Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale - Chico, CA

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale - 4/5

When the skys go grey and the weather turns cold most people look forward to open fires, hot chocolate and the usual wintery things. For me, winter means seasonal ales and Sierra Nevada has really made a top drop.

It pours a darkish amber color and boasts moderate to strong hops with a very mild sweetness.

Being early December, this is the perfect time of year for full bodied, darker ales. It's very drinkable on its own it will pair perfectly with your roast turkey dinner.

Hop Ottin’ IPA – Anderson Valley Brewing Co – Boonville, CA

Hop Ottin’ IPA - 4/5

As far as IPA’s go this is one of my favorites. Hop Ottin’ IPA has strong hoppiness however is really well balanced. You will get a sweet maltiness followed by a fragrant, citrus hop smack in the face.

Coming in at 7% ABV, a few of these bad boys will have you on your way.

The best part is, you should be able to buy Hop Ottin’ IPA at your local grocery store. A great brew and easy to obtain equals a winner in my book.

Fat Tire Amber Ale - New Belgium Brewing Co - Fort Collins, CO

Fat Tire Amber Ale - 4/5

Fat Tire is a brilliant, easy drinking amber ale. It has subtle caramel and roasted notes and a light balance of citrusy hops. Carbonation is light so it’s a really decent consumption beer.

I’m totally stoked that my wife is a fan of amber ales, particularly this one as I can pick up a six pack of Fat Tire and she’s just as happy as I am.

Enjoy it on its own or with BBQed pork or BBQ chicken pizza.

Mavericks Alection Winner Obama '08 Presidential Ale - Half Moon Bay Brewing Co – Half Moon Bay CA

Mavericks Alection Winner Obama '08 Presidential Ale - Half Moon Bay Brewing Co - 2/5

Obviously the name and label attracted me to this one. I really don’t have anything positive to say about this beer other than it clearly did not resemble an ale or winner as the name would have you believe.

I really wanted to like it but I think the only thing going for it was the label. It seemed overly carbonated and somewhat bland in flavor.

The 3rd finger you see in this rating is appropriately placed as an F-You for poor execution to what could have been great. If Half Moon Bay Brewing Co were smart they would have made this beer a light brown ale or porter with class and charisma .. at least something which resembles its namesake. Perhaps McCain Loser Lager would have been more appropriate for this one?

Stone IPA – Stone Brewing Co - Escondido, CA

Stone IPA – Stone Brewing Co - 4/5

You've heard me rant on about overly hoppy beers in the past but this IPA is exceptional.

Although very hoppy, I find it to be smooth and well balanced with a light citrusy taste.

This is not a consumption beer in any way. I often find myself wanting something a little lighter after about 3 or 4 of them so I usually reserve Stone IPA as an accompaniment to a big, meaty, juicy burger. The ultimate paring in my eyes.

Rogue Chocolate Stout – Newport, OR

Rogue Chocolate Stout - 4/5

As you can see by my facial expression this dark little wonder took me by surprise.
If you’re a chocolate fan like myself you will love this drop.

The smell alone is intoxicating and it has flavor to match. You will get a nice roasty, chocolaty malt taste up front and a very faint coffee taste bringing up the rear.

Enjoy it on its own or as a stout float over some quality vanilla ice cream. Trust me on this one.

Carlton Draught | "Big Ad"

This is an oldie but a goody from Australia. Carlton Draught is what I drink when I'm in Melbourne. Not the fanciest of beers but it tastes like home.

A formal introduction

Beer me!

I really need to teach Charlie this...

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Hitachino Nest White Ale - Japan

Hitachino Nest White Ale - Japan

3.5/5

A white ale from Japan you ask? Yep, and it was pretty darn good. Before Hitachino, had you asked me to summarize Japanese beers I would have said they were light, crisp, fizzy and dry.

This little ripper however, opened my mind to experiencing the full range of Hitachino Nest beers and to start exploring other Japanese craft brews.

I would liken this beer to European style white ale and not American hefferveisen.

My first impression was that it was overly carbonated but after it settled in the glass for a few minutes it was perfect. It pours a light golden color and has a bright white head with bright, bold spiced aromas and flavor to follow. Thanks to Virginia and Jeff for putting me on to this hidden Japanese gem.