AW's Beer Reviews

Butte Creek Organic Pilsner
Butte Creek Brewing Company | Chico, California USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: German-style Pilsner

ABV - 4.1%

This brew poured up a semi-cloudy, light golden colored body with a pearly white thin foamy head with minimal retention and lacing effects on the glass. Aromas of grains, light hops, and something akin to sourdough bread. Light- to Medium-bodied, the sweet malts are savored first with a nice bite from the hops on the finish to make for a crisp, dry ending. The finish is slightly bitter but nothing overbearing. Being my first ‘organic’ brew to try, I’d pair this one up with some fried chicken (home-style, not that fast food stuff) or some blackened fish.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Left Hand Stranger APA
Left Hand Brewing Company | Longmont, Colorado USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Pale Ale (APA)

ABV - 5%

IBU - 36

Definitely one of the purtiest brews I’ve seen in a while! This brew poured up a crystal clear, topaz colored body with a hefty head with amazing retention and lacing effects on the glass. Aromas are just abundant an amazing: citrus fruit, hops, and a slight hint of sweet malts. Quite full of hops but nothing too harsh or overbearing (at least for this malt-head!). Good spice notes with grapefruit and some lemon flavors mixed in. Medium-bodied with a very easy drinkability level with a nice, dry finish that has just a slight kick from the hops. Definitely a good brew to pair up with a juicy rotisserie chicken, creamed spinach, corn-on-the-cob, and fresh baked bread!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Steinlager Pure
New Zealand Breweries Limited | Aotearoa, New Zealand
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Euro Pale Lager

ABV - 5%

This being my first brew from New Zealand, I’m quite amazed at this hearty brew in such a teeny-tiny can! The brew poured up a clear, straw-colored body with a light foamy head which dissipated slowly but with minimal lacing effects on the glass. Aromas of warm biscuits, sweet malts, grains, light hops, lemons … very well-balanced. Light-bodied, easy to drink, with a smooth, clean, refreshing finish with only a slight bitter aftertaste. An excellent brew to pair up with some spicy, Cajun-style shrimp/crawfish or a hearty Cajun gumbo!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Rheingold Beer
Rheingold Brewing Co. | Wilton, Connecticut USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Pale Lager

ABV - 5%

Well, I hate to give out a negative review but this brew just didn’t hold up to any sort of expectation of mine. This brew poured up a clear, straw-colored body the head was barely visible (no lacing effects at all) and dissipated so quickly that I barely had time to get it in the photo! Aromas are barely detectable but there’s just a tad bit of hops and malts; sadly it was rather bland smelling. Light-bodied and so easy to drink you wouldn’t know you were drinking a beer. Flavors are very bland so whatever you pair this up with that’s all you are going to be tasting. Sadly I won’t recommend this brew to anyone.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Maui Brewing Mana Wheat
Maui Brewing Co. | Lahaina, Hawaii (Maui) USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Pale Wheat Ale

ABV - 5.5%

Alooooooooooooooooha! Now this is a lot of aloha from the Maui Brewing ohana!! A wheat brew with pineapple! Now THAT’s refreshing!!! It may be hard to tell from that opener but I REALLY love this brew! It poured up a cloudy, light-amber in color with a massive head with moderate retention and minimal lacing. Aromas of wheat and pineapple (but more like grilled pineapple), and lemons. Flavors of the same but oh so smooth and well-balanced. Medium-bodied, smooth and easy to drink. Truly smooth liquid bliss! It has a light hoppy bite on the end to make for a clean, refreshing finish. Would definitely pair this up with some spicy grilled shrimp or perhaps a deep-fried whole crab topped with a pineapple/jalapeno chutney on top! I’m heading off to Maui and visiting these fine folks!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Rogue Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout
Rogue Ales | Newport, Oregon USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Oatmeal Stout

ABV - 6%

IBU - 69

This brew poured up a near jet-black colored body with a frothy tan-colored head with moderate retention and lacing effects on the glass. Aromas of burnt sugars, hot caramel, and loads of sweet roasted malts. This is a very smooth and creamy medium-bodied brew with a slightly hoppy finish with lingering coffee notes. There are light spice notes throughout with all flavors being very well balanced. Definitely a brew to be paired up with smoked meats or wild game!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Wasatch Polygamy Porter
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Porter

