90 Dortmunder Gold, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 5.8% ABV (10/08)
Deep amber color. Toasty caramel cake and orange marmalade aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with savory roasted nut, prune and root vegetable accents and a long peppery, clay-like hops fade. Great depth and balance.
88 Lhasa Dortmunder, Tibet-Lhasa Brewing Co. (China). 4.6% ABV (11/09)
Bright golden yellow color. Sautéed haricot vert, mesclun and crouton aromas follow through on a crispy entry to a dryish medium body with lemon yogurt and roasted potato and root vegetable notes. Finishes with an astringent, tart citrusy fade with grassy, mossy hops. Nice combination of rusticity and table-friendliness.
88 Baltika #7 Export, Baltika Brewery (Russia). 5.4% ABV (10/08)
Bright golden yellow color. Bold, honey roasted nuts, moss and fresh baguette aromas follow through on a soft, round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with tangy honeyed orange peel, mint and peach yogurt accents. Finishes with a zesty citrus pastry and grassy hop fade.