Green Flash IPA

I was introduced to this hoppy Indian Pale Ale on the most beautiful spring day in Berkeley, CA.

I dont usually get alot of cohorts when i suggest an IPA on a hot day, because it sits a little heavy (kind of like a loaf of bread in your gut) but i wanted to try it, and my friends were down.

Sure enough, in addition to the super hoppy snap on the lips, there was an element of grapefruits and citrus that refreshed anything you once though was heavy.

Even your Aunt Ruth.

Im damn glad i found this one, and look forward to pounding a couple pints of these here and there.

My score is a sunny 89 out of 100.

Cooper’s Extra Strong Vintage Ale

Leave it to the Aussie’s to NOT beat around the bush with a beer’s name.

It is what it is, and they mean it.

It is suggested that this VERY malty ale be kept up to 18 months after purchase to truly age the flavors.

I can assume the bottle i had had been sitting around for its allowed time, because there was some very tasty sediment in the bottom of my tulip glass.

At 7.5% a/v, it packs a punch, especially since it is so easy to drink.

I flipped through this one in about 10 minutes, but i wanted to nurse it because the flavors were just that complex.

I highly recommend this one with some spicy asian food. Or a Coney Island firecracker.

Its yer choice Ted.

My score – 91 out of 100

Rogue Double Dead Guy Ale

This was something….

I wasnt sure what to expect with this frisky ale….it beckoned me like a slutty siren with its red bottle on the shelf….

Ill say this now….im a sucker for a red dress…this Rogue Brewery Ale got me.

I was expecting a punch in the mouth, fuck you, here’s drunkeness, here’s mayhem, and here’s a headache in the morning….since its the “double” version of its older brother, Dead Guy Ale. I am a good friend of this beer…a very good friend.

But what i got was a complex sweetheart. You know…that girl that may be NASTY on the outside….but man….shes all about just LOVING you.

The first pull off of this ales had an initially caramelly smack in the mouth with a finish that had notes of melon and tart citrus. But the best was the body in between…imagine both of those things with the taste of a mild baked bread in between.

See…i never expected it.

I never expected myself to want this beer the next time i had a spicy Thai dish, or even a pulled pork sandwich with extra Sriracha.

Though im not a huge fan of fruity complex beers, it helped convince me that not all girls in red dresses are dangerous.

My score – 91 out of 100.