RateBeer.com

frankenkitty Ratings

Anchor Our Special Ale (2004) by Anchor Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 5|5 8|104|515|20 3.9|5 12/31/2004 6:45:36 AM
Beautiful color, like a dark red stout. Scent and taste of Cloves and Nutmeg... a bit nutty, malty. Slightly bitter finish. A good seasonal choice, but there are plenty of contenders.

Mackeson XXX Stout by Boston Beer Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 8|105|517|20 4.1|5 12/31/2004 7:21:39 AM
This beer pours like liquid chocolate and tops off with a light head that fades quickly yet lattices nicely. The aroma is that of sweet prunes. An almost syrupy consistency, it tastes of chocolate and would pair well with a light dessert. Very satisfying.

Thames Welsh ESB by Felinfoel
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|104|515|20 3.6|5 1/13/2005 6:03:51 AM
Has a dense coppery color (not quite cloudy) with a foamy cream to tan colored head. A nose of malty caramel. Toasty flavor, more caramel and a hint of fruit... very smooth, not as overpowering as I expected. Thick lacing. Slightly bitter aftertaste with a hint of apple.

RCH Ale Mary by RCH
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|103|514|20 3.4|5 1/22/2005 6:38:26 PM
Purchased for the unusual and witty name and label. Slightly cloudy dark amber/caramel color. Head color light cream with light lacing but decent retention. Hint of cinnamon, pine, ginger and citrus in the nose. Spicy aroma and flavor with a dry, citrusy finish. A unique flavor, but definitely seasonal.

Youngs Double Chocolate Stout by Wells & Youngs
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 4|5 5|103|510|20 2.6|5 1/24/2005 4:49:13 PM
I’m sure "sweet stouts" have their place, but after drinking this I realized that I prefer standard stouts. Poured with an almost syrupy consistency. Started with a thick, rich head that disappeared quickly and left very little lacing. Aromas and taste of bittersweet chocolate and overcooked coffee, with a lingering aftertaste of the same. I like cold coffee. I like bittersweet chocolate. I didn’t like it in this beer. Looked much more promisng than it tasted.

La Trappe Quadrupel by De Koningshoeven
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 4|5 9|105|518|20 4.4|5 1/26/2005 8:20:04 AM
Color reminiscent of a strong apple cider. Pours with a ceaselessly foamy beige head... leaving a nice lace. Aromas of grapes, brandy & ... orchids (?) Tastes a bit like a Granny Smith taffy apple. Leaves a pleasantly sour aftertaste. Satisfying finish (I tried one on an empty stomach and it left me with the feeling that I’d eaten). I’d like to have this on hand as it could become a "comfort food".

Mainstreet Wine & Spirits, Countryside, IL


Miller Lite by Miller Brewing Company (SABMiller)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 3|5 4|102|56|20 1.8|5 1/26/2005 8:46:31 AM
I can’t believe I’m doing this... aroma of corn. Pours a light yellow (slightly darker than the average Jay’s potato chip). Bright white head, minimal lace. Taste of ginger ale... without the ginger... more like mineral water with... corn. Cost-effective. Gives me gas

Re-rate, March 31, 2005 I am forced to re-rate as I just review Bud Light and it ended up with a higher score. Side by side, Miller Lite is far less offensive on the nose, has a richer mouthfeel, and is actually a hair deeper in color. It also doesn’t make me gag.



Leffe Blond by InBev Belgium
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 7|103|514|20 3.3|5 1/26/2005 9:15:48 AM
Dark amber color with an ivory-white head that dollops, center-stage. Aromas of liqueured bananas and hops. Taste of honey.

Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter by Great Lakes Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|103|516|20 3.6|5 2/13/2005 11:12:09 PM
(bottle) A lightly sweet aroma of roasted malt. Beautiful black cherry color with a large creamy head... light brown, fading quickly (a little oily) leaving a slight lace. Rich, roasty flavor, a little sugary, a little hoppy, with a slightly acidic aftertaste. A very good porter, but not my favorite.

Fosters Lager by Fosters Brewing (CUB)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
2|10 2|5 3|103|58|20 1.8|5 2/13/2005 11:26:27 PM
(bottle) Pours a light amber with an average foamy white head. Ragtag foamy lacing. Lightly flowery, hoppy aroma. Slightly sweet flavor with a dry finish and lightly metallic aftertaste. Twist-off caps are a plus.

Point Special Lager by Stevens Point Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 2|5 4|102|57|20 1.8|5 2/15/2005 7:00:17 AM
(bottle) Poured a lighter-than-yellow body with a fizzy white head that went away quickly. A light sourdough aroma threw me off. Light bodied with a metallic aftertaste that wouldn’t go away. Forgettable. One bottle gave me a headache.

Mississippi Mud Black & Tan by Matt Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 6|103|514|20 3.1|5 2/15/2005 7:37:33 AM
Great packaging drew me to buy this beer. The screw-top on the jug is an additional plus if you have any leftovers. Has a lightly sweet caramel aroma. Body color is a transparent brown, like a watered down porter. A creamy tan head doesn’t last long and doesn’t leave much of a trail. Flavor starts sweetly malty but ends a little sour. Watery texture. Might work if you’re looking for a darker beer on a hot day. Not bad. Not great.

Black Sheep Monty Pythons Holy Grail by Black Sheep
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|104|514|20 3.5|5 2/18/2005 5:55:27 AM
I remember watching the Flying Circus in high school and it was the funniest thing out. Watching again today it seems I’ve matured (a little). I expected the same immaturity from this beer, but I was pleased to find a very smooth, dry, consistent ale... light on the palate and thoroughly enjoyable.

Left Hand Black Jack Porter by Left Hand / Tabernash
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 6|104|516|20 3.7|5 2/18/2005 6:05:07 AM
(I love the Left Hand logo.)

This porter has a chocolate malt/raisin aroma. Pours a beautiful dark red with a smal light brown head. (??? I turned around and now the head is gone!) Good balance but has an overall sourness (that didn’t bother me). Also a bit nutty with a slight hint of the alcohol.

St Peters Organic Ale by St Peters (UK)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
1|10 3|5 6|102|59|20 2.1|5 2/19/2005 11:28:05 PM
Opened the bottle to a rancid aroma that turned both sour and earthy. Poured a murky dark amber/orange... which was equally intriguing and off-putting. No head. Bottle-conditioned, particles too small to note. Moderately bitter, woody taste. I’m sure it has it’s place, but I won’t buy again.

Samuel Adams White Ale by Boston Beer Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 7|103|513|20 3.2|5 2/19/2005 11:34:38 PM
A cloudy, dark-amber concoction with a durably small white head. Very wheaty. An apply finish. Had a few and they went to my head quickly.

Nethergate Old Growler by Nethergate
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 8|104|517|20 4|5 2/19/2005 11:41:34 PM
A rather good porter. Aroma of molasses complimets a dark raspberry color. Small creamy head laces in quick sheets, but is weak on retention. Lightly bitter coffee flavor with a slight fruitiness. Smooth, creamy, syrupy and watery at the same time... that’s a well-balanced consistency for a porter.

