Sam Adams Mighty Oak Ale

The Dirt
I honestly had low expectations for this beer. I was prepared for too much oak, not enough oak...but it ended up being delicious and well-rounded. The oak balanced very well with the sweet maltiness of the beer. It was kind of like a scotch ale, but with oak instead of peat. It had a very smooth finish that left a slightly sweet oak taste lingering on your tongue. Both tasty and drinkable.

Worth it?
It was part of a pretty stellar spring mix pack this year. I probably wouldn't buy a full 6-pack of it (oak is best in moderation), but certainly enjoyed the two that came in the pack and would buy on tap if available.

The Final Word

Sam Adams Chocolate Bock

The Dirt

Once a hard to find beer from Sam Adams, but now available in the winter variety pack, the chocolate bock is simply delicious. It reminds me of a semi-sweet chocolate chip muffin, and is a perfect after dinner beer. Silky smooth dark chocolate makes up the front of this beer, with a malty bock center, and finishing with a semi-sweet chocolate profile. It pours looking like a Shiner Bock, but when settled in the glass it's a very dark brown to black. You won't see much of a head on this beer, as it's low in carbonation, but that makes it even smoother and works perfectly with the chocolate.

Worth it?

I love the winter variety pack, and the chocolate bock makes it even better. It also helps that it replaced the infamous cranberry lambic. So, yes.

The Final Word

Rockyard Bourbon Strike Stout

The Dirt
Ever wondered what a spiked oatmeal chocolate chip cookie would be like? Me neither, but that's what this guy reminded me of, and it was delicious. The combination of an oatmeal stout and aging in bourbon barrels made for a unique flavor profile, which at times almost tasted like toffee as well. The front end displays more of the stout, followed by the bourbon, but then quickly balanced by a sweet and oaty-ness of the oatmeal. It then finishes with a caramel bourbon flavor when it's all said and done. With all that flavor, it's certainly a dessert time beer, although it's not as heavy as you might expect which makes it rather drinkable. It could have used a little more alcohol to cut some of the sweetness, but overall was a very delicious experience.

Worth it?
Indeed it was. Not something I would drink too often, but will look forward to having it every once in a while.

The Final Word

Kona Island Lager

The Dirt
Once again living in a place that has winter, I got a little bit of cabin fever in February when it came to my beer choice and decided to give Kona's Island Lager a spin. I'm a big fan of their Pipeline Porter and like some of their other beers, so I was hoping that a tropical brewery might know a thing or two about making a crisp island lager.

Sadly, that wasn't my experience. As I drank the beer it kept reminding me of a Bud Light with a slightly smoother back end. Perhaps it needed a lime, as I found it lacking in flavoring hops and having a bit of a full-feeling middle. I know it's meant to be light, but I found it too light in flavor and a bit heavy on body for its style. That said, I did find that it went better with a spicy salsa.

Worth it?
I bought it on a very good sale in order to try, which is why I didn't buy some of my favorites from Kona. I wish I would have instead bought the Fire Rock Pale Ale, as I recall that being quite tasty and refreshing. However, my friend Nick pointed out that since it was on sale it could have been old, which would impact a lighter beer greatly. That said, I doubt I'd pay full price for it ($8-$9) when I could buy the porter or other beers in that range with far more character.

The Final Word