ABV - 4%

I am really starting to take a strong liking to these Wasatch brews! This brew poured up a near pitch black-colored body with a one-finger head that had minimal retention and lacing. Aromas of sweet roasted malts, burnt sugars, coffee, chocolate. Medium-bodied with a sweet finish, no bitterness at all in this fine brew. Pair this up with some smoked sausages or grilled steaks; or serve it up as a dessert brew.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Southern Star Buried Hatchet Stout
Southern Star Brewing Co. | Conroe, Texas USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American Double/Imperial Stout

ABV - 8.25%

My gosh! This brew is so good I want to cut the can open and lick it clean! It poured up a near pitch black-colored body with ruby hues; a massive foamy head with moderate retention & awesome lacing. The head reduces down to a thin foamy topping and hangs around for a good long while. Aromas of dark chocolates and dark fruits, coffee, and hot fudge. Medium-bodied and silky smooth with a crisp, clean finish that has just a subtle ‘bite’. Very easy to drink so watch that ABV count! An excellent brew to pair up with wild game, smoked meats or grilled meats.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Woodchuck Pear Cider
Green Mountain Cidery (HP Bulmer) | Middlebury, Vermont USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Ciders/Perrys – Common Perry

ABV - 4%

This cider pours up like champagne made from pears. Very bubbly throughout with loads of sweet pear aromas. Taste is very sweet with a dry, tart finish. Very refreshing on those hot summer days and would be excellent for the BBQ or fish fry! Pair it up with some grilled chicken or grilled fish!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Tiger Beer
Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd. | Alexandra Point, Singapore
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Singapore Adjunct Pale Lager

ABV - 5%

Now this brew really took me by surprise! It poured up a clear amber-colored body with a nice frothy head that dissipated quickly to thin sheen with minimal lacing. Aromas were of the usual malts/hops (hey, it’s an adjunct!) but nothing overbearing or skunky. It has a sweet malty taste with a nice bite of hops at the end. A crisp, clean finish with no harsh aftertastes. Light bodied and extra smooth on the quaff! I would pick this ANY time over the US mass producers (e.g. Miller, Coors, etc.). Pair this brew up with spicy nachos or spicy asian fish/seafood meal.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA
Bear Republic Brewing Co. | Healdsburg, California USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American IPA

ABV - 7%

IBU - 75

These IPAs are starting to appeal to me! This brew poured up a cloudy/hazy golden-orange body with a frothy head possessing excellent retention and lacing. Loads of aromas of citrusy hops with just a tiny hint of roasted malts. It has a good sharp bite all the way through followed up with just enough sweet malts to smooth it out for a nice, crisp, clean finish with no harsh aftertaste; almost like a mixture of flavors of cotton candy and caramel lingering on the finish. As it warms the hops and malts blend so much more ‘flavorfully’. Pair it up with some beer-butt chicken (yeah and use some of this beer for that dish!) or salmon cooked on cedar planks on the grill!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Rahr & Sons Stormcloud IPA
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company | Fort Worth, Texas USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: American IPA

ABV - 6%

IBU - 64

Noah makes the call… Tony makes the pitch… and Fritz knocks it out of the park right into the Stormcloud! This is THE IPA that I would recommend those not into all that hops to try in order to develop an appreciation for hoppy brews!! All it took was a Texas IPA to get my head wrapped around all this hoppy-deliciousness! I’ve now had the pleasure of trying this brew both from the bottle and from the tap right at the brewery on one of their tours! A topaz colored body with a good frothy head that dissipates somewhat quickly to a thin sheen and good lacing effects. Lots of citrusy hops as well as some sweet malts on the nose. Medium-bodied and extremely smooth brew with an awesomely clean finish that’s not too hoppy nor too sweet! Definitely one of the best IPAs this malt-head has tasted!! Pairs well with pheasant, quail, smoked salmon/trout, or some spicy venison.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Wasatch White Label
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Witbier

ABV - 6%

What an amazing witbier! Light amber in color and from an aggressive pour a good foamy head that dissipated quickly to a thin sheen with minimal lacing. Aromas of grains and hearty spices. Flavors of orange zest, lemon zest and clove. Light-bodied and very smooth with a nice dry, clean finish with no harsh aftertastes. Pair it up with spicy Korean pork bbq or with a spicy fish/shrimp dinner or fresh-caught trout prepared right on the banks!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Rahr & Sons Rahr’s Blonde
Rahr & Sons Brewing Company | Fort Worth, Texas USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Munich Helles Lager

