October's ranks

So, I decided to try something different this time. Inspired by WFNX, I thought that I could tell what beers I really liked if I had to choose between two different beers. And I did that match-up for every beer here vs. every other beer here. Then I took the winning percentage, and ranked them accordingly. Please tell me what you think.

#1	Founders KBS.	100.0%
#2	Boulevard Tank 7	94.9%
	Great Divide Yeti '09.	94.9%
	Pretty Things Babayaga.	94.9%
#5	Pretty Things 1901 KK.	89.7%
#6	Grand Teton Sheep Eater.	84.6%
#7	Troegs Flying Mouflan.	82.1%
#8	Pretty Things Baby Tree	79.5%
#9	Troegs Dead Reckoning.	76.9%
#10	Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Wild.	74.4%
#11	Watch City Brune.	69.2%
#12	Cape Ann Honey Ale.	66.7%
	Smuttynose Gravitation.	66.7%
	Troegs Javahead Stout.	66.7%
#15	Ballast Point Big Eye IPA.	61.5%
	Great Divide 16th Anniversary.	61.5%
	Ommegang Cup O' Kindness.	61.5%
#18	Wachusetts Larry.	59.0%
#19	Lefthand Twin Sisters.	56.4%
#20	Breckenridge Avalanche.	53.8%
#21	Dogfish Head Punkin'.	48.7%
#22	Boulevard Pale Ale.	46.2%
#23	Andrew's Homebrew"Hoptober".	41.0%
	Evolution Craft Lot #3.	41.0%
	Ommegang Zuur.	41.0%
#26	Breckenridge 471 IPA.	35.9%
	Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin.	35.9%
#28	Pretty Things Hedgerow Bitter.	33.3%
#29	Anchor Liberty Ale.	30.8%
#30	Allagash Curiuex.	28.2%
#31	Kern River Just Outstanding IPA.	25.6%
#32	Hooker Liberator.	23.1%
#33	People's Pint IPA.	20.5%
#34	Odell Levity.	12.8%
	Watch City Clocktober.	12.8%
#36	8th street Ale.	7.7%
	Rogue Yellow Snow.	7.7%
#38	New Belgian Tripel.	5.1%
#39	Southern Tier 2xipa.	5.1%
#40	Southern Tier Choklat.	2.6%

September grades and ranks

September was a good month for beer. Nice variety, nice changes throughout the month. Not to mention my birthday and the Oskar Blues beer dinner.

I don't know why I obsess over having all these listed. Sure, it;s my thing, but to what end? Will something great become of this? I hope so, yet, my approach is far from scientific. It's me giving some witty comment about the beer I just drank. Nothing more, nothing less.

There is also the debate if I grade to easily. I hardly ever have things in the C-range. But I am fairly confident in my ability to pick a good beer to drink. Plus, with free samples at work, it makes my choice all the easier.

The new Twitter layout takes away the time stamp (at least with a cut and paste into excel) so that aspect is lost a little. I know when I had them and you would to if you follow me on the Twitter.


[A+]

#1 The Bruery Coton. Had to have it before it was gone. I love my syrup-like-heavy beers to be chock full of alcohol. It is what I want!(A, A+)

One of the best beers that I have ever had. The more I had it, the more I loved it. Sure, it's high in alcohol, but if you just take the time to sip it slowly, you'll be happy like me.

#2 Allagash Fluxus '10. I know i just tweeted this, but you still have to know how awesome this year's batch is. Taza chocolate and love.(A, A+)

Allagash does it again. And I still have a bottle at home. Taza chocolate and Allagash brewing, how can you possibly go wrong?

[A]

#3 Dogfish Head Bitches Brew. Now, if this isn't the sweetest thing you have ever drank? I would be tempted to age it a year, see how it holds. (A, A)

I am tempted to find another bottle of this and age it. I mean, I don't even know if the way we age at home is effective, but it is a dark place in our most lived in room (living room). But, I don't even go for super sweet beers, but you put enough punch behind it, you gotta give it a try.

#4 Uinta Crooked Line Labyrinth Black Ale. Big beer, big ABV. 13.2%, syrupy, but lighter body than you'd expect. Very drinkable. Great.(A, A)

I want to bring some bottles of this into the restaurant to sell. Or maybe more. Once we empty out the storage, I will be bringing in my stuff. This will be awesome!

#5 St. Bernardus Abt 12. My birthday, my choice of beer. It was strong enough to go with steak, but sweet enough to go with dessert. Heart.(A, A)

My birthday beer. I heart this beer a lot, and it holds a special place for me. I don't know why I even tried it in the first place. Maybe it is the happy monk on the bottle? But, it's my second favorite Belgian, behind the Delirium.

#6 Founders Devil Dancer. Like a whiskey having a love child with an IPA. A super bitter triple, but just enough balance to make it good.(A-, A)

What about Founders isn't great? I think that Devil Dancer was my first introduction to them, way back in probably 2007-8ish, and that first drink has stuck with me since then. Of course I have since become obsessed with the breakfast stouts, too, but this one will stick with you.

#7 Great Divide 16th Anniversary. It's a wonderful beer, a DIPA that's wood aged. It does teeter on the edge of almost too much. Not for the faint.(A-, A)

I am suck a sucker for anniversary beers. I'm all "ooh, let's try that!" every time I see one. But, Great Divide does a great job on almost everything, so it made it worth it.

[A-]

#8 Mayflower Golden Cask. It was like drinking air. I've had it normal before and thought it was fine, but tonight was ridiculously good.(A-, A-)

This is not rated so high because of the beer itself, but the presentation style, from a cask. Seriously, the is the best thing that I have ever had on cask. It was so pure, so light, and so delicious. It's hard to go back to stronger beers on cask after this one.

#9 Lost abbey lost and found. smoky complex flavor. almost distracting because you dont know what you are tasting.(A-, A-)

A great beer from Lost Abbey. And I know that I ranked it pretty high, but this is not the best that Lost Abbey can do.

#10 Duck-Rabbit Porter. Oh my, how did I get my hands on this little bottle? Strictly flavor, this is better than Sinebrychoff. So far away.(A-, A-)

Reason #10 why my job is awesome. There is an underground beer trade that goes on (legally). Beth's gonna kill me when it comes our turn to bring in the goodies.

#11 Oskar Blues Aged Ten Fidy (Stranahan's whiskey barrels). I love tasting regular and then twisted back to back. It was a perfect pairing.(A-, A-)

I had a huge obsession with aging last year. I still really appreciate it, but I started to realize that I am not all that crazy about whiskey or bourbon. That doesn't mean that the beers are good, but if you throw it too far over the age, then you lose a great beer.

#12 Great Divide Hercules Double IPA. A DIPAs that I fell in love with long ago. A lot spicier than I remember, but it accented the meal.(A-, A-)

Another one of those hallmark beers in my life, especially when I was the king of double IPAs.

#13 Smuttynose Farmhouse. Was Lord Hobo sitting on this one for a while? I didn't know it was still around. Regardless, had to have it.(A-, A-)

I raised an eyebrow seeing this still on tap in the late summer. It still tasted fine, obviously, but freshness is a peculiar thing that I have learned about at work.

#14 Pretty Things Hedgerow Bitter. Out of a bottle, out at a bar. See, sometimes it will happen. Lots of bitter, but flavor, too.(A-, A-)

Though I love the idea of selling bottles at the bar, it is hard for me to buy one myself. This was a nice change, being I wasn't thrilled at the draft choice, but the bottles were nice. Look around.

#15 Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale. You know I love, and you should too. THe beer that changed my thoughts about canned beer. Always A- (A-, A-)

I bet you are all tired of me drinking this beer (and all the Smuttynoses). But, I still love them.

#16 Southern Tier Backburner. My favorite ST product. A fiery combo of hops with strong ABV. Drinks smooth, burps are rough.(A-, A-)

I talked to the Southern Tier rep the other day. I think that I want to do a dinner/event with them. Their beer is good enough, darnit!

#17 Oskar Blues Ten Fidy. Classic dark, roasty flavor, plus the strong alcohol is exactly what you want from such a strong beer. Glassware!(A-, A-)

As I was saying about aging beers, this was an example of surpassing the original. Not that this beer is bad, but with a dark beer like this, you have some room to play.

#18 Troegs Javahead Stout. Surprisingly good. Ordered it for CC on a whim. Tasted great, though I want heavier stouts. Make it a float!(B+, A-)

Biggest surprise for me of the month. I really didn't think that I liked Troegs, but I had ordered this just to have something different from them, and I was amazed. And though I was trying to make a float, I want to see more beer frappes. Really.

#19 Sinebrychoff Porter. Much better in draft than in bottle, but still the porter in which I judge all other porters. Smoky and coy.(A-, B+)

I am so sad that this one fell from previous ranks. Sure, it could be that the bottle was sitting around for a while, but this was not as dreamy as I remembered it. So many things could influence this.

