Dogfish Head Immort Ale

$14 for a four pack? 11% ABV Dogfish Head? Our we that big of label whores? The answer to all three of these things is "yes." The blind beer tastings only slightly disproved our whorish ways, so here we are again. Tonight's journey brings us to Immort Ale, a strong ale aged in oak barrels and bottle fermented brought to us by one of our favorite breweries, Dogfish Head.

It kicks harder than Christopher Reeve's horse from start to finish. The flavors come in waves as the initial taste sends you in a different direction than the beer ultimately leads to. It is a strong ale; so those who can not take punch need not attempt.

In no way does the hop characteristics take over the flavor. The initial smoke flavor is layered on by a slight sweetness as the beer finally balances between hops and barley. With a strong ale, you do expect a kick in the ass and it delivers that. However, we would prefer a little more hop bitterness to the finish but beggars can't be drunks. Then again, I guess they can be.

Oz Scale: 7.9
Mike Scale: 7.9

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Luciernaga & Ordo de Calabaza

Label whores. Yes, we know, but have you seen our beer bottle collection? We drink to complete our set. Yes, that is how we rationalize our drinking. Also, we love their artwork and our two previous encounters with their beers. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales seem to have our card but not the A-card or V-card, of course. The holy, most sacred B-card.

Two different Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, both 1 Pt, 9.4 Oz bottles, Luciernaga & Ordo de Calabaza, sat in the cooler at World Wines & Liquor in Mentor, OH. Rather than waste one and blog another, we decided it was combo time. Fresh off of our seasonal blind tastings and our Blood of Christ Winery review, we seem to be on quite a roll. Today is our "Pumpkin" roll.

The first beer poured in our glasses tonight was Lucienrnaga, a spiced, bottle fermented ale brewed in the "tradition of the Grand Cru." It has a sweet, almost wheat taste that is purely originated in the Belgian tradition. After the long wait of the large amount of head to settle, this beer immediately hits with a coriander kick similar to most wheat beers but still retains a Belgian overtone. The beverage slides down the throat to a sweet finish. Though the spices are known, it doesn't have the kick this 6.5% ABV should. It promises but doesn't quite deliver, not that the delivery isn't bad.

Oz Scale: 7.2
Mike Scale: 7.1

The next brew to settle in our glasses was Ordo de Calabaza. It is oak barrel aged and refermented in the bottle. Unlike the seasonal Luciernaga, Ordo de Calabaza is a year round golden strong ale. In taste, it reminds us of both Victory's Golden Monkey (a Belgian style tripel) and Duval but the sweetness gives it a uniqueness unmatched by both. It has a cohesive start and finish with a slight kick letting you know that you are dealing with an 8% ABV brew. The smell gives false illusions of a floral scented wheat beer but when it hits the tongue, you have yourself heaven in a glass.

Oz Scale: 9.3
Mike Scale: 8.5

Stoudts Double India Pale Ale

After a failed attempt Monday night at finding a decent IPA (seriously, the only one we found in this town was from Sleemans,) we made an journey to our favorite beverage shop. Lena's in Painesville is only 31 miles away, after all. Sitting proudly in the third cooler sat Stoudts Double India Pale Ale. Having great memories of the only Stoudt we have every tried, we picked up a 6-pack. Helping us with the pivotal third opine today is Mr. Johnny V.

This (D)IPA floats like a mist through your mouth, whispering in every delicate flower's ear. This brew bites initially like a Doberman but pulls back and leaves you with a Maltese. This beverage has a sweet overtone which is quite uncommon in most American IPA's. Strong, yet subtle, the smooth ale finishes without the kick you would come to expect from the style.

However, extra points have to be awarded for the individuality of this brew. This 90 IBU, 10% ABV, bottle conditioned brew could be transitional to some but not to Mr. Bud Light. This Pennsylvanian brewery has batted 1.000 with us and keeps us excited to try more.

