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
Goose Island Harvest Ale

This is an ESB that weighs in at 5.6% ABV.  Pours a
chestnut-copper color with excellent clarity. Nose of caramel,
earth, and light piny hops. Taste features fig-like fruitiness
bready malts, grains, light nuttiness and toffee that are all well
balanced.   Baked lemon bread notes in the clean finish.  
Decent but not very complex or exciting.

Overall rating:-  Above Average
Ommegang Scythe & Sickle

This is a 5.8% ABV Belgium dark ale being marketed as a "Harvest
Ale." The aroma brought notes of earth, graham cracker, grain, and
spice. The flavor was dominated by Belgian-type yeasty flavors,
cloves, peppery spice and a hint of banana. Not the level of malt
expected in a Harvest Ale.  Finish brings hints of stone fruits, light
toasted grains, and more Belgium funk.  Not an impressive brew.

Overall Rating -  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
Hooker Oktoberfest

This marzen (6.1%) opens with smells of
breads, malts and herbel earth. Taste is
caramel, malts and balancing hops.
Moderate mouthfeel that puts the beers
creamy and smooth texture to the forefront.
Flavors are of sweet caramel malt, pears,
fresh bread, tea-like, and light citrusy hops.
Light malt spicness in finish. Not very
complex but  that comes with the style.  

Overall Rating: Good
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