Harpoon Leviathan Series – Imperial Red Ale

Boston, MA - 9.2% abv - Bottled by date 02/12/10

Pours a ruby-hued amber color with a firm rocky beige head, with some patchy lacing.
Smells of pink grapefruit, cut wet hay, lemon zest and white rum vie for attention. The aroma fades rather fast and blends into a malt-based mealy smell with traces of rum lingering.
Bold tastes of grapefruit bang the palette from the start. Sweet lemons with a slight metallic tang follow. Malty caramel and doughy bread flavors gain some ground, as does the warming alcohol fuminess. A pleasant taste of orange Lifesavers comes to mind.
The mouthfeel is well-rounded and slightly slick. The flavors are all large with very few subtleties to consider.

Sinebrychoff - Baltic Porter Finland – 7.2% abv

A nice winter beer (or any other season). Dark Rich Coffee flavors. Full Bodied. Very Hoppy

Flavored. Hint of Sweetness. Rich, yet Drinkable. Bit of an Alcohol Kick!

Sinebrychoff, or Koff as it is called in Finland makes a variety of beer styles, but in this researchers opinion, only their Porter really stands out as a "craft" brew (this brew becomes a "Vintage" or aged style Porter in time). In the past, silly governing bodies of the state regulated the brewing industry and generally frowned upon interesting or varietal styles. Fortunately, brewers and beer lovers across the country have developed awareness and lobbying groups to help promote a wide variety of Finnish brews. This Baltic style Porter, although it had long ago passed muster with state regulators, is a prime example of a beer crafted with care, attention to detail and love. The color is like strong, dark coffee. The full and rich body envelopes an abundance of sharp-edged fresh hops. This powerfully flavored brew contains an alcohol kick, yet it remains very drinkable. It ages very well. Pair with wild game. Goes very well with creamy desserts and rich chocolate.
Kiipis! (Cheers)

Great Divide Denver Pale Ale - 5.6%

12oz brown bottle. Freshness date etched on label.
It pours a dark coppery amber color w/ a smallish beige head along w/ some patchy and trailing lace.
It has a dry hoppy aroma with a solid malty grain background.
A sweet caramel malty taste gives way to a potent hop concoction. Grapefruit, citrus zest, metallic and floral hop bitterness prevail.
A mild sugary taste vies for attention, throughout. Like a kid sister; she's cute but doesn't belong with the big guys.