Just started running a beer department last month. Will be keeping the running tab on ye olde THWR but here's what I just dumped today...

Avery Brewing Company
Hog Heaven Barleywine-Style Ale
American Barleywine
Colorado
9.2%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Deep billowing bubbles below the surface during the pour translate into a frothy head of huge bubbles and lots of lacing. Dark copper to brick red in color, about as opaque as this sort of coloration gets. Very sweet nose of dark plum and cherry fruit, honey and molasses, candied oranges, pine needles, coriander, yet for all that about as hoppy as malty. Full-bodied, density effects its pacing, moves quite slowly. More orange, pink grapefruit citrus alongside cherry, melon, peach fruit with sweet tea notes to boot. Sure it ends with increasing hoppiness but not sure why it’s considered to be hoppy per se by some. Minimal bitterness while, conversely, not much chocolate nor cocoa flourishes. Pine, clove and a light moment of tar complete the finish. Maintains body throughout with long aftertaste.
5 out of 5

Avery Brewing Company
India Pale Ale
American IPA
Colorado
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Lighter orange, almost as much yellow to it, Good foam on the pour which disappears at a good clip, not much visible carbonation, some cloudiness. Mixed citrus and flowers most prominent, very clean with neither overt hoppiness nor maltiness, any pine is pine cone not tar. Medium-bodied, more carbonation than expected, especially at first. Hops more obvious, lend a drying, semi-bitter character, Grapefruit and lemon citrus abound, malt sweetness rounds out the back half. Balanced yet never strikes you with a distinct personality. Not boring, more like it comes close but no full cigar.
4 out of 5

Bavik, Brouwerij
Wittekerke Authentic Belgian Wheat Beer
Witbier
Belgium
5.0%
11oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Brightly glowing yellow color in spite of the thick cloudiness, good froth on the pour which sticks around, hard to see the bubbles. Light and crisp nose of lemon, oats, barley and bitters, just smells like it’s very dry. Full-bodied even as the flavors and general mouth feel are at first more linear and crisp. Lemon again most present, lots of carbonation in the mouth breaks up a good deal of the denser malt, barley and oat flavors. Starts off dry and gets sweeter as you swallow. Some mixed Asian spices. Lots of aftertaste, this helped by the big body. Slightly tiring, not sure I could pound a six-pack.
4 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
Hop Rod Rye
American IPA
California
8.0%
22oz, Single
$4.99
Frothy head composed of lively tiny bubbles, very slow to dissolve, cloudy amber-brown color with a pleasing glow to it, mostly opaque. Aggressive nose of hops and bitters, mixes in pine resin, white grapefruit pith and field flowers, any fruit is like dried apricot pits, compactness in its punch may inhibit breadth of scents. Lots of foam in the mouth during attack, more full-bodied than medium as it sits very solidly on the palate. Hoppy as a hyper rabbit, less bitter than nose might suggest due to the sweeter grapefruit, tangerine citrus and more present apricot, peach fruit. The rye flavors there but not a huge aspect, blends into accents of hay, straw, fallen pine needles and spices. It expands in the mouth until you have to make a concerted effort to swallow. Stays relatively balanced in spite of its outsized desire to impress.
4 out of 5

Bear Republic Brewing Company
Racer 5 India Pale Ale
American IPA
California
7.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$4.99
Semi-foggy amber orange color, few visible bubbles, thick appearance with a dense foam which does not want to call it a night any time soon. Sweet nose of white pit fruit and orange to lemon citrus, feels juicy, dewy flower petals, beeswax, manages to stay sweet given its hoppiness, not the longest finish, tactfully concise. Medium-bodied, noticeably foamy as you start to sip, grapefruit, orange citrus upfront, less floral but perhaps more piney and waxy. The hoppiness bolder here in the mouth, brings a mild astringency to the finish. Tries to achieve a lot, at both ends of the sweet/dry spectrum, and mostly pulls it off.
4 out of 5

