Tangerine Wheat (Lost Coast)

Ratebeer 2.98 41st percentile
Beer Advocate B-

I first sampled this beer at the Great Canadian Beer Festival 2008. I thought it might be something the wife might like.

Taste +3

It is what it is; a nose of wheat beer (citrus and grain) heavily punctuated with sweet tangerine aroma. There was no carbonation worth mentioning. Surprisingly light and refreshing, with the added tangy tangerine sweetness. Luckily it was not too sweet.

Aftertaste +1

It lingers on with the same taste as the first sip; but changes to a slight bitterness at the back of the mouth.

Alcohol Content 0 5%

Value +1

It was a nice, light summer beer that I would get again. Only to be drunk on a hot day on the patio.

Ingame Enhancement 0

Sat on the couch and watched a movie. I couldn't relax because I knew somewhere virtual zombies were plotting against me. Maybe it was because I was watching Casino Royale; finale a real bond is back!

Overall 5/10

The original rating was 4/10 at the Beer fest. It is a little different and worth trying once.

Other notable and funny posts (doubtful)
Yellow Snow IPA and New Years Resolutions
Old Rasputin Imperial Stout (Amazing beer)
Bitburger Pils and Palm Springs

Flavius: Here is more proof that beer is good for you.
Meterman: I'm listening...
F: In the April 2009 issue of Clinical Nutrition, they tested beers for melatonin and antioxidant content. The higher the alcohol content for the beer tested provided higher melatonin content. This contributed to a higher antioxidant status in test subjects. Higher antioxidant status has been associated with lower incidences of heart disease and more.
M: Sorry what was that?
F: You said you were listening. Melatonin in beer..
M: Yes, but never to you. And I always thought it was your conversations that were putting me to sleep.

Weizen Bock (Tree Brewing)

Ratebeer 3.53 68th percentile
Beer Advocate B

Taste +4

I'm not used to great beers from Tree Brewing, but this is different. There is a huge nose of banana baby food, citrus, lemon and sweet grains. The taste is very light, refreshing and similar to the nose; lemon zest, banana and yeast.

Aftertaste +1

Sadly the ending was very crisp and clean. Perhaps there was a slight rum soaked bananas at the ending.

Alcohol Content +1 7%

The alcohol was no where to be tasted or smelled

Value +1

For $5 for a 650ml bomber, this beer is underpriced.

Ingame Enhancement +1

This was the first night they released the survivor pack for L4D. Which button makes your character wet his pants and call for mommy?

Overall 8/10

I purposely held this review back so I could buy up the rest of this beer in the city. I doubt that my reviews make that much of an impact, but I was not taking any chances. This is a great beer.

Other great and entertaining posts:
Stone Bitter Oatmeal Stout and Failure
Schneider Weisse
Fat Tire Amber Ale and Mistaken Identity

Youngers Special Bitter (Rogue)

Ratebeer 3.49 85th percentile
Beer Advocate B+
Taste +3

This will most certainly be a bitter; you can tell from the citrus hop bitterness that permeates the room. Once the nose gets closer, you can pick up a slight nuttiness and malt sweetness. The first thing to hit your tongue is the citrus hop and carbonation bite. This is followed with a medium malt sweetness, very bright, mixed with light citrus and cloves. Overall a very refreshing swig.

Aftertaste +2

All the flavours drift around and cleanly head off to leave a nice residual citrus bitterness. The bitterness just won't stop.
Alcohol Content -1 4.8%

True bitters are meant to be refreshing and not knock down beers.

Value +1

This was a great bitter. I will get this one for my Father at Xmas.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I think I knitted a sweater for a homeless dog this night.

Overall 5/10

Rogue always brews good stuff. This is no exception.

Sleemans Fine Porter

Ratebeer 2.78 27th percentile
Beer Advocate C+

What exactly do they mean by fine?

Taste +1

The nose is slightly porter like; caramel, roasted grains and weak coffee. The flavour is very Sleeman like, but with a little roasted caramel and cheap licorice added. You either like Sleemans cream ale or you don't.

Aftertaste -2

Again you either like Sleemans... This left a coating all over the place. It was like you ate a cheap piece of licorice that had been dipped in glue.

Alcohol Content 0 5.5%

Value 0

It is on par with other Sleeman beer; about $12 a 6-pack. If you spend 2 bucks more you can get Sierra Nevada Porter.

Ingame Enhancement +1

Just another night at the office; I work at the DMV for zombies. I am never employee of the month.

