Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Russian River Damnation

Russian River Damnation
Spy 12-ouncers of this in stores for $8. Saw it on tap at Philadelphia's St. Stephen's Green. Had to try it. It's a very good beer. But it's not worth $8 retail for a short bottle. For that, it would have to be UNPARALLELED! Maybe come with an E pill?
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: AleSmith Anvil Ale ESB

AleSmith Anvil Ale ESB
Have heard a lot about AleSmith Brewing Company recently. Based in San Diego, you would figure they would be able to produce a fine IPA. Only problem? Accidentally picked up the ESB instead of the IPA. No worries. IPA hoppiness. Significant piney notes. Complex maltiness, while retaining smooth finish.
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale

Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale
When hitting the beer store, first name I'm looking for is Lagunitas. Was starting to fear that I'd tried everything I could get on East Coast. Saw this today. Hallelujah! Beautiful amber color. Perfect balance of hops and malt. Glad I have five more to devour.
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale

Bear Republic Red Rocket Ale
As I write, I'm listening to the Rolling Stones' Exile on Main Street. Are there any beers that would taste bad while taking in such gritty, dirty, devilish audio? I taste hops. I taste oranges. I taste smoky malt. Just spent 30 seconds inhaling it. Another treasure from the CA.
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Coronado Brewing Company Golden

Coronado Golden
Didn't get much out of this beer. Think it was one of three things: 1) Was the third of three different light microbrews I had tasted that day; 2) Was trying to take notes while watching the Mad Men premiere; or 3) Wasn't all that great. Going with the third.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Port Brewing Wipeout IPA

Port Brewing Wipeout IPA
This bottle's art looks like it was designed by a 5th grader, but the beer's equal to a student who got his MBA and is going for the doctorate (this isn't to say that it's too scared to get a real job). Wipeout is crisp, hoppy, and laced with citrus.

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Growler Wars: AleSmith vs. Voodoo

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

AleSmith Nautical Nut Brown Ale
The color on this San Diego-based brewer's English brown ale actually borders on black. It gives off serious malts as well as definite coffee notes. There is a bit of a spicy, peppery flavor and the first sip is both smooth yet vibrant and spiky. There is a bit of a sour, vinegary feel at points, but overall this brown is way better than run-of-the-mill.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot

Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot
Heard keg of this ale by California's beer geniuses had arrived at local watering hole. E-mailed to see when it would be tapped. "Not until next week." Shattering! Until I saw 22-ouncer at Whole Foods. Shockingly, think it's just OK. Somewhere between brown ale and IPA. Struggles to find balance.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale
First barleywine I had was at event by now-defunct General Lafayette. Took sip. Threw away. Second was at Wegman's: Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot. Ordered accidentally. Made wife swap beers. Had flight of this today. Thought "Not bad." Not sure that would make it decent barleywine. But there you have it.
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: He'Brew Genesis Dry Hopped Session Ale

He'Brew Genesis Dry Hopped Session Ale
I've researched as thoroughly as I'm prepared to do, and I'm still not sure where this beer comes from. From website: "Born & Based in San Francisco." Yet "Brewed & Bottled in New York." OoooooooK. Anyway, offers tremendous balance of malt and hops. Complex flavor for session beer.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Stone Pale Ale

Stone Pale Ale
I think I've been spoiled by Stone Brewing Company. Every time I crack their beer open, I expect to be floored. This one? I can pick up somewhat of a scent. It's easy to drink. Nothing offends. But the hops are too subtle. Slightly bland. Sorry for the blasphemy.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Stone Levitation Ale

Stone Levitation Ale
Not the best beer I've had from perhaps California's most prestigious brewery. The American amber's a little light and yet it has a strong and lasting aftertaste. Honestly though, I was just shocked to realize post-purchase that it's just 4.4 ABV. Man! That's Miller Lite territory, right?

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA

Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA
Bought this six-pack when I had a cold. When drinking it and not catching much distinctive flavor, figured it was because my sinuses were full of snot. Now the Kleenex and nasal drip has done its job. Sense of taste has returned. Eh. Still not getting much. Don't like.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale

Lagunitas Sucks Holiday Ale
When I first heard of this beer, I thought it would be interesting to try a dark beer from Lagunitas, masters of extremely hoppy pale beverages. So imagine my surprise when what I got was another exquisitely brewed, hop-filled, golden IPA. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Stone Cali-Belgique IPA

Stone Cali-Belgique IPA
Effective combination of flavors expected from an IPA and a Belgian-style. Or...could make an argument that the effort to combine the two left the beer someplace in the middle, not reaching the peaks you anticipate from a great brewer's IPA or Belgian. Both thoughts would be fair.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Green Flash Brewing Company Trippel Ale

Green Flash Brewing Company Trippel Ale
Was starting to wonder if the San Diego-based brewer made anything other than their West Coast IPA, which I've enjoyed on several occasions. When I saw this 22-ouncer, I passed up Stone's Cali-Belgique to give it a try. It's pretty respectable. Hope I made right decision.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lagunitas Maximus IPA

Lagunitas Maximus IPA
For 2011's last beer purchase, wanted to pick up an IPA. Figured, "Why not make it a Double?" Then thought, "Why not make it one by the best brewery currently working in America?" Doesn't disappoint. Intense, beefy hop flavor. Scent of citrus and sugar. Majestic copper color. Perfect beer experience.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: North Coast Brewing Company Le Merle

North Coast Brewing Company Le Merle
Definitely one of the more intriguing (if not completely satisfying) beers I've had in a while. Was expecting a straight-ahead Saison, but what I got was a little bit of a sour beer. There's earthy, fruity flavor too, but not your traditional citrus. Thinking it might have been beet?

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale

Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale
While I've had Celebration before, it's been a while. I was expecting a winter beer. Imagine my shock when I realized that it was not only an American IPA, but one of the hoppiest, most vibrant-tasting versions I've had in months. Extremely satisfying. Will purchase again before holidays conclude.

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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Firestone Walker Double Jack IPA

Firestone Walker Double Jack IPA
Tried this the other night when a friend brought it to a Halloween party. Like Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA only with double the hops. Duh! That's what a double IPA usually is. So if Union Jack is great, it makes sense that Double Jack is twice as enjoyable.

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