Boulder Beer Company
Mojo India Pale Ale
American IPA
Colorado
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Can’t imagine a deeper forth on pour than this, takes some time to recede, light zinc orange color with a touch more yellow hues at the edge. Citrusy nose with both fruit and flower tones, on the herbaceous side, a roasted coffee edge lurks off stage, long presence with some lift. Medium-bodied, the pink grapefruit, tangerine, lime citrus starts it off on a sweet note, wheat and lemongrass, powdered violet candy like Choward’s, apricot and peach pit fruit. Pretty damn carbonated on the palate. A little too cloying to count as refreshing but certainly flavorful.
3 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Local 1
Belgian Strong Pale Ale
New York
9.0%
25oz, Single
$8.99
Pleasingly glowing cloudiness deepens the amber orange color, thick white foam across the surface, slow to break up, lots of visible carbonation and bubble beads. The nose is big on the citrus with sweet spices and softly fruity, some raw bread dough notes, digs in without ever seeming to. Medium-bodied, has enough weight upfront to cascade from thereafter, the citrus and sweet spices even more prevalent here, the baked character extends to the apple, pear, apricot fruit nuances. No heaviness as it finishes and the alcohol not discernible at all. Lots of flavor residue.
5 out of 5

Brooklyn Brewery
Pilsner
German Pilsener
New York
5.1%
12oz, 6-Pack
$7.99
Very pale yellow color with an orange tint to it, clear enough to see the diffuse bubbles on their way to making a thin white foam across the surface. Crisp and invigorating nose of hops, grapefruit pith, cigar ash, dried corn, oats, not truly complex but its freshness keeps you pleased. Light-bodied with an enduring bitterness which dries out your throat in such a way that you take another sip to try and wet it down some. Orange and grapefruit citrus present, little malt or any sort of sweetness. Grains and straw, can’t lose that suggestion of ash. The carbonation level is moderately high and adds to the overall high tone. Stylistically correct, requires both high summer temperatures and the outdoors to show best. Still, not sure you could put down more than three bottles before needing to drink a gallon of water.
4 out of 5

Carlsberg Sverige (Pripps Bryggerier)
D. Carnegie & Co. Stark-Porter
Baltic Porter
Sweden
5.5%
25oz, Single
$5.49
Blackish-brown with only a streak of orange to it, weak head upon the pour, what’s there dissolves quickly. Energetic roasted nose of coffee bean, caramel, malt and prune, date fruit, furnishes orange peel, dough and cinnamon stick, doesn’t really attack you, more of a marathon runner than sprinter. Light to medium-bodied, this makes it much easier to chug given the thicker flavors of caramel, toffee, coffee ice cream and orange peel. More white fruit than black fruit here. Nothing bitter about it, smooth and unrolls confidently across the tongue. Long finish, full possession of all its flavors. You could drink a considerable amount before noticing.
5 out of 5

Coopers Brewery
Premium Lager
Euro Pale Lager
Australia
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$11.99
Light in color, as yellow as orange, very little carbonation upon the pour with virtually no head as well, clearer than most. Fresh nose, almost akin to mineral water, dry presence, dried orange peels, doesn’t appear either distinctly malty nor hoppy. Medium-bodied, sort of toasty but this fades into vague citrus and straw, hay and corn notes. Almost suggests raw breadiness. Smoothness one of its major attributes. Not that much “bold flavor,” more so a steady backbeat. Carbonation about average, maybe more. Technically fine, no desire to drink more.
3 out of 5

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Raison d’Être
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Delaware
8.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Clear brown-amber color with minimal effervescence, average head foam, dark orange rims. Roasted dark chocolate and coffee in the nose, the raisin and dried fruit character comes through clearly, texture is smooth and malty without giving up a fresh and lively feel. Medium-bodied, sweet and sugary with rum raisin, plum, molasses and candied orange flavors. Heavy, not in a pure weight sense per se, just clings like syrup. Not much carbonation, this allows the flavors to all sink in completely. Notes of cinnamon mulled cider. Not for everyone but very captivating.
5 out of 5

Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, The
Porter
American Porter
North Carolina
5.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Just about black core surrounded by ominously red rims, close to two finger head, very slow to dissolve. Nose forged from smoky kindling, chicory, bitter dark chocolate and a smidge of carob coated raisin, subdued but ever-present malts, overall soft presence while perpetually grinding forward. Medium-bodied, based off of the nose a bit surprising it is not heavier. The bitter, sour profile apparent from the first and welcome as it furthers the liveliness, Dark chocolate, coffee bean, bitters, less chicory here. The roasted notes help it lift into inner mouth perfume. Carbonation just high enough to kick it in the rear when needed. The berry and cherry fruit manages to break the surface during the aftertaste. Very solid.
4 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale
American Pale Ale (APA)
Colorado
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Light orange to amber color with a strong storm of bubbles, the thin head rapidly dissolves. Orange citrus, more hoppy than malty nose, somewhat on the bready side, while crisp feel in the nostrils not that much going on scent-wise. Medium-bodied, same general profile as in the nose, more bitterness favors the presence of hops. Orange citrus, touch of cocoa powder, slight roast to it. Most of the carbonation dissolves before you swallow. Clean finish but it would be hard not to finish cleanly with the lack of flavor depth.
3 out of 5

