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.