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24th
August

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Ninkasi Radiant Ale(7 out of 10)  The Ninkasi Radiant Ale is a summer release beer, which was first brewed back in 2009. It pours red amber with a thick, fluffy head that sustains itself throughout the entire session. The smell is a bit unusual and offers mostly pine hops. Unlike most Northwest Ales, the Radiant isn’t really that citrus forward. Instead it tastes mostly of caramel malts and bread. These earthy tones offer a nice touch towards the front of the palette but eventually loose their smoothness. The result is a sweet, slightly hoppy ale with an overly dry, bitter finish. The drinkability is syrupy but still pretty refreshing. The Radiant isn’t anything special. If you’re an IPA drinker you’ll find it too tame. Otherwise it’s a good BBQ beer to enjoy on your leisurely summer afternoon. IBU’s 40 ABV 6%Hops: Millenium, Galena, Northern Brewer, Liberty, Glacier Available Summer – 12oz bottles
22nd
August

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Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale(9 out of 10) Avery’s sweet and lively brown ale is named after Adam Avery’s late chocolate lab Ellie (1992-2002). Resembling many of its traditional, English brown ale counterparts, Ellie provides the typical chocolate and nutty flavors with smooth, refreshing twist. Poured dark brown with a ‘one-finger,’ off white head, this beer smells mostly of chocolate, coffee and malts. Yet, while most brown ales tend to bog down in their nutty flavors, Ellie stays light on the tongue. With tastes of brown sugar and chocolate, this beer slides through your palette like smooth toffee. However, the beers strong carbonation boosts the beer’s hoppy nature, offering a slight refreshing bite in the finish. The effect is quite satisfying, offering the taste qualities of your dark, chocolate stouts while keeping the fresh, easy drinkability prominent in so many ambers and single IPA’s. With all this said, Ellie does a beautiful job walking the dangerous line between too heavy and too simple.  She’s light and playful yet still rich and complex, just like man’s best friend. So go sit on the porch, grab Avery’s Ellie and enjoy the afternoon with that faithful four-legged friend. IBU’s 17ABV 5.5%Hop Variety: Bullion, Cascade, Fuggles Available year round – 12 oz bottles & draft
21st
August

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Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA(9.5 out of 10)  With Esquire Magazine calling the Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA “perhaps the best I.P.A. in America,” it’s fair to say that I had some pretty strong expectations. The 90 Minute was Dogfish Head’s first beer to showcase their continually hopped method where hops are continuously added to the brew during its boiling cycle. Since its debut Dogfish has released three other continuously hopped brews: 60 Minute, 75 Minute and 120 minute IPA’s each boasting their own hoppy legacy. The 90 Minute pours a nice copper color with an average, off white head. The beer maintains a very crisp, clear opacity with a low amount of carbonation. The first smells resemble sweet piney syrup, with citrus, roasted almonds and caramel in the front—there’s a LOT going on here! My first sip revealed the same pine and citrus flavors in the front, which slowly transformed into this pleasant mix of bitter floral hops and a smooth caramel finish. The experience was quite nice offering a wonderful balance between crispness and smooth drinkability. The 90 Minute’s consistency was reasonably sticky with a medium body. Surprisingly though, despite its 9% ABV it wasn’t too strong. It was consistent, balanced and pleasantly complex. I have to say, Esquire is on to something here. The 90 minute is definitely worth a few minutes of your time—maybe 90 minutes? Go buy one right now…I mean it. IBU’s: 90ABV 9% Available year around – 12oz bottles & draft
21st
August

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Avery White Rascal - Belgian witbier(7 out of 10)  The Avery White Rascal is a traditional, Belgian style, white ale (or a witbier). It pours yellow, similar to pineapple juice, with little to no head. As an unfiltered beer, the complexion is pretty cloudy—in fact there’s a significant amount of yeast pooled at the bottom of the glass! Needless to say, the smells betrayed pretty prominent Belgian yeast tones with some orange peel mixed in, overall a very strong smelling beer for its style—usually these white ales don’t smell like much at all. The first sip followed suit by offering a spicy, wheaty, Belgian taste. The citrus was noticeable too, but seemed to be more of a sour lemon. The finish was surprisingly sweet, almost hinting at caramelized fruit. The mouth feel was moderate with a typical amount of carbonation—though I would have preferred a bit more. Overall, this white ale stayed true to its traditional roots by offering a light, spiced ale. It’s great on a sunny day and is worth a go, although I wouldn’t bend over backwards for another sip. IBU’s: 10ABV: 5.6%Hope Variety: Czech Saaz  Available year around - 12oz bottles & draft 
4th
July

