Lagunitas Brown Shugga

Steve: I know it's apples and oranges, but I enjoyed this more than Lagunitas' IPA. The overall drinking experience was just better. This had a rich malty flavor to it, but also a noticeable hop presence. It challenged the senses a lot more, I thought. And if you got drunk enough off of this one, the text on the six-pack holder might actually start to make sense. (6/9/2007)

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Lagunitas Freak Out Ale

Steve: This beer is a tribute to Frank Zappa, and the label is chock-full of Zappa quotes, including his famous one about real countries needing an airline, a football team, and a beer. In all honesty, that was the most interesting thing about this beer. It was good, I think it's a double IPA. But considering Lagunitas' reputation, I expected something a LOT better. Still, fewer tributes can be better than a beer, so I think Frank would be pleased. (5/28/2007)

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Lagunitas Hairy Eyball Ale

Sam: Another big beer from Lagunitas. Visually appealing, but the syrupy sweetness is grating. Not enough hops to keep my interesting. I pretty much gave this beer the hairy eyeball (get it? Get it??). (1/12/2008)

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Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale

Joel: I picked this up because I had never heard of an Imperial Red before. Frankly I don't think it actually exists, but if you want to jam more alcohol and hops into a red then I'm all for it. This beer was decent, above average even but it seems like it could have been better. The sweetness of the red and the hop bite are struggling for control in this and I'm not sure it really works. It's like a basketball team ith one too many big name players who like to score, like the Denver Nuggets were with Melo and A.I. In fact, I'm pronouncing this the Denver Nuggets of beers. They're not crap, hell in the East they'd be dominant, but they just can't get over the hump. Probably should have traded some of the hops for better role players. (P.S. Watch out for the Nugs now that they unloaded A.I.) (7/19/2009)

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Lagunitas India Pale Ale

Sam: True to their website, this is over the top on hoppiness. Astringent, sweet, and coppery. I could go on and on about "the laciness of the bubbles on the glass," but then I'd sound like just another California beer snob. They make good beer. Leave it at that. (10/25/2003)

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Lagunitas Kill Ugly Radio

Steve: I know this is a sweeping generalization for which the folks at Beer Advocate will jump on me like Jim Belushi on a Vienna beef hot dog, but is it just me or does Lagunitas do pretty much nothing but double IPA's? I mean, I like double IPA's, but I think I've had 2 or 3 of them, whereas most breweries do maybe one. And I get it, they like Frank Zappa. It's my goal to someday start a brewery and dedicate all of my beers to Cheap Trick. Ain't That a Shame Saison. Surrender Stout. Dream Police Doppelbock. It'll be gold, Jerry! Anyway, if you like double IPA's as much as the folks at Lagunitas, you'll like this. I think it just crosses into the "extreme" category, as I've had much hoppier. But, that's also a good thing if you want to experiment and don't think you're ready for well over 100 IBU's. (3/15/2009)

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Lagunitas Lucky 13

Steve: As the label says, this is a mondo large red ale. Mondo and large are redundant, no? Anyway, big, hoppy, yet a bit sweet and malty, and slightly alcoholic. By slightly, I mean it was hard to really remember what it tasted like, because it made me a tad, shall we say, warm, after drinking it. Like all Lagunitas beers, it came with some effed-up commentary by the brewer on the label, he must've been high when writing it. (4/20/2008)

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Lagunitas Maximus

Sam: I bought this and Avery's Maharaja IIPA at the same time. Having been pummeled just recently by the Avery, I was a little leery of the Maximus; however, Maximus clocks in at 7.2% abv, so I figured it had to be tamer, and it was. Very handsome burnished amber color, and a nice hoppy/malty aroma. Very smooth beer with a pronounced hop flavor but not to just beat hell out of your taste buds. I even felt like having another beer afterwards, so this one didn't overwhelm (plus my wife actually DRANK her half of the bomber, so I didn't have to take on the entire project myself). I'd drink it again. (9/30/2006)

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Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale

Lake Placid Craft Brewing Co

Steve: I was thinking for a bit that the name of the beer would be longer than the review. But, being a smart-ass, I couldn't let that happen. Anyway.....I get it. The folks at Lagunitas like to be edgy. And weird. And funky. They want the world to know they are Frank Zappa fans. Their labels are written much like the credits to Chuck Lorre TV shows (you know, that stream of consciousness text at the end of episodes of Two and a Half Men, Dharma & Greg, etc). Most of which sounds like the writer is high. This beer was brewed to celebrate the suspension of the breweries' license after marijuana was seen being consumed at a brewery party. You know, things like that wouldn't happen if you didn't allow dope-smokers at company parties. Shut-Down Ale is a strong pale ale, extremely hoppy, pretty high IBU rating. The kind of hoppy giant you'd see from Dogfish Head and Stone. Not exactly original. A California beer with a high IBU. Very revolutionary. Overall, this was a good beer, I enjoyed it, but it's been done before. This is a good brewery with a well made product, but not groundbreaking. Cue the flame wars in 3, 2, 1...... (1/19/2009)

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Lake Placid Frostbite Ale

Kris: Holy hops! This beer was definitely brewed for the hophead that I am not. Oh, sure, Rocky would probably love this, in fact I'm certain he would. Me? Let's just say I had a better time playing 8-ball against my uncle and losing heartily. I sunk one ball on the break, and then sat down for the rest of the game, because I didn't get to play again. And yet, I somehow felt like I got more out of losing the game than I did the beer. I think if I liked the bitterness of the hops, I'd have liked this. But I'm not there yet, so I didn't. (12/23/2006)

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Lakefront Bridge Burner

Steve: Lakefront Bridge Burner is a "special reserve" ale that comes in a 22oz bomber, brewed to commemorate the burning of a bridge between two towns that ultimately became Milwaukee. It's a pretty flavorful ale, packed with 3 types of hops. The IBU is 45, hardly as hoppy as some ales, but they definitely stand out. It's nicely aromatic as well. There is a definite sweetness in there, some maltiness trying to fight through the hops. All of this is comes with an 8% abv, which makes it an ideal late fall, early winter beer. It kind of makes me wish I had waited a couple months for cooler weather before drinking it. (1/26/2013)

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Lakefront IPA

Steve: With all of the Lakefront beers I've had lately, you can tell I had a sample pack. The IPA was one of the better ones. It had a great hoppy flavor, Don't look for balance here, this is a very bitter beer, with a strong hoppy floral aroma and equally strong flavor. Very bitter, very floral, with a slight yet still noticeable citrus background. Definitely above average. (11/12/2011)

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Lakefront Organic ESB

Steve: This is a pure session ale. It's not terribly challenging on the senses, with a caramel-like color, and light hop aroma and taste. I think if someone was used to drinking nothing but pale light lagers, I would push them towards this so they can get a feel of what hops can do to a beer, before promoting them to bigger, hoppier beers. So, I'd say this is more of an introductory craft beer, or as I said a session beer when you're drinking all evening and want consistency with not a lot of alcohol. I think the organic barley and hops were wasted on this beer, because there's nothing else special about it. (2/5/2012)

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Lakefront Wheat Monkey Ale

Steve: My first thought was, "Harpoon UFO has finally met a challenger." Then I remembered how awful UFO really was, I think I gave Wheat Monkey an extra point just to avoid giving UFO some room at the bottom. It was weak and gross. Wheat Monkey, not UFO. UFO was just undrinkable. Wheat Monkey had some VERY thick sediment in the bottle, like someone poured in some breadcrumbs. I'm OK with sediment in a wheat beer, but this seemed like a lot. Lakefront really disappointed me with this one. There are so many good wheat beers out there, both import and domestic, so there's no excuse for crap. (2/13/2011)

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Lamar St Pale Ale

Whole Foods Inc

Rocky: When my wife called me from Whole Foods in Atlanta to find out what to bring me back, she read off this one and I asked her to look into it since I hadn't heard of it. When she said it was brewed by Goose Island I told her to definitely pick up a sixer. I wasn't sure how a Goose Island beer had slipped under my radar. Now I know. Apparently it's contract-brewed for Whole Foods and only available in their stores. Hence, I'm listing them as the brewery and not Goose Island, because this is no Goose Island beer. There's nothing offensive about it as far as aroma, taste, etc., but if you're offended by weakness this beer might as well have spit in your mother's face. There's just not much to it. The malt profile doesn't come through...it's too weak. The hops don't show up either...too weak. Lamar St Extra Pale Ale would be more fitting, but Extra Extra Extra Pale Ale nails it. (2/5/2006)

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Land Shark Lager

Sam: OK, so here's the deal. I'm a revolving dumbass, everyone knows that. My wife makes it clear to me almost daily. I knew before I bought this that even though the label says it's brewed by the Margaritaville Brewing Co., it's actually contract brewed by A-B. "So, dumbshit, why the fuck did you buy it?" you might be thinking. Well, the answer's a little complicated, and multi-faceted. First, I'm a dumbass. OK, that one was obvious. Second, I've been a parrothead for twenty years or more, and recently have gotten back into Buffett's music in an even bigger way (aging hippie and all, I guess). So there's a certain sentimental pull looking at the label--disingenuous though it may be. Hell, I'm pulling on a sweaty bottle of Land Shark as these words pour out, while listening to Radio Margaritaville. Lastly, there is a very good chance I won't be partaking of the fruit of the barley at all in the very near future, so I'm enjoying said fruit from whatever source I can procure right now. Even if it is from a beer that tastes and looks exactly like Budweiser (big shocker there, right?). There's probably other reasons I could point out, but the sheets are starting to fill with wind, so those reasons don't come to me just now. Look: this beer is crap--expensive crap, at that, brewed by the enemy of craft beer. But if you want to lower your standards briefly on a hot and steamy summer day, go ahead and ice down a sixer and pop on "Songs You Know By Heart" (or "Living And Dying in 3/4 Time" if you're a true parrothead). (3/22/2009)

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Latrobe Bohemian Style Pilsner

Latrobe Brewing Co

Steve: Made by the makers of Rolling Rock, so that should tell you something. NASTY. Funky taste. If I was Bohemian, I'd be insulted. I think they tried to beat Sam Adams and Pete's Wicked for domestic microbrewed pilsners. Yeah, and the Jets tried to beat, well, their whole schedule. Upside: Nice color. Too bad color doesn't make a good beer. Even the label stinks.

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Laughing Skull Bohemian Pilsner

Atlanta Brewing Co

Steve: The label says that this is a serious beer, serious quality, without the serious attitude. I agree wholeheartedly. This is becoming one of my favorite breweries. This is what a Bohemian pils should taste like. Smooth, crisp, yet a definite hop presence. A pilsner with flavor! Imagine! Something Bud will never have. Only drawback is its price, but people used to paying for Sam Adams or Pete's shouldn't have a problem. If you can find this, buy it. Not hard to find, with (literally) a smiling skull on the label, with psychedelic whirly-things around it (reminiscent of Magic Hat). Named after the Atlanta bar that first carried their beer...one more reason to like this brewery. They have loyalty to their customers. If Michelob had such loyalty, they would stay out of the Craft Brewing business. (12/17/1998)

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Lawson Creek Pale Ale

Lawson Creek Brewery

Sam: Gaaaaah!! My beer, why hast thou forsaken me?!? My wife had a free trip to one of her astronomy-geek meetings recently. We got to spend an excruciatingly long weekend in the armpit of Texas-- Houston. As a bonus, we got to watch it rain for three days straight, and were treated to the crappiest hotel service I've ever had the misfortune to endure. But that's not the fun part. Her meeting got over, we had free time, I dropped into a Kroger in a ritzy neighborhood and picked this up, among others. Back at our dump (a Hilton, mind you), I cracked open this beer once it got cold; at the first sip, I nearly had an esophageal spasm. Sickly sweet, not a bit hoppy, it tasted as if someone had added cane sugar to a Milwaukee's Best, put the cap back on and waited for some idiot to come buy it. To put it in perspective as to how bad this beer was: I had tried Coors' new low-carb beer earlier in the evening. After tasting this and pouring it out, and needing to wash my mouth out from this beer and my crummy experience in our crummy hotel, I went BACK out to the car, brought the Coors BACK in, iced it BACK down, and killed the rest of the six pack. Siiighhhhh...I should've known better. At $4.99 a sixer, I shouldn't have expected excellence. On the other hand, I should have at least gotten competence. (9/5/2004)

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Lawson Creek Red Ale

Lawson Creek Brewery

Steve: This is a nice malty, sweet tasting red ale, a little low on the caramel malt that you tend to taste on a lot of red ales and lagers. Not bitter from the hops, so it makes this an easy-drinking ale, good for the summer. I bought a six pack and drank it from the bottle and glass, and I have to say that the best was in a nice chilled mug, after chilling the bottle in the freezer for about half an hour. (9/6/2003)

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Left Hand 10th Anniversary Oak-Aged Imperial Stout

Sam: Goodness. I'm about to get out of the "big beer" tasting business. It's kicking my ass. I poured this one up and was a little disappointed at the color; it was more of a deep mahogany/burnt amber sort of color, not jet-black as I was expecting. It also had very little aroma. So before the first sip, I really thought I had wasted my money. But, oh man, did I change my mind. Wow! This is silky-smooth, chocolatey and malty. Absolutely delicious. And at 9.9% ABV, it had an interesting alcoholic background, but I guess the oak aging really mellowed the edges. As you can imagine, after polishing off 22 oz. of this bad boy, I was pretty much ready for the sack. I'm starting to really groove on this oak-aging thing, but those high ABVs are going to age ME before my time. (2/4/2007)

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Left Hand Black Jack Porter

Sam: Hey, now. Wow. This beer will make you stand up and take notice. My favorite style of beer, and this porter does not disappoint. Dark black in the glass, but a warming ruby-red glow when you hold it up to the light. Take a sniff; smell the malt and hops. Take a sip. Mmmm...tastes like firelight, cobblestones, dark mahogany wood, and the wee publican saying, "Ah, the porter. Yes sir." Your mind hears Dermott Fahy playing the accordion as all your mates sing a chorus of "Wild Colonial Boy". Yes, suddenly, you ARE The Quiet Man. I'm telling you folks. You must try this beer. (9/3/2005)

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Left Hand Jackman's Pale Ale

Sam: The interesting thing about this brewery is, Left Hand makes the ales and Tabernash makes the lagers. I've had none of the lagers, but I'd sure like to one of these days, because all the ales I've had so far have been solid. Oh, not holy-smokes-oh-my-god delicious, but solid. So's this beer, an APA. Pleasant color and aroma, spicy but not overwhelming hops bite. A very drinkable ale indeed. (9/2/2006)

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Left Hand Juju Ginger

Steve: I had heard some good comments about Left Hand, but now I'll always question them, because of this beer. I was pretty disappointed. It was a pretty weak ale, with not many flavors of its own, with ginger in the recipe, and it was the ginger that was coming out. It gave it an off-setting aroma, and it certainly didn't help the flavor either. Maybe I'm not a ginger fan, or maybe ginger isn't that great an addition to beer. All I know is, I didn't like it. And it came in a sampler 12 pack, so I have one more bottle that I'm not looking forward to drinking, so if anyone wants to make a trade.....call me. (4/1/2007)

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Left Hand Milk Stout

Sam: Yes sir, another winner from the Longmont folks. Absolutely pitch black, this beer is big, malty, sweet and smooth, but with a nice hops kick that--I'm sorry--Guinness just ain't got. If you are a drinker of stouts, I recommend this one whole-heartedly. You won't be disappointed. (8/27/2005)

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Left Hand Polestar Pilsner

Steve: I've stated ad nauseum that if a microbrewery is going to brew a Pilsner-style lager, they need to step up and produce something significantly better than the mega-breweries or suffer the consequences. Those consequences, of course, being ripped apart by some hack pseudo-writer such as myself. Well, in no way, shape or form does Left Hand "bring it" with this offering. To be honest, I found nothing in this beer that would convince me to pick this over a Leinie's, Yuengling or even a Miller product. (6/30/2007)

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Left Hand Sawtooth Ale

Sam: Another solid Lefthand beer. Copper-colored, malty-scented, a tad sweet. Fair but not overwhelming hops presence. A little sweet for an ESB, but if you like the style, you won't turn away a Sawtooth. (1/27/2007)

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Leinenkugel's 1888 Bock

Steve: I've had some decent beers from this family-operated division of Miller Brewing. This, however, is not one of them. I was kind of disappointed, a special release of an old recipe, and it just came across as weak. Shiner Bock actually seemed more bock-like than 1888 Bock. In a bock you want something hearty, with a little more alcohol, that's a bit heavier. This was a dark-colored lager with a little bit of caramel in the background. (1/30/2010)

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Leinenkugel's Amber Light

Steve: One of the best light beers I've had to date. Amber Light has a nice woody background to it, fairly malty, little hop presence, and smooth-going. A kick-ass summer beverage. Sure, it's a light beer, but as a decent-tasting one it picks up extra points. I think that if I could get this regularly, I'd always have a six pack on hand. I see little reason to stick with the mega light brews if you can get this. In comparison, better than Sam Adams Light (and cheaper), as good as (if not better than) Amstel Light, and about as good as Kelly's. I know, the ratings might not reflect that, but trust me. (11/29/2003)

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Leinenkugel's Apple Spice

Steve: I was in the mood for trying a pumpkin ale, and I saw this and got it instead. Kinda wish I had gone with my instincts. I was hoping for something apple pie and beer flavored, but what I drank was something sour and not all that enjoyable. If they could've made it sweeter, I think it would've been fine. It's almost as though they were trying to make something similar to one of New Glarus' fruity beers. Leinenkugel makes a great German-style lager, but they mess it up when they stray from the formula. (6/3/2007)

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Leinenkugel's Autumn Lager

Steve: A great tasting beer from the North Woods of Wisconsin. Leinys is a well made, smooth beer. Probably great for marinades. Best American-made lager, not skunky like they tend to be, or nasty, like Bud.

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Leinenkugel's Berry Weiss

Steve: I had a sample of this at Leinenkugels brewery, so I'm sure it tasted a little better than what you'll find in your local beer store. However, I have to review what's available to me. If Grolsch tastes bad because it sat in a container for 2 months, tough. This had a nice fruity flavor to it, very berry like (couldn't quite place which kind). Unlike a lambic, this wasn't fizzy and champagne-like. You knew you were drinking a lagered beer. This had a smooth, malty flavor that complimented the berries nicely, so while the fruit dominated, there was more substance than just the fruit. It had a great smell, too, so you get to enjoy this with a few senses. (10/11/2003)

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Leinenkugel's Big Butt Doppelbock

Steve: I like Big Butts and I can not lie, no other brothers can deny, pour it in a glass, go sit on your ass and bring one to your lips. OK, rapping? Bad. This beer? Good. I should warn you, don't expect this to taste like one of the classic doppelbocks that come out of Bavaria, but going by the American style it's definitely at the top. I'd definitely like for this to be maltier and a lot stronger, but this is something I could drink every day. Oh, and to the light beer drinkers who constantly rag about how dark beers like this are like motor oil, Krystal, my future sister-in-law, drinks this regularly, so if she can handle those dark beers and you can't, you're a wanker. (10/9/2004)

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Leinenkugel's Creamy Dark

Steve: A nice dark lager, smooth, malty, one that I would keep in the fridge year-round. I had this on tap at the brewery, in July, so I know this will go nicely summer or winter, not something I would say about Guinness or other stouts. A classic dark beer like Beck's, Lowenbrau, etc, but I would lean toward Leinie's for my choice. This is one of their year-round labels, so give it a try and see when you like it best. (10/25/2003)

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Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss

Steve: Light flavored, not quite as malty as some of this style. I think one problem with this is the glass that it came in. I ordered the 22 oz size, draught, and it came in a large thick soda glass, not a large half-liter weizen glass that it should've been served in. I will hold that against Tony Roma's at the Mall of America, not Leinie's. This had a light lagered flavor, so to give it a kick I went against the norm and dropped in the lemon wedge that came with the glass. It did help a little. If you want a good summery beer, and you live within the Leinie's distribution area, I will give this a good recommendation. Once summer is over, you'll want to switch to something different, but this will do nicely during for the season. (11/15/2003)

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Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest

Steve: I feel betrayed. I constantly tell people to try Leinie's for their good German-style lagers, and this one let me down. This could be weaker then their basic lager. It just sucked ass. On top of that, I had an entire half-case of this,which was an entire half-case of sucking ass. But, it was a gift from my mother in law, so it was her money that contributed to the ass-sucking, not mine. Unquestionably the worst Oktoberfest attempt I've ever had. (8/5/2006)

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Leinenkugel's Red

Steve: Updated review: This had a distinct caramel taste, like Killian's, but not as strong. A pretty easy drinking beer, but a warning: Drink only if you know you are in a distribution region, or you may be drinking an old beer that didn't sell well....my mistake the first time I tried it. There was a slight bite to it, not quite bitter, more like a sour bite. Probably the breakdown of the sugar in it. I would recommend this, but try to drink close to the source (Wisconsin). Original Review: This has a color slightly lighter than Killian's, but not as strong or sweet tasting. Still, a halfway decent lager. It doesn't have that flat taste that the big brewers have, but it doesn't have the kick that most craft beers have. Comparable to Heineken in taste. (1/30/1999)

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Leinenkugel's Special Lager

Steve: Fairly weak, not as strong or flavorful as the Autumn Lager. A basic lager, no bells or whistles. Kind of watery, actually.

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Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy

Steve: This is the only version of this style I have ever come across, and then I researched the style and apparently it's quite popular....elsewhere in the world. It's basically beer mixed with lemonade. I tried this in Victory Lanes in Merrill WI, right after drinking two New Glarus Spotted Cows, so my taste buds were nice and blunted by this point. So, at that point it really wasn't that bad. Not a beer I'd want to drink in public while saving face, but it might be a reasonable choice after mowing the lawn, or tilling up a garden on a 90 degree day. I would give this a worse rating, but it's one of these occasions where you need to take style into account. For style, it may be exceptional. It's just not an exceptional beer. (5/2/2009)

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Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat

Great Lakes Brewing Co (Ohio)

Steve: Another American Wheat. Another disappointing finish. If we use Harpoon UFO as the benchmark for "God-awful," Leinie's is head and shoulders above that, but it's a couple laps behind Brooklyn, Shiner, Capital and others. On a 90 degree day, ice-chilled and from the bottle this isn't quite as bad, but for some reason in a glass it loses flavor. This had a sour lemon-like flavor, and wasn't as refreshing as I would have preferred. (8/17/2007)

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Levity Golden Amber Ale

Odell Brewing Co

Rocky: My first beer shipment from my monthly club arrived today, and this is the first I tried from it. The 5.1% ABV is well-hidden, because it tastes rather light. Nice color, good balance, and decent taste, but not exceptional in any category. A macro drinker should love it in comparison to their usual swill, but as far as a micro goes it's just average. (6/19/2004)

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Liebotschaner Cream Ale

Stegmaier Brewing Co

Steve: There is nothing special about this. It tasted very lager-like, which I imagine a cream ale probably would be if it weren't for the fermentation process. Light tasting, not really creamy at all. Definitely not bad, which is a plus. This could be a light beer for rich people. It did win awards, but I think any beer could as long as it doesn't suck.

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Live Oak Oktoberfest

Live Oak Brewing Co

Sam: Nice. Very nice. Not the best I've had, but a solid beer. Amber color, malty aroma, sweet though maybe slightly acidic. A very pleasant little beer. Sorry. Wish I could say more, but I had this the same day as St. Arnold's Oktoberfest, and IT was a knockout, so this beer pales in comparison. (4/1/2006)

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Locktender Lager

Rocky: Better than a macro because it's got more body and flavor, but not great for a micro. Sort of grainy and almost seemed skunked, but that shouldn't be possible. It was in a brown bottle enclosed in a cardboard 12 pack sampler, and the freshness/best by date...which is only 90 days from bottling...was still a month away. I still think Great Lakes is a fine brewery, but this one may be batting 9th in their lineup. (5/22/2004)

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Logjam Ax Handle Ale

Logjam Microbrewery

Steve: If anything, this is a cream ale, very light and crisp and very much lager-like. In all honesty, I was a bit disappointed. Mostly because this is the closest brewery to my in-laws in Wisconsin, and I was actually looking forward to possibly touring their brewery, but their offerings actually seem somewhat pedestrian. Not a bad overall ale, but cream ales are not the standard bearer for microbreweries. They were meant to be easily brewed in large batches to support the growing frontier towns. Easy to drink, and ideal in warmer weather, just make sure you limit it to that time of year. (10/5/2005)

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Logjam Lager

Logjam Microbrewery

Steve: This is along the lines of some of the larger craft brewery lagers like Leinenkugels and Yuengling. So, when you consider this is brewed in N. Wisconsin, there's not a big case to leave Leinie's and start drinking this, especially when this costs more. If you spend a little more, you can get an even better craft-brewed lager like Capital, New Glarus or Lakefront. But, as many micros and brewpubs as there are in southern Wisconsin, Logjam is in a pretty open area up north, so I will encourage those from the Northwoods to give it a try. If you can afford it, at least consider this over Bud or Miller. (11/12/2005)

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Logjam Nut Brown Ale

Logjam Microbrewery

Steve: It's well known that I'd call someone a tool depending on whether they do or don't like a particular beer, but in this case I'm a tool. Logjam has been in business since 1999 in Tomahawk WI, about 30 minutes from where my in-laws live, and I'm just now trying their beer. Not a very good beer reviewer, am I? Anyway, this beer will appeal to those who like Newcastle and Sam Smith's brown ale, meaning more malt, darker color, not so much on the hops. Given the choice, I'd probably go with Logjam, but I'm a big promoter of the small business. Good luck finding it, but if brown ales are your thing, pick up some of this while heading to the North Woods. (10/22/2005)

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Lone Star

Lone Star Brewing Co

Steve: Until a few years ago, this was only available in Texas and Louisiana, and college kids from the Midwest would go on road trips to get the stuff. Do you all remember the same phenomenon with Coors, which until the late 70s was only available west of the Mississippi? And it was so damn popular, and then they sold it everywhere, and then we realized it actually sucks? Same scenario with LS. This is an ordinary lager, albeit better than Coors. Folks, this ain't worth the effort.

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Lone Star Light

Lone Star Brewing Co

Sam: Why, why, why?? For the love of all that's good, and pure, and simple, WHY did you do this to a beer? I love Lone Star; I've made that plain and simple. So I thought, what the hey? I'll have the same beer, but less calories therefore less beer gut. It never works that way, does it? This is the most watery light I think I've ever tried. It's so weak, it somehow tastes warm even when ice cold. This even makes Miller Lite taste strong; believe me, that's a stretch. This is a travesty of epic proportions. Please never reach for this on the beer shelf. (12/20/2003)

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Long Hammer IPA

Redhook Brewing Co

Joel: Red Hook presents us with their IPA and it's...what's a nice way to say mediocre? Jesus, middle of the road beers make writing reviews a chore. Either suck or be awesome. This half-assed passable beer shit just doesn't do it for me. Long Hammer is decently hopped but tends to more of the fruity spicy side than the bitter and...zzzzzz....zzzzzz...Sorry I just bored myself to sleep. Safe and passable is a pox on society, have the balls to go out as a spectacular success or a spectacular failure. Long Hammer does not have the balls. (2/13/2011)

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Long Trail Ale

Steve: Brewed in the same style as German "Alt" beers (Alt being German for Ale), this did the job pretty well. Nice strong, bitter flavor, one of the better American ales I've had recently. The brewers did alright here, brewing something for the quality, not to have their names on a beer like so many do (see Top Picks under "worst"). Not much else to say except try it!

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Long Trail Blackberry Wheat

Steve: Let me get this right out. I didn't like it. I don't know if it was because it would've tasted better in the summer, or because as wheat beers go, it was flavorless. As for blackberries, I couldn't taste nary a one. It had a slight berry smell, but that was about it. Overall, an avoidable wheat beer, I think. (10/5/2008)

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Long Trail Double Bag Ale

Steve: This ale is a little spicier than the regular Long Trail; copper colored, with some different background tastes, none of which I can place--you'll just have to take my word for it. It is my page, after all.

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Long Trail Harvest Ale

Kris: The bottle proclaims that the Long Trail family of ales uses various combinations of 17 malt and hop varieties, but in the Harvest Ale they use all of them. I personally think they added an extra one, although I didn't know any Malt or Hop was called "Crap". Ok, maybe that's a little much. It's not crap. Just not something I'd reach for again. It's supposed to be smooth, but I'm thinking, no, it's not. (9/3/2005)

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Long Trail Hefeweizen

Steve: Hefeweizens often have interesting flavors. This was interesting, because it had so many more flavors than what you often find. Usually there are traces of bubble gum, banana, and clove. In this case, there was a strong taste of banana Juicy Fruit, if there is such a thing. And the more I drank it, the more I realized what I was tasting was banana salt water taffy. Of course, while this may make anyone from the Jersey Shore water at the mouth, most people might just find it weird. (8/30/2008)

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Long Trail Hibernator

Kris: I love the label. There's a pipe-smoking bear reading a book, sitting in front of a fire in a cabin, with two hunters heads mounted over the fireplace. You don't usually see humor as such on beer labels. The ale itself started out quite bitter. I quickly got used to that, and enjoyed the rest of the bottle, which seemed to get better with every sip. My friend John and I drank this as a long-distance toast with TOBP Steve to celebrate a big win by our beloved Devils. (side note: thanks to my co-worker Ali who picked this beer up for me on his last trip to Vermont) (8/9/2003)

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Long Trail Hit the Trail Ale

Kris: Nice, dark colour (don't ask, I'm feeling decidedly British tonight). It reminded me of a Honey Brown. Although near the end, it was a little too sweet for me. My fiancee says this "burps better than the last one" that we tried. That's a thumbs up in my book. (8/13/2005)

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Long Trail IPA

Steve: This is their "Real IPA," an unfiltered "Real Ale" style IPA. It was lighter, and not as hoppy as an IPA should be. However, it had a certain freshness to it, not so much of a chemical taste to it. Not that IPA's have chemicals, it just tasted fresh. But, it also tasted a tad weak. (9/27/2008)

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Longboard Lager

Kona Brewing Co

Sam: The general take with breweries is, specialize in ales or lagers, but not both. Usually a brewery is really good at one and not so much with the other. Seems true for Kona as well. While I was really impressed with their pale ale, the lager didn't knock my socks off. Don't get me wrong; the lager's very drinkable, just not overly impressive. I'd say a good comparison would be Yeungling. This lager is an honest, no-frills beer. You won't be swept off your feet if you drink this, but you'll probably buy it more for the label than for the beer itself. (8/27/2005)

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Longshots Black Lager

Boston Beer Co

Steve: This was a contest, sponsored by BBC, which the winning recipe (made by some guy in Canada) turned into a beer. There was little difference between this and a stout, except maybe where the fermentation took place, as this is a lager and stouts are ales. It had the same nutty, hoppy, thick taste, but I have to say that this is the best stout I've had to date, except for Dragon. Went down quite well. Definitely a fine recipe.

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Loose Cannon Hop³ Ale

Clipper City Brewing Co

Steve: This is in Clipper City's "Heavy Seas" line of beers, their more extreme line. When I bought this, I was in the mood for an insanely hopped beer (like one of Stone's), but this wasn't it. However, I still found it enjoyable. In fact, the manageable IBU's made it easier to go from having one to having a second...and at 7.5% abv, that's a good night-night cocktail. It was definitely good enough to make me want to look for more from this brewery. (2/17/2007)

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Lord Chesterfield Ale

Yuengling Brewery

Steve: I've had this beer many times before, but it always had a Moosehead label on the bottle. Yes, exactly the same taste, same color bottle, same skunk cabbage smell, and same strength.

