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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Grand Cru

Grand Cru, Green Flash Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
(Belgian Strong Ale, Rated 96)

Dark, ruby-brown pour with a thin white head. Aroma has Belgian yeast, spices, and sweetness from dark fruit. Medium body. Taste is of dark fruits, a little sweet breads, malts, and spices. Has a warming finish (9% abv). Very nice Belgian strong ale!

Friendship Brew

Friendship Brew, Green Flash Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
(Black Saison)

Black pour with a lasting off-white head. Aroma is herbal and spicy. Little bit of peppermint and sweetness. Taste starts with a spicy bitterness with a little black pepper perhaps. Hops follow with a roasted maltiness and then somewhat of a sour finish.

Rayon Vert

Rayon Vert, Green Flash Brewing Company, San Diego, CA
(Belgian Ale, Rated 98)

Cloudy, golden pour with a huge, fluffy white head. Took a few minutes for that thing to dissipate. Aroma has that distinct Belgian yeast smell. Has a sour note to it and some spice. Generous hops. Little sour up front with a nice, spicy finish. A solid drinker.