10-51

Budweiser American Ale

2008-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Look: bright brick red with a foamy white head

Taste: Light, but not too bitter. Nice roasted flavor with a hint of grape.

Conclusion: I know, I know, all the shite talking we do about Buttwiper on this blog, and here you are reading a review of a Bud beer. I must say, I was duped into trying this beer by the commercial, and my love for brown ales. Well, I wont lie just to save face and say its an awful beer… I liked it. I liked it a lot!

It has a very light and refreshing mouth feel, but had a strong roasted barley flavor that lingers long after drinking. It was a very solid ale that you can compare to most any other ale you find.

I give Bud American Ale a solid 7 out of 10

(I cant believe I wrote that... 7?! Buttwiper?!)

Beckenridge 471 IPA

2008-12-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

Look: dark, light brown…. Wrap your head around that one.

Taste: Bitter, skunky initial taste that gives way to a semi-sweet barley flavor

Conclusion: I was expecting a sharp hoppy taste for an IPA from a micro brew, but this dint quite hit the mark. It has a slight skunky aroma when you bring the glass to your mouth, but the initial bitter helps get rid of that skunk. I wish the bitter hung around for a bit longer, but the barley sweetness sooths the taste buds, and sadly washes away the IPA flavor. Once the sweet washes away, you are left with the initial taste you started with… skunky! Oddly, the more I drank of this beer, the more I was able to tolerate it. That’s not to say it started to taste better, but I got a better idea of what the brewer was trying to accomplish. I just wish that brewers were not afraid to make their IPAs sharp and hoppy, the way a good American IPA should be.

The sweetness and skunky flavor cost it big.

A 5 out of 10

Beckenridge Pale Ale

2008-12-01T18:56:00.000-08:00

Look: Honey color with light foamy head

Taste: skunky initial, followed by a hoppy bite

Conclusion: This beer was strange. It starts off kind of skunky and yeasty, but hits you with a sharp hoppy bite. It washes clean and leaves a really flavorful after taste to savor. The beer paired well with my fish and chips, as the vinegar complimented the hoppy bite. The floral aftertaste was a welcome taste that off set the strong vinegar taste of the fish.

On its own, I don’t know that I can have too many of these beers, but accompanied by food, this beer was really nice… once you get past the first few skunky drinks.

I give this a 5 out of 10

Blue Frog Hefe Weizen

2008-12-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Look: Very cloudy and thick burnt orange color. So thick, you cant see through it when held up to light.

Taste: Sweet with a strong clove taste. Alas, it washes way all to quick with little to no after taste.

Conclusion: When I saw this beer on the shelf, with the big frog on the label, I had to pick it up. Those crafty brewers at Blue Frog did this bottle right as well. The frog is right side up, but the wording, and everything else is upside-down. This is done to get you to flip the bottle to mix up the unfiltered goodies in the bottle.

Here is the thing, every time I drink a hefe, I always expect a nice thick, some what bitter beer with a hearty feel. 9 out of 10 times, I am disappointed. This is one of those disappointing times.

There is a strong clove flavor throughout, and a semi-sweet citrus sweetness, but its not overly sweet. It was very refreshing, and would go well with a BBQ. As readers of the blog know, we are not big fans of “fruiting the beer”, but I thought this beer needed something to kick up the taste. I quartered a lemon, squeezed in a slice, then dropped it in my pint. Low and behold, it made a world of a difference. The lemon cut through a lot of the clove and sweet flavor.

I give Blue Frog hefe a 7 out of 10

Chimay Ale

2008-12-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Look: Ale Brown with foamy, off white head

Taste: Semi-sweet, but not over the top like your traditional Belgian

Conclusion: This beer was one of the better Belgian beers I’ve had. Once you get past the Belgian sweetness and citrus flavors, it offers a great roasted ale flavor. It is not your typical over the top Belgian sweet brew. Instead of pouring a sweet syrup into your glass, this beer tastes like the natural sweetness you get from roasted malted barley. This time, its a good thing though; the natural sweetness overtakes the citrus flavor just enough to give you a decent balance.

Although its still sweeter than a beer I’d regularly drink, it’s a decent beer.

I give this Belgian a 5 out of 10.

Pump House Igniter Pale Ale

2008-12-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

Look: Amber color with minimal head

Taste: kind of bland, slight hopy flavor, but its barely noticeable

Conclusion: This beer was not “pale” enough for me. It has a good initial bite, but the malty finish ruins the beer. This beer won the 1999 G.A.B.F. Gold Medal, but I wonder what it was up against. I wish it had more bite and less sweet wash that always seems to ruin a beer. I guess the hopy and sweet offset to the point of blandness.

I was expecting a lot more from this gold medal winning micro brew from Denver, CO.

I give it a 4 out of 10

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

2008-12-01T18:41:00.001-08:00

Look: burnt honey color with little to no head

Taste: Great sharp hop flavor followed by a nutty, roasted flavor that sooths the sharp hoppyness.

Conclusion: I really love this ale! My beer reviewing compatriot told me to try it, and since he didn’t review it, here we go…

This beer tastes a lot like Sierra Nevada Ale, but with a semi-sweet nutty finish. It still offers a lot of hopy goodness, but washes malty good. I can drink this beer year round and love it. It’s warming for those cold nights, but cooling for those hot summer days.

The first drink will give you a burst of wonderful hops that you are used to if you’ve drank Sierra Nevada’s Ales before. But this one gives you a little extra roasted flavor. It is one of the most well balanced beers I have ever drank.

I give this wonderful ale a 9 out of 10

Sierra Nevada, Stout

2008-11-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Look: Smooth black with slight cocoa head

Taste: Very light with a roasted malt/barley finish

Conclusion: I'm usually a "stout" supporter(i kill myself) of Sierra Nevada. I'm a sucker for their monstrous Tornado IPA.

This stout, however, was like drinking a Porter. The mandatory roasted malt flavor was there but the lingering taste is one of, well, roasted malt and not much else. There was way too much carbonation on the front end and not enough flavor on the back.

This one had me scratching my head. It's like they put all their effort into their other brews and didn't care to pay much attention to this one. It's not bad, but nothing special.

5 Brews!

Stone, Cali - Belgie IPA

2008-11-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Look: Golden Brown with minimal white bubbly head

Taste: Sweet, warming fruit flavors followed by hops

Conclusion: My brew reviewing buddy and I both jumped on this special edition brew when we saw it. This beer is essentially a hybrid of a Belgian and an IPA.

I was both intrigued(IPA) and disgusted(Belgian) when I picked it up. The fact it was made by Stone, however, swayed my opinion. I have never liked Belgians so I crossed my fingers and drank.

To my delight....it was GREAT! The first half of the drink you get the IPA bite, but it gets it's throat stomped on by the sweet and lightly fruity traits from the Belgian side of things. The thing I loved about this drink was that the Belgian side never becomes overly sweet as most tend to. Instead it's tempered by the IPA and the hop flavors come in near the end of the taste to mellow things out and prevent the sugary sweet Belgian coup.

This beer surprised me and I'd actually try another. I've never said that about any Belgian beer, so this is progress. Give me that diploma, I'm on my way to Belgian grad school! Well, maybe I'll start by aiming for my GED for now. I am again floored by Stone's genius and cunning.

8 Brews!

Avery Brewing, India Pale Ale

2008-11-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

Look: Amber with white clean head

Taste: Slight bitterness followed up with hop and citrus

Conclusion: Back to Avery Brewing. Last time I had their wonderful Hog Heaven Barley Wine. This time it is a bit more subtle offering with their version of the India Pale Ale.

Like a good IPA, it has that initial bitter bite but this edge is dulled by the soothing and delicious hops that follow it up. The finish doesn't linger but is still thick enough to taste like a silky smooth treat.

This is an IPA I'll set on the top of my "regulars" list. This is what an IPA should taste like. Kudos Avery. A supremely solid IPA that doesn't show off.

8 Brews!

Dogfish Head, Palo Santo Marron

2008-11-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Look: Deep black, with heavy bodied pout and minimal tan silk head

Taste: Rich roasted malt with sweet fruit and raisin notes

Conclusion: Dogfish head is a fantastic brewery and this brew is evidence of that. Their 90 Minute IPA is probably one of the best there is and this drink is no different.

It starts with a tart but decadently rich mouthfeel that is choc full of roasted malts. You don't get the harsh, burnt taste, but rather it is followed up with sweet and voluptuous fruit flavors that I could only describe as raisin-like. Possibly fig? The brew itself is created in Palo Santo wood barrels which are derived from an exotic South American wood. Boy, does it make this drink ever tasty.

This beer is very unique but just seems like the hot ticket if you're sitting down on a cold winter day or night by a fire. An unbelievably delicious take on the malt beverage that will have other brewer's jealous and trying to create it's equal. Another welcome superstar from Dogfish Head.

9 Brews!

Maui Brewing, Coconut Porter

2008-10-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Look: Deep dark brown with red tint. Foamy small brown head that smells faintly of coconut

Taste: Bitter initially followed by toasted barley flavor

Conclusion: Porters never seems complicated to me. They really all seem to taste similar with the toasted barley flavor throughout. Sure there are ones better than others and thankfully this was better than average.

Food and/or fruit flavored beers really seem to bit hit or miss with me and nowhere in between. This one has the classical porter roast flavor...almost coffee-like, but there is an ever-so-soft coconut undertone throughout the tasting. This interesting little concoction won a gold medal at the international beer awards so show it some respect. Bow to your master! My beer reviewing friend and I spotted this during a lunch time beer run at the local liqour mart and I pulled the trigger the next time I saw it. Sure glad I did. This is easily one of the best Porters I've had.

8 Brews!

Oskar Blues Brewing, Old Chub

2008-10-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Look: Translucent black/red with no head. Only a ring of light tan bubbles around the edge.

Taste: Sweet tang, followed by oak/wood flavors with sweet undertone throughout

Conclusion: Besides the name sounding like an erection that's worn out its welcome(who knows what Old Chub is), this beer is absolutely phenomenal. The last brew of Oskar Blues I tasted, "Gordon", was in a can too but was simply one of the greatest beers I've ever run across. Apparently craft brewing companies are starting to use aluminum, even for these masterful beers because it holds the flavor better, doesn't let any light in(preventing skunkiness) and is made of the most easily recyclable material on the planet. Sweet! Sounds like a great idea to me.

There is an initial tang as you sip this Scottish Style Ale. Then the sweetness gives way to a tingly amount of carbonation. The body has a medium thickness that allows it to stick to the sides of the glass. The end of the drink is oak-like and almost tastes like a stout but the noticeable sweet overtone lingers through the end. At 8% it certainly has a nice set of legs but it doesn't flaunt it and the entire drink is considerably mellow and relaxing.

8 Brews!

Sierra Nevada, Harvest Wet Hop Ale (12th Release)

2008-10-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

Look: Burnt orange with a good medium sized white foam head.

Taste: Bitter hop bite followed by spice and citrus flavor that finishes with a lingering hop note

Conclusion: Sierra Nevada tends to do quite a few cycling events. My favorite is the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, CA. I didn't even know Sierra Nevada made an IPA as we only see their porter and pale ale here in southern cali.

The mouthfeel is deceivingly thick. The tremendous hop smell and flavors fill your mouth and make the body feel as if you're drinking a light hop syrup. At the end of the drink a weight lifts off your tongue and your left with the spice and citrus/fruit flavors that taste mature but light enough not to overpower the hop backbone.

Although this is their 12th release I've never been lucky enough to run into this wonderful brew. Apparently Sierra Nevada rushes their hops down the night they pick them so they can be throw in the vats while their still fresh. They should give raises to all their drivers. This ale just tastes alive and packs an astonishing amount of bite and taste into a 6.7% alcohol mark. I love Sierra Nevada's Tornado IPA(think that's the name...it was so good I had one to many) and am sold after tasting their Harvest Wet Hop Ale. "I didn't know you liked to get wet". Well, yes. Now I do.

9 Brews!

Anchor Small Beer

2008-10-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Look: Dark, golden color with foamy white head

Taste: Initially bland with a skunky, bitter after taste that lingers a bit

Conclusion: This is the fourth beer in the Anchor line that I’ve tasted, and I was less than impressed… initially. The initial drink was light and tasted really bland, almost like drinking a bud light. And, it had a skunky taste to boot! Ugh… I was so disappointed at the brewery!

The skunky taste lingers, and leaves the slight aroma of a burnt firework. Its faint, but it reminded me of the 4th of July. The initial bitter, skunky taste washes way really quick, as the beer is very light. You can imagine my disappointment at Anchor Brewing… then, I started reading the label on the neck of the bottle. Apparently Anchor Brewing is steeped very deep in American brewing traditions. Small beer was traditionally made of the left over mash of a stronger, better flavored beer, so as to not waste the mash. Imagine my surprise when I read that Anchor Small Beer is made of the mash used to make Old Foggy! (Old Foghorn) Man, from such a great beer, you get this light, bitter, skunky beer?! How is this possible? Thats when I thought, so this is what beer tastes like when it’s reprocessed. Kind of like when you make coffee in a coffee pot with the coffee grounds you used to make the previous pot. It’s lighter, bitterer (yes, it’s a real word), less strong, and kind of bland… same theory applies here.

Well, I continued to drink the tall boy of beer, and, a strange thing happened, the beer started to grow on me. Maybe the initial shock of rubbish washed off my tongue, maybe I got used to the skunkyness; but I started to appreciate the history and style of this beer. While I would not classify it as a light beer, technically it’s an ale, the light mouth feel was perfect for the bitter, skunkyness of the beer. If the flavors were allowed to linger any longer, it might have ruined the experience for me.

My eyes were opened… History was understood and appreciated… Small Beer’s score was bumped up a point… Cheers for Anchor Brewing for reviving this brewing tradition, but if you think about it, some traditions were meant to die.

I give Small Beer a 5 out of 10

Moylan's, Dragoons Dry Irish Stout

2008-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Look: Pitch black with light oak colored foam head

Taste: Roasted malt and barley. Dry finish

Conclusion: Wow. This is another small California craft brewery that pumps out the hits. This is the first dark beer of theirs I've tried and loved it.

Just a very non-offensive stout that has strong roasted malt flavor but doesn't shove it down your throat. It's very gentle, probably due to the "Irish stout" tag, and the finish is clean but still has flavor, even after the dryness sets in.

If you see any Moylan's brews anywhere do yourself a favor and grab one of them. You really can't go wrong. A very solid stout from a more than reputable brewing company, in this man's opinion.

7 Brews!

Bear Republic, Hop Rod Rye

2008-09-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Look: Medium hue of brown with a dirty white foam head

Taste: First hops then plenty of rye

Conclusion: The first thing you get when you taste this 8% hoppy drink is, well, hops. But immediately after you get a tongue-numbing rye flavor that's bitter and dry. This dissipates at the end of the drink and your left with a mild hop and rye aftertaste.

This is the second time I've tried this amazing brew. The first was after a 12 mile cross country mountain bike race. It was hot, dusty and I was absolutely spent. I suppose it has a soft spot in my heart for coming through after a painful race. A very unique and strong brew but oh so satisfying in the heat or after strenuous activities. Today took me on a 38 mile bike ride in the San Bernardino Mountains and man did this thing hit the spot. Damn, this brew is good. Highly recommended!

8 Brews!

Waimea Bay Pale Ale

2008-09-15T19:31:00.001-07:00

Look: Dark golden brown, slight foamy white head

Taste: sharp, but sweet with smokey after taste

Conc: This beer was given to me by a co-worker. She didn’t know what to do with it as she does not drink pale ales. She donated it to 10-51, and I humbly accepted.

This beer is proudly brewed in Kauai, Hawaii. If you’re in the area, or planning a vacation, check them out. Its my first Hawaiian beer, and I’m tempted to see what else they have to offer.

This beer is a really good refreshing BBQ beer. It has a slight sweet aroma when poured into a glass, and the slight sweetness transfers over into the drink. On first taste, the beer is not too sharp, but has an initial kick. The hops and barley flavor come through nicely with a layered effect. You get sweet tones initially, then a nice pale kick, but it washes down with a crisp, clean finish. Them islanders sure know how to brew a good summer time brew!

I give it 7 out of 10

Pig Skin IPA

2008-09-15T18:36:00.001-07:00

Look: lighter than honey color, with nice white foamy head

Taste: your typical IPA, without the blitz

Conclusion: With a name like Pig Skin IPA, I was expecting my taste buds to be sacked, or something. They were not. This is a good IPA, full flavor, and a nice balance, but it was nothing spectacular. I guess its good to have a few if the boys are coming over to watch the game and you don’t want to torture them with Buttwiper and light garbage. I guess it’s an IPA a domestic beer drinker could get into, but Im no Buttwiper drinker, so I expected a bit more.
Its still and IPA, but not one of the best. I picked it up because it is football season, and I liked the art on the label. I guess it’s a good starter IPA, if you are not accustomed to the sharp, supper bitterness of most IPAs, as its not as sharp as most.

I give it a 6 out of 10

Hoptown, IPA

2008-09-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Look: Hazy golden brown with frothy sudsy head

Taste: Mild hops with dry subtle finish

Conclusion: This is another hop filled IPA but it comes across as an amiable friend instead bitch-slapping you with it's bitterness and power.

At around 6% it remains a secure enough with its muscles that it doesn't have to flex them the entire drink. This IPA certainly has the refreshing citrus hops included but the dry-hopping keeps the finish clean and crisp. There's no lingering sweetness. Like a welcome house guest this brew will keep a smile on your face, clean up its own mess, and leave you in a state of tranquility. What's more, you'll want to invite it over again!

This wasn't the flashiest IPA I've had but it was solid and non-offending. A fantastic selection on a hot or warm day. Hit's the spot and doesn't have the heavy sweetness like some of the more powerful IPAs out there.

7 Brews!

Midas Touch

2008-09-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Look: Golden honey color with no head

Taste: Strong honey and melon tones, with grape coming through if gulped.

Conclusion: I have been looking for this beer for over 2 years, and had all but given up my search. Then, one glorious day, I received a phone call from my fellow beer compatriot excitedly telling me he had found THE MIDAS TOUCH! I could not hold in my excitement. I not asked, but politely demanded he get me at lease one bottle. No worries, he had picked up a four pack; and believe me when I tell you that the contents of the worlds oldest recipe for a “brewed beverage” was well worth the wait.

My initial reaction when I poured the beer was not as thrilling as one might think, given my excitement to finally have this fabled beer in my hands. It has a very Belgian aroma to it, save for the over the top citrus aroma. It had a sweet aroma, for sure, but the sweet mixed with a slight yeasty smell. Curious, but not thrilled with the aroma… then my first taste. JOY!!

It is very subtle, and smooth as silk. It is an easy to drink beer… dangerously easy to drink, if you catch my drift. At 9%, you can kick back a few of these, and next thing you know, you cant walk ten paces without leaning on the bar or a person to maintain your balance. It is very refreshing, which I thought strange for a barley wine, which usually are a bit more heavy and not as refreshing, but offer greater depth in flavor. This beer has both depth in flavor and is refreshing. At first drink, the strong honey tones come through, with a melon and papaya accompaniment that cools the tongue. If you want to get a taste of the grape flavor, I recommend you take a nice gulp, as opposed to a sip or drink, and the grape aroma will rise up to your nose. Such a nice trick; like two beers in one.

I am familiar with DogFish brewery, and some of their offerings, but this one is probably my favorite of their brews to date.

I give this golden beer a 9 out of 10.

(for more information on the history of the Midas Touch brew, visit DogFish’s site)

Rogue, Imperial IPA

2008-08-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Look: Cloudy Orange brown with silky cream head

Taste: Calmly bitter with thick hop notes and citrus edge

Conclusion: Okay, I was expecting the world from this bottle. Yes, it looks cool and has a resealable top but it was $15. That's an investment in brew, if you ask me!

Considering the price this was an above average IPA but certainly not worth $15. The hops are certainly there but they stay considerably mild in flavor and are complimented by spice and citrus flavors that are pretty tasty.

All things considered I would expect my socks to be blown off by a brew with this kind of price tag on it...and my socks stayed on my feet. Hey, at least I get a kickass souvenir. Cool bottle, but wish the IPA inside was as cool as the pricepoint.

7 Brews!

Golden Pheasant

2008-08-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

Look: Nice golden color with light foamy head

Taste: Great barley taste with a slight hop bite during the finish

Conclusion: While my search for the perfect blond continues, I feel I’m getting closer; this is a very solid pilsner. This is an import beer from the Slovak Republic, and my experience with European pilsners is a good one. They know their beers, that’s for sure.