Lindemans Kriek by Brouwerij Lindemans
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 4|5 8|103|518|20 4.1|5 2/19/2005 11:55:23 PM
Overwhelming cherriness! (That’s a good thing, because that’s what you were looking for... right?) Pours a hazy, deep cranberry color with a small PINK head. Syrupy cherry aroma, with a similar, lasting flavor. Slightly sour finish. Very nice, but for limited scenarios.

Rogue Dead Guy Ale by Rogue Ales
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 6|104|515|20 3.4|5 2/21/2005 3:34:48 AM
Bottle pours a crystal clear deep amber with a creamy off-white lasting head... laced the glass with an interesting giraffe-spot pattern. Lightly hoppy/flowery aroma. Sweet, malty, full-bodied flavour with a surprisingly heavy finish. My opinion changed favorably from first sip to end of second bottle.

Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale by Kiuchi Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 3|5 5|102|58|20 2.1|5 2/22/2005 4:55:55 AM
If this didn’t cost so much, it would have been a drain pour. Bottle poured a hazy watermelon/amber color with no head to speak of. Aroma is medicinal... like a grapefruit cough-syrup. Flavors of strawberry and ginger. Sour finish. Medium-bodied with a "sticky" finish... left an intriguing aftertaste of raw meat that is just hanging at the back of my throat. Very memorable.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Hitachino Nest White Ale by Kiuchi Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 7|103|516|20 3.6|5 2/22/2005 5:19:41 AM
MUCH better than the Hitachino Red Rice I’m trying to cover up. Bottle pours a hazy yellow with a hoppy, citrus aroma... more lemons than oranges. Lightly acidic, tart flavor: more hops, lemon and ginger. Long staying power on the roof of my mouth; dry finish and slightly astringent. Enjoyable.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Hitachino Nest New Year Celebration Ale by Kiuchi Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 8|104|515|20 3.8|5 2/23/2005 6:23:26 AM
2005 (bottle) Pours a dense rusty-orange with a large, rocky, beige head. Good head retention. I’m overwhelmed by more fruits than spices in the aroma: apple, banana, white grape, citrus. Alcohol presence. Medium bodied flavor... fruity & spiked with the usual array of holiday spices. Finishes hoppy, but the spices dance around for awhile. Made me happy. (8/3/8/4/16=3.9 Feb. 23, 2005)

2006 (bottle) Similarly hued while the head is more cream-colored than beige. Possibly deeper hazed with a copious amount of sediment. Fruity and spiced with a yeasty slant. Hops still show very well. (7/4/7/4/15=3.7 July 08, 2006)

Scores tweaked yearly

Binny’s Beverage Depot, Orland Park, IL 60462


Baltika 3 Klassicheskoe (Classic) by Baltika Brewery (Baltic Beverages Holdings)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 2|5 5|102|510|20 2.3|5 2/23/2005 9:09:41 AM
Lightly yeasty aromas with a hint of... bubblegum? Large fizzy white head reduced to a literal "scum" in a couple of minutes. Medium bodied, slightly bitter with metallic afters. Not very appealing.

Baltika 6 Porter by Baltika Brewery (Baltic Beverages Holdings)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 5|5 9|104|518|20 4.4|5 2/23/2005 9:20:07 AM
Bottle poured near black with a creamy, rocky, mostly lasting head. (I had to hold it up to a halogen bulb to see traces of a blackberry hue.) Very nice lacing. Nose of molasses, prunes and autumn leaves. Burnt coffee/toffee flavor. Full-bodied. Slighlty oily mouthfeel. Mildly sweet finish with a ting of alcohol. Closer to a stout than a porter. I should’ve bought more!

Mickeys Fine Malt Liquor by Miller Brewing Company (SABMiller)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
2|10 2|5 3|102|55|20 1.4|5 2/25/2005 10:27:09 AM
A little green jug of... nothing much. I wasted a glass on one to see a pale yellow brew with a fast, white head... looks better in the bottle. A typical macro-tasting lager, with a slightly sour finish. Cheap and cute, but: Blah.

I DO remember these being cool in high school because you could con your mom into believing you were drinking a bottle of juice... not that I ever drank in high school.



Michelob Amber Bock by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
1|10 3|5 6|103|59|20 2.2|5 2/25/2005 10:47:47 AM
I tried this on separate occasions and found the same results: this beer was meant to be consumed directly from the bottle. When poured into a glass, the overwhelming aroma was that of feet, with slight undertones of bile (seriously.) After a while, this stench subsided to normal macro-corn odors. Sniffing the bottle, all I got was a slightly sweet, malty scent. Color of weak iced tea... but I had a hard time drinking the glass, so I poured it. Drinking from the bottle, it was sweetly malted with a metallic-corny aftertaste. Strange.

Unibroue La Fin Du Monde by Unibroue (Sapporo)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 6|103|515|20 3.3|5 2/28/2005 8:01:28 AM
750ml bottle poured with a huge, large-bubbled head that stayed a short while. Color was hazy yellow peppered with small white particles. Yeasty aroma with pine and lemongrass. Sour Belgian flavor with raw bread dough. Alcohol present in the finish.

St Peters Golden Ale by St Peters (UK)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 3|5 5|103|512|20 2.7|5 2/28/2005 8:13:49 AM
Bottle poured a hazy amber with no head worth mentioning. Aroma was slighlty soapy and doughy with some earth minerals. Moderately bitter throughout with some hay/wheat undertones. Dry finish.

Boddingtons Pub Ale by Samlesbury (Interbrew UK - InBev)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 5|5 8|104|516|20 3.9|5 2/28/2005 8:24:44 AM
Overzealous widgets cause a HUGE creamy head that sits in a lasting layer down to your last sip. Cascades like Guinness and laces in a single white sheet covering the far side of the glass. Butterscotch in the nose, with a lightly sweet honey flavor. Creamy yet watery texture. Medium-bodied and quite enjoyable.

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA by Dogfish Head Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
9|10 3|5 8|103|517|20 4|5 3/1/2005 8:43:40 AM
Bottle poured a deep amber color with an average-sized, off-white head. Fair lacing. The mouthwatering hoppy aromas were very outdoorsy: flowers & pine... swirling brought forth some wood... from the beer, not from me. (I would have rated aroma a 10, but every so often I’d catch a musky, glandular scent... like an un-fixed ferrett.) Flavor held a consistent bitterness with a lasting duration. Finish was dry with slight astringency, a little alcohol in the aftertaste. Very good.

Orkney Skull Splitter by Orkney (Sinclair Breweries)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 4|5 6|103|516|20 3.7|5 3/1/2005 8:55:46 AM
Bottle poured a deep mahogany brew with a large, creamy, ecru head that faded to a small, lasting dollop. Malty aromas of... mmmm... cookies! Molasses and wine undertones also present. A very sweet taste, with a full, rich, syrupy mouthfeel. Alcoholic warmth in the taste and finish. Very good, but might have been better drizzled on pancakes.

