88 Cypress Honey Lager, Granville Island Brewing Co. (Canada). 4.5% ABV (8/07)
Brilliant golden amber color. Creamed honey and toast aromas are very attractive. A round, frothy entry leads to a dry-medium body of toasty honey nut, baked lemon and dark meringue flavors. Finishes with a touch of piney bittering hops and caramel. Very tasty and refreshing.
86 Carpe Noctum Belgian Chocolate Stout, Bastone Brewery (MI). 6% ABV (9/09) %{Brewpub}
Opaque, murky, particulate brown/graphite gray color with a wispy tan head. Roasted nut, unsweetened chocolate and chicory aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-medium body with a smooth texture and hint of fruit wood on the gentle finish. Not very well defined, but pleasant.
86 Pumpkin Lager, Lakefront Brewery (WI). 5.8% ABV (8/07)
Medium amber color. Sweet Christmas spice and mint aromas. A frothy entry leads to an off-dry medium-to-full body of intense cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and candied yam flavor on a nutty, wheat toast palate. Finishes with a drier spice and light toffee fade. A nicely balanced spice beer with some oomph for the holidays.
84 Spyhopper Honey Brown Ale, Vancouver Island Brewery (Canada). 5% ABV (9/09)
Brilliant clear amber color. Very pleasant aromas of honeyed raisin toast follow through on a soft, satiny entry to a dryish medium body with toasted grain, light molasses and straw-like hops on the relaxed finish. An easy going, mellow beer to chill with.
84 Capsaiced Chili Beer, Bastone Brewery (MI). (9/09) %{Brewpub}
Golden yellow color. Bright roasted and pickled jalapeño aromas follow through on a dynamic entry to a dryish medium body with lots of hot pepper and pepper jelly on wheat toast notes. Finishes with a lingering tingling fade. A fun, peppery treat. Pair with tamales.
82 Cherry Lager, Lakefront Brewery (WI). 5.3% ABV (8/07)
Scarlet amber color with a frothy, white head. Lovely aromas of tart cherries and wildflower honey. A frothy entry leads to dry, attenuated, light-to-medium body of tart, sour cherries and burnt toast flavors. Finishes with a lightly phenolic and bitter cherry pit and scorched aluminum fade.