This is an ideal summer beer, as the semi-sweet barley flavor is oh so refreshing, while the slight hop finish gives it a slight change of character and adds boldness. And, at 5% ABV, you can put down a few of these refreshing brews with little hesitation. If this is the result of the pheasant that laid the golden egg, he who kills this bird deserves to burn in hell! This beer is a gift to be enjoyed by all. My only gripe is that, like most pilsners, the flavor washes away a bit too quick for my liking. I don’t know if its by design, or a result of the lightness of the beer, but its noticeable. That is the only thing that cost this beer a few points.

I give it an 8 out of 10

Big Sky Brewing, Moose Drool

2008-08-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

Look: Mud brown with almost no head

Taste: Almost like a pale ale. Roasted barley with a dry finish

Conclusion: Except for the roasted barley edge this is a light ale that's taking a dip in the mud. I closed my eyes and through half of the drink it starts tasting like a light lager with a dry barley finish.

I actually bought a large 22oz bottle at Yellowstone National Park for my father-in-law but it had a Moose Drool bread mix in it instead. I figured I'd give the actual brew a try but I wasn't blown away. It's a small ale that makes the palate really dry. I'd imagine real moose drool would be a bit more wet and slimy....come on guys, we need better texture. Overall, a normal and unexciting taste.

4 Brews!

Hoppy Brewing, Stony Face Red Ale

2008-08-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Look: Dark translucent brown with a milky tan head

Taste: Sweet, malty, with a mild finish

Conclusion: Is it any surprise this beer was brewed in the California Bay area(San Jose)? No, it isn't. Is this a great drink? Ya, I'd say that. It has a dark complexion but a light body and has the sweet but deep tasting traits that are common in Red Ales.

Not much else to say. Solid tasting Red Ale and you can use the label to roll a joint.

6 Brews!

Port Brewing, Wipeout IPA

2008-08-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Look: Vibrant Orange with a small fruity head

Taste: Bitterly hoppy as an IPA should be

Conclusion: This is yet another above average, dare I say stellar IPA. My eyes are opening wider and wider to the delicious gems Port Brewing has to offer. I've had 4 or 5 of their beers so far and have thought each one was tasty as hell.

This is a little less bitter than most IPAs but still brings the expected onslaught of hops and citrus bite. For some reason the lasting taste/flavor of IPAs reminds me of grapefruit. Which is a good thing. I love grapefruit! Anyhow, I don't see how Wipeout is an apt name, other than the fact this brewery lies right on the coast. Maybe if a surfer drowned, you could grab his board, hock it for a couple bucks and buy some Wipeout IPA. Happy endings always bring tears to my eyes.

8 Brews!

Oskar Blues Brewing, Gordon. Ale

2008-08-21T18:33:00.001-07:00

Look: Maple brown with a hefty amount of creamy tan head

Taste: HOPS, sweets

Conclusion: This was an 8.7% mystery of a brew. Never have I heard of this brewing company nor have I ever laid eyes upon the beer can. It caught my eye is a refrigerator full of bottles. The lone can was standing alone in a see of bottles...like the Lone Ranger on top of trusty old Trigger, ready to spring into action.

So I picked up this odd little can and again my interest grew when I saw the 8.7% ABV marking on the side. The can itself is friggin hilarious! Apparently, in the wild, this brews scientific name is [Can'o bliss, satisfy ya]. On the back you can also find a little recycle symbol. Another reason to love this beer even before I've tried it! Also has my favorite mountain biking motto: "Pack it in. Pack it out."

The beer itself is a sticky icky blend of hops, what tastes like caramel, and some sweet but subtle fruit flavor. Gawd!! What an amazing beer! This thing is thick as maple syrup and is hearty like a sonofabitch! An unbelievably powerful and savory drink. Apparently it's in named after Gordon Knight who won gold brewing awards at three different breweries and brewed beer in Colorado, only to die in a plane crash while trying to put out fires. Damn, this guy could be the Paul Bunyan of our time! Makin' beer and saving lives...well, better than Paul Bunyan.

I give this one an excellent, top notch score. WOW!

9 Brews!

Yuksom Breweries, Yeti

2008-08-15T18:34:00.001-07:00

Look: Brown rice colored with minimal white head

Taste: Sharp initial bite with malt and barley

Conclusion: This is an Ale straight from India. An original India Pale Ale? I dunno about that.

At 7% I was hoping this wasn't some watered down lager with the harsh alcohol bite. Luckily, it wasn't. The initial taste is of bitter but smooth malt and barley. It's surprisingly flavorful and the body is a medium weight so you feel like your getting some bang for your buck and not some watering nastiness.

The spices help to boost the yum-factor and the finish is pretty dam smooth and not skunky at all. A pretty solid ale I say, even though the label looks like a hair man-monkey. Weird!

7 Brews!

Singha

2008-08-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

Look: Translucent yellow with decent amount of carbonation and a head as white as the label

Taste: Slight edge on the initial drink followed by a tasty and crisp barley flavor throughout

Conclusion: This beer has an interesting little story behind it. I was in a teleconference meeting at work when I noticed a nauseous feeling in my gut. I then realized the entire building wash shaking pretty heavily from side to side. Next thing we know we're evacuated from the 10th floor and are told we can go home. SWEET!

So it was off with my brew reviewing buddy(ya, we work in the same building) to our favorite little Thai restaurant. As we sat down, it dawned on us...we can order beer! Supersweet!

This little brew paired excellent with my plate of rice and garlic tofu. It's a light lager and being a Thai beer, goes perfect with Asian food and rice. Bite of tofu...wash it down with a good beer. Now, that's a great meal. This wouldn't be a beer to drink on its own, though it is light and refreshing. Either a warm summer day or any oriental food and you've found this beer a nice friend. I'd rate this the second best Thai beer I've had behind the best of them, Phuket.

6 Brews!

Stone 12th Anniversary – Bitter Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

2008-08-07T14:59:00.001-07:00

Look: Pitch Black – no light shone through when held up

Taste: Sharp, smokey kick, with a bitter chocolate after taste

Conclusion: WOW! Stone once again comes through with a different, yet tasty brew.

As I drink this beer watching the World Series of Poker on TV, all I can think is the Stone came up Aces. The brew is nice and thick, but not so thick you cant drink it. There is a nice balance of oatmeal and bitter chocolate hints. The chocolate used is not the super sweet milk chocolate many of you are used to, it is reminiscent of the dark, bitter baking chocolate you may have accidentally stirred into your chocolate milk as a kid.

Now that I think about it, this stout would go great with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream… Mmm, bitter chocolate float.

As I read the back of the glass bottle, I find that the inspiration for this is the world wide hop shortage. In order for Stone to get their trademark bitter bite to this beer without “over hopping” it, they turned to some chocolatier friends. Using bitter chocolate would give the beer their trademark bitterness as well as a complexity in flavor and texture. Good call gents. What better way to celebrate an anniversary than to think outside the box, but stay true to your roots.

Here’s to 12 years of brewing ingenuity and originality, and many, many more years of success. CHEERS!!

I give Stone’s 12 Anniversary brew a 9 out of 10

Piraat Ale

2008-08-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Look: cloudy amber color with a frothy white head

Taste: Sweet citrus… Ooh! Too sweet!

Conclusion: Belgians, why did it have to be Belgians?! At first whiff, the overly sweet, fruity citrus aroma pierced my nostrils like a pirate scimitar. Further inspection of the bottle would have told me it was a Belgian pirate… the nastiest, most feared pirate of the seven seas.

I bought this beer because of the bottle; I mean, who doesn’t like pirates?

BLEH!! I plan on sending this brew down to Davy Jones’ Locker forever more. It’s a Haaar-sh beer to put down… sorry, couldn’t help myself.

2 out of 10.

Steam Whistle Brewery

2008-08-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

The Steam Whistle Brewery is located in the heart of Toronto, Canada in the shadow of the CN Tower. It is an unsuspecting place for a brewery, an abandoned rail road house. This brewery is significant in that the rail house they built the brewery in was entirely steam powered, and they have kept it mostly steam powered. This isn’t some kind of “going green” gimmick either, they started the brewery like this too keep the tradition of the rail yard. That gets extra brownie points in my book.

Steam Whistle only does one beer, and they do it well. Their signature Steam Whistle Pilsner is a traditional German style pilsner, following the strict German Purity Laws of brewing. Again, brownie points for Steam Whistle for staying true to tradition. This local brewery serves only the greater Toronto area, but you can probably find some sixers in some of the North Eastern US states. The greatest thing about this brewery is their dedication to customer service… THEY DELIVER!! Not only to restaurants and beer shops, we’re talking HOME DELIVERY!! So, you and your buds are getting ready to grill it up and watch the Toronto FC match or the Toronto Argonauts CFL game and no one wants to make a beer run… What to do, what to do… You call up Steam Whistle and put in an order for a few 12ers and you’re set. Next thing you know, food is ready to eat, door bell rings, and viola! Ze beer has arrived. This is a brilliant idea!! More breweries need to do something like that state side. I kid you not, my jaw hit the floor when I heard they do home deliveries.

The brewery was very nice and tidy inside. Its pretty small, but they only serve the Toronto area, so they do not need a giant brewery. It’s the perfect size for the region they are serving. They offer brew tours for $8 dollars (Canadian). The tour includes a walk through of the facility, which includes pulling the factory steam whistle (I felt like sliding down the stairs’ hand rails a-la Fred Flintstone), and you get two beer tasters and a free gift. Choice of a bottle opener, or a Steam Whistle sampler glass. While you’re in the brewery, might as well pick up a sixer, 12er, or 24 pack. What’s this you say? Big party, well, you’re in luck, they also sell kegs of different sizes to go.

I really enjoyed my tour of the brewery. The staff was beer knowledgeable and friendly. They also mentioned they were looking at expanding the brewery. What kind of expansion, they did not say, but I can only hope they are going to build out a bistro/ restaurant next to the brewery. After drinking that delicious beer, I really could have gone for a burger…

I give Steam Whistle Brewery an 8 out of 10… pending the expansion. I’ll have to head back after the expansion for an updated review.

EDIT: I received an update from Sybil Taylor from Marketing Communications of Steam Whistle Brewery. "Just wanted to let you know that there was one bit of misinformation. Our beer is actually available across Ontario in almost all Beer stores and LCBO outlets as well as hundreds of bars and restaurants. What is limited to the GTA is the Home Delivery. Hope that clarifies things for you.

