Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down

Classified as a strong ale and at 9.7% ABV, it certainly is strong. Pours with a three finger head, the color of a new penny. Sweet and hoppy, with a taste reminiscent of cherries and oranges. Honey and brown sugar both make an appearance as well. Alcohol heat wafts up the back of the nostrils. 66 IBU's, but not at all as bitter as the number would suggest. I'd like to try it with some spicy Indian food - lamb vindaloo or some such.

Southern Tier Brewing: Unearthly Imperial IPA

Number three from the Southern Tier 12 pack. Dark amber hue, three finger head, piney hops, lemon and orange peel. Even a hint of oak barrel aging, even though there's no mention of oak barrels. Almost like a Scottish ale, but without the smokiness.

Southern Tier Brewing: 2XIPA

Pours a surprising golden yellow, clear and evidently unfiltered, which I didn't expect in an India Pale Ale. Lots of citrus in the hop character, with poofs of orange peel and a suggestion of Belgian yeast in the flavor profile. Very smooth. In some ways the taste is reminiscent of a pilsner. I could go on and on, but I have more beer to drink!

Southern Tier Brewing: Iniquity Imperial Black Ale

Pours a dark mahogany with ruby highlights; not much of a head.  Strong taste of toasted barley, some chocolate malt and a teensy bit of dark chocolate. Hits of pumpernickel. Pretty hoppy, but not overwhelming. The 9% ABV adds some kick, but not much heat (a good thing). A lot sweeter than I expected, but different than what you'd find in a milk stout, perhaps honey or brown sugar.  Medium mouthfeel - not a porter by any means - but its not trying to ne then, is it? Overall, a great brew.

Widmer Brothers Citra Blonde Summer Brew

A little hazier than I expected, but still a brilliant golden hue with a medium white head. Kind of a medley of citrus flavors swirling around together. Weird, but there's almost some carrot in there. A little more character than the mass produced beers, but not much out of the ordinary.

Drop Dead Blonde from Steven's Point Brewing

I've not been very impressed with Point beers in the past, and this one is no exception. Now, just because I'm not impressed doesn't mean that the ale doesn't taste good, merely that it's nothing out of the ordinary.

Drop Dead pours a crystal clear golden yellow with a fluffy snow white head. There's some barely discernible lemon and enough hoppiness that it made me compare it to a Pilsner.

Nothing to write home about, but a decent summer ale.

Weyerbacher Insanity Oak Barrel Aged Ale

Weyerbacher does oak bourbon of several of their offerings. This is the barrel aged version of Blithering Idiot Barleywine, which I reviewed recently: http://ill-gottenbooty.blogspot.com/2013/03/weyerbacher-blithering-idiot-barleywine.html All the good stuff that I said about Blithering Idiot goes for Insanity but double. You can really taste the bourbon and the oak adds a mellow, smooth finish. Classy, my friends, classy.