Double Bastard Ale, Stone Brewing Co., San Diego, CA

Tom: As a lover of everything that comes from Stone Brewing Co., and in particular a huge fan of Arrogant Bastard, it is with great remorse that I have to report this as the biggest disappointment in beer tasting since the start of this blog. Remnants of the thickness we love so much from Arrogant Bastard are there, but I'd call it half-bastard instead of double-bastard. And that brings us to the taste, which is abhorrent. There is not even a shadow of that smokey goodness we know and love--in it's place. Pineapple. Fucking Pineapple. I know, I know--I couldn't believe it either. Do not be fooled by the Brewery or the Label or the wit you'll find on the label. This beer is a disgrace. 1.5/5

Death and Taxes, Moonlight Brewery, San Francisco

Tom: They say this is a black lager, but it was a lot thicker than that. And better. One of the most burnt tasting beers I've ever had, but they pulled it off magnificently. Not a hint of sweetness, fruit, or chocolate. It didn't dry my mouth out like I was afraid it would. It made me feel like a man. 4.7/5

The Shipyard Blue Fin Stout, Portland, ME

Rat: Dude, I liked this stout quite a bit. Its got a strong flavorful presence when you take a sip, with absolutely no aftertaste. I would also comment that it is has a sweeter flavor than most stouts, but it's no where near sweet like Dragon Stout. It's a balanced sweetness. Try it for yourself. I definitely have faith in Shipyard after this beer, especially since I was not a fan of their pumpkin ale (see earlier blog post). 4/5

Tom: Extremely earthy and not overly sweet. Comes on very strong and just as your expecting that bitter drymouth you get from most IPAs, it finishes wet and refreshing. Definitely not a beer for your yellow-gargling sissies, but also not something you'll choke on after a few sips. 4.4/5

Grimbergen Double Ale

Rat: The "double" refers to the fact that it has gone two fermentations. As a result, this beer has a thick foamy texture to it, kind of like head but not that foamy. Also, its got a sweeter malty taste; its not bitter at all. I think I would like this beer in the winter. Consistent with the previous statement, I would not like it while sitting on a sunny beach. I guess I would reccomend trying it so you experience this double fermentation business, but I think I prefer single fermentation over all. 2.5/5

Arrogant Bastard Ale

Kyle: Very hoppy, but a thoutful spectrum of hoppy, instead of just overly bitter for bitter's sake. I'd compare it to Flying Dog's "Doggie Style" pale, but with a little too much fruity-bitter (cranberry, I guess). Still, the fact that I can draw Flying Dog comparisons makes Arrogant Bastard a champ in my book. The Bastard's cheeky too:

"This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. Maybe you should stick to safer and more familiar territory - maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it's made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you're mouthing your words as you read this." 4.8/5.0

Shipyard Pumpkinhead

Rat: I don't like fruit (or vegetable) flavored beers usually because I think they do a diservice to the beer and to the fruit at the same time. However, of the flavored beers I've tried (cherry wheat, apricot, and other crap) this one was probably the best. Its got a mild pumpkin taste thats not overbearing, and that compliments the bitterness and sweetness of the ale. I would recommend trying a bottle or six pack but not going much more than that. 3/5

Samuel Smith's India Ale

Kyle: Wikipedia says it's an "independent" brewer. Don't know if that's quite a microbrewery. I had it at the Clay Pit, an Indian restaurant in Austin. It was hardly bitter at all, kinda surprisingly sweet for an IPA. Like banana nut bread. I didn't get much of an aroma. But my nose was runny from the curry. Gold foil around the neck makes me feel like I'm being bought. 2.7/5.0

Corona Extra

Rat: Although clearly not a microbrew, I think Corona deserves discussion. Specifically, I think this whole "Corona with lime" thing is out of control. Do I like corona? Yes, I do. In fact, I like it more than having a bud or a coors. I also think, if it wasn't so expensive, it would make a fantastic beirut beer. However, all this is based on my "Corona without lime" experience. I do not believe a lime enhances Corona any more than a lime enhances a bud or a coors. Its not like I never have Corona with lime, because clearly its like the social thing to do, but my point still stands that Corona is good without the lime and people tend to forget that. 4/5

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA; Milton, DE

Greg: Man, this is just such a good beer. I'm a huge fan of pale ales and IPAs. I just love the hops, probably because they compensate for my race's lack thereof. I spose it's a New England thing, which is sad, b/c the world could benefit from this beer. Its not quite Sierra Nevada, so it gets a 4.8/5.