Cheers,

Sybil Taylor

Marketing Communications

Steam Whistle Brewing"

Thank you for the correction Sybil.

Oh, and just an FYI... GTA is the Greater Toronto Area; not so much Grand Theft Auto.

Steam Whistle

2008-08-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Taste: very light and hoppy. Great barley flavor

Conclusion: This is a very solid German style pilsner offering by the Toronto based brewery. It has a light mouth feel to it, but is packed with barley flavor. Anyone who reads this blog knows I’m not too thrilled about blond beers as most of them are severely lacking in the flavor department, but this beer is one of those few exceptions to the rule. It’s a great BBQ beer for the summer if you can find a sixer or 12er. Catch is, they only sell it in the greater Toronto area. You may be able to find it in some of the North Eastern states as well.

Although not the perfect blond, this beer was close.

An 8 out of 10

Wychwood Scarecrow

2008-08-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

Taste: malty, crisp citrus flavor

Conclusion: This is a very mild and tame beer. I give Wychwood credit for making an organic beer, but it is seriously lacking in the flavor department. What little flavor is offered in this beer is quickly washed away. I has a sharp initial burst of flavor, but that’s about it.
Its decent, but nothing magical.

6 out of 10

Whchwood Hobgoblin – Dark English Ale

2008-08-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Taste: smoke and chocolate

Conclusion: The smoke and chocolate combo was really tame in this ale. Don’t get me wrong, they were present and accounted for, but I wouldn’t mind having a bit more flavor. Both the chocolate and the smoke hit you at the same time, which was strange. It was like a dark chocolate drink that had been left to burn on the stove. It had the aromas and flavors of both working in harmony.

I give it a 5 out of 10 because of he moderation in flavor.

West Coast IPA

2008-08-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

Taste: hoppy aroma, but kind of skunky

Conclusion: This beer was not the smoothest beer I’ve had, and is bordering one of the harshest. It had a dry flavor that was hard to get over, but not as hard to get over as the skunkyness of it. It had a distinct Fat Tire flavor, but not as good, and more bitter. Now, I love IPAs, and I am not a Fat Tire fan at all, so this one was a hard review for me. Has the hop flavors of an IPA, but the skunky flavor of a cheap beer.

I give it a 6 out of 10

Unibroue 16

2008-08-04T21:55:00.000-07:00

Taste: Belgian…

Conclusion: Although this is a dreaded Belgian beer, it was not overly sweet, and actually kind of sour. It has promise to be really good, but the sweet Belgian citrus is just a score killer. At 10%, you will definitely catch a good buzz… if you can handle the Belgian-ness of it.

A tolerable 5 out of 10

Summer Solstice Cervesa Crema

2008-08-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Taste: strong malt flavors throughout

Conclusion: This beer was too sweet for a summer brew. I couldn’t quite place the taste, but it had a definite creamy caramel flavor that was very overt. While it was light looking, it had an odd thickness to it, kind of like that half and half orange soda. Although it looks like a soda, it is thick and creamy. Same principle applies here.

I was not a big fan, I give it a 4 out of 10

Sam Adams Boston Lager

2008-08-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Taste: sharp hoppy taste with a crisp, clean finish.

Conclusion: this is a classic beer for all occasions. Its great on hot days, cool days, and even the late night midnight snack. It goes well with BBQs, pizza, hot wings, and the like. Its strong bold flavors make this beer a slight acquired taste, but once you acquire the taste, you will never look back to lesser lagers. You will crave the bold, hoppy flavors of Sam Adams lager.
If you wish to become a hop head, this is a great starter beer.

I give it an 8 out of 10

Queloque Chose

2008-08-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

Taste: Strong cherry flavor with hints of cinnamon, honey, clove and vanilla

Conclusion: This brew caught me off guard. It is a sour tasting lambic, but has a faint sweetness to it. The sweetness give way to a welcome tart flavor that gives this beer more complexity than a quantum physics formula.
You can easily sip or drink this Canadian beer all day and night. At 8% alcohol content, you may not be able to last all night, but the taste of the beer will challenge you to stop. Its smooth like a dark cherry flavored, sour wine. Needless to say, I really liked this beer. Lets hear it for our brewing friends up north.

7 out of 10

Pomme Apple Lambic

2008-08-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Taste: solid sour apple flavor

Conclusion: This is an okay lambic, but its nothing great. To be honest, this brings me back to the holiday tables I used to enjoy as a kid. It tastes like the apple ciders you pour kids instead of Champaign, only the cider’s flavor lasts longer on the tongue. It is initially sharp and in your face, but the sensation does not last, unfortunately… This lambic washes way too quickly.

I give it a nostalgic 4 out of 10

Maredsous Doubbel

2008-08-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Taste: another freakin’ Belgian…

Conclusion: I still don’t see the attraction to this brew style. Usually, Belgians are overly sweet, and overly fruity, which to me does not equate to a good beer. This one was slightly different. It was not overly sweet, nor overly citrusy, and actually had a smokey flavor to it. This is not your everyday Belgian beer. I do give it props for that, but its still a Belgian, so it loses major points for that.

A 5 out of 10

Lindmans Classis Lambic

2008-08-04T21:13:00.000-07:00

Taste: SOUR!!

Conclusion: I am still undecided, do lambics count as beers, per say or are they an offshoot like ciders? For the purposes of this site, I will review them as a beer if for no other reason that I like them…
The black currants in this brew offer a great flavor I have not tasted in an alcoholic beverage. The initial sensation is sour, but it washes away, eventually, and gives way to a pleasant sweetness. I suppose you can enjoy this beverage with a dinner, but I fancy it more of a pallet cleanser. I kid you not, it almost dries your tongue and you are left with a flavor of nothing in your mouth. Its hard to describe what nothing tastes like, but its like having a crisp clean start for your next bite of food or sip of a drink. Pretty awesome trick…

8 out of 10

Landshark Lager

2008-08-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Look: typical yellow lager look, little to no head

Taste: slight hoppy taste… maybe some barley… lots of water.

Conclusion: This beer had no flavor to speak of. Buttwiper has more to offer than this beer. It says it is an island inspired lager, but really, if any island inspires you to make this, you had best get off that island. You have obviously been there too long and have gotten lazy. I don’t want to say no effort was put into this beer because it had to take some massive effort to put hops, barley and yeast together and get no flavor in the end result. I mean not even an accident or anything.

This rates as one of the most bland tasting beers I’ve ever had. Not the way to get a party started, nor a very refreshing beer for those hot summer days. You’d do well buying a 12 pack of Arrowhead over this for liquid refreshment.

I give it a 1 out of 10.

Ice House

2008-08-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

Taste: Kind of bland, but with a barley kick. Has a slight sweetness to it, but its not overpoweringly sweet.

Conclusion: It’s a great beer for a hot day in the sun (or after skydiving) but it is still lacking in the flavor department for my liking. It is a bit stronger than your usual blond beer, but that’s no excuse to skimp on flavor.

I give it a 5 out of 10

Spanish Peaks Brewing Co. – Honey Raspberry Ale

2008-08-04T21:02:00.000-07:00

Taste: layered honey and raspberry flavors

Conclusion: While I am not a big fan of the sweet brews, this one was a little different. It offered a clean, initial honey flavor, followed by a strong raspberry flavor. Its major draw back is that the flavors do not linger in your mouth. The taste and aroma just wash away all too soon.
It’s a good desert beer, but would also be welcome on a warm day to sit back and kick back a few.

6 out of 10

Hiver Fantome

2008-08-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

Taste: it’s a freakin’ Belgian…

Conclusion: Bleh! Your typical sweet, citrus rubbish. Surprisingly, it was not as sweet as most Belgians, but the overly fruity flavors were still there.
I am done with this beer…

I give it a 5 out of 10

Gonzo Imperial Porter

2008-08-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Taste: very smokey, thick flavors

Conclusion: this was a thick beer, and kind of slow going down. It has a lingering smoke flavor that overpowers most everything else you eat or drink there after. Even though it was thick and smokey, it was very smooth. I could easily put down a few pints with relative ease.

I give it a 7 out of 10

Fullers 1845

2008-08-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Taste: nice smokey flavors and aroma though out

Conclusion: this was an above average English style porter. It had a nice smokey flavor to it, but it was not so much that it was in your face. Oddly refreshing for as dark as it was, but it was very good.
I’d have to be in the mood to drink a few pints, but yea, I’d give ‘er a shot…

I give this beer a 7 out of 10

Flemish Primitive Wild Ale

2008-08-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

Taste: Kind of skunky, like a warm cheese…

Conclusion: This is a Belgian style beer, but it is not your typical overly sweet beer. The citrus sweetness is still there, but it takes a back seat to the skunky taste. The beer is not bad it taken in very short amounts, but the skunkyness of it all culminating after each drink is too much. I could not finish my pint. It was just wrong after a while.

2 out of 10

Brother David’s Double Abbey Style Ale

2008-08-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Taste: smokey chocolate and malted barley

Conclusion: this beer has a strong initial kick, but it washes away all too easily. It lingers for a bit, but the lingering flavors are not strong at all. It has a semi-citrusy flavor, but the citrus flavors are not overpowering at all.
At 9% alcohol, you will definitely feel its effects, but its not so bad you cant kick back a few.
Its best if served very cold. I thoroughly enjoyed this beer… I enjoyed it a lot!

I give it an 8 out of 10

Sea Dog – Apricot Wheat Beer

2008-08-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

Taste: not good… not good at all

Conclusion: If you like apricots… a lot... then this is your beer. It is chocked full of apricot… stuff. The aroma is strong with apricot flavors, the taste is a strange one. It is apricot, but has wheat and yeasty notes. Believe me when I say this is NOT a good combo.
Whew, just writing this review is bringing me back to a place I don’t want to be.

2 out of 10

Alaskan Amber

2008-08-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Taste: malty and not very hoppy

Conclusion: This was an okay offering. The malty flavor was okay, but it could have used some hops to balance it out. It had a clean flavor, but it washed away too easily. There was a flavor in it that I could not place, however. After a little research, I found that this brew has been cold aged, changing the complexity of the brew.

Although this is a welcome change compared to your average brew, the flavors were not as exciting as I would have liked.

6 out of 10

Affligem Dubbel

2008-08-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

Taste: Yea, its another Belgian… there is no end to these beers

Conclusion: This Belgian is nothing special in its Belgian way. It is kind of bland, and actually washes way all too quick. It’s bitter sweet flavor is a different spin on the Belgian concoction, but its still a Belgian.

