W10 Pitch Black IPA

Ratebeer 3.5 93rd percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +4

I was not sure what to expect from a black IPA, this is the first one I have ever tried. At first glance the opaque black fluid with good head retention did not seem overly inviting. It was the nose that got me interested: barely roasted and big citrus flavours. The tastes were also quite unique; the big west coast IPA was there. Do I have to mention what a big coast IPA tastes like? This one was not terribly hop assertive, but the addition of debittered black malt gave added flavours. You could pick out roasted barley and chocolate.

Aftertaste +2

It was a long, dry and astringent finish. The welcome mix of citrus and roasted malt made it a pleasant one.

Alcohol Content +1 6.5%

Value +1

This is the perfect blend for those who love big IPAs and roasted porters.

Ingame Enhancement +1

Still in Seattle, still sampling many great beers.

Overall 9/10

This is the perfect brew for someone who thinks they have tried everything. You get the west coast IPA love (citrus, astringent) with the bonus of roasted malts and chocolate. This is very similar to Inquity black ale.

Inquity Black Ale

Widmer Bros Cherry Oak Doppelbock

Lately it is all about special edition wood aged beers. I like these trends, it produces unique flavours.

Ratebeer 3.55 87th percentile
Beer Advocate B+

Taste +4

The name gave away the nose. Yes, it was woody with cherry syrup that was similar to a mild port. This is a thick, slippery and boozy brew. It is very Trappist like with a good mix of cherry, dry wood and caramel malty syrup.

Aftertaste +2

The slightly glycerin-like coating left a sweet cherry/sherry residue.

Alcohol Content +1 9%

Yup, you can notice it. You also don't really care because it is so delicious.

Value +1

If I could get it again I would.

Ingame Enhancement +1

This is the best brew for sitting on the floor watching your little girl decorate a Christmas tree.

Overall 9/10

This was a stellar brew. It was the syrupy sweetness of a doppelbock with enhanced flavours from wood aging and the added cherries.

Doppel-Hirsch
Spaten Optimator
Yankee Jim Ice Bock

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.

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.

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.