Harpoon IPA, New England

Rat: Its got a little fruity flavor to it, but I like it. The bottle's got flowers all over it which I've never seen on a bottle, but if you are secure with your masculinity, you should be ok. Actually its got a soothing slightly bitter taste which is refreshing on a warm day. 3.8/5.o

Left Hand Brewing Co.'s Milk Stout, Longmont, CO

Rat: Sweet and kind of like chocolate milk, but I have to say that it doesn't really have a strong flavor. On the bright side, it doesn't have an aftertaste, but then again, neither does chocolate milk. 1.6/5.0

Kozlov Stout, Thirsty Bear, San Francisco, CA

Tom: This is the absolute best dry stout I've had in America. Period. It's fantastic--from the first to the sixth. Not too sweet, smokey as hell, and thick but not filling. It's got to be a 5.0--goddam. You can't get it anywhere outside San Francisco, though, as far as I know. So come visit! 5.0/5.0

Karma Ale, Boulder CO

Greg: i guess i don't really consider myself a belgian beer fan, but for some reason this one kind of does it for me. its just a little bit different from the typical beer, so while i don't love it, i do recommend it, because i think others might feel that love. 4/5.

Boundary Bay ESB

Tom: I was originally worried that all Boundary Bay products would taste the same like all Sierra Nevadas taste similar, but this was very different. It had plenty of carbination and bitters and was just a fantastic ESB. 3.8/5

Boundary Bay Scotch Ale

Tom: Less smoky than other Scotch ales I've had, but that was a good thing. It's more subtle. An ale you could drink pint after pint of. Score: 3.7/5

Boundary Bay Dry Irish Stout, Bellingham, WA

Tom: Perhaps the best stout I've had this side of the pond. Doesn't compare to Guinness in Ireland, but buries Guinness in America. Smooth, rich taste. Not too filling. Creamier than other stouts, but not too creamy. 4.2/5

Rogue Kells Irish Style Lager from Rogue Ales

Tom: This beer was smooth and almost milky, which is odd for a lager. It was also a little bitter. Seems half-way between Boddington's and Harp's. But look for a refreshing and crisp taste in a lager, which wasn't there. Plus, bitterness in a lager ... I just wasn't used to that at all. Score: 2.0/5

Boddingtons Pub Ale

Rat: A really interesting drink to have in that the foam chemistry is unique. However, the overall drink experience is quite disappointing, with the ale being flat. Yet, the taste of the beer is quite strong, and rememberable. Score: 2/5

Sierra Nevada Porter

Rat: A good porter with a deep and thick taste. I think it’s a good porter but not the best. Score: 3.3/5

Rolling Rock Extra Pale

Rat: Rolling rock extra pale has a great, distinct flavor. It’s a good beer to relax with, as the taste is smooth but lingers on the sides of your inner mouth. However, I would argue that the taste of the extra pale is not for everyone, so be forewarned. Score: 3.8/5.0

St. Peter's Golden Ale (British)

Greg: i'm not particularly sure it was the golden ale, but i think so. i only had it once, but it was awesome. but then that could have just been circumstantial. and frankly i don't remember it at all, i just know i liked it. next time anyone goes to bevmo, please pick some up. Score: 4.5/5

Drake’s IPA

Tom: When it's currently ranking in your top five all time, it gets a five. PERIOD. more coming soon ..... Score: 5.0/5

Rat: A really good beer. It’s got a sweet cover up over that’s slightly bitter first wash, that leaves you relaxed, but steadily craving another sip. 4.2/5

Smithwicks

Rat:A good ale, tastes irish too. It’s nice for a change from usual beers. Its also got that same sweet and tart taste which you find in Guinness. Score: 3.5 /5

Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Seasonal Ale, Healdsburg, CA