[B+]

#20 Oskar Blues Old Chub. I liked this one a lot, a very tasty, malt scotch ale. Also tart. I was starting to get hammered at this point.(B+, B+)

It was great to try more of the Oskar Blues line up. This was the best of the new to me.

#21 Harpoon Glacier Harvest '10: The body and the hop that I want my IPA to be, but a little overly herbal, even for a wet hop beer.(B+, B+)

Free bottle from work. You cannot complain with that. I respect harpoon doing the fancier stuff, and I want to try more, but the market is so flooded with their average beers, it is hard to turn around your thought process.

#22 Smuttynose Old Brown Dog. Had it for my pre-meal last night, way to get the palate ready for some dark meat. Where is the Really OBD? Smuttynose Old Brown Dog. Old stand by is more like it. Any time you eat meat, you want something that will pair well, yet subtle. Mmm.(B+, B+)

Two tweets here, if you were wondering. You know I love it.

#23 Oskar blues Gubna. We're talking a strong and powerful beer that'll knock you down. It's full of taste and an experience to drink.(B+, B+)

Again with the new Oskar Blues beers (to me). There is a point though with strong, flavorful beer, that it becomes impractical in large quantities. Just sayin'.

#24 Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. Well, that is everything in the mixer. I forget that I love the simplicity of the beer and how soft it is.(B+, B+)

My forgotten Smutty. I should drink it more often.

#25 Dogfish Head Punkin Ale. Wish it wasn't 95 degrees the first day I drink this, but we got to grill outside, make some tandoori (apparently).(B+, B)

I know Beth loves it, but I am not as excited about it this year as I have been. Still fine, but I am no pumpkin-expert.

#26 Mayflower Autumn Wheat. A dark wheat? Really should pour it into a glass next time. Dry on first sip, fragile to pair with. Salt kills.(B+, B)

Salt does kill the flavor of a lot of beer. It sucks that some of our best food is so salty. Down a Harpoon IPA, sure, but with the more delicate beers, you lose a lot of the grace intended.

#27 Smuttynose Star Island Single. Learning to like this beer. Or at least have it be a nice session beer. If one is a session.(B, B+)

[B]

#28 Oskar Blues Gordon. First time having it. Thought itwas paired well with herbs and spices (less than 11). Nice red ale.(B, B)

Intense. Fun to drink, but not practical.

#29 Harpoon Munich Dark. I really need to believe that Harpoon can do stuff beyond the IPA. This stands out as a reason to choose them again.(B, B)

A nice surprise out of Harpoon. We have a friend that loves this beer, with is worthy, especially for a session beer. Those are hard to find for me these days, because I hardly dedicate one beer to the evening.

#30 Oskar Blues Mama's Yella Pils. Not something that I drink all that often, but it was refreshing, compared to all the other heavy beers.(B, B)

I am not a Pilsner guy, but I find this only to be in the middle of good. Nothing more.

#31 Anchor Liberty Ale. Great beer, but better in beer-cheese bread. Wanted some of that, too. Will enjoy until wifey makes the yums.(B, B-)

Another beer that I know I like, but find myself being less attracted to. Some of my tastes are changing... or at least asking for something different. I am always looking for an A-range beer, but that leaves some really good beers behind. And completely unrelated, I always thing of that Southwest Airlines commercial about going to Philly... "We got the Liberty Bell, we got cheesesteak." And I say to myself, "I got the liberty ale..."

#32 Lagunitas Pils. Hard call, after a long, fun night out. I don't think that it was all that impressive. It was refreshing, but average.(B, B-)

Again with the Pilsners. Maybe I just want everything to taste like it is from Germany, direct.

#33 Sam Adams Sample B American Rye Ale. Not to bad, though a little alkaline-y. I think that with a little more body it would be great.(B, B-)

The last of a free sample I got from long ago. Meh. Drinkable.

[B-]

#34 Newport Storm Regenschauer Oktoberfest. Sucked at first sip. Got better, but really, no fancy flavors to remind me of anything.(B-, C+)

Please direct me to a great Newport beer. I want to like them.

[C+]

#35 Wachusetts Ryde. Look what I found in the back of the fridge just before dawn. It wants to be flavorful, really. Just like woody H2O.(B-, C)

A running gag for the last few months. You won't see another review any time soon.

August grades and ranks

I don't know where all this tweeting is going. I am addicted to tweeting my beers, and giving them ranks, which is all fine and good, but doing this blog post, it was hard. It's a little time consuming, and I drink a lot of the same beers as I do different ones. It's probably a 50/50 split. Do you really care from month to month what I think of Smuttynose Brown Dog? And are ranks really fun when I feel that I hardly ever give anything below a B-? Sure, I drink a lot of fine beer, and I do tend to be choosy about what I buy, but I am looking at 8 "A" beers this months. And they all deserve it, but I feel like I am approaching "Everyone gets a trophy" territory.

So, I feel that collecting the beers that I drink, it's a start. But these are just poorly written tweets with some afterthought. Not all that deep. That's why I want something more visually stunning. I think that drinking as many different beers as you can is a good thing, and I want to share this passion with other people. But how can I get other people involved. Collecting beer cards for everything that you drink? Four Square style badges? Head-to-head matchups to truly pick a best beer? I am something that is visually enjoyable and yet clear and concise information. All websites for beer are different. I think that there should be a standard in which the information is presented, and the same information presented for each and every beer. Like, Harpoon IPA vs. Smuttynose IPA vs. Ipswich IPA. Help me compare these three and choose. And I want a website that is not tainted with personal opinions. This is my blog, and my space in which to do so, but I want something else, too. There are books that I love that do just this, but why not have a complete library of information? My dreams are always larger then the effort I have to exert.

All that said, doing this still feels right.

Grades are 1st impression and today's thought. They are ranked on average, then person opinion.


[A]

#1 Russian River Pliny the Elder. Motherfucker I am lucky have had this beer. Brought by a co-worker. So much hops, but so well balanced. A Sunday, August 29, 2010 10:10:53 PM via web (A, A)

How lucky am I to have had this beer in Boston? It is as great as everyone makes it, though I think this is by far better than the Younger. This is just my personal taste. Though, I love that my job has a culture of sharing good beer. Can't wait for my turn to bring back my local favorites.

#2 Great Divide Yeti '09. I've stared at these bottles for a month now, finally got to crack one open. Split this and dessert with wife. A Sunday, August 22, 2010 7:36:52 PM via web (A, A)

Another perk of where I work. This is a favorite beer of mine, but to have it aged, made it a little thicker, but just as good.

#3 Allagash Curieux. THe most lovely kick in the ass that you can have. Sure it's powerful, but enough sweetness makes you beg for more. A Sunday, August 29, 2010 10:09:38 PM via web (A, A)

Allagash is up there in the breweries that can do no wrong. I typically don't do the strong barrel-aged stuff, but this is too good to ever pass up.

#4 Dogfish Palo Santo Marron. Stupid strong but a sweetness that keeps you drinking. just a touch of tart that get yous attention A Monday, August 16, 2010 6:10:25 PM via txt (A, A)

Sometimes Dogfish is just a little to extreme, but when they walk the line, they do it just as well as anyone else. They have some of the best pallets out there.

#5 Avery Majaraja. Absolutely fantastic IPA. has all the hops and bitterness that you would want. also a body that makes it a good drink. A- Monday, August 16, 2010 6:06:16 PM via txt (A-, A)

The first time I had this was a shared bottle at Beck&Tony's. It was good then and has stuck with me every time I see it. I don't know why I never got into Avery when I actually lived out there, but I am learning to respect it more and more.

#6 Pretty Things St. Botolph's Town. Heavier than I remember. Almost stouty, but still went delicious with a pork sammy and fresh corn. A Tuesday, August 17, 2010 8:28:23 PM via web (A, A-)

A great dark ale, what can I say? The darker the beer, the more body I want, and Pretty Things seems to think the way I do.

#7 Ommegang Hennepin. Great Farmhouse, never fails to disappoint. It stays fresh and flavorful with each sip. Never backs down. A Friday, August 20, 2010 11:57:33 PM via web (A, A-)

This beer is almost always available, and I don't know why I don't pick it up more often.

#8 Stone 14th Anniversary. Imperial IPA. Stone tastes like Stone, though it wasn't that heavy "arrogant" taste that is most common. A- 8:27 PM Aug 2nd via web (A, A-)

Stone and that Stone taste. Some times works better than others, and this is one of those. I have a soft spot for any anniversary beers.

[A-]

#9 Smuttynose Farmhouse Saison. This was my first saison love. Still is. Better balance than Great Divide. Malty, yet still refreshing! A- Friday, August 13, 2010 7:13:30 PM via web (A-, A-)

Is there a movement for an American saison? Less funk? I dunno, but this stands out different than Dupont, and the others like that.

#10 Pretty Things Baby Tree. It's been a while since I had this. Forgot how badk and heavy it can be, especially mid summer. Still awesome! A- 12:00 AM Aug 5th via web (A-, A-)

This is a beer that you should only have every once in a while. It could distort your opinion of other beers if you drink it too much.

#11 CBC Three Rings. Nice Belgian that doesn't to hard to be all "Hey, look at me!" It drinks smooth and quick. Tastes good, pairs well. B+ Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:07:39 PM via

I live so close to CBC, but I don't know how I have forgotten about if for so long. I think that Halloween bust from last year tainted my opinion. But the beer can be damned good.

#12 Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale. Everything that I want a Pale to be. And also a finely crafted beer. Sad the case is now gone. A- 8:01 PM Aug 12th via web (A-, A-)

BA is wrong. This beer is way better than a B.

[B+]

#13 21st Amendment Black IPA. A solid IPA that balances the sweetness with a nice hoppy taste. Clown Shoes should pay heed to the can. B+ 8:06 PM Aug 9th via web (B+, B+)

Black beers. It is an interesting movement to have more of them. Kinda hip right now, I guess. But to do it well, you don't need it to be a gimmick.

#14 Ipswich Ale. I love this simple, no frills drink. Easy to swallow, no balance issues. It give me the exact drink I want. B+ 2:29 AM Aug 12th via web (B+, B)

If you read fantasy fiction, where the characters go drink a skin of ale, this is what I would want mine to be.

#15 Mayflower Summer Rye. It's not one of those Ryes that thinks it's being clever. It tastes like a wheat with the spice, not vice versa. B+ Monday, August 16, 2010 8:31:20 PM via web (B+, B)

Trying to get into Mayflower seasonals. This is fine, as well as the fall seasonal I just had. They are better than most, but I almost pass them over for something else. Bad me.

#16 Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. I just needed something to take the edge off of changing a flat tire at 2am. It is drinkablely delicious. B+ 2:03 AM Aug 9th. I probably drink Smutty at least once a month. Their sampler is one of the few that is all good. B Tuesday, August 31, 2010 via web (B+, B)

We are getting into my session beers. Everyone has to have them.

#17 Rogue St. Rogue Red. Cask. I probably drank this too fast to give it a straight review. But, It was super hoppy, nice body. Like me. B+ 6:12 PM Aug 13th via web (B+, B)

Good cask. Casks are so much better on day 1 then day 4 or 5.

#18 Southampton Tripel. Enjoyable, good showing to be an Abbey. They produce some fine quality beers out there. Keep reaching! B+ Friday, August 20, 2010 11:59:07 PM via web (B+, B)

Why doesn't the restaurant pour more Southampton? They are good!

#19 Epic Armageddon IPA. New Zealand beer. Herbal taste to balance out the hoppiness, tasted better a little warmed up. Tasty little number. B+ Saturday, August 14, 2010 8:46:42 PM via web (B+, B)

A New Zealand beer. Enjoyable, but I don't know if it defines the flavor of a country. Will try more Epic down the road.

#20 Sam Adams Latitude 48. Great tasting IPA with a good balance, that doesn't kick you down. CC had it for a beer dinner and I got one. B+ 9:43 PM Aug 10th via web (B+, B)

My favorite Sam's.

#21 Great Divide Tripel. home taste. nice belgian taste and strong in ABV But not the greatest. does not take me away to belgium. b+ 9:10 PM Aug 3rd via txt (B+, B)

GD misses the mark by a hair on this, but that's fine due to all the other awesome beers they make.

#22 Smuttynose Star Island Single. My first full bottle. I wanted something light and easy to drink, and that was exactly what I got. B+ 1:53 AM Aug 2nd via web (B+, B)

I am glad that I stopped being afraid to try this, as the "other" beer that was always in the sampler. It's good.

#23 Sierra Nevada Torpedo. It's a good IPA with the heavy grapefruit taste. Good body to it, too. It doesn't have enough to be great. B+ 10:53 PM Aug 6th via web (B+, B)

I wish that I was more into SN. I know how important they are to the craft beer movement, and I really want to try more from them, but it's the Bigfoot for me..., given I have never had the Celebration.


[B]

#24 Arcadia Sky High Rye. Cask. Enjoyable, but actually lost appeal on the way down. The rye levels were fine, but had no finish to note. B Sunday, August 22, 2010 7:35:42 PM via web (B, B)

Ryes.. hip like black beers. Also, the freshness of the cask may have had a lot to do with my opinion of it. I don't like the layers of flavor approach. I want a solid flavor that you have to work to dissect.

#25 Long Trail Double Bag. Don't know if I have ever had it. Didn't know what to expect? Alt? Well, okay, but not all that great. B Sunday, August 22, 2010 3:43:52 AM via web (B, B)

I first had Long Trail on our honeymoon. We were all "ooh, what's this". The are still respectable, but I always want the beer to be more.

#26 Sierra Nevada Kellerweis. I'll just keep saying this until my musical family can escape from the Nazis. I love it's distinct taste. B Thursday, August 26, 2010 12:29:55 AM via web (B, B-)

This has dropped since last time I had it. It's taste is different, but it's only surprising once.

#27 Murphy's Irish Stout. The only thing to drink at The Glenview. My favorite "Keno and Salisbury" place. I know to let it warm up first. B 10:16 PM Aug 7th via web (B, B-)

My guilty pleasure.

#28 Long Trail Ale. A simple beer that's tasty. Not much body or flavor, but a solid drink to help was away the sins of the day. B Friday, August 20, 2010. Long Trail Ale. Fast drinkin', easy goin' ale, with little suprises, but little disappointments. Just happy to have good beer in me. B 10:13 PM Aug 10th 4:08:40 AM via web (B, B-)

Again with the Long Trail... perhaps what I had sat around a little to long. It's like Mayflower and the better than most problem.

[B-]

#29 Sam Adams Lager. At least most crap on tap places have this. But the pizza was so damn good in Providence. More MORs needed. B- Sunday, August 29, 2010 12:57:30 AM via web (B-, B-)

Thank goodness this is available almost everywhere. It has saved me from a lot of crap beer.

#30 Harpoon IPA. The last of the party beer. The more I drink it, the more I remember how good it was to me in the past. Still simple. B- Friday, August 27, 2010 11:04:55 PM via web (B-, B-)

Can't complain, but you know it is nothing fancy.

#31
Wachusetts Ryde. Still nothing exciting, but I will drink the dwellers of our fridge after a close. Maybe a little rye taste in there. B- 3:25 AM Aug 6th via web (B-, C+)

I am sorry, but I just don't like this beer very much. It's the Rye layers that make it distracting.

July grades and ranks

My most intense beer month ever. If I buy one of those 33beers books, I would have needed two to get through this month alone. And, I know that I love what I do, but I wish that I could articulate better in person about why I like what I drink. When I talk, it's like, "This is awesome, I trust this brewery." But ask me what I like about the beer, I give more vague answers than someone who works at a beer bar should. But, seriously, I love a beer when I love a beer. I don't when I don't. When I am drinking, I live so much in the moment. It's lucky that I have gotten into the habit of tweeting what I drink, or I wouldn't know on Friday what I had Monday. But now I want to have some sort of accomplishment to go with it. I know that I am interested in the Cicerone certification, but I also want a "good job" sticker so people know that I like beer.

It's like Pokeman, I got to drink them all!

I need a medium in which I can convey the beauty and the passion that I experience in every glass. Imagine if I went to the Grand Canyon, and told you about how beautiful it was, but without photos, you wouldn't know until you went yourself.

Sorry, this got introspective. Here's the beer!

[A+]

#1 Allagash Four. It has to be my favorite that is "mass" produced by them. Simply put, I don't know anyone that does such a great quad. A+ Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:05:56 AM via web ( A+, A+)

One of my all time favorite beers. It's big and strong. You cannot fail to have a good time while drinking such a delicious beer.

[A]

#2 Ipswich Summer Barleywine '09. Spicy and strong just like a good barleywine should be. It's a sippin' summer good time. Doesn't burn! A Sunday, July 25, 2010 6:53:00 PM via web (A, A)

Not your typical Ipswich. And it is aged, so how can you pass up an opportunity like that? I was proud to have this on tap, and tried to enjoy this as much as I could. It makes me want more of the big guns at CC.

#3 Smuttynose Gnome. Something awesome from a small batch series. Belgian influence, with brightness, and maybe a touch of brett. Mystery. A Friday, July 16, 2010 5:53:40 PM via web (A, A)

Another rare find. It doesn't even have a web page to descirbe it. But it was just a nice sippin' beer, that would be similar to sippin' your morning coffee. Not in taste, but in relaxing.

#4 Pretty Things Fieldmouse. This is better than the GD farmhouse, but still gets the same grade. A tad heavier, smoother. Love it. A Monday, July 12, 2010 8:43:07 PM via web (A, A)

Pretty Things never fails, and this is my new favorite from them. It will change in a month.

#5 Saison Dupont. A saison to measure all saisons. True farmhouse funk, but a light, crisp taste that is well balanced and easy to drink. (A, A)

It's nice to have the model for which a lot of my favorite beers comes from. If you ever want to know what a Saison is supposed to taste like, try this.

#6 Allagash Victor. I finished this before the victoria. Only because it had a slightly heavier body, being with the red grapes and all. A Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:03:51 AM via web. I know I tweeted it once already this month, but hey, why not sing it's praises once again. If you find it, drink it. A Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:18:57 PM via web (A, A, A)

#7 Allagash Victoria. Absolutely a great white grape beer, worth trying if anyone is near it. Still, I like the Victor better. A Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:04:46 AM via web (A, A-)

Yay for the Allagash dinner. It was such a wonderful evening to talk to the people who make their life out of such a fine beer. I like the body of Victor just slightly more than Victoria. But both are fine and merely subject to individual taste.

#8 Lost Abbey 10 Commandments. super complex beer that has a delicate taste. even ketchup will effect it. i ordered this for me at work. A- Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:26:14 PM via txt (A, A-)

I was fortunate enough to say, "Let's order Lost Abbey" and this is what I got. It was sad that for the Opa-Opa dinner, this was taken off for the night. The bartender saved me a glass, in the fridge, but I had to leave at the end of the shift.

#9 Great Divide Colette. I love GD & everything they do, and this farmhouse is super tart, but refreshing. Love to try it next to Smutty's. A Monday, July 12, 2010 8:41:08 PM via web (A, A-)

This is making the second round right now at CC. It is a great summer beer.

#10 Oskar Blues Dales Pale Ale. What a copper-brown ale of kings. Strong, but sessionable. Bitterness that doesn't keep you away. Citrus! A- 6:17 PM Jul 3rd via web (A, A-)

My favorite pale ale. 4 months ago, I would have not believed that canned beer was this good.

[A-]

#11 Goose Island Sofie. A treasure found at ACBF, thanks Beth! Super drinkable Belgian, low citrus-bitter, strong body, but still a Belgian. A 8:24 PM Jul 2nd via web. You would think with their big-gun distribution, you would see them more often. Regardless, fine saison-y drink. A- Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:06:56 PM via web (A, A-, A-)

Oh the bitter debate of having a good beer supported by a macrobrewery. I say good beer is good beer. We drink Coke when local sodas are available. Is there that big a difference?

#12 Ballast Point Sculpin IPA. a hops bite that doesnt take away from the drink. no burn but all classic IPA flavors are there. for now A- Wednesday, July 21, 2010 9:01:56 PM via txt (A-, A-)

Best find of July. Fantastic IPA.

#13 Bruery Coton. 14.5%ABV. It drinks like a holiday ale, with heavy body, sweet, sryupy tones. High whiskey-like burn. Herbal. Woah! A- Monday, July 19, 2010 8:21:59 PM via web (A-, A-)

Crazy strong. We have a log at CC. Tempted to age it for a special occasion.

#14 Lagunitas Undercover Shutdown. This is an awesome imperial ale, with a nice amber body, Spicy flavor with a whiskey-like finish. A- Thursday, July 15, 2010 7:28:26 PM via web (A-, A-)

Another happy surprise. I forget about Langunitas until I see it again.

#15 Allagash Curieux. Whiskey strong in flavor, and in taste, but it doesn't kill the enjoyment. Be prepare for the harshness. A- Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:08:16 AM via web (A-, A-)

You have to be patient while drinking this beast.

#16 Pretty Things American Darling. High ABV for such a light beer. Almost feel like a helles or pils, but a litter heavier. Always great. A- Monday, July 05, 2010 7:41:25 PM via web (A-, A-)

Super drinkable, but don't do it too fast.

#17 Chimay Blue. An ol' standby. I haven't had a Belgian beer, from Belgium, in a while. Dark and roasty with a crisp Belgian taste. Yum. A- Tuesday, July 20, 2010 7:19:29 PM via web (A-, A-)

As classic Chimay is, there are times that I want an American Belgian-style beer. That said, I can never say anything bad about ol' blue.

#18 Mikkeller Jackie Brown. !t's a hoppy brown. Would have been sad if I wished for malty. First glass of draft in over a week @theindo! A- Sunday, July 11, 2010 2:56:34 PM via web (A-, A-)

Too bad Mikkeller runs on the expensive side. There are a lot of beers by them that I have yet to try. I haven't had a bad one yet.

#19 Allagash White. A simple stand-by well deserving to be a flagship beer for a great company. A great Belgian style beer. A- Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:01:25 AM via web (A-, A-)

When I first had White, I thought it was the end-all, be-all of beers. Little did I know how much lay beneath the leaves of the label.

#20 Southern Tier Iniquity. They mostly hit, w/ a few misses. This beer should be tried with a sampler. Hoppy one sip, malty the next. A- Monday, July 12, 2010 8:44:33 PM via web (A-, A-)

I am trying to keep faith in the breweries that I know have had some misses, Creme Brulee anyone? But, when they stick to hops and malt, things are good.

#21 Ommegang Zuur. This is a solid example of an American doing a Belgian sour. This beer has to be sipped, not slurped. Can't drink much. A- Monday, July 12, 2010 8:39:58 PM via web (A-, A-)

How about this sour stealing my taste buds this month. After the first sip, I knew that it was good, but I never thought that I would want to drink a glass of it. Now, sure... no problem.

#22 Unibroue La Fin Du Monde. Seriously peppery, especially w/ grilled Thai burgers. Like likes like. Fancy food/beer is only in your eyes. A- Sunday, July 11, 2010 9:33:46 PM via web (A-, A-)

This was a nice gift from a friend. I never think to get them, but I know that I like them.

#23 Portsmouth Brewery Bottle Rocket IPA. nice citrus and light on the spice. easy to drink but a classic IPA after taste. A- Friday, July 30, 2010 1:52:05 PM via txt (A-, B+)

Yeah for the real local breweries. This number was quite delicious. I would like to meet the brewer some day.

#24 Allagash Tripel. How can a great beer be lowest of the night? Well, it has to be obscured by other great beers. Still, a great example. A- Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:02:47 AM via web (A-, B+)

What's to say about a good beer that would stand out if it weren't for all the better stuff they make?

#25 Chimay Red. Not the bite nor the body of the blue, but certainly heavier than the white. Easy to drink, but watch out for the sedimen! A- Monday, July 26, 2010 9:12:11 PM via web (A-, B+)

Blue's cousin. The silver of the Chimay podium stand.

[B+]


#26 Ipswich Ale. It promise what it delivers. A solid, I want an ale (an dress like a viking) ale. Maybe I should drink it in a sheep skin. B+ 6:35 PM Jul 5th via web (B+, B+)

We are starting to get into beers that I love to have when I don't want to be wowed. Perfect session beer.

#27 Smuttynose Brown Dog. Had it with a bacon and goat cheese sandwich. Of course it goes well with bacon. Happy to drink northern beers. B+ 3:25 AM Jul 2nd via web (B+, B+)

A perfect session brown.

#28 Bear Republic Racer 5. I like body to my IPA, which this has. Good spice to mute the citrus. Too bad they gave me a 'gansett at first. B+ Saturday, July 17, 2010 7:58:20 PM via web (B+, B+)

For a more expensive session beer.

#29 Flying Dog Raging Bitch. Considering this is super hoppy, it actually is good. Totally filled with a hops pop, malt to round it out. B+ Monday, July 12, 2010 8:38:50 PM via web (B+, B+)

This was a random beer from the CC. It was better than I thought, which is good. I tend to stay away from flying dog. Maybe it's because I never read Fear and Loathing.

#30 Rogue Dead Guy. Super sessionable with a sharp edge & muted spiciness. A sweet body as it goes down. They don't all have to be fancy. B+ Monday, July 19, 2010 5:45:02 PM via web (B+, B+)

I cannot drink this without thinking about Dave's obsession. Or at least the obsession of when we first met him. I always forget that it's a maibock, too.

#31 Portsmouth Oatmeal Stout. Sweet at first but mellow with chocolate cake. wish the brewer was around to discuss with. B+ Friday, July 30, 2010 7:42:42 PM via txt (B+, B+)

I know that I had this to go with dessert. It paired well.

#32 Smuttynose IPA. so much tastier than it's Harpoon counterpart. Probably got to do with the hops. White men can't jump, but they hop. B+ Friday, July 09, 2010 3:55:34 AM via web (B+, B+)

#33 Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale. smooth and delicious. I don't need anything with bite this late at night. It's out of sight, alright? B+ Saturday, July 10, 2010 4:04:41 AM via web (B+, B+)

Both from a sampler pack. The IPA i have always liked, but I am getting into the other Smutty's. I would almost always keep a Smutty's or Ipswich in the fridge at all times if I could afford it.

#34 Southampton IPA. I really like Southampton. They give the body that I want to the respective beer. The IPA wasn't too hoppy. B Monday, July 05, 2010 7:38:22 PM via web (B, B+)

Just a reminder to myself, I need some Southampton for the CC.

#35 Lagunitas IPA. Really wanted a pils for brunch, but this was light enough. Solid effort that doesn't push the hops in your face. B+ Sunday, July 18, 2010 1:21:42 PM via web (B+, B)

It's their flagship, but they make other stuff better.

#36 Southampton Altbier. A little more of a showcase beer. Drinkability of an lager, body of a ale. I would like the explore German ones. B+ Monday, July 05, 2010 7:39:57 PM via web (B+, B)

Another month, this would have been higher. It's delicious, but not fancy.

#37 Sam Adams "Belgian Style IPA". A perk of the job, for it is a sample. Super dry drink, with more IPA than Belgian. Hope to see it soon. B+ Saturday, July 17, 2010 10:28:23 PM via web (B+, B)

It was exciting to have a free sample of the beer, but the beer never seems to kick it up a notch. At least what you can find in the small bottles.

[B]

#38 Avery Karma. They are a total hit and miss brewery. This ale doesn't seem to want to step it up in any flavor, but it is trying. B Monday, July 12, 2010 8:37:41 PM via web (B, B)

This is a swing and a foul ball for Avery. I know they can do better, and I know they can do worse.

#39 Grittys Lobster Claw Brown Ale. tasty outside light brown session beer. malty taste but no body. what you want at a lobster shack. b Saturday, July 31, 2010 6:41:13 PM via txt (B, B)

There is the Red Claw Ale and the Best Brown Ale, but I cannot find a lobster claw ale. I do not know if they took some liberty with the name at the lobster shack, but still, it was a fine brown served in a plastic cup.

#40 Long Trail Ale. Haven't had this for a while, but first drank it on our honeymoon. Less body, touch more acidity than Ipswich. Go local! B Monday, July 05, 2010 7:36:22 PM via web (B, B)

Don't let the fact that it is so low fool you. I had some awesome beer this month. But I had 39 better than this.

#41 Ipswich IPA. Disappointing for Ipswich, but a sensible beer with a good style. Nothing defining, for they do their ales better. B Sunday, July 25, 2010 8:41:34 PM via web (B, B-)

The only disappointment from Ipswich. Still better than most.

[B-]

#42 Harpoon IPA. Wow, I am just not excited about this beer tonight. Thought it would be good after work, but I am swilling just to swill, B- Wednesday, July 07, 2010 2:45:41 AM via web (B-, C+)

This is what I drink when I don't care what I drink. Though my gag is saying 7 buck Harpoon IPA when I am making fun of a places beer selection.

[C+]

#43 Wachusetts Ryde. Mildly disappointing. I feel like that Rye was added as an afterthought to what could have been a decent ale. B- Sunday, July 18, 2010 5:28:33 PM via web (B-, C)

I have had about three bottles of this, but it just was disappointing each time. I don't know if I had a bad batch (as I didn't buy it) but it just never impressed me. Sad.


Rye can be hit or miss, but this just misses. I feel like they brewed and then added rye. Maybe they were trying to create layers of flavor, but I just found the separation distracting.

Beer for the apocalypse [Beth, the dramatic one]

Let's pretend your city flooded, you were driving around in it, finally found a safe place to stash your car, carried your groceries across a few blocks through 2 feet of water, and then you/your spouse got into a car accident an hour later. What would you drink?

If you were Ben, you'd go to work and your wife wouldn't let you drive your car to work because a few of your lights were out and your bumper was living on a prayer.

If you were me, you'd have a good college friend and her girlfriend over and have some beers.

Earlier this week we had a small party for Ben's friends in honor of his new job in beer! That's right, he quit Starbucks and is now an assistant manager at the kickass fair-priced, super-cool-but-not-full-of-themselves beer bar, Cambridge Common. I'm always worried we won't have enough to drink, so now we have an entire beer shelf with about 36+ beers on it leftover. Oops!

My choices to forget worrying about Ben:

Ipswich IPA: fruity, grapefruity and piney, not-too-heavy, lovely for a hot day. B+
Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale: I think this is my new favorite beer. Makes great brats, too. A Hoppy bite, but drinkable--even if the ABV's in my 6-7.5% ABV "trouble zone" (it doesn't TASTE as alcoholic as a higher ABV beer, but it's definitely more powerful than anything under 6%. I'm mostly likely to overindulge at beers in this range).
Smuttynose Star Island Single: Not my favorite Smuttynose beer, but still enjoyable. B/B+ A bit astringent--I prefer it with the right food.

I tried a sip of Wachusett Ryde, which I just wasn't in the mood for and I drain-poured. A friend brought a six pack and left five. I'll try again with food and re-examine. I wanted something lighter. It's still too hot in Boston.

And yes, I totally prefer beer with food. Dale's Pale is great with or without, though. Perhaps I need lists of beers I like by themselves. Smuttynose Brown Dog? Great on its own. I turned a few people onto that at our BBQ. And Southampton makes some great drinkin' beers. Yes, we got a lot of variety 12 packs!

What about you? What do you like to drink when you fear the four horsemen may be knocking in your neighborhood?

June Grades and Ranks

So, in June I was able to travel in Texas and Louisiana, drinking along the way. I will try not to repeat myself too much, but I have to say that the majority of the southern beers are lighter than their category counterparts up here in New England. I suppose people want more refreshing, lawnmower style beers to get through the heat, and trust me, it was hot when we were down there, but I feel like they are missing out on a lot of variety in body.


[A+]

#1 Ommegang Three Philosophers. Paired with a dessert of sour cherries, vanilla ice cream & pretzel brittle. Changed the drink, not the love. A Tuesday, June 15, 2010 9:29:11 PM via web (A, A+)

Not often will I give the ol' A+, but this one has never disappointed in the times that I have had it. Maybe I always seem to have it associated with good memories, but I know that I will love it every time I drink it.

[A]

#2 Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. A serious beer for serious beer lovers. Cocoa, coffee, and bourbon aging. A dessert beer, but great with steak and bleu. A Friday, June 11, 2010 7:42:45 PM via web. Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. A dessert beer, best split. Great with balsamic (strawberries). The aging doesn't burn your throat. A 9:57 PM Jun 5th via web (A, A, A)

Would I choose 3 philosophers over KBS? No, because of rarity. But I haven't had this enough times to know that I love it. Plus I have had it's maple cousin, which outshines this wonderful beer.

#3 Real Ale Full Moon Rye. finally a beer being what i wanted it to be. brown with hops and balance. delicious here at the ginger man. A Friday, June 25, 2010 5:33:36 PM via txt (A, A)

The best beer I had in the south. I had it at the Ginger Man, which I didn't even realize was a "chain" until this month. The coziness of this old house converted to a bar was really enjoyable. But there was "that guy" who was talking loud at the bartender because he knew everything. Because of that, our bartender couldn't get out to serve us at a table. But about the beer, perhaps rye is the key ingredient for a good southern beer. I do declare!

#4 Pretty Things Field Mouse's Farewell. Delicious, as always. I probably will stop by their booth anyway at #acbf. Deliciously golden beer. A- Thursday, June 17, 2010 7:54:32 PM via web. Pretty Things Field Mouse's Farewell. This is an awesome American Wheat. PT can do no wrong. Great brunch beer @theindo. Fruity, too. A Sunday, June 06, 2010 12:21:57 PM via web (A-, A, A)

Another great beer from Pretty Things. A wheat beer that I love, which is a challenge.

#5 Allagash Victoria. Such a subtle flavor of red grapes, that you have to look for it when you have it. Add a notch to the "great" belt. A- 6:20 PM Jun 3rd via web (A-, A)

I am excited about the Allagash dinner at Cambridge Common this month. I do love this beer and the Victor. Either are worth the pick up if you see it.

#6 Abita Abbey Ale. super strong on the first sip but smoothed out great after. dark and nice body which hid that light spring water. A- Tuesday, June 29, 2010 12:26:40 AM via txt (A-, A)

It took us a while to find big bottles in the south. It was at a Kroger's, which had a great beer selection. You know, for a grocery store. Not even a fancy grocery store. Pick up this, a loaf of bread, a carton of milk, and a stick of butter. Abita is the king in Louisiana, and they had a lot of things to offer. They did a great job with the Abbey style.

[A-]

#7 Urthel Hop-It. High in hops, but it doesn't burn you out at the end like hoppy beers do. Hops petal to the metal, but I felt safe. A- 8:02 PM Jun 3rd via web (A-, A-)

I had forgotten that I had this before when I had it. Still good.

#8 St. Arnold Elissa IPA. A lot better named. enjoyable and spicy grapefruit beer. best i tasted tonight. A- Thursday, June 24, 2010 9:37:57 PM via txt (A-, A- )

Straight from the brewery. This is where I discovered the tendency of too-light beers. At least this was right on, unlike the first one I had. St. Arnold is the craft beer of Texas. Don't mess with it.

#9 Abita Andygator. Oh a big bottle beer! a nice spicy Dopplebock. Light and drinkable. could be good with a spicy breakfast. or fish. A- Sunday, June 27, 2010 8:45:17 PM via txt (A-, A-)

Had this with the first seafood dish that I have eaten in like 10 years. It went well, too.

