Stone Lukcy 13asartd Ale

The name is fucking terrible. The beer itself is very enjoyable.

Not as ridiculously bitter as Arrogant Bastard and not overly sweet. Slight hints from the oak-ing. It has a nice dry-piney finish.

Mikkeller Rauch Geek Breakfast (Beer Geek Bacon)

Strong smoked aroma. I guess I could see it interpreted as a bacon smell.

Fairly bitter finish.

Bell's Hopslam

I think this was probably the first "expensive" beer I ever bought (i.e., more than $10 for a six pack). I remember buying a six pack of this 3 or 4 years ago at our old corner liquor store for $15. Old me would probably kick myself for buying an entire case of it this year.

A case was probably overkill.

It really is good though. Although the bottle says its a "biting, bitter, tongue bruiser", its really not that bitter compared to say, Ruination or even Hoptimum.

The simcoe hops definitely come through in the aroma. Its more of a floral, mango, funky, cat piss kind of hoppy than piney, bitter, etc.

I just need to remind myself next year that a six pack is probably sufficient.

Oh yeah, the most ridiculous detail on the label is that the dude pummeled by the hops is clearly wearing sneakers. I appreciate the detail, but really, sneakers?

Anchor Steam - Our Special Ale 2010

Fairly sweet. Hint of molasses. Actually, almost tastes like a molasses cookie. Maybe some ginger and clove in the taste. Not bad. Still prefer the Winter Solstice.

Flying Dog Double Dog Double Pale Ale

At least that's how I read the name on the bottle.

I didn't really like this very much. It wasn't bad, but I didn't particularly enjoy it. Mandy thought it was better than I did.

Heavy Seas Thank You, Thank You Very Much (Anniversary Ale)

A heavy note of grapefruit dominates the initial taste. Not particularly sweet.

Not bad, not great.

Brooklyner-Schneider Hopfen-Weisse

A lot lighter (in color) than either the Aventinus or Moonglow. Almost reminds me more of a belgian ale than a german (inspired/collaboration) brew. More lemon hop flavor than the weird banana/raisin flavor from a weizenbock.

Pretty good. I imagine it would be better if it was fresher. I found the bottle on the bottom rack at the store covered in dust.

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

In honor of the winter solstice, I'm drinking a Winter Solstice. I will not be staying up to view the first lunar eclipse on the winter solstice in 342 years.

Its not often that I remember the first time I tried a beer. First time I had this was at Wonderland in Columbia Heights probably 5 years ago. Some dude brought a 3 liter bottle of Corsedonk Christmas Ale to the bar. He was offering tastes to anyone that wanted them. Later in the night I got a pint of the Winter Solistice.

Tastes pretty sweet and caramely. A slight hint of vanilla and maybe cinnamon? It tastes like Christmas to me. My favorite winter seasonal.

Souther Tier Backburner - 2010

Not sure where I bought this (in November) as it was released in February. Shrug.

Pretty sweet. Only some slight bitterness in the finish. Decent.

Bruery Mischief

I think this is the best beer I've tried from them.

Slight citrus & spicy bitter finish. Only slightly sweet. Definitely recommended.

Schneider Aventinus Weizen Bock

I can't believe I hadn't had weizenbocks before a few months ago. I love this and the Victory Moonglow.

Some banana and dark fruit flavors. Slightly boozy. Just awesome. Would buy again.

Ballast Point Sculpin IPA

West Coast IPA. Hardly any hint of malty sweetness. Lots of piney citrusy smell. Pretty bitter and dry taste. Enjoyable. I'd buy it if two hearted ale wasn't available and it didn't cost $9 for a bomber.

More evidence that I drank entirely too much Hopslam this month. The line of dark bottle caps next to the Two Hearted Ale is from a River Horse sampler pack that we had for New Years. The double IPA was actually pretty darn good (in my opinion).

Hops!

Red Oak Ale

This was one of the first non-macro brew beers I really liked and would go out of my way to drink. I don't think I'd had it though in probably 7 years. A big thank you to Newton for picking up a twelve pack for our vacation.

Still holds up pretty well. Slightly sweet, bready taste. Not much else going on. Easy drinking.

Great Divide Hibernation Ale

I like this about ten times better than Founder's Curmudgeon Old Ale (at least the non-aged version).

Nice malty flavor, but the hops really shine. Slightly piney and bitter.

Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout

I'm still bitter they changed this from a 6 pack to a 4 pack last year and left the price essentially the same. I boycotted buying it last year.

I caved in this year.

Still has a nice roasted malt and coffee bitterness to it.

Smuttynose Farmhouse Ale

Slightly sour/funky. Eh.

Victory Moonglow

Awesome beer. Slightly sweet, with a hint of banana and dark fruit.

Bell's Hell Hath No Fury Ale

Not bad not great. A belgian style stout of sorts.

Bonus Mandy Thoughts:
Its too sweet. With a cough syrup aftertaste. I'd rather rob-u-dose.

Stillwater Artisanal Ales Autumnal

Not too shabby. Light but slightly sweet from the malt. The finish is fairly dry. I don't think I'd buy it again.

Bonus Mandy Thoughts:
I'd like to do something like chug the whole thing in front of you, but its really not that good. I'd rather the dog lick my face.

Founders Curmudgeon Old Ale - 2010

Non-aged.

Its slightly bitter and has another slight off taste that appears at the end. Still slightly sweet. I think I liked it aged a lot better, the bitterness was a lot more subtle.

Bonus Mandy Thoughts:
Smells liquory. Do not want.

Bell's Porter