Goose Island King Henry Barleywine Ale

Aged in bourbon barrels, King Henry is a burgundy hued English-style barleywine with aromas of vanilla, oak, and dark fruit. Caramel and toffee flavors blend together with bold notes of bourbon delivered in a smooth body followed by a malty finish.  (from the Goose Island web site)

This barleywine was aged in the same barrels as Bourbon County Rare Stout, giving it that bourbon-y tinge. King Henry poured a deep chocolate brown with a thin khaki-colored head. Strong tastes of plums, raisins, figs and black cherries; honey and maple and brown sugar too. Silky smooth. The 13.4% ABV provides a little heat, but not overwhelming. 

Definitely not a session beer, but good for a nightcap.

Goose Island Christmas Ale 2011

Part of the Christmas Eve Joyce get-together, Goose Island is one of those brands where you just can't go wrong. This year's offering for the Winter seasonal is an American brown ale. Pours a hazy orange-brown with a small tan head and a distinct, yet subtle hop bite. There's also an additional sting from some ginger and an overlay of spices, maybe some cinnamon, nutmeg and even a little lemon. After the initial hoppiness, I got some toffee-like sweetness. Very nice, a perfect Christmas brew.

Euphoria Pale Ale

I'd not heard of Ska Brewing heretofore, but my first experience was definitely positive. It poured out of its can (yes, can) a clear ambery orange, with a tall frothy head. Very hoppy, but with out the graprefruity signature that one would expect with an IPA. Citrus notes were not absent, there was some lemon evident, but with a strong maltiness on the back of the tongue. Very crisp, very clean...great session beer in my opinion. Great label too. 

Schell's Snowstorm 2011 - Wee Heavy

Strong Scotch Ale is also known as "Wee Heavy". Examples of beers brewed in the USA under the name Wee Heavy tend to be 7% abv and higher, while Scottish-brewed examples, such as Belhaven's Wee Heavy, can be found between 5.5% and 6.5% abv. On the other hand, Scottish brewed exceptions include Traquair House Ale which is brewed to a strength of 7.2% abv, and Traquair Jacobite Ale which is 8% abv. McEwan's Scotch Ale is also 8% abv. - from Wikipedia: Scotch Ale


Pours a dark amber with a healthy foamy tan head. A good representation of strong Scotch Ales, with a sweet smoky taste, with undertones of toasted malt and a little vanilla wafer. A get a little bit of black cherry and maybe some fig as well. The 7% ABV doesn't overwhelm, but it warms up nicely. Pretty smooth for a high octane. 

Weyerbacher Winter Ale

Creamy, malty taste, with some unidentified spices. Pours a dark brown and in some respects approaches a porter, but with a bit less heaviness. Doesn't stand above the pack, like most Weyerbachers, but a good solid Winter seasonal.

Boulevard Nutcracker

Pours a dark orange with a foamy white head; hoppier than I thought it would be, but balanced by a rich malt character. There're some spices hidden amongst the hops, but subtle enough that I can't really make out which ones! Some pine and citrus from the hops, and a nice brown-sugary finish - a passable session beer for a holiday get together.

Buffalo Bill's Blueberry Oatmeal Stout

The blueberry overwhelms and there isn't much resemblance to a stout, oatmeal or otherwise...run away...run away fast

Anchor Steam 2011 Christmas Ale

Anchor Steam produces their Christmas Ale every year, but like many seasonals, the recipe is somewhat different every year. This year's pours a dark mahogany brown, with a two-finger khaki head. I'm picking up some apple, kind of like a cider with raisin, plum and a little rum. There's some spices floating around, maybe a touch of cinnamon; definitely some nutmeg as well. Brown sugar and maple start to pop out as it arms up.

Leinenkugel's Big Eddy Russian Imperial Stout

A limited edition from one of my go-to beers, Leinenkugel (yes, I do have Jake Leinenkugel's autograph). Like most imperial stouts, Big Eddy is midnight dark, with a dark brown head. The 9+ % ABV gives it a nice warmth, and there's a great balance between hops and malt. Tastes include raisins and plums and some sweet dark chocolate. Very smooth going down.There's a lot going on here and I might have to sample a third (this is my second) to get the fullness of the tastes and aromas. 

Pyramid Snow Cap Winter Warmer

Dark red in hue, with an aroma akin to black cherries and raisins, Pyramid comes through again with their Snow Cap winter warmer. After the first few sips, and then a healthy (yes, healthy, my family doctor says that one - two drinks a day is good for me) swig the spices started kicking in: nutmeg, cinnamon, and hops. Yes, hops have figured prominently in some of the better winter beers that I've sampled thus far; and what's wrong with that?