Utenos Porter by Utenos (Baltic Beverages Holdings)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 8|103|515|20 3.5|5 3/1/2005 10:39:27 AM
Bottle poured a medium hued reddish/brown beer with an oily tan head... which did not last and left very little lace. Slightly toasty malt aromas were sweet and syrupy with tones of dried fruit (apricot, prune) and a spike of alcohol. Not too mysterious. Flavor started sweetly malty with a strong alcohol presence, turned lightly bitter with a sour hop taste then finished sweet/sour with light astringency and a grainy aftertaste. Held the typical watery texture of a porter but had some staying power. Good.

Black Sheep Riggwelter by Black Sheep
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 6|102|513|20 3.1|5 3/2/2005 9:03:30 AM
Bottle poured a deep red body with a large rocky head. The tan head reduced to a small island which clumped in the middle of the glass, yet laced reasonably. Predominant aromas of wine and rum & dark chocolate. Sour, vinous flavor with a slightly puckering metallic finish. Loved the story of the riggwelted, but this beer didn’t turn me hooves up.

St Peters Cream Stout by St Peters (UK)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 6|102|511|20 2.8|5 3/2/2005 9:16:41 AM
Bottle poured an oily-headed black mosnstrosity with absolutely no transparency, save a hint of blood-red reflection in the glass when held to a bright light. The initial aroma was that of a pocketful of change, but became more intriguing as it warmed with hints of coffee, prune, port wine and alcohol. Flavor was bitter/sour... like strong, overcooked coffee. Metallic tang on the roof of my mouth stayed a very long time. I think I would enjoy this if I was an introspective deep-thinker... or if I was very angry.

Flying Dog Horn Dog Barley Wine by Flying Dog Ales (Broadway Brewing)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
9|10 3|5 9|104|517|20 4.2|5 3/8/2005 3:10:19 AM
Since this is my first "barleywine", my scores will probably seem more forgiving than others here. Heavy malt aromas with apple, honey and a hint of alcohol. If you ever found a reeeally old carton of orange juice in the back of your fridge, the color is similar. Bottle poured with a small head that quickly reduced to a tan film. Syrupy, malty, fruity flavor with hints of fresh tobacco. Pleasantly sticky finish that allows the alcohol to warm your throat. Mellow.

St Peters Old Style Porter by St Peters (UK)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|103|516|20 3.6|5 3/8/2005 3:25:17 AM
Bottle poured a dark burgundy brew with a small light brown head. Faint, musty aromas of sour plums and bitter coffee. First sip singed my lips & tongue with lovely bitter hops. Interesting flavors ran a gamut of semi-sweet to sour to bitter to acidic. The texture was not as watery as other porters I’ve experienced. My favorite St. Peter’s... so far.

Three Floyds Brian Boru by Three Floyds Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 6|103|514|20 3.3|5 3/12/2005 12:49:39 PM
Bottle poured a dark reddish-brown color with a heavy aroma of piney hops. Medium-sized, mostly lasting head. Light fruitiness in the flavor with a bitter hop finish.

Samuel Smiths Imperial Stout by Samuel Smith
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
9|10 4|5 7|104|517|20 4.1|5 3/12/2005 12:58:25 PM
Bottle poured a near-black stout with an average-sized light brown head. Lacing crept quickly back into the head. Aromas of brown sugar, brandied figs and (remarkably) egg nog. Bittersweet, full-bodied flavor with a light hop tingle. Very good.

Samuel Smiths Old Brewery Pale Ale by Samuel Smith
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 4|5 7|103|514|20 3.3|5 3/12/2005 1:04:55 PM
A good-looking rusty-orange beer with a large creamy head. Lightly hopped caramel aroma with hints of alcohol. Balanced malt/hop flavor with a watery yet alcoholically-dry mouthfeel. Darken the bottles, Sam.

Budweiser Select by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
1|10 1|5 2|101|52|20 0.7|5 3/12/2005 1:39:03 PM
The two redeeming qualities of this beer were: a.) I got the 12 pack for free from a co-worker; and b.) I now have 11 beers to offer un-important houseguests. I could not get far past its unpleasant aroma, reminiscent of bad-breath. Color seemed to be that of ginger ale as I poured it into the sink.

Speakeasy Prohibition Ale by Speakeasy Ales and Lagers
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 7|103|514|20 3.4|5 3/14/2005 7:54:21 AM
Bought primarily because of the shifty eyes on the neck of the bottle, this slightly cloudy, amber-colored ale poured with a slowly diminishing, large fizzy head. The aromas were citrusy hops, honey and caramel... "agressively hopped" as ambers go, but not as "over the top" as I expected. Sour fruity flavor with light astringency in a long finish.

Chimay Bleue (Blue) by Chimay
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 7|103|515|20 3.6|5 3/14/2005 9:10:39 AM
750ml corked bottle. Poured a deep burgundy color with a large-bubbled head that was quite lasting. Murkiness in the appearance intensified as I reached the end. Aromas of bananas and pear with a hint of roastiness. Harsh scents of isopropyl alcohol as it warmed. Fruited flavors were overpowered by intense sweetness. A metallic feel at the finish.

Zubr Jasne Pelne by Kompania Piwowarska (SABMiller)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 2|5 6|103|512|20 2.8|5 3/14/2005 9:24:12 AM
Deep golden color with a frothy white head that quickly diminished to ring. The slight aromas were honey and Polish hops. Light toffee malts within an overall sweet flavor. Not bad.

Bridgeview Liquors


Quake Red Cream Ale by Gluek Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 3|102|511|20 2.6|5 3/16/2005 8:14:58 AM
The aromas were more pleasant than the taste of this densely murky-orange beer. Scents were sweetly malted with a hint of raisin. The flavor, on the other hand, was sour and slightly soapy with tastes of vinegared wine and unsweetened instant tea. A watery palate finished chalky. There was a crust of sediment on the bottom of the bottle, so I don’t know how long this was sitting. For 89 cents, it didn’t repulse me as it just kinda made me sad.

Bridgeview Liquors


Quake Honey Cream Ale by Gluek Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 5|102|512|20 2.9|5 3/16/2005 8:23:00 AM
Aroma, appearance and flavors almost identical to Quake’s Red Cream Ale, but not quite as offensive, with a pronounced scent and taste of grapefruit. The "honey" is present in the aroma and flavor, but only as it warms. Alcohol is well-masked, but it hit me later.

There are times that I want a beer but really don’t feel like reviewing one, and an 89 cent 750ml of this will satisfy me more (and put me to sleep better) than any comprable six pack of a cheap macro.

Bridgeview Liquors


Federation High Level (Northumbrian) Brown Ale by Dunston (Scottish Courage - Scottish & Newcastle)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 7|103|514|20 3.4|5 3/16/2005 11:07:15 PM
(Northumbrian) "Medium" brown colored beer with an average head. Smokiness abounds: from aromas to flavor... similar to a recently-doused campfire, but tastier... and a little less dangerous. "Wet" mouthfeel with a slightly sour aftertaste.

Thanks to Ben, as this was in his fridge when I was house-sitting.


