Day 79, September 30

The Offering: Lake Placid Brewing Company, Ubu Ale. New York, USA.

ABV: 7%

In a similar vein as the stout last night but this is much creamier. Still a lot of deep tasted malts, coffee, and a little chocolate. The nose is sweet as well, like roasted molasses. The sweetness drops off on the mouth and the more roasted malts take over with a solid bitterness from the hops. The finish has a little spice along with espresso. Nice well balanced brew.

Points: 89

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 78, September 29

The Offering: Belfast Bay McGovern's Oatmeal Stout. Maine USA

ABV: 5.1%

I had my good friend the praying mantis to drink this with. Nothing like having a cold brew outside on a warm night. This brew is all sorts of dark and roasty. From nose to finish you get dark roasted malts with heavy notes of coffee and chocolate. There is an impressively bitter mid palate where the hops overpower the malts for a split second. Then back to the roasted malts with a slight tartness before the finish. The brew is pretty dry overall without the sweetness that some stouts have. Worth trying if it sounds good but I probably won't get it again.

Points: 84

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 77, September 28

The Offering: Old Capital. Golden ale

ABV: N/A

I can really taste Spices in this one. Bitter finish. Orange citrus on the nose. A little wheat and bread. Hay and hops dry with some light nutmeg or cinnamon. I also get a slight metallic twinge. Ok brew, has some interesting points but not in my top tier.

Points: 83

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 76, September 27

The Offering: Harpoon UFO, UnFiltered Offering, USA unfiltered hefeweizen

ABV: 4.8%

Now this brew is a staple of Boston area colleges. In fact a good college friend of mine went on to be a brewer at Harpoon for five years. All that history aside I was let down upon retasting this brew.

The nose is super bready, like a fresh loaf out of the oven. The mouth is wheaty, no citrus to speak of. More bread and some grass mid-palate. The overall is kind of bland, not much going on here. Mid to low range hef for me.

Points: 82

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 75, September 26

The Offering: Fantome Printemps, Belgian Saison

ABV: 8%

Another night at Gourmet Haus, a German beer garden in Redwood City. This is the place for beer lovers on the Peninsula. Our server gave a raving review of this brew, telling us it's his favorite saison and finally sold me with old "I only have bottle left" line.

This brew was created by a one man brewery in Belgium. Apparently the recipe changes year to year but they are always in the same vein of super funky. This one is definitely super funky. Super smokey and bitter. Basically a funky smoked hops flavor with a super dry finish. Amazingly bitter mid palate with huge notes of smoked leather. Hops and yeast are the strongest elements here but there are all sorts of barnyard flavors here. This one is a must try for the avid beer drinkers but is definitely not for everyone. Enjoy.

Points: 91

Thanks to Steve

Cheers

Day 74, September 25

The Offering: Troegs, Hop Back Amber Ale, Pennsylvania USA

ABV: 6.0%

The East Coast brews have arrived! I can't wait to get back into the brews that started it all (for me). College in Boston meant these were the ones I grew up on. I never had the Hop Back but the style is very familiar.

The nose is sweet and floral and has some significant malt which is surprising. The malt drops out on the mouth. The flavor is floral and bitter from the hops with hints of oak and some tree bark on the finish. The finish is quite bitter but also palatable. It's really interesting that the malts were apparent on the nose but noticeably absent in the mouth. Solid brew to start from the East Coast.

Points: 89

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 73, September 24

The Offering: Left Coast Brewery, Great White Beer. American Witbier

ABV: 4.8%

This brew is sour and herby. The nose is sweet with wheat and herbs are apparent. I can't really place the smell, but the bottle mentions coriander and "humbolt" herbs. The mouth is sweet followed immediately with sour citrus. The finish has some funk to it, no doubt from the remnants of yeast and herbs. Overall, it has a lot going on but all the flavors are muted making it rather bland. It doesn't do much for me.

Points: 78

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 72, September 23

The Offering: Ruedrich's Red Seal Ale

ABV: 5.5%

Nice sweet caramel malts on the nose. The mouth is a little bready with some full floral bitterness from cascade hops. Sour notes really come through midway into the palate. The only real letdown is the finish. It's a bit musty and dead. Overall a decent brew though.

Points: 84

Thanks to Jessie

Cheers

Day 71, September 22

The Offering: Nero's 1st Century, Double Dark Malt Ale.

ABV: 8%

I'm back in the states but my fridge is low on brews.  This was a Trader Joe's pick up from a while ago. It's pretty inexpensive and with good reason. The nose is really sweet with malts and a little fruity. The front of the mouth is actually bitter with hops, the malts don't come until later. The malts are next, they are sweet and dark and there is a weird tartness. The finish is more dark malts and fruit. This really doesn't do anything for me.

Points: 76

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 70, September 21

The Offering: Tecate Light

ABV: 3.7%

Not really worth mentioning except to drink it with a lime and make sure it is 90+ degrees. Consume in mass only.