A 5 out of 10

Blue Dawg Brewing, Wild Blue

2008-07-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

Look: Purple pomegranate body with grape juice-like foam head.

Taste: Blueberries, cough syrup

Conclusion: Today we had a 5.8 earthquake at work and got out early. What better way to celebrate than to hop on the singlespeed bike and head to the liqour store for some brew!

This one caught my eye, mostly because there was a vast selection of mainstream filth in the beer section! Hey it's 8%! Might be an odd beer, but why not? Damn my curiosity to hell. The first swig I thought I was drinking those frozen fruit punch cylinders they sell at the supermarket. It really is similar tasting.

Blue Dawg Brewing describes it as "wildly refreshing". If flat Blueberry soda is refreshing...I agree! Their site even pairs this "interesting" beer with food dishes: "dishes, like pork tenderloin with apricot mustard, really brings out the flavors and aromas in this full-bodied beer. I also enjoy this beer paired with a mixed-green salad with dried fruit” Whaaa? I couldn't imagine this Nutrasweet tasting blueberry drink would go with any food item. But if you drink cups of cough syrup with dinner I think you may disagree with me. So who recommended this science experiment of a brew anyway? --> Jill Vaughn, a brewmaster from Anheuser-Busch. Oooooh...it all makes sense.

2 Brews(I use that term loosely)!

Victory, Golden Monkey

2008-07-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

Look: Orange cloudy body with floating sediment. White, silky head reminiscent of lemon meringue topping

Taste: Smells of vinegar and spices. Fruits and spices

Conclusion: This fine brew was recommended by someone on this site. I'd been looking for it in an individual bottles and didn't want to pony up the cash for a whole sixer.

This was actually the best Belgian I've ever had. It still had the strong vinegar smell and finish but was lightly equipped with tasty fruits and spices. Definitely not as brash and sickly sweet as other Belgians. A welcome respite from my arch nemesis'(Belgians) sickening attacks. Thanks Victory!

P.S. Big ups to "Jeremy" from the East Coast for recommending this to me. It took me a year to find, Jeremy, but I did it! My excuse is I could only find this in a 6 pack and I have personal rules against buying 6 packs of Belgians(no offense Mr. Golden M0nkey).

7 Brews! (That's like a 9 for a Belgian in my book)

Deschutes, Inversion IPA

2008-07-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Look: Brown with hint of orange. Almost no head that is lacy and light

Taste: Hop-filled with a delicious aroma.

Conclusion: This drink has a bitter first which is dulled by the sweet bouquet of citrus flavored hops.

Its named after Oregon's high desert phenomenon called Inversion. This happens when there is a fog in the valleys but it gets sunnier the further you travel up the mountain. Similar to drinking this glorious IPA, you will ascend to the heavens and a white light will lead to the bountiful field of hops.

This 6.8% IPA packs a ton of sticky bountiful hops in an adequately powerful package that is a delight to consume. Deschutes strikes again. I love their Porter too.

8 Brews!

Kona, Longboard Island Lager

2008-07-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Look: Clean crisp gold with slight white head

Taste: Barley and a slightly bitter finish

Conclusion: Okay, I've had this brew before at a restaurant called Islands but I never got a picture of it. I was sad, only because I'd have to buy the beer again to get the picture. As luck had it I asked my wife to pick me up an IPA from the store last week. Instead of IPA she heard "beer"....so I got me a sixer of Kona Longboard Island Lager.

Disappointed not to be downing my IPA, I cracked one of these open and tasted the mediocrity I remembered from my visit to Islands(no relation to this beer). Like a million other Budwiesers, Coronas, and Tecates, this brew tasted like "fizzy yellow beer". And as Stone Brewing states, that kind of beer is for wussies.

Not saying it didn't taste good. Actually, on a hot day a brew like this is refreshing if only because it's cool and tastes beer-like. The finish was either slightly bitter or slightly skunky...I couldn't tell the difference. As such, I dub this beer....Meh.

4 Brews!

Port Brewing, Shark Attack Double Red Ale

2008-06-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Look: Reddish Auburn with a short lasting lace head

Taste: Bitter bit with thick hop and malt, resiny mouthfeel

Conclusion: Port Brewing has had better names for other beers, though this one is no exception to their constant excellence.

This is a 9% equipped Double Red Ale. This is my first of this type. Although not my favorite, red ales are usually a bit sweet and have that sturdy malt backbone. This one had it's malt backbone ripped open by a shark, and boy is it delicious!

The mouthfeel borders on the chewy and feels strong but not overly heavy. Stronger beers need not sit in your stomach like a brick.

This brew knocked my socks off. The more beers I have from Port the more I want to go back and try more. Their fame apparently reached the bay area too. When we went up for Strong Beer Month in the bay we ran into Port's Old Viscosity at what turned out to be a predominantly Belgian beer bar. That's a lot of B's! Their fame will only increase when people find this absolute gem of a brewery. Like Stone, they push out some staggeringly strong flavored brews that make savor every last drop.

8 Brews!

Dogfish Head, 90 Minute IPA

2008-06-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Look: Deep oak color with fine white head

Taste: Strong hop and barley with chewy mouthfeel and floral/Carmel flavoring

Conclusion: I'd heard of this IPA's fame from another beer review site. I hadn't been able to find it anywhere and had given up hope until I hit up a new liquor store last week. The adventurous are rewarded!

Basically this beer is brewed with a single, constant 90 minute hop addition, lots of barley is added and then it's dry-hopped.

I'm happy to say their efforts paid off, big time. The brew is 9% alcohol and the initial taste is powerful bitter. The mouthfeel is pretty dang thick. The flavor is floral and Carmel. I'm sure there's more, but it was such a delight to try figuring out what they were. This has taken it's rightful place as one of my favorite IPAs.

It also has a slight carbonation throughout the drink that lightens the feel of the thick body. However, at the finish the carbonation dissipates and your left with Carmel and sweet flavors that stay to dance the night away on your tongue.

Man, I had a really lucky run with a new liquor store I found. This was, by far, my favorite out of a stellar bunch of brews. One of the BEST IPAs out there! Superb!

9 Brews!

Baron's, Black Wattle Superior

2008-06-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Look: Brandy Wood with fine, minimal head

Taste: Chewy with sweet malt flavor and bitter edge

Conclusion: Despite it's dark looks, I thought that the 5.8% alcohol was an indication that this beer was going to be a bit watery. Surprisingly this beer had very good legs to stand on. A chewy malt flavor is present throughout.

Now, I've never had the Australian Wattle Seed but I really like the flavor it gave the beer. This one was different but still pretty tasty. Cheers mate!

6 Brews!

Anchor Brewing, Old Foghorn Barley Wine

2008-06-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Look: Reddish oak color with a short-lasting lacy tan head

Taste: Sharp initially with spices and carbonation throughout

Conclusion: Anchor Brewing has been going since 1876 in San Francisco. Their Anchor Steam is a delicious light ale. I was enticed into buying this one immediately but thought it strange for a brew dubbed a barley wine to have only 8.8% alcohol.

The taste is initially sharp but gives way to hearty barley and spices. It finishes with a warming prune and thick nutty malt finish.

The dry-hopping adds offsets the alcohol and makes the lasting flavor pleasant and non-offensive.

As I sipped I could imagine myself in the soupy fog of the San Francisco bay, cruising on a tugboat with an Old Foghorn in hand. I was curious about the "low" alcohol content for a barley wine but what this brew lacks in alcoholic power it makes up for in robust and amazingly delicious flavor. It has a warming, almost rum-like, quality to it, and I'd love to have this one on a cold winter day by a fire. Just a spectacular barley wine, that I enjoyed thoroughly.

9 Brews!

**After a talk with my friend, we decided to give this brew a perfect 10. Its just that good.**

Stone, Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale

2008-06-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Look: Brick red like the original. Thin light tan head that disappears quickly

Taste: Bitter with floral and sweet hops

Conclusion: I do believe Arrogant Bastard was one of, if not the first brews we reviewed on here. Life is a circle and we come back around to it again.

This is, obviously, an oak barrel aged version of their powerfully tasty original. The initial taste is almost a bitter pineapple bite. Then the sweet hops creep in and douse the fires of bitterness.

I could definitely taste the difference as I just had a regular Arrogant Bastard last week. I'm sad to say this one wasn't what I'd hoped. Don't get me wrong, it didn't taste bad. I just felt the bitter and sweet theme of the beer didn't blend that seamlessly with the oak aging. Still cool to see Stone trying different takes on their beer. They always seem to have some kind of specialty beer on tap. This one, however, just not something I'd go back to routinely. I'll stick with the original.

6 Brews!

Birra Moretti – La Rossa

2008-05-14T15:00:00.001-07:00

Look: Caramel color with light foamy head

Taste: Smoky with hints of sweet barley

Conclusion: This is a much better offering from Birra Moretti. The smoky flavor lingers in your mouth after the beer has gone down and there is a great floral aroma in the glass. You can get a whiff just by bringing the glass up to your lips, its great. The beer is not hoppy at all, but the smoke flavor may overpower some finer fish or pasta dishes. It goes great with any meat or red sauce dishes however. The strong flavors were a welcome addition to diner that evening.
The beer still has the flavors of the original Birra Moretti blond beer, but it has a stronger punch when it comes to flavor. Bluntly put, it’s less bland, and that’s a good thing. This is the Beer Lao Dark of Italy; it is made by a company that makes a very popular blond, but wishes to branch out to the dark side. I really need to give these breweries a fair chance. I am always hesitant to try darks from a mostly blond beer brewing company, but I’m two for three so far. Not too bad… so long as Buttwiper doesn’t get any bright ideas. That’ll just be wrong!! Wont it?

I give La Rossa an 8 out of 10

(You'll have to excuse the Guinness glass. It was the best glass I had on hand to catch the aroma of the beer)

New Belgium, Springboard Ale

2008-05-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Look: Cloudy urine-yellow with a lacy white head

Taste: Crisp, sweet, refreshing barley with a huge floral bouquet

Conclusion: By the number of New Belgium brews on here you'd assume I'm a large fan. Actually my regular liquor store just happens to switch their brews in and out through the seasons.

