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.