Sunday, April 28, 2013

Rusty Red

Rusty Red, Oso Brewing Company, Plover, WI
(Amber Ale)
Red-orange pour with a foamy, off-white head. Aroma is mildly nutty with some faint caramel notes. Taste has a smooth roasted malt character with caramel sweetness. You wouldn't guess this was 6% abv. Smooth and drinkable.

The Big O

The Big O, Oso Brewing Company, Plover, WI
(Golden Ale/Blonde Ale)
 Straw colored pour with a thin, white head. Aroma is of light malt and wheat. Very light bodied. Bready malt flavor and wheat. Crisp, dry finish.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Wildeman Farmhouse IPA

Wildeman Farmhouse IPA, Flying Dog Brewery, Frederick, MD
(Saison, Rated 96)
Golden orange pour with a nice white head. Aroma is wheat, spicy. Citrus taste with a spicy bitterness. Dry finish that's just a touch sour. You have the citrus hop, though light, of an IPA with a mild spiciness of a saison.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Twin Sisters Double IPA

Twin Sisters Double IPA, Left Hand Brewing Company, Longmont, CO
(Imperial/Double IPA, Rated 93)
Definitely doubling my pleasure with this double IPA from Left Hand. The commercial description says this beer brings a "mountainous testament to hops."  It does just that. Beautiful clear orange pour with a nice aroma of pine, citrus, and some sweetness. Taste is bready, sweet caramel, citrus hop, and a malty finish. For a DIPA, the hops are hidden well. Definitely not overpowering. Smooth and well balanced. Delicious!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale

Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, CA
(American Strong Ale, Rated 98)
Nice dark amber pour with a thick white head. Aroma is piney, citrus, and a touch sweet. Hoppy bitterness up front followed by a caramel-like sweetness from the malts. Medium body with a flavorful finish. I felt the 9.75% abv was hidden well.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Rye of the Tiger

Rye of the Tiger, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Cleveland, OH
(IPA, Rated 97)
I love IPAs and rye IPAs are just a bit more special. Nice golden orange pour with a light white head. Spicy and citrus hop aroma. Taste is a little on the sweet side up front. That smoothly fades to a more hoppy presence. Love the prominent rye taste. Just a little earthy quality. Nice crisp finish. Easy drinker, but no slouch at 7.5% abv.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Freeride APA

Freeride APA, Alaskan Brewing Company, Juneau, AK
(American Pale Ale)
Freeride...take it easy... Hazy orange pour. Pleasant tropical and citrus aroma with a bit of sweetness. Taste is a little more subtle than the aroma. Light citrus hop flavor. Light carbonation. Has a mildly malt finish that is clean and balanced.