Panther Ice Ale by Gluek Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 2|5 3|102|56|20 1.6|5 3/20/2005 11:37:39 PM
There isn’t an entry for "Panther Ice Ale", but I assume this is the place. Dark yellow color with an average white head. Aromas of fresh milk, potato chips and soap. Strange flavor of artificially-buttered popcorn with a rich, greasy mouthfeel to match. (My digestive tract reacted to the beer in the same way it reacts to the popcorn. Ugh.) $4.99 for 12 cans, but I’ll pass next time.

Bridgeview Liquors


Gluek Honey Bock by Gluek Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 3|5 5|102|512|20 2.6|5 3/20/2005 11:49:42 PM
Can poured the color of iced tea with a large, off-white head. Sour, malt aroma precedes a lightly-sweet taste, similar to a very weak Belgian. Watery palate, but worth it at $2.49 for 6.

Bridgeview Liquors


Samuel Smiths Taddy Porter by Samuel Smith
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 6|103|513|20 3.2|5 3/20/2005 11:59:24 PM
Bottle poured a deep reddish-brown with a large, creamy, light brown, lasting head. Something religious in the aromas... musty, with the smokiness of censer incense and the stale sweetness of cheap wine. Moderate bitterness in the taste with a sourness from start to finish. Creamy mouthfeel yet a chalky finish.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Belhaven Wee Heavy by Belhaven (Greene King)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 4|5 5|103|513|20 3.3|5 3/21/2005 12:09:09 AM
A hazy, dark mahogany/brown with an average tan head. Citrusy-sour aromas of apple with mild notes of coffee and scotch. Did not expect the overwhelming sugary-sweetness as I took a swig. Caramel flavors and a syrupy finish. Felt like I was drinking hard liquor... or a Jack and Coke. Too sweet.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Slavutych Chervone by Slavutych (Baltic Beverages Holdings)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 4|5 6|103|512|20 2.9|5 3/21/2005 1:15:12 AM
(red beer)

Bottle. Poured a honey-red color with a creamy, off-white head. Happily effervescent. Earthy aromas precede a flowery-malted flavor with a touch of sour grapes. Smooth, creamy mouthfeel... but one is enough.

Bridgeview Liquors


Harrisons Black Diamond Stout by Harrisons Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|103|515|20 3.5|5 3/21/2005 5:37:46 PM
More a "sweet stout" than a dry sout, Black Diamond has a strong chocolate presence and a sweet finish that I didn’t find as cloying as others have stated. Dark, dark, dark with a medium-brown, oily head. Satisfying.

Victory Storm King Imperial Stout by Victory Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 5|5 10|104|519|20 4.6|5 3/23/2005 6:28:07 AM
Not surprised to find Storm King in the 100th percentile. A terrific beer. When held to a bright light, this near-black stout shows a hint of purple around the edges. A large tan head subsides to a thin layer, but leaves a fat lace. A variety of fruits in the aroma... orange, plum... and a gothic perfume I can’t place (patchouli... rose... ???) Flavors of strong roast coffee/espresso with a hint of grape juice. Forced to quaff the head on my second pour, I first took note of the 9.1%. Outstanding.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Miller High Life by Miller Brewing Company (SABMiller)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
2|10 1|5 3|102|54|20 1.2|5 3/23/2005 7:44:50 AM
My mom insists on keeping this in her fridge, so I have one whenever I visit. Apple Juice color with a scummy white head. Smells of grass, corn and cardboard. Light bitterness in the flavor, but not in a good way. Blech.

Moorhouses Black Cat by Moorhouses
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 6|102|513|20 3|5 3/27/2005 1:38:16 AM
Bottle poured a deep red/brown with a quickly diminishing head. Bready aromas with dark fruits. Coffee flavors with a weak, watery mouthfeel that went to an instantly metalic finish. Not bad for a "black ale"... mediocre as a porter which is what I think it was striving to be.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Avery The Reverend by Avery Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 5|5 8|104|516|20 4|5 3/27/2005 1:49:32 AM
Good looking beer... a rusty-orange with slight haziness and a mostly lasting off-white head. Sour citrus aroma with pineapple, cherries and floral hops. Alcohol aromas emerged as it warmed. Matching flavor with spiced sour-fruitiness. I think the Reverend was a boxer because he kicked my ass.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Morland Hens Tooth by Greene King
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 5|5 7|103|514|20 3.4|5 3/27/2005 2:05:27 AM
5 full effort-points for appearance... the huge chunks of yeast in this deep red/orange ale were daunting yet appealing and were complimented by an impossibly large head on such a slow pour trying to keep them in the bottle. Instantly greeted with a harsh hoppy aroma that was piney and slightly glandular... a bit over the top. Sweet honey in the flavor (that might balance better with aging), and a smooth, chewy mouthfeel.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Traquair House Ale by Traquair
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 4|5 7|104|517|20 4|5 3/27/2005 2:14:02 AM
Heavily malted aroma from this brown beer. Lively effervescense keep the tan head from fading. Sublime malt presence in the flavor with woodsy undertones. Medium bodied with an alcoholic-dry texture and light astringency. Quite tasty, and the wife enjoyed it, too!

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Heather Ales Grozet Gooseberry Wheat Ale by Williams Brothers (Heather Ales)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 2|5 6|103|512|20 2.9|5 3/27/2005 2:28:18 AM
Hazy amber body with a small, white head that faded quickly to ring. Lightly floral with a "powdery" grape and cherry aroma... like when you open a box of Jell-o instant gelatin. Sour fruit flavor with average duration and a slight metallic finish. Not bad, but if I want a fruity beer I’ll opt for a lambic.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Big Horn Total Disorder Porter by Big Horn Brewing Company (Ram International)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 7|104|515|20 3.5|5 3/27/2005 2:46:03 AM
Appearance was hard to judge in the dark bar, but it was fairly black with a head that was just a ring. Nose of molasses with a bitter fruitiness in the aroma and flavor. Lacing slid back into the glass, possibly due to it being "frosty". This might have added to its watery texture, but I find that appealing in a porter. Well balanced.

RAM Brewery, Schaumburg


Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Weizen by Brauerei Heller-Trum
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 5|101|510|20 2.6|5 3/28/2005 5:30:51 PM
Smoke, smoke, smoke, smoke, smoke... aroma, flavor, aftertaste (a little smoky in the appearance, too, which was a hazy brownish-orange). Pleasant at first, but far too overpowering. Can’t taste much else other than a slight hopiness. Smoke and acetone aftertaste lingered through my next 3 beers, which was really annoying. Comprable to burnt steak fat.

Mainstreet Liquors


Samuel Smiths Organic Ale by Samuel Smith
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 8|104|517|20 3.9|5 3/28/2005 6:39:25 PM
You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning. Start your day with this deep amber ale with breakfasty aromas of fresh bread, cereal, raisin and honey. Sweet honey and lemon in the flavor, and a well-balanced malt/hop presence. Delicious.

