Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale
(Escondido, CA)
Jabez Martinez – 4.0
A dark copper colored beer with low carbonation and a sweet yet spicy aroma. I could taste some of the spice, but it also had a “winey” flavor to it with some yeast notes. The flavor grew on me the more I drank it, and seemed to get sweeter as well.
Todd Zachritz - 4.5
This exquisite limited-release ale dares to combine Anaheim chilies, cinnamon, and Belgian yeast strains, a bold move that works surprisingly well. Aroma and taste are both strong and heavy, with hints of chilies swirled up with some bittersweet cocoa vibes. The cinnamon is somewhat muted. An interesting collision of flavors here. Quite unusual and very impressive.
Barley Island - Brass Knuckles Oatmeal Stout
(Noblesville, IN)
Jaqulyn Woolsey – 3.0
I really wanted to like this beer based solely on the name. It poured very thick, almost syrupy, and the lace hung on the glass. The head was brown and the taste was too smoky – almost like charred ash. I was not a fan of this beer, but I can see how it would appeal to dark beer drinkers.
Jabez Martinez – 4.0
A very dark black beer with a brown head. It had great carbonation with a light
coffee aroma. I could taste the chocolate, coffee, and roasted malts. Even though it was a dark beer it still was light and enjoyable to drink. I will be looking to purchase more of this.
Todd Zachritz - 4.0
A semi-local brew here, and a righteously fine one it is, too. This motor-oil black stout pours with a nice head and solid lace on the glass. Aroma and taste summon notes of coffee and cocoa. Well-done! It's a smooth, even creamy, drink with a nicely burnt malt finish. Very enjoyable, and perfectly exemplary of the style. Bravo, Barley Island!
Goose Island - Mild Winter
(Chicago, IL)
Jaqulyn Woolsey – 3.0
I could really taste the rye in this beer, which gives it a slightly spicy flavor. It poured a dark caramel color with a tan head. I’m more of a cream ale drinker, so this one doesn’t do too much for me. I didn’t really enjoy the smell or the aftertaste, which isn’t surprising since I don’t typically enjoy burnt flavors in beer.
Jabez Martinez – 4.5
This is a dark brown colored beer with good carbonation. It had a somewhat grassy aroma that originally turned me off, but the taste made up for it. I have always been a Goose Island fan and they didn’t disappoint me. This beer is very similar to the Barley Island stout in some regards, offering coffee and roasted malt flavors, but it was much smoother to drink.
Todd Zachritz – 3.5
This rich rye ale pours with a rush of bubbles and impressive lacing on the glass. I get aromas of fruit and yeast, which certainly isn't bad. The flavor is strong, with hints of dark candied fruits and, again, yeastiness. Goose Island seldom disappoints, and their Mild Winter is a winner, indeed.
Anheuser-Busch- Wild Blue Blueberry Lager
(St.Louis, MO)
Jaqulyn Woolsey – 4.5
I was surprised at how purple this beer was on pour. The smell is reminiscent of sparkling grape juice, and the 8% ABV is not overpoweringly noticeable. It has a very fresh fruit taste – not too sweet, but rather clean and tart. I could definitely see myself enjoying a few of these on a warm summer day. However, I wouldn’t drink 6 in a row. I don’t typically like “fruity” beers, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Todd Zachritz - 1.0
If you're looking for an alcoholic grape soda, search no longer. This funky purple-blue brew smells of berries and little else, which isn't bad in itself. I get grape soda with an alcohol bite underneath, but nothing complex at all and certainly not enjoyable. Professing "all natural ingredients" doesn't sway my opinion, as this tastes really metallic, “off,” and just plain wrong.
Jabez Martinez – 1.5
I’ve had this before and didn’t care for it the first time. The Wild Blue Blueberry Lager is very dark purple. It smells like beer, but that is where the similarities with beer end. It has a sweet blueberry juice flavor, but not much flavor other than that. Granted, the 8% ABV is hard to detect, but this wasn’t my cup of tea/beer.
