Sam Adams Whitewater IPA

Another "blended" style, kind of a combination of a Belgian white ale and an IPA. On top of it all, it's infused with apricots. It pours an extremely hazy golden-orange, with a cloudy white head. The aroma contains whiffs of apricots, citrus and pine. It's a wheat beer, but also an IPA...two - two - two beers in one! I'm looking forward to making this one of my go-to spring and summer beers.

2012 Black Ale by Steven's Point Brewery

Pours a jet black with a thick frothy head and a thickness that I honestly had not expected. Not sure if they were aiming at a particular style, or were shooting for original, but this one is a winner. Creamy mouthfeel, good carbonation, medium hoppiness. Bring me another!

Fallen Angel Sweet Stout

Last year Empyrean Ales began bottling its seasonal beers for the first time. Starting with Super Nova, then the infamous "flaming goat" Aries Marzen (Oktoberfest) followed by the Winter Tilt "festivale" - now we've come full circle with the fourth (and restaurant favorite) Fallen Angel sweet stout. I've been recommending this beer to people who claim that they "don't like dark beers". Not that this by any stretch of the imagination a "training wheels" type of brew, but oftentimes a beer drinker's first (and only) exposure to a dark beer is some warm Guinness. Put off by the strong bitter taste, they cut themselves off from a promising segment of the beer world. And remember, "dark" is only a color: you can have a black lager that's as mild and sessionable as any wheat beer or a light-hued IPA or barleywine that's stronger than any stout available. No, Fallen Angel is a good introduction because it's what's sometimes called a milk stout. Lactose, which unlike most sugars will not convert to alcohol during fermentation, contributes to a sweet taste that makes it more palatable to those who haven't developed a taste for hoppy bitterness.

Fallen Angel pours a deep, dark brown, almost black, with a hefty brown head. Some superficial similarities to Scottish Ale and an obvious resemblance to the taste of semi-sweet chocolate. Low carbonation, smooth texture, medium hoppiness, more than balanced by the sweetness. I find that, as one might expect, the taste complexity comes out closer to room temperature. My first glass this season was at cask night, so the high standard was set. Definitely an IGB recommendation.

True Blonde Ale

This is my second beer by Ska Brewing, and it was a disappointment after their Pale Ale. Could be a halfway decent lawnmower beer if served ice cold and chugged down fast. Would not purchase again. Smooth...like Keith Stone

Whole Hog 6 Hop IPA

Finally got to do some beer shopping with my stepson Andy. We hit the local supermarket, which amazed me at the incredible selection in the mixed-six-pack section. One of our choices was Whole Hog 6-Hop IPA by Point Brewing. Some of my early experiences with Point were less than satisfactory, but they've been coming around lately. they classified this one as a double IPA, and the 8.5% ABV certainly gave it a hefty kick. But there was something definitely un-IPA-ish about it. First of all: the color. Yes I know color doesn't necessarily have anything to do with taste or style, but usually IPAs tend  tend to the golden end of the beer spectrum, or at least amber. This one had the hue of a multi-grain wheat bread, and in fact the taste was reminiscent of bread. Andy and his wife Tiara thought that the taste and aroma was that of rye bread...I agree. There was also some toffee and roasted grain, maple and brown sugar as well. The hops didn't really stand up to be counted, although I caught some hoppiness as took a full swig rather than a sip. Good stuff; I'd sample it again.

North Coast LeMerle Saison

Another offering from North Coast - a Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale: smooth & creamy, unfiltered and the color of a butterscotch hard candy. Full-bodied, high carbonation and hints of bread and citrus. Nice tang from the citrus, but little-to-no hop bitterness. After a few sips the rest of the cast comes out on stage; some mango, maybe some other tropical fruits...perhaps even pineapple. Interesting.

North Coast Grand Cru

Notes from the Brewers:

“We’ve had a good time exploring the brewing possibilities outside of the standard beer styles,” said Mark Ruedrich, Brewmaster and President. “Grand Cru doesn’t fit neatly into any established category. We brew it exclusively with Pils malt with an addition of agave nectar in the kettle. The beer is then fermented with the same Belgian yeast that we use to ferment Le Merle. It’s subtle, complex and lightly hopped with a deceptive 12.5% ABV, and aging it in oak gives this unique beer an extra dimension. The result is really champagne-like.”

A gratis sample bottle from Mr. Brian, and yes, the result is very champagne-like. Grand Cru pours a brilliant golden color, with abundant carbonation. There's a lot going on here: the distinct Belgian yeasts come out right away, and you can actually discern the agave behind it. On the back of the tongue the bourbon overtones start to hit...and then you realize...this is some serious beer here.