Brew Dog Rip Tide -Twisted Merciless Stout

Sweet alcohol and cocoa on the nose. Starts sweet and transforms to a dark chocolate coffee taste. Surge of dark chocolate into the back of your throat and nose from this 8% brew.

Rating: 4.25/5

This is not for all but one to not be passed by for loud beer lovers.

Phillips Brewing Co. Hoperation Tripel Cross IPA

A gorgeous balanced blend of citrus hop and Belgian yeasty spice on the nose. Next you are faced with a malty Belgian spiced taste mixed with copious amounts of aromatic hops. Finish is floral yet bitter that lingers on the top of your tongue.

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a hoppy beer that I don’t find crazy bitter. It does however showcase the hop in an almost raw form. The taste, smell and silky feel of a fresh picked hop is where this brew takes me. Love hops? This is a treat for you!

Howe Sound Brewing – Woolly Bugger Barley Wine

Dried plums and medicinal notes rule the nose. Sweet and malty to start then blends into a tongue tingling bitter sweet cough syrupy finish. At 75 IBU the bitter is very well balanced with the sweet sweet malts that make this 11% monster a win. Like a nice glass of wine.

Rating: 4/5

Phillips Brewing Co. – The Hammer Barrel Aged Imperial Stout

Alcohol and cocoa sweet nose. Bright, sweet dried fruits linger into a slightly smokey bitter sweet finish.

Rating: 3.75/5

Phillips Brewing Co. – The Hammer Imperial Stout

Coffee and cocoa with a little alcohol on the nose. Creamy, chocolaty smooth dried fruits especially prunes during the stay in your mouth. Finish is a creamy cocoa sweetness.

Rating: 4.25/5

I really enjoyed both of these brews, but my lack of appreciation for the barrel taste affected my rating. I am going to just keep trying barrel aged. I’ll either come around, or learn to really appreciate it. Thanks Phillips another win!

Howe Sound Brewing – Pothole Filler Imperial Stout

Slight malty sweet pruney nose. Smooth, dark roasted malt taste. Almost a coffee mixed with bitter chocolate and prunes. Finish is sweet, bitter and alcoholy. Almost no taste at first then a smack of loud flavours that finishes bitter. I feel like this brew is lacking balance.

Rating: 2.75/5

Brasserie d’Achouffe – La Chouffe Ardenne Strong Beer

Yeasty! Slightly floral sweet nose. Surprisingly refreshing for 8%. Light subtle malt balances almost perfectly with Belgian yeasty and spiciness. Finish is a nice slightly bitter yeasty spicey taste. Goes down easy. This is a new favourite for me.

Rating: 4.5/5

Lighthouse – Belgian Black

Sweet dried fruits on the nose. Smooth almost smokey with cherries and slight spice taste. So much going on though, I am not doing it justice. Nice fruity yeasty finish.

Rating: 4.25/5