Bridgeview Liquors


Rogue Juniper Pale Ale by Rogue Ales
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 2|5 7|104|514|20 3.3|5 3/29/2005 8:18:55 AM
Rogue Yellow Snow
With so many "piss beers" on the market, why on god’s green earth would you market yourself as one??? (I thought that Rogue must truly trust their reputation, but it seems something went wrong as they’ve changed their packaging.) Anyway, this hazy amber beer held lively carbonation which kept the large, off-white head from fading. It did, however, leave a scummy lace. Aromas were malty cookie dough, sweet tangerine and delicate hops. Malt & hop flavor with a decidedly sour citrus twist. Went down nice & easy, but left slight astringency. Not as bad as I was expecting by the name... maybe that was the plan: reverse psychology.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Wychwood Circle Master / Scarecrow by Wychwood (Refresh UK)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 3|5 5|102|57|20 2|5 3/30/2005 8:12:30 AM
Original rating 03/30/2005     I felt sorta bad panning this beer because it’s catty, but it’s the brewer’s own damn fault for using clear bottles (my second bad experience with Wychwood). Straw colored with a faint layer of white head. Grassy hop aroma hiding under the skunk. Some caramel malt flavor and a lemony-sour finish.  4/3/5/2/9=2.3

Re-rate 08/09/2006    Well... RAYBOY01 brought a couple of these to our latest tasting, so we all got a chance to re-rate this gem. Pale blond with a weak haze and a skinny white head. As far as the aroma is concerned, a huge skunk-assedness & herbal funkedness equals a general barnyard-crappiness. Thin & tingly on the palate with a sharp yeast profile, a grassy/herbal finish and an overall "off" flavor.  2/3/4/2/5=1.6

Scores averaged.


Victory Old Horizontal by Victory Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 6|104|514|20 3.4|5 3/30/2005 8:22:40 AM
Not as impressed as I thought I’d be. Looks beautiful, with a mahogany body and large khaki head. Spiderweb lacing. Complex aroma: sour malt, floral perfumed hops and a touch of wet dog. Lots of alcohol up front in the nose. Flavor is moderate malted sweetness along with a vinous sourness. Not great... simply good.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Bud Light by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
2|10 2|5 2|102|54|20 1.2|5 3/31/2005 6:25:35 AM
Two reviews for the price of one! I had an opportunity to sit down with glasses of Bud and Bud Light side by side. They were so similar, I can just copy and paste my review. Both were the exact same very-pale yellow. Both heads were pure white and quickly diminished to ring, although the Bud Light started much stronger. Both smelled of buttered corn and cardboard although the odor was more intense in the Bud Light. (This is not a plus.) Each tasted like sour seltzer water, but the Bud Light was a tad more watery. Neither one really offended my palate, although I’m sure that the thick, phlegmy sourness at the back of my throat can be attributed to both.

Budweiser by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 1|5 3|102|54|20 1.3|5 3/31/2005 6:26:46 AM
Two reviews for the price of one! I had an opportunity to sit down with glasses of Bud and Bud Light side by side. They were so similar, I can just copy and paste my review. Both were the exact same very-pale yellow. Both heads were pure white and quickly diminished to ring, although the Bud Light started much stronger. Both smelled of buttered corn and cardboard although the odor was more intense in the Bud Light. (This is not a plus.) Each tasted like sour seltzer water, but the Bud Light was a tad more watery. Neither one really offended my palate, although I’m sure that the thick, phlegmy sourness at the back of my throat can be attributed to both.

Dojlidy Magnat by Browar Dojlidy (KP-SABMiller)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 7|103|514|20 3.3|5 4/1/2005 11:34:40 AM
Medium amber-colored lager with a quickly diminishing, almost-white head and flat carbonation. Light aromas of Polish hops and syrupy malts. Some alcohol and apple present as it warms. Slightly bitter hop flavor with a pleasant fruity hint of apples, grapes and honey.

Bridgeview Liquors


Avery The Czar Imperial Stout by Avery Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
10|10 5|5 7|105|517|20 4.4|5 4/1/2005 11:51:12 AM
A deep, deep red/black body with a full, oily brown head that left very nice lacing. This beer made no hesitation in presenting it’s 13% prominently in the aroma. Additional fruity scents of plum, peach, apple and cherry (although not sour) and touches of sweet chocolate... like a chocolate covered cherry. Flavor was immensely rich and held a heady sweetness along with malt-masked hops, milk chocolate and some bitter coffee notes, the only problem was that the alcohol was too dominant... akin to drinking hard liquor. Burned my tongue and warmed my belly. Finish was dry yet syrupy. Very good, and one of these lasted me most of the night.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Nova Paka Granat by Pivovar Nova Paka
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 5|102|512|20 2.7|5 4/3/2005 2:12:09 PM
Rating for "Brou Czech Dark"

Reddish-iced-tea coloration with a quickly diminishing tan head. Malty aroma with some corn adjuncts and a sweetness that emerges over time. Flavor was decidedly nutty.

Bridgeview Liquors


New Glarus Uff-da Bock by New Glarus Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 6|103|513|20 3|5 4/3/2005 2:18:32 PM
Found this at the back of my brother-in-law’s fridge... I think I bought it for him 2 Christmases ago. Held up well. Looked OK with a hazy brown headless body. (Wishing all ratings were on a 10-scale so I could give it a perfectly average 5.) Aroma started fruity with coffee, malt and a little alcohol. Bittersweet flavor with coffee hints and weak tea. Syrupy yet watery finish.

Yarpivo Temnoe (Dark) by Baltika-Yaroslavl (Baltika - Baltic Beverages Holdings)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 6|102|512|20 2.9|5 4/3/2005 2:32:38 PM
Beer poured a deep brownish-orange with a large, creamy head. Musty aroma was sourly hopped and oatmeal. Sweet-tart flavor, like cranberry fruit juice with a latent cinnamon spiciness. Not bad... would pair well with a baloney sandwich and chips.

Bridgeview Liquors


Benesov Ferdinand Tmavý Ležák 11° by Ferdinand Benesov S.R.O.
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 4|5 5|103|512|20 2.9|5 4/3/2005 2:43:18 PM
Rating for "Ferdinand Dark Beer". Label slightly different than pictured with a white background at the bottom. ABV was 4.5%, as stated.

Best before 29/03/05, consumed on 01/04/05... damn! Bottle poured a deep, ruby red body with a small tan head. Sweet, bready malt aroma that was a little juicy. Flavor went from sweet to sour, then finished sweet again. Not many discernable flavors.

Bridgeview Liquors


Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine by Dogfish Head Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 8|104|515|20 3.6|5 4/4/2005 11:47:28 AM
12 oz. bottle poured a medium honey-orange body with a small, off-white head. Dried fruit in the aroma along with alcohol and banana. Potent sour apple flavor, with a sweetly malted end. Syrupy, clingy aftertaste that held a caramel fruitiness... and a bit more of that tongue-warming alochol.

Binny’s Beverage Depot


Leinenkugels Red by Leinenkugel Brewing Company (SABMiller)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 2|5 6|102|512|20 2.7|5 4/4/2005 12:38:44 PM
A clear, deep orange-amber with (what used to be) a small peachy-white head. Lightly hopped aroma... weak lemon-pepper in the nose. While the effervescense is only slight to the eye, it’s fairly dominant in the mouth. Flavor is a watery hop/malt combo, slightly sour and, again, peppery. Considering it’s price & availability, I continue to buy it.