Flying Dog Brewery
Dogtoberfest Märzen
Märzen/Oktoberfest
Colorado
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Dark copper to red color, head very thick at first, dissipates swiftly, soft cloudiness to it, dark even to the rims. Orange peel, toasted biscuits, light apricot and peach fruit, suggestion of ginger root, not the most expressive beer you’ll sniff on. Light to medium-bodied, picks up weight as it moves forward through the palate. There’s a sort of dulling bitterness to it, not crisp, which flattens the orange citrus, baking spice and herbal aspects. Breadiness fares a little better. Good plus level of carbonation. Caramelized sweet onions. Malts lead the hops until the finish. Not all that.
2 out of 5

Flying Fish Brewing Company
HopFish India Pale Ale
American IPA
Colorado
6.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$8.99
Very light amber, more so yellow, in hue, quite clear with thick and active bubbles and huge, dense head of foam. The nose comprised of grapefruit, dried white fruits, mild floral swipes, neither really malty nor hoppy, light presence with strong persistence, not heaviness. Medium-bodied, rich foaminess makes it feel heavier until the suds subside. Non-threateningly bitter, serves up grapefruit to orange zest, sweet spices and mild fruitiness. Stays consistent without any dips nor crests. In keeping, has a calm and collected finish, very smooth, rich while easy to keep sipping.
4 out of 5

Fuller’s (Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, Griffin Brewery)
Extra Special ESB Ale
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
England
5.9%
11oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Deep red to copper color, very fine foam of moderate thickness, few visible bubbles, quite clear and trim. Caramel to butterscotch infused nose, malty with the hop scents darting in and out, tea leaf, red pit fruit, at times roasted but not in a chocolaty way, underneath the sweetness lies some mineral water scents. Medium to full-bodied, level of carbonation matches the weight and allows the beer to pause in the mouth for consideration. Here, there’s more of a dry chocolate powder and malt thing going on than sweeter caramel. Maybe raw coffee beans. Fruitcake kind of flavoring, neither fully candied nor fresh, the fruit does feel formed. Presence extends from tongue to mouth roof. More hops present as mouth residue. But wouldn’t necessarily call it bitter.
4 out of 5

Geary Brewing Company, D.L.
Geary’s London Porter
English Porter
Maine
4.2%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Very dark brown, close to black, some large and slow bubbles visible, heavy, uneven foam which starts off thick and takes its time dissolving. Heavily roasted nose of malt, dark chocolate, coffee, rum raisin and chestnuts, for the array of scents falls a touch flat. Surprisingly light in body, bitter and noticeably short. Emphasis on raw nuts, coffee bean, dark chocolate powder, more burnt than roasted. The carbonation is pretty aggressive and not entirely in line with the flavors. Some sweeter raisin or fig flavors at the end. Really wants to earn the style rather than taste good.
1 out of 5

Harpoon
100 Barrel Series Session 24 Glacier Harvest ’08 Wet Hop Beer
American Pale Ale
Massachusetts
6.7%
22oz, Single
$5.49
Orange-amber color, touch more yellow at the outermost edges, thin but full foam on top, storm of bubbles throughout the pour. Hoppy nose, energetic and active, dab of flowers and citrus blossom, some allusions to uncooked bread dough. Medium-bodied, very dry and becomes leaner in the mouth as a result. The hops dominate and there’s minimal creaminess or sweetness to detract from its chosen direction. That said, not bitter, more like an herbal tea with floral notes. The lemon, orange peel accents persist. The foam not prevalent in the mouth past the attack. You slow down on the sipping during the second glass, a sign of its striving more for personality than pleasure.
3 out of 5

Lagunitas Brewing Company
Maximus India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
7.5%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Nice amber color, strong orange around the rims, small beads and thin foam along the surface which swiftly evaporates. Sweet nose of orange peel, lemon peel, pinch of baking spices, malty but not roasted, tightens up well as the scents dissolve. Medium-bodied, heaviest during the attack, here adds in some bitter hoppiness to counterbalance the malt, chocolate sweetness alongside the orange/tangerine citrus, ginger, brioche breadiness. Never gets too dry, clings to your cheeks even as the weight relieves. Acts as if consciously wants to avoid being too complex. A very good beer.
4 out of 5

