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
Dogfish Head Chateau Jiahu

An 8% spiced beer reportedly inspired by a beverage found in clay posts
in China around 9000 years ago. In keeping with historic evidence,
Dogfish brewers used pre-gelatinized rice flakes, Wildflower honey,
Muscat grapes, barley malt, hawthorn fruit, and Chrysanthemum flowers.
Grape and honey sweetness in the nose; taste is quietly sweet and slightly
acidic with noticeable floral and light herbal characteristics.  It finishes
with notes of yeast, grapes, and honey.  Interesting beer but not quaffable.

Overall rating:-   above average
Brooklyn Cuvee Noire

This is a Belgium style strong (8.7% ABV) dark ale.   It pours
black, with a negligible head and light carbonation. Some
roasty malt, smoke, and dark fruits appear in the nose and at
first sip.  By mid-taste raisin and fig notes appear as the
smokey malt moves into the background.  A light bitterness in
the finish compensates somewhat for a surprisingly thin body.

Overall Rating -  average
Having sampled well over 3,750 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
Allagash Hugh Malone

This Belgium IPA (8.5% ABV) pours a golden
yellow color with smells of orange zest and
spice.  At first sip orange, pineapple and
light pine appear. Some hop bitterness sets
in by mid-taste along with light grass,  
Belgian yeast, and hints of orange.  The
finish moves away from a craft version of
Blue Moon as pepper, wheat, coriander, and
an emerging flavor of alcohol take over.

Overall rating -  good
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