Winter Tilt Festivale from Empyrean Ales

Pours a reddish brown, almost the color of strong tea. Nice thick khaki-colored head.  Most definitely unfiltered, like all Empyrean's offers. Has some similarities to Belgian wits, with a nip pf hops on the back side. Some fruitiness, possibly orange peel and maybe a hint of peach. Not too heavy on the spices. A keeper for sure.

Sam Adams Black & Brew Coffee Stout

Okay, I broke into the Sam Adams Winter Classics variety pack and few days before my self-imposed cutoff date of November 1st...but I think you'll forgive me. Black & Brew is a 5.8% ABV coffee stout. It pours with a one finger head, and is a dark brown with reddish highlights. The coffee taste from the Sumatran beans dominates the taste, but there are hints of vanilla and a little caramel as well. I suspect this may be based on their cream stout; it has its thick, creamy richness and the understated hoppiness. I think this will be one of my go-to beers for the holidays

Autumn is on the way out...winter sneaking in

Partly due to my adherence to Celtic/Northern European notions of when the seasons change and partly due to when the seasonal beers actually arrive, I view the start of the seasons on November 1 for Winter, February 1 for Spring, May 1 for Summer and August 1 for Autumn. This is usually the switch-over point when I start drinking the new seasonals.

Right now, in recognition of October winding down I am working my way through a Sam Adams Harvest Collection. Today, I had the last two Irish Reds, which is a year-round beer, but fits in well with the Oktoberfests and Autumn Ales. I have a black lager left as well, and two Oktoberfests that will in all likelihood go down the hatch on October 31st. The Pumpkin Ales will probably cross over through Thanksgiving.

With the immanence of Winter, look for plenty of reviews on stouts and porters, as well as Christmas Ales, Winter Warmers and Spiced beers. 

Sam Adams Winter Classics is Here!

• Boston Lager (of course!)
• Old Fezziwig Ale
• Holiday Porter
• Winter Lager
• Chocolate Bock
• Black & Brew Coffee Stout (new this year)

Watch for reviews! Ill-Gotten Booty's Official Winter Beer Season Kicks off in 12 days! 

Slow Elk Oatmeal Stout

I usually don't hit the stouts and winter warmers until after the Celtic Winter season begins on November 1st, but I wanted to get an advance taste of things to come...and the local spirits superstore has a few in stock already. I admit that the label caught my eye first, but I've had previous good luck with Big Sky Brewing Company (Missoula Montana). Slow Elk was a dark dark color, which I thought was black until I shone my high intensity reading lamp through it and saw that it was actually an incredibly deep ruby red, almost like a Dr. Pepper. It poured pretty thick, almost, but not quite in the "beer shake" category. The head stayed in place for quite a while, about four fingers worth that oh-so-slowly dissipated. Lots of typical stout tastes: chocolate, coffee and roasted malt. Pretty good introduction to the season of darkness.

Woodchuck Hard Cider - Pumpkin

Not really a beer, but I saw some at The Still's seasonal end and wanted to get in as many Fall seasonals as I could before November first: my version of the beginning of Winter and the dark and spiced beer season. The apple is the predominant taste, but you catch the pumpkin and spices (nutmeg, cinnamon) at the back of the tongue going down. I recommend this for Halloween parties, or even for Thanksgiving dinner.

Weyerbacher Quad - Abbey Style Quadruppel

You could sniff this baby out from across the room, almost wine-like in its aroma. The taste is similar to a classic barleywine, the hue a deep mahogany.  The familiar tang of Belgian ales, balanced by the taste of raisins, currants, and figs. The 11.8% ABV causes hoppy fumes to tickle the back of the nasal passages. A little on the sweet side, might make a great substitute for wine with a holiday meal.

Widmer Brothers Okto Festival Ale

Not technically an Oktobefest, but similar to one. Widmer Brothers actually classifies it as an Altbier.

The color of a shiny new penny, with a minimal head. Apparently filtered, you could read the proverbial newspaper through it. Lots of sweetness, with a strong caramel taste. The hops are there, but don't hit you until the back end. Not a bad brew, but kind of disingenuous to suggest that it's an Oktoberfest.

Belgo: Belgian Style India Pale Ale

As I stood gazing at the collection of Fall seasonals and Oktoberfests, I heard the still, small voice of Belgo calling to me: a Belgian style IPA? Stranger things have happened.