Points: 57

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 69, September 20

The Offering: Corona

ABV: 4.6%

Ahhh, Mexican urine water. It probably tastes the same going in as coming out. At least this was in a can, and not skunked like the bottles. Not the best, but it serves a purpose.

Points: 57

Thanks to Clay

Cheers

Day 68, September 19

The Offering: Dos Equis Special Lager

ABV: 4.3%

Once again, nothing special here. The only upside it the refreshment value when golfing in 95 degree heat. Mainly corn and grains apparent with some sweet and slightly bitter notes on the mouth. It performed as expected and did quench true thirst. Very similar to the Modelo Especial.

Points: 69

Thanks to Clay

Cheers

Day 67, September 18

The Offering: Modelo Especial, Mexican lager

ABV: 4.4%

Don't confuse this with the Negra Modelo of last night. The Especial is a light lager with nothing really especial about it. The nose is almost non-existent with hints of light malts. The mouth is more pale malts, grass and corn. This falls into the Pacifico category of unremarkable Mexican lagers.

Points: 68

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 66, September 17

The Offering: Negra Modelo, Munich Dunkel Lager.

ABV: 5.4%

Another Mexican staple. This lager has a lot more flavor. The malts really come through here. The nose and is sweet and malty. The mouth has more malts with lots of caramel. The finish is more caramel and chocolate. Pretty good. When in Mexico, default to the Negra Modelo, it may be the best you'll find.

Points: 83

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 65, September 16

The Offering: Pacifico, Mexican lager.

ABV: 4.8%

Well the next week may not be the most interesting for readers. Mexico is not known for their beer. When it's 90 degrees outside you want your beer cold and hydrating. Unfortunately this translates to watered down. The Mexican beers are basically similar to the American lagers like bud light. However, I am more appreciative when you get the background of tropical oceans.

Pacifico has been one of my favorite Mexican beers when traveling here so I thought I'd start here. It did not live up to memory, especially after the brews I've tried in the past 65 days. The nose and flavor are weak with hints of corn and grains. It serves a purpose but only in the heat. Enjoy cold on a hot day only.

Points: 73

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Esta en Mexico

Sorry to the loyal brew fans (all 3 of you). I'll update when I can.

Day 64, September 15

The Offering: Guiness

ABV: 6%

I knew we'd reach this point sometime, where exotic/interesting brews were unavailable. Tonight is a wedding where I find myself with more whiskey options than beer. Too bad we're not writing about Chivas here.

Guiness is a staple for most beer drinkers. You know what your getting. Dark malts on the nose. Creamy smooth all the way through. Slightly bitter finish. Good stuff but not the best.

Points: 85



Cheers

Day 63, September 14

The Offering: Gaffel Kolsch, German kolsch

ABV: 4.8%

Easy drinking beer. No nose to speak of, maybe some wheat and light malt. The mouth is slightly bitter and a little sweet with a lime citrus background. The finish is crisp and slightly bitter with a hint of corn. Not great but I would definitely be happy to throw back a few at a bar.

Points:83

Thanks to Katie

Prost!

Day 62, September 13

The Offering: Black Diamond, Wheat Whacker, India Style Wheat Ale. American, California

ABV: 7%

This is a weird IPA/Wheat beer hybrid that doesn't really work. The basic elements are there. The bitter cascade hops and some sweet wheat. But the nose weak there is no citrus. This makes for a very bland combination. It's not terrible but it is a very basic mashing together of very dissimilar brews. Also, the finish just doesn't taste good. Drinkable but not recommended.

Points: 75

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 61, September 12

The Offering: Ninkasi Oatis, Oatmeal Stout.

ABV: 7.2%

Tasty brew! Obviously totally different than the Ninkasi, Total Domination IPA, but just as delicious.  A big thanks to Alex for turning me on to Ninkasi in general, they are doing things right.  I look forward to their other offerings.  The nose on the Oatis is slightly sweet which I don't remember on other stouts.  The sweetness complements the dark roasted malts and brilliantly and makes me eager to dive in.  The mouth is bitter, dark and delicious.  The dark roasted malts and hops combine for a mouth filling rich chewy bitter meal.  I've seen a few other oatmeal stouts promoted as breakfasts in a bottle and this is one for that category.  I'm sad to see the bottle empty, good stuff!

Points: 92

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 60, September 11

The Offering: Moylans Kilt Lifter, Scotch-Style Ale

ABV: 8%

There is a reason Scotch is in the title. From nose to finish the scotch barrel is apparent. The roasted malts bring out flavors of chocolate a peanuts. The nuttiness continues through the finish almost like peanut butter. There is a sweetness to the malts but mostly dark smokey notes. Clever name and worth a try but it will not be on my pick up list.