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Firestone Walker Parabola - Russian Imperial Stout(9.5 out of 10)  The Parabola is one of those beers that people bend over backwards to try - but usually only once with its hefty price tag. Everyone wants it and everyone loves it. Brewed as part of Firestone Walker’s Proprietor’s Reserve, the Parabola is actually pretty difficult to come by with only 3000 cases released each year. So its no wonder people jump at a chance to try this 12 month, barrel aged, Russian Imperial Stout - and boy does it live up to its reputation. From the moment it leaves the bottle, this stout holds a consistent black complexion, one of the darkest beers I’ve ever seen, and pours like maple syrup. It has a minimal mocha colored head and smells almost entirely of chocolate and cherry. Dark chocolate is the driving force behind this beer - chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. Yet surrounding this backbone of chocolate flavors are hints of coffee and cherry in the finish. Towards the front of the palate, the Parabola also offers a subtle tribute to its time in oak barrels on the sides of the tongue. The beer is thick and chewy like melted chocolate, but not sticky. Instead its smooth and classy - elegant. Honestly, I was pretty impressed by the Parabola. Even with its very high alcohol content it remained incredibly smooth and complex like a true stout. It’s an outstanding dessert beer and I look forward to my next opportunity with it. Firestone Walker Proprietor’s Reserve 2011 (No. 002)IBU’s 82ABV 12.5%  Available Spring - very limited draft & 22oz bottles
4th
July

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Avery DuganA Double IPA(8 out of 10) The DuganA is Avery’s attempt to make, in their words, a “divine hop experience.” It is a limited, seasonal beer which Avery fans seem to snatch up every spring. The beer pours a light, orange amber with a cloudy, unfiltered complexion. The head is bright white, fluffy and full. The beer screams citrus from the first pour. The initial aroma resembles fresh pineapple, which quickly transforms into zesty orange and piney hops. The DuganA’s taste closely resemble its smell. The first sip reveals distinct pineapple flavors on the front of the palate, which quickly move to sort of citrusy resin tones. Despite its so-called divine hops, the DuganA doesn’t seem to reveal any outrages hop flavors. Its hoppy yes - but not the most hoppy. The finish is bitter, as with most IPA’s, but also seems to hint at a softer floral side with a slight touch of yeast and bread. Similar to Maritime Pacific’s Decompression Ale, this IPA packs a punch with a 8.5% ABV and a prominent scotchy, almost Belgian-like bite. It offers a full bodied and sticky, sap-like mouth feel but somehow still leaves a wet smooth finish. Overall, the DuganA is an great Double IPA. At first glance, it seems to offer primarily citrus. But beyond these prominent flavors there are quite a few nice subtleties that make this beer worth the go. Not the most hoppy, or the most refreshing IPA I’ve had. Its thick, it’s syrupy and its even a little mean - go for it. IBU’s 93ABV 8.5% Available Spring - Draft & 22oz bottles 
9th
June

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Maritime Pacific Decompression Ale(7 out of 10) This commemorative beer was brewed by Maritime Pacific specifically for Seattle Beer week 2011. Therefore this little ale immediately has something special to offer - you’ll definitely feel some decompression with its 8% ABV. The pour is a dark orange, copper color with a white, well sustaining head. The aroma isn’t as diverse as most beers, but still holds notes of primarily citrus and hops (and lots of them). The taste starts off bold with citrus and a pretty prominent grapefruit flavor. However, as the beer moves towards the back of your mouth the bitter grapefruit and hoppy notes roll into more woody and toffee flavors giving it a sweeter, seemingly earthy finish. The mouthfeel is medium and highly carbonated. It coats your mouth leaving a sticky, boozy bite. Overall, its a good beer and will taste wonderful on the right occasions. But, you have to be in the right mood - a sailor’s mood. 2011 Seattle Beer Week Commemorative BrewIBU’s 80ABV 8% Available  Summer 2011 - draft & 22oz bottles 
7th
June

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Ninkasi Believer Double Red Ale(7 out of 10)  This beer pours a dark red with a thick, creamy head. It smells of malts and piney hops. The drinkability is great with this beer. Its pretty tame with some very smooth caramel undertones and finishes with a hoppy kick. It also has some subtly smoky flavors which really compliment the overall creamy nature of this Red Ale. It has a pretty medium mouth feel and a really wet finish. This is a really satisfying beer to drink. The flavors won’t knock you off your feet but it will leave you wanting another sip - like a cold glass of milk on a hot day. It’s sweet, smooth and calm. First Brewed 2006IBU’s 60ABV 6.9% Available Year Round - draft & 22oz bottles 
3rd
June

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Hopworks Secession Cascadian Dark Ale (Black IPA)(8.5 out of 10) This dark ale (which used to be the Secession Black IPA) is a great example of a new and expanding brew style. The Cascadian pours dark, like cola, with a fluffy creme head. It smells of pine and citrus with just a hint of coffee undertones. The taste is wonderfully complex. It holds its IPA roots with strong pine and bitter hop notes in the front and a strong malty backbone of coffee and dark chocolate flavors. The finish is sweet and almost floral, leaving the drinker quite satisfied. The mouth-feel is surprisingly light with a very wet finish. Overall, this wonderful dark ale by Hopworks is an excellent mix of both deep porter flavors and a fresh hoppy zest. Established 2010ABV 6.5%IBU 70  Available Spring/Summer - 22oz bottle & draft
3rd
June

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The Lost Abbey Saison Blanc (Pilot Batch)(6 out of 10) As my first saison, this beer was a pleasant surprise. Not over the top, but stable and consistant. It poured light gold with a white minimal head - very similar to champagne. The aroma was quite fresh and pleasant with citrus and floral tones and a sort of herby follow through. The taste also resembled its french origins with a floral, almost lavender taste and a bitter, hoppy finish - again resembling champagne. Throughout there was this distinct musky flavor which paired nicely with its sour nature. Mouthfeel was light, with medium carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, the Saison Blanc was a reasonable beer, good for stepping into the sour realm. Unique, light and stable, but nothing special. ABV 4.5%limited availability - draft only
26th
May

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Stone Ruination IPA (Single)[8.5 out of 10] This IPA appears a darker, golden amber with a soft white head. Clarity and color very much resemble a glass of apple juice. The smells are fresh and light, mostly of pine and citrus with a few floral tones. The taste has a very typical Stone style hoppiness. It hits your tongue sweet and citrus-like and slowly turns into a bitter, piny hop as it reaches the back of your tongue. The mouth feel is medium and nicely compliments the fresh, outdoor flavors of the hops. A perfect beer for a hot day. It would be great when paired with some fresh fruit. I’m a big fan.  Established 2002IBU’s 100+ABV 7.7% Available All Year - bottles & Draft 
26th
May

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The Lost Abbey Serpent’s Stout[10 out of 10] By far one of the best stouts I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. This beer pours black, with a substantial mocha head. It smells of roasting coffee and dark chocolate with a very deep, rich and lasting aroma. The taste will knock you off your feet. It holds its own with the typical imperial stout flavors, but offers oh so much more. Upfront your hit with a hoppy bitterness, which is followed by a smooth coffee and chocolate finish complimented by roasted malts. I can’t describe how smooth this beer is. Additional flavors seem to hint towards sweet tobacco and smoke-maybe even some berry tones. Mouthfeel is full bodied, but not overwhelming, leaving a smooth and velvety finish.  Every time I taste this beer, I find something new. Perfection. ABV 10.5%Available Fall/Winter - 22oz bottle & draft 
26th
May

3 notes
Ninkasi Spring Reign Ale [6.5 out of 10] A light refreshing beer, with a very crisp northwest vibe. Complexion is dark, yellow ale—slightly foggy with relatively no head. The beer sits in the front of your mouth with a lot of floral and malty notes and a wheaty, oh so slightly hoppy finish. Perfect for a sunny day or after a long strenuous hike. Established 2009IBU’s 38ABV 6% Available Spring/Summer - bottles & draft 
26th
May

8 notes
Ninkasi Total Domination IPA (Single)[8 out of 10]  A Northwest style IPA. Complexion is a deep amber gold with a small, white fluffy head. The beer sits mostly in the sides and back of your mouth with a typical northwest sweet citrus and floral notes. It ends with a fresh hoppy bitterness. It has a very smooth and balanced mouth feel leaving a light, fresh, oh so sweet finish.  Established 2006IBU’s 65ABV 6.7% Available All Year - bottles & draft