Overall 0/10

Yup, that about sums it up. Excuse me while I go brush my teeth.

St. Bernardus Tripel

Ratebeer 3.79 97th percentile
Beer Advocate A-

Taste +4

Apricots, citrus and yeast hit your nose before the glass even gets close. You could tell this one was a Belgian. The taste gives a strong dose of alcohol, citrus, peaches and a spicy malt sweetness. Very similar in taste to Karmeliet.

Aftertaste +1

It finishes dry and clean. Only the slight alcohol warming, yeast and sweet malt remains.

Alcohol Content +1 8%

Yup its a trippel alright. You can taste and smell it.

Value 0

It was nice but nothing supergreat, I would probably get the Karmeliet instead.

Ingame Enhancement 0

Again sampled at the hotel near Disneyland. It is a small world after all.
Overall 6/10

It was a good beer, but there are better examples in this category. If you can't find this one, grab a Fin Du Monde. They are very similar.

Warsteiner Dunkel (Germany)

Ratebeer 3.04 48th percentile
Beer Advocate B-

I left out the 'premium' in the title for reasons very apparent if you ever try this beer.

Taste +1

Take everything a great Dunkel should be. A rich nose of caramel malt, green apples with a nice balance of aromatic bitter hops and a healthy dose of carbonation; then add water. I'm sure this beer has some flavour somewhere. The label actually says 'hop extract'.

Aftertaste 0

For an aftertaste there first must be a taste.

Alcohol Content -1 4.8%

Value 0

At least it was cheap. A 500ml can was under $3.

Ingame Enhancement +1

This dish water of a beer did not distract me from finishing a L4D map with Aqualung.
Overall 1/10

Technically it was beer. There is some German printing on the front of the can; I sure it says, "I can't believe you bought this beer, sucker!"

Rolling Rock Light (a.k.a. Flat, piss beer)

Ratebeer 1.65 3rd percentile
Beer Advocate D

Taste -2

The nose actually reminded me of dilute urine, wet hair and a frat party. It tasted vaguely of honey and wheat. I actually thought that I had grabbed my 5 year olds apple juice by mistake. Why am I tasting peanut butter? I should have stuck with the apple juice.

Aftertaste 0

I'm glad there was none.
Alcohol Content -1 3.6%

I think there was more alcohol in the stir-fry at lunch.

Value -1

This is what they served during the managers reception at the hotel we stayed in. If you factor in the $180 per night room charge, we got rocked.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I think this beer made quite a splash in the plant I dumped it in.

Overall -4/10 Do we have a foghorn sound anywhere?

I'm glad the manager was not there; I would have poured this beer down his pants.

Scaldis Noel Premium

Ratebeer 3.68 94th percentile
Beer Advocate A

Taste +4

Anything with a winter wonderland scene on the label should be strong and sweet. The nose is right on the money, cherry malt, yeast and bread sweetness. The alcohol is right up front in the nose. The taste hits you straight away with the alcohol tingle. This is quickly followed with plums and maraschino cherries. There is also a mild spice and yeasty component to this brew. As the beer warms up and the yeast settles, the flavours turn a little bitter and chewier. There are tons of floaties.

Aftertaste +1

The taste fades quicker than expected. The alcohol tingle warms you all the way down and only accentuates the cherry flavours.

Alcohol Content +1 13%

This is the strongest beer so far; you can sure taste the alcehol.

Value -1
This 750ml bottle costs $19.99US! For $20 I was expecting miracles.

Ingame Enhancement 0

Nope, nothing. I sat in the hotel room and watched my father watch the brier over the internet. At least with a 13% beer I was numb to the pain.

Overall 5/10

This is a special occasion beer. Perhaps a wedding gift or after a funeral. That is only if you get a big inheritance. There are better big belgians for the money; you could buy 2 Brother Thelonius or 5 Chimays.

Flavius: I have a new life goal.
Meterman: Don't you mean first?
F: I shall prove to the world that drinking beer is good for you.
M: That should make brewers very happy.
F: Take this for example. In the April 2009 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, men who consumed 1-2 beers a day had greater bone mineral density compared to those who drank more or none at all. A low bone mineral density is a risk factor for developing osteoporosis. These same results were not seen with similar intakes of hard liquor, which suggested protective effects caused by something besides ethanol. It is thought that the silicon present in beer may contribute to the increased bone mineral density.
M: So does this mean that if I drink enough beer I can re-caulk my bathtub?
1554 Enlightened Black Ale (New Belgium)

Ratebeer 3.51 87th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +5

Well the nose is no surprise for a beer this dark; burnt toast, charcoal and peat. Dear goodness me, the taste is way off. Flavours of smoke and cherry malt sweetness are everywhere. One can also pick out hints of vanilla and caramel. The flavours are different every time you take a sip.

