Widmer Brothers Brewing Rotator Falconer’s IPA

Widmer Brothers Brewing Rotator Falconer’s IPA: This brew was on the bitter side, but reminded me of slightly unripe peaches. Also, the bitterness didn't linger like some IPAs tend to do, rather the strong malt undertones mellowed it out, though not to the point of a toasty finish. It boasts a hefty ABV of 7%, and while I was able to finish the single bottle I bought, I was glad I didn't buy more.

Fire Station 5 Fire Boat Amber Ale

Fire Station 5 Fire Boat Amber Ale: As with most ambers, the malts were full and toasty, and it had a nice strength in taste. Not bitter, but for me, just a tad heavy. It made a nice late summer brew to sip on though, as if paving the way for the heavier autumn brews that are already hitting the shelves.

Fire Station 5 Steam Pumper IPA

Fire Station 5 Steam Pumper IPA:  Another shocking IPA I actually liked. It had a citrusy hoppiness that mellowed out into a vague nuttiness on the finish. The bitter level was tolerant, and overall it was a flavorful and refreshing beer.

Shiner Bock Beer

Shiner Bock Beer:  A Texas classic…I have never seen this in Southern Oregon, but my husband came across it, so YAY! This is indeed a smooth beer as the bottle boasts, with a light toastiness that finishes with a touch of caramel sweetness. It is the pride of the small town of Shiner, Texas, and I will have to agree…great beer from the Lone Star State!

Widmer Brothers Brewing Rotator Shaddock IPA

Widmer Brothers Brewing Rotator Shaddock IPA:  Yes, yes, not really fond of IPAs, EXCEPT when they take on a very citrusy flavor like this one. This one is brewed with grapefruit peels, and when paired with the Citra hops they use, well, the result is amazingly delicious. It’s reminiscent of their own Drifter Pale Ale, but with a punchier flavor. It is bitter, yes, but when it’s that delightfully tangy bitter that comes from fruity source, I’m all for it!

Good Life Mountain Rescue Dry Hop Pale Ale

Good Life Mountain Rescue Dry Hop Pale Ale: At the slightest mention of “hop” on any label, I tend to shy away, but my husband picked this up for me, so I couldn’t be rude and not drink it! I was pleasantly surprised to find the bitter bite that initially assaults my taste buds was quickly replaced with a bare hint of molasses and slight nuttiness. It was pretty balanced in flavor, and while I would have loved it more if the malt factor was kicked up a tad, it was still a decent beer. AND, it is brewed in Oregon in honor of the Mountain Rescue Teams!

Samuel Adams Black & Brew Coffee Stout

Samuel Adams Black & Brew Coffee Stout: I’ve said in the past that I am not much of a stout or porter enthusiast; however, this brew may have just changed my mind! It was very rich on the coffee flavor with strong undertones of chocolate and a hint of caramel. This just may be my new “after dinner” treat! 

Blue Moon Caramel Apple Spiced Ale

Blue Moon Caramel Apple Spiced Ale:  Oh, the joys of autumn come full circle with this beer! Perfectly caramel in flavor without any burnt notes and slightly spicy mixed with a tinge of cider taste round out this warmly flavored beer. Bring on the falling leaves and cozy sweaters; I am ready for the season! 

Full Sail Brewer’s Share Berliner Weiss

Full Sail Brewer’s Share Berliner Weiss:  Made in small batches with a portion of the proceeds going to Oregon State University’s Brewing Science Program (wow…what a cool program, can I enroll?) – Brewer Chris Haveman concocted this delicious brew from 50% wheat malt with a touch of Hersbrucker hops. The result? A light, almost fruity, refreshingly crisp and easy drinking beer. YUM…drink up! 

Pyramid Oktoberfest Autumn Lager

Pyramid Oktoberfest Autumn Lager: Mmmm, fall is almost here! I love autumnal brews, and this was no exception. The bottle says it has a “strong malt backbone” and indeed, it had a rich, warm, and distinctively caramel toastiness, which had a subtle sweetness that finished with a barely discernible bitter bite of the hops they used. Lovely beer, a bit on the heavy side, but the flavor is so inviting, that I didn’t mind drinking my dinner (AND dessert!).

Satellite taster Gina Hyams: Schlafly Pumpkin Ale

Schlafly Pumpkin Ale...for the East Coast beer drinkers! This post is courtesy of my fellow beer loving (and Foreigner Superfan) friend Gina Hyams: She says "Amber Ale with Pumpkin and butternut squash spiced with nutmeg, clove and cinnamon...truly pumpkin pie in a bottle. YUM!" 

10 Barrel Brewing Co. Apocalypse IPA

10 Barrel Brewing Co. Apocalypse IPA:  I’ve been afraid to try this, but was pleasantly surprised that it reminded me of Widmer’s Drifter Pale Ale with the citrus heavy hops. It wasn’t overly bitter, especially for being an IPA, and I was shocked I could finish the entire (6.8% ABV) bottle! 

Bridgeport Kingpin Triple Hopped Double Red Ale

Bridgeport Kingpin Triple Hopped Double Red Ale:  So just the phrase “triple hopped” had me assuming (wrongly so) that this would be an ultra bitter beer…Oh BOY was I mistaken! Thanks to a recommendation by an old co-worker Donovan Schmidt, I bravely purchased a single bottle of this rich and very balanced beer. It’s made with “rye, malt, and a generous amount of hops”, and despite its robust taste, it finished clean and didn’t linger. I might just have to go back and buy an entire 6-pack!

Mississippi Mud Black & Tan Porter & Pilsner

Mississippi Mud Black & Tan Porter & Pilsner: Blending pale and dark beers is a tradition in England, and being such aficionados of good beer, I can see why. This gives you the hearty essence of a stout, but lightens it up a bit with the crisp tang of a pilsner. Flavorful, but not too heavy, not the least bit harsh, and something I will definitely have again and again…I may even start experimenting by blending other beers I sample that don’t excite my palate!