#10 Ithaca Alphalpha. This I bought straight from a tasting. Honey, grassy like the prairie, with a complex bitterness from every sip. A- Sunday, June 20, 2010 9:59:22 PM via web (A-, B+)

This is why there should be more tastings at liquor stores. I tried it and wanted it then and there.

[B+]

#11 Smuttynose Old Brown Dog Ale. An old standby here in the house. Real easy and versatile, goes well with almost any meal. Always good. B+ Monday, June 21, 2010 9:26:28 PM via web (B+, B+)

A never failing standard. Do I have this every month?

#12 Smuttynose Maibock. @theindo, Beth's served in a ridiculously large mug. She tasted candy, I tasted pepper. Maybe we are both right. B+ 8:03 PM Jun 3rd via web (B+, B+)

Not the best of Smutty's big bottles, but I am always willing to try what they have to offer.

#13 Southampton Double Wit. Beer with Thai food is something that needs to happen more often. Thai burgers and curry fries? You'll be a Wit! B+ 9:00 PM Jun 2nd via web (B+, B+)

I think Southampton is due to explode on the Mass beer scene. They make a fine quality beer, and I haven't disliked anything. They are pretty easy to find. Don't pass them up if you are looking for something new to try.

#14 Sam Adams Old Ben Ale. A longshot beer. Nice barleywine style, better than other professionals. Tart and Tangy. Had it as my app. B+ Friday, June 11, 2010 7:43:47 PM via web (B+, B+)

I wish Sam Adams would pick this up permanently. Barleywine is easy to overdo, but this guy did it right.

#15 Abita Amber. finally got to try this. it is a home session beer with a little bit me smoky that carrier through. reminds me of Blvd. ... Sunday, June 27, 2010 8:40:50 PM via txt (B+, B)

This was recommended to me by a girl at ACBF who asked me if Abita was there. She made it sound good, and it was.

#16 Bear Repubic Red Hop Rye. Another good beer. Heavy hops, some rye. Would have been a great IPA. But if you call it rye, don't be shy. B+ Thursday, June 10, 2010 8:26:36 PM via web (B+, B)

While I no longer obsess over Bear Republic, I will have them every now and then. This is enjoyable, but compared to the other Ryes I have had, it stands a little lost.

#17 Lao Beer Dark Lager. My first Asian beer. Worked well enough will Thai, probably could be okay with other foods, too. Solid effort. B Wednesday, June 16, 2010 11:21:47 PM via web (B, B+)

My first Asian beer, recommended by someone who was just there in Southeast Asia. It was surprisingly good, though I am sure that there are a lot of beers from there than I may just not like. I am sure they suffer from the hot weather dilemma that the south does.

#18 Oskar Blues Ten Fidy. I respect the can, but the beer was better about 5-10 degrees warmer. Dark, smoky, good at the end. B+ 8:59 PM Jun 2nd via web (B+, B)

The more a drink this, the less impressive it is. Compare that to Dale's Pale Ale, which gets consistantly better. Not that it's bad, but once you get over the novelty of drinking a canned beer, it's just good, not great.

#19 St Arnold Amber. please name your beer right! great bitter beer but no weight to it. fresh at the brewery. b+ Thursday, June 24, 2010 8:33:40 PM via txt (B+, B)

This is a bitter, not an amber. It's won awards as a bitter... you think that would be a clue.

[B]

#20 Magic Hat Circus Boy. Hefes belong on hot muggy days. Not heavy lemony flavor, but held its own balance. Hello, Magic Hat. How are you? B+ 9:53 PM Jun 5th via web. Magic Hat Circus Boy. I have had some very good hefes now that I realize what I am drinking and why. MH does a good job, a gateway hefe. B Sunday, June 20, 2010 9:58:02 PM via web (B+, B, B)

I forget to have more Magic Hat. I know that I drank it almost exclusively at one point, but now that I have had a lot, I can appreciate its dependability.

#21 Harpoon UFO. IT was good a few weeks ago, but after the MH hefe, it was was put in its place. Only a notch down for bitterness. B 9:55 PM Jun 5th via web (B, B)

Same goes for Harpoon.

#22 Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan. a simple brown with a hint me pecan that died away. still good but what is it with light body beers down here? B Tuesday, June 29, 2010 12:29:30 AM via txt (B, B)

Dear Lake Charles, I would like to know the name of the brewery and the style of the beer before I drink it. I'm just saying. This tasted like a brown that had a pecan thrown in it. It was fine, but only a hint of different flavor.

#23 Real Ale Devil's Backbone. texas local. says a belgian triple but not quite. still tasty, but only wrong name. b Thursday, June 24, 2010 6:00:05 PM via txt (B, B-)

I was disappointed that this was a Tripel. It could have been a lot of different things. Too light, too.

#24 Lazy Magnolia Jefferson Stout. apparently finding good draft beer is a challenge in lake chuck. this was a nice basic stout with decent body. b Sunday, June 27, 2010 7:37:06 PM via txt (B, B-)

I would have loved to have known that this was a cream stout before ordering.

#25 Element Brewing Red Giant. Took a few sips to get into it, took a few degrees to get out of it. But it was great in between. Timing! B Thursday, June 10, 2010 8:25:19 PM via web (B, B-)

It took me a while to even remember drinking this beer. That must have been that I wasn't impressed. Total M.O.R.

May Grades and Ranks

Looks like Summer has started. I am drinking more Wheats, Wits, Hefes, and Pils. These are beers that are not the first thing I grab for, but season drinking is very important to enjoying your beer. Plus, to go with my New Year's Resolution* of drinking more beer outside, you do not want to drink heavy beers while in the heat. It's like when I was young, not like fast food in the heat. It just made me sick.

Damn, 29 different beers this month.

*May have been a mid-winter resolution.


[A]

#1 Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi. Maybe my first bier de garde. Golden body, Frankincense & Myrrh flavoring. Hint of Fruit and sour. Great! A 10:48 PM May 18th via web (A, A)

Lost Abbey is certainly high on my list of favorite breweries. And when they can create something as fun as this is to drink, you know that they have all the pieces in place.

#2 Allagash Victoria. The Chardonnay grapes are full of awesome. It is a sweetest drinking Belgian you could ask for. Solid. A 8:21 PM May 3rd via web (A, A)

A fantastic middle ground of beer and wine. Sure, it is obviously a beer, but when someone mentions that there are grape, you are like "Yeah, it does taste like the wine." Worth the extra money or visit to Portland, ME.

#3 Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale. I am so surprised at the quality of this beer, I have to post it again. Do not pass up this can, man. A- 8:01 PM May 26th via web (A-, A)
The best beer from a can that I have ever had. Super hops, but great, smooth balanced taste. Not burning. A- 7:11 PM May 21st via web

One of my favorite new beers. I cannot rave about this beer enough. A fantastic example of an IPA that doesn't kill you with hops, and plus, it will make a believer of you in canned beers can be good. But drinking it from a can is still not recommended.

#4 Smuttynose Barleywine. This is a great example of the style. Nice, spicy taste, smooth body, with a pleasantly bitter taste to finish. A. 7:18 PM May 9th via web (A, A)

You cannot go wrong with the Smuttynose Big Bottle Series, and this is an example why. And, if you ever wanted to try a barleywine and didn't know where to start, this is a place. It's for the hop-heads who want something more from their beer.

#5 Sinebrychoff Porter. Ever want to drink anything Finnish, then I would recommend. Strangely, though, taste like Mexican ground chocolate. A- 7:22 PM May 5th via web (A-, A)

This beer is a sleeper of my favorite beers. It's exactly what I want from a dark, heavy porter. It has that milky body that makes you feel like you are drinking a dessert. And why not? Silly Finnish.

[A-]

#6 Lost Abbey 10 Commandments. I wanted something to go with my burger, worked out great. I love dark Belgians. Another winner from them. A- 7:20 PM May 5th via web (A-, A-)

Again, another great Lost Abbey beer. This one was with a enjoyable treat with a hamburger. It's all about matching intensity of food and beer, and I hit it on this nose with this.

#7 Pretty Things Fluffy White Rabbits. Super Belgiany sour with Medit. Food, but hopped up at the end. A wild ride, enough for an A- 6:58 PM May 17th via web (A-, A-)

I can't wait for new Pretty Things. Though I don't drink them as much as I was, it doesn't meant it isn't the best kept not-so-secret of the Boston beer scene. I actually wish we had some in the fridge for later.

#8 St. Bernardus Witbier. Perfect example of a Belgian Witbier, lemon, coriander, a nice body and sturdy taste that lasts the whole glass. A- 10:44 PM May 18th via web (A-, A-)

This is where we start to get into the wits that I love. I want it to have that lemon and coriander taste I expect. I think that though American wheats are fine, they lack the flavor intensity that I desire in my beer. It's like wheat bread vs. white bread.

#9 Forest Trail Imperial IPA. A home brew from a local guy. Some serious good stuff. It has an after-bite that you keep going back for. A- 8:48 PM May 7th via web (A-, A-)

Please correct me if I have the link wrong. I was lucky enough to snag some of this from Beck&Tony's party, because I enjoyed it then and then I enjoyed it again. This is a beer that gives me the courage and desire to homebrew.

