Weyerbacher Eighteen Weizenbock

Another anniversary beer by one of my favorite brewers, Weyerbacher. At 11.1% ABV, this is a badass beer, it pours a deep brown, and looks like you're pouring maple syrup rather than beer, mainly due to the unfiltered nature of this beauty. A student of fine beers will have noticed the weizen, indicating "wheat" paired with the bock, a traditional spring style. Reminiscent of the heavier Belgians, there's a bit of smokiness, partnered with figs, black cherries and dates. A little bit of bitter coffee and dark chocolate. Creamy texture and a hint of alcohol heat. Great nightcap. Don't bother if you're scared of "dark" beers or don't know the difference between an ale and a lager. This is a drink for beer aristocracy.

Odell's Loose Leaf American Session Ale

This weather has my beer schedule all screwed up; here I was all psyched up for Oktoberfests and Pumpkin ales and the temps climb to 100° - luckily there are still some light summery beers still lurking in the shadows and Odell's has a summer ale 12 pack. Summer Montage contains three bottles each of Odell's 90 Schilling and St. Lupulin, (which I have previously reviewed), their IPA (which I have not) - there is also a previously unreleased Loose Leaf Blonde (or American Session) Ale.

Here's a link to their website for more information:

http://odellbrewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Montage.pdf

New Belgium Pumpkick

That's right people, it's time for IGB to start in on the Fall beers, including the pumpkin ales. Pretty average in appearance: coppery amber with a snow-white head, but above average in taste. Brewed with pumpkin juice, as well as some cranberry juice, providing a smooth balance between spiciness and tartness. There's also some cinnamon in there as well, evening out the other flavors with its friendly aroma. Behind the Fall flavors, there's some solid beer lurking in there, with some caramel malty sweetness, over and above the sweetness of the additions. This may make the cut for the Joyce Family Thanksgiving.

Empyrean Ales Domino Effect Transition Ale

Apparently a "transitional" seasonal, since we're not quite ready for the Autumn Märzens and the Summer ales are past their time. The appearance suggests the color of ripe pineapple crossed with an apricot, with a quickly receding snowy two-finger head. Very cloudy, due to its unfiltered nature. Weird; the IBU's are only 16, but the first impression that I get is a piney hoppiness; evident, but far from overpowering. Next, there's some peach. It's brewed not only with wheat, which would explain the lightness of the beer, but oats, which in my experience tend to be associated with heavier porters and stouts. The peach flavor persists 'til the end, with some white grape making an appearance as well. I'd recommend Domino Effect for those seeking a flavorful ale who aren't quite ready for the heavier fall brews.

Sam Adams Ruby Mild

The Sam Adams Harvest Collection just showed up, and in Ill-Gotten Booty's book, August begins the Beer Autumn. Ruby Mild is one of the new ones. Pretty tasty I must say; pours a (appropriately) ruby red with a tall tan head. Sweet malty taste, with a maple-y aroma. Toffee and caramel flavors, not much hop presence, but who cares? Hops isn't everything!

Red Hook Audible Ale

Sometimes these brewers just overextend themselves. Not that they produce bad beer, just that beer style after beer style, there's only so many new paths that they can go down. It seems like what they're trying to do is brew an ale that has mass appeal, which isn't really what craft brewers are supposed to be doing. Then connecting it to Dan Patrick...I dunno...yee.

That all being said, it's a fairly decent pale ale and I'd drink it again, but I doubt I'd seek it out.