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.

Blue Blood Brewery 1307All Hopped Up IPA

Fairly new; so new that there weren't any images available. Pretty strong IPA, must be north of 75 IBU's. Pours a coppery hue with a towering head. Heavy on the piney taste, with some orange and coriander notes. A little bit of honey-caramel on the back of the tongue. Fair, but not great.

Zipline Oatmeal Porter

Ooo...porter! This is definitely a porter that I'm going to go back to during the winter months! Pours a deep brunette with a dense, yet shallow tan head with coffee, chocolate and hazelnut notes. Not too appropriate to the season, but definitely a winner.

Zipline New Zealand IPA

Pours a tall white head atop a ripe apricot colored brew. Very smooth and mild for an IPA, with a wild mixture of tropical fruits: mango, guava and pineapple. Pretty well carbonated. Their website attributes the smooth fruity hoppiness (versus a bitter, more astringent hoppiness) to the New Zealand hops. Some berry flavor - blackberry, raspberry and blueberry - on the back end. Very drinkable...yes thank you, I'll have enough!

Zipline Copper Alt

Let's start with the style. An Alt, or altbier is a hybrid style originating in Dusseldorf, Germany. It's similar in some respects to a Kölsch (from Köln - or Cologne, Germany) in that it's technically an ale - top fermenting, but lagered (stored in a cool place) to mature. Zipline's Copper Alt is representative of the style, cool and refreshing, yet replete with subtle flavors. There's coffee, but not the thick, rick mocha that you find in a porter or a stout, but there nonetheless. There's also a distinct nuttiness, but again, subtle. I'd recommend Copper Alt to anyone who wants a refreshing summer brew, but who enjoys the smooth flavors of a fine ale.