I wanted a beer my wife could enjoy too, for our anniversary weekend. By the way, if your wife desires beer instead of flowers go give that woman a kiss on the head. You have yourself a keeper. Anyway, this is a fairly strong brew(although the ABV was not listed anywhere I could find) that, like most blond ales, is crisp and light. However, the middle and finish of the brew are where it differs drastically from the norm.

New Belgium uses Chinese herbs including Gogi berries, Schisandra(I don't know what that is either) and even wormwood in the brewing process. These combine to give a savory and amazingly complex finish. My brewing compadre has it in his mind that he will someday find a superior blond. I think I may have beat him to it. This one falls right at the top of my blond list along with Phuket's. I'd prefer this one with a little warm weather but I'm positive it'd taste good in any climate. I highly recommend this extraordinary blond!

8 Brews!

Samuel Smith's, Taddy Porter

2008-05-03T07:54:00.001-07:00

Look: Black with barely noticeable mocha head

Taste: Toasted malts, smooth finish

Conclusion: You might be wondering why I only have one item under "taste". Well, that's because this is really the only flavor that I could gather throughout this entire drink.

The drink itself has a medium to light body, like a porter should, but the roasted malts overpower anything else this drink had going on. I waited for the brew to warm to room temperature and that's when I really started enjoying it. Although I could never detect any other flavor, I still love that Sam Smith can pull off a brew so plain. In their regular styling, this Porter was robust and delicious while maintaining it's smooth ending. Never are Sam Smith brews over-carbonated and I love that.

Definitely a solid Porter here but don't expect it to knock your socks off. Like a British woman in bed, it'll do everything it's supposed to but doesn't go the extra mile to satisfy. Still, I'd choose this Porter over a lot of others.

6 Brews!

Samuel Smith's, India Ale

2008-04-30T17:16:00.000-07:00

Look: Amber with light-brown silky head

Taste: Bitter but spice filled with a substantial hop presence

Conclusion: I had to pick this ale up from the local grocery store. This is Samuel Smith's India Ale. Basically it's a throwback to the beginnings and tradition of actual India Pale Ales. These brews were made to be more powerful in order to survive the long journey from Britain to...that's right, India! Two gold stars for you.

Our American IPAs are drastically different from this one. American IPAs tend to have that big hop charge up front and throughout the drink with a sweet, floral taste to them.

This India Ale, while definitely retaining the hop power, tastes strongly of warm spices throughout the entire drink but finishes clean. I didn't catch the alcohol content on this one but it has to be up near 7% or so. The spices are in your face and bring plenty of hops along for the ride. I'll be honest, I cater more toward the American IPA just because they're so goddamn tasty, but this one was excellent in it's own right. I'd definitely recommend a drink if you want to get an idea how actual homegrown India Pale Ale tastes.

7 Brews!

Stone Vertical Epic

2008-04-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Look: Amber color, light foamy white head when poured

Taste: Lots of citrus, definitely barley… almost Belgian, but not as sweet.

Conclusion: I know, I know, it’s a Belgian-ish beer, but this one is different. It does not have the horrid, over-the-top sweetness that many other Belgians do (Delirium Tremens). Vertical Epic has the citrus tang to it, the natural barley sweetness, and the malt liquor taste to it, but it does not have the “extra sugar added to cover up our errors” flavor.
At first sip, the citrus and sweet hit my nostrils like a Mike Tyson punch. “Aw Crap!” I thought, “a freakin’ Belgian…” My first few sips were not too exciting. It had a distinctive malt liquor taste to it and a distinct citrus flavor, but the sweet was not there. After a few sips, I began to enjoy the beer. It could have been that my taste buds to used to the flavor, or that I was getting buzzed rather quickly, but after a while, the beer is not bad. The strong flavors last through out the drink (and my buzz), and eventually you get used to it. Don’t get me wrong, its not the best offering Stone has, but its not the worst… or maybe it is, but that’s not a bad thing, it still Stone!

The alcohol content was not listed on the growler label, but I imagine this one to be in the 9-10% area. Even the Stone site does not give a percentage, only that it “varies.” Well, this one varied well.
I give Stone’s Belgian-ish offering a 7 out of 10.

BEER FLOAT

2008-04-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients: Stone Imperial Russian Stout and Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream

Taste: The beer choice is strong, smoked coffee flavor and bitter. The vanilla ice cream adds a sweet after taste to the concoction.

Conclusion: I know what you’re thinking, but no, this is not the first time I’ve had one of these; nor will it be the last. Think of it as a colder, bolder black and tan. My first was at a bar with some soccer hooligans I’ve since befriended. They ordered me up a Newcastle float some years ago. I’ve since had a few more, but the last one of note was at the fabled Stone Brewery on my last birthday. I decided to replicate the experience and review it for the site, since technically it is beer related. We’ve had a bit of a heat wave the past few days in SoCal, so I thought a beer float would hit the spot. Nice and cold brew with some ice cream… it just hit the spot. Thing is, the beer was so strong, it kind of warmed me up a bit too. Still worth it though. The depth of flavors created was pretty amazing. I used some traditional vanilla ice cream, about one scoops worth, because it’s a pretty versatile ice cream with its neutral flavor and all. The foam created was pretty wicked. To say it was an acquired taste is an understatement. The foam is very bitter with an ever so slight sweetness to it. It contained all the smokey flavors of the beer as well, so you have a bitter sweet, smokey, eatable cloud floating at the top of your drink, and its pretty harsh. After a few spoonfuls of the stuff, I couldn’t take it any more. I busted out my straw to get to the goodness of the beer. The foam was so thick it held my straw in place without it sinking to the bottom of my mug. I did not see that coming.

“LOOK MA, NO HANDS!”

The vanilla ice cream blended well with the smoked coffee flavor of the beer, but something was missing… Blend you say? I gave it a stir with my spoon then tried it again. Man, what a difference. Its like a dark beer milkshake! …with some harsh foam on top. The beer itself was fantastic though. Nice and creamy with a better mix of bitter and sweet and a strong smokey blast. This drink is cool enough to ward off the heat, but thick and strong enough to keep you warm in the dead of winter. Its kind of like those new sports jerseys being made by Nike and Adidas that will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Only this one tastes good and looks better.

I'd recomend trying this with any dark beer because of the more intense flavors dark beers bring to the table. Maybe a vanilla or any other sweet stout would work great as well. Although I've not tried it yet, I bet this would work great with a Young's Double Chocolate Stout... Mmmm, chocolate beer float...

I didn’t give this post a score because its not a drink you can just go to the store and purchase… well, not yet anyway. STONE, get working on it!!

Beer Lao Dark

2008-04-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

Look: Dark like a Newcastle, but not as thick

Taste: Light and refreshing like a pilsner or a lager, but with a semi-sweet malty flavor

Conclusion: I must give credit to my friend Carlos for finding this gem in Laos. I was pretty burnt out of trying all the horrid blond beers from South East Asia that a brewery that made a dark beer scared the crap out of me. Immediately, flashbacks of the atrocity that is Heineken Brown came rushing into my head. “Aw hell,” I thought to my self, “you only live once.” I am so glad I tried this beer. It was easily the best beer I had the whole trip!
Understand that Carlos and I do not agree on a lot of things such as beer, bars, clubs, etc. So when he liked it, I was worried, to say the least. Well, we have beer number two we agree upon. It is light and easily drinkable. It has a semi-sweet, smokey malt flavor that hangs around in your senses for a while and it is most welcome to move in if it pleases. Beer Lao was good, Beer Lao Dark was better. I can not stop singing the praises of this beer. I have sadly not found it in any import shops I’ve been to, but if you do find a sixer, pick it up. You’ll thank me later. While you’re at it, pick one up for me too!

I give Beer Lao Dark a 8 out of 10.

Birra Moretti

2008-04-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Look: Light gold color with foamy white head

Taste: Lots of barley flavor with a semi-sweet malty flavor

Conclusion: This is an Italian import I found at my deli. Again, a poor offering from the other side of the pond. I guess if you’re having pasta with sea food and water just wont do, this would be the next best thing.
It has a good aroma when you hold the beer in your mouth for a bit, but then it just disappears. If they could get the great aroma to hang around for a while longer, the score would have been higher. It wasn’t that bad, but the good flavor the beer had just washed away like a leaf in the Colorado River.

I give it a 4 out of 10

Hillas Beer

2008-04-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Look: Foamy white head with light golden color

Taste: Malted barley flavor, but kind of soapy…

Conclusion: I picked this beer up at my local deli hoping to find something that paired up well with my sandwich… not so much. It is a Greek import that was big on malt flavor with a clean finish, but it washed away all too quickly. It was refreshing, if only for a few seconds.
I’m always looking for import beers. “Taste the world, one beer at a time.” I always say… well, I will from now on anyway. The thing I don’t understand is why many countries are afraid of flavor. I have come to the conclusion that the hotter the country, the worse their beer. Seriously, the more of this beer I drank, the lower the score went.

I give this beer a 3 out of 10

Stone, Russian Imperial Stout

2008-04-12T09:07:00.001-07:00

Look: Black as the deepest depths of the ocean. Small lacy tan head

Taste: Massive mouthfeel with chocolate, roasted malty flavor and a warm burn

Conclusion: This is a 10% behemoth in monster's clothing. The brew doesn't try to deceive you with it's dark and thick pour. It tells exactly of what's to come which is an initial coat of varnish...errr stout, that covers your tongue and starts to distribute the gargantuan roasted malts and rich notes. I saw on the label they even brew it with some anise. There's a multitude of different dark and luscious flavors that come through excellent, but even better when it's warmed a bit.

Speaking of warm that alcohol doesn't burn at the end of the taste but gradually cozens your innards like Peto-Bismol(if it actually tasted good). This certainly isn't the strongest beer alcohol-wise but it's heavy enough that you have to enjoy it and take your time. My buddy and I had one prior to heading into a LA Galaxy game and found it exceedingly difficult to chug the last couple gulps. Try chugging hot chocolate...you get the same effect.

Still, this Russian Imperial Stout is amazingly stellar and would go probably just perfect as a beer float. If you do indulge in ice cream that is. Don't miss this one. It's a keeper...at least for as long as you can resist opening it.