Left Hand Brewing Company
Juju Ginger Ale
Herbed/Spiced Beer
Colorado
4.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$7.49
Moderate haze, strong orange, zinc, pumpkin coloration, very little head and what’s there dissolves swiftly, little sign of carbonation. Ginger comes through crystal clearly in the nose, like a freshly cut root, actually at times evokes tomatoes and basil, like a pasta sauce, I guess it’s more hoppy but who can tell, some mixed citrus. In the mouth it’s light-bodied with the same expected if still huge emphasis on ginger. After you swallow and the residue just sits there the basic ale foundation comes through, grains, hops and some nuttiness. At times licorice as well, fennel seed. Does trail off appreciably as it finishes, semi-watery. It’s OK, even as a novelty.
2 out of 5

Mendocino Brewing Company
Black Eye Ale
Black & Tan
California
6.5%
22oz, Single
$3.99
Moderate froth on the pour, black-brown color with the rims a more dark yellow. Caramel, fresh butter and raisins in the nose, soft and not very roasted. Medium to full-bodied, even and balanced presentation start to finish. More caramel, molasses and chocolate but not at all too sweet, even with that light roast. Maltiness comes through very well. Noticeable dark fruit flavors. Slow but steady pacing, moderate carbonation. Some coffee notes, not as much as other commentators found. Releases well into a clean finish.
5 out of 5

Murphy’s
Draught Style Stout
Irish Dry Stout
Ireland
4.0%
16oz, 4-Pack
$7.49
Dark chocolate color with only a suggestion of red at the very bottom of the glass, thin but solid head across the surface. Smoky, toasty nose with cocoa powder, coffee bean accents, maybe some nuttiness, not very active in your nostrils. Medium-bodied, more dense than heavy if clearly a stout. Dry as promised, fashions a clear finish. More of the chocolate, coffee, roasted notes but not intensely so. Soft contours balance out the dryness, not difficult to sip. Momentary bitterness after your swallow, helps break up monochrome at times feel. Sure, why not.
3 out of 5

Musketiers, Brouwerij de
Troubadour Blond Ale
Belgian Pale Ale
Belgium
6.5%
11oz, Single
$3.99
Pours with an extremely large head, very delicate with the tiniest bubbles imaginable, quite a bit of lacing left behind. Light orange to dark yellow in color, full-on murkiness. Fresh and filling nose of sweet orange and lemon pulp as well as grain, hops, barley, cellar stored apples and pears, thin layer of honey and floral dew. Medium-bodied with sufficient grace to coat the palate while also nimbly dancing forward. The energetic carbonation doesn’t reach an annoying level, as a result just swirls around the orange citrus, granola, peach, yellow apple and hay elements. Deftly treads the middle ground between sweet and bitter, no obvious favoring of hops nor malts. Very elongated finish.
5 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
Mad Hatter India Pale Ale
American IPA
Michigan
5.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Despite the amber glow and cloudiness you can still see the tiny bubbles racing upwards, the head seems whipped up like a milkshake, leaves a thin lacing behind. Roundness of the nose gives it a subdued nature, easygoing expression of orange peel and dried apricots, the hops and pine resin scents remain even-keeled too, good fullness. Full-bodied, does shed some weight as it progresses through the palate. The nose hinted at it, but here there’s clear chocolaty accents and roast next to the hoppiness. The mixed white citrus sweeter than might be expected, more sweet spices too. Any fruit mainly apricot and peach. Bitterness held in check, allows for a fuller, lengthier finish.
3 out of 5

New Holland Brewing Company
The Poet Oatmeal Stout
Oatmeal Stout
Michigan
6.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Black to very dark brown in coloration, turns to a jaundice yellow at the rims, barely any foam nor head. Chocolate, coffee ice cream scented nose, roasted malts, never reaches bitterness, penetrates well for its overall heavy nostril presence. Medium to full-bodied, fleshier attack, afterwards the weight lifts to the mouth roof. Less coffee, more straight-up chocolate and cocoa. Toastiness persists throughout, again nothing close to bitter. Smooth and only half-creamy, moves slowly rather than cling. That said, long finish even as the dryness increases.
5 out of 5

