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
Gouden Carolus Noel

This winter seasonal is a strong (10.5% ABV) dark ale.  The nose brings
spice, malts, sugar, candy, and alcohol.  The alcohol dominates the taste
with a background of sweet dark fruit, molasses, and hints of peppery
spice.   Caramelized malt takes over after mid-sip and leads to a finish that
brings raisins, dark cherries, licorice, and  more alcohol.  This may be a bit
too sweet, coy, and alcohol dominated for some but it's still worth a try.

Overall rating:-  average
Rogue Yellow Snow

This winter seasonal can be summed up in one word - hops!
Your nose is hit with  lemons, grapefruit, and pine.
The taste brings more citrus fruits, blended nicely with seriously
bitter pine and grass.  No underlying malt though a light
yeast/bread taste appears in mid-sip.  The finish brings more dry
hops This IPA is a most welcome change from the typical winter brew.

Overall Rating -  Outstanding!
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
Great Divide Fresh Hop Pale

An American style pale, this beer pours a
red/copper hue.  Hop flowery aroma with
lemon/grassy zest, pine, and hints of malt.
First taste brings pale malts, some sweet
caramel, citrus, pineapple, and light grassy  
notes.  The finish is crisp and sem-dry with a
light melon sweetness as balance to the
hops. Not  as bold as the nose indicated,
but still a big step above the typical pale.

Overall rating -  very good
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