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
Elysian Dragonstooth Oatmeal Stout

You are greeted by smells of roasted grains, coffee, and a
faint hint of licorice in this 7.5% stout.  Expect coffee flavors
throughout, softened by a creamy oatmeal.  Bitterness builds
towards the finish as burnt grains vie with hops.  The finish is
appropriately dry with a touch of sweetness from the oatmeal.  
A nice rendition of the style.

Overall rating:- Above Average.
Clown Shoes Crunkle Sam

At 11% ABV this American Barleywine is a bit rough.  It opens with
smells of brown sugar, caramel malt, and citrus rind.  Taste is
dominated by alcohol esters that overcome soft caramel malt,  
toffee, pine, and lightly burnt toast.  Hints of grapefruit and sweet
candy apple.  Finish is slightly sweet against a hop background.  
Many smoother and more complex barelywines out there that do a
better job of intergreating the alcohol.

Overall Rating: Below Average+
Having sampled nearly 4,000 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
Colorado Vixnu IPA

Despite its name this beer is not from
Colorado. And although it's an American
Double IPA (9.5%) and available in many
states, it's made in Brazil.  Really.  The
nose brings engaging floral smells along
with citurs with bready malt notes. First sip
brings pineapple, mango, and tropical fruit
flavors with a background of hops.  Nicely
bitter with a crisp finish.  Well made!

Overall Rating: Very Good
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