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
From Bottles to Growlers- beer reviews by SANDY FELD, certified taster
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: 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+
Having sampled over 7,000 different beers in my
capacity as a fully certified taster I can promise
honest, thoughtful, and careful evaluations.  However,
remember that these reviews are totally subjective.  
Consider this column an informative resource only.  
The bottom line is to trust your own judgment and
keep drinking!  

Sandy
Beers Reviewed
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
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Dec. 2018