The Morke Pumpernickel Porter brewed and bottled by Beer Here in Nogne O Grimstad, Norway pours out an opaque, slightly viscous, jet black in color with a tightly knit, dark tan head that has no intentions of going much of anywhere. On the nose you smell heavily roasted grains, bittersweet chocolate laced with coffee beans, faint licorice and spice. This brew coats your mouth with its beautiful richness and complexity. Flavors are much similar to the nose. Lots of chocolate and coffee with spice. Slight prickle on the tongue with a little tartness showing itself. Moderate carbonation. Spectacular lacing. Full bodied. Viscous, creamy, wonderful mouthfeel. Super long finish packed with flavor urging you to take another sip. Quite possibly the best 'porter' I have ever had and this is definitely on the bold side for a porter. Well done. I want another!

500ml bottle, 7.50% ABV, $7.49

The Oaked Arrogant Bastard Ale from Stone Brewing Company In Escondido, California pours out a mahogany brown in color with some light getting through and a light tan head that sticks around briefly. On the nose aromas of floral, citrus, herbal hops intertwined with vanilla oakiness and earthy roasted malt. Bold in the mouth with flavors of grapefruit, lemon, roasted grain, vanilla, caramel followed by a good hop bite. Medium bodied. Relatively low carbonation. Great lacing. Slight cream to the mouthfeel. Great finish with a good dose of hops but the malt is bold enough to hang on through the end. A wonderfully complex, very drinkable, top notch brew.

12 ounce bottle, 7.20% ABV

The Mojo Looking Glass Series India Pale Ale from Boulder Beer Company in Boulder, Colorado pours out a rich, coppery orange in color with just a little cloud and a rocky off-white head that sticks around. Big citrus hops on the nose with some caramel backing but there is no doubt this is a hop bomb from the start. In the mouth you get the citrus hops almost right away but there is a touch of caramel at the very front. Wave upon wave of hoppy bitterness cascade though your mouth but they are not overdone, nor overbearing, even for someone who does not like hoppy beers. Medium bodied. Excellent lacing. Moderate carbonation. Great oil to the mouthfeel. Super long finish that is packed with citrus hop delight and a hint of malty sweetness. If you like hoppy beers give it a go. You will not be disappointed.

22 ounce bottle, 6.80% ABV

The Festbier From Victory Brewing Company in Downington, Pennsylvania pours out an orangish amber in color with a little haze and a one finger light tan head. On the nose aromas of bread dough, caramel, grassy hops and just a hint of alcohol. in the mouth there is a ton of toasty malt with some hop bite hiding in their trying to balance out the malt. Medium bodied. Good carbonation. Some lacing. Almost chewy mouthfeel. Nice, malty finish that is quite long spiked with a mild hop twang.

12 ounce bottle, 5.60% ABV

The XXXX IPA (Pugsley's Signature Series) from Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, Maine pours out a deep, coppery amber in color with good clarity and a dense, light tan head that sticks around for a while. On the nose pungent scents of ripe grapefruit with bready malt and caramel. In the mouth flavors of citrus hop (grapefruit and orange) mellowed with caramel and bready malt goodness. Great balance. Neither too malty nor too hoppy. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Fantastic lacing. Slightly slick mouthfeel. Good length on the finish which is bittersweet. A fantastic brew that, although not as potent bitter wise as other DIPAs, is a fine beer to drink.

22 ounce bomber, 9.25% ABV