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Luna Sea ESB

Empyrean Ales Brewery

Rocky: I'm tempted to do some research to see why ESB and English Pale Ales are considered different styles, or if they truly are, because they're interchangeable in my opinion. Hop profile is kind of earthy, and focus on the bittering hop (vs American Pale Ale, which is more citrusy with emphasis on flavor and aroma hops as well as the bittering). Maybe I'm biased, but compared to American Pales, they're pretty boring. This is a fine session beer, and I'd gladly have it again, but I prefer a bit more complexity. If you are enjoy an English Pale, or ESB, then nothing about this beer will offend you. It's a suitable example of the style. (6/4/2005)

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Lunacy Belgian-Style Golden Ale

Heavyweight Brewing

Steve: Where the hell was this brewery during the brief 6 months that I lived in its hometown of Ocean NJ, right before I moved to Atlanta? I could've visited, learned a little about brewing, and would actually know what the hell they're talking about in TOBP's homebrew forum. I have to say that this is a really good American example of a Belgian Golden Ale (Duvel, Lucifer, etc), so I would seek this out if you're in NJ. The fruit presence is a little more obvious in this then Duvel, so it's not as well-balanced, but I still enjoyed it. (11/5/2005)

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Magic Hat Blind Faith

Magic Hat Brewing Co

Tim: You'll usually see this listed as IPA. If your idea of an IPA is a bitter hoppy brew, well maybe it's best to not think of this one as an IPA. But there are certainly plenty of hops in this. The hop taste is crisp not sharp or bitter. Overall there's a nice complexity of maltiness to this beer. I tasted doughy bread and citrus in this. There's probably a bit of everything in there. It was incredibly good and the finish was dry, begging you take another sip. Damn you lucky bastards who can get your hands on this regularly! (12/3/2005)

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Magic Hat Circus Boy Hefeweizen

Magic Hat Brewing Co

Steve: I had this the same week as when my father passed away, and I have to say, it certainly didn't make that week any better. It wasn't the most God-awful American wheat beer (yes Harpoon UFO, I'm talking about you), but I think it relied too much on the spices, and not enough on just brewing a good wheat beer with the right yeast. If we call it a wheat ale and remove the "Hefeweizen," I give it a higher rating. (7/4/2007)

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Magic Hat Not Quite Pale Ale (#9)

Magic Hat Brewing Co

Steve: This was cool. A really fruity tasting pale ale, sort of. Slightly bitter, but that fruity background. Plus, it was absolutely free, a gift from TOBP's newest friend Dan, in Connecticut. Funky taste (not nasty funky, but Lenny Kravitz funky), and it had a bottle to match. Don't stare at while intoxicated. The best way to describe this beer is this way: A change of pace from the same old thing.

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Mango Beer

Keoki Brewing Company

Rocky: Aloha! This is extremely light in color...very pale straw, and cloudy for a light lager...I assume because of the mango. It is very light and crisp, and the mango is actually a pretty nice addition. It's not at all overpowering, just subtle enough to be noticed, yet gives some character to what would otherwise be a very bland and very light thirst quencher otherwise. Think Mich Ultra with a lei. (10/22/2005)

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Maryland's Best

Specialty Brewing Co

Guest Review: Thanks to Michael Yonko for this guest review. We appreciate the fact that someone else besides us wastes their money on crap beer. (4/15/2001)

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McGarvey's Scottish Ale

Left Coast Brewing Co

Joel: Damn this stuff is sour. I don't know if I got a bad batch or what but if what I'm tasting won gold at the world beer cup in 2008 I think this may be the last category judged after everyone was good and loose. No peat, no smoke, no hops, just awkward sourness; like sleeping with Roseanne. The bottle proclaims that this was initially a messed up batch of amber ale and it would have to be, no one would intentionally brew something like this. (12/19/2010)

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McSorley's Ale

McSorley's Brewing Co

Steve: This was my choice of beverage for the final Seinfeld. The beer was actually the highlight, as the episode sucked, so I will always view this beer higher than it probably is. However, it was a good beer. Nice balance of hops, crisp flavor, had an almost woody flavor to it. All in all, a recommendation. (7/31/1998)

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McSorley's Black & Tan

McSorley's Brewing Co

Steve: Funny, the label said it was brewed in the Old New York Style, yet it's from Detroit. Well, I guess the murder rate is something they have in common. Seriously, this is a pretty good B&T, but I am under the impression that as long as the stout and lager are good, you really can't screw up a B&T. It had a good, porter-like taste, color, and a bitter-sweet smell. I liked it. What else is there to say?

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Mendocino Blackhawk Stout

Sam: It's black. It's sweet. It's got a fair amount of hops. Beautiful label, as with all the Mendocino products, but a forgettable beer. Sorry, guys. (1/12/2008)

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Mendocino Blue Heron Pale Ale

Rocky: Walking the French Quarter in New Orleans, I picked this up at a liquor store on Decatur that was nice enough to price most their beers at $1.83 to come to an even 2 bucks with tax. For an extra dime they'd open it and pour it into a plastic cup. It was well worth the price. A fine offering from the Pacific Northwest. I'll pick it up again if I see it somewhere. (1/24/2004)

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Mendocino Eye of the Hawk Ale

Sam: Finally! We got a couple new brews in town. Not that I don't have some good choices always available, I just get a hankerin' now and again to try a new brew. So last night I blundered into this one. I'd had their Red Tail Amber Ale, and Blue Heron Pale Ale, and both were pretty decent, so I figured Eye of the Hawk would do nicely as well. Has a lovely floral hops aroma, but sampled from the bottle it's WAY too sweet. I should've let it breathe; my wife poured hers up and said it was indeed better in the glass. You'd think I'd know better by now. But the website calls it a "coppery golden-amber" color. When I looked at it, I saw a dull, sickly orangey hue that didn't look very appealing. Bleah. Better I didn't look. Now, the website also says it's bottle conditioned, so I'm gonna put a couple away and come back to it; maybe with time this beer will change my mind. (4/15/2006)

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Mendocino Red Tail Ale

Rocky: I don't know if its supposed to be a red ale or they just wanted to name their amber ale after a bird that just happened to have red in the name. Not much difference in the two styles anyway, so just take your pick. Its a bit too much on the sweet side. Its kind of potent at 6.1% ABV, fairly crisp and a decent brew overall, but nothing to get overly excited about. (2/7/2004)

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Metolius IPA

Metolius Brewing

Joel: This stuff sucks. It just tastes wrong. The hop presence comes through in the wrong place; it's in the middle instead of in the finish. It's not nearly hoppy enough to call itself an IPA. Sometimes I seriously wonder how beer that tastes crappy gets distributed at all. I don't want to meet the person that thinks this is acceptable as a beer let alone as an IPA. Avoid it unless you want to punish your taste buds without the aid of harsh capsicums. (5/2/2010)

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Michelob

Steve: Not bad, actually. The kind of beer my parents always drank. The best is Michelob Dark, one of the first dark beers marketed in America (remember Martin Mull, and his line about Darks being for thick-necked men named Guenther?). Nice flavor.

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Michelob Amber Bock

Steve: I'd like to retract all previous statements and say that THIS is the best Anheuser Busch beer I've ever had. I honestly don't see how they could get any better unless they start brewing a Christmas ale comparable to Sam Smith's. This didn't have the roasted character common to many standard bock's, but it was darker and richer. I did notice a sweetness that reminded me a lot of something else, until I realized that it tasted a bit like Killian's, which is one of my staple beers. Not as good, but similar. Definitely more of a bock than Shiner. (4/17/2004)

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Michelob Dunkelweisse

Steve: In a way, I kind of want to give Anheuser-Busch some credit for trying to produce quality beers. However, with their unlimited resources, their brewmasters with decades of experience and years of training, and they still produce a product that tastes like it's designed for the masses and/or the lowest common denominator. It was a dark, wheat beer. Therein lies its only resemblence to a good Dunkelweisse. The banana and clove flavors which the label predicted we'd taste were about nonexistent. I'd say this isn't a horrible beer in the way Shiner Bock isn't a horrible beer. Drinkable, but average, and really nothing like the style which they advertise. I'd pick this over regular Michelob in a heartbeat, but I would still pick something with a label printed in German. (5/16/2010)

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Michelob Golden Pilsner

Steve: Definitely better than most microbrew attempts to copy this European style. Not as skunky as some of the German imports, but considering it only came from Newark, NJ (about an hour away), I should hope not. I prefer a German pils, but give Bud's better looking cousin a try. Mark one up for Augie (about time someone did).

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Michelob Hefeweizen

Guest Review: From time to time we recieve letters from people with suggestions for beers to try (or not to try, as the case may be). We thought this letter, written by world traveler and renown hefeweizen expert Kirk A. Schroeder, captured the TOBP spirit with excellence, so we decided to use it as the review. Plus, after reading it, there was no way we were going to try the beer. (8/21/1997)

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Michelob Honey Lager

Steve: This could easily compete against JW Dundee's and Killian's. It has a sweet flavor, but not overly sweet, more balanced. The honey was just right, so as not to generate a wine-coolerish flavor. By far the best AB product I've ever had.

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Michelob Light

Kris: Man, this shit sucks. I'd have to say worse than Bud, and that's a stretch. I was drinking this and Bud light tonight, and while it has more flavor than Bud light, said taste was terrible. My burps smelled horrible (as witnessed by my neighbors). The disgusting taste that accompanied the burps was, well, disgusting. I really have no idea how Anheuser Busch can screw up beer that badly. Not just one beer, though, all of them. Geez, I feel like puking. Someone get me a Sam Adams. (8/9/2002)

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Michelob Pale Ale

Steve: What a sad, sad waste of money. First of all, a pale ale should be at least a little hearty, with a nice hop aroma and taste. This was sweet, fruity, and bad tasting. So, it looses points for not only NOT being a Pale Ale, but also just being a poor excuse of a beer. It was drinkable, mind you (unlike Natty Light or garbage like that), but not worth the effort. Auggie Busch, you just can't put a label on a beer and expect it to automatically become that style. And for any weasels who want to write to me and say, "but Steve, it's a Mid-West American Pale Ale, it's supposed to be differemt!" Save your breath! If you wasted money on this, you should be ashamed. Perhaps it's time that Busch got out of the craft beer biz. (3/5/1999)

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Michelob Ultra

Sam: Not the worst beer I've ever had. I was actually a little surprised, thoroughly expecting it to suck. Not as good as regular Michelob--which already isn't that great--but definitely better than Michelob light, which stinks on ice. The Ultra has a strange slightly sour taste that takes some getting used to, but all in all it wasn't terrible. If I was at a party, and Budweiser or Michelob Ultra was on ice, I'd probably head for the Ultra. (5/24/2003)

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Mickey's Fine Malt Liquor

Mickeys Brewing Co

Steve: The name is a huge oxymoron. This is not fine. This is wretched. It came in a 24 oz "Silo," not the "Green Grenade" that we all knew and loved from our college days. Naturally, the whole damn thing tasted like the can. Not only that, but there was some kind of insect on the can "art." You know those flies with the green torsos that you always saw flying around dog turds? Thats what that bug reminded me of. Hows that for a wise marketing move? Putting a turd fly on your can. Anyway, if you can stomach 24 oz of crap, go for it. If youre a more discerning beer drinker, youre probably wondering why I even bothered with this. My answer? Scientific research. If we didnt have crap beers, we wouldnt know what to compare a good beer to. Now I know. (10/18/2003)

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Mike's Hard Lemonade

Mike's Hard Beverage Co

Kris: I didn't like this the first time I tried it (over a year ago). I gave it a three on the TOBP scale. Well, I'm happy to report I tried it again over the weekend at a friend's party, and for some reason, liked it alot more. I guess I was on crack the first time. As with all malt beverages (except for Zima, which just plain sucks), this has a nice, sweet taste with a good jolt of alcohol. It's not beer, but if you're looking for something different, go ahead and try this. (12/21/2002)

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Mile Square Amber Ale

Hoboken Brewing Co

Steve: The first sip was horrid. It was like tasting curry for the first time... and really hating it. And hating it, etc, etc. That was the bottle. On tap is worse. I've seen the breweries water source, and it ain't pretty. Dead bodies, pollution, etc. When I went to finish it off and move on to something tasty, like tap water, it did get a little better, but it didn't have much of a taste to begin with, so I guess it just got less nasty. A lot to look forward to. Less nasty.