Oxidizer Double IPA – Rock Bottom, LBC

2008-04-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

Look: Looks like royalty in that goblet… but it was Golden yellow

Taste: Very sharp and hoppy that takes over the senses

Conclusion: This was a solid offering by Haley. You can smell the hops in this baby as you lift the goblet to your mouth. I was sold after that. It has a great crisp flavor, but alas, it washed away all too quickly. Its beers like these that I wish the flavor lingered on the tongue a while longer. That hoppy aroma was music to my… um, nose.
Any way, at 9%, you really don’t feel it right away, which was surprising. It kind of sneaks up on you as you get up to use the potty. I had some finger food with it, and it paired up great with my sampler plate. The only major draw back was it cost double the normal price to fill up my growler with some Oxidizer… blasted hops shortage!!

I give Oxidizer a solid 7 out of 10. It was not the best IPA, but an above average, solid IPA never the less.

Hornsby’s Hard Cider – Amber Draft

2008-04-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

Look: Amber yellow with Champaign bubbles

Taste: slightly sour with strong apple taste throughout

Conclusion: Is this a beer? Its sold in the beer section of liquor stores and they should know right? Well, I was kind of torn. I’m a cider fan. Sometimes you want a beer, but not the bitterness or blandness that comes with many of the domestic beer offerings. Cider usually comes through to fill in that craving.
Hornsby’s is a bit it a beer 101 for the unindoctrinated; those who want to have their first beer, but don’t know where to start. Cider was my first “beer” way back when and it was a great way to get started. It has a ever so slight bitter and sour bite to it that gives way to a crisp and clean apple cider taste. It has a low alcohol content, so you can easily kick back a few and not feel too drunk, but it’s 6% will sneak up on you and give you a slight buzz.
I recommend drinking ciders ice cold. The warmth of the drink will take away from the experience – and it’s a good experience to have.

I give Hornsby’s a 4 out of 10 because I am not so sure its even a beer…

Raspberry Stout (Cask Conditioned) - Rock Bottom, LBC

2008-03-30T05:28:00.001-07:00

Look: Pitch black with a dark brown 1/2 head(Dog face means picture not available)

Taste: Light mouthfeel with roasted malt and chocolate flavors and overriding raspberry

Conclusion: This is one of Rock Bottom Brewery's seasonal brews at their Long Beach location. My wife and I hit the place up for lunch yesterday so I had to try this one out.

It essentially tastes like a slightly thicker Guinness initially as it has that light mouthfeel uncommon to stouts. The roasted malt and chocolate flavors are very strong and come through the raspberry flavor that's there from start to finish. The wife said the raspberry was to "mediciney". I'd tend to take her word since I was already two deep into their beers. Still it wasn't too bad and almost was like a dessert treat. You know those Sees Candy chocolate nuggets with the raspberry nougat filling? It takes exactly as if someone dropped one of those in here. Not bad at all. I'd definitely go for another of these in the future.

6 Brews!

Delirium Tremens

2008-03-26T11:26:00.001-07:00

Look: Foamy white head floating above an orange/ amber color beer

Taste: Fruity citrus flavors of orange and grape fruit throughout

Conclusion: It’s a Belgian… my brother brought over this bottle for me to try. He said he loves it because, “it tastes like malt liquor, but with citrus.” I couldn’t agree more. That’s probably the reason I am not a big fan of Belgian beers to begin with, but I digress.
At first pour, it releases a fruity aroma that takes over your senses. Its fruity yet it has that familiar new beer smell. There is a semi-sweet malt flavor through out, but it washes down much like a Budweiser would… only mixed with orange and grape fruit juice.

I still don’t get the mass appeal of this style…

I give this beer a 6 out of 10. One or two of those points are because the bottle looks cool.

Karl Strauss, Red Trolley

2008-03-20T18:20:00.001-07:00

Look: Mahogany with chocolate brown head

Taste: Malt with sweet carbonated malt finish

Conclusion: Karl Strauss is a rather large and storied brewery in San Diego, CA. My wife and I stopped by their restaurant at the Universal City Walk in Los Angeles and this was my first crossing with the Red Trolley. It's obviously a red ale but has a considerate amount of character for something from one of the larger breweries.

Fortunately this beer survived the large scale operation that Karl Strauss has become. It's medium bodied but has a decent amount of sediment floating as you drink it. Mmmm...I love more beers that don't filter out all the good stuff, it lets you know your beer has some nuts on it. Well, that's probably the wrong verbage to use for a beer. Ah well. This brew comes with some medium bodied sweet malts that are quite crisp. There's a zippy finish that lets you know how much carbonation is in there. A good amount but not soda pop strong. Quite the solid offering from Karl Strauss.

6 Brews!

Anchor Steam Beer

2008-03-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Look: Amber color with little to no head

Taste: Very sharp, bitter initial taste, give way to semi-sweet malty flavor

Conclusion: This beer uses a lot of malts, and announces it proudly. It has a very distinct taste of malts, and not too hoppy. It tastes almost skunky, but its not skunky… Its hard to explain, you just have to pick up a bottle and try it out for your self. I really enjoy this beer when I can find it. In Northern California, its pretty easy to come by, as it’s a San Fran. based brewery, but in So. Cal. I tend to pick up a sixer when I come across one.
The bottle claims it is brewed almost entirely by hand with minimal machinery used - they call it a ‘traditional’ method. The name is based on a 19th century beer brewing technique that has been lost in the sands of time. Story goes, West Coast beer was called steam because the brewers used to release steam out of the kettles the beer was brewing in. This was opposed to the cold brewing techniques used on the East Coast. The hot brew method left a very distinct flavor and texture to the beer that is slightly noticeable in the new incarnation.

I give Anchor Steam a 7 out of 10

Avery Brewing, Collaboration Not Litigation

2008-03-08T14:54:00.001-08:00

Look: Cloudy almond with smooth 1/2 white head

Taste: Vinegar/yeast start with oak, nut flavor, finished with sweet malt

Conclusion: This brew was a joint venture between Russian River Brewing and Avery Brewing Company. It's intent(as openly discussed on the side label) is to raise funds for an "educational trip" to Belgium where they will travel with brewers from Port Brewing, Dogfish Head, and Allagash Brewing to further unravel the mysteries of Belgian brewing.

Both Russian River and Avery Brewing have beers named "Salvation" so they took the best of both beers and joined forces(sounds like a comic book) to create this fine Belgian. Like other Belgians it starts with the pungent and strong smell of yeast and vinegar. This is the difficulty I've always had with drinking Belgians, along with their sweetness. This one was no different but the oak and nut flavors serve to get your senses back under control. The finish is a rich, sweet malt flavor that lingers but doesn't stick to your tongue. All in all, actually a pretty good Belgian. Never thought I'd hear myself say that! I could be coming around on these ultra sweet brews...maybe.

7 Brews!

He'brew, Origin

2008-03-08T14:43:00.001-08:00

Look: Cloudy but translucent brown with red glow and a Hale Berry cocoa skin colored head

Taste: Bitter with a hop filled bite and pomegranate aftertaste

Conclusion: This is labeled as an Imperial Amber Ale with a stout 8% alcohol volume. When I smelled the drink I thought I was in for a double IPA style beer and I was right. There's the strong hoppy and bitter zip but the flavor in the middle, and after the taste, are of pomegranate.

After reading the interesting label on the side of the bottle you'll be wise to the fact that the pomegranate is actually a symbol of fertility in many cultures. I realized after drinking this I hadn't had a pomegranate for years and forgot how good they are. If you've every spoiled a good shirt while eating pomegranate you'll want to check out this brew. It's such a refreshing, rich and scrumptious drink that puts a unique twist to a highly hopped beer. Fan-friggin-tastic.

9 Brews!

Salzburger, Stiegl

2008-03-08T14:38:00.001-08:00

Look: Gold with no head

Taste: Mellow barley flavor with bitter aftertaste

Conclusion: Blame it on the green bottle but this beer didn't feel right from the start. It's smell was of barley but a very chemical and bland tasting one. There just wasn't enough flavor on the front end to balance out the bitter and displeasing taste your left with.

I suppose I'd give this one a chance again if I found it on tap, however, it was too old and a slight bit skunky tasting for my likes. Austria is a beautiful place. This beer fall short though.

4 Brews!

Port Brewing, Hop-15

2008-03-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

Look: Vibrant orange/brown with a lacy cream head

Taste: Sharp, bitter, hoppy with citrus

Conclusion: This comes straight from Pizza Port Brewing in California. This was their way of celebrating one of the location's 15 year anniversary. And what a way to celebrate. It's brewed with 15 different types of hops. Hops are apparently put, every 15 minutes, into the brew. Damn does the overload of hops come through.

This 9.7% Double IPA brings a sharp and bitter rolled-up-newspaper-smack-on-the-nose. But don't worry, you haven't been a bad dog. You're then rewarded with the second waive from tsunami of hops. A citrus tastes highlights the hops and your left with a resiny coat of mouth watering hops to savor. Over the past year I've noticed my compass pointing more and more at overhopped Double IPAs and this brew is reason why. If you're in California and can get your hands on it, you'll be in for one helluva treat. The label shows a beer being carpet bombed with hops. Rightly so. It'll do the same to your tongue. This beer made my day.

9 Brews!

Hunter Valley, Bluetongue

2008-03-08T13:53:00.001-08:00

Look: Golden brown with bleached head

Taste: Mellow spiced ale with bitter malt finish

Conclusion: Here was another fine surprise from the Beers of the World pack. The mouthfeel is smooth and glides the silky spice flavors down your throat with a very long lasting malt and bitter aftertaste. This is a chameleon of a beer and goes through different "colors" throughout the taste. Personally I like the rollercoaster ride brews as they tend to keep you on your toes. Quite different from the normal Pilsner, this is an Australian Pilsener. I wish I could find a sixer of this thing. Really liked the subtle spices and the ending slap on the tongue. Ah, I see...bruised tongue from the finish...bluetongue. Clever Aussies!

7 Brews!

Aguila

2008-03-08T13:45:00.001-08:00

Look: Dirty yellow with a foam white head

Taste: Flat malt, with almost no aftertaste

Conclusion: This South American beer tasted more like the commercial offerings like Tecate or Modelo. Just a very simple malt beer made to be drunk in large quantities or on a hot day. I had this with a burrito and some Tapatio hot sauce...helped to put out the fire nicely.

Here is another from the Beers of the World. I'll call this one a hit only because it serves it's purpose as a light but tasty blond, useful for washing down a meal.

5 Brews!

Okocim Brewery, O.K. Beer

2008-03-08T13:38:00.001-08:00

Look: Orangish yellow with a white head

Taste: Flat but pleasant barley

Conclusion: This is a polish brew that has 5.6% alcohol and dates back to 1845. The drink is subtle, crisp and clean and has a medium weight body. It comes off as a light beer that could go easily with any meal. Nonoffensive but tasty. Not a whole lot going on and I wasn't very excited.

