Beer Review (61): Ballast Point Spruce Tip Sculpin IPA

Brewery: Ballast Point Beer: IPA| Beer Advocate Score: 4.06/5 Abv: 7%

Crispy citrus bite now built into one of my most beloved IPAs, ever. I had no idea until a recent case swap at work that this little guy existed, what a delight! It's on a short fun, so go grab yourself a case to enjoy all winter! 

Beer Review (60): Block House Brewing | Pumpkin Ale

Brewery: Block House Brewing Beer: Pumpkin Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.47/5 Abv: 7%

Hope Yinz like Pumpkin Beers, because this one is sure to shake up the normal repertoire. This is the most cinnamon-induced beer I've ever encountered and I actually love the overly sweet, and thick, sticky taste. This beer hails from the Steel City itself, and actually, the first time I'm hearing of the brewery.  Hmm, maybe I live under a rock, but this is a nice little treat to discover. 

Beer Review (59): Harpoon | Flannel Friday Amber Ale

Brewery: Harpoon Brewery Beer: Amber Ale| Beer Advocate Score: 3.82/5 Abv: 5.7%


I'm usually not a huge fan of Amber Ale's - there's something about a caramel and malt in a beer that doesn't appeal to me much. This beer on the other hand was a gentle step into fall, with familiar seasonal flavors, like the aforementioned, but actually tasty this time! Maple syrup, crispy leaves, and a sticky mug of this will get you in the spirit. 

Beer Review (58): 21st Amendment | Brew Free! or Die Blood Orange IPA

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery Beer: Blood Orange IPA| Beer Advocate Score: 3.75/5 Abv: 7.0%

Long time fan of this brewery and the original Brew Free! or Die IPA. Last Saturday was filled with warm, soggy weather brought on by Spring, so I decided to rest the bones and treat myself. This beer is fragrant and creamy with a bold citrus and hoppy bite.  Buy a six pack, have a picnic, you are welcome. 

Beer Review (57): Voodoo Imperial IPA by New Belgium Brewing Company

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Co.  Beer: Imperial IPA| Beer Advocate Score: In Review 86 Abv: 11.0%

I checked out Tyler Park's disc golf or "frolf" (frisbee+golf) course last weekend, on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  Technical holes in the hollows, open field holes with blooming trees and flowers, and straight and narrow shots along ledges.  I have recently, dramatically, dubbed it my 'calling' and perhaps it'll be a new summertime favorite.  Around about the 9th hole we stopped for a beer break in front of the dam.  This is a creamy, imperial, boozy IPA that is a summertime favorite.  Pair this with a disc and a basket and your weekend is set!

Beer Review (56): Saison au Miel by Left Hand Brewing Company

Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Company Beer: Saison/Farmhouse | Beer Advocate Score: In Review Abv: 6.80%

It's one of my favorite beer seasons of the year.  I long for the fragrant and spicy beer to hit the shelves with the intent to pound a can after a long bike ride or a stroll in the spring sunshine.  The Saison au Miel by Left Hand caught my eye and I popped one out of the beer fridge.  Part of the sell was that it came in a 16oz can and I was a thirsty gal that day.  Carbonation was low, color a nice gold, and the taste sweet and spicy.  With the addition of honey in the recipe, I think it really toned down some of my favorite things about a saison, the spice!  So a little sweeter than expected, but sort of a welcomed change.  I'd definitely try it again pair it with a salad or something crisp and fresh.  Let's see if a rating comes down the line soon!

Beer Review (55): Blah Blah Blah IPA by 21st Amendment

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery Beer: Imperial IPA | Beer Advocate Score: 88 Abv: 8.0%

It's been a long time since I indulged in a nice craft beer.  Honestly, winter got me fat and girl has to tone down the beer consumption.  Every now and then, for sanity, I must imbibe.  I saw a new 21st Amendment can at the Corner Foodery and had to give it a go--even though I knew IMPERIAL meant I would get a little wild.  Ok, I didn't get wild, I only found a new IPA to die for.  It's reminiscent of the Brew Free or Die IPA they offer, but bolder, cleaner and more powerful.  

#BeerReview--Check 'Em All Out

I really like a great pint of beer!  So every now and then I tell you what's hot or what's not!  So check out the beer reviews on the site and send your suggestions my way!  CHEERS!

Hang On To Summer With These Citrus Beers

It's inevitable.  Tans fade.  Summer does come to an end, if only in terms of weather.  So we'll keep it alive by mixing in a bit of flavor into our usual line-up.  Citrus a n y t h i n g is my absolute favorite, so please forgive all the extra crafty sparkle in this post!

From left --> right, these are my favorite picks to keep your taste buds waxing nostalgic on the warmer months.

Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin
This beer is so fragrant and delightful.  You'll really like this one!  Full, rich pineapple flavors and one of the most perfect IPAs to grace your palette. 

Sam Adams Red Grapefruit IPA
An unexpected choice here, but I'm a big fan.  Sam Adams for the win with this red grapefruit IPA.  I just love the smell and the taste is super smooth.

Schofferhofer Grapefruit Beer
This is a summer classic in my book.  Schofferhofer knows how to blend the sweet, citrusy blend of grapefruit, sugar and alcohol.  Keep your fridge stocked all through the Fall.

Southern Tier 3 Citrus Peel Out
Boom, Southern Tier delivers yet again with this 3 citrus blend.  A wheat beer with zesty lemon tones, yum.

DogFishHead Namaste
Always a little weird, but interesting brewery.  DFH brings us Namaste, a white witbier with a light color and bold flavor. 

Stone Citrusy Wit
Just what it says, a citrusy wit, but done so well...you'll wanna just keep drinking.  Ahhhhh, so fresh!

Beer Review (54): El Sully by 21st Amendment Brewery

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery Beer: Mexican Lager | Beer Advocate Score: 80 Abv: 4.8%

Oh heyyyyyy, are you ready for a tasty new offering from 21st?  Yeah, you'll like this one.  It's perfect for heading to the beach, super smooth, light and refreshing.  Is this a complex, craft beer you'd expect from 21st?  No, its a much simpler beer than that, but done with a superior quality compared to those other cervezas that are popular for regular beach go-ers ;)

Beer Review (53): Imperial IPA by New Belgium Brewing Company

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Beer: Amber Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 85 Abv: 8.5%

Wooooheeee this is a strong Imperial IPA.  It was perfect for the Christmas season, a nice and citrus-y flavor to round off a few perfect meals.  This is the second beer I've had from New Belgium and very tasty.  Colorado has its share of great breweries and I will definitely add this to my list of go-to IPAs.  But man, it's a kick of alcohol at 8.5%.  

Beer Review (52): Fat Tire Amber Ale by New Belgium Brewing Company

Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Beer: Amber Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 82 Abv: 5.2%

A really nicely balanced beer here.  I typically steer away from Amber/Red ales, but this beer has certainly been a game changer for me.  It pours a rusty orange color and has a smooth nutty, toffee, and bread flavor.  Hey, why not take it to some of your holiday parties this month!?

Speaking of the holidays, stay tuned for some Holiday Gift #RoundUps 

Fall Beer: No Pumpkin Here

It's that time of year when bars are featuring the spicy and flavorful pumpkin brews.  Well, maybe you're like me and have had your fair share this season and you're looking for something different?

1. The Alchemist - Heady Topper - Beer Advocate Score: 100
An Imperial IPA that is good great any time of the year.  8.0% ABV so go easy on this guy!  Tall cans perfect for your Wald bike rack or plopping in your favorite backpack.

2. Yards Brewing Co. - Pynk - Beer Advocate Score: 84
A vegetable beer?  A fruit beer?  How weird, right?  Well this is a strange beer but worth testing out.  Made with 3,000 pounds of of cherries and berries!


3. Great Lakes Brewing Co. - Lake Erie Monster - Beer Advocate Score: 86
Whoa Nelly, this Imperial IPA clocks in at 9.1% ABV and carries a mean punch.  I had this beer one early fall afternoon and sure felt it on the walk home.  Had a sweet, fruity, hoppy bite.

4. Left Hand Brewing Co. - Milk Stout- Beer Advocate Score: 88 
What could I say that hasn't been said before? Well, maybe that this beer is still one of my favorite beers for the colder months.  Perfectly sweetened and thick enough to be a supreme stout.

5. Firestone Brewing Co. - Oaktoberfest - Beer Advocate Score: 85
A wonderfully delicious Oktoberfest brew that will hit the spot on a windy, chilly fall afternoon.  I'm a huge fan of Firestone and keep coming across beers from them I like more and more.
 

6. Terrapin Beer Co. - Moo Moo Chocolate Milk Stout - Beer Advocate Score: 88
Okay, truth is that I haven't actually had this beer yet.  BUT I would really like to try it in the near future.  I am never let down by Terrapin and this is an exciting, and oddly different take on the milk stout.  Pass over the cookies and hand me this beer!

7. Brooklyn Brewing Co. - Insulated Dark Lager - Beer Advocate Score: 86 
Perfect time of the year for a nice, thick, dark lager.  Slightly sweet and with a 5.2% ABV, what could be bad?  American black barley and an array of hops makes this go down with a nice, memorable finish.
 

8. Left Hand Brewing Co. - Oktoberfest - Beer Advocate Score: 84

This beer is hands down (get it) one of my favorite beers of all time.  Yes, you heard that right.  And I wrote a little piece on it here.  

Beer Review (51): UFO Pumpkin by Harpoon Brewery

Brewery: Harpoon Brewery Beer: Pumpkin Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 82 Abv: 5.9%

Ooooh this is a delightful little pumpkin beer from Harpoon.  Light body, explosive flavor and sweet northwestern hops to get you in the spirit of Fall.  The pumpkin is present but a bit overly spiced with by usual suspects: cinnamon and nutmeg.  It's not a terrible thing though!  This is an ideal beer if you're looking for something light in body, full of spice, and with just a hint of pumpkin pie.  I actually enjoyed it a great deal despite the mediocre reviews on Beer Advocate and around the web.  It pours a golden yellow and is delicious until the last drop.

Beer Review (50): Anderson Valley Brewing Company - Fall Hornin'

Brewery: Anderson Valley Brewing Company Beer: Pumpkin Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 82 Abv: 6.0%

It's officially Fall here in Philadelphia and we've already been to the bottom of a quite a few pumpkin beers. This is a new variety I've never had before.  Anderson Valley Brewing Company calls Boonville, CA home and has a wide range of offerings that hit shelves nationwide.  This pumpkin beer had all the makings of a delicious beer, but seemed to miss the mark.  Maybe it's because I've been spoiled by this amazing one. It has a decent BA score, so let me know what you think of it!

Beer Review (49): Wolaver's Oatmeal Stout

Brewery: Wolaver's/Otter Creek Brewing Beer: Oatmeal Stout | Beer Advocate Score: 88 Abv: 5.4%

One early summer afternoon I cracked open this bottle of stout and sipped the afternoon away.  Somehow I forgot to share the post and some of my thoughts on this beer.  Overall it was exactly as I imagined an oatmeal stout should taste.  Thick, dark, creamy and noticeably sweet.  I really thought it hit all the marks.  Summer for me is more of a pale ale or ipa season, so maybe I'm not giving this a great review based on that.  I wasn't really so much in the mood for a darker beer, but I conveniently had one in the fridge.  SO, I will give this another go in the colder season and see how it goes.  If I were to pick a darker beer, I'd go with the Left Hand Milk Stout.  For now, this was a decent beer that delivered exactly what the label promised: oatmeal stout.  

Beer Review (48): Deschutes Brewery Twilight Summer Ale

             Brewery: Deschutes Brewery Beer: Blonde Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 83 Abv: 5%

It was a Sunday afternoon and extremely hot here in the city of brotherly love.  The quest was initially for iced coffee and quickly took a turn.  It was hot.  The streets were packed and the Corner Foodery was calling out to us.

I stood before the refrigerators packed with cold ones and began sweeping through for a new beer to try.  Of course there were many I haven't had, but it always seems Deschutes churns out solid beers every season.  So I grabbed a Twilight Summer Ale and got cracking.

This baby is seasonal and only out on shelves until September.  You have plenty of time to grab some, but know this ain't a beer you can bring to your Halloween party, unfortunately.

This may have been the first time I had a mouth full of Amarillo hops, but let's be honest, I'm not really sure.  Either way, it was a curious and distinct flavor that sat on the tongue for awhile. Absolutely delicious and refreshing.  As you can see above it poured a nice golden/amber color with a bubbly head.  I'd say this would be a perfect camping beer or something to quench the thirst on a hot summers day.  And how about that pretty label, eh?

Beer Review (47): 21st Amendment Brewery Down to Earth Session IPA

Brewery: 21st Amendment Brewery Beer: Session IPA | Beer Advocate Score: 86 Abv: 4.4%

This session IPA goes down easy and has a relatively low alcohol content, hence "session",  It is a light amber color and minimally frothy after the pour.  Light hop taste, but enough to coin it an IPA. I sensed a bit of citrus and sugar immediately.  Actually, this is a really nice beer and was perfect for Saturday afternoon drinking with lunch.  21st never ceases to bring a good beer to the table, so I'll continue singing their praises here.  For more IPAs, click the button below.  Happy drinking, folks!!

5 Beers for Spring and Summer You Will Love

As Spring rolls through and turns into Summer, the beer selections get lighter, zestier, hoppier and more delicious.

1.  St. Bernardus Tripel - Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
This classic Belgian Tripel is rated 95 by Beer Advocate and hailed as a favorite by many.  You really can't beat a beer brewed by monks for a couple of hundred years.  They are doing something right for sure.  Let it breathe for a minute and the bready yeast notes come out.  Then the spice and citrus flavors will hit you.  Delicious.

2.  Bell's Oberon Ale - Bell's Brewery, Inc.
Gotta say this one is pretty hoppy.   A wheat beer with a lot of punch, perfect for cutting through the heat and cooling you off after a long bike ride to the...er...pub.  Rated 86 by Beer Advocate and is another good beer by Bell's.

3.  Sneak Attack Saison - 21st Amendment Brewery 
Sweet with a subtle spiciness that hits right after the first swallow.  Pour a light yellow and is a general good beer to start the saison season off with.  Packable, comes in a can, and perfect for a camping trip.  

4. Grapefruit Sculpin IPA - Ballast Point Brewing Company
Y'all know the Sculpin IPA is one of the best IPAs on the market and by far my favorite.  Beer advocate agrees and give is an astonishing 98 rating!  How could the Sculpin IPA get any better you ask?  Well just give it a touch of grapefruit flavor and you can die happy. 

5. Hennepin (Farmhouse Saison) - Brewery Ommegang
Pair with a big plate of cheese and unbutton your pants a lil' bit.  This one is gonna be a wild ride for your taste buds.  The perfect example of a Farmhouse Saison.  Beer advocate rates it in at 93.  This is a seriously sophisticated saison.  Spiced just right.  Smooth, crispy and it comes in a fancy big bottle too. 

Beer Review (46): Glimmerglass by Brewery Ommegang

Brewery: Brewery Ommegang Beer: Saison/Farmhouse Ale | Beer Advocate Score: 86 Abv: 5.4%

This limited run of saison beer is everything I've ever wanted in a spring beer!  Deliciously flavored with pear, citrus and spice, the Glimmerglass is definitely a crowd-pleaser.  AND its the perfect beer to crack open on a warm, spring afternoon.   I tested this out for you guys just in case.  Holy cow, I'm excited about this one and slightly disappointed that it only comes in a 4-pack.  Everything good in moderation.  

Fruity, peppery, pours like the honey-colored nectar from the gods that it is.  Buy it quick!

For your personalized pint glass, check out this post.