeel is syrupy. Very pleasant, like liquid brown sugar.

Beernormous

Russian Imperial Stout

ScottLabadie

A- Just beautiful. The color is jet black and the head was well formed and was dark brown in appearance. Retention was moderate. Can definitely see the "legs" when you swirl it a bit in the glass which is something I look for in a high ABV stout. A- Very rich and complex. Smells strongly of coffee and dark chocolate with slight burnt tones. Towards the end of the sniff you can sense a fruity ester such as raisins. Hop aroma is moderate. Alcohol smell isn't sharp but is present as it should be seeing its an imperial. M- Is very full-bodied, creamy and chewy. There is a warm feeling when you drink from the ABV. and was moderately carbonation. T- Rich and Deep. This beer has moderate bitterness and hop flavor and high toasty characteristics. The after taste, taste of chocolate and carmel with light hints of raisins. Overall this is a great tasting stout. Although, I thought the ABV was too high the balance of aroma and flavors presented in the backbone of this beer are excellent. Great job on this Imperial Ale.

Arbor Brewing Mackinac Island Fudge Stout

American Stout

ScottLabadie

A- of this beer is poor. Poured this beer into a stein at room temperature. For a stout it is extremely light in color, watery looking, and looks "hazey."There was no head on the beer at all and it lacked carbonation. T- was pretty good. The Chocolate and Fudge taste were huge in this beer and you pretty much have to search for the other characteristics which are a Light bitter coffee and burnt malt taste. S- light chocolate and roasted malt smell M- Creamy with no carbonation at all. Since it is watered down, the mouthfeel is very poor. I love chocolate stouts and drink them quite a bit. This one lacks the basic characteristics of what a stout should look like in appearance. Didn't care for it whatsoever.

Arrogant Bastard Ale

American Strong Ale

YourMomDrinksBud

22oz bomber poured into a pint glass. A- Pours a beautiful three finger off white khaki head that sticks around. The lacing is fantastic all the way down. Brew itself is a dark mahogony with red highlights. Visible stream of carbonation. S- Caramel dominates. Notes of dark chocolate and dark fruits. Lightly citric hoppiness brings it all together wonderfully. T- Starts sweet and chewy, finishes nice and dry with some hoppy bitterness. Caramel still dominates the flavor on my palate with dark fruits and dark bread in the back. Light grapefruit twang in the finish. M- Creamy and lush. Full bodied, good carbonation. No evidence of the 7%+ abv at all. O- Very balanced and drinkable. Excellent beer for the price, I still prefer the oaked version though.

CoCoNut Porter

American Porter

YourMomDrinksBud

12oz can poured into a pint glass. Canned on 8/4/11, consumed on 9/16/11. A- Brew is a deep black with barely any highlights. Two finger light mocha colored head that leaves sheeted lacing down my glass. S- Coconut, milk chocolate, vanilla. Light chicory note. T- Deeply roasted malts & toasted coconut dominates with bitter milk chocolate and vanilla adding to the complexity. Truely outstanding! M- Medium bodied, ample carbonation. Pretty thick mouthfeel with a slight heat from the alcohol. O- I love coconut, and I think this beer incorporated it perfectly. Highly recomended.

Coffee Porter

English Porter

beercap

Thin pour that is very dark brown with little head. Smells very strongly of coffee and little else. The taste is sweet with lots of coffee but is much thinner than most coffee beers I've had but those are usually stouts. Overall a very good beer that's a little thinner than what you get with a coffee stout.

The Czar

Russian Imperial Stout

beercap

Pours a dark dark brown with almost no head. The smell is a bit strange, sort of like a cross between a dopplebock and a sweet stout. The taste however is every bit that of an imperial stout with a bit of mocha and toffee and some type of dried fruit. This is probably the smoothest imperial stout I've ever had, very creamy as well.