Aftertaste 0

Sadly this beer finishes clean with no aftertaste. I was hoping to pick up new flavours on the way out, but there was nothing. NOTHING.

Alcohol Content 0 5.6%

Value +1

A 650ml bomber set me back $3.29US. This is one of the oddest beers I have ever tasted.

Ingame Enhancement +1

This is the second time I have tried this beer. The first was while gazing at the nighttime Las Vegas strip from my 30th floor window. Life can be good with an expense account.
Overall 7/10

Whenever you think you have tasted every kind of beer; grab one of these.

Ommegang Hennepin

Ratebeer 3.68 94th percentile
Beer Advocate A-

The name really reveals nothing about the style; its a Belgian style saison.

Taste +4

The nose is a little hard to get past; skunk cabbage, yeast but yet still sweet. The pour gives a huge fluffy head that stays longer than your in-laws. Luckily the taste is better. You are graced with a medium feel, honey sweet brew, mixed with yeast, grains and slightly spicy nuts. Overall a very clean, effervescent drink.

Aftertaste +1

The corn, yeast and white bread sweetness quickly vanishes leaving nothing.
Alcohol Content +1 7.7%

Wow, one must be careful, this is a 750ml corked bomber. It would be wise to share this one.

Value 0

This one cost $7.50 US. It is a good saison, but not that good. North Coast Le Merle is a more reasonable choice.

Ingame Enhancement 0

I shared this brew with my Father in our hotel room at Disneyland. All things not conducive to violent on-line gaming.

Overall 6/10 Nice

It was a nice beer, but the price was a little steep.

Gonzo Imperial Porter (Flying Dog)

Ratebeer 3.89 98th percentile
Beer Advocate A-

I had heard rumours about the impressiveness of this brew; I was not disappointed.
Taste +5

OMG the nose coming off this beer tells me that it means biznas. It stanks of the deepest porters; roasted, no make that burnt, malts, bitter chocolate and burnt caramel espresso. The taste is more than the average porter but less intense than an imperial stout. Despite the nose, it has a surprising smoothness to it; the bittersweet chocolate malts literally slide over the tongue and down to kiss our soul. Your taste sensation is as expected from the nose, but with an added molasses and licorice sweetness. I'm in love and it's not even Friday.

Aftertaste +2

It ends with a licorice sweetness, that appears after the bitter latte flavours vacate the premises. The brew gently coats the mouth and even several minutes later, the licorice sweetness is still there.
Alcohol Content +1 7.8%

You can't notice it at all. Luckily this is a slow sipping beer.

Value +1

For $10 for a four pack, this is not one to be overlooked.
Ingame Enhancement +1

I think I really impressed my Father with this one. I still have one left in the fridge and think about it every day. Sometimes I just open the door and stare at it.

Overall 10/10 BOOM NIGHTWARE HEADSHOT

If you like strong, dark, flavourful beers, this is the one. You might consider buying this for a friend if you borrow his golf clubs and damage one.

Broken Halo IPA (Widmer)

Ratebeer 3.33 74th percentile
Beer Advocate B

Taste +4

Once released from the bottle, Broken Halo pours golden yellow with a fluffy head that clings to the glass and sticks around. The nose is quite subdued for an IPA, only slightly hoppy. The first sip hits you with a double punch of carbonation and alcohol. This is followed up by a caramel malt sweetness slightly underbalanced by aromatic hop bitterness. The bitterness is reminiscent of ruby red grapefruit juice.

Aftertaste +2

The lingering citrus hop bitterness lasted for over a minute, but it was not overpowering.

Alcohol Content +1 6%

The alcohol content was not too high but you could taste it up front.

Value +1

This was a very drinkable IPA. Not a superstar in the hop department.

Ingame Enhancement +1

Vacations are great. I had this beer in the hot tub after breakfast. Now this is a great start to any day.

Overall 9/10 BOOM HEADSHOT

I liked this beer not because it was the most hoppy IPA, but because it was above average hoppy. Just enough to be drinkage and flavourful.