Ommegang, Brewery
Ommegang Abbey Ale
Dubbel
New York
8.5%
25oz, Single
$5.99
Deep red to bronzed color, mostly opaque, the head comprised of lots of miniscule bubbles, slow to fade, sits there like moving isn’t in the picture. Mixture of fresh black fruits and glazed fruits in the nose, more raw brown sugar than manipulated sweetness, maybe some fresh honey, the roasted malts build as it warms, scents more smooth than invasive. Medium-bodied, very balanced for its weight, gives it a semi-relentless character. Here the red cherry, raspberry, golden raisin flavors ring more clearly, not fruity per se but you’d have to be a moron not to taste the fruit. As a result, the roast is sweeter with more caramel notes. Carbonation level is average, more upfront, dies off. Feels like a well-worn autumnal blazer, nothing fancy anymore but moves where and when you want it to. Truncated end worrisome, though.
3 out of 5

Orange Blossom Pilsner
Florida’s Honey Beer
German Pilsener
South Carolina
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Very clear red-amber color, thin and very white head, looks kind of summery. Orange and tangerine citrus comes through very clearly in the nose, quite fresh, honey a strong second place finisher, mixed floral aspects as well, wheat and hay, very direct and in control presence. Light-bodied, here the honey does not come through as consistently as the orange citrus. Not especially sweet, sufficient grain and straw elements to keep it close to normal pilsner style. Lots of carbonation, most noticeable after you swallow, maybe too much in this area. More pleasant than compelling.
3 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Brutal Bitter
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Oregon
6.5%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Super cloudy amber-orange color, barely shifts to yellow at the rims, huge frothy head that takes its damn sweet time dissolving, like it wants to be in a “Got Milk?” commercial. The nose generously spreads itself broadly, grapefruit and orange citrus, aggressive hops, honeycomb more than honey, whisper of wheat, mixed white pit fruits, nothing here suggests an ESB beer. Medium-bodied, the froth translates into a shitload of mouth foam, almost gotta shut yer trap to keep it in. The citrus and hops again take the lead, followed on by accents of anise seed, nutmeg and cedar. More blunt than refreshing, tries to lift but too bottom-heavy and spreads across the tongue. As sweet as bitter, and truly nothing brutal about it. Granting this, it’s tasty and nothing not worth chugging down.
4 out of 5

Rogue Ales Brewery
Chocolate Stout
American Stout
Oregon
6.0%
22oz, Single
$5.99
Pours with an enormous head, thick and frothy and takes forever to subside, completely black-brown without a hint of yellow nor orange. Dark chocolate, coffee bean, even caramel, touches of plum or cherry fruit, even you can zen out, a nicely bitter hoppiness appears. In the mouth it’s full-bodied yet in no way heavy, nimble as it has some serious carbonation to keep it from sinking too too deeply. Sure, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa, coffee, caramel, it delivers what the label says. And, as the nose subtly suggests, there’s some hoppy spine here as well, not all about the sweetness. Moderate length on finish, as if crafted to be so. No noticeable flaws.
5 out of 5

Schmaltz Brewing Company
He’Brew Messiah Bold
American Brown Ale
New York
5.6%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Great deal of visible bubbles, large and thick near the surface even though the foam dissolves rapidly. Dark chocolate brown in color with a weak yellow-orange cast at the rims. Hoppy nose with dry caramel and lots of burnt notes, especially toasted bread. In the mouth it’s somewhat nutty with same emphasis on toastiness, neither particularly hoppy nor malty. Turns watery by the mid-palate, only the roasted notes and bitter nuts kinds it present in your mind. Not horribly flawed, just little going on. Has its shtick and not much else.
2 out of 5

Schneider & Sohn, Private Weissbierbrauerei G.
Aventinus Wheat-Doppelbock Ale
Weizenbock
Germany
8.2%
17oz, Single
$3.99
You could say it has an attractive amber-brown color but it’s as murky as murky gets, bubbles highly visible though and pours with a healthy amount of head, looks serious in intent. Sweet spice laden nose emphasizing clove and nutmeg, malty in a dry way with more carob than chocolate, nice orange citrus reduction notes, dried apple and pear fruit scents, cherry too. Medium-bodied with a great deal of agility, never once feels as if it has soaked into your palate until it has. More of that clove and anise spice, good deal of carbonation keeps any given flavor from achieving dominance. The fruit lowered in favor of wheat, half-baked bread although more banana here. Almost banana bread. The maltiness is not outsized, more textural than flavor oriented. Admirable persistence through the finish.
5 out of 5