Oz Scale: 7.7
Mike Scale: 8.1
Mr. V Scale: 7.1

Unibroue Trois Pistoles

Oh, Canada: Wild uninhabited forests, snow, moose, Prince Edward Island and a just aboot as beautiful scenery as Alaska. However, Canada does have horrible things: Nickelback, Celine Dion, Eskimos, premises to John Candy movies and shitty breweries. Redemption comes from Unibroue, a microbrew from Chambly, Quebec, that has opened the minds of beer lovers since 1993.

Their complex beers have yet to fail us and Trois Pistoles is no exception. Dark, fruity and complex flavors dangle on your tongue well after the brew has slipped down the throat. The flavor has a Belgian style overtone with the best, sweet properties of good wheat beer. This would be a great jump for someone who adores Hoegaarden and its imitator Blue Moon.

High in alcohol and rich in taste, this four-pack has us seeing stars like a juke box hero. This 9% ABV beverage is well worth the price and I'm sure it will cover our pallet at least once more. This has renewed our faith in Canada (did we ever though?) The only downside to the bottled fermented ale is that we didn't have more.

Oz Scale: 8.7
Mike Scale: 8.4

Oi! Here Comes Chanukah... Beers

Disclaimer: No Jewish jokes. We promise. We are big fans of the Jews: The potato pancakes, the killing of Jesus, clay toys and Spaceballs. What is not to love? Let's celebrate! We know we are a little early but 'tis the season for holidays (and winter seasonals.)

This is the third of our holiday blind beer tastings. However, today we are doing things a little different. Rather than just a third of a beer, we are feeling a little saucy. Eight full beers. God jul us all. C'mon, on paper Judas f'ing ruled.

With us once again is our good friend Nick to keep us from cheating. The main rule for this tasting stated that there should be no Christmas ales considering this is Chanukah. However, since Christmas happens to fall on one of the days of Chanukah this year, we have just one Xmas brew. The choices of the day were: Abita Christmas Ale, Avery Old Jubulation Ale, Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout, Heavy Seas Winter Storm, Michelob Winter Cask Ale (Their first of our knowledge to not have a twist top,) Samual Adams Winter Lager, Stoudts Winter Ale and Weyerbacher Winter Ale.

First Candle: Unfiltered, possibly bottle fermented. Well balanced taste with slightly more hops than malt. Nice copper color, pours easily down the throat but finishes weak compared to the taste. Could work as a yearly IPA.

Oz Scale: 8.4
Mike Scale: 8.5
Nick Scale: 9.0

Second Candle: Dark in color, slightly tart in taste. Surprisingly chugable. An accessible brew. Nothing above average but not terrible.

Oz Scale: 5.8
Mike Scale: 5.4
Nick Scale: 5.3


Third Candle: This is a brew that promises but does not deliver. It is hoppy, sweet and has no balance. What are we supposed to be drinking? "It creates flustrations deep down inside of me." says Oz. This is a bisexual brew, it dabbles into the extremes but doesn't make any decision either way. "It is like a chick who says she is into bondage," Nick adds, "but only uses scarves."

Oz Scale: 5.7
Mike Scale: 5.6
Nick Scale: 5.0

Forth Candle: Rich and full bodied, similar to a porter without the full malty bite. More drinkable than most stouts with a complex, rich delectable taste.

Oz Scale: 8.5
Mike Scale: 8.1
Nick Scale: 8.3

Fifth Candle: See video post:

Oz Scale: 5.4
Mike Scale: 5.4
Nick Scale 5.7

Sixth Candle: Dark, robust, lavishes on your tongue. Satisfying finish that surprisingly lingers for more.

Oz Scale: 7.9
Mike Scale:8.1
Nick Scale: 8.4

Seventh Candle: This is a safe beer. Average color and taste. The drinkability is there but it was probably because of the gaps between brews. "Naps are great!" adds Mike. The other two puked in various places.

Oz Scale: 5.3
Mike Scale: 5.5
Nick Scale: 5.0

Eighth Candle: Slightly dark. Once again, a safe beer. Above average taste that gets mad props for its high drinkability. Afterall, this is our eighth beer.

Oz Scale: 5.5
Mike Scale: 5.6
Nick Scale: 6.7

The actual brews:
1: Heavy Seas Winter Storm (averaged 8.6)
2: Weyerbacher Winter Ale (averaged 5.5)
3: Avery Old Jubulation Ale (averaged 5.4)
4: Stoudts Winter Ale (averaged 8.3)
5: Michelob Winter Cask Ale (averaged 5.5)
6: Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout (averaged 8.1)
7: Abita Christmas Ale (averaged 5.3)
8: Sam Adams Winter Ale (averaged 5.9)

This brings our winter season ranking to this:

20: Breckenridge Christmas Ale (averaged 4.6)
19: Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale (averaged 5.0)
18: Abita Christmas Ale (averaged 5.27)
17: Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale (averaged 5.33)
16: Avery Old Jubulation Ale (averaged 5.4)
15: Michelob Winter Cask Ale (averaged 5.5)
14: Weyerbacher Winter Ale (averaged 5.53)
13: Sam Adams Winter Ale (averaged 5.9)
12: Blue Moon Full Moon (Average 6.3)
11: Summit Winter Ale (Averaged 6.7)
10: Corsendonk Christmas Ale (Averaged 7.2)
9: Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (Average 7.3)
8: Troegs Mad Elf Ale (Averaged 7.8)
7: Bell's Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.0)
6: Great Lakes Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.07)
5: Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout (averaged 8.13)
4: Stoudts Winter Ale (averaged 8.3)
3: Rogue Santa's Private Reserve (Averaged 8.57)
2: Heavey Seas Winter Storm (averaged 8.63)

and the winner thus far:

1: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Averaged 8.8)

It's the Most Wonderful Time For Beer: The 12 Beers Of Christmas (Part 2)

It's that time again: December has not yet hit and we decided to finish the Twelve Beers of Christmas. Snow is on the ground and did we mention that we like Christmas like beers? Well, anything is a decent excuse to drink the tasty beverages of the season. Once again we have our good friend Nick with us to help with the blind beer tasting and to make sure we wouldn't pass judgement on the brew because of the label on the bottle. Our choices of the night were: Magic Hat Roxy Rolles, Rogue Santa's Private Reserve, Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale, Troegs Mad Elf Ale and Breckenridge Christmas Ale.

The ratings and guesses:

Sample 1: Smells festive, starts well and finishes well but lacks body.
Oz Scale: 5.5 (Breckenridge)
Mike Scale: 5.5 (Breckenridge)
Nick Scale: 5.0

Sample 2: Strong smell, great head. Sweet but not overpowering. The light tingle to the tongue leads to a great finish.
Oz Scale: 7.2 (Corsendonk)
Mike Scale: 7.3 (Corsendonk)
Nick Scale: 7.2

Sample 3: Starts weak, finishes with a strong unsatisfactory aftertaste. Dark in color with hits of spices.
Oz Scale: 4.8 (Magic Hat)
Mike Scale: 5.1 (Thirsty Dog)
Nick Scale: 3.9

Sample 4: Strong smells, hint of pine in the taste. Strong hoppy flavor, finishes like an IPA but doesn't linger quite as long.
Oz Scale: 7.1 (Troegs)
Mike Scale: 6.7 (Troegs)

Sample 5: Well balanced beer: taste, smell and color come together well. Initially sweet, but when you get the actual flavor, it will appease most enthusiasts.
Oz Scale: 7.9 (Rogue)
Mike Scale: 7.4 (Corsendonk)
Nick Scale: 8.0

Sample 6: MMM hops, hop pa MMM hops dib it dat ta MMM hops. Whoah! Great smell, taste and finish. Would work well as a year round IPA.
Oz Scale: 8.2 (Rogue)
Mike Scale: 8.4 (Rogue)
Nick Scale: 9.11 ("There's an emergency in my mouth!-- Too soon?")

Actual Brews:
Sample 1: Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale (Averaged 5.3)
Sample 2: Corsendonk Christmas Ale (Averaged 7.2)
Sample 3: Breckenridge Christmas Ale (Averaged 4.6)
Sample 4: Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (Average 7.3)
Sample 5: Troegs Mad Elf Ale (Averaged 7.8)
Sample 6: Rogue Santa's Private Reserve (Averaged 8.6)

Oz and Mike did worse this round with only guessing correctly twice. Oh well, even the titans lose sometimes. Then again this is beer; you are always a winner when you drink good beer.

This finishes our Beers of Christmas blogs and leaves us with the final rankings:

12: Breckenridge Christmas Ale (Averaged 4.6)
11: Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale (Averaged 5.0)
10: Thirsty Dog 12 Dogs of Christmas Ale (Averaged 5.3)
9: Blue Moon Full Moon (Average 6.3)
8: Summit Winter Ale (Averaged 6.7)
7: Corsendonk Christmas Ale (Averaged 7.2)
6: Magic Hat Roxy Rolles (Average 7.3)
5: Troegs Mad Elf Ale (Averaged 7.8)
4: Bell's Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.0)
3: Great Lakes Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.1)
2: Rogue Santa's Private Reserve (Averaged 8.6)

and the best seasonal we have tried this year:

1: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Averaged 8.8)

Here is another look at this blogs contestants:

Founders Centennial IPA

India Pale Ale (IPA:) A special type of pale ale originated in England. It is brewed with extra hops therefor it is more bitter than most styles of beers. Hops are a bittering agent as well as a preservative that the English used when exporting their beers to India beginning in the late 18th century. American craft breweries typically make their IPA's with higher alcohol content (7.0+) and IBU's (International Bitterness Unit) above 40 where Bud Light has an IBU of just 6.2.

When one drinks an India Pale Ale the first thing you would notice is the hops. With Founders Centennial IPA, the hops are well balanced for a good introductory IPA. Not that IPA's are an introductory beer at all, this is a good gateway beer to the ways of the hops. After all, several of our fellow beer connoisseur friends still fear the hops. With only 46 IBU's it seems weak to us hopheads (last night at the Willoughby Brewing Co., we drank two pitchers and brought home a growler of their Daisycutter IPA with a remarkable 115 IBU's.)

The unfiltered brew might scare away those not used to seeing yeast in their brew, but a 7.2% ABV might calm their nerves. Its flavor is above most IPAs in balance, where the finish does not cover up the aftertaste. This is a beer for everyday, any occasion and a six pack would not be that difficult to incinerate through.

Oz Scale: 7.1
Mike Scale: 7.3

It's the Most Wonderful Time For Beer: The 12 Beers Of Christmas (Part 1)

The first snow of the year and six
blind tasting beers sat before us. The colder it becomes outside, the better the seasonals seem to be. Ah, yes winter. Thicker, more robust ales come our way and we couldn't wait to share some with you. Being the label whores we are, we wanted to prove to our beer knowlege was up to snuff with a good old fashioned taste test- wine style. Our choices of the night were: Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Ale, Blue Moon's Winter Ale, Great Lakes Brewing Co's Christmas Ale, Sierra Nevada's Celebration Ale Summit Winter Ale and Bell's Christmas Ale. Our good friend and guest judge Nick helped us make sure we did not pass judgement because of the logo on the label.

The ratings and guesses:

Sample 1: Malty, Toffee flavor. Finishes average, taste does not linger.
Oz Scale: 6.0 (Summit)
Mike Scale: 6.7 (Summit)
Nick Scale: 7.5

Sample 2: Hints of ginger and cinnamon. Slight hops aftertaste. Swims down your throat.
Oz Scale: 7.9 (Great Lakes)
Mike Scale: 7.9 (Great Lakes)
Nick Scale: 8.4

Sample 3: It hits well but fails to finish close to expectations. It's a blue balls beer (you get all excited on the first sip but in the end you just find yourself holding yourself for comfort.) Could pass as a fall seasonal.
Oz Scale: 6.2 (Sierra Nevada)
Mike Scale: 5.4 (Blue Moon)
Nick Scale: 3.4

Sample 4: Sweet smell, average finish. Could pass as a spring seasonal or even a year long brew. Has a surprising slight kick. Slight malt finish.
Oz Scale: 6.8 (Blue Moon)
Mike Scale: 6.6 (Sierra Nevada)
Nick Scale: 5.4

Sample 5: Great kick, powerful finish. Sweet but sour. Malt and hops are balanced. Spices are subtle but welcomed.
Oz Scale: 7.7 (Flying Dog)
Mike Scale: 7.4 (Bell's)
Nick Scale: 9.0

Sample 6: Powerful taste in all the right ways. Hop aroma and taste. Slight sweetness.
Oz Scale: 8.2 (Flying Dog)
Mike Scale: 8.3 (Bell's)
Nick Scale: 10

Actual Brews:
Sample 1: Summit Winter Ale (Averaged 6.7)
Sample 2: Great Lakes Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.1)
Sample 3: Flying Dog K-9 Cruiser Winter Ale (Averaged 5)
Sample 4: Blue Moon Full Moon (Average 6.3)
Sample 5: Bell's Christmas Ale (Averaged 8.0)
Sample 6: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale (Averaged 8.8)

Both Oz and Mike guess correctly on half the six beers. Surprisingly Flying Dog (being one of Oz and Mike's favorite brewing companies) did not live up the their standards.

Here is a look at the brews resting on the fresh snow:














And here is a look at them as the snow starts to melt (20 hours later, the next day and the following day)

Death By Beer: Bell's Expedition Stout

What will $16.99 get you? A trip to the seventh layer of hell thanks to Bell's. 10.5% of pure Beelzebub's ball sack. Or rather a hefty kick to Beelzebub's ball sack. Bell's Expedition Stout is (to quote Winking Lizard) "not for the faint of heart." Therefor those with a heart condition or pregnant women must consult a physician before attempting to drink.

Once you begin the pour, you know you are in for some serious business (check the video below.) The color and texture are reminiscent of motor oil that should have been changed 5,000 miles ago. The aroma foreshadows the 10.5 ABV kick. We both agree that this brew should be enjoyed out of a bottle so that you don't get the full on wind-knocking-out-of flavor. The taste isn't bad, just a bit much. Maybe a lot bit much.

If you are a six-pack drinker, godspeed. We wish you the best because we couldn't kill this monster between the two of us. This is the little rabbit that could. Expedition Stout is a brew to start a night or to finish a night. If you aren't careful enough, then this brew will finish you.

Considering this got us drunk,.....

Mike scale: 6.6
Oz Scale: 6.9

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Bam Bière

While eighty-four miles away for work, Mike entered a fine beverage establishment seeking enlightenment. Glowing on the first shelf sat Bam Bière. Having fond memories of Calabaza Blanca from Beertoberfest and Winking Lizard's World Tour of Beers, Mike purchased the 6-pack of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales Bam Bière.

Upon opening this beer one must be careful due to the high carbonation and bottle conditioning. It is to be poured like a fine bottle of wine. This beer will give you a great amount of head... and it is great head. With a sweet smell and a slightly tart taste, this Farmhouse Ale only has a 4.5 ABV. This beverage is meant to be sipped and a six-er can be split between a friend with ease. It is a borderline dinner/desert beer that could be easily paired with white sauce pastas. Oz suggests a mango demi-glazed pork chop accompaniment. The finish is delectable but weak, it does not linger, however, bubbles chase the brew down your throat to a racing finish in your stomach.

Mike suggests that the brew could have more of a kick and a stronger finish. Being an Artisan Ale, one would expect more punch for the buck. Oz agrees that the finish lacks but feels that the sweetness and wheat taste pairs well with the kick.

Men's Journal ranked this beer 21 of their top 25 best beers in America:

Mike Scale: 6.8
Oz Scale: 7.3

P.S. Check out Adam Forman (the artist behind the labels) website Oliphanthouse.com

Oz 'n' Mike's Beertoberfest '08

36 delictable beverages of health and happiness overflowing two fridges kicked off our first annual Beertoberfest. Good friends shared good times, good food and good beer. Spirits rang high as we offered beer tasting of ten select brews as the rest were fair game for our guests to try on their own.

An estimated $350 was spent on the chosen varieties and our money was well worth the effort. Founders Breakfast Stout, Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre, O'Hara's Celebration Stout, Stone Smoked Porter, Golden Draak Ale, Hitachino Nest Weizen and Samual Smith Taddy Porter went over the best amongst our friends. While all of these brews were shared and enjoyed, Oz and Mike found the following to be the highlights of the evening: Bells Hell Hath No Fury, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Founders Breakfast Stout, Stone Ruination IPA, Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre, Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA and Hitachino Nest Weizen.

We'd like to thank everyone who came out and helped contribute to the enlightenment of our taste buds. We hope to continue the tradition of Beertoberfest for many years to come. Who knows, maybe a Marzenfest is in our future. Expect more in depth reviews of the aforementioned beers. Many thanks again to those who helped make our Beertoberfest a success.


Our 36 Selections:

1. Founders Breakfast Stout- 8.3 ABV (Tasting)
   
2. Barbar Blonde Ale - 8.0 ABV
3. Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA - 9.0 ABV
4. Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre - 8.0 ABV
5. Great Lakes Blackout Stout - 9.0 ABV
6. Great Lakes Commodore Perry - 7.5 ABV
7. Delirium Tremens - 8.5 ABV
8. O'Hara's Celebration Stout - 6.0 ABV (Tasting)
   
9. Flying Dog Dogtoberfest - 5.3 ABV
10. Bells Hell Hath No Fury Ale - 7.5 ABV
11. Kulmbocher Eisbock - 9.2 ABV
12. Victory Golden Monkey - 9.5 ABV
13. Paulaner Salvator Double Bock - 7.9 ABV
14. Northcoast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - 9.0 ABV
15. Stone Oaked Arrogant Bastard - 7.2 ABV
16. Stone Smoked Porter - 5.9 ABV (Tasting)
    
17. Stone Ruination IPA - 7.7 ABV (Tasting)
    
18. Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA - 9.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
19. Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale - 6.0 ABV
20. Samuel Smith Taddy Porter - 5.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
21. Golden Draak - 10.5 ABV (Tasting)
    
22. Tommyknocker - Butt Head Bock - 8.2 ABV
23. Tommyknocker - Jack Whacker Wheat Ale - N/A
24. Tommyknocker - Ornery Amber Lager - N/A
25. Tommyknocker - Maple Nut Brown Ale - N/A
26. Tommyknocker - Pick Axe Pale Ale - N/A
27. Tommyknocker - Alpine Glacier Lager - N/A
28. McEwans Scotch Ale - 8.0 ABV
29. Leinenkugels Oktoberfest - 5.1 ABV
30. Sprecher Black Bavarian - 5.9 ABV
31. Hitachino Nest Weizen - 5.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
32. Jolly Pumpkin Calabaza Blanca - 4.8 ABV (Tasting)
    
33. Wittekerke Belgian Wheat - 5.0 ABV
34. Chimay Peres Trappist (Blue Cap) - 9.0 ABV
35. Warsteiner Premium - 2.9 ABV
36. Unibroue Quelque Chose - 8.0 ABV (Tasting)
    
    Here is a look at the aftermath:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    And check out our beer wall prior to the festival. 180 bottles of import and microbrew beers on the wall, 180 bottles of import and microbrew bottles of beer. You take one down and pass it around....

Atwater Block Brewery's Atwater Hell

Hell..... Well, hell, it caught our eye. How the hell could we resist? Sitting in the top righthand side of the north wall of Harbor Beverage sat our destiny. The bottom of the box read "Atwater Block Brewery is located in the heart of Detroit's Rivertown district on the banks of the Detroit River (at-water, river, get it?) It's full of good food, good people, (sic) and the best beer anywhere." LIARS! Well, at least the latter. We can not attest to the former.

The color looks like Mike's urine during a full blown stomach ulcer (coming soon to the color wheel at your local Home Depot.) Before we get to the bad stuff, i.e. the taste: let's get to the pour. More like the poor (hey-o!) If you want a proper pour, you'll have to go slower than the fermentation process. This brew will give you more head than Heather Brooks could ever imagine, I wouldn't touch this beer again with an 8-mile pole. Finishing the 6-pack was a chore, the only way we could justify about drinking the brew was "At least it's not Bud Light."

With a sweet start and no finish, this brew makes you want PBR for salvation. You will sip on this beer as if you were recovering a hangover. Seriously... THAT slow. The only thing postive we could say about it was at least it wasn't a d-12 pack. With that said, here is our ranking:

Mutual:
Better than Budlight
Worse than PBR

enought said.

Great Lakes Brewing Company's Oktoberfest

After a disappointing trip to Guitar Center, our mission had become clear: We needed to contribute to the beer and music blog. Our choice was marred by two delectable brews: Flying Dog's Dogtober Marzen or Great Lakes Oktoberfest. The choice soon became clear as the Oktoberfest was cold and it was a long journey home.

After a kiss to the lips, the dark amber lager crashes the deepest palettes of the tongue and lingers with malty sweetness on the sides of the tongue. The beer tastes clean and finishes so smooth that you are left with a difficult decision: Should I drink more or savor.... and then drink more? Let us be the first to tell you that drinking more always wins. We haven't ran into a brew that begs to be drank beer after beer in quite some time (see previous blog, we lie.)

Having been brewed under the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, (Reinheitsgebot) this brew is not without flaw. Its flavor begs the question: Why can I not relish this beer slowly? Is beer not meant to be enjoyed to its fullest extent? (Bud Light drinkers need not apply this question.) In our never ending quest to bring knowledge of fine brews, we are sad to say that the drinkability of this beverage outweighs the taste. Not that the taste is bad, it is just WAY too easy to guzzle. It is 6.5% ABV, by the way.

Overall:
Mike Scale: 7.5
Oz Scale: 7.6

Introduction & a New Black & Tan Recipe

Oz and Mike like to call themselves beer connoisseurs. The beer authorities in a Bud-Light town. Hell, if you were to go to a bar in Ashtabula, OH, the most "exotic" beer you'd find is a Killians. If you asked for an import, the bartender would respond "Corona or Labatt?" We, being the well versed enthusiasts we are, like to expand our knowledge and expand our taste buds any chance we get. Today, if you looked in our fridge, you'd find nine different types of beer.
In our thirst for thirst quenching knowledge, we have cuddled many a six packs to sleep and kissed the mouths of strange bottles in stranger places. Throughout our journeys we have sipped the standard black and tan (Guinness and Harp) but it wasn't until August 22nd that we realized the formula was wrong.
Over some vinyl Cat Stevens and Donovan, Oz and Mike separately bought Goose Island Oatmeal Stout and Harp. After a sipping down some Summit Octoberfest, we had an epiphany: Why not mix the two beers?
The beer gods were great to us that night- they blessed us with a flavorful beverage that could not be touched in its class. We had invented a new black and tan. Guinness is Guinness, Oatmeal Stout is great on its own but it was meant to breed with Harp to produce its tasty children to slide down your throat. It sings with goodness, shouts its color (does not separate the way Guinness and Harp do) and dances on your tongue. This is a beverage that can be enjoyed daily or on occasion. It will warm a cool night and can be drank in pairs (or more.)
With the utmost greatness of the combination of two excellent brews:
Overall---
Mike Scale: 8.5
Oz Scale: 8.3

Let it be know--- While we have to yet to give any a perfect score, you should comprehend a score above 8 will assure you a brew worth your dollar, time and taste.