Belgo pours a foggy butterscotch hue, with a two-finger head. The hops clamor for attention, but not with the usual grapefruity taste, more of a passion fruit or mango in the mix, maybe a little pineapple. The creamy banana of a Belgian Wit comes in with the aftertaste. All in all a great combination of two great styles.

Shock-Top Pumpkin Ale

So is this Jack's Pumpkin Ale in a new bottle, or is it a completely different beer? Anheuser-Busch introduced the Shock-Top brand as a new label for a previously seasonal offering, Spring Heat Spiced Wheat, although they're calling it a Belgian White these days. I think that AB is using the Shock-Top label as their "cool" brand.

Shock-Top Pumpkin Wheat pours cloudy, with the hue the color of pumpkin pie and a light toffee colored head. The pumpkin taste is understated with contributions from nutmeg and cinnamon. Very easy drinking, as many AB brands are, but without the depths or complexity of the crafts. Good for two or three at a sitting.

Schell's Octoberfest

Poured a kind-of caramel color, with an off-white head. Fairly heavily carbonated; middle of the pack as far as Octoberfests go. A little sweeter than I like my Märzens to be, but still a rich malty taste. A hint of roasted nuts and toffee. At 5.5% ABV, hearty, but not overwhelming.

Anchor Humming Ale

From the Anchor Steam Web Site:


Humming is an ancient term, used centuries ago to describe both ales and beers. Although its origins are shrouded in mystery, it suits this bold hoppy ale, which we have created to celebrate the anniversary of our first brew...


Sometimes I think the beer companies just make this shit up!


Nice carbonation, pours a clear, golden color with a tall frothy head. The first thing that I noticed was the distinct hoppiness, with a floral-citrus accent. This beer is offered in the fall, but tastes to me like a summer beer (which is apropos since it is kind of warm today). I'd classify Humming as a pale ale. Very cool and refreshing with the peppery stew that I'm eating with it. 

Odell 90 Schilling

Dark copper in color with a light brown frothy head. Billed as a light amber ale, it tastes kind of like a mild porter, with distinct maltiness. Got a suggestion of roasted barley. Easy on the hops. Wouldn't mind trying out more than one of these at a sitting.

Odell Easy Street Wheat Beer

Pretend it's not cold and raining and thinking about frost, a summery beer is just what the doctor ordered. Pours a brilliant golden hue, with a medium head; cloudy with sediment. A light citrus taste brightens things up, although there isn't as much "wheatiness" that I've come to expect from a wheat ale. Crisp and light in body, great for a few after a hard day's work.

Point Oktoberfest

Pleasantly surprised since I haven't been too impressed with Steven's Point Brewery in the past. Poured a bright gold, unusual for an Oktoberfest, but the depth of flavor belied the appearance. Heavy malt character, with some hop bite to it as well. Overall a pretty solid Marzen.

Shiner Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest are traditionally lagers, but this one calls itself a seasonal ale. Despite that, it appears to be a lager, clear, snowy white head, and light crisp taste. A little bit of nuttiness, but kind of thin and weak. Inoffensive, but nothing special.

Lakefront Pumpkin Lager

Pretty solid for the style. I'm getting to be a fan of pumpkin beers, although they usually tend to be ales, not lagers. The color is pretty light, and you could read a newspaper through the glass it's so clear. All the usual suspects here: pumpkin pie, cloves, cinnamon, a hint of vanilla too. Nothing complicated, but great for beginners as well as the more discerning.

Lakefront Oktoberfest

Lakefront is another one of those breweries flying below the radar, but which always manages to come up with some fine brews. A light copper, almost peachy color, Lakefront's Oktoberfest is a bit lighter and smoother in character than other Märzens that I've tried. Other than the typical bready, malty base there feels like a bit of orange peel, but otherwise a nice clean lager. Would drink a few more, but honestly it doesn't really stand out of the crowd.

Beer Review: Breckenridge Autumn Ale

As a good pagan, or least in my own flavor of paganism, Autumn starts, not at the equinox, but on Lughnasadh, August 1st or 2nd. And it's in Autumn when I start imbibing the Oktoberfests, Autumn Ales, and Pumpkin brews. Eventually I'll move into the porters and stouts and spiced beers as the weather gets colder, but for now, I'm in Fall.

Now Breckenridge is one of those brands where you just can't go wrong. This year's Autumn Ale however begins to approach a porter. Dark brown and malty, with a nutty taste. Cherry, walnut and even some raisin and plum grace the taste of this beauty. So far, best in class, I'll go back for more, especially as the days get cooler.