Baltika 9 Krepkoe (Strong) by Baltika Brewery (Baltic Beverages Holdings)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 3|5 5|102|59|20 2.3|5 4/5/2005 6:34:35 AM
Bottle poured a golden bodied beer with a lasting, frothy, white head. Lightly malted, stagnant aroma that was tinny and medicinal. Brandy aromas while warming. Non-descript sour, stale flavor. Left me with a confused/annoyed look on my face.

How ironic... I gave it an overall 9.

Bridgeview Liquors


Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel by Erdinger Weissbräu
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 6|104|514|20 3.4|5 4/5/2005 6:47:41 AM
500ml bottle poured a coffee-brown bodied beer with a large-bubbled, "Guinness-tan" head, that dissolved like the head on a Coke. Sweet roasted malt aroma with earthy yeast. Attractive bitter malt flavor with diet cola. Rather weak, but the lively carbonation contributes to a spicy taste and mouthfeel.

Bridgeview Liquors


Paulaner Salvator by Paulaner Brauerei (Schörghuber)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
9|10 4|5 6|103|515|20 3.7|5 4/5/2005 8:03:40 AM
Attractive deep orange brew with a small, off-white head. Slightly hazy... lookin’ like a barleywine. Delicious, heady aroma of caramel malts and sweet, citrusy oranges. Then I had to ruin things by drinking it... not bad, simply too sweet. And a bit lacking in its claim of "heartiness". Malted flavor, but a bit weak and watery. Balanced hops, but sugars are dominant. Good, not great.

Bridgeview Liquors


Ak Bars (green) by Pivzavod AO Krasniy Vostok (Efes Russia)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 2|5 1|101|52|20 0.9|5 4/6/2005 5:53:32 AM
Macro-corn aromas from this nasty, nasty beer. Golden color with a fast, white head. Initial flavor was that of a mouthful of coins... mostly nickels but a few pennies as well. I could only handle a few more sips and tasted a little margarine, dirt and sour alcohol. Simply awful.

Bridgeview Liquors


Baltika 4 Originalnoe (Original) by Baltika Brewery (Baltic Beverages Holdings)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 7|103|514|20 3.5|5 4/6/2005 6:08:33 AM
Here is one of Baltika’s good offerings, from a brewer that is fairly unpredictable. Bottle poured an orangey-brown beer with a fluffy tan head that held on as a thick film. Medium-bodied with soft carbonation. An all-malt aroma with a hint of baked pretzels. Caramel malt flavor with alcohol that, at times, seemed a little sour.

Bridgeview Liquors


Left Hand Imperial Stout by Left Hand / Tabernash
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 4|5 8|104|516|20 4|5 4/7/2005 6:47:20 AM
A dark blackberry-colored stout with a creamy tan head. Aromas were citrus hops above chocolate malts. Similar flavor was multi-layered with sour hops and sweet malts. Medium bodied. A good beer, but not the best Imperial.

Okocim O.K. Beer by Carlsberg Polska SA
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 2|5 3|103|56|20 1.7|5 4/7/2005 10:22:01 AM
Medium golden lager with an average white head and lively carbonation. Metallic, grassy aroma leading to a metallic flavor of grains & small hops and a thankfully short, watery finish. I actually enjoyed switching down to the familiarity of a Miller product.

Bridgeview Liquors


Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA by Dogfish Head Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
10|10 5|5 8|104|518|20 4.5|5 4/10/2005 6:10:05 PM
A literal "bouquet" of floral hops rise from this terrific beer. Has a murky, rusty-amber body with lively carbonation and a dense, rocky, cream-colored head. Wonderful lacing held on like whipped egg whites. Heavy, perfumed, flowery aromas along with pine and citrus notes. Similar flavor that started with a moderate maltiness and a hop presence that burned my lips. Much more flavorful and aromatic at room temperature than chilled.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti


Thai Beer by Boon Rawd Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
1|10 2|5 5|102|55|20 1.5|5 4/11/2005 8:03:27 AM
I thought I grabbed the lager, but ended up with the malt liquor. Oh well. Skunky nose ("Fill 012904"... so there’s no surprise there). Medium golden beer with a large white head. Grainy, alcoholic flavor with a touch of sour citrus.

Bridgeview Liquors


Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel by Klosterbrauerei Weltenburg
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 7|104|514|20 3.6|5 4/11/2005 8:57:18 AM
Body was a deep red with soft carbonation topped with a creamy, light-tan head that faded quickly. Moderate roasted malt aroma with mild hints of coffee, wood and plums. Moderate bitterness from start to finish with a burnt malt compliment. Medium bodied (although slightly watery) with a chalky finish.

Binny’s Beverage Depot, Orland Park, IL


Weltenburger Barock Hell by Brauerei Bischofshof
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 6|103|513|20 3|5 4/11/2005 9:13:15 AM
Bready malt aromas from this light golden beer with an average-sized, white, creamy head. Balanced bittersweet flavor with latent spiciness that ended on a note of light hop bitterness. Medium-bodied with soft carbonation and a slightly alcoholic finish.

Binny’s Beverage Depot, Orland Park, IL


Youngs Special London Ale by Wells & Youngs
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 8|105|517|20 4.1|5 4/11/2005 2:53:37 PM
Bottle poured an orange/amber-colored body with a creamy, off-white head that lasted in a thick skin and left nice lacing. Held just a hint of carbonation and some tiny particles. Citrus fruit and banana in the aroma, but dominant were caramel/toffee malts. Flavor started sour then proceeded to a roasted malt, caramel & some bitterness at the end. Mouthfeel was the definition of "creamy". One of my notes reads, "I really like this!"... so I guess I’ll be buying it again.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Summit Grand by Summit Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 6|102|513|20 3|5 4/12/2005 6:51:26 AM
A golden-amber pils with a white, fading head that left a little lace. Roasted grain aroma with predominant sourdough and a touch of raisin. The flavor grew on me: sour & bready... creamy on the tongue with a dry finish and a lingering, sour aftertaste.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Clausthaler Golden Amber by Binding-Brauerei (Oetker Group)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 3|5 6|103|513|20 2.9|5 4/12/2005 7:08:26 AM
A sparkling-clear, medium-amber body with a fast, white head and soft effervescence. Small aromas... sweet, candy-like malt over lemons. Bitter start that ends a bit flat. Sun-brewed iced tea with a drop of sugar. Watery overall, but I found it rather refreshing. A very good N/A.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel by Brauerei Aying
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 6|102|512|20 3.1|5 4/12/2005 8:16:59 AM
Clear, mahogany body with a large, tan head that fades to a film but leaves a fat lace. Aroma as described by brewer: sweetly malted... with licorice, grapes and earth. Watery, indistinct malt taste to start, leading to red wine and smoke... couldn’t find the coffee, but I did get a taste of plums afterwards. Overall, rather thin and unassuming.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Summit Extra Pale Ale by Summit Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 6|103|513|20 3.2|5 4/13/2005 8:22:52 AM
Better than expected... bottle poured a hazy, orange-amber with a creamy, almost-beige head that lasted awhile (and made return appearances upon swirling). Fruity, malted aroma, some yeast. Balanced flavor with a nice hop presence, albeit a bit thin.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Summit India Pale Ale by Summit Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|103|513|20 3.3|5 4/14/2005 8:13:47 AM
A fluffy, cloud-like head left decent lacing from this deep copper-colored beer. Moderate hop aroma and flavor... not too overbearing. Some cereal and wine notes in the aroma (the breakfast of champions). A fuller mouthfeel than their Extra Pale, but still on the thin side. Light astringency in the finish.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Summit Winter Ale by Summit Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|104|516|20 3.7|5 4/15/2005 8:47:50 AM
Last of the Summit 4-pack sampler, and possibly the best. A very dark, reddish-brown body capped with a light brown head. Malty aromas with some prune and green leaves... alcohol scents when warm. Flavor starts bitter, reveals coffee, caramel and sweetness, then finishes sour. Medium-to-full-bodied with an almost-syrupy texture, but not potent... dare I say "sessionable"? A good, porter-caliber ale.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Ruddles County by Greene King
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 3|5 6|103|511|20 2.6|5 4/15/2005 9:18:32 AM
Warning! "Open With Care", as the bottle-cap suggests... I just made a freakin’ mess.