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Mile Square Ginseng Brew

Hoboken Brewing Co

Kris: Stinky is a good word to describe this. Of course, I am just referring to the smell. Once you get past that, you're ok. Mind you, I didn't say you're great. A mediocre beer with a funny taste to it. I really wish breweries wouldn't experiment with ingredients when making beer. Hmm. I just noticed chunky things floating in the beer, so I'm going to pour it out now. There. Now it's a good beer. (9/26/1998)

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Miller 1855 Celebration Lager

Sam: Well, points to Miller for at least coming up with a semi-cool retro label. It'll look good in the collection. And the beer was pleasant enough in that it didn't create esophageal spasm or malignant reflux. Pale yellow, fizzy, very little aroma and no hops bite whatsoever. Sigh...not as watery as Miller Lite, but not as much flavor as Miller High Life, which is two bucks a six-pack cheaper. I'm such a sucker. (5/27/2006)

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Miller Chill

Sam: Alright, so here's the deal. I'm writing this review while three sheets in the wind. Now if you're insulted by that, leave now and go to a serious review site; we're here for fun. And besides, can you really take seriously a Miller product (already crummy at best) adulterated with lime and salt? I thought not. Moving on, I encountered this several days ago and laughed out loud. "No way," I thought. But being the altruistic, human-centered hand-holding mama-type I am, I decided to suck it up and take the bullet for you gentle readers. so I coughed up the nearly eight bucks for a six-pack and tried a couple. Outcome: those of you with kids have no doubt lived through stomach viruses at your house, and have had to live on Pedialyte for a few days until stomachs settle. Well, picture Miller Beer mixed with some sort of lemon-lime-Pedialyte concoction, and there you have this beer. It is unspeakably foul and in a vomit-green bottle to boot. So knock yourselves out if you want to try it, but don't be pissed if you have stomach spasms, come back here to bitch, and be met with my "I told you so." And you're welcome for my taking the bullet. And now I'm going to go raise the fourth sheet... (3/17/2007)

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Miller Genuine Draft

Steve: At one time, this was my favorite beer. Compared to what I drink now, this is very watery, so the taste is not there. However, it does seem to be thirst-quenching. The one beer that never gave me a hangover the next day after having too many. No difference in flavor between regular and light.

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Miller Genuine Draft Light

Steve: See MGD.

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Miller High Life

Steve: This is the granddaddy of the Miller line, the equivalent of seeing someone smoke unfiltered Lucky Strikes...you're just not going to see your buddies in their 20's drink this. My choice for this "Champagne of Beers" was the 24 oz can, AKA "The Silo" as it's known in Wisconsin (I was paying for gas at the Mobil in Merrill WI, saw this in the cooler, and decided "it was time"). This was the classic can, with the girl sitting in the crescent moon, Miller's official logo from about a century ago. You can taste the can when drinking, and when poured into a glass that metallic hint is still there. However, I believe this is higher in alcohol than most, so by the time you drink the whole Silo, I'm not sure you'd care. If you don't care about calories, I would suggest this over MGD or Miller Lite, but I'd recommend you try it from a bottle. Actually, not a bad beer when compared to other "American Light Lagers" (beer-speak for cheap mega-brewed beer), so when comparing in context, it earns points. Don't make fun of this, folks, this could be your new cheap beer when money is tight. (11/2/2002)

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Miller High Life Light

Sam: I can understand this beer. For years, Miller High Life was all my Dad drank, so we shared more than a few. Yeah, this is the light version, but tastes largely the same. I felt guiltily cheap drinking this last night; I drank it from a 32 oz. can (maybe this review should be on the Malt Liquor page?). Still, I poured some up, too, and it's the color you'd expect: anemic yellow. Good frothy head, though. Now this is not a banquet beer. Not your first line. But hey, if you're at a barbeque and this is all that's iced down, at least it won't kill you. And if you've got a little nostalgia for the old Gold Can, you might even view it with some favor. (3/5/2005)

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Miller Lite

Kris: As with all of the big three megaswill brewers, the ad campaign is excellent. However, the beer is sub-par. Too watery for my taste. I would drink this if there was nothing else.

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Miller Lite Ice

Steve: See Icehouse. Same company, same taste.

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Miller Red Label

Steve: Probably the best domestic mass-made brew I've ever had. It has a good strong flavor compared to Miller Brewing Company's weaker cousins. A bit darker in color, almost like an ale or amber, and higher in alcohol. I've even used this as a marinade for Bratwursts. Very fresh, very smooth going down, no bitterness.

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Milwaukee's Best

Steve: This sucks. Badly. Not as bad as Natty Light, but not as good as Bud, which should tell you something. This is Miller's response to Natural Light to catch the trailer park crowd. Cheaply made, cheaply sold. No excuse for a beer.

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Milwaukee's Best Ice

Guest Review - KennyNC: Steve says that the Beast "sucks...no excuse for a beer." I can buy that. But since I was low on funds today, about all I could afford was Milwaukee's Best Ice. At a whopping 5.9% alcohol by volume, I figured that after two or three I could forget what I was drinking anyway. I was also raised to believe there is some good in all people and all things. Well, this swill really put my upbringing to the test. Sure, I got drunk. But getting drunk with MB Ice is like making a million dollars as a proctologist for Rosie O'donnell...you might reach your goal, but the journey is far too unpleasant for most. I give this beer two mugs only because being ice-brewed gives it more of a punch, but by God I'm working overtime next week so I can afford something good. (8/25/2001)

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Milwaukee's Best Light

Steve: Dude, do you need money? Can I lend you a buck, so that you can get Miller Lite? Everything OK? Did your doctor tell you that your urinary system had to be flushed? These are the questions that I would ask if I saw someone around me drinking "Beast Light." Of course, the last time I actually saw someone spend money on this was in 1994 while I was in college, but it holds true today. Any beer that inspires me to want to lend money to someone so that they can get a better beer is not earning a lot of points. (11/15/2003)

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Mirror Pond Pale Ale

Deschutes Brewery

Sam: My first impression was "eh". But I'd had several much heavier beers before trying Mirror Pond. Yesterday, though, with a fresh palate, I had this one with lunch, and boy, was I impressed. Not as dark amber/copper as you'd expect, and doesn't have much of an aroma, but the taste is spicy and sweet. A very decent little APA indeed. I'd recommend it. (1/21/2006)

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Mississippi Mud Black & Tan

G. Heileman Brewing Co

Steve: From the makers of Old Style, we bring you: Crap! Not a bad tasting beer, but not a good tasting one either. The first taste was of burnt wood (I'm not kidding), and it finished like a flat, dirty beer. Saving grace: Cool quart bottle, looks like a moonshine jug, a glass version of a steinkrug. Downside: There was a quart of this stuff that I had to drink. Yuengling's, anyone?

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Mojave Blackout Stout

Mojave Brewing Co

Joel: I don't want to sound like a beer-a-day calendar but the mouthfeel of this beer is very thin. For a stout it's much too watery. I can't really say much about it, just seems like everything is muted...very weak sauce. (9/19/2009)

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Mojave Lobotomy Bock

Mojave Brewing Co

Joel: This beer proudly displays its ABV on the label and at 10.8% it's nothing to sneeze at but, well, this beer kinda sucks. Kinda really sucks. The alcohol doesn't have the presence that one might expect, in fact it's barely detectable. The whole beer is muted. It's hard to call a beer at this alcohol content watery but it seems the Mojave people have done it. Bleh. At least it'll get you drunk I guess. (1/3/2010)

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Mojave Red

Mojave Brewing Co

Joel: Meh. Save yourself a buck and pick up Killians. At least it's inoffensive. (1/16/2010)

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Mojo IPA

Rockies Brewing Company

Sam: I wasn't too impressed with this when I first tried it. I was blessed with a cold while trying to enjoy the coolness of the Rockies, so of course my taste buds were off. Revisiting this last night, I was pleasantly taken aback. Deep amber color, floral aroma, nice spicy hops bite with a hint of sweetness. I think if you ran into this, you'd be favorably impressed. Give it a try. (3/25/2006)

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Moose Drool Brown Ale

Big Sky Brewing Co

Steve: One of the many beers that you just GOTTA buy for the name. Sure, it's no Summer Hummer, or Handjob Hefeweizen (OK, I made that one up, but wouldn't that be an awesome name for a beer?), but it's still damn cool. Neat label too. A big ol' moose, in a lake, and he's either drooling something fierce, or he just ralphed up all the water he drank. Now, I know what you're thinking, good name, good label, gotta suck right? Nope. As far as brown ales go, it's pretty damn good. Nice and malty, light on the hops, with a sweet background. What's not to like (unless you're a hophead of course)? Take my advice, if you're wishing to escape the gravity of the Budweiser black hole, start with brown ales, and especially this one. (12/18/2005)

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Natural Light

Steve: This is the poster child for Trailer Park Beers. If you live in a house that had to have the wheels removed, if you were ever on an episode of "Cops" while wearing a wifebeater T-shirt, if gardening involves tractor tires painted white, laid flat on your yard, and filled with potting soil, or if you call anybody a Yankee who lives north of the Arkansas River, then you probably have some of this in your fridge...which is probably sitting on your porch (so you can get at it quicker while shooting rodents from your deck chair). This "beer" makes Budweiser sound good. Contrary to my previous review, I'm embarrassed to say I have tried this, when I was in college 10 years ago. My review? It sucked. Even by college student standards, and I knew guys who would drink Boone's Farm and Mad Dog in a pinch. No taste, no body, no redeeming factors. Not even a decent alcohol content. If you drink it for economical reasons, I can certainly sympathize...Old Style was my "budget beer." If you drink this because you think it tastes better than other beers, then you need to start going to meetings, because you've got a problem. I know many of you will have a problem with this assessment, and I look forward to your comments in our Guestbook. If you would like suggestions for better "budget beers," I will be happy to share my knowledge. (8/24/2002)

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New Amsterdam Blonde Lager

Steve: Although it doesn't list fruit as an ingredient, it had a distinctive fruity flavor, almost like strawberry. Not bad, but kinda weak, like Pete's Strawberry Blonde. Not meant to be strong tho. Good for the ladies.

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New Amsterdam India Dark Ale

Steve: Claims to be the first and only IDA, which doesn't surprise me. Combination of a porter and a Welsh ale, I believe. Dark and frothy like a porter, and had a sweet caramel/toffee flavor, which I have said before, I am not crazy about. Good, I suppose, and I might actually try it again, to get used to. NA does brew a good product, and this beer is a novelty, so go for it. But if you can get it in singles, do that, because after six, the novelty might wear off.