Schwelm, Privatbrauerei
Hefeweizen
Germany
5.2%
16oz, Single
$10.99
Luminescent yellow color with a tinge of orange, can’t get much cloudier than this, fully opaque, pours a thick froth which swiftly releases. Banana, clove, gingerbread, apricot paste, vanilla pudding, a bit intense in the sweetness of the scents but if you dig it, you’ll really dig it. Lower yet persistent carbonation helps churn up the sweetness of the same array, banana, apricot, cinnamon, nutmeg, fresh whipped cream, even if in the end all that wins. Grapey too, a fruity styled beer. Long, full finish. Not a refreshing hefeweizen, a satisfying one.
5 out of 5

Schwelm, Privatbrauerei
Schwelmer Pils
German Pilsener
Germany
4.7%
11oz, 4-Pack
$10.99
Basic yellow-orange color, minimal visible bubbles but huge froth on the pour, very thick. Baked bread, tea leaf, leans towards the malt in the nose, grain and straw, compact and concise, perhaps abbreviated. Full-bodied, especially for a pilsner, almost heavy and flat-footed. Bread, grain, corn, not overly carbonated. Tightens up some as it starts to finish but too little too late, it has kind of lost your interest by then. Needs more spring to its step and more dedication to a chosen flavor profile.
4 out of 5

Sierra Nevada
Celebration Ale
American IPA
California
6.8%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Pours with a glowing red color with strong orange hues, thin head, mild cloud with disperse bubbles. Slight smoky malt edge, hint of bitters and citrus peel, lots of lift pregnant pause in the nostrils, more fresh than complex but not boring. Medium-bodied, slight foaminess when you first sip, when this recedes you get the orange, white grapefruit citrus. More bitter than caramelly, any underlying sweetness struggles to surface. Tends to lose grip at the end of the sip and end before you’d prefer. Hint of ginger spice. Nice enough, wouldn’t want to drink a six-pack by myself.
3 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Arrogant Bastard Ale
American Strong Ale
California
7.2%
22oz, Single
$6.99
Glowing reddish color, strong cloudiness, pours a huge inch plus head that takes its sweet time dissolving, very lacey, residue sticks to the glass insides. Bitter hoppy and grainy nose, develops a semi-sweet character without a true source, golden raisins, pine tar, texturally feels like it slowly coils and uncoils in your nostrils. Dry and packs a wallop entering the mouth, bitters, orange peel, roasted grains, verges on grassy at moments. Raisins, cherry pits, peach fuzz, the fruit is there but sneaky. It’s undeniably complex and feels like it would taste different bottle to bottle. Not a beer you can drink while out gossiping with the girls.
5 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Ruination India Pale Ale
American Double/Imperial IPA
California
7.7%
22oz, Single
$6.49
Bright amber-red color with plenty of cloudiness to deepen it, good froth with some lacing, hard to see any bubbles. Mixed citrus gives the nose a zesty character, oatmeal, leans heavily on the hops, oily pine and tea leaf, too dense to parse out much else. Medium-bodied with again the kind of density which makes it appear heavier than it is. Some malty softness on the attack but, like duh, it’s the hops which run the show. The grapefruit, lemon, orange citrus does slightly sweeten things. Weight and density consistent to finish. Subtle floral notes. Very good beer that I could not drink very frequently.
5 out of 5

Stone Brewing Company
Smoked Porter
American Porter
California
5.9%
22oz, Single
$4.59
Dark brown with only a hint of amber red at the bottom of the glass, the bubbles on the pour billow beneath the surface before forming a dense head, too dark to trace bubble beads. Roasted malts, coffee bean, cocoa powder and an herbal streak fashion the nose, hint of rum raisin, takes the turns at high speeds as if wanting to show off. Full-bodied, very smoky with a strong chicory streak, gives it a more dark chocolate and bitter profile. The raisin, plum fruit sneaks onto stage, sweetened by molasses crisp notes. Minimal sign of hops, malt the whole way through. Suggests it could be more bitter than it is, this for the best.
4 out of 5