Pristine copper-colored and absolutely headless. I knew it would smell catty because of that damned clear bottle. Bitter start. Creamy feel. Honey and hops in flavor with charcoal (but I don’t mind). Bitter finish. Can’t force much more out of the aroma than roasted grain. Made me angry. Maybe that’s good.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Youngs Dirty Dicks Ale by Youngs
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 4|5 6|103|512|20 3|5 4/15/2005 10:06:38 AM
This ale started with a four-finger, creamy head that lasted in a hearty dollop above a fairly flat, clear, coppery body. Weak, stale aromas: could be malty, could be hoppy... hard to tell. Thin yet smooth, with unremarkable malted flavor. I may prefer my dicks to be dirtier.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Two Brothers Hop Juice by Two Brothers Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
9|10 4|5 9|104|518|20 4.4|5 4/16/2005 12:51:49 AM
A hazy orange IPA with a large, creamy tan head. Huge citrus hop aromas... sweet tangerines and orange. Moderately bitter flavor with a fruity sweetness. Full-bodied with an oily texture and a long, tingly finish. I still love stouts and porters, but beers like this could turn me into a hop-head.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Rebel Zlatý by Mestansky Pivovar
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
3|10 3|5 5|102|59|20 2.2|5 4/16/2005 1:13:42 AM
Rating for Czech Rebel alias

Golden-bodied with a large yet fading white head. Tiny particles visible. Yeasty, doughy, grassy aromas... and an aura of a damp and musty basement. Sour yeasty flavor. Light-to-medium bodied with a watery texture. Mediocre, if not worse.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Youngs Old Nick by Youngs
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 5|5 7|103|513|20 3.4|5 4/17/2005 11:21:31 AM
A dense, dark-mahogany body topped with a rocky beige head that settled to a creamy cap. Heavy malt aromas with so much alcohol it smelled like model cement. Blackberry brandy flavor with dominant malts and a syrupy texture.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Westmalle Tripel by Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 4|5 6|103|515|20 3.6|5 4/17/2005 11:32:53 AM
A cloudy, lemony-yellow with a huge white head and a few fairly large particles floating around at the bottom. Complex aroma contained a doughy yeast quality, banana cookies, and tart berries. At times it smelled like a bagful of Halloween candy. Flavor started sour but held a floral quality. As it warmed, I could swear it tasted like a Kamikaze shot. A very intriguing beer that kept me guessing.

DiCarlo’s Armanetti, Willowbrook, IL


Anchor Porter by Anchor Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
10|10 5|5 10|104|519|20 4.8|5 4/18/2005 8:16:53 AM
I chose Anchor Porter as my 100th rating as this is a beer close to my heart... one in which all porters seem to fail in comparison. Pours a deep, blackberry/red-brown with a large, tan, souffle of a head that falls slowly and softly leaving excellent lacing. Heavy malt aromas are dark chocolate and dark fruits, with a light alcohol presence. The full-bodied flavor balances bitter coffee and semi-sweet chocolate, leaving a light tingle of alcohol to dry the mouth... which causes you to open another...

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Two Brothers The Bitter End Pale Ale by Two Brothers Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 6|103|512|20 3.2|5 4/18/2005 5:06:23 PM
Huge bubbles and a giant, rocky head left a crazy-thick lacing atop this hazy, coppery, apple-cider-lookin’ beer. A few dark particles swam around at the bottom. A flowery hop presence with some yeast in a powdery-sugared aroma. Medium-bodied with a watery finish, the flavor was more sour than the bitter I was hoping for.

Cost Plus World Market, Orland Park, IL


Pyramid Apricot Weizen by Pyramid Breweries Inc.
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 6|103|512|20 2.9|5 4/19/2005 6:16:24 AM
More than a "hint" of apricot, I’d say. Apricot aroma, apricot flavor... even a hazy apricot appearance. Apricot, apricot, apricot. The fruit tasted like an artificial additive, not like an integral part of the beer. Some spiciness in the flavor which I attribute to it’s invisible effervescence. Light astringency in the finish with a lingering sourness. Refreshing, but you’d better damn well like apricots.

Cost Plus World Market, Orland Park, IL


Sierra Nevada Porter by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 4|5 7|104|516|20 3.7|5 4/19/2005 6:53:39 AM
A dark brown brew with a creamy beige head that fades rather quickly to a creamy yet oily film. Roasted malt aromas with a strong coffee presence, molasses and a touch of diesel fumes. Smooth and creamy in the mouth with a well-roasted flavor of almost-overcooked coffee and a lightly hopped finish.

Cost Plus World Market, Orland Park, IL


Sierra Nevada Stout by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 5|5 7|104|516|20 4|5 4/20/2005 8:40:07 AM
A rocky, tan head capped a dark, dark brown, chalky body. Aromas started sweetly malted, then mouthwatering scents of citrus hops emerged with deep roasted undertones. Dark roasted coffee flavor (enjoyably to the point of being burnt). Bitter finish with a creamy mouthfeel. Very good.

Cost Plus World Market, Orland Park, IL


Point Spring Bock by Stevens Point Brewery
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 2|5 5|103|512|20 2.7|5 4/20/2005 9:12:17 AM
Bottle poured a very transparent orangey/brown beer with a fast, light-tan head. Matching weak, caramel malt aroma and flavor with a watery texture and slightly sour finish. Affordable, but... Point? Well... forgettable.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Corona Extra by Grupo Modelo (Corona)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
2|10 2|5 3|101|54|20 1.2|5 4/20/2005 9:41:07 AM
Bright yellow beer with a big, fast white head. No real flavor. Skunky. Metallic aftertaste. After 2 of these, I actually went out and bought a lime to drink the other 4.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Corona Light by Grupo Modelo (Corona)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
2|10 2|5 3|101|54|20 1.2|5 4/21/2005 8:44:00 AM
Pretty much exactly the same as Corona Extra. Glad I bought a second lime.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Rogue Mocha Porter by Rogue Ales
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
10|10 5|5 9|104|519|20 4.7|5 4/22/2005 7:59:04 AM
Topped off with a huge, spongy, light brown head that lasted in a puffy film, this was an opaque dark brown with lovely deep red highlights... showcasing a murky microcosm of slow effervescence. Aromas started with a chewy chocolate toffee, turning to a pronounced smoke, dough and dark fruit nose. Flavor was nice and bitter from start to finish with a pleasant, vinous middle. Well-roasted coffee flavors and a spicy bite at the end. Syrupy mouthfeel with a dry finish. Awesome. I may have found a new favorite porter.