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New Amsterdam New York Amber

Tim: One of the finest ambers I've had and probably the best American beer I've tried so far. Nice amber colour and good flavor. Light aftertaste that really compliments the beer well. Prooved to me that beer brewed at lower alcohol content can still be just as good. (6/15/2002)

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New Amsterdam Oktoberfest

Steve: Actually tasted more like a pale ale...a little too over-hopped for an Oktoberfest (meaning too bitter, not malty enough), but otherwise an excellent beer!!! This will make a perfect winter/seasonal beer, especially on the cold nights. A big surprise from the folks in the Empire State!

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New Belgium 1554 Brussels Style Black Ale

Rocky: It's called a black ale, but pours a dark brown. It is different though..not a brown ale, not a porter, and not a stout...but some characteristics of each. Its supposed to be a beer you might have found in the year 1554. Back then it probably would have been fantastic. Over 400 years later though, its just OK. Try it if you see it, but don't go out of your way to find it. (12/20/2003)

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New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale

Steve: I was expecting something a bit stronger, and a whole lot maltier. Instead, while the color was a dark amber, the flavor was a bit lighter by contrast. There was a slight hint of fruit, and a cocoa background. Not much in the way of bitterness, definitely leaning towards the malt, but it didn't really leave a lasting impression. I cellared it for a year, making me wonder if I should've let it sit longer (or if I let it sit too long). (3/6/2011)

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New Belgium 2° Below Ale

Sam: I've decided: I don't like it. I've tried it several times, twice as the first beer of the day, including right now. As I sit here about half-way through the pint, I've had to come to terms with the fact that I just don't like this beer. Instead of some dense, chewy, mahogany hops explosion, I get something vaguely amber, thin-looking, and mildly hopped, with that intensely annoying bready/biscuity flavor so many of NB's beers have. I may struggle through a few more sips, but I'll probably wind up pouring the rest of it out. Too bad. At least the beer fridge is still well stocked with Celebration and a few other odds and ends... (12/30/2006)

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New Belgium Abbey Belgian Style Ale

Steve: This is in the Dubbel (or Double) style. It had a nice fruity smell to it, but I have to say, I kept comparing it (possibly unfairly) to Ommegang's version. And, for that matter, the traditional Belgian imports like Westmalle and Chimay. I think it was a good beer, and an excellent effort by an American brewer. Not as good as the imports, but it is likely to be much cheaper. As I am a proponent of "Buy Local," I say buy this one, because you won't be disappointed. It just isn't the best version available, in my opinion. I should also point out, in fairness, I may have had it too cold, so take my review with a grain of salt (I'm opinionated, but also honest). (9/16/2006)

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New Belgium Blue Paddle Pilsener

Sam: This has a nice golden color, and it has that clean, crisp taste of a traditional European pilsener. At first. Then an acrid, chemical aftertaste hits you. It takes a little getting used to. I used to drink this a lot, and my wife still loves it. I think from now on I'll just reach for something actually made in the Old Country. (8/16/2003)

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New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale

Sam: When I first encountered this, I was a neophyte about microbrews, and didn't have a large base of comparison, so I thought it was delicious. I've changed my mind. This is a pretty decent beer, but it won't knock your socks off. Malty, not too sweet, but the color's wrong. It looks more like an American lager. And the taste is a bit too thin. Decent carbonation. Don't get me wrong--I'd reach for it in the ice chest before nearly any American lager. And I applaud their "Green" approach to brewing. But then again, Adolph and Augustus purport to be heavy into the environment, and I ain't buyin' their swill. (8/16/2003)

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New Belgium Frambozen Raspberry Brown Ale

Rocky: This beer was pretty interesting. It's the first brown ale I've had with fruit, but then it's a bit light in color (it's actually rather red) and thin for a brown ale. Maybe it's just Fat Tire with a little bit of chocolate malt. And raspberries. Lots of raspberries. I checked out their website and it says the raspberry addition is just over 11% by volume, the ABV says 7% on the site, but the bottle says 6.5%. If I lived in their distribution area I could see picking up a sixer of this to have around for the holidays, but I'd never have more than one per sitting. My wife likes fruit beers, and she liked this one a lot, so if you like fruit beers you probably would like it a lot as well. If not, skip it. There are better holiday selections to choose from. (5/7/2005)

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New Belgium La Folie

Rocky: Holy shit it's sour!! I had to consult the style guidelines for a Flanders Red Ale, and not surprisingly it's under the category of Sour Ale. It's aged in oak barrels that contain the bacteria necessary to ruin a perfectly good Belgian, but apparently that is the desired outcome. This beer is rated insanely high by many connoisseurs, and it certainly fits the guidelines perfectly...but that doesn't mean it's good. I can appreciate the complexity, I just can't appreciate the taste. If you're a fan really sour candy and Belgian ales, this is right up your alley. Coming up with a score is difficult because it is technically excellent, but realistically I hope I never torture my mouth like that again. So...we'll split the difference. (3/11/2006)

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New Belgium Loft Beer

Sam: Now THIS beer is why you want to pay attention to New Belgium's seasonals. Their flagship beers, Fat Tire and Blue Paddle, have been dummied down to appeal to the masses. I still find them fair but not overwhelming. Then I found this in College Station, Texas, away on business. A humid 96-degree day, no wind (for a change), I pop the top off this little gem and I'm suddenly twiddlin' my toes in the Cache Le Poudre River just west of Fort Collins. The website says this is made from wheat and barley malt and some exotic leaf whose name escapes me just now. They go on to destroy their own review by saying how much fun you'd have by playing bocci ball while drinking this. I have no idea what bocci ball is, but I envision old guys with cheesy mustaches, who let their shorts ride up over their navels on purpose, wearing dark socks and flip-flops. So do yourself a favor: first pick up several six-packs of this delicious beer (only available four months out of the year); then, ignore my disgusting visual; then, pop open a frosty one, sit in the back yard, and envision twiddlin' yer toes in the Cache Le Poudre... (12/31/2004)

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New Belgium Mothership Wit

Steve: This is an organic Wit-style beer, that wasn't bad at all. Not because it was organic (I really couldn't care less, to be honest), but because it was well made. A nice balance existed between the orange peel flavor and the coriander, plus the natural citrus flavor from the wheat malt. It was a nice light-orange color in the glass, perfect for a hot summer evening. This isn't going to mess you up, like any Wit, as it's only 4.8%, so you'll still be able to function if this was your backyard BBQ beer. (8/28/2010)

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New Belgium Skinny Dip Beer

Sam: By and large, I'm not a big fan of light beers, and really don't buy into this "low carb" marketing schtick. Having said that, I have to also say New Belgium has done a pretty solid job of brewing a (relatively) low-cal beer that actually has flavor. Skinny Dip replaced Loft as their summer offering. It still has the Kaffir lime leaf in the mix, and uses wheat rather than exclusively barley. It clocks in at 110 calories, so hardly as low-cal as Miller Lite. This is a little lighter in flavor than Loft, but still pleasantly citrusy and hoppy. It's the darkest "light" beer I've ever seen, too. If you're looking for a thirst quencher for the depths of summer, but you also want something with flavor, this just might be for you. (9/9/2006)

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New Belgium Straight Arrow Ale

Joel: The only word I can come up with to describe this beer is “grassy”. It tastes like it was steeped in corn leaves. When I drink it I have awful flashbacks to my junior high job corn detasselling. Goddamn did that suck. How do they get kids to do this still? I had to get up at 5 am, ride a school bus to a field, walk up and down rows of corn for hours on end all while getting paid minimum wage and getting sunburned and corn-rashed all to hell. This beer is a New Belgium sunburn. Stay away from it. (5/8/2010)

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New Belgium Transatlantique Kriek

Rocky: If it's not something you have very often, and it probably isn't, it's hard to prepare yourself for a kriek. You know it's going to be tart and fruity, smelling it does nothing but reinforce that expectation, yet it still always takes me aback just a little bit, like "what jackass decided to mix Kool-Aid with beer?" This one isn't even strong as far as krieks go, and it's still very very cherry. Not my style, but then some jackass also added cherry to Coke, and it turned out OK. Side by side with this, I'll take the coke. At least cola is supposed to be sweet by design, but I prefer my beer to be beer. If you're looking for a dessert brew this is worth a try. (10/22/2005)

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New Glarus Apple Ale

Steve: How weird is it, after spending so much time trying heavily hopped pale ales from all over the country, to taste a beer that is prominent on the front of my tongue, instead of the back like more bitter ales. This is a brown ale with Wisconsin wheat and a blend of Wisconsin Cortland, Macintosh and Jonathan apples, and is quite sweet. It almost tastes like some ciders that I've had, and not an ale at all. This was a special run (sold in 12 oz single bottles where I found it), so it might be hard to find, but I'd say try it simply for the novelty. Many of you might not like the fruit presence, but maybe this will be the one to change you mind. (4/15/2006)

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New Glarus Black Wheat

Steve: They really need to put a warning label on this beer that recommends consuming only between the months of November and February. Much like a German Schwarzbrot (Black Bread), they pretty much threw whatever grains they had laying around into the mix. Wheat, oats, rye, barley, it's all in there. It's a very thick, chewy beer with a strong roasted, smoky flavor. This would've been better on a freezing day in front of a fire, not a warm summer evening. Good, but horribly out of season. I'm going to keep the rest in the fridge until we get a cold day, maybe while I'm frying the Thanksgiving turkey this year. (1/21/2006)

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New Glarus Cherry Stout

Steve: This was extremely delicious. It had a solid cherry flavor, no mistaking it at all. It used fresh Wisconsin cherries, and you can definitely tell it was aged in oak barrels, because there is a definite wood flavor. The cherry and wood combination is quite good, making this an idea desert beer. I almost think it would go very well with Cherry Garcia. (9/6/2008)

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New Glarus Crack'd Wheat

Steve: Crack'd Wheat is a mixture of styles. It's a Bavarian Hefeweissbeer with Amarillo dry-hopping, giving it something few wheat beers have....an unbalanced hoppiness. It wasn't a bad beer all in all, but when I want a Hefeweizen, or any wheat beer, I want that sweet wheat flavor, low hoppiness, and citrus zing. By loading on hop flavor, you take away what I enjoy most about wheat beers. I imagine those who live by experimental styles will crucify me for this, but that's too bad. New Glarus produces very good beers, and some excellent experimental styles, but this wasn't their best. (11/12/2011)

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New Glarus Dancing Man Wheat

Steve: It's becoming a bit easier to find Bavarian-style Hefe-weizen in this country. If you live in Wisconsin (New Glarus' only distribution territory), it's even easier. Dancing Man Wheat is a nicely effervescent Hefe, with strong hints of banana, clove, and other descriptors that make Kris throw up in his mouth a little bit (partly because he hates Hefes, partly because he hates fancy beer language). New Glarus brews good beers with good attention to detail. Seek this one out. (4/16/2011)