Drop Top Amber Ale (Widmer)

Ratebeer 2.8 28th percentile
Beer Advocate B-

Taste +2

Nose is a little flat; pecans, mixed nuts and vanilla malt. Taste is just like the nose; light roasted malt with vanilla and cloves. There is nice balance with a understated hop bitterness. The mouthfeel has a creaminess about it.

Aftertaste +1

After the malt fades off, the hop bitterness coats the upper palate but does not overpower.

Alcohol Content -1 4.85%

Value +1

This came in the variety pack; $22 for 24 bottles from Costco. This was a great deal for the quality of beer.

Ingame Enchantment 0

Nope, sat in hot tub and drank the day away.
Overall 3/10

I'm usually not a fan of this style, but I liked it.

Bass Pale Ale (England)

RateBeer 3.16 59th percentile
Beer Advocate B-

Taste +1

The nose, well.... is not there. If I had to make one up I would say apple juice. It was a little watery, but sweet. Not much flavour really, maybe a slight pale malt sweetness similar to watered down apple juice. There was just the slightest hints of floral hops at the end. You could pick up the fainted metallic taste, it didn't seem out of place.

Aftertaste +1

Very light, but the metallic (hard water) and floral hops quickly slipped away clean.

Alcohol Content 0 5.1%

Value 0

It wasn't something I would not buy again; it was too flavourless.

Ingame Enhancement 0

No one playing tonight. So I just sat here drinking my flavourless beer; hoping to pick out some flavours. Anything. Bueller...Bueller..

Overall 2/10

I really only wanted to try this beer because it appeared in an Edouard Manet painting (A bar at the Folies-Bergere). Nothing of note here.

Drifter Pale Ale (Widmer Brothers)

Ratebeer 3.46 82nd percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +3

There was more aromatic hops than one would expect from a box pale ale. Excellent balance of grapefruit/pine and vanilla hops with the minor malt sweetness.

Aftertaste +1

Since this beer is not a super heavyweight in the hops department, the hops bitterness fades clean after about 20 seconds.

Alcohol Content 0 5.7%
Value +1

This was a great Pale Ale. It came in the Widmer Bro mixer pack that I picked up at Costco for $22 for 24 bottles.

Ingame Enhancement +1

I was soooo happy I convinced by father not to buy the Amber Bock big box. It is going to be a good week; at least as far as beer goes.

Overall 6/10

Everything Widmer brothers makes is golden. This beer is no exception.

India Pale Ale (Stone Brewing)

Ratebeer 4.0 99th percentile
Beer Advocate A

Taste +4

Woah, this one has a huge dry hoppy nose; not floral, more on the citrus/spicy side. The taste is most unexpected; almost a creamy hop bitterness. These hops are piney with grapefruit and vanilla mixed in for good measure. Overall the mouthfeel is almost buttery.

Aftertaste +2

Your whole mouth is left coated with this glorious smooth, citrus hop bitterness.

Alcohol Content +1 6.9%

I'm sure there is ethanol in the flavours somewhere, but the hop hides everything.

Value +1

If I ever see it again, I will buy two.

Ingame Enhancement +1

A glorious interruption to the macro-brew swill that I was drinking all week.

Overall 9/10

One of the best IPA's I have tried. On par with the Green Flash and Dogfish Head 90min IPA.

Samuel Adams Black Lager

Ratebeer 3.39 78th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +3

Your standard 341ml bottle poured off an almost black brew with a thin, tan head. The nose was to be expected from something this dark; a little chocolate and burnt malt. This was surprisingly nice for a box beer. After the pronounced carbonation tinkle up front, you are graced with a medium feel of bitter chocolate and deeply roasted grains/malt. There was not enough floral hop bitterness, so it was a little sweet beer.
Aftertaste +1

The lingering chocolate bitter sweetness mixed well with the understated hop bitterness, but it didn't last long.

Alcohol Content -1 4.9%

Value +1

This beer I would get again; if only I could find it in Canada

Ingame Enhancement 0

This was the final flavour in the Samuel Adams beer box. I hid these ones in the back of the fridge.

Overall 4/10

A very nice brew. If it was any fuller bodied or stronger you could call it a porter or stout.

Samuel Adams Scotch Ale

Ratebeer 3.27 69th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +1

Your nose is teased with hints of light malt sweetness and smoke. The taste is very malty, a little too sweet I think. This is all mixed in with smoke, wood and peat moss flavours.

Aftertaste -1

The leftovers were a little burnt toast like. Not the good 12 grain organic kind, think more along the lines of wonderbread.

