Rating System (from best to worst) Excellent, Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Above Average, Average, Below Average, Poor. Undrinkable "+" or "-" indicate half way to next level |
Allagash Pictavia This is an 9.32% Belgium style Scotch Ale aged in barrels that once held scotch. Opens with a nose of caramel, smoke, toffee, and light alcohol. Flavors are brown sugar, raisins, peat, oak, and light vanilla. Smooth and mellow at the finish. Many will like this interesting beer but I found it too busy with flavors that did not mesh. The Belgium character did not fit the Scotch style. Overall Rating: Below Average+ |
Founders Curmudgeon's Better Half This Old Ale aged in bourbon barrels previously used for Michigan maple syrup comes in at a big 12.7% ABV. The nose is molasses bourbon, caramelized sugar and toasted oak. Taste brings more of the same with a touch of vanilla sweetness. Finish is highlighted by a lingering alcohol heat though overall the ABV is nicely hidden. This is a well made, complex but almost too sweet brew. Overall Rating: Good+ |
Stone Tropic of Thunder This is a rare lager from Stone made with Citra, Mosaic, and the relatively new Cashmere hops. ABV is a quaffable 5.8%. Smells are citrus hops, grapefruit, orange and lemon. Taste features cracker malt, pineapple, mango, tangerine, pine,and lemon peel. This could easily pass as an India Pale Lager thanks to its hop center. Overall Rating: Good |