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New Glarus Edel-Pils

Steve: For most American beer drinkers, "pilsner" is something you see on the label of Miller Lite, thus giving you the impression that a Pils is light, flavorless, and, for lack of a better way to put it, f'ing close to water. However, a true pilsner-style lager should be a little bolder, with enough hops to know they're used in the beer, and some actual malt flavor. That's what Edel-Pils, or "Noble-Pils" provides. Still light in body, but with enough flavor to make drinking a beer worthwhile. Pilsners are easy to brew, but they're also easy to screw up. It takes a craftsman to brew one worth coming back to. (2/12/2005)

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New Glarus Enigma

Steve: Enigma is part of New Glarus' Unplugged series. Some of them are better than others, and this one took some getting used to. It's a sour brown ale, and to be honest, I still have yet to develop a palate for sour beers. However, with that said, I enjoyed Enigma because it had a nice flavor of cherries, which went well as an after-dinner drink. It was lightly carbonated, and had a hint of vanilla in the background. Good luck finding this, as it was a special series brewed in 2010, but it aged well, so if you see some sitting on a shelf, perhaps in some more remote Wisconsin towns, it likely improved over the last year. (7/4/2012)

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New Glarus Imperial Saison

Steve: This is from New Glarus' Unplugged series. It had a nice taste of flesh fruit, with hints of peach and apricot, a sweet taste that went well with the sourness from the Belgian yeast. It's bottle conditioned, so if you have any of these left, you can continue to let it age. beyond the taste, it hits a couple other senses with it's nice orange color, and it's spicey aroma, with hints of clove and coriander. Overall a nice beer, nice for a late winter evening or it would go well outside in the summer as well. (2/5/2012)

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New Glarus Imperial Weizen

Steve: This is from New Glarus' "Unplugged" series, which means you're not likely to see this again anytime soon. It's a Weizen-style that uses Cascade hops, which makes for an interesting beer. One would think the two don't go well, because traditionally Weizens are not hoppy. However, what they've done is use a hop that gives natural citrus flavors, to add to those already in the wheat. I wasn't wild about it at first, but by the time I finished the 4-pack, I had become a fan. Unfortunately, this happened after I had finished the 4-pack. Oh, and the alcohol content was nice too. Don't let the label rope you into categorizing this beer. This did to wheat beers on the positive side what "American wheat ales" did to Weizens on the negative side. (1/3/2010)

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New Glarus Moon Man

Steve: This advertises itself as a session beer. Thus, I can't really give high ratings to a beer that is non-aggressive enough that you can knock them back at a solid rate. It was quite decent though. Moon Man brands itself as a "No Coast Pale Ale." It doesn't have the typical Pacific NW pale ale tastes of Cascade hops, instead it blends 5 styles of hops, so you do have a solid but not overpowering hop bitterness. It's almost a lot like an ESB. Bitter, but still easy drinking. (11/27/2011)

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New Glarus Native Ale

Steve: This is a brown ale, so hopheads please strap yourselves in and prepared to be bored. Like the majority of brown ales, it leans towards a malty flavor. However, this has a nice presence of chocolate in it. It's definitely better then Newcastle, although it's only available in Wisconsin, so good luck refining your tastes if you live any place where "betcha" isn't a word. It's plain, but it's a finer version of plain. And it's a big proponent of drinking "indigenously," i.e. buy from the micros near where you live, which I support. Why send my money to California when there are breweries near me that need my business? Anyway, move to Wisconsin and buy this. (4/1/2005)

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New Glarus Sour Brown Ale

Steve: When I first tried this beer, I would've given it a 1. By the time I got to the last of the 4-pack, I got it up to a 5. It definitely grows on you the more you have it. Unfortunately for the beer, I'm not likely to have any more. In all honesty, I'm OK with that. It was VERY sour, and only after I got used to it could I discern the other flavors in the beer, like apple and caramel. This is from New Glarus' "Unplugged" series, so it's likely to be a one-shot deal. (6/9/2007)

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New Glarus Spotted Cow Ale

Steve: This is from another of Wisconsin's many microbreweries, one that I've heard is quite good. However, I'm not sure I was wild about this. It has a hint of corn, in honor of Wisconsin farmers. Unfortunately, the corn was too dominating a taste, and ended up tasting like a bottle conditioned Leinenkugels. Overall, it was kind of weak-flavored, a lot lighter-flavored than its counterparts in the UK. I'm going to try and cellar one of them to see if it gets better, but until then I have to report my initial findings. (12/4/2004)

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New Glarus Stone Soup

Steve: Stone Soup is an Abbey-style ale, with German and English hops thrown in to really make it an international effort. It's a little spicey with clove and ginger as you first drink it, and it finishes malty. It was pretty easy-drinking, when I saw that it was an Abbey-style, I was expecting something a bit more alcoholic and malty, but it was pretty smooth, almost a session beer. (9/1/2012)

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New Glarus Uff-Da Bock

Old World Brewing Co/Point Brewery

Steve: Uff-Da is a pretty all-encompassing sound often made by those of Swedish or Norwegian descent in Wisconsin and Minnesota. One says this after a hard day in the corn fields while sitting down in the easy chair, or trying to get out of that same chair, or picking up a fat ol' baby. "Oh Ja," you might say, "well what does that have to do with a beer?" Well, Uff-Da might also be the noise of satisfaction when quaffing this at the end of the day, when you can feel the beer work the frustrations of the day out of your system. (1/29/2005)

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New River Pale Ale

Old Dominion Brewing Co

Rocky: Good stuff, here. The bottle is pretty generic looking, to the point that I wasn't expecting much. Plus, they make Tupper's Hop Pocket, which is considered a very good brew. I thought it was their "special" beer...akin to Michelob vs Bud. Not so fast, though...this is actually a little better than Tupper's in my opinion. It's very good, but it's fighting it out in a style where there are several that are excellent. (6/11/2005)

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New York Harbor Ale

Steve: My first thought was that this would be gross, due to the NY reference, and the fact that it's brewed by the worst brewery in Wisconsin. Actually, it was pretty decent. A little bitter, clean water (very un-New York, obviously from the Midwest), somewhat fresh. I say try it.

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No. 38 Stout

Odell Brewing Co

Sam: Whew. Black as pitch. Smoky. I mean, this stuff is black. It tastes, well...stout. Comparable to San Antonio's Wildcatter Stout, it doesn't have as much hops presence as I'd like. Given a choice between their porter and their stout, I'd take the porter every time. Still, if you're lookin' for something to take the chill off a Colorado summer night, this might be just the thing. (1/15/2005)

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North By Northwest Blackjack Ale

North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewpub

Sam: We hit NXNW recently during a very busy lunch hour. Our waiter, who was very busy yet very attentive, breathlessly described the Blackjack as their Okanogan aged in bourbon whiskey barrels. Sounded gimmicky to me, but I ordered it just the same. It arrived in a tulip glass--out of character for NXNW, which usually sends out all its beers in their logoed pint glasses. Jet black with vague ruby tones, thin, tan head. Brilliant bourbon aroma and oh, man: that first sip knocked my socks off! The bourbon flavor was present without overpowering. I couldn't quit raving about it (I think the harried waiter thought I'd lost my mind). This was a delicious dessert beer, and tasted even better paired with the couple bites of peanut butter-strawbery cheesecake my daughter let me sneak. A real stand-out, and apparently something the brewmaster only puts out occasionally in small batches. If you're ever at NXNW and this happens to be on the beer menu, I strongly recommend trying it after your meal. Thumbs up! (2/16/2008)

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North By Northwest Pyjingo Pale Ale

North by Northwest Restaurant and Brewpub

Sam: I had every intention of disliking this beer. NXNW, as the brewery likes to be known, is tucked into an upscale part of northwest Austin, surrounded by impossibly pretentious law offices and shopping boutiques. And I'd been here before, and don't remember thinking particularly highly of their beers in general. But we had just blown into town, and this was the only place we'd been to in the area where we knew we could get fresh beer. Now I don't know if I was just tired and therefore more forgiving, or if they've actually tightened up their recipe. At any rate, this was delicious. Spicy hops bite, bitter and slightly sweet. Somewhere between amber and gold in its hue. A very nice little number, and it paired nicely with my food, damnit. I guess it was just the redneck in me rebelling--or at least feeling guilty and sheepish--about having a beer with Duck Breast in Marsala Sauce over Polenta and Exotic Sautéed Vegetables. I felt I should have paired my meal with a saucy little Cabernet-Sauvignon, swirling it under my nose with my upper lip slightly curled, murmuring such tripe as "It's wretched in its self-assuredness, lewd yet demure, hinting coyly at licorice and kumquats." If you ever find yourself at NXNW, try the Pyjingo. Just please don't tell 'em I sent you. I'm embarrassed enough as it is. (12/9/2006)

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Nor'western Hefe-weizen

Nor'western Brewing Co

Steve: This comes at you with an explosion of tastes. I tasted spiced apples and cloves, although whether or not they are actually in there, I don't know. Pretty high in alcohol. This is a must-try for those of you that like this style of beer. It comes in a 1/2 L bottle, like the German ones. This is not a popular style, and it only comes in a single bottle.

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O'Doul's

Guest Review - Chris J: "Now richer and smoother" says the label. Richer? YES! Smoother? Well, yes, I guess (I've never understood the word "smooth" when applied to beer. Does it mean bland or malty?) Anyway, Cascades and Saaz hops are now used to push O'Doul's into a rating of 6. (10/2/1999)

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O'Doul's Amber

Olde Towne Brewing Company

Guest Review - Chris J: Wow! A pleasant surprise. Caramel malts add flavor to the cardboard king. Definitely drinkable. Hopefully Amber cases will replace this brands awful O'Doul's premium on the shelves. Please pray with me..!