#10 KleinBrouwerij Jan de Lichte. A celebratory beer for a new job. Enjoyable wit. Yeasty, nice cloudiness. A great example of a style. A- 10:34 PM May 29th via web (A-, A-)

Beth loved this beer at a fest and we decided to splurge and get some for home last week. And again, it has the Belgian taste that I desire. But, what made this beer stand out is the excellent cloudiness that came with it. Kind of like drinking a magic potion.

#11 Southern Tier Back Burner. Sure, 10% ABV, but not really. The thing is that ST either is good or too flashy. It's a good Barleywine. A- 7:30 PM May 6th via web (A-, A-)

This was a result of a trade at the end of EBF. Solid and Strong, but not crazy. Though, I feel all Southern Tier's beer taste a little the same. I guess it's a good thing that I like that taste, huh?

#12 Avery Mephistopheles Stout. Wow, at 16% ABV is this an intense drink. We split a 12oz bottle. Sipping was super smooth/caramelly. A- 7:06 PM May 20th via web (A-, A-)

EBF beer also. This was surprising enjoyable. I though that it was just going to be a crazy, get-drunk-quick beer, but it was more than that. I always forget about Avery when I think about Colorado beers. I love their Maharaja, too.

#13 Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. I like splitting beers in wine glasses. Especially tasty, high ABV ones. Big & Rich, smoky, too. A- 5:25 AM May 17th via web (A-, A-)

Brooklyn is incredible with all the knowledge that they put into their beer. And you can taste the passion in this beer. They craft so lovingly that it is hard to get a bad beer from them.

#14 Mayflower IPA. Seriously, I think this is becoming one of my favorite IPAs. It has the important balance of flavors with the right tang. B+ about 15 hours ago via web (B+, A-)

As you may have realized, I am working my way through a lot of Mayflower and Ipswich lately. Both local, both have pictures of ships on the bottle. Also, I am trying to distinguish the variety of beer that they offer. I do think that this is the tip of the top. This is getting into the session beer that will work with almost anything.

#15 Ipswich Ale. This is a beer that can go so well with anything. Dinner, drinking, sitting outside. Ooh, this should be my outside beer. B+ 9:26 AM May 5th via web (B+, A-)

This would be the Ipswich representative. This is not as hoppy as the Mayflower, so it gives you a little more of a smooth and relaxing experience. I just like the other one a tad better.

#16 Dogfish Head 90. i like it better than 60. i quick true to my hops roots. not so good with added hot sauce. B+ 7:37 PM May 23rd via txt (B+, A-)

Strangely enough, this falls right into line with the previous two. This is more intense and you have to be geared up to drink it. I frickin' love, though. Funny story though. When I was drinking this, I was eating out and accidentally popped the top of the hot sauce bottle off into my beer. It actually flattened out the taste. They were very nice to me by giving me a new beer for free.

#17 Spezial Rauchbier. Tasty beer for brunch. Light like a pilsner, smoky like a porter. My first official Rauchbier, so hard to compare. A- 11:16 AM May 30th via web (A-, B+)

The danger with smoky beers is the bacon factor. Beth and I always mention one beer in particular as the "bacon beer". And not in a loving way like the Bacon Brown Dog. And though this had a slight bacony taste, it was very drinkable. Especially at 10am for a brunch. Remember, if you are drinking beer for breakfast, please go with a lighter beer.

[B+]

#18 Southampton Double White. A surprise for me when I got home. Good classical wit, little strong, a lot tasty. Good example of the style. B+ 11:26 AM May 23rd via web (B+, B+)

Southampton a brewery that I like but never think to buy, but this beer was good enough that I would try to drink more at home. Double Wits are an interesting beer, because they are more robust, they seem to me to be less intense in that wit flavor.

#19 Anchor Liberty Ale. Paired much better this time with a nice chicken and pea salad. Match intensity with intensity. Good job us. B+ 7:58 PM May 19th via web
Hard to drink after a stout, but once past the first sip, enjoyable. But, did not pair that well with steak and bleu. B 9:22 PM May 13th via web
Sorry to tri-tweet it this month, but it was damn fine to drink while getting the grill ready. B+ 7:02 PM May 20th via web
This is a stand by for Beth and I when it comes to session beer. But it is extra dry when you eat something salty. B 6:25 PM May 15th via web (B+, B+)

Sorry about all the tweets about this beer, but it was a lesson in how to pair your beer. If things pair badly, you probably will blame the beer, and it makes it less enjoyable. But if it is a good pairing, certainly the food is better, right? I mean, it makes the food taste better, so why not? Beer can be fickle.

#20 Southern Tier IPA. What I like about all Southern Tiers is that generic peppery taste, especially anything Pale. It works for this. B+ 9:08 PM May 14th via web (B+, B+)

This is the taste that I think all Southern Tier beers have. If you like this taste, you will like them.

#21 Sierra Nevada Kellerweis. Didn't expect a chance to drink this unique drink again. A light drink with bite and body. Kudos. B+ 9:19 PM May 13th via web (B+, B+)

Glad to have another chance with this beer. Thank you new upstairs neighbors. It's a light beer with a surprising kick. You can't go wrong.

#22 Brooklyn Summer Ale. Light and Bready. Just what I want to drink on a hot day. Was able to enjoy it outside. Two-row Barley? It's good. B+ 8:16 PM May 28th via web (B+, B+)

Summer beers are pretty much wheat beers. Though this is a good beer, I drink a wheat beer and want it to be Belgian Style. I know that I need to get over this unfair assumption. It's like going to the White Mountains and expecting the Rocky Mountains. Though you may like one more, you better enjoy it for it's own personality.

#23 Sam Adams Lager. When there is nothing else to drink, you cannot fail with this classic stand-by. This is the middle of us and them. B+ 9:17 PM May 13th via web (B+, B)

I forget that I like this beer. There is a reason why it is a national beer. It is enjoyable, and easy to find.

#24 Oskar Blues Ten Fidy. I drank it straight from the can, which I haven't in a long time. Really intense beer in a small package. Too much? B 8:11 PM May 2nd via web
Good beer to share, esp. for dessert. Served it from the can into white wine glasses, still a funky-smoky taste. B+ 8:32 PM May 11th via web (B+, B)

This is a fun beer to drink. It's strong and heavy, so you'll have to prepare yourself.

#25 Oskar Blues Yella Pils. So, yes, my third from these canners. Good and tasty, but I like my pils lighter, especially on a hot day. B+ 9:56 PM May 25th via web (B+, B)

The third Oskar beer of the month. All three combined make me believe that Oskar Blues is doing things right and there is no loss of flavor in a can. The drinking experience is better from a bottle, but the beer itself should be unaffected.


[B]


#26 Harpoon UFO. I mean, if you want to get a Hefe, but you don't know what to get, this is a solid example. Harpoon, a great place to start. B 10:05 PM May 23rd via web (B, B)

I might like this better than the IPA, which was my first love of my craft beer movement.

#27 Ipswich IPA. Very hoppy and surprisingly unbalanced. Not in a bad way, but it was heavy-hopped. Kind of an afterburner taste to it. B. 8:38 PM May 10th via web (B, B-)

Sadly disappointing in the long line of great IPAs. This is a good beer, no doubt, but I just like others better.

#28 Harpoon Summer. I am not a fan of American Wheats. Maybe it's the dryness or lack of "other" flavor. But good for a holiday BBQ. B about 15 hours ago via web (B, B-)

This beer started my American versus Belgian wheat beers discussion.

#29 Ipswich Oatmeal Stout. Maybe it was an off bottle, it had a tinny-ness to it that distracted from a good taste. Too little oatmeal. B 9:20 PM May 13th via web (B, B-)

Again, I like it, but I want it to turn the corner into either more oatmealy or more stouty. And it misses the mark more each time I drink it.

April Grades and Ranks

What a great beer month April was for me. Three things worth noting, th0ugh. I didn't tweet an Allagash White that I had while I was in Portland. It was served with a lemon and it really, really distracts from the flavor that I like. Second, the only beer that was worth talking about at the Bacon and Beer Festival was Brooklyn's Dark Matter. It was delicious for the sample that I had, but not enough for me to really credit with a grade. I would try it again, though, if I saw it around. Third, the home-brew I had at Beck's party was excellent, and even though I had enough to qualify it for a grade, I brought a bottle home and planned to drink it April, but didn't. It will be featured in May, I am sure.

If anyone wants to plan a beer-geek-out with us at Lord Hobo, we will be going soon at some point. Let us know and we will make plans.

Here is April's list. Brought to you by Allagash :)

[A]

#1 St. Bernardus Abt 12. special 60Th anniversary edition. brown malty and a touch sour. but oh so good. im drinking a big bottle. A 4:37 PM Apr 19th via txt (A, A)

This beer alone, not just the special edition, is one of my favorite beers. And when you make it something more special, which I believe was a certain hops and other ingredients, it was just the right tweak. But, seriously, this is a beer worth dropping some dollars on.

