The Gonzo Imperial Porter from Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland pours out jet black in color with a large, densely knit, mocha colored head that hangs around for a while. On the nose aromas of coffee, treacle, molasses, roasted grain, smoke and chocolate. Sweet and tart in the mouth with flavors of heavily roasted grain, coffee, bittersweet chocolate and licorice. Full bodied. Excellent lacing. Moderate carbonation. Slight cream to the mouthfeel. Super long finish that is more chocolate and coffee with a distinct bitterness from the hops coming in to play. I liked this Porter a lot. Kudos to Flying Dog Brewery.

12 ounce bottle, 7.80% ABV, 85 IBU

The Hazed & Infused Dry-Hopped Ale from Boulder Beer Company in Boulder, Colorado pours out a deep copper in color with a little haze (unfiltered) and a two finger, off-white head that hangs in there for a while. On the nose aromas of orange rind, pine and a little caramel. In the mouth the caramel comes first and makes a good effort of continuing to exert its presence before the grapefruit and pine flavors, with good bitterness, take over. Good balance with this not being too hoppy for a pale ale. Moderate carbonation. Medium bodied. Nice sheets of lacing. Slight cream to the mouthfeel, although it is pretty clean. Mostly hoppy on the finish with a moderate bite. I really liked this beer and will buy it again.

12 ounce bottle, 4.85% ABV

The Jamaica Sunset India Pale Ale from Mad River Brewing Company in Blue Lake, California pours out a coppery orange in color with a little haze and a large, frothy, off-white head. On the nose aromas of grapefruit, caramel and grass. In the mouth flavors of citrus (more orange/tangerine than grapefruit) with good hoppy bitterness. The caramel sweetness from the nose is in there too but very subdued. Medium bodied. Decent lacing, more splotchy than sheets. Quite carbonated. Pretty clean mouthfeel with a touch of oil. Dry, long finish with a good hop bite. An excellent IPA.

12 ounce bottle, 7.00% ABV

The Bourbon County Brand Stout from Goose Island Beer Company in Chicago, Illinois pours out motor oil black in color with good viscosity and a thin, densely bubbled, deep mocha head that clings to the glass. On the nose aromas of sweet bourbon vanilla, oak, chocolate and a little licorice. There is a good bit of sweetness that comes first in the mouth followed by roasted grain, bourbon, vanilla and a distinct woodiness. Relatively low carbonation. Decent lacing. Full bodied. Viscous, creamy mouthfeel. A very long, complex, diverse, finish packed with flavor. An excellent beer with layer upon layer of flavor.

12 ounce bottle, 13.00% ABV

The Pecan Harvest Ale from Abita Brewing Company in Abita Springs, Louisiana pours out a golden amber in color with just a little haze and a two finger, very light tan head that has good retention. On the nose aromas of roasted pecan, coffee and toffee-caramel. In the mouth flavors of pecan nuts, lightly roasted malt with underlying sweetness followed by a slight tartness. Light side of medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Excellent lacing. Cream to the mouthfeel. Dry, elongated finish with a touch of tartness. A very tasty brew.

12 ounce bottle 5.00% ABV