ABV - 4.6%

IBU - 22

Daggum them boys thar at Rahrs know how to make some good brews! I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying this fine brew from the bottle and right from the tap there at the brewery! Golden amber in color with a hearty foamy head that dissipated quickly to a thin sheen and somewhat good lacing. Aromas of sweet malts, orange zest, maybe a little bit of lemon. Light- to somewhat medium-bodied, with a silkly smooth texture. Good sweet malts and just the right amount of hearty bite from the hops to make for a well-balanced white beer! Seems like a touch of lemon-grass in there too. Long-lingering malty-sweet finish but nothing overbearing. Just the right amount of carbonation in there too. The finish is so crisp and clean! Pair this up with some smoked gouda cheese or perhaps some smoked fish or grilled shrimp Cajun-style! Heck I’m thinking of some hearty new england clam-chowder with this Texas brew!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Woodchuck Dark & Dry 802 Draft Cider
Green Mountain Cidery (HP Bulmer) | Middlebury, Vermont USA
Purchased @ Beer & Wine World - Mansfield, Texas USA

Style: Ciders/Perrys – Common Cider

ABV - 5%

Quite a refreshing cider! Poured up a light caramel-colored body with loads of carbonation (from all that champagne blended in) and a thin fizzy head. Aromas of sugars, apples, and a light hint of clove way in the back. Light-bodied and easily quaff-able! Enjoy it on a hot day at the BBQ or fish fry! This is a great alternative to those that don’t want to load up on beer but still want something with a tasty little kick!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Wasatch Summerbrau Lager
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - received as a gift.

Style: Czech Pilsener

ABV - 5.6%

What are these folks at Wasatch doing?! They are turning out solid brews, that’s what!! This brew poured up a clear golden colored body with a frothy pearl-white colored head with good retention and slowly dissipating down to a thin sheen and light lacing and a good amount of carbonation. Aromas of sweet malts, spices, hops and lemongrass. Light-bodied with a very clean, refreshing finish with no harsh aftertastes. Easily one of the best pilz to have by the grill or by the fryer! Pair this brew up with some spicy chicken or spicy fish entrees or a spicy Cajun-style meal!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

St. Bernardus Abt 12
Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV | Watou, Belgium
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: Belgian Abbey Ale – Quadrupel

ABV - 10%

Definitely one of the most extravagant tasting brews I have ever tasted. Poured up a dark mahogany-brown colored body with a one-finger head that was extremely creamy with amazing retention and lacing. Aromas of rich sweet malts, cloves, and dark fruits. The flavors are so complex in the fine brew; cloves and brown sugar along with spicy notes throughout. Full-bodied, creamy smooth, with a very warming and sweet finish. DO NOT RUSH THROUGH THIS BREW! Take your time and slowly savor every drop! Best if paired up with some smoked meats and wild game (venison, boar, etc.) or just all by itself!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Squatters Provo Girl Pilsner
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - Received as a gift

Style: German Pilsener

ABV - 4%

Another good pilsner from the folks at Squatters! This brew poured up a crystal clear, light golden colored body with a one-finger thick foamy head with good retention and moderate lacing effects on the glass. Sweet aromas of malts and a slight hint of citrusy hops. Flavors of sweet malts dominate with just the right tough of a hoppy bite on the finish. Light-bodied with a clean finish with no harsh aftertastes. Quite an easy drinker so this would be a great compliment to your BBQ and/or fish fry. Would pair well with pheasant, quail, salmon or fresh-caught trout.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Squatters Big Cottonwood
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - Received as a gift

Style: American Amber/Red Ale

ABV - 6.4%

Pours up a rich crystal clear dark amber colored body with a hefty frothy tan-colored head with good retention and lacing effects. Warm aromas of grains, malts, toffee, vanilla, and melted caramel with a subtle hint of hops. The flavors are nicely complex with sweet malts, just a touch of a hoppy bite, with a noticeable smoothness like warm caramel. Medium-bodied, ease of drinkability, well-balanced, and a sweet, clean finish.

Pairing Recommendations: duck, goose, patridge, pheasant, quail, grouse, grilled meats

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Looks good AW

Squatters 529
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased - received as a gift!

