Young's Luxury Double Chocolate Stout

According to the bottle, "Here at Young's we've created a family of flavoursome [sic] ales with different styles and tastes, united by a common belief that good ale, brewed properly and with passion, can be enjoyed by all." Amen, brothers. My first thought was that this stuff actually tastes a little like chocolate, unlike most other "chocolate" beers. It must be the "double." This is a thick, rich beer that will fill you up after about a quarter of a pint, but has a smooth, Nes Quick powder flavor that will keep you drinking 'til the bottles gone. It's not super strong, weighing in at 5.2%, but it's a good dessert type beer, or if you just feel like having one. But who ever just wants one?

Sparks

My best friend used to get excited to visit Texas, partially because that meant she could buy Sparks. With that in mind, I bought a four-pack recently and expected to be blown away. This drink lures you in with the novelty of the Alcoholic Energy Drink that (an email informed me) contains the equivalent of three beers and eight cups of coffee. That said, I managed to get two and a half down in as many hours, and I felt nothing out of the ordinary. The taste is certainly nothing to compel one to drink it. Energy drinks are good, and alcohol is good, but combined, they taste (as Michael put it) like a sweet tart in a can...but not in the good way that you might imagine. Definitely not worth a second try.

Ace Pear Cider

Mike got this pear cider at the Draught House one night after we'd already had two beers apiece. I had a sip, and it tasted like too-sweet white wine. It's probably best to start the night out with this one, as having it after other beer is somewhat sickening. Also makes an excellent choice for those who haven't yet developed a taste for beer, or for those with Celiac Disease.

Redbridge

Good beer are refreshing. Good beers are made from sorghum? Surprisingly they can be. While on another seeking employment adventure I came across what I presumed was a tasty red. I really need to start reading labels... It did end up being yummy however even if it was made without wheat or barley. I was honestly surprised how good it was. So if you feel like passing on the gluten, give it a shot.





Mike's Rating:

Belhaven: St. Andrews Ale

There were a hundred different reasons I got this one. New Saint Andrews, I enjoy Belhaven brews for the most point, hell even the fact it was a product of Scotland was in play. It never occurred to me that it was a golf beer even though it said as much on the bottle... I really enjoyed it. So try it. Don't watch golf though. And don't tell me that Tiger Woods is an athlete, I don't want to hear it. Drink your beer and shut up so the rest of us can enjoy ours.




Mike's Rating:

Taj Mahal

The first time I had this was also my first adventure with Indian food. In comparison to the food, Taj Mahal was pretty good. I had a chance to revisit it recently and had a change of opinion. Granted it won't ever make you smell like curry and then proceed to push you away all night because of said smell. And I bet it won't get all pissy when you bring it to light that it was her idea that you went to that shit hole in the first place... No. It won't do that.

I liked the healthy buzz it provided but I just don't feel its anything special.

Mike's Rating:

Woodchuck Granny Smith Cider

To sum things up, this is the best beverage I've ever tasted. Made from Granny Smith apples (I'm assuming), it has the sweetness of a cider without being overwhelmingly saccharine. It has a curious flavor that keeps me interested, and an alcohol content that keeps me happy. If Woodchuck were to figure out how to make a diet version of this drink and put in it in slightly more work-appropriate packaging, you can rest assured I'd be spending half of my per diem allowance on these at least five days a week.



Amy's Rating:





Mike's Review
I definitely enjoyed this cider. Not only was it yummy but was also free. Its hard to argue with that. My one big gripe about ciders is that they are usually too sweet to be able to drink enough of them to get thoroughly hosed. That said its taking a little restraint to not drink the remaining three in the fridge right now. So drink up, you won't regret it.

Mike's Rating:

Mississippi Mud

I remember this tasting better in Idaho. I don't know why a few states would make any difference but it did. I like the jug, it reminds me of better days. Even that isn't enough for me though. I don't plan on buying this again.

Mike's Rating:

Sparks

This was a mistake. Cute idea putting an alcoholic beverage in what appears to be a battery. Except when that said beverage actually might be mistaken for battery acid. Seriously, have you EVER seen anyone finish a six of this stuff? I have good money that said unless they're tweakers and used to that kind of strain on their heart they're dead now. And if they're not, than I bet they wish they were. If you honestly feel like you need a little boost before a night of drinking, moderation people. One'll do you just fine.



Mike's Rating:

Hoegaarden witbier-biere blanche

For all the talk of the mysterious white beer I honestly had to google it before I realised I was drinking that Hoegaarden. The shit is good. It's a little light for me but it has some very interesting tastes going on. Some people say its a mix of coriander and orange peel but I like to think theres a little taste of hoe in every bottle.

Mike's Rating:

Lizard Head Red Ale

I can't say the stuff is bad. Its just another Red that is smooth enough for you to get through the over sized bottle with little complaint. It comes in handy if you are busy moping around a strangers house while wearing nothing but your under britches.

Mike's rating:

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

I enjoyed this one a lot. It was rich, smooth, and great tasting. Of the three I tasted on Saturday, this one is the only one I'd buy again. The only bad thing is since its a stout its very filling, so even though I really liked it, I could only drink one.

Jen's Rating: