Not So Mighty Squirrel

Mighty Squirrel's claim to fame, and reason it ended up in my bar is 5 grams of protein, which is not typical in a beer. It's not typical in a beer, because the addition of protein in beer reaps uncertain results in flavor and clarity. SO, most brewers try to keep it out of their product. And in my humble opinion after trying this, they should continue to keep it out. Squirrel was the code word used by the brain trust that developed this beer in place of the word "protein." They felt that if they spoke too freely about what they were developing, someone might overhear them and steal their brilliant idea. And this is the tip of the iceberg about what's wrong with this beer. This was brewed by a group of people that viewed it solely as a business venture, and not as a labor of love because of passion for beer. This was the first recipe they came up with that wasn't cloudy and apparently drinkable. It has a hint of honey and apple, thought those aren't ingredients used, and give almost a kind of mild sourness that all around makes Mighty Squirrel a disappointing 12oz. I know, up until now, I've done nothing but praise the beers I've reviewed here, but it was time to let the public know, that there are in fact beers that exist, that let me down. They are few and vey far between, but they're out there. All in all, if you want a lighter beer, that boasts a few grams of protein to reward yourself with after a workout, give Mighty Squirrel a try. For me, I probably won't be investing in another 6 pack of this when there are many other light beers, that actually taste good. 

Bow to your Sensi!

Yes,yes I know! another beer from Sixpoint. Well...deal with it. as long as this brewer continues to pump out some of the finest beers I have ever had the privilege of introducing my taste buds to, they will probably fill up a lot of real estate on this site. And this magnificent review belongs to Sensi! a delightful wet hopped beer. Yes-WET HOPPED!

Now, most beers that we consume, and enjoy mind you, are hopped with dried hop pellets as a result of the hop harvest coming once a year. This is done so that the breweries can preserve their hops and continue to brew year round. Sixpoint said to themselves: "hey...why don't we save a few of the fresh hop cones and...I dunno...make a beer with them?" Well whoever decided this should be done deserves a raise!

Sensi is a wonderful hoppy ale, with a delicious dry citrus note that dances the bitterness away on your taste buds as you eagerly anticipate the next symphony of hop brilliance...which won't be far away...seriously, this stuff's hard to put down. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this beer's ingredients, Sensi is only available for a limited time. But, if you are fortunate enough to catch sight of a six pack at your local store, don't hesitate to grab hold!

Another One

Maine Beer Company now has a special place in my heart. Though I live in New England I haven't spent much time in Maine, but maybe I should be! I can't speak to whether on not Maine has the right idea of the way life should be, but Maine Beer Company certainly knows how beer should be. Another One is their IPA and it's just wonderful start to finish.

The first thing you will notice after you pour it out is it's aroma. A very strong dry grapefruit aroma which was very pleasing to my nose. But don't worry if you think the citrus notes are all this ale has to offer. Despite the wonderful aroma, the initial taste is a wave of bitter, earthy hops that coat your palate in a warm symphony of hoppy goodness. Maine Beer Company has somehow found a recipe that balances dank, earthy hops in a way that keeps their bitter integrity, but doesn't knock you out of yer boots. All said and done, the finish is crisp and refreshing. This is an IPA I would drink on the beach in the middle of summer, but also enjoy in the fall and winter. It has all the flavor of a top notch, well hopped ale without the harshness. Well done Maine Beer Company. Just as your bottle's command, you've certainly done what's right! If you can get your hands on a bottle of Another One, don't put a second thought into it! In fact I'm willing to bet that just about everything this brewery puts out is the cat's pajamas.See what else this fine establishment has to offer!

Boom Sauce

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Lord Hobo Brewing Company has created something truly excellent. Boom Sauce exceeded all expectations I had for a beer with such an ostentatious title. I had seen Boom Sauce pop up in various stores in my area and despite it's name constantly capturing my attention I passed up on buying it...that was a mistake. When I finally purchased a can of Boom sauce I was not prepared for the intense yet somehow well balanced hop flavor. The description on the can states that this is a blend of Lord Hobo's best pale ales, and if that's the case they hit on a winning recipe.

When poured out of the can aromas of toasted caramel almost overpowers light citrus notes, but they're there for sure. The taste of dank hop bitterness will hit you first followed by a hint of dry grapefruit. the experience in my opinion is literally eye opening. Shortly after buying cans of Boom sauce, I found it on tap at a local bar. It was everything it was out of the can but with the smoothness only draught can supply.
Lord Hobo in my opinion hit it out of the park with this one and if you can find it BUY IT!!!
AAAAANNNNNDDDDD if you find yourself in the Cambridge, MA area stop in to the Lord Hobo bar and enjoy some fantastic beer and food! Check out Lord Hobo Brewing Company!!!

Not Your Father's Root Beer

It seems only fitting that a traditional beverage with the word "beer" in it actually be made into a proper ale. This summer boasted a wide variety of breweries trying their hand at it, though, none succeeded as masterfully in my opinion more than Small Town Brewery's Not Your Father's Root Beer. Be prepared for a sweet beverage unlike any beer you've had yet. One that kept me checking the label after every sip, saying to myself: "this can't actually be beer!" and "There's no way there's almost 6% ABV in this!" But believe it!

The problem I feel with other brewers is that they tried making a beer that tasted like root beer. Small Town Brewery made an absolutely exceptional root beer...that just happens to have an alcohol content. If you do not typically like beer, but enjoy root beer, buy this! If you, like me, love beer and are constantly looking for something new and unique, buy this! If you just want a good drink, buy this!

I first bought this as a single bottle from a local craft beer store, thinking, it's worth at least a try. After the first sip, I looked at those I was with and said: "this is going to be big." And I was right. In the weeks to follow, I saw Not Your Father's Root Beer popping up in one store after another. Social media exploded with photos of it above captions always praising it. Small Town Brewery has succeeded in providing consumers a beer that literally anyone can enjoy...so long as you like root beer. I had one as a float with vanilla ice cream and yes, it was everything you think it would be and so much more.

So do yourself a flavor and pick up the first 6 pack of this that you find. And be sure to check out Small Town Brewery's website to see what else they have in store.
WICKED GOOD ROOT BEER

Viking Blod

Dansk Mjod has created one of the most spectacular libations to have ever graced my taste buds. Viking Blod is technically a mead, or honey wine, and not a beer. However, they have added among other spices and flavors such as hibiscus, hops. So I am making an exception and posting this review. Besides, I am confident that once you try this, you will tell everyone about it as well.

Let's start with the basics. Viking Blod, as mentioned is a honey wine. It is described by Dansk Mjod as drinking like a good madeira. It boasts 19% abv, and in my opinion, drinks like a good port wine. I especially recommend drinking this after a good meal. The bottle recommends various serving suggestions, such as drinking it at room temperature, or heating it up like many meads recommend. However, I HIGHLY recommend drinking this chilled. I also found, that because this is not a carbonated beverage, if you don't finish the bottle, you can simply place the cork back in and pop it in your fridge. It may be tough not to finish the bottle though.

The overall experience was phenomenal. From the first pour, the aromas of the honey, spices and hibiscus all came together in a prophetic symphony that assured me I was going to enjoy tasting this. And the prophecy came true. The first sip was eye opening. Dansk Mjod create something truly special with this. It is, as you may expect, a heavier body, but still easy to drink. At 19% abv, you will have to pace yourself, and you wont be pounding it down like a refreshing lager. But sit back and just enjoy. You don't have to swirl this around in your mouth to get all the flavors working in harmony. And the best part is because of the honey content, drinking this will coat your lips in sweet sugary goodness. As you work your way through your glass, lick your lips and savor the moment. I cannot say enough good things about this drink, but I will say one more thing: GO GET SOME!!! learn more about Viking Blod and what else Dansk Mjod has to offer here!

All Lagers are NOT created equal!

Think all lagers are just watered down, bubbly yellow liquid? THINK AGAIN!
Let me start by saying that everything...I repeat, EVERYTHING Sixpoint puts out is worth it's weight in gold. Although they typically produce phenomenal ales, The Crisp is in my opinion the pale ale of lagers. This wonderful brew is a modern take on what lagers originally were...just way way better. The Crisp really does drink like a pale ale, with a nice refreshing dry, hoppy finish, it maintains a cool refreshment that you want when picking up a lager in the summer time. 2 thumbs up, and go buy it...now...I don't care if you can't find it, if the box says "Sixpoint" on it buy it! Check out their amazing line up!