Style: Flanders Oud Bruin (Sour/Wild Ale)

ABV - 7.15%

Sour is as sour does! Woooo doggie that is one sour brew, but taste is in the mouth of the beholder as they always say! This brew poured up a murky reddish-brown colored body that sported a one-finger thick head that quickly dissipated to a thin sheen and left excellent lacing on the glass. Definitely one of the most aromatic brews! Sweet malts, dark fruits, lots of sour cherry going on! Flavors are very complex yet well-balanced; intense sour cherry, melted caramel, sweet malts, and a nice hit of spicy hops on the backend. Medium- to Full-bodied with an intensely, insanely sour hit all the way through and finished off with a long-lasting, mouth-puckering hit of brew-love that’s dry on the finish and aftertaste. I found myself enjoying this brew as it slowly warmed as the flavors and aromas just intensified!

Pairing Recommendations: An excellent pairing with some grilled rib-eye steaks or some slow-smoked meats/sausages! Heck get ya a double-meat buffalo burger and some taters and have yourself a good ol’ meal!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Squatters Full Suspension Pale Ale
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased; received as a gift!

Style: American Pale Ale

ABV - 4%

This brew poured up a cloudy amber colored body with a thin, fizzy off-white head that dissipated somewhat slowly and left incredible lacing on the glass. Aromas of floral hops, caramel, sweet malts and citrus (like orange peels). Flavors full of the citrus notes and sweet malts with a nice hoppy bite on the finish. Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, very smooth and creamy with a finish that is very clean and tart.

Pairing Recommendations: Excellent when paired up with some hot-n-spicy buffalo chicken tacos and some extra creamy bleu cheese dressing!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout
Lagunitas Brewing Company | Petaluma, California USA
Purchased @ Lone Star Beverages - Carrollton, Texas USA

Style: American Double/Imperial Stout

ABV - 8.8%

IBU - 29

Definitely a fine quality brew from the Lagunitas line! This brew poured up a near pitch black colored body sporting a hearty foamy tan-colored head with amazing retention and lacing effects. Hearty aromas of coffee, caramel, and toffee; flavors of the same but so intense and so well-balanced. Medium- to Full-bodied so it’s a good thick brew with a good strong coffee taste throughout with a clean, warming finish full of sweet malts and a subtle hint of hops for a ultra-slight bitter hit and a long lingering aftertaste just as though you finished off your favorite cappuccino.

Pairing Recommendations: Pair this brew up with a juicy steak right off the grill or with your favorite smoked or grilled meats.

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Squatters Captain Bastard’s Oatmeal Stout
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased; received as a gift!

Style: Oatmeal Stout

ABV - 4%

Now this is one exceptional stout!! It poured up a jet-black colored body with a hearty, foamy mocha-colored head with amazing retention and lacing effects. Aromas of roasted/sweet malts, coffee, and a hint of hops. Flavors of the same but oh so intense and well-balanced! Medium-bodied, thick and creamy, with a warming finish full of robust coffee and dark chocolate flavors.

Pairing Recommendations: Would make for an awesome compliment to some decadent burgers or venison burgers!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.

Squatters Hell’s Keep
Utah Brewers Cooperative | Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Not purchased; received as a gift!

Style: Belgian Strong Ale

ABV - 7.75%

Truly one of the finest offerings one can partake of from Squatters!! This brew poured up a cloudy light-golden colored body with a meringue-like head with awesome retention and lacing effects. Aromas full of pear, cloves, banana, and peppery spices. Flavors are intense and very well-balanced with the addition of lemon-grass and a fruity hint somewhat like starfruit. Medium-bodied, good carbonation, very creamy and a finish that is dry, tart and tangy.

Pairing Recommendations: A perfect companion with a slow-grilled rib-eye steak and grilled veggies and another one of these beers for dessert!

Disclaimer: All beer tasting notes and reviews are subjective. The thoughts and opinions contained herein are those of the ‘bier vorgeschmack’ and him only. The intent of this beer review is to spur interest in brands and styles that one may not normally indulge in and to entice them to venture out and try new brews. While some may argue that there are no other beers than Miller, Coors, Bud, and Keystone, this is much akin to arguing which vanilla ice cream tastes the best. There are more brews out there; try some and enjoy the savory adventure.