Belfast Bay - Lobster Ale

Let me start of this post by saying that there are certain things that should be combined into one thing...





I had the very highest hopes for this beer...and after the first sip, they we're quickly dashed. Let me get into a little about this beer before I give it the final verdict:

Belfast Bay Lobster Ale is a mirco-brewed amber ale made in Portland...after a bit snooping, I discovered that this is a part of the Shipyard brewing family! So, including the Old Thumper, I am now 0-2 with this brewery. The beer has a deep red color and poured with no head whatsoever. The first sip had a strong chemical flavor to it (the closest thing I can compare it to is chlorine). That flavor lingeres on the tongue for longer than I would have expected, given that this beer is very thin. As promised, I intend on finishing this beer, but I will not be pleased. Do not drink this beer (although it might be good for cleaning out your pool/toilet).


Flavor: Minimal maltiness paired delightfully with the toxic chemical chlorine
Color: Deep red...I always that chlorine was colorless?
Alcohol Content: 5% (per volume)
Average Price: $8.99 (again, who knew chlorine was bottled in 6-packs?)

Micro-post: Shock Top Belgian White

Since there are so many popular beers that many people already know alot about, but I still want to say that I have officially tried and reviewed, this will be the first of many "micro-posts"! Please, however, don't confuse micro with bad, since many micro-brewed beer are some of the best...





Brewer: Michelob
Color: Slight Brown/Amber
Taste: Mellow wheat beer flavor (paired nicely with an orange slice)
Alcohol content: 5.2% per volume
Price: $6.99 (6-pack)

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout XII

Seems like it has been too long since I have been able to jump on an make a decent post! The Boston trip forced me to reconcile with my liver over the years I reduced from its life, but I am back with a very dark and strong beer: Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout XII.





This is the 12 anniversary of the brewing of this beer, so North Coast Brewing (based out of Fort Bragg, CA) decided to brew this special version of their traditional Imperial Stout. What makes this beer unique (besides the fact that the brewer deems it so) is the fact that this beer is 11.2% alcohol by volume! Typically, most stouts I have ever had are about 1/2 this ABV, so I was very eager to see how this one danced on my palate...

Upon first glance, this beer looked much like a Guinness in its darkness and pronounced head (although slightly less thick (have fun with that one Dave)). The first sip took me a little by surprise...I expected a taste similar to Guinness, but this beer was exceptionally strong (almost overpowering). After checking out the North Coast website, I found that the flavor comes from the aging process done in old whiskey barrels. The beer was thick on the tongue, but did not linger there long, which was a nice feature.

Overall, I liked this beer, but I could probably only have one without having to switch to something a little less strong (in both flavor and alcohol content). This is a beer best served with food; anything sweet or savory (perhaps a chocolate covered steak?). I would recommend this beer to anyone who thinks that they can handle it's strong taste and ABV percentage. All in all, a very solid and memorable beer!


Flavor: Very strong stout flavor...chocolate hints with a heavy muskiness
Color: Dark, very dark...practically black
Alcohol Content: 11.2% (per volume)
Average Price: $4 at the bar I bought it at (per fancy glass).