#2 Allagash Four. so good with the malts and a touch of sour that makes you come back for more. the best from the group. available too. A 6:46 PM Apr 28th via txt (A, A)

Oh Allagash, you have been so kind to me. Maybe I love this beer because it usually means that I am having a good time out with Beth, but I know it is just such a solid beer.

[A-]

#3 Allagash Interlude. french oak barrels this time. sour and Fruity. real nice. A- 8:48 PM Apr 18th via txt (A-, A)

My favorite new-to-me beer this month. Taking the tour of the Brewery made me appreciate all their beers so much more.

#4 Allagash Victor. Ale made with Red Grapes. High alcohol, nice subtle flavor with the grapes. You wouldn't think of it unless you knew it. A 8:23 PM Apr 24th via web (A, A-)

But I did not have this beer there, we found it at a store in South Boston and shared it with some of our fellow beer geeks. We have the counterpart, the Victoria in our fridge.

#5 Altenmunster Maibock. Straight from Germany, brought from a co-worker. Seriously good. Refreshing, little buttery, light and crisp. A- 7:27 PM Apr 6th via web (A-, A-)

Thank you so much to my co-worker who brought this back from Germany for me. That was super nice of her, and it ended up being a really good beer.

#6 Birra del Borgo Re Ale Extra. An IPA? I don't know what makes it extra. From EBF. Lemon, pepper, hops, and a sourness. Heavy body, yum. A- 8:16 PM Apr 13th via web (A-, A-)

This was an Extreme Beer Festival leftover. So, really, we may never have this again, but it was certainly something worth remembering. Italian beer, who knew?

#7 White Birch Barrel-Aged Barleywine Ale. Only 280 btls made. That barrel flavor hits you at first, then you get used to it. Enjoyable. A- 7:25 PM Apr 27th via web (A-, A-)

The first time we tried White Birch, it was a leftover from the Belgium Beer Fest, and it was flat and it really ruined the experience. I don't think that we drank all of it. So, we were a little reluctant to try this one. But I am glad we did. This is a good local drink.

#8 Pretty Things Fluffy White Rabbits. This is some seriously good beer. Since it was Belgian, we had it with Waterzooi. Made it taste hoppier than before. A- 8:46 PM Apr 12th via web
The triple was great with Easter. See, you can be hoppy, yet balanced. Predominant flavors are okay. A- 8:12 AM Apr 5th via web (A-, A-)

You should knew my love of Pretty Things by now, and this is no exception. Drink it, if you haven't started.

#9 Avery Collaboration not Litigation. Nice Belgian style ale. Has a good amount of bitterness, followed with a smooth taste. Easy to drink. A- 9:40 PM Apr 7th via web (A-, A-)

At some point, I was talking to someone about this beer and I couldn't remember who this was a collaboration with. Russian River, the makers of Pliny the Younger (and Elder). I really don't give Avery enough respect. I think something about their labels throws me off.

#10 Pretty Things St. Botolph's Town. One of the best browns around. And that is saying a lot with Brooklyn, DFH, and Smutty always available. A- 1:03 PM Apr 30th via web (A-, A-)

One of the best browns around.

#11 Bear Republic Red Rocket. I paired it well with Mexican, turned out really good. I love the dark red with a great balance. Fine beer. A- 11:56 AM Apr 3rd via web (A-, A-)

Though I don't drink Bear Republic as much lately, my love affair with them still exists. They are one of the reasons that I want to go to San Francisco so much.

#12 Allagash Curieux. Triple aged in a bourbon barrel. Hops and citrus but hidden in the flavor of bourBon. Tasty but not my favorite. Still A- 6:01 PM Apr 28th via txt.
Triple. aged in jim beam barrels. smooth and spicy. nice belgian. when in maine B+ 8:06 PM Apr 18th via txt (A-, B+)

Even though this is lower than a lot of the other Allagash beers, this is a fine beer. But as for taste goes, it isn't quite right for me. Maybe not for you.

#13 DogfishHead Midas Touch. "Somewhere between wine & mead." Felt fairly modern for an old recipe. Would buy a 4-pack for home. B+ 1:02 PM Apr 30th via web (B+, A-)

This may have been my first full drink of this beer. If not, I had forgotter that it was good. I think that I will pick up a pack of it next time we are looking for a session beer. Well, a strong session beer. The best kind, right?

#14 CBC Bad Knees. Yay for barrel-aging. Nice, powerful old ale. Lost a little on the finish, but the middle of the drink was really good. A- 8:43 PM Apr 30th via web (A-, B+)

I hadn't been to Cambridge Brewing Company for quite a long time. I forget that they are really good brewers. This beer is no exception, though I feel like barrel-aging, while great, is getting a little out of control. But, stop by and try this.

#15 Bruery Saison de Lente. Nice to have this again, this time of tap. Like the subtle Brett, not too over-powering. Muted by previous beer. B+ 9:36 PM Apr 7th via web (B+, A-)

Love the Bruery. Learning to love Brett beers

#16 Ipswich Dark Ale. A little malty, very smooth, very enjoyable session beer. I had no opinion of it going in and now I want more. B+ 5:55 PM Apr 25th via web (B+, A-)

Probably the biggest surprise of the month. I thought it was just a filler beer in out party pack, but it turned out to be the best beer of the group. We need to tour their brewery.


[B+]

#17 Pretty Things Mild Ale. A young, hoppy mild. Paired it with chick pea patties. Turned out really good. Complimented the spices. B+ 7:42 PM Apr 22nd via web (B+, B+)

You know that it was a good beer month to have this beer come in at #17. I don't know if they plan to ever do this again, so if you see a bottle, pick it up and enjoy it.

#18 Rogue Dead Guy. I can't believe that I went like 9 months without drinking this, prior to this pack. Drinkable & refreshing on a hot day. B+ 7:01 PM Apr 7th via web (B+, B+)

Interesting that this is a Maibock, and comparing it to the German Maibock I had. I need to explore the whole bock family of beers.

#19 Victory Hop Devil. Would have loved this beer during my HopHead days, but over all it is still pretty good. Good mostly-hops balance. B+ 7:49 PM Apr 29th via web (B+, B+)

Seriously, this would have been my favorite beer if I had tried it in 2006. It's a great beer if you love hops, which I still do, but my taste has diversified over the last few years.

#20 Smuttynose Old Brown Dog. A nice malty ale, really classic when you don't want to drink something overly hoppy. B+ 10:32 PM Apr 10th via web (B+, B+)

I really should try this side-by-side with St. Botolph's. But Smuttynose is always dependable.

#21 Ipswich IPA. Another solid effort from a good brewery. They don't punch you in the face with hoppiness. Just enough to remind you. B+ 8:25 PM Apr 20th via web (B+, B+)

This is a good IPA if you don't want to be over-powered with hops. Beers can have flavor, but they lose so much if they are not balanced, and Ipswich understands that.

#22 Oskar Blues Ten Fidy. The awesomest canned beer. But I drank from a glass anyway. Rich, spicy, dark, coffee. Complex and good. A- 7:32 PM Apr 22nd via web (A-, B)

This may have dropped since I am little hungover from the one that I had last night. I really respect them for being passionate about canned beer, and they do deliver a good product, but there is something more aesthetic about drinking from a bottle or glass.

#23 Anchor Porter. Great, easy porter. Drink it as a session beer. Probably not the best match with hot wings, but would be great with bacon. B+ 8:20 PM Apr 24th via web (B+, B)

Another reason to go to San Francisco. This is a no frills porter, a great definition of the style.


[B]

#24 Mayflower IPA. No frills IPA. Not like DFH or Smuttynose where they try to make it into something more. This IPA is no nonsense. Good. B 8:22 PM Apr 24th via web (B, B)

#25 Ipswich Original Ale. APA. Hoppy, yeah sure, but goes well with any sort of meal that has a little spice in it, like a Turkey Joe. B 7:26 PM Apr 16th via web (B, B)

I get Mayflower and Ipswich mixed up a lot, with their nautical themes and all. But they are all good session beers, which I rarely do enjoy anymore. I drink my one or two beers with dinner, and only drink occasionally without food.

#26 CBC Sgt. Pepper. I thought why not. It delivers, but the saison that it is in would be much better w/o. Taste like Kettle S&P chips. B 8:44 PM Apr 30th via web (B, B)

I got this because I was eating hot food and I thought that it would all go well. It accentuated the heat and made my food hotter. I think that the base of it, the saison part, was delicious, but it takes a lot of courage to drink, let alone brew, a spicy beer.

[C+]

#27 Sam Adams Noble Pils. This is a session beer that really doesn't go with food. It tastes better out of the bottle. Could use spice. C+ 10:48 PM Apr 3rd via web (C+, C)

I tried this a few times and I never got into it. But as national beers go, there will always be Sam Adams and you know they care about what they are brewing.