Pyramid Outburst Imperial IPA

The Dirt
I had this beer on tap in Portland a little over a year ago at the Pyramid taphouse. It was certainly enjoyable, so it was a nice surprise to see it in bottles at my local liquor store. Just like the taphouse version, this beer made it clear that it's for hop heads. Equipped with a very sharp hop profile, it came across very dry with heavy pine and almost spicy hops. This is fantastic if you're in the mood for a boatload of hops, which I certainly can be. However, if you're not, this beer can be hard to drink. If it had a bit of biscuity sweetness on the back end, it would be a much more balanced beer. Then again, I doubt that's what it's aiming for. If you're not into hops...stay away. If you are...enjoy my friend.

Worth it?
Not if you don't like hops. If you do, a 6-pack is very well priced. I would be more inclined to buy again if it came in a 4-pack or as a single.

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Russian River Redemption

The Dirt
The Russian River Redemption is labeled a blonde ale, but this isn't your typical blonde. It's the most full flavored blonde I've had, and I assume this is what a blonde should be versus the typical American versions. Light and refreshing, yet full of flavor, the Redemption looks like a wit and tastes like a pilsner meets Belgian. It's less hoppy than a Belgian pale ale, but has more character than a pils or blonde. The first third of the beer's taste profile is Belgian (clove, bit of funk), then fades to more of the pilsner/blonde profile of light and crisp. Perhaps calling this a "Belgian single" would be a good title.

This beer is an absolutely excellent brew for a hot summer. Be sure to avoid bitter foods (my mistake was a cucumber), but definitely enjoy with spicy food.

Worth it?
I don't recall what I paid for this (it was a single). Whatever it was, it wasn't bad and is totally worth it. So in summary: yes.

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Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Stout

The Dirt
I've been eagerly waiting for the day to write this review. Quite possibly one of the best beers I've ever had, Central Waters' Bourbon Barrel Stout is what I measure all other bourbon barrel stouts against. It's basically the beer lover's dessert, with a silky dark chocolate and bourbon profile that is smooth as a baby's bottom from start to finish. It gets this silky smooth profile by not having much carbonation, which makes the dark chocolate and bourbon all that more easy to savor. Heck, it's still absolutely smooth and delicious if you let it warm up a bit, though the bourbon will become more pronounced (oops...darn).

Although the bourbon is certainly noticeable no matter what the temp, it's not overpowering in my opinion. It provides a perfect sweetness and a bit of booze to go with the tart dark chocolate elements. Honestly, I wish this beer would never end. Any more of any single element would throw off the delicate balance this beer has, and what it has is perfect.

Worth it?
To me this beer would be worth it at any price. Amazingly, it's like $7 for a 4-pack. It doesn't get much more awesome than that folks. Sadly it is only available in Wisconsin (and maybe neighboring states). Road trip anyone?

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Sam Adams Alpine Spring

The Dirt
The Alpine Spring was Sam Adam's spring seasonal this year and invoked memories of the old While Ale that used to occupy this seasonal slot (oh how I miss you White Ale). The Alpine is an unfiltered lager that is like a pale ale meets unfiltered wheat. It is similar to the Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat in some respects, but without the sweetness and the hops are a bit more pronounced. It is very refreshing but full of flavor being unfiltered. One can taste a hint of orange rinds as the citrus aspect of the beer, though some spices such as coriander could have been a nice addition. The unfiltered nature does make this beer a bit heavier than most spring beers, but is still a medium-bodied brew that goes down easy.

Overall, a very smooth and balanced beer that is quite delicious. Although it's not the White Ale, it's probably the closest thing Sam Adams is going to make, and it's darn good. NOTE: Be sure to leave a little bit of beer at the bottom of the bottle to swirl before finishing the pour, as there's some extra goodness at the bottom to make the beer even better.

Worth it?
Definitely a good spring beer, or even a summer beer for that matter. I had it as part of a mix pack, but could certainly see myself buying a sixer or grabbing a pint when out on the town.

The Final Word