Cost Plus World Market, Orland Park, IL


New Holland Mad Hatter Ale by New Holland Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 4|5 5|103|514|20 3.3|5 4/23/2005 1:57:31 AM
Great looking beer with a rocky almost-white head atop a hazy, copper body... and a bizarre layer of clouds hanging just below the head. Heavy sweet-tart hop aroma with apples and honey. Light malted quality as it warmed. Flavor started very sour and bitter with more apples & honey and a nice, dry but stale hop finish.

Cost Plus World Market, Orland Park, IL


Spaten Optimator by Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu (InBev)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 6|103|513|20 3|5 4/23/2005 2:03:56 AM
Medium-brown colored with a red cast and a creamy, off-white head. Aromas teetered between lightly malted and doughy yeast, with a splash of soy sauce. Flavor started sweetly malted, receding to reveal a yeasty sourness and a hint of hops. Medium-bodied, but a little watery in the end. Not bad at $4.99 for 6.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Unibroue Éphémère Cassis by Unibroue (Sapporo)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 3|5 7|103|514|20 3.5|5 4/24/2005 2:30:17 AM
Some other brewer christened themselves with the moniker "Champagne of Beers". Well, Éphémère is as close to champagne as a beer can get. Happy effervescense loads the glass and continues throughout the tasting, leaving a pink head atop a hazy peach body. Yeasty aromas contained peaches, grapes, and whiffs of alcohol. Sweet through and through with a wheat-beer sourness. Ends dry. A bit "frou frou" for me, but my wife enjoyed it.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Big Horn Buttface Amber Ale by Big Horn Brewing Company (Ram International)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 5|103|512|20 3|5 4/24/2005 2:43:05 AM
I thought they served me another "Big Red" judging by the deep coppery brown color. Aromas gave it away... without a hop presence, but a slightly yeasty, caramel malted quality. All-malt flavor was sweet to the point of cloying. Medium-bodied with a syrupy texture.

RAM Brewery, Schaumburg, IL


Big Horn Big Red Ale by Big Horn Brewing Company (Ram International)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 7|104|514|20 3.3|5 4/24/2005 2:55:01 AM
Deep orange bodied with a small, white head. No discernable aromas besides moderate citrus hops. Nicely hopped flavor from start to finish with balanced malts and a sweet, spicy, apply finish. Creamy mouthfeel that ended dry.

RAM Brewery, Schaumburg, IL


Big Horn Stout by Big Horn Brewing Company (Ram International)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
6|10 3|5 6|103|512|20 3|5 4/24/2005 3:23:49 AM
Known as "Nefarious Nelson" in my area, this stout held a rocky, chocolatey head and had a very dark body (in a fairly dark restaurant...) Potency was apparent in the aroma, more so as it warmed, and hung on with a bitterness in the aftertaste. Fairly weak in flavor with dark fruits and bitter coffee hints. So-so.

RAM Brewery, Schaumburg, IL


Big Horn Brunette Bombshell by Big Horn Brewing Company (Ram International)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 3|5 6|102|513|20 2.9|5 4/24/2005 3:42:01 AM
A seasonal in the Chicagoland area, this beer is close to porter in style. Medium brown with honey-red highlights and a fully dissipating head. Lightly hopped, bocky aroma. Malted flavor is cloying at first, but the sugars stabilize and reveal a fruity, grape persona. Not bad if you’re looking to bridge the gap between RAM’s ale and porter.

RAM Brewery, Schaumburg, IL


Rogue Chocolate Stout by Rogue Ales
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
8|10 5|5 8|104|517|20 4.2|5 4/25/2005 4:08:57 AM
This looks like a stout shoud look... black bodied with a creamy brown head. Heavily malted aromas coated my nostrils. If chocolate Ovaltine came in syrup form, this is how it would smell (sans the hint of alcohol, which wouldn’t appeal to the kiddies). Tasted like a bitter chocolate milkshake with a bittersweet finish. Reminded me of drinking the milk out of the bowl after eating all of my Coco-Puffs. Medium-bodied with a syrupy texture. A chocoholic’s dream.

Cost Plus World Market, Orland Park, IL


ODouls Amber by Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
4|10 3|5 4|102|59|20 2.2|5 4/26/2005 6:57:18 AM
I was on the wagon a few years ago and bought this by the case. You don’t drink an N/A for the exceptional taste. You drink it because, for whatever reason, you can’t have a real beer. Orange/amber color with a fast white head. Some caramel and dough in aroma and a little caramel malt in the taste. Watery finish, a little sour. Bland, but not bad, although I’ll choose Clausthaler when I need to.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (Bottle) by Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
7|10 3|5 6|103|514|20 3.3|5 4/28/2005 8:44:40 AM
Initially pungent aroma, as if I just walked into the Small Mammal House at the zoo. Subsided to moderate pine hops with hints of nuts and ice cream, and a slight background of some sort of fuel... maybe kerosene. Spicy hop flavor to start with a woody, honey middle and a mildly bitter end. Golden amber color with a sudsy, almost-white head and teeny-tiny particles.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Unibroue Édition 2004 by Unibroue (Sapporo)
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
9|10 5|5 8|104|520|20 4.6|5 4/28/2005 10:58:33 AM
As I was waiting for an event to try this "special edition" beer, I now conclude that this is an offering to be enjoyed by the marking of an occasion or the passing of a friend.

The initial cork "pop" signals the entry to a mindset of melancholy memories (alliteration be damned), focusing on the year prior. Appearance began golden-copper bodied with an ever-so-slightly hazy cast that gradually became a dense, almost-brown as the visage of settled yeast protruded. Initial spicy aromas of licorice, ginger, clove, banana and apple subsided as emergent yeastiness took hold with a lemony sourness. First sip was potent, sour apples... but bread dough and banana came through afterwards. Alcohol was fairly well-hidden but revealed itself as I started to compose phrases such as "reflective mediocrity".

Most beers simply are. This beer elicited thoughtfulness. While 2004 was a fine (albeit mediocre) year for me, it strives to be remembered through this Unibroue offering... from the initial cacaphony of applause from a huge-bubbled head... through large, reflective, gaseous belches... ending in long, lingering aftertastes.

Kenwood Liquors, Oak Lawn, IL


Samuel Smiths Organic Lager by Samuel Smith
Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall Total Score Date
5|10 4|5 6|104|514|20 3.3|5 4/30/2005 3:20:00 AM
A very light, lemony-yellow body under a lingering, fluffy white head that ended in a scummy film. Very light aromas to start: grainy malts and a little candy... opening up to scented baby powder. Honey-malt flavvor with a creamy mouthfeel and a tingly finish. Good, but not worth d