Stoudt’s Brewing Company
Scarlet Lady Ale E.S.B.
Extra Special/Strong Bitter (ESB)
Pennsylvania
5.0%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.49
Deep amber color, the bubbles cling to the glass sides, small head on the pour, mildest of haze, you would not expect much carbonation from seeing it. Dark chocolate and cocoa insinuate into your nostrils, touches of orange peel and candied cherries, does not come across as especially hoppy nor malty. Medium-bodied, smooth enough with some fizz at the start of the sip. The citrus and hops more prominent here, the chocolate component dry and in the shadows. Touch of chicory, bitter at first and sweeter by the finish. Clean ending while still leaving an impression of tactile grip on the tongue.
3 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
Appalachian Amber Ale
American Amber/Red Ale
South Carolina
5.5%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Reddish copper color, very clear with nary a trace of bubbles except for the incredibly huge head upon the pour. Nose seems equally hoppy and malty, cherry pits, hard caramel, some apples, somewhat reductive at times and kind of burnt. Medium-bodied with a solid skeleton, lacks movement although not bound up either. Does become much lighter near the finish, however, not in a falling off the cliff way. Caramel and butterscotch do little to soften the profile. More hoppy here. Touch of pit fruit. Not boring per se but nothing leaps out at you about it.
2 out of 5

Thomas Creek Brewery
Deep Water Dopplebock Lager
Doppelbock
South Carolina
6.25%
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.99
Thick brown color with as much black to it as amber orange, full and frothy head with big bubbles throughout. Chocolaty nose with oodles of caramel and butterscotch, kind of like a Tootsie Roll, touch of black fruits but really it’s all about the roasty notes. Full-bodied, rife with all that malt, coffee, caramel, toffee and chocolate. Not that rich but only somewhat flat, carbonation adds a little pep. The alcohol here is kinda noticeable. Rum raisin. Not flawed per se but four-square and kind of uninteresting. That would make it an average brew, no?
2 out of 5

Tommyknocker Brewery
Maple Nut Brown Ale
American Brown Ale
Colorado
12oz, 6-Pack
$9.49
Opaque yellow-brown color, not cloudy per se, thick and slow bubbles below the surface, very little head, rims much more yellow. Not much aroma here, some caramel and nutmeg as well as fresh malt but can’t say it smells like much. Medium-bodied, smooth but not polished. Really not that much maple accents, chestnuts and orange pekoe tea, mildly bready, Has enough carbonated fizz to lift it out of its slumber. Maple takes off nearer the finish. Not really that burnt nor bitter, just stale as in lacking movement. Could throw back a couple in a pinch but that’s it.
2 out of 5

Unibroue
La Fin de Monde Triple Fermentation Ale on Lees
Tripel
Canada
9.0%
12oz, 4-Pack
$9.99
Pours with a very fine one finger head, quick to dissipate, very cloudy orange-yellow color, not gonna see through this, does hold the light for a soft glow. Closely knit nose of pressed lemon and tangerine peels, oats and yeast, light clove, dried flowers, not that expressive but the right parts come through. Medium-bodied with an outwardly expansive mouth feel, could seem hollow if you’re looking for thick body. Carbonation level is above average and churns things up some. The lemon, tangerine citrus as well as clove, coriander, cumin spice remains a primary focus. Pine tar, floral sap come in too. Have to say that the yeast and hops seem more alive in the mouth than the malts. Lots of retronasal action after you swallow.
5 out of 5

Unibroue
Maudite Bottle Refermentation Ale on Lees
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Canada
8.0%
25oz, Single
$7.49
Measure the pour, if too quick half the glass will end up full of head. That said, very active, like scrubbing bubbles, and disappear swiftly. Light brown to dark amber in color, dusky and fully opaque. Very fruity nose of raisin, date, plum, cherry, gingerbread, cinnamon stick with some underlying dark chocolate and rose hips to boot, no hops to be found. Medium-bodied, admirably maintains consistent weight throughout. More chocolate here with coffee ice cream hints too, the sweet plum, cherry, prune, golden raisin fruit a major part without getting out of hand. Carbonation serves more to stir the elements than lift. Clove rather than the previous ginger or cinnamon. Sharpens its focus as it nears ending so as to retain balance and clean up some.
5 out of 5

Van Steenberge, Brouwerij
Gulden Draak
Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Belgium
10.5%
11oz, 4-Pack
$4.99
Rich brown color with an orange tinge closer to the rims, large frothy head that refuses to dissolve, strong visible bubbles. While there’s caramel and chocolate in the nose at the same time it’s malty with a sour edge, dried black fruits, muscular in a sinewy way, not heavy in spite of overall sweetness. In the mouth it shows sufficient carbonation to relieve excess weight. Caramel, butterscotch, raisins, grapes and cinnamon, nutmeg spice. Orange marmalade citrus accents. Relentless presence, this is a beer that does not want to be washed out of your palate.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
HopDevil Ale
American IPA
Pennsylvania
6.7%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Beautiful amber-orange color with a frothy head and lots of lacing, bubbles mildly active and slight cloud to it. Sweet nose of spices, cooking bread, mandarin orange, turns hoppier as it warms, deep but not especially penetrating feel. Full-bodied, bitter in spite of a softer underbelly, hops still outdistancing the malts, albeit some roasty notes appear at the end. Orange and white grapefruit citrus with fewer baking spices here. Suggestion of pine tar along with generalized herbaceousness. Carbonation goes a long way to making a whole glass drinkable. Intensely aggressive beer.
5 out of 5

