#beerscore

I always found the Beer Advocate score convoluted.

4.71?

It might as well be 4.71598723

They also try to explain the score in more detail:

Good, kind of good, sort of good.

What makes you try a beer, good or very good? or both? or none?

The standard deviation is easier to understand.

For my Belgian Beer Reviews I use the ABC scale.

A » I love it

B » Not great not bad

C » I don’t like it

It’s easier.

An extreme scale would be only 2 points. A and B.

A I like it. B I don’t like it.

It’s possible that B’s grow on you. Give them a chance.

Rating: 

Brewer: Heineken International

Type: Pale Lager

ABV: 5.0

Color: Clear Mellow Yellow

Review:  After all the great craft beers I've tried recently this one is like sex in a canoe, f**king close to water. Now I'm not saying this is as flavorless as most american light beers but it was a disappointment when I sat down to review it.

Back when I was in college I would have Heineken during my weekly poker night at Baja Bean. They were only $2 a bottle and I couldn't pass it up. That being said the memory outdid reality for this Holland beer.

The pour came, and keep in mind this review is coming from the mini keg, with some head that disolved quickly making me rush the above photo. It's scent was a very subtle hint of bitterness which foreshadowed the taste. It goes down smooth with a crispness but there's no rush of flavor. You can enjoy this beer but I doubt it's any decent drinker's favorite. I'm guessing its just the go to for any college kid who doesn't want to drink the same light beers everyone else ordered. Or maybe people just want to meet Jennifer Anniston. 

Rating: 

Brewer: New Belgium

Type: Amber Ale

ABV: 5.2

Color: Crayola Orange

Review:  There is no coincidence that this beer was reviewed this week. Zach is leaving for Chicago and will be carrying on Beercasm in "Chi-City." While it's exciting to go some place with plenty of new beers and bars to review Zach knows he will miss VCU, Richmond and most of all the people who make it what it is. So with that we are reviewing one of his favorite beers. Fat Tire. The only one that can rival Guinness over the Irishman's heart... and liver.

Fat Tire is simply fantastic. It can be drank in just about any circumstance that it needs to be called upon. You can drink it from an ale glass with an air of sophistication or from a 22oz bottle like a hobo. You might look like a homeless man but you'll feel like a king when the beer hits your lips. The beer pours a full long lasting head and it smells like what Yankee Candle would turn in to their "Pub Scent." 

Rating: 

Brewer: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

Type: Pale Ale

ABV: 5.6

Color: Fool's Gold

Review: The flagship of the Sierra Nevada brewing company. Fun fact, Sierra Nevada is Spanish for "Snow-Covering Mountain Range." See? We know things about stuff (wikipedia told us.) It was so refreshing the smell a beer that didn't make us light candle afterwards. It had a pine and caramel smell to it. A small white head is the precursor to its smooth mouth feel. 

This "Snow-Covering Mountain Range" Pale Ale might be classical prepared, but it tastes like an IPA. There are hints of fruity citrus but it isn't overly powerful. It reminds us of gummy bears... I swear we are over 21. You might not taste all of that but you will taste its bitter dry after taste. The after taste makes this beer one you should relax with and enjoy. Perhaps with friends...or a steak.... or a friendly steak. 

  Rating: 

Brewer: Blue Moon Brewing Company

Type: Pumpkin Ale

ABV: 5.7%

Color: Autumn Leaf (SRM 28.5)

Review: This weekend Fall started to make its presence known in our neck of the woods so we busted out the Harvest Moon. This beer is available from September through November and by no coincidence that's the perfect time of year to enjoy it. This strong-headed autumn ale is an excellent beer to enjoy outside during the day. Now this doesn't mean you can't enjoy it inside your apartment. We just imagine its pumpkin pie smell and its mix of spice and sweetness at an outdoor gathering on a chilly afternoon. Sorry if we've gotten too specific on how we want you to enjoy your beer, we just seem to discuss the best setting for each beer while we review them and we really all connected with this one. The flavor is great and would pair well with a beef dish or a seasonal soup. We hope you find the time to give this beer a try with friends while enjoying an autumn afternoon.

Cheers,

Rating: 

Brewer: Red Hook Ale Brewery

Type: India Pale Ale

ABV: 6.5

Color: Brass Trumpet (SRM 8.4) 

Review: In proper IPA fashion this beer is packed with flavor. It hits all your tastes buds and it's staying power is strong enough that is that you'll still feel the flavor in the front of your mouth afterwards. In fact the taste is more present after you've swallowed then when it first hits your lips. The smell is similar to pine... yes this beer smells like a Christmas Tree according to us okay? This light headed beer wasn't one of our favorites however we feel there is a place for it... with your meal. Lets be clear that this isn't something to drink with dinner or lunch... this is something we would love to see used in kitchen. We plan on trying using this while cooking chicken... we'll let you know how it turns out.

Cheers,

Rating: 

Brewer: Guinness Storehouse

Type: Irish Dry Stout

ABV: 4.2

Color: Dark Leather (SRM 50.51) 

Review: One of the big boys. Guinness. Everyone has heard of it... I think its what children are breastfed in Ireland. You read that right. Go ahead and read it again just to make sure and...yup you got it right the first time. Guinness' head is fantastic when you pull of the perfect pour. If you haven't heard of the perfect pour... this guy explains it with quite some passion. When we tried Guinness together there were a lot of comparisons to iced coffee, especially when we realized the dry-bitter after taste after its initial carmel-malty start. As fantastic as this classic is you unfortunately can't drink it all night. After one or two you feel like you just ate a filling meal. Still starting the night off with one of these is a great call. If you can't handle such a filling dark beer we'd recommend mixing it with a Smithwicks or a Harp to make a delicious black and tan. It will be a bit easier for your stomach to handle more of and you'll look pretty boss.

Cheers,

Rating: 

Brewer: Magic Hat Brewing Company

Type: Irish-Style Red

ABV: 4.6

Color: Cola Soda (SRM 34.0)

Review: Seeing how we had the Halloween season Magic Hat variety pack... we figured why not review another one right out of the case? This beer reminded us of a dessert. It smells like a raspberry chocolate cake that accompanies its sweet taste rather well. The beer is surprisingly light given its dark complexion, and although its taste is full and refreshing... it lacks staying power. Its not necessarily a criticism but the taste hits you at first but doesn't stick around until your next sip. This beer isn't meant for a party or games. It's best as an after dinner drink or when relaxing with a few friends. Its definitely worth a try next time your at a chill bar or pub.

Cheers,