Buzzsaw

Beer: Buzzsaw Brown Seasonal Ale
Brewery: Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon
ABV: 4.8%
Style: Brown Ale
Sample Medium: Glass
Size: 12 oz


Impression: The beautiful brown complexion that Deschutes references as chestnut, and a thick, lush, foamy head make this beer quite a sight to behold. However beside the elegant presentation, this beer is really light and finishes all too quickly. While I think this beer is fine overall it is also easily forgetable. There is a minimal note of carmel and a hint of sweetness but this isn't what I consider one of Deschutes finer beers. I don't mean to sound overly down on this brew, you could certainly thow a few back without a problem, but if I am going for a light brew from Deschutes I prefer Cascade Ale.

Josephs Brau Winterfest

Beer: Winterfest
Brewery: Gordon Biersch (for Trader Joe's) Palo Alto, California
ABV: 7.5%
Style: Double Bock
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12oz

Impression: This is an unbalanced bock with strong alcohol on the finish. There is an off flavor that I can't quite place, almost like pulpy paper. Each sip finishes with too much malt and the poorly matched hopping resulting in a bitter syrup mouth coating. Essentially they compromised the construction to achieve the higher alcohol content. This is unfortune because for the $2.99/6-pack clearance price at Trader Joe's this beer could be a steal. However, if you just want a cheap buzz and don't care about enjoying a well crafted beverage this beer is for you. Honestly I would rather drink a Mickey's 40 oz.

Black Butte Porter

Beer: Black Butte Porter
Brewery: Deschutes Bewery, Bend, Oregon
ABV: 5.2%
Style: Porter
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12oz

Impression: This is a rich porter with plenty of malty goodness complemented nicely by deep chocolate and coffee notes. Pour it in a pint glass to fully appreciate this black beauty. It has a full bodied mouth feel and an apparent syrup quality, but an excellent hop balance makes this beer refreshing and keeps it extremely drinkable.You can easily order up a few of these without pause. This is probably my favorite porter and I would strongly recommend it.

Session

Beer: Session Premium Lager
Brewery: Full Sail Brewing Co, Hood River, Oregon
ABV:5.1%
Style: American Lager
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size:11 oz

Impression: This is a super refreshing and tasty beer. It has light overall body and yet a satisfying mouth feel that keeps you wanting more. The name is apt as you could tear down a few of these on a sunny afternoon. There are some light hoppy notes that provide just the right complexity. This is what American beer should be. Sure cheap light beer was a staple of the undergaduate days, but you're all grown up now and it is time to put down the can and reach for something greater. The only drawback is while I appreciate Full Sail's nod to yesteryear with the throwback stubby bottle I could use that last ounce.

90 Shilling

Beer: 90 Shilling
Brewery: Odell Brewing Co, Fort Collins, Colorado
ABV: 5.3%
Style: Amber Ale
Sample Medium: Bottle
Size: 12 0z

Impression: Overall this is an enjoyable beer. It is mild and drinkable with some notable sweetness on the finish. In some ways it reminds me of a watered down New Belgium product minus the floral Belgium aspect so prevalent in their beers. As much as I enjoy supporting small breweries, I would not buy this again for the $9.99 I shelled out at Whole Foods. Then again shopping at Whole Foods was my first mistake