Beer Review: Pyramid Juggernaut Red Ale

Pouring a spectacular ruby red, with a medium, lacy head and a nose full of hops, this one is a winner. There's some malty sweetness lurking under the aggressive hoppiness, and a grapefruity taste that one would normally associate with an IPA. Pyramid has always been a brewery that's flown under the radar, I'd recommend this one to the hop-venturous.

Beer Review: Sam Adams Bonfire Rauchbier (Smoked Beer)

As "rauch" is German for "smoke", the name "rauchbier" naturally means "smoked beer". Smoked beers are definitely an acquired taste, Scottish ales typically have a "wee bit" of smoky flavor, but a rauchbier really pulls out the stops. Drinking it straight the other night, I wasn't sure what to think; it tasted like drinking a beer in front of a campfire. I wondered if the heavy smokiness could be balanced by some spicy food, and I was right. Susie made some enchiladas tonight, and I added jalapeños and picante sauce which was a perfect pairing. Underneath all that smoke was a rich maltiness and a kind of caramel sweetness. I believe that it is a lager, not an ale, which helps define the crispness of the underlying beer beneath all that smoke. I can't see myself knocking back  a couple of these, but it's for sure a fine brew.

Beer Review: Sam Adams Octoberfest 2011

A little bit maltier than I remember with an aroma of bread, caramel, toffee and toasted malt. Not especially hoppy, but you wouldn't expect it to be. Very smooth, very drinkable, one of my favorite Octoberfests.

Beer Review: Shiner 102 Double Wheat

I've usually had good luck with Shiner beers, although I still have nightmares about that smokehaus ale----eeeeyee. This one, in honor of their 102nd anniversary is a winner. A pale yellow, filtered wheat, 6.2% ABV, with a frothy white head. Doesn't have any of the distinct "wheatiness" that characterizes many wheats. The vibe is more of a lager, but with some subtle flavors and aromas - a hint of lemon, and maybe a bit of cloves on the back of the tongue. Plenty of carbonation --- clear, refreshing ----passable session beer.

Beer Review: Kinda Blue Wheat Beer

Blueberry as the flavor of the month has but a few more days, so I thought I'd try another blueberry flavored beer. Poured a coppery hue, with a thin white head, very sweet (probably from those blueberries! the blueberry taste is not overwhelming, but it does add to the sweetness; the effect is like drinking a very sweet hefeweizen. If you're a fruit beer kinda guy, then Kinda Blue is for you.

Red Hook Wise Cracker Wit

Review from 2 years ago when it was called simply "Red Hook Wit"

Following on the heels of some very good Red Hook brews lately, Red Hook Wit continues the legacy. Pours with a big white head, color of lemonade with more than a hint of ginger, with lemon and orange peel and a nice wheaty tang. Could be a good session beer, the ABV isn't too high at 5.3%. Nice one for the tail end of high summer.

Beer Review: Weyerbacher Sixteen (Dark Braggot Ale)

Braggot is apparently a dark ale brewed with honey...I recall that Empyrean had a braggot last year...mmmm. Every year Weyerbacher does up a special beer to celebrate their anniversary, this year's sixteenth anniversary beer is a dark braggot. The color is a deep mahogany, the head is a thick brown. The first flavor that I picked out was licorice, and then some of the honey that the label advertised. the 10.8% ABV added some heat, but it was smooth, oh so smooth. After a few drinks, there seemed to be some caramel as well, similar in some respects to a barleywine. Definitely worth the price.

Beer Review: Odell Myrcenary Double IPA

Named after Myrcene one of the active ingredients in hops, Myrcenary pours a deep golden hue with a short head. Surprisingly smooth for a double IPA with a subtle citrus, pine and a little orange. Kind of a creamy mouthfeel. Despite the smoothness the hops come through loud and clear!

First experienced at the Empyrean Ales beer tour last month

Beer Review: Redhook ESB (Extra Special Bitter)

Smooth, drinkable, nothing fancy. Amber in color, citrussy hop notes, maybe a little bit of apple - about 6% ABV, but still a good lawnmower beer.

Beer Review: Red Hook Long Hammer IPA

Pours clear and coppery with a medium head. Hops taste similar to many of the European lagers like Heineken and Lowenbrau, sharp bitterness with some pine overtones. Smooth going down; this may be the latest go-to recommendation.

Beer Review: Pyramid Hefeweizen

Hefeweizens are wheat beers that derive 50% or more of their grain from wheat. Pyramid has an orangey color and little or no head and some flavors that I ordinarily associate with Dunkelweizens or Belgians, bubblegum and banana. There's a tiny whiff of citrus, but none of the characteristic wheat taste. Not bad, but not what I'd normally associate with the style.

