Dogfish Head - Pearl Jam Faithfull Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This was fairly disappointing, as it didn't really taste like Pearl Jam. Tasted like a particularly fruity belgian pale ale. Nothing special for the inflated price.

21st Amendment - Fireside Chat

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

The spice mix does not work in this. The aftertaste lingers and isn't pleasant. Like bad, bitter medicine?

Appalachian Brewing Co - Batch No 666 Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

I had no idea what was going to be in this bottle. It has no description on it at all and there was nothing on the shelf (except the price of $5).

And... its fine. Nothing spectacular or terrible. According to their website, its a "devilish halloween brew" whatever that means. Slight roasted and caramel malt taste. No real hop bitterness. I'd pass.

Stone - Vertical Epic 11.11.11

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Another year, another weird beer.

This one is brewed with chilies and cinnamon. The chilies certainly stand out in the beer, but its not spicy. Its more... I'm not good with describing chilies, but its not one that I'd like in a beer. Smokey? Pass.

Sam Adams - Tasman Red

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

This was actually really good. The musty hop flavor came through nicely (tasted like the same hops as in Devil Dancer but without a shit ton of them) and it was balanced by a nice caramely maltness. I'd recommend it, and if it came in 6 packs I'd probably actually buy it on occasion.

Schlafly - Christmas Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Hmm. Really sweet, not very carbonated. The spice mix is... I don't know. I don't think it works. It's okay, but I wouldn't get it again.

Troegs - The Mad Elf

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Reminds me of a dubbel, but less effervescent and a lot sweeter.

Diamond Knot - Industrial IPA

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Not bad. Nice malt backbone to go along with the slightly piney & grapefruit hopiness to it. Reasonable price too ($5).

21st Amendment/Ninkasi - Allies Win the War!

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Yet more cool artwork/labeling from 21st Amendment.

The beer contained in the box (and cans) is enjoyable enough. Mildly sweet, maybe a hint of the dates. Decent enough bitterness. Not really memorable or anything to go out of your way to get.

New Belgium - Snow Day

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Ew. This has a weird soapy/metallic aftertaste. Would not recommend.

North Coast - 2011 Old Stock Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

I thought I had reviewed this previously, but I guess not. This is pretty darn enjoyable. Lots of malty caramely goodness.

Samuel Adams - The Vixen (Chocolate Chili Bock)

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

It's certainly chocolatey. I was hoping for at least a hint of heat (sort of like the Great Divide Chocolate Yeti). It improved a lot as it warmed up.


Bonus Mandy Thoughts:
[In the middle of a losing streak from card games]
This beer tastes like "loss" to me. It probably tastes like victory to you. But the tides may be turning!!!

Epic Big Bad Baptist

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

The new blogger interface the orignal post. Fuck you google for ruining blogger (not that it was great before, but I never lost posts) and Reader.

I think my comments were that it reminded me of burnt coffee that had sat in a carafe for entirely too long, and then had half a shot of whiskey dumped in it. Somehow it was still enjoyable.

DuClaw - 2010 Oak Aged Black Jack Stout

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Yet another beer on my DuClaw adventure. The bottle clarifies in a few places that it was whiskey barrel aged and not just on oak planks or something like that.

A little thinner than I'd like. Nice bourbon & vanilla notes in the finish. A prickly carbonation to it. Standard roasted malt and slight coffee bitterness. Not bad (or badly priced), but the barrel aged double black lightning was a lot better than this.

Bayerischer Banhoff Brettanomyces Lambicus

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Definitely sour. Occassionally has an aftertaste of sour buttered popcorn. Definitely unique.

Geary's Hampshire Special Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

A lot more bitter than I expected.

Slight chocolate flavor. Enjoyable enough.

Oliver's - Freddie's Revenge (Cask)

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Slightly tart? Maybe it was the combination of the coffee. Molasses and a slight spice flavor. Just okay.

Duck Rabbit - Russian Imperial Stout

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

It got better as it warmed up. It had a strong ash tray bitterness to it. I'd probably pass.

Magic Hat - Ravell, Encore & Howl

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Porter brewed with vanilla

Pretty tasty.




Not Picture - Encore

A wheat ipa

This was actually pretty good. Slightly lemony with a nice bitterness. I'd drink it again.

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Victory - St Otto

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Mandy's tasting progression:
"It tastes like wine! Oh now I get the smoke. Its like grilled wine."
[10 seconds pass]
"It just tastes like an ashtray now."
[Takes another sip]
"Now it just tastes smoked."

Flying Fish - Winter Reserve

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Not terrible. Almost like a light tripel.

Epic/DC Brau - Fermentation Without Representation

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Fairly enjoyable. Slight pumpkin/squash taste (this may be imagined). Pretty sweet. Touch of vanilla.