Farnum Hill Extra Dry Cider

Extra Dry poured a clear, apple cider color with a finger width, white, bubbly head that dissipated quickly. The aroma is predominately apple, with a few other sweet fruits mixed in. The body is smooth, medium carbonation with a juicy body and plenty of sweet flavors. There is a light dryness on the finish with the sweetness fading out.

Overall, this is just an average cider that was a little underwhelming. It hides the ABV extremely well, but was a little to sweet for a cider, let alone an extra dry. This was a little dissapointing after tasting their incredible Kingston Black label.

David Yarrington Interview - Smuttynose Brewing Company

St. George IPA

St. George IPA poured a clear, reddish copper color with a pen width, off white head. The nose is grainy, filled with biscuity malt that blens well with hoopy, earthy notes.

The body is smooth, decent depth, with biscuity malt and a light spiciness. The backend features a nice amount of hops. The finish has a mild dryness that lingers for just a second before disapearing.

Overall, this is a great beer, and a fantastic British-style IPA. While the typical American craft beer drinker may not like its low IBU number (50), and its taste (drinks more like an American Pale Ale), it is wonderfully balanced and very mild/easy drinking while offering plenty. I loved this beer.

Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA3

Flying Dog Amber Lager

Old Scratch poured a reddish copper color, with a thumb width, off white head. The nose is dominated by big bready malt, with light fruity esters and a light yeastiness.

The body is smooth, bready malt, with a faint sweetness, and a few toasted notes. The hops start to peek through on the backend. The beer finishes with a light dryness.

Overall, this is a solid sessionable ale, perfect for the Fall weather. There is nothing spectacular here, but it serves its purpose. The best part of this beer is its balance, it is almost perfect. Worth a try, but nothing to go out of he way for.

Barrington Brewery and Restaurant India Pale Ale

Barrington Brewery and Restaurant Black Bear Stout

Barrington Brewery and Restaurant Brown Ale

Oskar Blues Old Chub

Old Chub poured a dark brown, blackish color with a finger width, tan head. The nose has deep malt aromas, chocolate, and a hint of alcohol. The body is rich and malty, silky smooth moutfeel, a little sugar, more chocolate, and a faint trace of hops underneath on the backend. The finish has a little dry alcohol underneath the rich, malty sweetness.

Overall, another very nice beer from Oskar Blues. This is a rich, malty beer that should be sipped casually. It is a perfect dessert beer, tasting a little bit like a chocolate malted milk ball.

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye

Bear Republic Racer 5

Racer 5 poured a clear golden yellow color with a finger width, white head. The nose is phenomenal, rich, hoppy with faint malt and a bit of lavender. The body is smooth, with a sweetness coated over a pale malt base. The hoppy dryness comes alive on the backend leading into a bitter, long lingering dryness.

Overall, this is a really wonderful beer. It brings a little something different to the table while still offering plenty to like. This is another must try American craft beer.

Flying Dog Doggie Style Pale Ale

Doggie Style is flying high after the New York Times rated it their #1 pale ale after a recent tasting.

Flying Dog's Pale Ale poured a clear, amber color with a two fingered width, off white head. The aroma is malty, with a light nuttiness to it. The body is smooth, medium bodied, with some light fruit sweetness and a little more of the nuttiness from the nose. The backend offers a hoppy balance before leading to a dry finish. The beer left coated rings of hanging lace on the glass.

Overall, this is a very nice pale ale. I would be hard pressed to call it my favorite but it offers plenty for the drinker to savor while staying a bit restrained. A nice beer to try.

Bell's Oberon

Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz & Ken's Ale

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will mark 2010 by teaming up with the founders of the movement to benefit select charities and beer drinkers across the country. These limited-release 750ml cage-and-cork bottles will be available at select retailers and beer-centric bars. These beers will be much more than a tribute: Proceeds from the project will go to benefit select charities chosen by the four pioneers.

The first beer released was Fritz & Ken's Ale. The beer poured a dark brown, blackish color with a two fingered width, tan head that stays forever. The nose was dominated by roasted malt aromas and fresh coffee beans. The body is smooth with a full mouthfeel, There is a light sweetness up front before lots more roasted malt, chocolate, coffee, and espresso flavors. The finish leaves a very long, lingering bitterness on the palate.

Overall, this is an absolutly amazing beer. It drinks big and bold, and it almost flawless from the pour until the finish. This would pair very well with braised pork, or would be a great ingredient in a dark mole if you dared pour it in anything but your glass.

Shiner Bock

Samuel Adams Imperial White

Imperial White poured a hazy, copper color with a finger width, off white head. The nose is huge, tons of malt with the alcohol showing through. The body is extremely thick, smooth, with a huge malt backbone, sweet notes, citrus, spices, and an alcohol warmth. The beer finishes with huge spices and the alcohol warmth really comes alive, taking over.

Overall, this is a very different beer. It drinks much more like a barleywine than any "white" would. It has a monster body, and the alcohol is still a little to hot. It has some potential but could use a little aging and a little bit more restraint despite the "Imperial" label.

Barrington Brewery & Restaurant Alt

Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shutdown Ale

Undercover Shutdown poured a clear, dark amber color with a pen width, off white head. The nose is big, lots of malts up front followed by a bounty of hoppy aromas. The body is big, layered and complex, with a sturdy malt backbone, a little sugary malt, and chocolate notes. The finish is great, big and dry, lingering just long enough. The beer left coated rings of hanging lace down the glass.

Overall, this is a beautiful beer. It drinks really big, yet somehow manages to hide it's 9.7% ABV and stays perfectly balanced. I have grown to expect a lot when drinking a Lagunitas beer and this did not disappoint. This is a must buy for anyone who enjoys good beer.

Rogue Chocolate Stout