Victory Brewing Company
Prima Pils
German Pilsener
Pennsylvania
5.3%
12oz, 6-Pack
$10.99
Very light yellow or dark pee yellow if you prefer, moderate cloudiness with a good thick head yet little lacing, bubbles large and dispersed. Sharp focus to the nose, wheat and field grasses, white grapefruit peels, emphasis on hops with zero roasted nor malty notes. Medium-bodied, not heavy but densely packed, quite dry with a refreshing grain and hops profile. Given its weight, has a remarkably clean and concise finish. Undercurrent of that white grapefruit/lemon citrus lends more twist. Appreciate the uncompromising bitterness.
5 out of 5

Wychwood
Scarecrow
Golden Pale Ale
England
4.7%
500ml
Single
$3.99
Very cloudy and translucent amber orange color, lightens to the color of yellow autumnal leaves around the rims, minimal head. No real nose. Full-bodied with lots of traction on the palate, inching forward very slowly, if seemingly at times, not at all. However, no lift really. Mildly bitter, emphasizing hops, with strong aftertaste. Does feel as if it is foaming up in the mouth more than you’d like. Momentarily suggests light citrus or crudité vegetables or raw corn, latter in a good way. Feels as if it’s fighting you, making it hard to put back.
2 out of 5

Young & Co.’s Brewery PLC
Young’s Luxury Double Chocolate Stout
Milk/Sweet Stout
England
5.2%
17oz, Single
$3.99
The head almost reaches three fingers on the pour yet the bubbles and froth are quite big and as a result it dissolves swiftly, some lacing left behind. Black color with a hint of orange-brown at the outer rims. Gently roasted nose of hazelnuts, dark chocolate powder, cereal and grain, traces of raisin and plum fruit, malts obviously dominant but hops not non-existent. Medium-bodied, lowish level of carbonation, doesn’t force itself on you. Noticeably sweeter here with clear cherry, plum, raisin fruit component. Cereal, granola notes and, no matter what they say, it’s really only moderately chocolaty, carob and dark chocolate balanced and on the whole dry. More so malty with a lightly clingy textural residue. That said, very clean finish, roast and toast remains an extra tick. Smoothness makes it highly drinkable.
4 out of 5

Nice to read beer notes from you Marc. Thanks for taking the time to post them.

I'm less of a fan of Rogue and Stone than you, but boy do I love Prima Pils - I'm on the last couple of gallons of a half barrel in my kegerator and it's just as delightful now as it was on the first pint.

Cheers,

Dave

Prima Pils I think is pretty much the American benchmark for Pilsner. If there's better, send one to me!

I'll openly admit I have a sweet tooth when it comes to beer so that has to be taken into consideration... The Swedish Stark-Porter was also off the charts good...

There are two Wisconsin ones that come pretty close IME, though more in a Bohemian Pils style, than the crisp North German route that Prima takes - New Glarus' Edel Pils and Capital Brewing's Special Pilsner. Great beers both, subject to the usual cavaets of freshness and lack of mistreatment along the supply chain.

New Glarus' recently had a Bohemian Pilsner in their Unplugged series (limited, one-time brews) that was gorgeous too.

So you like them slightly sweet? Is that what I read??

If so, look for the double and triple IPA's and for darks, try the stouts from Alesmith, if you can find them.

Personally, I am not a big fan of the sweetness in beer, I like them more dry, or at least the sweetness to be masked and not so apparent. Sometimes I find myself pleasantly surprised, like I was with the St. Bernardus Abt 12 Abbey Ale from Belgium. That one is almost 11% and I found it delicious.

The Alesmith Stout comes in at over 10% and I like them better with a year on them so far, than I do on release. Nice because I ended out with a case and find I am just beginning to find them enjoyable. I tell you what though, you put one of these stouts next to a Guinness and the Guinness comes off like a lager!!

Marc, I hope you are posting your notes on beeradvocate.com or ratebeer.com. Your precise notes would be a great contribution to those sites.

I'm working up to it, lot of work and little free time! Have joined both websites, though.