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Old Brown Dog Ale

Smuttynose Brewing Co

Steve: Sweet Jesus, is this awesome. Hoppy, flowery aroma, and taste, with a sweet, chocolate malt flavor that kind of snuck up on my after about 6 or 8 sips. This was almost sensory overload, as it was great to smell and drink it. I could drink this all winter, right in front of a fire (the 5.9% ABV helped). My wife seemed to like it too. Unfortunately, this is a New Hampshire-based brewery, so it's probably only available in the Northeast (I found this in an LCBO near Toronto). (3/21/2003)

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Old Milwaukee

Stroh Brewery Co

Steve: After a hard day of fishing and hunting, I drove home to my trailer, put on a clean wifebeater t-shirt, turned on a wrestling match (I wish the Rock was our Secretary of Defense), opened up a can of Old Mil, and declared, "It doesn't get any better than this." Fortunately, it does get better, as none of the above is true (although, it would be cool if the Rock was SecDef). Due to popular demand, I decided to buy this; unfortunately, I couldn't find a single bottle or can, so I had to get a six pack....of Tall Boys! Old Mil (AKA Old Swill, AKA "You bought WHAT??? (my wife's nickname for it)), this is a past gold winner of the American light lager division of the Great American Beer Festival. In all honesty, it's really not that bad, but it did have a lingering metallic taste, which I can taste on any canned beer (except Keystone, which tastes like bottled beer in a can). Compared to Bud, Coors, and Miller, I guess I have to give Old Mil credit. I just wish they still had the Swedish Bikini Team...it would make drinking this a little better. (Addition added 9/6/2003): Theres a gardening trick to get rid of garden slugs, put a saucer of beer out and leave a trail of beer up to it (I guess the beer drowns them, or the alcohol kills them). Upon viewing 5 enormous, fat slugs in my driveway I tried this method, using an Old Mil tallboy. Of course, I got impatient and picked up the slugs and dumped them into the beer. The next morning, all 5 were floating in the beer, dead. So, my scientific study showed that Old Milwaukee is fatal to 5 out of 5 slugs. (12/9/2002)

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Old Milwaukee Light

Stroh Brewery Co

Steve: My grandmother had a six pack in her basement that some cousin of mine abandoned there, so she was all too happy to let me liberate one. I was expecting this to be the most ungodly excuse for a beer. I was certainly surprised. Don't get me wrong, it's not that great a beer, but if you're in the beer aisle of Kroger and have a choice between this and Bud Light, please choose this. It came in a nice tallboy can (which can be daunting), had a light golden color, very slight hop aroma, and mostly a watery, but slight malt, taste. From one angle, it even looked like it was water in my glass. But, not all that bad, overall. (5/3/2003)

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Old Milwaukee N/A

Stroh Brewery Co

Guest Review - Chris J: This awful brew contains corn syrup, sodium isoascorbate and potassium metabisulfite! Has a sickly sweet after taste much like a cola soft drink. Just as bad as O'Douls. (11/8/1998)

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Old No. 38 Stout

North Coast Brewing Co

Joel: I finally tried some other brews from North Coast after noticing that the arrangement of the brews at my local liquor store included the shelf above the Old Rasputin, Old Stock Ale, and Pranqster packs. This beer is good, it's what a stout should be, I wouldn't expect anything less from North Coast and didn't receive anything less. Worth a try for sure. (1/23/2010)

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Old Plowshare Stout

North Country Brewing Co

Sam: I'm trying to think of any beer from North Coast I dislike; none come to mind. After years of steering clear of organic beers (due to some early unfortunate encounters), I've cautiously re-approached them. This is a new organic offering from North Coast. Not quite as dark as most stouts, but has a good malty, hoppy coffee nose to it, and the flavor is coffee and roasted malts. Very solid brew. Bit on the expensive side, and only comes in four packs apparently, but I think you'll find it worth the coins. (9/9/2006)

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Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout

North Coast Brewing Co

Steve: This is probably one of the more heralded stouts brewed in the US, and I think with good reason. What makes it more unusual is that it's an imperial stout, which isn't that common. Very malty, giving it a powerful sweetness, and it has a deep roasted coffee flavor. It's got 8.9% ABV, but don't worry, you'll sober up when you see the picture of Rasputin on the label. Man, he is one creepy bastard. Look at Rasputin, and then turn the bottle one way or the other, and I swear, the eyes follow you...Not even John Ashcroft gives me the paranoid willies like this label (begin Tommy Chong-like rant against the government in 3, 2, 1.....). (11/6/2004)

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Old Stock Ale

North Coast Brewing Co

Sam: This is a big beer. It's malty and sweet, but with a nice balance of bittering. Their website lists "Maris pale malt and Fuggle hops" imported from England. The taste and color definitely make you think of an English Nut Brown Ale. But it has a better bite. And at 11% ABV, it's got a hell of a kick, too, Without tasting like swill (unlinke Molson's XXX abomination). Their website even mentions that this beer ages well, and they recommend cellaring it up to a year. I may try storing some, and re-checking it in the future. Don't drink this beer with food. This is an after-dinner drink, meant to be savored. It was so damned good, I'm going to do something uncharacteristic: save the last two for a later date... (6/21/2003)

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Old Style

G. Heileman Brewing Co

Steve: Most beer snobs will gladly talk all day long about their favorite beers. Ultimately, the conversation will turn to their favorite "cheap" beer. Whether money is tight, or you're stuck at a party hosted by a beer heathen, or you just want a lighter beer for camping or a car race, we all have one. Mine is Old Style. The taste? There's not much to it. Light, a little malty, not too alcoholic, lightly hopped, but the flavor is somehow fresher, less rank than BudMillerCoors. Plus, the cans are entertaining. When you're drunk you can look for the frog, or the monk taking a leak. It earns points because it's not nasty like it's counterparts. I will say it's MUCH better bottled than in a can, but I can say that about any beer. (12/27/2003)

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Old Thumper Extra Special Ale

Shipyard Brewing Co

Sam: News flash: beware of names. It should come as no surprise to you that there is nothing "extra special" about this Extra Special Ale. If the label said "Pretty Darned Good Ale" I'd be more inclined to agree. Because it is pretty darned good. Nice hops presence, looks good in the glass, has a nice sweetness to balance the spicy hops. This won't knock your socks off, but you'll be pleased with your purchase nonetheless. Just don't be fooled by the label. (4/9/2005)

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Olde Towne Amber Ale

Rocky: I had really high hopes for this. It's the only brewery in Alabama that you can get bottled beer from, and at this point you have to go there to get it. I made the trek (3+ hours round trip) and came home with three sixers of this stuff. What an idiot! It's not that bad, but an amber ale isn't something that really excites me to begin with. Generally, they're all pretty similar, but this one is on the sweeter side of the norm and then at the end has a little bit of sourness that I wasn't crazy about. I know it was fresh, because they've only been bottling for a month, so apparently that was intended. No thanks... (4/23/2005)

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Olde Towne Pale Ale

Olde Towne Brewing Company

Rocky: This is more like it! I tried the amber first and it had my expectations a little low going in, but this one was considerably better. It's an American style pale ale, meaning the hops have more citrus characteristics than the musty English hops. Good balance of malt and hops, like a pale ale should have. If I lived closer to this brewery I would have no qualms about supporting my local brewer by keeping some of this on hand at all times. A very adequate session beer. (4/30/2005)

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Olympia

Pabst Brewing Co

Sam: This is the kind of beer you'd use to play a sick joke on your friend. Pour out their beer and fill their can with this. Watch that vein pop out on their forehead as they spew this shit across the room. This used to be a fairly decent brew. What the hell happened? This putrid yellow liquid is bound to cause cancer in lab animals. It's safer to get a buzz sniffing Liquid Paper than it is allowing this garbage into your system. Stick with staying sober if this is your only other choice. (12/13/2003)

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Ommegang Abbey Ale

Kris: Yikes this sucks! I bought a four-pack of this because it was made in Cooperstown, NY. I regretted it after the first bottle. I suppose I'll try it again to see if I change my mind, but don't expect miracles. (5/15/2004)

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Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence

Steve: I used this as a dessert beer, to go with my raspberry cheesecake birthday cake. It's a chocolate stout, thankfully void of any burnt flavor, but with a nice chocolate malt flavor, There was a little bit of toast and coffee in there too. Not an overpowering stout, but one good for after dinner with something sweet, so that the dessert shines along with the beer. And $10 says Kris tells me this is the gayest review I've ever written. (6/14/2009)

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Ommegang Hennepin

Rocky: Damn this is good! So good I had to do a little research on Saison beer. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice to say that this one nails the style guidelines. It's fruity, hoppy, highly carbonated, moderately strong (7.5%), and refreshing. I can't wait to try this again. (4/10/2004)

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Ommegang Ommegeddon

Steve: Finally, a beer that forced me to do research. The label talks so much about Brettanomyces yeast, to create the "Funkhouse Ale" taste, that I had to check it out. Turns out, it's what gives Ommegeddon that sour taste you see so prevalent in many Belgian ales, like Duchess de Bourgougne, Oud Bruin, and Liefman's. It has a lemony flavor from the wheat, and the sour bite from the yeast. So, now I know where that flavor comes from. Somehow, it makes it taste better when you know the scientific reason behind it. The same way that knowing why Budweiser tastes worse when knowing how much rice is used. I enjoyed this, and I think it would be good for warm summer evenings. Not a session ale, of course, but one to relax with at the end of a day on the back deck. (3/1/2009)

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Ommegang Three Philosophers

Steve: This has a sweet/woody flavor. It's a sweet Belgian-style ale blended with a cherry lambic, giving it a slight sour background, but a nice rich malty taste. This is one of those beers I've been putting off trying, and I have to say I'm glad I did, I'm not sure I would've enjoyed the blended cherries until recently. They almost add the taste equivalent of freshly dusted walnut furniture. (3/22/2009)

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Ommegang Witte

Steve: This is an attempt to duplicate the Belgian White style by an American brewery (Ommegang) that is owned by a Belgian brewing conglomerate (Duvel). Confused? Yup, so am I. To start with, I wasn't all that wild about it. The spices certainly did come out, but that's all there was to it. The body of the beer was almost non-existent. If I want to taste nothing but orange peel and coriander, I'll eat an orange and some coriander. It was OK tasting, and it'd be better if it was in the dead of summer, but it just needed something more, as it was the body was too weak. Sterkens or Hoegaarden would've been a better choice. (3/26/2005)

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One-Eyed Jack

JLBC Co

Steve: This is a malt beverage like Zima. It is an alcohol lemon brew, with a taste reminiscent of a weak mixed drink. The flavor, however, of sour lemonade, or a lemon tea, is strong. Ice cold, this would be awesome in the summer. Give it a try.

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Oregon Hefeweizen

Oregon Trader Brewing Co

Steve: With Oregon's reputation, I was horribly disapointed with this beer. It was unbelievably bland. A true Hefe should be very flavorful. This was like flavored water. Stick with Nor'wester or a German if you want a Hefeweizen.

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Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale

Sam: This comes in a can, as does their Scottish Style Ale, which is out of this world. The Dale's, I must admit, was a tad disappointing. A little too over-hopped, it tasted kinda piney to me. Not that expected balancing sweetness that makes pales so appealing. Looks good in the glass, though. Don't get me wrong; this is in no way a bad beer. If you had to choose between this in a can and Miller in a can, I think your decision would be oh so simple. It's just not outstanding as a pale, is all. What the hell, though. If you see it, give it a try, at least once. (8/27/2005)

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Oskar Blues Gordon Ale

Rocky: Maybe my expectations were lowered because I poured it out of a can, but I was extremely impressed with Gordon. 90 IBU's, 9.2% ABV, and it's that smooth?! Amazingly smooth. That kind of balance in a big beer is not easily accomplished. It also may not be what some are looking for in a IIPA, but I liked it a lot and will definitely get more of this at the next opportunity. (6/24/2006)

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Oskar Blues Gubna Imperial IPA

Joel: Sweet Christ, this beer is an experience. The Gubna weighs in at 10.0 abv but that is readily masked by the 100+ IBU. It's nasty with hops...absolutely filthy with hops. Hops are, botanically speaking, closely related to other cannaboids (a group know for their chemical complexity) and this beer brings that side out immensely. In smelling and tasting, I can't help but compare it to the smell of a certain other cannaboid, in that it reeks but in an amazingly good way. So throw on your favorite crunchy groove and pop open the top; Oskar Blues has put out another deceptive can of awesomeness. (6/26/2011)

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Oskar Blues Old Chubb Scottish Style Ale