Trader Joe's - Mission St Brown Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Decent brown ale for $3. Not bad, not great. If the malt came through a little more vs just sweetness it would be better. 

Trader Joe's - Providential Golden Ale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

A spiced belgian pale ale, sort of close to a white ale but not quite there. The alcohol burn is a little high. Its good, not great. Good price, but I'm not sure I'd get it again. I'm just not in love with the style. 

Williamsberg Alewerks - Cafe Royale

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Really smooth barrel aged stout. Vanilla, bourbon and oak really stand out. Slightly bitter on the finish. Not heavy, pretty light for a stout. I was expecting the coffee to come through a little more. Good enough for the price. 

Boulevard - Rye on Rye

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

A lot more mild than I expected. It certainly smells like it has rye in it, although I'm not sure whether that's from the barrel aging or the beer itself.

This may honestly be one of the most boring barrel aged beers I've ever had. Its really sweet, with malt, oak, vanilla, etc. basically dominating. I don't know, it could use the balance of some bitterness or roasted malts or something. Just fine. 

Fantome - La Dalmatienne

From Joe Drinks Dinner and Stuff

Well this was interesting and somewhat unexpected. Slightly sour, a slight muskiness from brett also. I thought it had a slightly chocolate or cocoa taste to it, but Mandy said she thought it tasted smokey which is probably more accurate. Its not super smokey or anything, but its definitely noticeable.