Points: 84

Thanks to Kyle

Cheers

Day 59, September 10

The Offering: Family brewery Delirium Tremens, Belgian

ABV: 8.5%

Solid as usual. The pink elephants are classic. Just don't drink too much or it may live up to its name Delirium Tremens. This brew is available at most liquor stores and a good way to get introduced to Belgians. The nose is delicious wheat and yeast along with some citrus. More citrus and sweet wheat on the front of the palette. The mid palette is chewy and like moist bread. The hops finally present in the finish, bitter notes complement the wheat and yeast nicely. Overall a great brew and worth a try.

Points: 93

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 58, September 9

The Offering: The Lost Abbey, Judgment Day, Belgian style quadrupel.

ABV: 10.5%

The Belgians do it better, hands down. Not a terrible brew but it has none of the complexity of the Belgian Trappists. The nose is bitter and sour with dark malt notes. The mouth is big sweet whiskey barrel. Roasted malts add to the flavor but overall it comes up short. I was excited to try a Belgian style California brew but this didn't do it for me. I may still try the Lost Abbey's other options.

Points: 81

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 57, September 8

The Offering: Jagged Edge IPA.

ABV: 7.3%

Continuing the string of bitter beers. This IPA is hugely bitter. The nose is floral, and cascade hops are apparent. The mouth is astringent and remains bitter through finish. Not much else going on but it's not bad by any means. No complaints drinking it for free at the club level Cal football game!

Points:82

Thanks to Jim

Cheers

Day 56, September 7

The Offering: Warsteiner Premium Verum, German Pilsner.

ABV: 4.8%

Not my favorite. It's pretty skunky in the nose. Also a bit sweet. The mouth is skunky as well. Very bitter with notes of grain. I have be honest that this brew is lacking. It's pretty boring and not really pleasant. Not on my keeper list.

Points: 68

Thanks to Katie

Cheers

Day 55, September 6

The Offering: Unita Brewing Co. Wyld Extra Pale Ale. American Organic Pale Ale

ABV: 4.0%

Pale ale with a bit more funk. Very dry bitterness with a little bit of citrus and more yeast flavors than typical. Overall it is a little plain especially the finish. The finish is very simple dry and bitter. It's a pretty good beer. If you are into organic/sustainable/etc. it's a good crew to support.

Points: 85

Thanks to Kevin

Cheers

Day 54, September 5

The Offering: Unibroue Trois Pistoles, Belgian style dark ale (dubbelish)

ABV: 9%

The roasted malts come to the nose first along with some bitter hop notes. The sweet roasted malts are brought to forefront of the mouth. I get a bit of dark fruit like plum or dates as well. The finish is dark and sweet. Not my favorite but still a solid beer.

Points: 87

Thanks to Kimbo

Cheers

Day 53, September 4

The Offering: Weihenstephaner Pilsner, German pilsner.

ABV: 5.1%

Wow this is a bitter beer. You wouldn't think it from the nose. The nose seems pretty standard pilsner but the mouth has off the charts bitterness that stays with you through the finish. It's clear and golden with a nice foam head. Besides the bitterness nothing else really stands out to me, it's pretty bland. If you like bitter you'll have fun with this one but other than that look elsewhere.

Points:79

Thanks to Katie

Prost!

Day 52, September 3

The Offering: Unibroue Maudite, Belgian style strong dark ale. Dubbel (ish)

ABV: 8%

Unibroue scores again. Solid Belgian style strong dark ale. I'm not sure the exact nomenclature, but I would call this somewhere between a Dubbel and a Quadrupel. The nose is sweet with malt, cherry and a little citrus. The mouth is slightly sweet as well. Plums, molasses and slightly spicy bitter hops come through. The finish has more spice with roasted malts and completes quite dry. All around a good brew, the Canadian Unibroue does great job making Belgian beers.

Points: 91

Thanks to Kimbo

Cheers!

Day 51, September 2

The Offering: Weyerbacher Blasphamy Ale, American strong ale. Belgian style Quadrupel.

ABV: 11.8%

This is definitely not as good as the Belgians but it's still a pretty good brew. The nose is sweet and slightly bitter. The mouth follows with notes of really sweet malt and molasses. The mid-palette is interesting and full of berries like blueberry and strawberry. The finish shows some slightly bitter hops and big whiskey barrel. Good beer but it drinks like a wine and is not refreshing after a day building a yurt in 90 degree heat. I think it would be quite nice on a cold night in a bar though. Check out the photo for the in progress yurt construct.

Points: 89

Thanks to Doug

Cheers

Day 50, September 1st

The Offering: Kona Brewing Co. Big Wave Golden Ale

ABV: 4.4%

Strong cascade hops on the nose. Very floral but the mouth is watered down. Just a little bitterness from the hops and slightly sweet malts. Overall is weak in flavor but still refreshing. Great after a long day in the hot sun building a yurt, but I wouldn't reach specifically for it.

Points: 83

Thanks to Alex and Becky

Cheers