Xmas Beer 2011: Day 5

First of all, I love Anchor Steam! I got superly happy when I unwrapped this bottle tonight. Another score :)

Beer: Our Special Ale 2011
Style: Ale blend
Brewery: Anchor Brewing Co.
Region: San Francisco, CA, USA
Vol: 5.5%, 12 fl oz.
Taste: At first glance, the dark, dark color throws it off. I thought it would be bitter and robust, but it's mild, pleasant and extremely drinkable. After all, it's an ale. I like the idea of this being a limited edition beer that you can only get late November thru early January. Makes it more special, well, at least marketing-wise. It's actually not an overly unique beer. A bit of holiday fruits and spices in the taste. This Anchor Brewery recipe is top-secret every year, so I took it upon myself to investigate the ingredients from other people's blogs and review sites. I found out in addition to the fruits and spices, there's also nutmeg and possible toffee or cocoa in here...very Christmasy!
Rating: 4/5

Xmas Beer 2011: Day 4

Beer: Eight-Ball Stout
Style: Sweet Stout
Brewery: Lost Coast Brewery
Region: Eureka, California, USA
Vol: 5.9%, 12 fl oz.
Taste: A big chocolatey mouthful with a fruity sweet finish. Not very bitter and very easy to drink. It's definitely not an everyday drink for me since I am not a crazy fan of chocolate. But this definitely is a unique blend that deserves praise.
Rating: 4/5

Xmas Beer 2011: Day 3

Another Score! Stone Brewery never disappoints.

Beer: Stone Pale Ale
Style: Pale Ale
Brewery: Stone Brewery
Region: Escondido, San Diego, USA
Vol: 5.4%, 12 fl oz.
Taste: Perfect for everyday. It's crisp, bitter, aromatic and refreshing.
Rating: 4/5

Xmas Beer 2011: Day 2

It's only the second beer day and I'm already scoring! This one is amazing.

Beer: Storm King
Style: Imperial Stout
Brewery: Victory
Region: Downingtown, PA, USA
Vol: 9.1%, 12 fl oz.
Taste: Stouts are very dark strong beers. This one is robust, deep malty, a bit hoppy bitter but not overwhelming. The first thing I noticed is the beautiful thick head. I like to drink out of a glass, because it's classy that way. But seriously, I need to get the different type of glasses for beer.
Rating: 5/5

Xmas Beer 2011: Day 1

It's that time of the year again. Yes, this is one of my favorite months out of the year (second only to my birthday month). It's beer month! I never really get excited about Xmas until probably the week before Xmas. But this year, I'm super elated because beer gives me a reason to enjoy the whole month of December. Everyday up to December 25th I will unwrap, drink and rate a different bottle of beer. Seems like most of the beer we got this year are American craft. I. AM EXCITED.

Here we go again :)

Day 1

Beer: Blue Moon Belgian White
Style: Witbier (Belgian Style White Ale)
Brewery: Coors Brewing Company
Region: Colorado, USA
Vol: 5.4%, 12 fl oz.
Taste: Light, crisp and not very wheaty. Overall it's a good everyday beer, but not overwhelmingly unique.
Rating: 3/5

Shooting Stars

Driving home from a show tonight, I saw what seemed like a shooting star in a very close horizon. This sighting reminded me of a camping trip I had a few weeks ago. This is what happened...

I fought them and I won...sorta...

I fought these guys, and I WON...sorta...

I can't remember the last time I had a pimple. But here it is. A very unwelcomed visitor.