Rating system
(from best to worst)
Excellent, Outstanding, Very Good, Good, Above Average, Average, Below Average, Poor, Undrinkable
From Bottles to Growlers- beer reviews by SANDY FELD, certified taster
Stone Vertical Epic 10

Belgium style strong pale ale (9.5% ABV) is unique in that a juice blend of
Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties is added
during secondary fermentation.  It pours a light orange with little head
with smells of yeast and white wine.  There is a  crisp dryness throughout
the taste with a faint hint of sweetness. It's slightly grassy,(think savignon
blanc) with pear and grape notes. The alcohol is very well hidden.  If you
can't decide to drink a beer or wine, try this as a compromise.  Well made.

Overall rating:-   Outstanding
Gritty McDuff's Halloween Ale

This is essentially an ESB (6% ABV).  The nicely amber color
joins with a nose of wood, caramel, brown sugar, and grain.  
The taste shows sweet malts, toffee, and hints of fruit,
fermented plum, and dark berries.  Low on hops or bitterness.  
A decent fall seasonal but with little nuance or complexity.

Overall Rating -  average
Having sampled well over 3,500 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
Founders Harvest Ale

An American pale ale (6.5% ABV), this
amber colored brew opens with smells of
pine and citrus. Fist sip bring a hop-forward
blast followed by sweet tropical fruit, light
biscuit, grapefruit and pine. Resiny and oily
notes throughout with faint hints of peppery
freshness.  The wet hopping pays off as it
hits just the right bitterness level from
beginning to end.
Another winner from Founders!

Overall rating - very good
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