A decent blond but nothing exciting or distinguishing that would make me want to come back. This was another of the Beers of the World pack. Missed on this one.

4 Brews!

He’Brew – Jewbelation Eleven

2008-03-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Look: Dark as sin, brown head

Taste: Sharp initial taste followed by sweet malt flavor, and a smoky finish

Conclusion: A lot of time and effort went into this beer and you can taste it. It starts you off with a nice sharp sting on your tongue, and then a semi-sweet malt wash takes over. The end result is a smoky flavor that lingers on your tongue. It hits the trifecta of taste, smell, and look very nicely.
From what I gather from the label, they elevened the hell out of this beer: 11th anniversary, 11 malts, 11 hops, 11% alcohol, it was even kosher certified by 11 rabbis... Okay, maybe not the last one, but I mean, there’s even a dial on neck of the bottle turned up to eleven!! Who does that?!
Truth be told, I bought this beer simply because I thought the label was hilarious! It’s as though they put just as much thought into the label as they did the beer itself. On the left side in small print, there is a great little spiel about the use of 11 in science, film, music and what not. It’s definitely worth a read.

I wish I could give this beer an 11 out of 10 to go with the theme, but alas, it only earns an honorary 11. It really gets a 9 out of 10.

Spaten, Oktoberfest

2008-03-06T16:52:00.001-08:00

Look: Maple oak with a cocoa colored, minimal head

Taste: Sweet malt with a light mouthfeel and almost no bitterness

Conclusion: Who better to teach us the ways of Oktoberfest than good old Spaten of Alemania? Since these types of beers are brewed to be drunk in mass quantity I was astonished at the heaviness, or at the least the illusion of it, that came with the drink.

The taste is of sweet malt and barley. This is, quite honestly, the best Oktoberfest I've tasted. Ze Germans at Spaten definitely have this beer down pat. An overachieving drink that avoids falling into the bland and watered-down cage that too many Oktoberfests get trapped in.

7 Brews!

Phuket, Lager

2008-03-01T17:24:00.000-08:00

Look: Crystal clear yellow with no head

Taste: Dull but clean barley with soft finish

Conclusion: This Thai beer is right at about 4% so it's not offensive at all. I had this with a light sandwich and it paired perfectly. The flavor is a smooth and has a quiet barley flavor that is cleaner than a lot of other blondes I've tasted. Most definitely a superb lager that avoids the oh so common blonde beer trait of ending skunky or bitter.

Supposedly the green bottles aren't as good as keeping Pepe Lepew out but I found no evidence of stinky in this fine drink. Most impressive considering it's inclusion in the "Beers of the World" pack. This is brew #2 of the bunch and so far...2 for 2! And a funny name to boot...this beer just keeps on giving.

7 Brews!

Spaten, Optimator

2008-03-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

Look: Brown/velvet with a tiny cocoa head

Taste: Medium body, aged oak and malts

Conclusion: This is one of 10 beers I received in a "Beers of the World" pack. The last one I had was godawful so I had absolutely no expectations. This was the strongest of the bunch with a 7.2% alcohol kick.

The drink starts with a tasty and dense malt base that expands into a deep and aged oak body and finishes with almost no aftertaste. This was a great start to the whole pack but I have a feeling I should have saved this for last. Hopefully I'll find some more surprises. This certainly was an excellent dark German brew that I'd go back for in a heart beat.

8 Brews!

New Belgium, 2 Below

2008-02-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Look: Amber and almost completely translucent with a slight, white head

Taste: light body with tame spice and floral overtones, dry finish

Conclusion: I saw this one on the shelf for quite a while but fell too deeply in love with New Belgium's 1554. Finally took a crack at it and have since abandoned the 1554...ha!

At 6.6% is still feels like a light brew, but one that's on it's way(it's at the border and going through customs)to being a thicker ale. The spice and floral flavors are slight and you'd think this was a summer ale, if not for it's tendency to warm the stomach. Like Fat Tire it does have a very malty, almost pastry-like, base to it. The beer is dry hopped and also is stored in very cold conditions(hence the name). The finish is, predictably, dry but not so much that it kills the flavor of the drink. This is a great winter concoction.

7 Brews!

Grolsch Premium Lager

2008-02-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

Look: sunshine yellow with a foamy white head

Taste: Refreshing barley taste with a slight hoppy after taste

Conclusion: This beer is great for a hot summers day. The beer itself was not too exciting, but it had a very distinct, clean taste. At 6.5% alcohol, it allows you to have a few while catching a nice buzz. My brother and I finished a 1.5 liter bottle while loading a truck with furniture and this beer was just the thing we needed to quench our thirst. It was light and tasted better than water, but I am still on the hunt for the perfect blond…

I give it a 5 out of 10.

Rubicon Brewing Co. IPA

2008-02-27T21:44:00.001-08:00

Look: Golden color, no head

Taste: Sharp, bitter initial hit that lingers for a while before finishing of with a nice mild after taste.

Conclusion: The great bitter sweet aroma of hops takes over your senses when you pour this beer into a glass. This aroma sets the stage for a refreshing beer that is tough up front, but has a softer side once you get to know it. It is not so bitter that it destroys your taste buds, but it does give them a shock with each drink. The shock dissipates with the sweet sent that you pick up in your mouth as you swallow the beer. It caught me off guard at first, but it’s a great balancing act done by the brewer to give you a fresh start after each drink.

I enjoyed this IPA, I give it a 7 out of 10.

Beer Lao

2008-02-27T21:42:00.001-08:00

Look: Blond, light foamy head

Taste: nice barley flavor with a slight bitter to it, but not overwhelming

Conclusion: This was the second best beer I had on my whole trip. I can not tell you how may of these cans my friends and I drank. We just could not get enough! Well, that and there were really no other beers to drink… that’s besides the point! This beer had a great balance of refreshing bitter that gave way to a delectable cooling sweetness. We were not phased by the humidity or the heat at all. Sun burn was a different story.
While not the perfect blond, this baby came very, very close to being it. I don’t know if you can find it here in the states. Probably an import shop will be your best bet. I highly recommend you give this beer a try - you wont regret it.

I give Beer Lao an 7 out of 10

San Miguel Pale Pilsen

2008-02-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

Look: Blond with no head… (insert own blond joke here)

Taste: Slight bitterness with a nice barley taste

Conclusion: This beer hit the spot on the hot, humid Manila, Philippines day. I had this beer on my backpacking tour of South East Asia, and it was one of the better beers I had on my trip. Don’t get me wrong, it was not the best beer I’ve had, not even the best on my trip, but for $0.50 cents a bottle, it was GREAT!
The day was so hot that they brought over a bucket with ice. We were told the locals put ice in their beer because the heat warms it to above room temperatures. When in Rome, do as the Romans do – The ice did cool down the beer, and it was flavorful enough to not taste too watered down by the time the ice melted.
Believe me when I say that this beer tasted better after every round.

I give San Miguel a 4 out of 10

Red Horse Beer – Extra Strong

2008-02-27T21:35:00.001-08:00

Look: Blond with a light white head and an ice cube to fight off the heat

Taste: Sweet, but got more bitter with every drink.

Conclusion: While it was refreshing, it was a bit too sweet for my liking. It had a strong yeast and barley flavor that either didn’t finish fermenting/ breaking down or was thrown in late on purpose… for flavor? When I mentioned this beer to some of my friends back home, they lovingly referred to it as “Dead Horse” because of its flavor. I don’t know (nor care to know) what a dead horse tastes like, I doubt this beer compares. Dead horse takes it.
While this beer had a refreshing taste, I wonder if it was the actual beer or the heat and humidity that was getting to me. There is just nothing special about this beer that makes it stand out asside from a great nick name.

I give Dead Horse, err, RED Horse Beer a 2 out of 10

Taiwan Beer

2008-02-27T21:27:00.001-08:00

Look: Blondish yellow with foamy white head

Taste: It had a naturally sweet barley flavor, but tasted almost spoiled…

Conclusion: I had this beer at the first pub I saw in Taiwan. The beer was light and had a distinct taste for sure. I didn’t sense any hops in it, and it tasted almost watered down. The natural sweet flavor was a nice touch, but it got old fast. It’s a one trick pony, with a not so impressive trick to show off. There was just no depth in the beer to speak of. It was not the best way to start off my beer exploring trip of South East Asia, but it was a foreshadow of things to come…

I give it a 2 out of 10

Kirin –BAR BEER

2008-02-27T21:24:00.000-08:00

Look: I had it in a can, but the can was yellow with a foamy white head... No joke, check it out.

Taste: surprisingly refreshing! Nice malt and barley flavors throughout

Conclusion: This beer is the ideal beer for a hot summer day. I found it in a liquor store in Taiwan, and could not resist the name. I had to see if this beer was really deserving of being labeled “Bar Beer”. It was, and then some! It had refreshing lingering taste that was not too sweet, and not too bitter. It was a great balance that left a cooling sensation on the pallet. I was pleasantly surprised by this. More bars State side should carry this beer, at least in the summer months.

I give it an above average 6 out of 10, only because it was a blond…

Asahi Super Dry

2008-02-27T21:20:00.000-08:00

Look: Very light yellow with a foamy white head

Taste: Rather bland initial taste with a slight dry after taste

Conclusion: This beer is nothing to write home about, although, I guess I am… Its got some barley flavors in there, but they wash down rather quickly. Its smooth, but boring. This beer has less flavor than Buttwiper, if that’s possible.

2 out of 10

Humboldt Brewing Company, Hemp Ale

2008-02-25T17:28:00.001-08:00

Look: Dark brown with red highlights. No head

Taste: Slight sweetness, flat and grainy flavor and tiny bit of bitterness

Conclusion: This brew is actually made with hemp seeds. Easy you right-wing wackjobs...there's no THC in this brew.

It drinks with a medium body, like a brown ale, but has a unique taste that I had a hard time putting my finger on. It was similar to a malt flavor but had a more spiced up taste to it. You get a decent sweetness that comes through pleasantly and dies off just before the slightly bitter finish. This is a great day-to-day brew and can be consumed in the twos and threes.

I suppose the tree huggers will turn the bottle into a bong, but that only adds value to it. A solid and unique brew...and I really like it.

7 Brews!