Beer Review: Pranqster Belgian Ale by North Coast

Ill-Gotten Booty has reviewed many of North Coast's fine brews over the last few years and Pranqster holds up with the best of them. Honey gold in color, with an off-white head that leaves the glass clean with no lacing as it recedes, it stands up with the best in the Belgian style. A foggy look to it indicates that it's unfiltered. Kind of on the sweet side, with hints of apple and pear. Very drinkable, could be a good session beer.

Beer Review: Devastator Double Bock from Wasatch

Whoa...Mitt Romney lovers...this is the beer for you! Straight from the heart of Utah, where beer lovers knock on your door to ask if you have tried their favorite beer. The 8% ABV hits you with a roundhouse punch and the insistent chocolate taste gets you on the backhand. The color is a rich mahogany with a quickly dissipating beige (yeah?) head. In addition to the chocolate I discerned some coffee and maybe some raisin. No training wheels on this lager!

Beer Review: Abita Restoration Pale Ale

Good tasting beer, but not what I'd call a true pale ale. A little bit of citrus and a creamy taste reminiscent of Belgians or farmhouse ales. Would make a good session beer though.

Beer Review: Laughing Lab Scottish Ale

Road trips mean many things for the Ill-Gotten Booty family: seeing new sights, hearing new bands or old standards, listening to a favorite author and spiritual teacher hawk his new book, but it also means trying out local beers!

On this week's trip to Colorado Springs Mrs. IGB and I had dinner at a little family restaurant called Mountain's Shadow where the friendly and helpful waiter recommended several beers by Bristol Brewing, located right there in Colorado Springs; I accepted a bottle of Laughing Lab Scottish Ale. 

It poured a medium brown head, medium brown hued (Medium Dave anyone?) - with a thinner consistency than I expected. The taste was hearty, with light smokiness, hints of coffee and milk chocolate. Definitely more malty than hoppy. It went well with both the salmon entree and the brownie & ice cream dessert. I recommend this to anyone!

Beer Review: Dundee Kölsch

From the Dundee seasonal craft variety pack, crisp and clear, an ideal summertime beer. I can almost taste some apricot in the mix, as well as a mild hint of cloves and some honey. Best served icy cold.

Beer Review: Odell's Double Pilsner

(Recommended by a guy in The Still who just moved here from California - thanks brother!) 

Looking in from the outside Double Pilsner looks like any other: clear, golden in color, with a medium height white head, but there the resemblance ends. Big, brawny malt character, with a sting of hoppiness in the finish. The noble hops lend a smooth bitterness (if you can handle paradox) to the mix. the 8.1% ABV adds some pleasant warmth, the creamy mouthfeel makes this a great after-dinner brew.

Left Hand Sawtooth Ale

While down in Kansas City Susie & I visited a grocery store and Susie encouraged me to take home any beer that caught my eye. Left Hand has been one of my Top Ten breweries, but it hasn't been available in Lincoln lately, so I brought a six-pack home. Below in italics is a review from last May:

Extra Special Bitter, kind of like a pale ale. Pours a hazy orange color with a minimal head, light hoppy aroma, little bit o' grapefruit in the first sip. Some vanilla and nuttiness, Hops are not at all strong, but a definitely evident. Very drinkable. I'd recommend this one for Ron Rumery!


Some things to add: caramel notes along with a creamy texture. The hops seem a little more obvious this time around, maybe I was drinking too many IPA's back last May!

Beer Review: New Belgium Somersault

Not really a lot there, but still a decent brew. Classed as an American Blonde Ale, it's a pale gold in color with a tall foamy head. There's hints of apricots and some biscuity malt. A fleeting taste of citrus as well. Easy drinking.

Beer Review: St. Lupulin Extra Pale Ale

A mystical legend echoes in our brewhouse – that of St. Lupulin (loop-you-lin) the archetypal hophead. He devoted endless summers to endless rows of hops, tending to the flowers and the beloved resin within – lupulin. Extraordinary oils in this yellow resin provide this dry-hopped extra pale ale with an undeniably pleasing floral aroma and clean, crisp finish. One sip of this seasonal summer ale and you too, will believe. From the Odell's website

Now I'm not sure what is "extra" about it, but boy, was it good. It poured a clear golden color, with a bright white head. Obvious hops taste and aroma, but not at all bitter. As the glass attained room temperature, the maltiness started to come out. Some subtle floral aromas, a tad bit of lemon, even some honey. Even with the additional ABV (6%) this would make a great brew to have several of. Can't go wrong with Odell's.