Alcohol Content 0 5.4%
No redeeming itself here.

Value 0

At least it was free

Ingame Enhancement 0

Overall 0/10 On par with water

There must be balance in a box of beer. This was certainly the anchor. Perhaps it is a style bias; it got higher ratings on the beer sites.

Amber Bock (Michelob)

Ratebeer 2.42 13th percentile
Beer Advocate C

Taste +1

It was a pretty weak tasting beer. Only the slightest of roasted malt sweetness and a tracing of hop bitterness could be found. You could pick up slight hazelnut and toffee/caramel.
Aftertaste +1

You get a flash of caramel malt sweetness on the way out.

Alcohol Content 0 5.2%

Wasn't expecting anything to far from the magic 5% number.

Value +1

I will reward this beer for two things only, it is cheap and slightly above average when compared to other mega produced beers/swill. The key word is slightly. It sure was cheap, a 12pack costs about $11. You can find it everywhere and it is always on sale.

Ingame Enhancement 0

This was the beer I was greeted with in Palm Springs. At this point, I knew there was lots of work to do.

Overall 3/10

If you can find nothing else try this one. It may be cheaper than bottled water.

Arrogant Bastard Ale (Stone Brewing)

Ratebeer 3.93 99th percentile
Beer Advocate A-

Taste +3

BAM, as soon as you open the bottle the nose of floral hops, light citrus fruits and alcohol fills the room. This is one complicated beer; huge grapefruit and pine hops, roasted malts and weak coffee. If you can get past the oily bitterness, it is a great beer. Not a smooth drinking beer, its a little stinging.

Aftertaste +2

The bitter hops slips down your gullet, warming and burning all the way down. The residue is a warm coffee and tart malt.
Alcohol Content +1 7.2%

Value +1

This is one of the best ales I have ever tried. Sort of a mix between porter and IPA.

Ingame Enhancement +1

I found this beer in the scuzziest CBAW ever. Their dusty wine selection was stored in a yellow milk crate on the floor. They even sold tequila that came in a glass gun. You could almost see the line from the door to the BUD Light cooler.
Overall 8/10 BOOM HEADSHOT

I have had this beer before and remember it being just as complex. If you like your beers strong, hoppy and complex, then look no further. It has a catchy name also.

Flavius: I have scientific proof that drinking beer is good for you!
Meterman: All one has to do is look at us. Umm. Perhaps just me.
F:I have proof; in the December 2008 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition consumption of beer (<2 per day) was associated with a lower progression of coronary calcium (CAC) when compared to non-drinkers. However, more than 2 beers per day was associated with a greater CAC. CAC is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease.
M: Wow, I am impressed with you Flavius.
F: Why? You didn't think I could read?
M: Some of those words had 3 syllables. I found a few flaws in the study.
F:How so?
M: None of the recruitment populations were from the Pacific Northwest, so they must have been drinking crap beer.
F: Right, none of that stuff is good for you!

Samuel Adams Boston Lager

Ratebeer 3.2 63 percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +2

This is surprising; a nose of light hops, coffee and roasted malt. The taste is very plain for a lager with above average carbonation. The Sam Adams selection was nicely flavoured with roasted caramel malts whose sweetness was nice kept in check with a floral hoppy bitterness.

Aftertaste +1

All the flavours fade fast. Only the carbonation tinkle, slight roasted caramel and bitterness resides.

Alcohol Content -1 4.9%

Value 0

It was alright, but I have had better lagers.

Ingame Enhancement 0

This was another of the Palm Springs beers. If someone asked me to bring them a beer, I gave them one of these. They rarely asked me to bring them anymore beer.

Overall 2/10

Meh, in all boxed beers there must be balance.

I case you were wondering, no I did not $6US for one at Disneyland.

Widmer Hefeweizen

Ratebeer 2.9 36th percentile
Beer Advocate C+

Taste +3

Certainly is a Hefe, or an American wheat ale, the nose is wheat and honey. Your taste presentation is very nice, fresh honey, light lemon, wheat/grain sweetness and not too yeasty. It was a little too carbonated for my liking. This is one of the few beers I would stick a lime in.

Aftertaste 0

It was a very clean, dry finish, slightly lemony.

Alcohol Content -1 4.7%

Value +1

It was a nice hefe, I would get it again.

Ingame Enhancement +1

This was another Palm Springs vacation purchase. I think I had this one in the pool after breakfast.

Overall 4/10

Its a nice hefe; get it if you like the style.