DuClaw - Bare Ass Blonde Ale

DuClaw Brewing Co.

Bare Ass Blonde Ale - American Blonde Ale

The color of this beer is like a pale tangerine.  The play of light orange and pale yellow add a little depth to a beer that otherwise is pretty light and translucent.  I did a slower pour so there is almost no head, but what did pop up was light and left a little ring around the edge of the glass.

The aroma from this beer is subtle, but it does have something behind it.  There are notes of malt, a grassiness, and something that is similar to white wine.  The white wine smell kind of reminds me of honey and grape.  I will say I have a stuffy nose, so I might be missing something, or adding something, but those are the smells I get from this beer.

On the palate the tiny but sharp carbonation gives way to a that is subtle in flavor, and finishes with a mix of malt and bitterness.  This beer starts off with a bit of cracker and honey, it then adds a slight floral flavor and finishes with that mix of bread and bitterness.  It's a decent overall blend of flavors.  I do like the honey-esque notes in this beer, but the finish isn't my favorite.  It won't stop me from ordering this beer though.

Overall this is a pretty good beer.  Blondes are my favorite style, but I am a person that will try anything and be open to see for what it is.  This beer has a nice aroma, I like the color and look of this brew, the flavor has aspects I like, but doesn't wow me overall.  To me is a solid beer, a stable to have when company is coming over.  I give it a 3 out of 5.

Evil Genius - Naught or Nice

Evil Genius Beer Co.

Naughty or Nice - Winter Spiced Ale

The color of this beer is a deep, dark mahogany.  It is a slightly transparent brew, but the color makes it more translucent.  The beer gives off wonderful red tones, and a thin, quickly disappearing white head.

The aroma of this brew says holiday cheer.  There are nice notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, bready malts, and a slight sweetness.  It isn't the strings smell I have had from a winter spiced ale, but it is pleasant.  I kind of wish the there was a little clove, or more spice, but I still approve of the aroma.

On the palate there is a nice carbonation that leads the way to a beer that first hits you with a slight clove flavor, it is then followed by the nutmeg and cinnamon.  None of the flavors are overbearing.  The beer has a nice undertone of malt that is evident throughout the taste.  The last two things this beer does are hit you with an unexpected bitterness that is quickly covered up a the warming sensation of nutmeg, which is how the beer finishes.  

Overall I really liked this beer, people that don't like spiced beers shouldn't drink this.  I have seen some very negative reviews on, but I don't feel they are justified.  This isn't the best spiced winter ale I have ever had, but it is solid.  The color is really beautiful, the aroma is acceptable, and the flavor is pleasant and has some layers to it.  I give it a 3.5 out of 5!

Fish Tale - Bolg

Fish Tale Ales Brewery

Bolg - Belgain Stlye Tripel, The Hobbit Edition

I would normally do a full review but I don't have the time, so he is a condensed version.  Color is a cloudy gold, with hues of yellow and orange scattered throughout.  The aroma is bready, and yeasty.  It's not very enticing.  On the palate the barely there carbonation gives way to a beer lacking in flavor.  It is a weird mix of malt and bitterness, it leaves a nice warming sensation.  Overall this beer sucks.  1 out of 5.

Pizza Boy Brewing

Pizza Boy Brewing

Bean Dream - Milk Porter aged on Vanilla Beans

The color of this beer is a deep, rich brown.  The head of this beer came up about a half inch and was very fizzy.  The look of this beer reminds me of chocolate syrup, but it is not nearly as heavy.  

The aroma of this brew is pretty simple and straight forward.  It has some sweetness, a nice roasted malt, and a little cocoa.  It is not an overpowering smell, it is very subtle and pleasant.  

On the palate Bean Dream gives you a nicely balanced flavor.  The mild, and slightly fizzy carbonation leads way to a nice roasted malt, that gives way to the sweetness of the milk stout and slight flavor of the vanilla.  The beer finishes with a milk essence.  

Overall this is a pretty good beer.  It isn't amazing and boasting with flavor, but it does have a nice balanced flavor.  The sweetness of the milk Porter and flavor of the vanilla is nice.  It is definitely a beer to try.  I give it a 3.5 out of 5.

River Horse - Belgian Freeze

River Horse Brewing Co.

Belgian Freeze - Belgian Dark Ale

The color of this brew is a perfectly clear chestnut brown.  The beer pours with a medium head that is a little foamy, made up of tiny packed bubbles.  The head leaves a small ring on the edge of the glass that fades to the center of the beer.  

The aroma gives off a bready maltiness that also has a sweet molasses scent.  The notes given off are subtle, but sweet.  There is no bitterness in the aroma.  There is a mild alcohol scent to this brew as well.

The mild carbonation little tickles the tongue as you drink this beer.  The flavors come off sweet at first, giving you candied sugar, raisin, and a little breadiness.  On the backend there is a slight bite, to help cut off all the sweetness and leave to finish fairly clean.  It is not overally complex or a beer with a ton of layers.  There is a nice warming of the throat in between sips.  

Overall this is a pretty decent brew.  I think it is a good beer to drink while watching a football game, and hanging out with friends.  It is fairly strong at 8% ABV, so don't throws these back too quickly.  The aroma is pleasant, the flavors are straight forward and while it isn't an amazing beer, it is very good.  I give it a 3.5 out of 5.