Tom: Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye Seasonal Ale a good amberish ale. can't really taste the rye, which was kind of a let down, but all in all, i'd drink it. flaverfull and full-bodied. Score: 3 .9/5

Rat: I liked this one. It had a strong deep flavor with a dry and bitter taste that left me wanting for another sip. I haven’t tried very many rye beers, but given this, I might try some more. 4.2 /5

Guiness Extra Stout

Tom: dark and thin, like the wirey hardcore version guinness (but don't get me wrong, i love guiness guiness) sharp, but not so much so as Blackhook certainly the most refreshing stout i've ever had. 3.7 /5

Rat: I like Guinness Draught more than this extra stout. It’s bitter, but without much unique flavor of its own, just bitter. I could never really see myself saying “I could use a Guinness extra stout right now.” I could however, see myself saying I would like a Guiness Draught right now. Nevertheless, a Guinness is still a Guinness, meaning that it is solid, robust, and dependable. It will definitely fulfill your palette, and beat the average beer. Score: 3.2/5

Copperhook

Tom: similar to the Redhook Blonde, lite and crisp, watery and underflavored. tied for my least favorite Redhook beer. Score: 2/5

Rat: I’d stick with redhook. This one tastes like a watered down or light redhook. The flavor is still in there, but its hard to find. 2.5/5

Red Hook Amber Ale

Greg: the brother beer to sierra Nevada pa in my book. if i want a great amber ale, i go with red hook, if i want a great pa i go w/ sierra Nevada. it just depends on the mood. i'm just a bigger fan of pa's though, so sierra Nevada edges out red hook. also, a keg of red hook is just too much, while that's not true of snpa Socre: 4.9/5

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Tom: tastes just the faintest bit dryer than the pale ale, perhaps more bitter as well. in general, very very similar to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. 4.5/5

Rat: Tastes good as Sierra Nevada, but a bit more tart (if I understand what tart means correctly). Actually bitter might be a more appropriate word. It’s a nice change from regular Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, but I wouldn’t consistently choose it over Pale Ale. Score: 4/5

Greg: sierra Nevada pale ale (not Indian). hands down my favorite beer. every time i go to the liquor store to get good beer i first have to decide b/w snpa and other beers (snpa usually wins), and then if i decide not to go with it i have to consider all the others. the veritable radiohead of beers for me. 5/5

Sam Adams

Greg: sam adams. this is clearly controversial. i think its closer to a good beer than not, but i just don't think it can stack up to almost anything else that comes in a six pack. at the same time, i do sometimes feel it hits exactly the right spot, at those times when you don't want to go all the way to sierra Nevada but you can't really drink a bud light. 3.4/5.0

Sam Adams White Ale

Tom: I'm not a fan of white beer, but this one is better than most. if sam adams made a white beer, this is exactly what i'd think it would taste like. Score: 2/5

Rat: I generally love Sam Adams, and I’m fairly fond of the few white beers I’ve tried, but I didn’t
really like this one. Can’t say too much more, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Score: 2.5/5

Greg: sam adams white ale sucks, just like all white ales. it combines the lack of good-beer feel of a sam adams with the tastelessness of white ales. i might rather have a bud light, though that's arguable (taste test time?) 2.0/5

Dead Guy Ale

Tom: Ok, I taste some lemon. It tastes very clear, like honey but after a morning dew.

Rat: At first a weak ale with strong seltzer flavor, but becomes a bittersweet wash, followed by a dry cap for your taste buds.

Mackeson Triple Stout, Cincinnati, Ohio

Tom: Woodsy, but has a hint o`f maple. A little like worms and dirt, but not in a bad way, in an earthy way… Sweet at the end. A bit like Bass at Coachella. It started out hard and fast but it just ended flobby.

Rat: Long flavor like a good stout should have but lacks a toasty punch that more classic stouts have. Some might call it not yet ripe.

Downtown Brown

Tom: Tastes like coffee and vomit.

BridgePort India Pale Ale, Portland, Oregon

Tom: Woodsy, yet citrusy, just a hint of sticky, warming (better for cold weather than a hot summer night) Cloudy.