The Gordon Ale from Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons, CO pours out a deep orange with some red in color with very nice clarity (although you can't see that in the photo) and a huge, frothy, off-white head that hung on for a while before dissipating to a foamy film. On the nose there is a ton of grapefruit, pine and in the background caramel sweetness and a little bready malt.  In the mouth you are first allowed a caramel sweetness that is almost immediately replaced by a lovely hop bite that mellows into sweet grapefruit with some nice earthiness and malty goodness. Medium bodied. Wicked lacing. Good carbonation. Nice oil in the mouthfeel. The finish lingers and is slightly dry with wonderful hop goodness. A great Double IPA that everyone should try.

12 ounce can, 8.70% ABV

The Premium Pils from Bitburger Brauerei in Bitburg, Germany pours out a pale, golden yellow with very nice calrity and a thin white head that fades away quite quickly. On the nose there is a little citrus with some malt. Fairly simple nose. Great flavor in the mouth with a slight bitterness at first followed by grains and some sweetness. Nice carbonation. Little lacing. Fairly light bodied. Crisp, clean mouthfeel. Pretty dry finish on this excellent Pils. A good beer for the cup holder on the riding mower this summer.

12 ounce bottle, 4.80% ABV

The Old Chub Scottish Style Ale from Oskar Blues Brewery in Lyons, CO pours out mahogany brown in color with good clarity and a thin tan head that dissipates pretty quickly. On the nose aromas of dried prune, dried date, brown sugar, molasses and malt. In the mouth you first get a sweet maltiness with some chocolate and coffee that is followed by a slight bitterness. Full side of medium bodied. Little lacing. Good carbonation. Fairly creamy mouthfeel. The finish is quite long and quite sweet. An excellent beer well worth drinking. 

12 ounce can, 8.00% ABV

The Czar Imperial Stout from Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, CO pours out espresso black with a one finger, tan head that readily dissipates. On the nose aromas of cocoa powder, cream, sweet dried fruit and roasted grains shine through. In the mouth there is a lot of roasted grain flavor, bitter hops, chocolate, raisiny fruit and an herby-medicinal characteristic. Fill bodied. Nice lacing. Good carbonation. Creamy mouthfeel. Quite bitter on the finish with complex flavors. A nice stout that is an enjoyable change from the usual. Probably a good candidate to age.

22 ounce bomber, 10.77% ABV

Samuel Smith's India Ale from the Samuel Smith Old Brewery in Tadcaster, England pours out deep copper in color with nice clarity and a large foamy white head. There is a good amount of toffee and caramel on the nose accompanied by some grapefruit hoppiness. In the mouth I get quite a bit of malt at first, lightly roasted grains, followed by some tart bitterness reminicent of unsweetened tea with slight citrus tones. Light side of medium bodied. Decent carbonation. Some lacing. Good oil to the mouthfeel. Quite dry throughout and especially on the finish. A very nice old school IPA.

12 ounce bottle, 5.00% ABV